As popular “May the 4th/Fourth be with you” is- days like “Revenge of the 5th/6th” are cropping up (for fun or in jest – depending on the people bringing it up) as well, extending the Star Wars event in to 2 or 3 (depending on which dates you prefer 4th, 5th, 6th) days. A good old marathon event for Star Wars fans. If SyFy and Cartoon Network aren’t taking advantage of this, they should be. Someone should be showcasing these movies for the masses.
There’s not much historically to this SW ‘date’ (yet)- it seems a bit on the new side – places like Twitter and Facebook make these kinds of things more popular so you may see an uptick of support for it over several days.
Hey, the Sith, Clones, and Stormtroopers all need love too. There’s plenty emotion out there for both sides!
Today is that special day in the Star Wars franchise where fans will flock to social media outlets to say to each other – “May the 4th/Fourth Be With You – May the Force Be With You” to share in the entertainment and enjoyment of a long beloved series.
Until the release of Episode VII on December 18, 2015 there will be a lot of announcements along the way. I’m looking forward to seeing how this new movie shapes up. I was glad to see familiar names and faces attached to it and while I’m sure there is a balance on both sides of the “I do/don’t want to see old Luke, Leia, and Han” camp, I’m personally glad they’re coming back (right now we don’t know the full extent of their appearance. It could be only a blocked span of time that they are on screen or they may help our new characters throughout the entire film. More than one script was made – so it could go a handful of ways).
I don’t see it quite as a ‘passing the baton’ kind of thing as some people do. While I’m sure that’s more or less the intention – to pay homage to the original series that so many love – I just look at the original stars coming back as the basis or springboard platform for which the new characters’ backstories can launch from. I think it’s good to see where these new stars portraying the new roles are coming from and how they all have been living their lives in a continuation of the original stories. I have not read the novels and while I have an inkling of popular names that have cropped up over the years (Mara Jade – in the Expanded Universe she eventually became Luke Skywalker’s wife but has a richly written backstory– being one of them), all I have are the films and shows like The Clone Wars to pull from.
So, from my point of view– why wouldn’t we want to know where the crew went or how they chose to grow old together? Sure, the stories could have just moved on and used new faces to establish a whole new story – and if some of these actors were no longer among the living, maybe that’s what they would have done – but we have all these original stars. We have the chance to see what has happened to them over their travels over the years. It’s clear to see there are a lot of stories to tell, new and old(er).
As of this date–(any information released about Star Wars going forward has no reflection on what I’m blogging about today. I can’t know what new information will be released at a later date and while I am a fan of the originals, I’m not someone who knows the SW universe well enough to be considered a super fan. My blog post is more or less just a celebration of the date and some of the new info that has been released lately. I’d be happy enough to know that maybe my post has you interested enough to go look into newer details that may be newer than what I knew of this posting. )
After the release of information stating that the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) stories aren’t specifically driving the new movies going forward – they’re looking at the actual six film produced movies as their foundation right now, it’s left many fans with a sour taste in their mouths wondering what’s going to happen to all the rich stories and characters that could be left behind without using the expanded library of material. Fans have been supporting the franchise loyally for years and they’re left wondering how it all fits in now. Each story and character was approved by George Lucas and fans believed that because Star Wars was so protected and Lucas approved what went out for content, that it was all considered “cannon” and went beyond the actual filmed movies.
There’s confusion and perhaps some misinterpretation (maybe with me, maybe in general) in terms of what the new owners of Lucasfilm intend to do about all of these stories and we won’t know what will shake out, until more information is released. The quotes that I read, didn’t actually SAY that they were never going to delve into the EU stories – it seemed to say, to me- that they weren’t planning on using known stories YET (or fully). It seems as though maybe they’ll sift through what they can use – and deliver to the new films with confidence, and then tell brand new stories in the Star Wars universe so that all the fans can enjoy the new content.
“You know, it’s not off-limits, and it’s certainly inspiring — I’m working on an animated show for [Lucasfilm] as well, Star Wars Rebels, that will take inspiration from everywhere, but — I know for the movies, the canon is the canon, and the canon is the six films that exist,” Simon Kinberg said during an IGN interview at WonderCon in Ahaheim.
Kinberg also said that for himself, director J.J. Abrams, writers Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Arndt and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, the new films are “all about honoring the original movies, and yet wanting to take a step forward, too, and tell a new story.” Source: http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2014/04/22/new-star-wars-films-wont-use-expanded-universe/
So, we’ll see what happens as the film moves onward. There may be some better clarification, retractions, or confirmation of what those statements mean in coming weeks, months, and years.
I was really glad to see Andy Serkis (Gollum, Cesar, etc) and Domhnall Gleeson (“About Time”, “Dredd”, a Weasley twin in “Harry Potter”, etc) added to the casting. While I don’t know the other named actors as well (who knew Mark Hamil very well at the beginning of the series in the 70’s? We’ve had years to get used to his name. And yeah, I know. Hayden Christiansen was unknown as well. I’ll leave you to decide how well that did or didn’t work out for you) I’m going to enjoy seeing these two especially. It’s unclear right now whether Serkis will be playing a motion capture character like Gollum/Cesar or if he’ll be a flesh and blood man, like he was in King Kong as the cook (Mark Ruffalo also Tweeted that Serkis is giving some pointers in Hulk capturing for Avengers 2! Pretty cool), but either way – it’s a sure bet that he’ll be extremely entertaining. He’s a vibrant actor and fun to watch on screen. Gleeson was excellent in “About Time” – the movie could have gone in any direction, but Gleeson sold me on that portrayal and I enjoyed the movie much more because of his involvement. I’ve been looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do next. Now I know and I’m liking it!
I sat down with Ted and Dave from SlasherCast and we talked about The Raid 2. The episode is now LIVE – you can stream it from the site below or download it on iTunes or Stitcher (or which ever Smartphone app that you have).
Speaking as a fan of the entire series, it’s near, if not actually, perfect in my opinion – I would only caution that the book at the very beginning is a bit slow for newcomers (a complaint I’ve heard a few times after recommending it myself so I’ve learned to caution for the slower intro. Fans who re-read it, love it in its entirety though and see why it’s important to the story). Around chapter 3 is when it begins to ramp up the excitement (so hang in there if you’re listening to it or reading it and wondering what the hype is all about).
On Thursday May 8th, Starz released a new poster to advertise and be the main image that fans, new and old, can really get behind. It is fabulous and everything I could have wanted in a promo poster. Of course, the other huge news is that the air date has been simultaneously released with it- posted right there. August 9th, 2014 on a Saturday at 9pm. Which is wonderful since it has absolutely NO scheduling conflicts for me– though even if it had, I would have worked around the conflict anyway.
(Tagline: What if your future was the past?)
On Friday May 2nd, Starz released a poster regarding their Summer 2014 television adaptation of the Bestselling novel by Diana Gabaldon called “Outlander”. The poster acted as a teaser to ask social media users, primarily on Facebook and Twitter, to hashtag #WhereisClaire and share the poster art (brilliant looking by the way) with the idea that at a 100% participation share rate (as monitored by a % progress bar) that they would release a new trailer for the show.
The new trailer can be seen here, on the Starz website (there are a few exclusive sites it’s available on as well. It may be released to YouTube at a later date).
There has been a previous trailer that was pretty short and seemed to really play up the romance factor (which may have alienated some men and to sway them into thinking that this is little more than romance fodder for women exclusively — which it totally is NOT the case). It did little for people who didn’t know anything about the book series, but it ignited a flame in the Gabaldon fans who were brimming over with excitement with the announcement that these glorious books were being adapted for TV. Like the “Game of Thrones” phenomenon and fandom, many Outlander fans- myself included- have high hopes that this Starz series will give us the experience of the books dazzling us visually so that we can see our literary loves come to life in front of us too.
As with any book to movie or television franchise adaptation, there was a lot of outcry when a virtual “unknown” actor was cast as James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser. Sam Heughan has had roles acting roles in previous movies and TV shows–he’s not wet behind the ears, he knows what he’s doing, but not until now, has he played anything that made him a well known name to many fans. This role could make (become a more household name) or break him (by breaking, meaning that his name would be synonymous with “you know, that guy who failed at being Jamie Fraser.” Ouch). If he’s giving it his all and all the magic from the books is successfully translated to the screen- this series could really become a real hit for Moore, Starz, and all of the actors involved. It has that much potential. If it flops, well…it could be a sad run for many fans (I’ve seen Helix. Interesting concept but with many flaws. BSG however, was excellent. Let’s hope for at least THAT much glamour).
A BELOVED character in the book (for many reasons), many fans envisioned a prominent and successful actor to portray the role. Chris Hemsworth (Thor) was one notable preference for some fans- who wanted someone very pretty, tall, long haired, and a really tough, brawny man to take on the role.
Sam Heughan (who, it should be noted is very handsome – and has most definitely been looking the capable Scotsman more and more as the production has rolled on) was announced to the casting in July of 2013 before any other “Outlander” actor was chosen. It worried some fans into thinking maybe they rushed the casting call, because being Jamie couldn’t just be…that easy!
Diana Gabaldon had seen his screen test and was whole-heartedly behind this call from the beginning stating that when Sam walked in and delivered his lines that he WAS Jamie Fraser. Executive Producer Ronald D. Moore (of BSG TV series fame) said, “from the very beginning, I knew the part of Jamie Fraser would be difficult to cast. I had no one in mind for the part. I knew that someone would just come into the audition and be Jamie Fraser. And that’s what Sam did.”
(this is what fans hypothesized at the beginning that Sam would look like as Jamie Fraser — this is a photoshopped clip of Sam with long hair)
(This is what Sam really looks like playing Jamie -handsome!- with his hair dyed a rich deep red. Fans were not convinced that Sam’s hair was red enough or long enough at the beginning. It should be noted that in the books, Jamie’s hair is NOT long to begin with. It’s growing back out due to it being shaved because of an injury prior to the book’s beginning. ).
There were still some fan complaints with the casting – no one had seen anything (other than those involved with the production) that could definitively say that Sam “WAS” Jamie. Diana Gabaldon took to Twitter and Facebook highlighting Sam’s many fine qualities. When the discussion of ‘height’ came up, along the lines of, “he doesn’t seem tall enough to be Jamie” (there are some very finicky fans out there that envision each actor their own way in their heads. It makes you wonder how hard casting the ‘right person’ has to be) Diana posted various pictures including this one- where she physically met both Sam and Cait personally for the first time in Jan 2014. She proclaimed that Sam is 6′ 3″ and is definitely a contender for Jamie’s height in the books.
The next big character to be cast would be Tobias Menzies who will play dual roles as Frank and Jonathan Wolverton Randall, in August 2013.
This man was more recognizable because he played a role in “Game of Thrones” as Edmure Tully, the groom at the Red Wedding event (and the man who was portrayed as incompetent shooting a bow at a funeral boat). Menzies will have a bit of proving to do to the fans of Outlander to make sure that this man can carry the weight and scope of who and what he will do in the new series. Because he was a rash and a bit of a weak man in GoT, he’s going to have to hit it out of the park to make sure fans can come over to his side.
Luckily Starz is not spoiling us with his participation and I’m hoping that means he walks on screen and IS Frank/Jonathan Randall as well. We’ve all focused on the Jamie and Claire characters (with good reason) but not as much expectation has been put on Menzies yet. Oh, but it will and we’re all just waiting to see the explosion when it does.
The next difficult step was to find the perfect “Claire”.
She had to be beautiful in a natural way and possess the confidence, drive, and the scope of what it would mean to be a woman in the medical profession in the 1940’s, when it wasn’t common to be a female doctor. After a lengthy search, they chose another actor that to most, was relatively “unknown” – with small roles (Super 8). An Irish actress and model, Caitriona Balfe was chosen in September 2013. (Some fans claim that her hair is NOT as wild and untamed as it’s explained in the books and that her eyes are not the right color. Again, everyone has a different vision of their beloved characters in their heads, but many have accepted and warmed up to these actors in the roles. The real proof will be how the pilot does this summer).
With these three main important characters cast, the rest could then be filled in. They all have very defined roles and are all in essence “important” to the story, but if these three people are unable to hold up the weight of fan expectations it’s clear to see how the whole table could topple. They just have to get it right, even if events shift and change to make it TV acceptable (as GoT has done along the way, changing some things but leaving that same feeling and tone of the books overall). No pressure, right?
With all the love that’s going into the show, many will have their fingers crossed that the show can pull it off and have us drooling for more every week.
It’s difficult to speculate how the show will really do until it arrives this Summer, but it is EASY to say how much hope all of the fans have that it’ll live up to our dreams for it. We, I, want to see this succeed – not only because it will highlight some of our favorite characters from a beloved series, but also it will pave the way for other excellent books to become future series in the right hands going forward. No one wants to see their heroes come to life on screen in a horrible production. It’s bound to happen (there certainly are many examples of adaptations that just haven’t and don’t work) but if the right people get behind the right projects then we might see a better example of our favorite adaptations in a ‘TV series’ format, rather than some 2 hour one-off production where they get a lot of the details wrong or are rushed due to timing. A series has more of a chance to tell the right kinds of stories and build characters up. Sam, Caite, and Diana Gabaldon all have a pretty active Twitter relationship that has allowed the fans to get closer and get to know them, helping to support their roles as Jamie and Claire. That began a lot of fan backing, as did the big Starz Fan Event in Jan 2014. The event gave the fans an inkling of the screen presence and the chemistry between Sam and Cait (Jamie and Claire) allowing fans to “see” their compatibility as plain as day. It was a huge step in proving that Starz did cast great characters for these roles and that they actually care about the content. We will all just have to see how they handle themselves fully in the show.
(Warning: The linked videos below may contain spoilers for the show!)
Starz has even taken it a step further. To many in the US, Gaelic is a pretty uncommon and unknown Scots language. Starz has been building online Gaelic lessons delivered by the cast and Gaelic coach on the team to not only help fans get used to what they will be hearing on the show but to help familiarize readers with how the words will be pronounced on the show, as opposed to whatever pronunciation they may have had in their heads (which may help keep ire down about the “I thought it was said a different way!”). Any of you that have listened to the Unabridged narration of the Outlander series as recorded by Davina Porter, likely knows how the words sound out loud (if you haven’t tried the books audibly, you’re really missing out) but I really enjoy seeing these videos pop up. Starz is taking great care to get this show “right” before it gets aired. Whether the end result will work out for everyone or not, has yet to be seen– but they are making a bigger attempt to get things right than to just “wing it” than I’ve seen from many shows lately, i.e. showing that they care and want to include fans past and present into what they’re producing.
They have even employed an herbalist to be a consultant on the show, so that herbs are used in the correct manner in relation to their medicinal use.
All this gives me hope and makes me really excited for the release of the show. I know that when it comes out I will be fan-girling all over the place. Squeeing like a little girl because they’re hitting all the right notes so far and I’m really digging Sam and Cait’s vibe (there hasn’t been much trailer action showing Tobias/Frank and Claire- but there have been some beautiful still shots of the pair). They make me want to believe that they can pull off the magic of Diana Gabaldon’s excellent books.The trailer released today was fantastic and I loved that they showed more details and opened it up to show that it’s not just about romance. It’s so much more than that and I just can’t wait to see all of it unfold.
I’m guessing Starz will have a nice uptick of U.S. subscriptions pretty soon! I’ll be right there with you, checking it out!
(Handsome men in kilts – Moore and Heughan- , show how stylish it can be to wear them and 2 beautiful women – author Gabaldon and actress Balfe – talk to the fans of the Outlander novels and hope filled fans)
While you’re waiting for May 16th (USA) for the new Godzilla movie to hit theaters, I thought that I would let you in on a series of books by one of my favorite horror action authors who has been writing about his own Kaiju threat to the world.
I’ve been reading Jeremy Robinson‘s novels for a few years and I’m always amazed, happy, and excited when he has a new series that I can get into. I go the horror action thriller route primarily, though I tend to deviate from time to time when it comes to Jeremy Robinson’s work. Call me a fan girl, because I totally am. And it’s not just because the man writes a great string of action sequences that make you want to spin kick off the chair that you’re sitting on and hit someone in the face with your foot.
You’d be getting close, but that’s not quite it.
The man writes like a fiend. 14 books written or co-written by him last year! 9 or more planned for this year. The man is prolific as well as extremely entertaining. Any author’s dream come true, in one man (OK, he could have a secret baby Kaiju slave writing army by now for all I know, but he started out the way all new authors do- from the bottom- and it’s pretty damn impressive in my opinion). Anyway, that’s why *I* like the guy, although I’ve never met him. He entertains my mind and I’m inspired (or rabid envious) by his dedication.
He and I recently had a friendly chat, which consisted of me basically fan girl-ing over his book Island 731, that I happen to like quite a lot. It edges out SecondWorld, which is pretty great as well, but I731 is at the top of my list. I’ve recommended this book on The Shelf Life podcast and I’ve listened to the audiobook a handful of times – the story is fun and the narrator (R.C. Bray) is a favorite of mine. After a short discussion, it became known to me that I was missing out on a new series of books that he was writing about Kaiju. Now, I am a HUGE Pacific Rim fan. I can’t say that I got too well into the Godzilla phase, I never really saw the appeal in the older movies and while the Matthew Broderick one was…shot probably as it was intended to be, I just didn’t get into it the way I did say…a Jurassic Park or Pacific Rim.
(Photo: an Internet image representing concept art from Pacific Rim. Not my own. I did not create it)
I have high hopes for this new version in May, but getting back on track here — I found this series of novels by Robinson and I dove in. Of course, before I knew it, I was hooked.
If you like big monster movies like Pacific Rim or anime animation like Evangelion — you really should check these novels out. If you find you don’t have a lot of time to sit and read, pick up the audiobooks from Audible and pop them on during your ride to work, shopping, exercising, walking the dog, waiting in line at the DMV….and you might just find excuses why you need to be a little more active (because you want to hear more!)
I do recommend checking out Island 731 first and then diving into the Kaiju stories. There are elements that you will find helpful by doing that, though it’s not strictly necessary. I suppose I could entice you by saying that Jeremy’s website indicates that he’s writing a “Project 731” this year, which will be the third book in the Kaiju series…but that would just be repeating what I already, eh hem, said (whisper : check out I731 first *grin*).
If you’ve read these books by Jeremy and have enjoyed them — I just wanted to mention that this week (today actually) Jeremy is releasing a brand new novel called “Xom-B“. It is not in any way related to the novels above, but it’s relevant because it’s out this week and will be ready to grab and read at the touch of a button. You can also grab it on Audible, it’s been recorded by R.C Bray (excellent narrator)
I know that I did a fair share of gushing in this post, but I do that if I like something and I think it’s pretty obvious that I do. I’m big on creature features and great action, especially if the writing grabs me. You have a few weeks before the Godzilla movie comes out. Do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in Jon Hudson’s (character) world where Kaiju are real. You will have a really good time – and if you’re into something a little different: a little… science fiction action adventure…go pick up Xom-B.
I bet you’ll make Jeremy’s day (it’s much better than making a grown man cry, trust me.)
This past weekend I recorded a new podcast episode with Dave and Ted from SlasherCast for their Side Effect program.
We sat down and discussed the explosive sequel, “The Raid 2“. The recording will be up by mid-week on their website but you can also catch it on their feed on iTunes, Stitcher, or preferred podcast catcher application on your Smartphone by searching for SlasherCast (the Side Effect episodes are side ‘casts on that appear in the main stream of the show and will be available there and properly labeled when new ones are loaded). We grade the movie and go over the film first, without spoilers, and then in the later half, we go spoiler heavy and discuss favorite parts and our things we had trouble with. Want to know what we thought? Check it out when it hits the SC feed and get in touch and let us know what you thought. Stay tuned to the end for a special episode #hashtag to use on Twitter!
I have a list of podcasts that I listen to (I will list my favorites on a future post) and on one of my top favorite shows, The Hollywood Outsider (a TV and movie podcast) Justin Macumber published a new book, “Still Water“. He asked that people who bought his book take selfie pictures with his title. Having purchased a Kindle title, I threw my hat in the ring and did just that.
(photo: The IMAHO t-shirt is a Hollywood Outsider fan t-shirt, “I’m a Hollywood Outsider” (fan) )
I am only half way through the book but so far I am enjoying it. The book is centered around a coal mining town that stumbles on an ancient evil secret.
If you’re interested in checking it out, you can find it, Justin, and The Hollywood Outsider at the links below. Enjoy!
And if you buy a copy, be sure to tag Justin on FB with a selfie. He’ll love it.
Join Dave and I as we recap and review “The World’s End” on SlasherCast Side Effect. It’s just the two of us on this episode (and I admittedly had a little wine with dinner) – but Dave brings it all straight to you.
Enjoy the review and let us know what you thought!
My most anticipated movie of 2013, and SlasherCast Side Effect has again invited me to discuss the movie with them! I can’t be more hyped for this movie or to talk about it with the guys. I was excited to see this and am happy to share my opinion of it with you all. Please check it out and let us know what you think! Did you enjoy the movie? Planning to see it in theaters (recommended) or on DVD when it comes out?
I’m so grateful the guys asked me on this one. No doubt, my favorite movie of the year so far. If I could go back and change the score I gave it, I would.
In anticipation of the World War Z movie coming out, SlasherCast has asked me to listen to and review the tremendous audiobook by Max Brooks, as narrated by many famous modern day voice talents. It is an unabridged version, that is newer than the one previously loaded, with less content.
Please definitely check this review out- if you’re trying to decide if this is for you- this review should be able to help you! You can also check it out on iTunes under the SlasherCast stream, episode 17 of the Side Effect.
DA Chaney 