Public Enemies - What Did You Think?
Last night, the Academy of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films held the 35th annual Saturn Awards. The Dark Knight was the big winner of the night, taking home five awards, including Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film, Best Supporting Actor (Ledger), Best Writer, Best Music and Best Special Effects. Iron Man, Battlestar Galactica, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button each won three awards. A full listing of winners is available after the jump
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Question: Is The Man vs. Terrifying Machines Movie Concept No Longer Scary?
Posted on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 by Peter Sciretta
During this week’s episode of the Totally Rad Show, Alex Albrecht theorized that one of the many reasons Terminator Salvation didn’t work for him was because he believes that the concept of machines or technology rising up against humanity has been done so many times before, that it is no longer valid (I’ve included an excerpt from the show after the jump).
How can a story work on the same level of the first Terminator film, when the machines and technology are no longer scary. Even in the critically acclaimed Battlestar Galactica television series, the Cylons weren’t even scary (It should be noted that the show worked on many other dramatic levels, but it never tried to be a thriller).
Or could it be that we’ve reached a place where both the animatronic and computer generated machines no longer look real? And maybe the same could be said about technology. We now live in a technology-infused world, and the evil tech in films like Eagle Eye just ring false.
Terminator Salvation aside, lets have a discussion. In this post-Matrix world, is the story of humans having to defend themselves against scary machines and evil technology a thing of the past?
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Cool Stuff: Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series
Posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 by Peter Sciretta
Universal has announced and released the box art for Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series, which hits DVD store shelves on July 28th. Amazon has the DVD set available for preorder for $167.99 and the Blu-ray set for $244.99.
If Battlestar Galactica asked the question “How would humanity survive a holocaust led by our most advanced technology?”, Caprica asks “At what point does our need for progress supplant our humanity?” Even though it’s set a mere 58 years before the events of the Galactica series, Caprica has a startlingly different tone. It makes sense, I suppose, since there are no Cylons hunting humans down to extinction (yet). Instead, Caprica gives us a look at a society on the brink of civilization-changing technological discoveries—with all of the hubris that follows unchecked progress.
For those confused by the release of Caprica, the DVD and digital download being released today is actually an uncut version of the 90-minute pilot. The series proper won’t start airing until early 2010, at which point we’ll also see a more tame version of the pilot aired as well. I’m not sure about the logic in waiting so long to premiere the series—Sci-Fi is aching for new content and BSG is the closest thing they’ve had to a hit in some time. It would make more sense to try and get this on the air by Fall 2009. Then again, this is the same network that spread the release of the fourth Galactica across 2008 and 2009 for no good reason. Read More »
What if Battlestar Galactica was remade with a cast of Jim Henson’s The Muppets? The opening for the television series would look something like this (video after the jump.)
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/Filmcast Ep. 43 - Duplicity (GUEST: Alison Willmore from IFC)
Posted on Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 by David Chen
In this episode of the /Filmcast, David Chen, Devindra Hardawar and Adam Quigley discuss the criteria for getting chosen for the Criterion Collection, and reflect on the state of I Love You, Philip Morris. Special guest Alison Willmore from IFC and the Indie Eye blog joins us this evening, and reports from the SXSW film festival.
You can always e-mail us at slashfilmcast(AT)gmail(DOT)com, or call and leave a voicemail at 781-583-1993. Join us next Monday night at Slashfilm’s live page at 9 PM EST / 6 PM PST as we review Monsters vs. Aliens.
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Just when you thought Battlestar Galactica was over, the Sci-Fi Channel has released seven clips from the prequel movie/series Caprica.
An astonishing breakthrough is taking shape on the planet Caprica. The rapidly evolving spheres of human and mechanical engineering have collided, along with the fates of two families. Joined by tragedy in an explosive instant of terror, two rival clans led by powerful patriarchs, Joseph Adama (Esai Morales) and Daniel Greystone (Eric Stoltz) duel in an era of questionable ethics, corporate machinations and unbridled personal ambition as the final war for humanity looms. The latest phenomenon from the executive producers of Battlestar Galactica (Ronald D. Moore and David Eick), set in a time over 50 years earlier, Caprica is entirely its own world - provocative, thrilling and startling relevant to our own.
So far, I’m not impressed. It seems like the typical cliched family drama set in the world of BSG, but set on an earth-like planet instead of a spaceship. It should be noted that I wasn’t immediately sucked in by the initial BSG miniseries, but went on to devour the first few seasons over the course of just a few days. You can watch the seven clips after the jump, and leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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Battlestar Galactica Series Finale - What Did You Think?
Posted on Saturday, March 21st, 2009 by Peter Sciretta
Because you asked for it, I’m posting a reader discussion for the final episode of Battlestar Galactica. What did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
IGN is reporting a rumor that Universal Pictures is planning to turn the old Battlestar Galactica television series (1978-80) into a feature film. Series creator Glen A. Larson will be working on the script and is also expected the produce.
I’m not sure I understand the concept of making a Battlestar movie based on the old television shows as the recent Sci-Fi channel series is basically an updated version of the original series. I could understand releasing a movie about the original Cylon war, or some kind of prequel, but I just don’t understand what an old school Battlestar movie would bring to the table. Will Starbuck be played by a man again?
/Filmcast Ep. 34 - Gran Torino (GUEST: Elisabeth Rappe from Cinematical)
Posted on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 by David Chen
In this episode of the /Filmcast, Dave, Devindra, and Adam witness the self-destruction of Joaquin Phoenix, say goodbye to Laserdiscs, and discuss the status of Wolverine: X-Men Origins. Special geek/guest Elisabeth Rappe joins us from Cinematical and MTV Movies Blog.
As always feel free to send us your e-mails at slashfilmcast@gmail.com, or call and leave a voicemail at 781-583-1993. Join us next Monday night at 9 PM EST / 6 PM PST as we review Alan Ball’s Towelhead (just released on DVD) with Groundhog Day actor Stephen Tobolowsky!
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TV Review: Battlestar Galactica Season 4.5 Premiere - What Did You Think?
Posted on Sunday, January 18th, 2009 by Devindra Hardawar
After a torturous wait, Battlestar Galactica is back with the first of its final ten episodes. If you’re not caught up, or not watching the show for whatever reason, I suggest you get on it. Seriously folks, television isn’t supposed to be this good.
Find my SPOILER FILLED review after the jump. Read More »
This Week in DVD: Pineapple Express, Righteous Kill, Battlestar Galactica, and More
Posted on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 by Adam Quigley
This Week in DVD is a column that compiles all the latest info regarding new DVD releases, sales, and exclusive deals from stores including Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Fry’s.
Please don’t take the commentary on the movies and TV shows too seriously, as they’re meant not to be reviews but rather previews that include the general thoughts and ramblings of a twice-committed DVD addict. The categories represent solely the author’s intentions towards the DVDs at hand, and are in no way meant to be a reflection on what he thinks other people should rent or buy. So if he ends up putting a movie you like in the “Skip it” section without having seen it, please keep in mind that the time you could spend leaving a spiteful but ultimately futile comment could instead be used for more pleasant things in life. Like buying DVDs.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
(Available as single-disc and 2-Disc Unrated Edition)
One of my top ten favorite movies of ‘08, Pineapple Express manages to effortlessly combine old school action and Apatow-style comedy to hilarious effect. The excellent acting and directing make sure of this, with Seth Rogen and James Franco narrowing the gap on Cheech and Chong for the best stoner duo, and acclaimed indie director David Gordon Green maintaining a gritty intimacy that helps anchor the film to reality. This is definitely one I’ll be watching again and again.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: The single-disc includes a cast/filmmaker audio commentary, deleted and extended scenes, and a gag reel. The two-disc includes everything on the single-disc, along with rehearsal footage, the first table read, featurettes (Joe Lo Truglio’s Art of the Social Butterfly, Jonah Hill on Set, Stuntmaster Ken Jeong, Injury Report, Red and Stormy’s Guide to Marriage), and raw footage.
| BEST PRICE* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Circuit City | Fry’s |
| $16.99 | $14.99 | $15.99 | $14.99 |
| Amazon – $16.99 | |||
*Does not include 2-Disc Edition, which costs $22.99 at each of the listed stores (including Amazon).
THE WACKNESS
The Wackness is probably the best film of 2008 that nobody saw, offering an extremely well-crafted and engaging coming-of-age tale about a drug-dealing New York City teen’s last summer before college. It also doubles as a love note to the ’90s. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend that you do.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: Audio commentary with writer/director Jonathan Levine and actor Josh Peck, featurettes (Keeping it Real: A Day in the Life of Writer/Director Jonathan Levine, Time in a Bottle: Behind the Scenes of The Wackness), The Luke Shapiro Show Episode 1, and deleted scenes.
| BEST PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Circuit City | Fry’s |
| $21.99 | $19.99 | ||
| Amazon – $21.99 | |||
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (SEASON 4.0)
I’m listing this in the “Buy It” section more out of obligation than genuine interest. While I haven’t seen enough of the show to give a firm stance on how good it is, what I have seen didn’t exactly encourage me to keep watching. And yet, constant protesting from the show’s hardcore fanbase has convinced me to give it another chance. According to those individuals, this is without a doubt the greatest piece of sci-fi television ever produced. If that’s really the case, I’m sure they’re willing to overlook the fact that this DVD contains only the first 10 episodes of Season 4, forcing them to pay out the ass if they have any intention of completing the season with the next DVD release.
Blu-ray? No.
Notable Extras: Original and extended versions of Razor, audio commentaries, deleted scenes, featurettes (The Look of Battlestar Galactica, The Journey, Cylons: The Twelve, The Music of Battlestar Galactica, Season 4.5: The Untold Story - Untold), David Eicks Video Blogs, and Ronald Moore’s Podcast Commentaries.
| BEST PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Circuit City | Fry’s |
| $34.99 | $31.99 | $34.99 | N/A |
| Amazon – $31.99 | |||
EXCLUSIVE DEAL:
What? Exclusive packaging includes dog tags and book ($39.99).
Where? Best Buy.
FRISKY DINGO (SEASON 2)
While not as good as Venture Bros. or Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Frisky Dingo is still one of the best shows Adult Swim has to offer. It’s also the only show I know of that has a continuing storyline despite its 10-minute episode format. This actually acts as a benefit though, as it allows the creators to pack in as many ridiculous plot developments and off-the-wall jokes as possible without any issues of viewers growing bored. Season 2 of the show once again follows the ongoing battle between superhero Awesome X and supervillain Killface, this time as they vie for the presidency of the United States. The DVD contains 12 episodes.
Blu-ray? No.
Notable Extras: A clip from the spin-off Xtacles series.
| BEST PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Circuit City | Fry’s |
| N/A | $14.99 | N/A | |
| Amazon – $13.99 | |||
RIGHTEOUS KILL
Like many others, I was incredibly excited when I heard Al Pacino and Robert De Niro would be teaming up again for the first time since Heat. Then I found out the film they’d be starring in was from the same director as 88 Minutes, and my expectations plummeted. Apparently my fears were warranted too, as I’ve heard nothing but negative things about the movie since its release. I’m still interested in seeing it though, if only to witness two acting greats sharing the screen once again.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: Audio commentary, making of featurette, and behind the scenes footage.
| BEST PRICE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Circuit City | Fry’s |
| $16.99 | $17.99 | $15.99 | $14.99 |
| Amazon – $20.49 | |||
BABYLON A.D.
(Available as single-disc and 2-Disc Special Edition)
I feel bad for director Mathieu Kassovitz. It looked like there could’ve been a somewhat enjoyable film to be found with Babylon A.D., but then the studios had to tear it apart. Is it really any surprise that the reviews for this are terrible?
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: The single-disc includes theatrical and unrated cuts of the film and 2 featurettes (Babylon Babies, Arctic Escape). The 2-disc includes everything on the single-disc, along with 2 additional featurettes (Fit For The Screen, Flight of the Hummers), a graphic novel prequel to Babylon A.D, and a digital copy of the film.
| BEST PRICE* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Circuit City | Fry’s |
| $19.99 | $17.99 | $15.99 | |
| Amazon – $19.99 | |||
*Does not include 2-Disc Edition, which costs $22.99 at each of the listed stores (and $23.99 at Amazon).
BANGKOK DANGEROUS
(Available as single-disc and 2-Disc Special Edition)
Not even shitty enough to reach so-bad-it’s-good status, Bangkok Dangerous is so utterly mundane and lacking in anything resembling entertainment, I’m still amazed I managed to survive the whole thing. How The Pang Brothers managed to butcher their own remake to such a degree is beyond me.
Blu-ray? Yes.
Notable Extras: The 2-disc includes 2 featurettes (From Hong Kong to Bangkok - A Cinematic Movement, Bangkok Dangerous: The Execution of the Film), an alternate ending, and a digital copy of the film.
| BEST PRICE* | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Best Buy | Circuit City | Fry’s |
| $19.99 | $15.99 | ||
| Amazon – $19.99 | |||
*Does not include 2-Disc Edition, which costs $ at each of the listed stores (and $23.99 at Amazon).
DISASTER MOVIE
This movie represents so much of what’s wrong with comedy, the teenage demographic and American society that I feel it’s my moral obligation to not even credit it with purchasing info or a DVD cover image.
Other noteworthy DVDs available this week…
Ping Pong Playa – The Tudors (Season 2) – Eden Lake – The Alphabet Killer – IMAX Ultimate Collection – Secret Diary Of A Callgirl (Season 1) – The Waltons (Season 8) – Postal (Director’s Cut)
NOTE: Some deals may be in-store only.
Exclusive: Free $5 Target GiftCard and exclusive bonus disc with purchase of The Tudors (Season 2).
$14.99 – Seinfeld (Season 8 or 9)
$15.99 – Friends (Seasons 1 – 10)
$17.99 – 24 (Seasons 1 – 6)
$19.99 – The Tudors (Season 1), My Name is Earl (Season 3)
$29.99 – Battlestar Galactica (Season 2.0 or 2.5)
$34.99 – Battlestar Galactica (Season 1 or 3)
Free $5 Gift Card when you buy any 2 of these movies…
$9.99 – No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood, The Bank Job, The Water Horse, Leatherheads, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, We Own the Night, Baby Mama, Doomsday, Superbad, Definitely Maybe, Hitman, The Forbidden Kingdom, and more…
$5.99 – Clerks II, Eurotrip, Supertroopers, Stripes, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Dude Where’s My Car?, and more…
SALE: 50% off HBO titles
$24 – 24 (Seasons 1 – 6)
