Thursday, December 31, 2009

My Decade in Pics. Happy New Year Everyone!

Had to do one final post for the year. Plus, I'm bored. Sitting on my couch, waiting until the hour is appropriate for drinking. Oh, come on. You're doing the very same thing. I promise, this one is mostly pictures. I wouldn't want to make you read with those bleary eyes.

Here is my decade in pics, my parents forty years apart and a video of the worst voice acting in video game history...just cause. Anyway, Happy New Year everyone! See ya on the other side!

My parents just showed me that they too can be published. ;) They got their pics in the Tauck Tours magazine. They eloped in the sixties and headed off to Germany where my dad was stationed. While they were in Europe, they visited Venice and posed for a pic in Piazza San Marco. Forty years later, they did the same thing. See below. They switched hair colors.




Anyway, here are the pics. In the past decade I:

Got married:

...by a priestess at a castle in Scotland.

Moved from NYC to LA:

Everything we own was in that truck!

Went from actor:

Me as Evita at Zach Scott in Austin, TX.

to makeup artist:

My lovely model is Josie Yount.

to journalist:

I'm Batman!

Got a dog:


Fionnie the cool.

and a bunny:

Emer the fuzzy.

lost family:


Rose Busch and Helen Knight, my grandmothers.


The awesome Minky Binky Bonky Boo.

gained a niece:


Sairsha Rose, aka Peanut.


and remained as geeky as always:


I started early.




And since I'm the biggest geek in the universe, I laughed my ass off when I saw this video. (Thanks to Ryan Turek from ShockTillYouDrop for posting this on Facebook.)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

For those of you who wondered where STAR TREK was on my top 5 list...

Hey everyone! I know a lot of you guys are freaking out about STAR TREK being left off my Top 5 list. Little did you know, it's actually in my Top 10. I wrote it up a while back, so I thought I'd share 6-10 with you. In case you were wondering why DISTRICT 9 isn't on here, lemme 'splain. I really enjoyed it. But shaky cam gives me vertigo. It's the reason I can't play first person shooters. I almost really, really upset the person next to me in the theater.

Anyway, feel free to comment and tell me why my choices suck. ;)

DRAG ME TO HELL



One of the trends this year has been the return to fun horror. I know that sounds weird to non-horror fans, but think of the old eighties films that had you laughing as well as screaming. (Not in a spoof sort of way.) I have no issues with torture porn. Really, I don't. But it's getting old. I'm no longer shocked. DMTH was just plain fun. It was silly. It was scary. It made me fear creepy old gypsy women with staplers and an over abundance of bodily fluids. It made me yell and embarrass myself in front of the horror blogger I was sitting next to. (Don't judge, Ryan.) It was everything I love about Sam Raimi. The only thing that would have made it better was a cameo from Bruce Campbell.

ANVIL




I'm a shameless metal head. I make no apologies. But you don't have to like metal to love this film. No only does ANVIL show two of the most dedicated, if ultimately (and sadly) unsuccessful artists in the genre, it makes you want to take them home, give them a bath and hug them like puppies. Seriously though, it's a beautifully made film and it really gives you insight into the music world. These guys were part of the beginning of it all. \m/ forever!

MOON



A lovingly crafted sci-fi movie that reminds you of where the genre came from. The film could just as easily been a stage production, which is refreshing in a time where you can almost hear the studio execs screaming, “More CG! More 3D!” at film makers. Don't your panties in a bunch. I love CG and 3D. I love explosions and car crashes. But every once in a while, a restrained piece like MOON comes along, using camera work and acting (imagine that) to tell the story. Writer/director Duncan Jones clearly has a passion for the subject (it's based on the book “Entering Space” by Robert Zubrin) and channelled that beautifully into the film. (It was very hard for me not to hum “Space Oddity” when I interviewed him.) And Sam Rockwell give a tour de force performance. There is also an excellent butt shot and a happy dance. And fuzzy dice. Can't forget those. Sorry.


STAR TREK



It is with a glad heart that I add STAR TREK to my top 10 list. As a bit of a trekkie, I wasn't expecting to like it. Too many things could have gone wrong. Even with their decision to use an alternate timeline, it could still have been a big old giant stinking mess. But it all worked out perfectly. Excellent casting (Karl Urban practically channelled Bones) including Leonard Nimoy, a completely engaging story and no tribbles. I love tribbles, don't get me wrong. (I saw a vibrating one at Wondercon...eew.) What I mean to say is that they didn't rely on “Oh look at the reference we just made...get it? Get it?” The storytelling was solid, the action was fantastic, the references weren't overdone...solid film all around. Now, if we can only manage to keep Khan out of the sequel...


CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS



The title alone makes me happy. I never read the book it's based on, but I'm absolutely in love with the story. And the giant jelly beans. The voice casting (Bill Hader, Anna Faris) could have easily gone over the top, but it was delightfully restrained. The monologue from Earl Devereaux played by Mr. T had me laughing hard that soda almost came out of my nose. And I haven't had soda in years. Neil Patrick Harris as Steve the monkey...please, just see this film. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are young film makers and they've put out a product that promises Pixar-rivaling things to come. The phone call scene where Flint (Hader) tries to get his computer-illiterate dad to email him something was one of the funniest things I've seen on film all year. (It certainly helped that I had just done the same thing with my mother on the way over to the screening.) Even better, they used the 3D. I've said it before, but I'm so tired of studios almost apologizing for it. “Oh we don't throw things at you.” Um, it's 3D. Throw things at me! That's the point!

Note: Eat before you see this or you'll binge like a stoner...not that I know anything about that. Ahem.

Click HERE to check out my top 5 on JoBlo.com!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

El Guapo and I Look for Clues, Danny Trejo, Rob Rodriguez, Me as Evita, Judge, Bana and Black Metal

December has exploded in my face. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I have a bunch of new stuff for you guys, though at this point, I'd hoped to have a report on Dragon Age: Origins. Sadly, it is sitting on my table, mocking me. I am, however, reading a Dragon Age novel. (I'm trying to make myself feel better.)

"I need TP for my bunghole!" Damn, it was hard not to do my Cornholio imitation while at a press dinner for Mike Judge. Extract is out on DVD and Blu-ray today, and it definitely cracked me up. Here are the highlights from our press dinner. I stuck to the first hour, as the alcohol was flowing generously.



Interview with Mike Judge

I recently got a chance to chat with the film makers behind the black metal doc, Until the Light Takes Us. Maybe I should have told them that I'm a giant metal head before we started. They were a bit defensive about the whole thing. And I guess my voice doesn't exactly sound...OK fine. I sound like a giggly blond cheerleader. (I wasn't, by the way.) Anyway, the film was pretty cool and definitely worth a look.


Also got to do an interview with the very hot Eric Bana. He just did a documentary about racing the car he's been rebuilding since the age of 15. Sadly, he's not doing anything for the next 18 months. Damnit. By the way, it's really hard to transcribe Austrailians.




Eric Bana on Love the Beast

As all of my Facebook and Twitter buds know, I was just in Austin, TX (first time I've been back since I played Evita there in 2000).




Anyway, I was there to check out Predators. Can't say shit about it right now or they'll come after me with shotguns, but I did get some info from Robert Rodriguez and Danny Trejo about Spy Kids, the relaunch and Machete.





Finally, today I did a video review of Sherlock Holmes with the super cool George "El Guapo" Roush of Latino Review. (Tell him I said hi at George@LatinoReview.com) Not sure where it's going on my end...JoBlo or Huff Po, but here is the video:

George and I do these a lot, but it's been a while. Two goofier reporters you couldn't find, even with a magnifying glass the size of the one George uses to look at my chest. ;) I drew a moustache on him with eyeliner. Hope it comes off!









Monday, December 14, 2009

Felicia Day and Friends, Claudia Black on FARSCAPE Webisodes, Eric Bana on Stand Up and AVATAR vs. MOON

Well, I've created a shit storm. I didn't love AVATAR and I've really made people angry. And you know what? Fuck 'em. I was totally honest. I wouldn't take back a word of what I said, especially since I said a lot of positive things about it. And by the way, I get why people are giving me shit about my math. I gave it a visual 10/10 and a 4/10 for story, but I still gave it a 6/10. I know what the average of those two numbers are, but to me, story has more weight than visuals. Look at MOON (JoBlo Review HERE). Super low budget and still a brilliant story. Made my top ten of the year.



But AVATAR...I'll say it one last time. Visually incredible. A MUST-SEE! But I wasn't going to pretend to love the story. Read a few of the positive reviews. Even they seem to apologize for the writing. Anyway, I doubt one negative review is going to make a James Cameron film tank, especially when that review tells you to see it anyway. Just saying. HERE is the JoBlo review if you'd like to add your two cents.

I kind of love this picture.

Believe it or not, other things happened today. My VGA red carpet interview with Felicia Day, Sandeep Parikh and Amy Okuda from THE GUILD went up today on Newsarama. Check it out HERE. I got Felicia and Sandeep together. They talked about THE GUILD season 4, LEGEND OF NEIL and a little DR. HORRIBLE. Amy Okuda wandered by afterward and seemed surprised that I recognized her. She was there as a guest of Mark Hamill's daughter! She gave us a look at what she wants to see happen to Tinkerballa.

The ladies of THE GUILD, Robin Thorsen, Amy Okuda and Felicia Day.

And I'm pleased to announce my first article on one of my favorite sites, Collider.com. I got to interview the super cool Claudia Black of STARGATE and FARSCAPE fame. FARSCAPE is one of my favorite shows of all time, and the Aeryn Sun/John Crichton love story...nothing better. She gives a bit of info on the FARSCAPE webisodes. See what she has to say HERE.

Ben Browder and Claudia Black as John Crichton and Aeryn Sun.

Finally, I got to chat with Eric Bana this morning about his very personal documentary, LOVE THE BEAST. I'll post that as soon as it goes live on JoBlo, but he was great to talk to. I asked if he would ever do any stand up in the US, but sadly, he said no. That man is seriously funny. From THE HULK to FUNNY PEOPLE. He saved the third act of that film.

What? Did you think I was going to use a more current picture when this was on the web?

By the way, I sent in my nominations for the Critic's Choice Awards this weekend. The official noms came in today. Check them out on the BFCA website (Broadcast Film Critic's Association) HERE. Happily, most of my choices made the list. Sad that MOON didn't receive more. What do you guys think of the choices. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Video Game Awards!!! Part 4

OK, last post. I have a few more red carpet pics for ya. First up, Alyssa Milano blowing a kiss at the camera guys. She's on Castle for one episode on January 11th as Nathan Fillion's long lost love interest.


Anyone else remember her exercise video from the eighties where her tag line was, "Way cool"?


The eighties weren't kind to any of us.

And a new photo of blond cylon Tricia Helfer. You guys have to catch her on the premiere episode of Human Target. Great show! Premieres in January. Mark Valley, Jackie Earle Haley...awesome fight scenes...total win!




Best Music Game:
Beatles: Rockband



How cool! I'm totally obsessed with Rockband. My neighbors are not happy about that. But they keep cooking something that smells like vomit goulash, so fuck 'em.

World Premiere of Halo: Reach! Graphics look pretty damn cool! I'd love to know how much money they've made with all the Halo games. Enough to donate to the "Send Jenna to a Private Beach Fund", I'm sure.

And finally...

Game of the Year: Uncharted 2: Among Theives

Well guys, that's it for the Video Game Awards Live Blogging Extravaganza. It's back out into the rain for me. I had to park 8 blocks away. I'll post links to all my red carpet interviews as soon as they go live. See ya!!!

Video Game Awards!!!! Part 3

I also got a chance to chat with geek goddess Felicia Day and her co-stars on The Guild, Sandeep Parikh (Zaboo) and Amy Okuda (Tinkerballa). I'll have that up on Newsarama, but in the meantime, here's a pic for ya. Are you guys watching it? Pure awesome. Can't wait for the new Dr. Horrible. You know no one ever dies in sci-fi, so...



Throwing in a Mike Tyson picture for good measure. Look at him with his kid. He looks all cuddly and shit.



Best Individual Sports Game: UFC Undisputed

Is it sad that I was kind of hoping the Tiger Woods game would win? Am I just mean?

Found this floating around the interwebs.

Best RPG: Dragon Age: Origins



This game is sitting on my desk right this very moment and I haven't had a second to play it! I'm dying to start!!! I've always been an RPG girl and this one looks incredible!

They just spouted these off all in a row...typing as fast as I can!!!!

Best performance by a Human Female: Megan Fox in Transformers

Best Downloadable Game: Shadow Complex

Best Wii Game: New Super Mario Brothers

Best DLC: Grand Theft Auto: Ballad of Gay Tony

Most Anticipated Game: God of War 3

I am in love with the God of War franchise. I did a preview of some footage a while back and my friend Jessica Villareal and I were on camera while they were recording stuff for the game extras. We mentioned boobs, so I'm guessing it will make the cut. ;)

(Here's a link to the trailer.)

They're doing it again! Rattling off winners! My poor fingers...

Best Shooter:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Best Fighting Game: Street Fighter 4

Best Handheld: Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

Best Driving Game: Forza Motorsports 3

Best Soundtrack: DJ Hero

Best 360 Game: Left for Dead 2

Best Score: Halo 3 ODST

Best Movie/TV Adaptation: South Park: Let's Go Tower Defense Play!

One more post after this...

Video Game Awards !!! Part 2

I know I promised you guys I'd do a post on breast physics. And since I'm at the video game awards, I thought this would be a great time to talk about it. So here's what I think...I have no problem with giant-breasted women in games. None at all. Not my thing, but I get it. They give me plenty of musclebound warriors to drool over. But here is my issue with breast physics in video games. They do NOT bounce independently. I mean, they can, but if you jump up and down, you don't land with one looking up and one heading south, you know what I mean? Most women in video games look like someone is invisibly juggling them.


Ivy from Soul Calibur...awesome game. Pumpkin-sized boobs.

I got a chance to interview Ed Boon and Jimmy Palmiotti a while back and I told them my theories. They seemed surprised to hear it. (They also couldn't stop laughing.) Which makes me wonder...have they ever seen any? (Just kidding. I love those guys.) Anyway, I'm curious...what do you guys think? Do any women you know have magical boobs that defy physics?





Best Team Sports Game: NHL 10



They fixed the feed! Seeing a preview of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands! Looks so cool! May 2010. And after seeing a preview of the film, I'm convinced that this is going to be the first time a video game has made it to the big screen and done it well. Still confused by Jake Gyllenhaal as an action hero, but hey, he's pretty. ;)


Best Performance by a Human Male: Hugh Jackman in X-Men Origins: Wolverine

I did a preview of this game a while back. One of the techs told me that he was totally into the game and would give them anything they needed, even if they called in the middle of the night. He also wanted to put in an Easter Egg with him in his fancy Broadway outfit. Would have been hysterical.

Don't know if it was this one, but it makes me grin.

Best Independent Game: Flower



Game was damn pretty. And it was actually something different. Imagine that.

Publishing this while Snoop Dog plays. Speakers are so loud it's rattling my innards.

Video Game Awards!!! Part 1

Just got off the red carpet...still reeling. It was a crazy one. I got to interview Mark Hamill. He...dude, he's fucking Luke Skywalker! I don't get all that star struck, but I really can't help it this time. And he hugged me. Seriously, I'm a dork. I was so excited that I sent a text to my dad.

Mark Hamill and Tony Hawk. :)


Alright, in the press room. I'm giving you guys the winners here, so spoiler alert. Check out the nominees at Spiketv.com.

Best Voice: Jack Black as Eddie Riggs from Brutal Legends.



The man is wearing a crown and a royal robe. He was also the first on camera interview I ever did. Wait...that didn't sound right. They're dragging him off stage. Did you guys play the game? Do you love Tenacious D as much as I do?

Olivia Wilde is presenting an exclusive trailer for Tron the video game. But DUDE, they're not showing the trailers in the press room! What the hell? I'd love to hook you all up, but I guess you'll have to watch the show.



Best Action Adventure Game: Assassin's Creed 2



I still haven't played this. Arrgh! But hell, they're certainly promoting it.

Studio of the Year: Rock Steady Studios

Everyone is totally surprised! Press room is buzzing. No one thought they should win, I guess.

ARRRRRGGGGGH! They are showing a trailer of the new Star Wars game and we can't see!!!

More to come

Friday, December 11, 2009

Avatar Review, Scrubs #1 Intern and Why VM Messages Piss Me Off

Alright. I saw AVATAR. Some of you have read my review (and my joke about blue penises). If you haven't here it is:


I tried to be fair, but there were so many things about the story that bothered me. And still I'm telling you to see it. Why? The visuals have spoiled my eyes forever. It was absolutely beautiful. But...you know how Mom tells you not to put that expensive cashmere sweater on a wire hanger? Well, don't hang a beautiful CGI job on a crappy story! You lose me completely! (And you get funny hanger marks on the shoulders.)



And while I'm complaining...is anyone else tired of those long voice mail instructions?

"After the tone, please leave a message. When you have finished recording, hang up or press pound for more options. To leave a call back number, press 5."

"To leave a call back number..."? Who doesn't have caller ID? I'm calling your cell. You know where I'm calling from. "After the tone, please leave a message?" Yeah, see, I've had an answering machine for most of my life. I'm pretty sure I know how that works. Who wants to start a petition? Because that crap is clearly on there to waste minutes. Just saying.



Got to interview Michael Mosley from the new Scrubs this week as well. Are you guys watching it? What do you think of the new version? Michael tells me his tattoo is going to be a character in the show. It speaks. It may even sing. I want one.



Finishing up my nominations for the Critic's Choice Awards tonight. Who would you guys nominate? Tonight's line up? A Simple Man, Crazy Heart and It's Complicated.

Next post should have my video interview with the Jacksons...