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jc in chicago said,
September 24th, 2008 

Heroes, Battlestar Galactica, and apparently the Sarah Conner Chronicles have an element of personal faith in them.

With Heroes, the bloom is already off the rose, because we know that Linderman is “god” and that Nathan is inviting an old sex fling into his private circle.

BSG’s messiah complex has been just creepy. Eclipsed only by the creepier cylons’ god fixation.

Babylon 5 had some faith moments. I’m watching the series for the first time, and they had a whole show based on the concept of Christian forgiveness. They also had a show with strong advice by preachers.

Deep Space 9 gave respect to the Bajoran religion and prophets.

I have thought of science fiction being a somewhat agnostic genre, and have thought that non-religious folks might have a problem with spiritual elements in a series. After watching B5, I conclude that if personal faith can be a part of a story, or even come to the forefront at times, if the show spends time on all aspects of the fictional culture.

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

Babylon 5 and its creator are very spiritual.

The entire shadow war, is good vs evil, or is it,,,? 8-)

Holly crap Vic are you taking Ginko Bibloba?

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

Oh come on jc, what, you never read “DUNE”, “Stranger in a Strange Land”, “The Nine Billion Names of God”, “Manifold: Time”, “Machine Goddess” and “The Race For God.” Not to mention “X-Files”, SG-1, all the other “Star Trek” you didn’t mention..it’s practically oozing out everywhere. :) Oozing faith, that sound like an “X-Files” episode right there.
It’s a good thang. :D

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jc in chicago said,
September 24th, 2008 

Star Trek was anti-God or sans God. DS9 was the exception. I’m not talking about books, but the science fiction/superhero genre. I’ve never watched X-Files, I got enough paranormal with Kochak (Night Stalker?)

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

Jc, how is Star Trek anti-God ???

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September 24th, 2008 

Sorry JC, I’ve always found the superhero genre to be really spiritual, especially the darker ones like Hellboy and Ghost rider!

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

Really STTOS?? I guess you never saw episode 54 “Bread and Circuses?” Episode 67 “The Empath” has an alien take on a Christ like quality. Episode 52 “Omega Glory” portrays the Yangs as having a faith in a higher power and of the Devil.
All those TNG episodes that went on about Klingon’s and Sto-Vo-Kor, like episode 149 “Rightful Heir.”

In “X-Files” Dana struggles with faith in God and her faith in science. You missed out there, X-Files wasn’t all paranormal. I do admit the paranormal stuff was less interesting IMO. So I agree with you on that point.

The “DUNE” mini series hits both genres. Quite well I think..

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September 24th, 2008 

I have to bring up the awesomeness that is Eagle Eye. Easily 2nd best film of 08 in my opinion. Wait for the reviews but I doubt any will have a negative tone.

Non stop white knuckle ride

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

Well just got word today “Eagle Eye”, “The Day The Earth Stood Still”, and “Madagascar 2″ will be released for IMAX showing.

Mind you most of these films weren’t filmed in native IMAX but are up-converted from another format 35MM to IMAX for example. I’m unsure where “Madagascar” stands on this, but since it’s playing in both venues I suspect an up-conversion for it as well.

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September 24th, 2008 
@790

I totally don’t get the “Ginko Bibloba” reference.

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September 24th, 2008 
@Atomic Popcorn

I’ll have a review of Eagle Eye up on Friday. I’m really torn… while it was overall satisfying as an action flick, but it was also pretty ridiculous.

Vic

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

Lol Vic,,,
Ginko Bibloba, is a natural herb that’s used to improve memory… 8-)

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September 24th, 2008 
@790

Ah, ok… now I get it. :-)

Vic

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Oscar! said,
September 24th, 2008 

LoL

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John "Kahless" Taylor said,
September 24th, 2008 

Star Trek TOS was anti-god? Hmmm. Uhura mentioning that the Son was the Son of God in “Bread and Circuses”; in the episode “Who Mourns for Adonis”, Kirk says “We have no need for gods. We find the One sufficient”; who is the One?

Also, Battlestar Galactica was created by a Mormon. The LDS faith believe that heaven is located in a system called Kolob; “Kobol” spelled differently.

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September 24th, 2008 

Ok all Firefly and Serenity Fans Joss Whedon is not the only one with a new show look for Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle in Castle coming as a ABC mid-season replacement also go to castletv.net to check out the rest of the cast

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September 24th, 2008 
I don’t think TOS was anti-God. However I do believe that TNG had a definite atheistic point of view.

Not to mention Socialist.

Vic

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September 24th, 2008 

thats why I liked TNG better

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David Dale said,
September 24th, 2008 

thats why I think star trek 5 failed at the Theater

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David Dale said,
September 24th, 2008 

Hey Vic any one ever tell you that you look like Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley ) LOL

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John "Kahless" Taylor said,
September 24th, 2008 

I would say TNG is more agnostic than atheistic. There are definate Socialist ideals in the show.

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John "Kahless" Taylor said,
September 24th, 2008 

Star Trek 5 failed because it was directed by a hack. Mr. Nimoy, if you let Shatner get near a directors chair again, I will have to trim those Vulcan ears of yours! :-)

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steven the git said,
September 24th, 2008 

I wonder if there is something about american tv. Being a Brit, often found the whole faith thing creeping into shows from your side. Even ones supposedly anti it. I remember watching the Simpsons episode where Homer doesn’t go to church and wondering what the big deal was. Plus he went back. :)

I’ve seen a number of shows which will question, question, question, then leave it a bit more hopeful at the end.
British TV doesn’t have that problem, although we also get the messiah complex now and then. Just look at the new Doctor Who, and RTD is a well known atheist!
But you have Red Dwarf, definitely leaning to no-god, and other shows just got on with the scifi.
I just wonder if leaning pro-faith is something that needs to be done in the US because of mainstream thinking.

Then again, faith and philosophy would be part of questing through the universe. As long as it isn’t too preachy, I’m fine with it.

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September 24th, 2008 
@David Dale

As a matter of fact, I have been told that before.

And here I thought I looked like Brad Pitt… :-P

Vic

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Kaz said,
September 24th, 2008 

@Mr. Git

Gee I hope the Brits don’t perceive American TV as pro-faith.

That’s scary.

Honestly, what I watch wouldn’t be shown in religious circles anyway. But that’s a whole nothing post.

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

It just seems odd to me that Sarah Connor and now Heroes are getting real symbolic on Christ.

Its the timing of it all,,,,

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jc in chicago said,
September 24th, 2008 

I meant to say “especially Next Generation.” I think I edited it out by mistake. For instance, one episode had the Federation studying a race prior to First Contact, where their cloaking technology failed and the people started worshiping them. The show belittled faith in general.

Old Man, John Taylor, I’m just about old enough to have watched TOS during its first run. I could never get over the fake props. I have a styrofoam boulder quota, you know. I thought it was like watching a bad puppet show. In fact, Pigs In Space had better special effects.

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September 24th, 2008 
“Gee I hope the Brits don’t perceive
American TV as pro-faith.”

Ha. Ha Ha. HAHAHAHA!!!

I’m sorry, I don’t see how ANYONE could perceive American TV as a whole as being pro-faith. :-P

Vic

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

Wtf???

JC,,,, “their cloaking technology failed and the people started worshiping them. The show belittled faith in general.”

Belittled faith,,, ???

How does anyone know that the (ancient astronauts) that are clearly depicted in the tombs of some of the pyramids on Earth, didn’t have the same prob.
Havnt you seen the pictographs of ancient ufos visiting earth back before Christ.

Ever see the episode “Inner Light” ???

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Scarecrowe said,
September 24th, 2008 

Hello all, I just figured id pop in and say Hi. I just stumbled across this site about a month ago. Itsa nice informative site and best of all the people who come here dont seem to be as immature as the rest of the internet. Im a little behind in the cinematic entertainment world, I just saw Cloverfield for the first time yesterday and thought it was incredible. And im watching Death Proof later on tonight. Really looking forward to Choke personally.

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

@Scarecrowe
Enjoy DeathProof,,,
I recommend a few beers first.

Personally I loved the last 10 seconds the best. :-)

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Scarecrowe said,
September 24th, 2008 

@790

Hopefully i will, I know Vic didnt lol, ive gone thru the archives and read most al of the reviews. I do enjoy Quentin Tarantinos work even when its bogged down by excessive dialogue and all in all im pretty easily entertained so i guess well see.

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

That’s ok jc we all have our little quirks. Quirks says the Tachikoma, yeah quirks, just, no more natural oil for you.
Sorry sometimes they get like that. :)

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

@Scarecrowe
Well your appreciation for Tarrintino’s dialog will be tested tonight. Lol,,,

Its a harsh first 30 min. Having these women read Tarrintino’s dialog was like nails on a chalkboard.

By the time the action comes your just hoping they all die a horrible death. 8-)

But,,, The chase scenes are amazing.
And Kurt Russell was fracken great as the Stuntman.

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Scarecrowe said,
September 24th, 2008 

Its been a looong time since ive seen Kurt Russel in action, I still looove Big trouble in Little China, thats cheese done right dammit.

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Rob Keyes said,
September 24th, 2008 

I enjoyed Death Race, and Kurt Russell was pretty cool in that :)

Alot of people look down on that one and prefer the other half of the ‘Grindhouse’ show, but Ienjoyed this half better.

That being said, I did not see it on a big screen and I can definately understand it being boring as heck in a big theatre. I watched it on a little screen at home late at night and it felt more like I was at that bar for all the dialogue so I bought into it.

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

Hey, welcome Scarecrowe. You mentioned “Big Trouble In Little China” and I always like to ask anytime somebody brings it up; Did you think it could have used a little more humor?? It’s always bothered me I keep thinking if they would have tweaked the dialog just a little more and another site gag, this thing could come up a star know what I mean? 790 what do think?

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

Yeah Kurts great in that film,,,
Whatever you do avoid the Russell film “Soldier”.

Wow was that bad.

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steven the git said,
September 24th, 2008 

No, certainly don’t think american tv is all pro-faith, or even mostly. Mind you, we do think of american as quite religious and conservative en masse, but that is just prejudice too (anti-americanism is the only ism we’re allowed these days).
Just something I’ve wondered about. I’m probably thinking of the mainstream shows too much, that don’t like stepping on anyone’s toes.

Ooooh, Big Trouble in Little China! Now that’s more my thing! :D

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September 24th, 2008 
@Scarecrow

Welcome to the site! You’ll find we have a pretty friendly environment here, thanks to the iron fist of the site owner (uh, that would be me). :-)

Do me a favor and please use a valid email address when subscribing to comments though, the one you’re using seems to be invalid since I’m getting bounce messages from it.

And regarding “Death Proof”… I’ll quote myself from my review:

“Death Proof was a crushing disappointment and absolute torture to sit through.”

:-P

Vic

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Scarecrowe said,
September 24th, 2008 

Ah man it has been so long since ive seen it that i couldnt really say although now that you mention i do remember the humorous moments being kinda few and far between. Ill have to watch it again soon, im pretty sure ive got it on vhs somewhere. Is it just me or were even the bad movies from back in the day better than most of what comes out nowadays? Maybe not really recently as i do think movies are getting a little better but the last 5 years or so. The comedy genre is about as dead as it can get between the stupid parody movies and the immature potty humor and horror also, youve either got your “torture porn” movies which are just trying to outgross one another or your stupid Grudge, The Eye, The Ring etc. I can almost understand why directors are panning the 80s for comics and cartoons to adapt.

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Scarecrowe said,
September 24th, 2008 

@ Vic

Fixed it, im not sure why my comcast email aint workin but i have my yahoo email to. Should be wrokin correctly.

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

“Soldier”! Seen it.. I’d set through it again over “Three Amigos” or “Ishtar.” I shudder thinking about that last one. Had to think a couple of minutes just to dredge up the title.

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jc in chicago said,
September 24th, 2008 

790, what *don’t* you recommend a few beers before? :-P

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Stan-Lee said,
September 24th, 2008 

What! I loved soldier 790!

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

“Ishtar”, you need a 5th! :D

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Ergo Proxy said,
September 24th, 2008 

I miss the quality writing from Season 1 in Heroes… Season two was like a bad case of “Good morning honey… yet it was all a dream… that’s what happens when you pass out after your crack pipe is empty”…

Then the first episode of Season 3, is “Hello… do you want to smoke another crack pipe with me?”

How many times can we go through the same story with different takes?

Don’t get me wrong I love the idea.. but eh… how about some new stuff?

It’s all a mess now…

PS. 790… Babylon 5 is AWESOME!!!!

WE LIVE FOR THE ONE… WE DIE FOR THE ONE!!!
(No it’s not what the soldiers say before going to War… in Iraq)

;)

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Ergo Proxy said,
September 24th, 2008 

Woops sorry wrong post.. it was meant to go elsewhere…

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

Old Man,,,,
Sheesh I thought Big Trouble was pretty funny on its own,,
I’ve only seen it a couple of times and I’m sad to say I don’t have that on dvd ,,,,YET !

I was about to say it influenced the film “Kung Fu Hustle” but then I thought about that statement,,,, ;-)

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

Exactly Rob K,,,,
If I was at home watching Death Proof, I could at least have a beer along with them.
They don’t serve beers in my local theatre, Rob,,,
I was very thirsty Rob,,, maybe that’s why I enjoyed the last scene so much. 8-)

When Tarrentino cut the girls frozen at the last kick in the face I lost it.

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jbrrex said,
September 24th, 2008 

Hey Vic, sorry to use this page for this but, I want to share my thought about Eragon, Eldest and Brisingr. I know Eragon movie had some flaws but I read the other books and I really love them, I was hoping to see the sequel from them but I haven’t heard of there progress or is they are considering making this film. Plz if you hear some thing plz let me know

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

@Scarecrow, jst fyi,
Vic’s a big Iron Man fan,,,So you don’t wanna go there,,,
:-)

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September 24th, 2008 
@jbrrex

No apology required, this post is for discussing whatever you like within the TV/movie category. :-)

Haven’t heard a peep about any other Eragon movies, BTW.

Vic

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790 said,
September 24th, 2008 

@Ergo Proxy,,,,,LOL,
Big Fan,,,,,!
^
Ok,,,,
What will befall Heroes ?
Damn I can’t believe this is happening!!!!!!!!

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the old man said,
September 24th, 2008 

Scarecrowe said: “Is it just me or were even the bad movies from back in the day better than most of what comes out nowadays?”

Nope, it ain’t just you.

@790: “BTILC”, I think should have had that one scene that took what was building up throughout the whole move, and hit you with it in such a way it had you rollin in the aisle. They almost had it with Kurt, the gun, and the ceiling falling in on him, but not quite. Maybe that was the one scene they should have tuned. I thought they could have added something where Kurt would have said; Hey this stuff really works, taking somebody down with a karate chop to the neck, only to get clobbered on the head by somebody with a frying pan.. Which works too.. :) I know that’s a bad example, but maybe you get my drift. To say in an amusing way, if what you got works, go with it.

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790 said,
September 25th, 2008 

Damn it!!!
Lol!!,,,Your the Man, Old Man, Thanks!!,
I’m gonna have to get that (Big Trouble in China) dvd tomarrow.
I have it on VHS, but I don’t have a VHS player anymore.
8-(

Btw the way the Volcano Tacos, @Taco Bell, are awesome!
Ok ,,, go

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the old man said,
September 25th, 2008 

Ya gotta add a good shot a fire sauce to that, don’t forget! ahh man, I’m gone…

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CanuckLou said,
September 25th, 2008 

Heroes is in big trouble. Those first two Season 3 episodes were filled with some of the poorest writing for TV ever. Characters are saddled with a case of the stupids or being forced to do things out of character in order to fulfill questionable plot points.

And this is a prime example of how not to do Time Travel stories. Don’t like the way things are going? Pffft. Instant reset. All the tension is gone.

And Mama Petrelli is Sylar’s Mom? Puhleeze!

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Steven the Git said,
September 25th, 2008 

The Big Trouble DVD is great. Loved the commentary on that. In fact, there’s even a bit where Carpenter and Russell just start chatting, about home and kids, like they were just sat somewhere meeting up. Well, they were. But quite funny when they realise the movie is still going. :D
I’m sure they could have made it better, think all movies can be enhanced in some way, but I love it. In fact, I’m going to watch it now!
Oh, on the DVD is the music video, with Carpenter and co. Love that as well.

Ergo Proxy - love the name as loved that series. Glad that’s safe from the ‘live action remakers’ - least for now.

Oh, and yes, even the crappy movies from once upon a time had something about them. I mean Commando is just dumb, but in an OTT way that is entertaining.
Running behind roses while guns blaze at you beats a nuked fridge any day.

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Ergo Proxy said,
September 25th, 2008 

Hey Steven the Git!!!

I looooooooooove Big Trouble in Little China! Such a masterpiece film from the 80s.. I say Masterpiece because it still makes me want to see it today… AND, the level of mysticism in that movie is brilliant!!!

Thanks for commenting on my handle! :D

Glad you know where it comes from! And I have to say, I loved the style of that anime, kind of sad at the ending cause it all went ladeee daaa, but I think they were afraid to make it too depressing at the end… though I love the concept!

Also… I fear I know what you mean about it being safe from live action movie interpretation…

Two of my all time favorite anime will be made into live action and it’s breaking my heart… I mean I am so angry about this that I wish I could have the people even considering this to become a reality… FIRED!!!!

First of all… COWBOY BEBOP!!! SHOULD NEVER BE MADE INTO A MOVIE!! It’s perfect the way it is!!! And then to add a slap to the face, they even deliver a karate kick to the other side of our gentle and somewhat fragile face… and that’s the fact that they actually consider Keanu Reeves as Spike Spiegel!!! DAMN THEM!!!!!

The other insult this year for me was the obvious “I don’t know what the hell I am doing but he’s famous…” act from Nik, who’s delivered us the magical world of Avatar the Last Airbender…

It’s such an amazing anime, with philosophy, mystery, love, epic wars, ghosts, humor… gosh… it goes on and on…

Now they give it to the man who’s only tag line should be ” I SEE DUMB IDEAS…”

M. Night “I’m gonna kick your ass…” Shayalaman, is going to brutally rape that wonderful, innocent and magical story of Ang the amazing airbender.

That show CANNOT, MUST not be made into a live action movie. It’s simply NOT possible. With MNS, history of crapola movies, I’m going to be honest and say, he’s murdering a wonderful idea by adding his own personal garbage to it.

He’s got NO expertise in this kind of genre. Stuart Little is FAR from Avatar…

Anyway… Cowboy Bebop is aaaaaaaaahmazing… anyone here who’s not had a chance to enter the Anime world, should start there… Even the feature length Cowboy Bebop movie was amazing…

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steven the git said,
September 25th, 2008 

As promised, been watching Big Trouble today with the commentary on. I do think this is one of my favourite commentaries as Russell and Carpenter spend a lot of time talking about just making movies and the ways things have changed, from both director and actor’s views. It is almost interview like.
Oh, and they do love this movie. Russell laughs a lot at himself, which speaks a lot for the man.

Ergo Proxy is a great anime. Very odd, very dark, and I can’t see how they would make it real action. It also spends a lot of time thinking and wondering, and many people would get bored. They would turn up expecting action and then whine about, like you say, the mysticism.

Bebop is one of the coolest shows I’ve ever seen. Also loved Avatar, saw the last episodes not long back. Thought that ended very well. That could be very funny (loved the play about them) and very grim (Jet came to a dark end).
What annoys me most is the people who get to make these always seem to be the wrong ones. Get some actual fans who want to keep the feel and content and it could work. Could.
Again, back to Russell and Carpenter on new directors - they see shots, not have a vision.

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790 said,
September 25th, 2008 

I didn’t know Big Trouble had a dvd comentary ????

Lol, Ergo Proxy,,,
“I see dumb ideas” that’s a classic.

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John "Kahless" Taylor said,
September 25th, 2008 

Hey 790, what was wrong with “Soldier”? I liked it.

“Big Trouble in Little China” is probably my favorite B-movie.

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790 said,
September 25th, 2008 

I swear “Soldier” was the inspiration behind Wall-E,,,

Kahless,,, just found it boring, If I remember he dosnt even speak in the film.

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John "Kahless" Taylor said,
September 25th, 2008 

He speaks but it was robot-ish. He was an engineered soldier after all.

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Ergo Proxy said,
September 25th, 2008 

Hey, HEY HEY!!!

Don’t trash Wall•E!!! Me and Wall•E got back ages and we’re like THIS (∞) (well not really but I love the movie)

;)

Nah, I love Wall•E… but hey… that’s just me… I love Pixar and Sci Fi… for me it was great!

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steven the git said,
September 25th, 2008 

Yup, Big Trouble has Carpenter and Russell, just like on the Thing and Escape From New York.
I bought all three dvds early last year I think and listening to those two talk never gets dull. Plenty to say on their films and more, and clearly good friends.

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790 said,
September 25th, 2008 

“He speaks but it was robot-ish”

That’s what I’m saying. Wall-E stole that concept. Ok time to sue Pixar for copyrite infinge. ;-)

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790 said,
September 25th, 2008 

@Git,,,
Curious was that in a collection or special edition dvd ??
I’ve gotta listen to the EFNY commentary one of these days. ;-)

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steven the git said,
September 25th, 2008 

Oh yes! Special Edition. Not sure if the others are. When they’re talking, they mention movies like Gladiator and Jurassic Park 3, so gives you a sense of when they did it.
I have two commentaries on my EFNY. One Carpenter and Russell, and one with two others who worked on it. Can’t remember who they are, just that a man and a woman, and think the man may have been to do with special effects. Both are good.

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Rob Keyes said,
September 26th, 2008 

jbrrex, I actually really enjoyed the Eragon movie - only two small scenes drove me nuts.

I really hope they make sequels, I hear the newest book is doing really well

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Gary said,
September 27th, 2008 

Is i true That PauL Newman died today?
I just heard this.

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September 27th, 2008 
Sadly, yes. Just getting ready to write something up.
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790 said,
October 5th, 2008 

Hey gang, just posted my first review on the film,
“This Film Is Not Yet Rated,,,”
Really good film!

Hope you check it out… 8-)
Thanks Vic and Bruce for your comments.

http://www.movieguys.org

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