Posted by
The Dace Man
- Friday, May 9, 2014
Hey there Dacitonians, The Dace Man is back to take you down nostalgia Route '90 and give you another Lost Relic from the golden age of entertainment! Last time I re-exposed you to the gem that is Europop by the band Eiffel 65, this time I'm going to jog your memory with a film from 1994. Directed by Jonathan Prince, written by Andrew Kurtzman and Eliot Wald, and starring Christopher Lloyd, Jonathan Jackson, and a very young Jessica Alba in her film debut, Camp Nowhere fed into the fantasy of every child who grew up at this time: a chance to get away for a summer and experience life's firsts, and overall have an epic adventure that would live on for years to tell.
The story follows a young kid nicknamed Mud as his parents decide to kick his butt out of the house for the summer and send him to computer camp. Mud would go on to find that his friends all suffered a similar fate—just to different camps. Enter Christopher Lloyd playing the character of a former drama teacher named Dennis who happens to owe money on a AMC Gremilin he bought. Insert classic '90s children blackmail, and the group is off to a camp to do whatever they want for the summer. After enjoying a summer of freedom, that dreaded Family Day that ultimately happens at all camps comes along, and then they have to spring into action to cover for what they've actually been doing. Sprinkle on some morality lessons because it's a Disney film and of course the send off of the Christopher Lloyd character who learned something, and you have your self a Lost Relic of the '90s!
I absolutely love this film because it allows me, a kid at the time who lived in his own world of creativity and ADD, to submerse myself into the idea of a summer of freedom where anything can happen. Even at the age of 25, I still have high hopes of that memorable summer that we can sing about in the fall just like John Travolta in Grease, but hey a crazy man can dream, right? I leave you with the trailer and most likely the urge to find this on Amazon or Netflix or something…you're welcome. Excuse the quality; after all, it was the '90s.
As always, check back regularly to see what Chris "The Dace Man" Dace is looking at (and no, not just porn), as well as all of the other bloggers here at Fanboys Anonymous. Remember, keyboard warriors: leave your feedback! Until the next time, for the few, the proud, and, of course, the Dacetacular, grab a beer—and in this case a Summer to Remember—and check out what's going on here in the Dace-Sphere. See ya next time!
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Posted by
Jonathan Jackson
Yesterday saw the release of a new trailer for the upcoming Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, showing in cinemas July 2014.
Set over a decade after the events in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, the human race is on the verge of extinction after a deadly virus and civil unrest have all but wiped out mankind.
Caesar's nation of genetically evolved apes is threatened by a group of human survivors of the devastating virus led by Dreyfus (Gary Oldman). They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.
Let us know which you prefer, the original series or the reboot? Or, if you're feeling brave, what did you think of the Tim Burton version?
Posted by
Unknown
- Thursday, May 8, 2014
The Ultimate Universe has survived another near-death experience, which means it is time for line-wide relaunches. Although I found All-New Ultimates 1 to be generally underwhelming, Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man 1 kick-starts the next chapter of Miles' life and includes two cameos that promise things have only just begun.
The issue starts off at a secret S.H.I.E.L.D holding facility that is being shut down due to S.H.I.E.L.D's inability to prevent the Galactus invasion. Closing S.H.I.E.L.D seems to be all the rage in Marvel Universes outside the main line. This particular prison, however, happens to be the home of a vegetable-state Norman Osborn, who is believed dead by the general public. As plans are made for his transfer, we jump to two factory workers who are attacked by a pair of new characters in matching Spider-Man derivative outfits reminiscent of the 616 Stacy Twin costumes. Following their successful heist, we finally find Miles who is trying to explain to his his girlfriend, Kate Bishop, how he knows his father left him without telling her that it was because he found out Miles is Spider-Man.
The father subplot is a great example of the Ultimate Universe's potential. Major characters in the 616 and their close supporting cast can't often go through such a major change (see the death of Johnny Storm) in fear of making them unrecognizable to new readers. The Ultimate Universe, however, is one where a very real story can be told about a parent who disowns his/her child, and Bendis pulls it off in a way that avoids melodrama. It's a story that grounds Miles, further challenges him emotionally, and you can tell it counts. Elsewhere, Norman Osborn finally breaks free from his captors while his transport is stuck in traffic. We don't linger on the scene long, but you don't really need much to know this will be a game changer.
Later, Miles goes to Ganke's house to do homework and discuss telling Kate he's Spider-Man. Ganke immediately shoots down the idea, but Miles, much like Peter before him, doesn't want to lie to his girlfriend. The scene is reminiscent of Peter's early days but manages to capture the same endearing charm of a young person trying to be a hero without feeling derivative. Miles soon heads to meet Mary Jane, who supports his telling Kate but only if he feels she's really a relationship that will last. It's a tough situation to put a kid of barely 14 in after his father and mother, two people who should have been major players in his life, left or died. Things don't slow down from there, however, as Miles returns home to find Peter Parker standing in his house to finish the issue.
That's right, Peter Parker and The Green Goblin are both back in one issue. It's a lot to process, and although Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man 1 was a fun read, it left a lot to be considered. It validates my assumptions that it was Peter at the end of Ultimate Spider-Man 200, although the vernacular of the Peter we see here indicates he isn't the same Peter who occupied the series before Miles. Ultimate Spider-Man did have an excellent clone saga that could provide an extra Peter Parker, although my money is on an Ultimate Superior Spider-Man since that title had to end early to fulfill obligations to Sony in time for its movie. It shouldn't be ruled out, however, that those obligations may be enough to fully bring Peter back despite the generally universal praise of Miles.
What did you think of Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man 1? Are you happy to see Peter and Norman back, or does this simply scream editorial edict to you? Let us know in the comments section below and check back in next month for more Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man.
Posted by
Jeff Penner
- Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Want to know what happened the past few days in nerd culture? WEEK IN GEEK is your quick fix to catch up with the rest of the Fanboys out there.
MOVIES
The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
My take: Sorry, I was a little late in seeing it, and short of wading through yet another review, I'll give the Cole's Notes version. For the most part, all other reviews are speaking true: the greatest praise of the film is that "it's better than the first one." I think the Spidey suit design is awesome, very basic, just like in the books. I loved seeing it in action. However, the plot has a billion holes that put almost everything in the series into question. For a quick example (not a huge spoiler), if everything centers around genetic manipulation for superpowers, why are all the potential villain's abilities purely through technological items? Does The Rhino have rhino DNA? I sincerely doubt it.
Star Wars: Storyboards.
My take: Any art geek worth his salt should be crapping his pants right now. The Star Wars Storyboards: the Original Trilogy is the release of 1,200 storyboards from those films. We all know the movies so well that going over these sketches will be like entering a wonderland of imagination that ultimately made those films a reality.
The Power Rangers Are Back.
My take: I'm not as big a fan as Chris but I understand this has made some certain people in the world giggle with joy. All I know is that I thought the pink ranger was cute when I was a kid. I'm pretty sure I was right. If this movie does well in the North American market, expect to see A) more Godzilla and B) an Ultraman Movie at least be talked about in Hollywood.
The Hobbit Title Announced.
My take: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies just makes me think "Man, I hope so." I would love to see some action from this series that has almost put me to sleep twice. Peter Jackson's reputation is sadly tarnished a little by expanding this story into three films. This could have easily been a 4-hour movie that made over a billion dollars and everyone would have been happy.
TELEVISION
Gotham TV Series Trailer.
My take: I'm not a fan of the idea of this show. Although I don't consider myself a devout "purist," I still see myself scoffing "What? How's that supposed to work?" every time something happens that throws canon out the window. I was originally quite interested in seeing the story of a young Jim Gordon, but I'm not so interested in seeing a brooding 10-year-old Bruce Wayne in the mix. Time will tell and, overall, the trailer was kind of good (aside from the overused, dramatic BRARRRRMMMMMMM noise).
Star Wars Rebels Trailer.
My take: As mentioned, the familiar ships, closed-quarter action, and fun just might be returning to Star Wars for the first time in a while. I completely skipped The Clone Wars but will definitely be checking out Rebels.
Star Wars' Working Title.
My take: Let's just remember "Blue Harvest," people. This is early, and the names might come flying at us like crazy until the official one is announced. The only reason for anything right now will be to get press, therefore, I shouldn't pander to them and should stop typing immediately!
COMIC BOOKS
Original Sin Takes Off.
My take: All murder mysteries will start slow and hopefully end with a bang. I'm personally putting a lot of expectations on this story because I gave up on Marvel events after the ill-conceived Fear Itself wasted months of my time and money. This story has great potential, bringing up dirt from everyone's past that is sure to put them all at odds. This could be an end point of Marvel's "Heroic Age."
Star-Lord / Rocket Raccoon & Groot Books.
My take: Marvel's confidence in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie is growing. To put a random movie like this out is risky enough, but to have Peter Quill have his own book for the first time in decades? Then give Rocket Raccoon and Groot a book that is, essentially, a sci-fi sitcom? I give them credit for going ahead and hope these books take off, I love the characters (and Scottie Young!).
DC Launches Future's End.
My take: I rag on DC a lot, and this series is a great example of why. After launching The New 52 just a few years ago under the guise of bringing in new readers, why would DC introduce a story that thrives on questions and confusion? The elements already thrown into this book only raise the eyebrows of longtime readers who see possible connections based on decades of familiarity with these characters. DC should listen to their fans, who are still unsure of exactly who's who now, and focus on telling modern stories without multiple universes and time travel. These stories serve only to introduce alternate versions of characters their readers don't even know. If they end up liking Superman of Earth-14 better than your own Earth-1 (our) Superman, you're in trouble.
GAMES
Titanfall a Huge Sales Giant.
My take: Physical copies only hit almost a million sold in just three weeks. Of an Xbox One game. This shows one of two things: A) Xbox One is really popular and is the next big thing or B) Xbox One owners have seriously been waiting for an actually good game to play. Even though Gears of War was a hit, and Xbox's key game, the console didn't rely on its sales. Xbox One is hit-or-miss in popularity and long-term game sales will ultimately tell us how well they're really doing.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Trailer.
My take: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare features Kevin Spacey not just as a voice actor, but also his likeness. That's a new twist for actors doing voice work. This also heightens Spacey's "cool" factor and will probably bump Netflix's House of Cards ratings up a little. It's all connected whether you think so or not, people. The game is likely going to be huge, with reality bending to ultimate levels as players get advanced abilities for the first time in this game series. I haven't bought a Call of Duty for years but will probably check this one out.
CELEBRITIES:
Bill Gates Set to Be a Trillionaire.
My take: Based on investment and income projections, Bill is set to be the world's first trillionaire. Generally, I'd be so jealous as to never applaud anyone so wealthy. However, if you follow Bill Gates' money history, the guy gives so much money to so many worthy causes, his growing wealth only helps us all. There a lot of rich a-holes out there; Bill may not the coolest cat out there but he's one of the best.
Watch out for this segment each and every Wednesday. We'll see you next week!
Did we miss something? What are your thoughts on these topics?
Leave us a comment below!
Posted by
Anthony Mango
- Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Now that we know several of the cast members of the upcoming Star Wars film, the next piece of the puzzle had to be either the title or the names of the characters that those actors would portray. For people like myself who are waiting on some kind of confirmation that Domhnall Gleeson is Ben Skywalker, we'll have to wait a little bit longer.
However, there may be some news about the former of those two mysteries. Ain't It Cool News is reporting that the working title for Episode 7 is THE ANCIENT FEAR and that it is referring to Max Von Sydow's character, who is a villain "who makes Pazuzu look like a pussy."
There are several things of interest about this news, if it indeed turns out to be true.
First, it would confirm what pretty much everyone speculated about from the beginning—that Max Von Sydow is playing an important villain. Just looking at the guy would make that obvious, but then again, you can never be sure about these things.
Second, it would follow in the footsteps of the regular formatting for titles in the franchise. The third film's titles have reflected each other, with Revenge of the Sith and Return of the Jedi. The second films refer to an action of war from a faction. What does the empire do? They strike back. Who attacks? The clones do. The first film has a recognizable pattern as well, with three words that speak of a particular person. A New Hope and The Phantom Menace and The Ancient Fear of Max Von Sydow. Makes sense, right?
That being said, I hope this is not the title and we get something else. I don't like the idea that Max Von Sydow is a villain who has existed beforehand, as that kind of undercuts the importance of Darth Sidious being the end-all-be-all of evil. Then again, maybe he's not supposed to be. I'm open to being convinced otherwise. On top of this, I feel like the title is too bland. It reminds me of the laundry list of title suggestions that I've been reading for years from fans that are really weak. There may be better ones out there, but I've been throwing a particular name out for a while that I like: "A Rising Force." To me, The Ancient Fear plays itself to the common folk too much and dumbs itself down just to make it easier for people to know what's going on.
But hey, at least it's no "Divisions of the Quagmire"...
What do you think of this rumored title?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Posted by
Anonymous
- Monday, May 5, 2014
Fox has released the first official trailer for the upcoming Gotham television show—a prequel series building up to the Batman mythos that we all know and love.
It will be centered around rookie cop James Gordon (Ben Mackenzie) long before he is able to rise to the rank of commissioner.
Other cast members include Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock, Jada Pinkett Smith as underworld criminal boss Fish Mooney, David Mazouz as a young Bruce Wayne, Robin Lord Taylor as Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin, Camren Bicondova as the future Catwoman Selina Kyle, Eric Richards as Barbara Kean, Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth, and Zabryna Guevara as Captain Essen.
There have been rumors of an older Bruce Wayne being cast, so does that mean we will eventually see The Batman himself on this show?
Check out the trailer below and tell us what you think about it in the comments!
Update: An extended second trailer has been uploaded below:
Posted by
Jonathan Jackson
- Sunday, May 4, 2014
On March 24, 1984, Scream! hit the shelves of newsstands around the world. Proudly displaying a tagline of "not for the nervous," each issue was brimming with frightening art and macabre tales, enough to whet the ghoulish appetites of any young horror enthusiast.
Scream! was a British weekly comic that ran from March 24, 1984 until June 30, 1984 and was published by IPC Magazines. Scream! was supposedly edited by the fictional Ghastly McNasty. Ghastly's face was concealed by a hood, and a regular feature of the comic involved readers sending in drawings of what they believed he looked like.
Scream! comprised weekly serials including
The Dracula File - the lead strip, about Dracula hunting in 1980s England.
Monster – a serial about a deformed man (Uncle Terry) who grew up locked in an attic.
The Thirteenth Floor - Scream!'s most popular strip, concerning Max, a crazed computer, in charge of an elevator in an apartment building - when someone bad or evil steps inside, Max would take them to The Thirteenth Floor as punishment.
It also included short stories, such as
Fiends and Neighbours - a light-hearted comical strip about a family of monsters living next door to an ordinary couple.
A Ghastly Tale - one-off strips introduced by Ghastly himself.
Library of Death - one-off morality tales.
Tales from the Grave - short stories illustrating the depravity of Victorian era London.
As well as the stories being popular, the artwork was even more so. A regular of Scream! was the double-page cover art and the "Monsters of the Deep" 4-page poster that was never completed due to the series' untimely death.
Fifteen issues were published before the title was cancelled. It is rumored that with IPC not being able to print any comics for several weeks due to an industrial printer's strike, they felt the publication had lost momentum (and comic sales in the UK had declined) so they opted to cut their losses and cancel it, leaving the strip stories within unfinished. Another rumor of its demise was that it was banned due to a backlash of complaints from concerned parents over cover art and content, supposedly claiming that it was pushing graphic violence (mainly horror and fantasy) on younger children.
Scream! Did reemerge 8 weeks later as the amalgamated Eagle and Scream!, with the two most popular strips continuing. There were also five Summer Specials released, mostly consisting of reprints of horror-themed stories from IPC's back catalogue. However, these were nowhere near as ghoulish or macabre as their predecessor.
Issues of Scream! can still be bought on Ebay for a reasonable price, and all 15 issues (as well as more information on this publication) can be viewed at the Back from the Depths website.
But remember, it's "Not for the nervous!"
Which comics had you counting down the days til the next issue and rushing to the store each week to buy?
Hey there Dacitonians, The Dace Man is back to take you down nostalgia Route '90 and give you another Lost Relic from the golden age of entertainment! Last time I re-exposed you to the gem that is Europop by the band Eiffel 65, this time I'm going to jog your memory with a film from 1994. Directed by Jonathan Prince, written by Andrew Kurtzman and Eliot Wald, and starring Christopher Lloyd, Jonathan Jackson, and a very young Jessica Alba in her film debut, Camp Nowhere fed into the fantasy of every child who grew up at this time: a chance to get away for a summer and experience life's firsts, and overall have an epic adventure that would live on for years to tell.
