Friday, March 29, 2024

Oh Jeez, Pepper Grinder Came Out

 

We saw this at Pax West, then it got delayed and now it's finally out on PC & Switch. And, it's fast-drilling fun. We just started playing Pepper Grinder, but it's hard to put it down. We'll have a review at some point, but we've gotta just play some more levels, too much fun.
 
Here's real game-play footage.

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Smiling Friends Employee Training Software Walkthrough

Woah, Paul Robertson, pixel artist extraordinaire goes hard with @coolgirl0nline for this wonderful "training software" for Smiling Friends, whose new season supposedly starts Sunday on Adult Swim.

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Movie/Streaming Hype:The Video Archives Cinema, Mars Express, Conan O'Brien Must Go, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice & More

Here's all the latest hype related to film and cinema news that's grabbed our attention.

 The Video Archives Cinema is gonna be an intersting place as it's a rather intimate theater. So, when you see something there, even with a sold-out audience, you won't see that many people there.

Not so great news with Drafthouse up for sale again

Our favorite headline on the new Ghostbusters movie

The Ghostbusters franchise isn’t aimed at anyone or anything anymore


I'm amazed GKids is releasing this theatrically, it looks like a dirty, kinky, sci-fi film and of course, that makes it French. Will be getting the English dub in theaters in May. I'd rather be able to watch it streaming sooner.

Looks like some fun Blade Runner type sci-fi.

See ya later, Mars Express

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey, it looks watchable and doesn't seem to have Tim Burton having some sort of CGI fit. Still it's not out til September, so we'll wait and see.

On to streaming as terrestrial tv is nearly gone.

Conan O'Brien Must Go comes to Max with six episodes April 18. And, there does seems to be a Jordan Schlansky episode. 

 


Just kind of amazed both these are live action and coming to Netflix. Gotta say did like the Train to Busan's second zombie movie in his attempt to go Hollywood. Looks like he knows how to keep it creepy and messed up with Parasyte: The Grey.

City Hunter is an interesting choice based on manga that is very 80's style action and the lead is also kind of a perv.

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Thursday, March 28, 2024

What What @ WonderCon 2024

Here's our final post before WonderCon 2024.
 
WonderCon Full Map & Schedule  

Remember, there will be lines for parking and picking up your badge, so give yourself time, water and a snack for all the waiting. Same goes for waiting for panels or signings. 

-Take a look at parking
Toy Story and GardenWalk parking lots will be available for offsite parking for WonderCon attendees during WonderCon, March 29–31, 2024!

-Looks like it's gonna rain over the weekend so dress accordingly, looks like we'll be cosplaying inside. 

-As always the food is pretty much cafeteria and overpriced there, so plan on going outside the convention or bringing something to eat. Even living a nice lunch that won't go bad in you car isn't the worst idea.

Here's a reminder to check out the Requiem Cafe, ten minutes by car from the convention center.

 

280 S Clementine St Anaheim, CA 92805
SUN-THURS: 12PM TO 10PM
FRI-SAT: 12PM TO 11PM

The food looks like it's gonna be sickeningly sweet so be ready to nosh down sweet treats. We're also digging the overall look of the menu.




"On Friday and Saturday nights, you will find Comic-Con International’s official hospitality suite open, located on the 2nd floor of the Anaheim Hilton. A gathering we dub “LobbyCon” will be in full swing in the Hilton bar area on Friday and Saturday nights, a perfect spot for people watching."

 via  SDCC Unofficial Blog

The following cosplay gatherings might be taken inside due to wather

 

Saturday Match 30th 5pm -6pm
This Marvel fan photo gathering will take place on the South Terrace of the second floor of the Anaheim Convention Center. 
 

Saturday Match 30th 11am-noon
This DC fan photo gathering will take place on the South Terrace of the second floor of the Anaheim Convention Center.
 
 
Fandom Charities
Join us on Sunday, March 31st from 1:15pm - 2:30pm in room North 200A

WonderCon is going out on a high note as we host an interactive screening of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. Come and revel in the musical genius of The Whedons! But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! Cheer for Dr. Horrible! Cheer for Penny! Cheer for Moist! Cheer for the Freeze Ray! Cheer, or whatever, for "Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool!" Just have fun and be sure to make Bad Horse gleeful.
 
 
 
 
 
Hero Complex Gallery is @ Booth 1943
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Taskmaster 17 Interview: Greg Davies & Alex Horne

 By Jonathan Bilski
 

Earlier, this week, I was granted an online interview with the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies and his assistant "Little" Alex Horn. Taskmaster is a long running British series where five comedians must complete utterly devious tasks and are then judged at how well they carried them out. Greg might be the long shadow over their heads that judges the contestants, but Alex is the actual creator and devises the wonderful wicked tasks.
 
I got right into it with them and asked the American response to Taskmaster. At first I thought they signaled they had none. Though Taskmaster has had 16 prior seasons, unless you had some sort of "special way" of seeing it, it only recently has been easy to access online. Greg told me, "No, I think Youtube is responsible for any presence we have over here, and  we've loved it. I mean, we've been in New York for only 2 days, and we've met a surprising number of people who are aware of the show. And we're delighted by that."

Bringing up the past I asked Alex about his one season American version of Taskmaster that aired on Comedy Central that did not have Greg as a host. Jokingly Greg said, "Believe me, it's a source of great tension between us. It's what fuels the dynamic."
 
Nick Mohammad aka Dracula
I asked Alex about one of the contestants choice of wardrobe, very noticeable during tasks, "Season 17 is about to start airing, and I've seen two preview episodes, which are already great. I love Nick Mohammed's choice of dressing like Dracula. And Alex, I think I've asked you this before. The contestants just choose their office. Is that correct?"
 
Alex told me, " Yeah, I think other TV shows you'd probably talk to a costume supervisor and the director, and so on. But no, they just turn upand and he turned up as Dracula." Greg did add, "It is worth putting on record that that is how Nick Mohammad addresses, though in life."

Next I wanted to know about any highlights or comedians that blew their minds for Season 17.
 
Alex went, "There's a moment when so Sophie Willen works on stage. You remember this?" Greg in response said, " I remember it. I remember it nearly every night about 3 AM. I wake up in a
and I'm all pale." Alex again "Yeah, Sophie and Joan do some extraordinary things.I guess we probably don't want to go into details. But yeah, Sophie twerking Joanne trying to get me drunk and Steve Pemberton does some sort of extraordinarily complicated things. Greg ended it with, "I really liked John Mcnally asking you how many sexual partners she has in the end. Well, she did do it for the record." Greg,  "None of us were expecting redacted."
 
Bringing up a fact we see in newer seasons I told the Taskmaster. "The show paints you as a tyrant, or atleast the press copy does, but it really seems Alex loves watching the suffering of others."

Greg immediately lit up with, "I'm glad you've seen that, because it's often the henchmen of the tyrants who are the cruel ones.and not many people noticed his glee. Alex looked away as though to hide from this. Then his head seemed to slink down and hid behind his hands as Greg said, "That's quite a recent trend to t to see Alex out in the field enjoying people's discomfort and openly, actually laughing. And, it's a trend I welcome, because you've right rightly spotted that he loves people's discomfort. And, it's nice that he's getting the reveal of that unpleasant side of his character."

Alex chimed in, "Who would you compare me to as someone in history?

Greg, "Goredacted"

Laughing I agreed to redact, but you can guess, if a fan.

"Then, there's Junior Taskmaster with Mike Wozniak in Alex's role, which seems great choice, " I said. "Now, I was just wondering, was Greg not considered for the kids show? Because, you know, he's just too intimidating?," I asked.

Greg went, "I used to be a school teacher, and all I'll say is that my qualified teacher status was withdrawn in 2003." The both then saying the new hosts are perfect for the job and glad they won't be as mean to children as they are to the adults on their show.

With their VR game coming out based on the show I asked about incorporating more video game tasks.
Alex answered, " It's quite a homemade show. So, I think, could we do something with VR. But actually, I think people at home couldn't relate to it. It's kind of easier to just do it involving cutlery and eggs and things. So, I think we'll stay lo-fi for a bit." Greg ending it with, " Yeah, I think that there's a,
well. Alex could probably answer this better, but I think there's a sort of parlor game element. There's quite an old fashioned influence to the show, and where people physically have to get up and do things. You know, before, we're all just living inside computers and not existing anymore. It's we, we quite like analog.That's what we like. Analog challenges."

Old school arts and crafts fun trumps any new sort of tech for the show, so don't expect to see any
gaming for the series.

Before, I left the two, for their New York promotion of the show, I ended with a final question of their favorite sort of tasks, now knowing gaming would not be.

"What are your favorite tasks? Greg. I assume it's art based for you. I feel like you love judging the art, my final question.
 
Greg, not needing a moment went, "Well, well, more often than not, Alex. Challenges them to do me as a painting or a sculpture. It's just playing into that awful ego maniacal size of my personality that this  show allows to run amok. So yeah, I do enjoy it, and it's much to my great shame."
 
Alex ended with,  "Yeah, I think I like the team ones. The very first team ones did it because they don't. They never know who they're with. They're introduced to each other, and they go. Oh, right! And then they have to instantly try to achieve something, and I think that dynamic is quite special."

One more from Greg, "I enjoy open ended tasks where really they can interpret it in any way an open-ended creative task. The one I always quote is that Alex came up with one where they had to impress a local official, a town mayor. And, that was their only brief, that they had to impress this.This mayor, and I loved that because there there were almost no restrictions on them. And, what they came up with was terrifying."

I thanked them both for their time, laughing over what not to leave in about Nazis.

Season 17 premieres in the U.S. starting March 29th on the official Taskmaster YouTube Channel and via the SVOD service Taskmaster SuperMax+ (it will be simultaneously airing in the UK).

Season 17 stars Joanne McNally (My Therapist Ghosted Me), John Robins (BBC Radio 5 Live), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso), Sophie Willan (Alma’s Not Normal), and Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9) as the contestants.

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Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Galacta in Marvel Rivals

The creator of the character, comic artist Adam Warren, seems happy to see Galacta, daughter of Galactus in Marvel Rivals, an upcoming video game. It's funny to see her showing up years later as she's non-cannon and technically doesn't exist, even in Marvel's Multiverse.


 

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Weekly What To Do: WonderCon Weekend With Some Easter


 
Marc 27 & 30

Hate to Love: Nickelback documents the real story of Nickelback from their humble beginnings in Alberta, to the explosive global success of 'How You Remind Me' in 2001 and the record-breaking hits that followed and continue to this day. With the 'Rockstar' fame came an early wave of the online negativity. In a refreshingly open, honest, and revealing account, the band discuss the conception of Nickelback and their incredible rise to the top in the 2000's. They reveal the personal impact of the online vitriol and the appreciation for the loyalty of their fans.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thursday, March 28th, 2024
1:10 PM
Dodger Stadium
$$


 
 

WonderCon 2024 ain't in April, it's taking place back at the Anaheim Convention Center March 29th-31st. The annual convention is for all kinds of fandom and is more like a smaller Comic-Con. It's a random roll of the dice on what talent or panels will show up from you favorite shows/movies or comics. 
 
March 29 - March 31, 2024
Los Feliz 3 
$
 
Three rascal children run afoul of an enigmatic coven in Weston Razooli’s whimsical neo-fairytale, which evokes a menagerie of esoteric genres and dreamy cult-film vibes.
 
L.A. Intersections
Saturday, Mar 30, 2024
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Lobby, 1st Floor Exhibition Galleries, Oculus Hall at The Broad
Tickets $30 

Join us after hours at The Broad for L.A. Intersections, a two-part festival-style series celebrating organic music and spoken word scenes that have emerged in Los Angeles including punk, jazz, rap, noise, and the culturally infused experimentation led by a new generation of Filipinx artists. 
 
Sat, Mar 30th 3 pm:
$19.00 - $33.00

Signing with Jason Jenkins, Michael January, Jeffrey Reddick, Andrew Divoff , Adam Marcus, Debra Sullivan, Alex Litvak,, Jayson Rothwell, Scott Milam, Nick Principe, Luke Piotrowski, Ben Collins, Kevin Bocarde
 

Sunday on Adult Swim, hhhmm isn't April Fools, what could happen? Remember, stuff goes down 9pm EST
 
 
7:00 P.M. on Monday, April 1st, 2024
The Michelle and Kevin Douglas IMAX Theatre, RZC 119, Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts, 3131 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007 
Free

Seventeen-year-old Tanya Crandell (Simone Joy Jones) can’t wait to spend the summer living it up with her friends in Spain before heading to Howard University in the fall. But when her mom (Ms. Pat) decides to head to a much-needed wellness retreat in Thailand, Tanya is forced to stay home with her three siblings instead. Following the unexpected death of their elderly babysitter (June Squibb), Tanya gets a job working for the confident and ambitious Rose (Nicole Richie). Juggling work, family, and a complicated romance, Tanya faces the responsibility of adulthood at the cost of her summer of freedom.
 
 Extra:

North American Total Solar Eclipse
March 25-Apr 8
Sonic
$
-a blend of cotton candy and dragon fruit flavors
-receive a complimentary pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses with every purchase of the Blackout Slush Float, while supplies last, enabling you to safely witness the eclipse.
 
 
UCB, a cheapo comedy show almost every night, see comedians before they make podcasts and have
stories about the UCB and before they hit the big time.
 


American Cinematheque-A celebrated independent theater group that brings both the talent and catalog of films to make for some of LA's best movie nights.

Check out classics and cult movies just a few stories above street level. Rooftop Movies at The MontalbΓ‘n.

Secret Movie Club-Special edition posters and a large swatch of films to see.


 New Bev-Tarantino owned independent theater with old school style

Cinelounge - Hollywood based tiny theater, showing off indies you've never heard of
 
Brain Dead Studios-Newcomer that manages to fill its schedule almost every night
 

March 17 - August 25, 2024, 10 AM-5 PM (last group admitted at 4:30 PM)
Timed tickets are for 30-minute sessions and are free for Members, $8 for Non-members with a general admission ticket.

Visitors are able to walk among hundreds of butterflies in NHM’s outdoor, open-air netted enclosure. The seasonal experience also features colorful native plants and plenty of natural light to help guests see these creatures flutter and fly.

Visitors can expect to see the stages of the butterfly lifecycle — from eggs to caterpillars and chrysalises — for up to 30 different species, including California natives like the Mourning cloak and Common buckeye. Museum educators and animal care specialists will also be onsite to share what makes these animals so special.
 
March 2-Sept 1
Japanese American National Museum
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Admission $

Giant Robot Biennale 5 features artists Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean,
Taylor Lee, Rain Szeto, and Yoskay Yamamoto, among others. Since 2007, JANM has partnered with Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot, to produce the Giant Robot Biennale, a recurring art exhibition that highlights diverse creative works celebrating the brand’s ethos.
 
 
March 9, 2024 – September 8, 2024
Bowers Museum 
$ Admission
 
 Never-before-seen at a museum and making its American debut, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form presents the largest ever selection of original artworks from Asian comics, displayed alongside their printed, mass-produced forms. This exhibition is a vivid journey through the art of comics and visual storytelling across Asia. From its historical roots to the most recent digital innovations, the exhibition looks to popular Japanese manga and beyond, highlighting key creators, characters, and publications.

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Friday, March 22, 2024

Game Hype: Release Reveals For Indika May 8 & Harold Halibut Apr 16, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero More Fighters


INDIKA is coming out May 8th for us to get weirded out by on PlayStation 5, Steam, Xbox Series X and Series S. We've been looking forward to this game that reminds us a bit of No More Heroes.


One that we've been following for quite a few years, Harold Halibut is out April 16th.  Coming to Steam, Playstation and XBox.


Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero just revealed more characters:

    Super Trunks
    Master Roshi, Max Power
    Nappa
    Burter
    Jeice
    Super Saiyan Broly (Full Power)
    Hit
    Super Saiyan Kale (Berserk)
    Toppo
    Dyspo
    Kakunsa

 Te new game that reminds you of how it used to be played will be out on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam.

ABYSS X ZERO made a splash online with it's look and small two person team.

"A 3D Metroidvania with carefully crafted dungeons and expressive low poly visuals. Take control of two different characters, both legendary heroes with unique abilities, fated to battle each other."

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X-Men '97 Early Review: Animation Wise The Best In-Game Cut Scenes

 

On Thursday, Disney+ finally released X-Men '97 under some controversy as the new series creator, Beau DeMayo was just fired and the long, long road for the show finally coming out with noticeable delays for those in the industry. Examples like the toy line launching well ahead of the series premiere by months and talk of the show being ready at various cons over the years.

The show retains much of its signature style with story and character design. With no joy, I bring up the animation and the difference in voice actors. They aren't great, they seem to fall into the rut of Disney+'s What If...? and if you're okay with that shows look, then this is passable.

Spoilers ahead

So story-line wise you'll be drawn in immediately as to what's going on with Scott and Jean having a baby on the way. Magneto switching sides to being in charge of the team and a lot of other drama that the X-Men are known for. New characters from the comics being put in. Oh, and just straight up racism/insurrection that looks very much like Jan 6th. 
 
A mix of sadly, still modern day problems and what to do with a racist group within a kids show, the Friends of Humanity is back to spread mutie hate. It looks like the Friends of Humanity had a campaign drive for new members and it isn't just white dudes. It's kind of sad to see all of humanity come together to hate the X-Men. Still, funny to see every race under the sun hating them together.
 
 
What's not so great is the animation. Sorry original viewers, Disney don't pay for animation like they used to or thought it was easier to make the show using 3D animated models. It's noticeable, it's not the best and it doesn't get the best results. It's the same as their What If...? show, however this has flashy and fun character design. 
 
And the team behind it seems to really get the powers of are heroes, pulling off some amazing on-screen attacks or use of their powers.

Voice wise, nothing can compare to the original cast in their prime. Sadly, many of them have since passed on. Those who are back, well they do sound older. The newcomers are trying their best, but you can't ever fully replace those voices, they're to engrained in our brains.
 
So, they X-Men are back and it took them a long, long time and this is what you get when you wait too long. 
 
We're glad it's back. It could have been better. You get ten new episodes of the show you grew up with as a kid that's a little more adult.
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Thursday, March 21, 2024

Fest Hype: This Is Not A Fiction, TCM Classic Film Festival & Netflix Is A Joke

We have some cinephile love coming as we're seeing a bit of a rebirth of LA indie film festivals. We've already told you about the upcoming Los Angeles Festival of Movies happening April 4-7. Now we've got a new documentary film fest in April too.

'This Is Not A Fiction 2024'
Wed. April 10 - Thu. April 18, 2024
Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre and Los Feliz 3

"The American Cinematheque proudly presents 'This Is Not A Fiction,' a documentary and non-fiction film festival from April 10th to 18th, 2024. Spanning nine days across three venues—Aero Theatre, Egyptian Theatre, and Los Feliz 3—the festival showcases 43 films and 11 short films, hosts over 20 filmmakers and subjects for in-person Q&As, celebrates with a special anniversary panel, and unveils six premieres.

The inaugural festival includes a dynamic lineup of repertory classics, cutting-edge documentaries, television programs, experimental works, essay films, fiction and more. 'This Is Not A Fiction' goes beyond the limits of genre, with a lineup reflecting the boundless possibilities of non-fiction storytelling, and is a celebration of non-fiction as a form of filmmaking and its profound impact on our lives, from its influence in art and entertainment to its power in education, political advocacy and social discourse."

And, we have an old contender for film festival to check out in April with the
 
April 18 – 21, 2024 in Hollywood
 
It's funny that Spaceballs is being screened as I believe it's the we don't know ...100th anniversary of Blazing Saddles, but if Mel Brooks is getting up to do it and at his age, let him do whatever he wants...It's good to be the King.
 
Festival Highlights include
"a closing night screening of 1987's comedy SPACEBALLS presented by writer and director Mel Brooks. The lineup for the weekend will also include:

• Steven Spielberg in Q&A with UCLA Film School’s Howard Suber ahead of the director’s cut of Spielberg's film CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)

• A LITTLE ROMANCE (1979) with star Diane Lane in conversation with TCM Host Ben Mankiewicz

• A cast reunion for LITTLE WOMEN (1994) featuring Trini Alvarado, Samantha Mathis and Eric Stoltz

• Filmmaker Nancy Meyers introduces the world premiere restoration of one of her favorite movies, NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959), completed by Warner Bros. and The Film Foundation

• A world premiere restoration of THE SEARCHERS (1956), completed by Warner Bros. and The Film Foundation, introduced by writer/director Alexander Payne

• Director David Fincher presenting a world premiere restoration IMAX® screening of his 1995 thriller SE7EN

• Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings introduces a U.S. premiere restoration of THE SMALL BACK ROOM (1949), restored by The Film Foundation and courtesy of Rialto Pictures

In addition, TCM and Warner Bros. will present THAT'S VITAPHONE!: THE RETURN OF SOUND-ON-DISC (2024). For the first time in more than 90 years, six hilarious, often outlandish, Vitaphone vaudeville shorts of the 1920s will be projected in 35mm, with sound played back from their original 16-inch discs on a turntable designed and engineered by Warner Bros. Post Production Engineering Department."

Then in May every comedian from every podcast will be in town doing comedy acts. You're gonna be
knee-deep in comedy around Hollywood this Spring with

"Netflix is a Joke Fest, back from May 1 - May 12, 2024 for a second round of laughs in Los Angeles  – and with it comes Outside Joke: The Hub of Netflix is a Joke Fest, an exclusive, fan-fueled mini-fest located outdoors at the famed Hollywood Palladium.

Happening the weekends of May 3-5 & May 10-12 during Netflix is a Joke Fest, Outside Joke will feature a wide range of programming, including drag brunches, Netflix trivia, live music and podcasts, a Roast Battle competition and, of course, comedy. Fans can look forward to special appearances by Atsuko Okatsuka, David Wain, Fred Armisen, Freddie Gibbs, Janelle James, Jeff Ross, Jim Jefferies, Ken Marino, Leslie Jones, Marc Rebillet, Masego, Michelle Buteau, Reggie Watts, Stavros Halkias and Tim Dillon; drag icons Alyssa Edwards, Jimbo, Latrice Royale and Trixie Mattel; the casts of Love Is Blind, Selling the O.C., Selling Sunset, That 90s Show, The Circle and Too Hot to Handle, and more; plus performances from Marc Rebillet, Masego, Reggie Watts and Morgan Jay."
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