Geek Music Monday – “Joss Whedon’s Never Ending Story” by 2 Broke Geeks

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Posted by Jessa Phillips aka "SultryMinxZoe" | Posted on 28-01-2013

Category : Entertain Me, Featured, Geek Music Monday

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

 

Like many of you, I am a browncoat. Joss Whedon has a talent for storytelling and character development which is undeniable. I also have wonderfully nostalgic feelings toward a 1984 fantasy film called The Never Ending Story. What does one have to do with the other? The answer comes in the form of this parody song from 2 Broke Geeks.

 

Omar and Mia produce musical projects they call “Nerdsong.” They ask their subscribers to submit ideas for a song. Then, the pair gives themselves one week to compose a song with the chosen theme. The latest Nerdsong is “Joss Whedon’s Never Ending Story.” The parody is a take on how The Never Ending Story would have turned out if the film has been written and directed by the acclaimed Whedon.

 

The song is witty and does a great job of combining the two properties, hitting the highlights from recognizable Whedon shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, as well as major plot points from The Never Ending Story.

 

 

For more of 2 Broke Geeks, subscribe to their YouTube Channel, or like them on Facebook.

 

The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth . . . Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope Movie Review

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Posted by Jessa Phillips aka "SultryMinxZoe" | Posted on 23-04-2012

Category : Entertain Me, Featured, Movies, Reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As geeks and nerds, we are a passionate people. There are few more passionate than those who attend conventions. Each year, hundreds of thousands of us flock to convention centers, hotels, and college campuses around the world to surround ourselves with fellow geeks and nerds whose passion rivals our own. There are many that wonder why so many people attend pop culture conventions and why they have become so important.

The largest of these conventions, considered “geek mecca,” is San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) with more than 126,000 people in attendance in 2011 and badges for 2012 selling out within 90 minutes of registration’s opening. Morgan Spurlock (Director, Super Size Me, 30 Days), along with a dream team of geek media producers such as Stan Lee (Comic Creator, Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-men), Joss Whedon (Director, Avengers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity), Gill Champion (Executive Producer, POW!) and Harry Knowles (Head Geek, Ain’t It Cool News) combined forces to document the SDCC experience from the perspective of the geeks who live it, in an effort to find out what makes the con experience magical in the documentary, Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope.

Graphic Credit: Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope

 The documentary crew consisted of at least 15 camera crews, compiling more than 400 hours of video to tell the story of five people headed to SDCC 2010, each with a particular mission. Camera crews began filming the subjects at home as they prepare to make their trek to SDCC and follows their experience throughout the 4 days at SDCC.
 

 

Holly Conrad, a costume designer and cosplayer, sets off for SDCC with her friends hoping to turn heads in the Masquerade. Their entry is inspired by the popular video game Mass Effect and features highly detailed costumes. The Masquerade is not all fun and games. While it is an entertaining event for those attending SDCC, the Masquerade offers Holly the opportunity to showcase her talents before industry professionals. A good showing will get her one step closer to her dream job as a costume designer for films and television.

Chuck Rozanski owns Mile High Comics, one of the largest comics dealer in the United States. The past few years, the comics industry has seen a decline in traditional comic sales. SDCC has grown bigger and bigger every year, drawing in more of the popular culture fans, while the comics audience wanes. Chuck and his crew pack up their comic treasures and set up shop in the dealer’s hall. Their mission is to survive. Can they make enough money to justify the expense of a presence at SDCC? Will it be enough to keep Mile High Comics open for business?

Skip Harvey, is a life-long geek. He is a bartender at a geek themed bar, but his true ambition is illustration. He packs his dreams and his art into a portfolio and embarks on SDCC with hopes of impressing fellow artists and publishers. He yearns to break into comics. Does he have what it takes to be discovered?

James Darling and Se Young Kang are two geeks who fell in love. Their mutual nerdery has kept them together and happy. So happy in fact, James has decided to propose. What better backdrop for a proposal than the extravaganza that is SDCC? The film follows the couple as James attempts to make the arrangements, all while keeping it a surprise. Will he be able to pull off an epic proposal in front of thousands?

Eric Henson is a family man and member of the United States Air Force with a longstanding love of comics. Another illustrator who timidly makes his way among the horde and subjects himself and his art to industry portfolio reviews. The weekend has one purpose, to serve as job interviews. He seeks to meet with comics publishers, hoping to make an impression that will leave the pros seeing the next great illustrator in him.

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope is a passion project from start to finish. I was lucky enough to attend a screening where Morgan Spurlock was in attendance. He spoke about meeting Stan Lee for the first time and how he himself was one of the geeks. While many of Spurlock’s other projects have been a bit more exposing and had many within the geek community worried, this documentary is all sentiment. In a way, the film is a love letter to geeks the world over … reassuring one another that there is a place for us all, where others understand the sometimes overwhelming fervor for nerd culture.

Woven among the story of the 5 attendees are “confessions” from other SDCC attendees. These are brief interviews with others, most in costume, talking about what is special about SDCC. Mixed in with the everyday folks are a few people you may have heard of, such as Kevin Smith, Eli Roth, Seth Rogan, and Olivia Wilde among other celebrities. There are several themes throughout these candid interviews: geeks have more power to influence than we think we do and Hollywood is growing wise which is why so many studios and corporations make it a point to have a presence at SDCC. Remember, “With great power comes great responsibility;” one of the major draws of SDCC is the sense of belonging it instills attendees with; and we are all fans.

There are a number of reviewers who have been giving Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope less than stellar reviews, accusing it of being too soft on any particular point to really find a following. As always, the mainstream media would paint the hardcore fans as freaks with little or no social skills. For my part, I believe one of the things this documentary does right is appeal to their targeted audience. Sure, the audience may be small in comparison to the number of “norms” that walk the earth. This film is not for everyone and it does not set itself up to be. It was not made to convert non-convention attendees or to convince anyone that cosplay is cool. It was made to salute those that fly their geek flag high and proud, even if we only get to do so for 4 days out of the year. In that respect, Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope is a success!

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope is in select theaters now. Check your local theater for showtimes. The documentary is also available On Demand. For a listing of On Demand providers, visit the official website at http://www.comicconmovie.com. Look for the film to be released on DVD around July, just in time for SDCC 2012.

Web Series You SHOULD Be Watching – DragonCon 2011 Panel

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Posted by Jessa Phillips aka "SultryMinxZoe" | Posted on 07-09-2011

Category : Conventions, DragonCon, E-vents, Entertain Me, Watching the Web

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DragonCon was this past weekend in Atlanta, GA. Among the many interesting panels on diverse topics included a panel title “Web Series You SHOULD Be Watching.” The panel, which I was pleased to appear on as a panelist, focused on web series. This new media distribution channel is steadily becoming a more accepted entertainment option and looks to give traditional media outlets something to think about, as well as provide an alternative means for creative projects to find an audience. Also appearing on the panel were Kelley Clark (Agora Productions), Kelley Harkins (Director, American SciFi Media Track), Joe Crowe (Revolutionsf.com), Thomas Gofton (Creator, Mind’s Eye web series) and Derek Conley (The Hunted: Tampa and The Hunted: Vindication web series).

 

The panel was intended to introduce prospective audience members to the world of web entertainment and offer a sampling of web series worth watching to new and veteran viewers. With two web creators and the remainder of the panel including veteran web consumers, the panel provided a more in-depth discussion of the trials and triumphs of entertainment content created for web distribution. Of course for all the geeky goodness, you really had to be there. But do not fret, I will not leave you wanting.

 

If you want the listing of web series selections panel attendees received, you will find below the sampling of web series to get you started. The panel was sponsored by the American SciFi Media track. As such, the web series selections primarily fall within the sci-fi or fantasy genres. Entertainment is subjective and you may not enjoy all the series listed here, but please do not let one series prevent you from seeking other web entertainment. There is a plethora of web entertainment on the internet that will appeal to you. You have only to find it. To assist in your discovery, I have also included resource links at the end of the listing. These resource links are hubs for web entertainment and have created directories of web series and films for you to enjoy. If you discovery a series that you enjoy, please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

The Usual Suspects - Popular series most people have likely heard of. These series are often pointed to as examples of how web distributed content can be a successful business model.

 

Doctor Horrible Sing-Along Blog – Completed, 3 episodes.
http://www.drhorrible.com | Now available on DVD & BluRay, or download on iTunes.
Summary: Following a want to be evil genius as he attempts to earn his place in the Evil League of Evil and impress the girl of his dreams. His every attempt is thwarted by his nemesis, Captain Hammer. Created, written and directed by Joss Whedon. Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon and Zack Whedon also contributed their writing talents, making it a family affair. Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day.

 

The Guild – Currently airing Season 5
Fantasy, Comedy
http://www.watchtheguild.com/
Summary: Created and starring Felicia Day. The Guild follows the adventures of 6 people who form a “guild” in an online MMORPG game. Over the course of the series, the members meet and become entangled in each others social and love lives, all while getting some raid time in. In the fifth season, the guild heads to a gaming convention where they learn more about themselves, each other and the game.

 

The Legend of Neil – Completed, 3 Seasons
Fantasy, Action
http://www.legendofneil.com
Summary: Created and directed by Sandeep Parikh, who is also known as “Zaboo” on The Guild. The Legend of Neil tells the story of a drunk gamer wakes to find himself in the video game Zelda. The series takes fantasy roleplaying to another level, incorporating all the troupes of the classic video game, everyday drama and a contemporary sense of humor. Cast includes scifi favorite Felicia Day. Mature Content Warning: Language, Sexual Situations

 

Mortal Kombat: Legacy – Completed
Scifi, , Action, Drama
http://www.youtube.com/show/mortalkombatlegacy
Summary: A fan-inspired web series that received corporate funding due to the quality of work. Mortal Kombat: Legacy is a live-action adaptation of the classic video game. Starring scifi fan favorites Tahmoh Penikett and Jeri Ryan.

 

Aidan 5 – Season 1.5 begins September 2nd, 2011
SciFi, Mystery
http://www.aidan5.com
Summary: In a future when cloning is everyday practice with up to 5 clones per person, a serial killer is murdering clones. Two detectives head the manhunt for the mysterious culprit and come face to face with their own mortality. Film Noire style series that incorporates a dynamic comic feel.

 

Cable Network Sponsored Series - Cable networks have caught on to the marketing and advertising options web series can create, especially as a means of extending an established brand. These series are shows created or sponsored by major cable networks.

 

Torchwood: Web of Lies – Currently airing
SciFi, Mystery
http://www.youtube.com/starz | Download the App for iPad & iPhone in iTunes
Summary: Sponsored by BBC Worldwide and Starz. The web series is a companion to the current season of Torchwood: Miracle Day. In 2007, someone is after Captain Jack Harkness. It is up to Jack & Gwen Cooper to find out who and why. Simultaneously, the story follows Holly, whose brother is shot on Miracle Day for information he has about the people behind the miracle. Interactive motion comic produced by Russell T. Davies & Julie Gardner. Jane Espenson contributes her writing talents. Staring John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Eliza Dushku.

 

Warehouse 13: Of Monsters and Men – Completed, 10 Episodes
Scifi, Action, Mystery
http://www.syfy.com/rewind/ofmonstersandmen
Sponsored by Syfy.
Summary: When Claudia and Pete accidentally trigger an artifact obtained from a man who found comics detrimental to the youth of America, they find themselves and Artie living out the adventures of a comic book. Can they solve the comic’s mysteries? Can they find a way out of the story before it ends, or will they be stuck in 4-color?

 

Mercury Men – Completed Season 1. Awaiting news on Season 2
SciFi, Action, Mystery
http://www.syfy.com/rewind/mercurymen
Sponsored by Syfy.
Summary: In 1976, men from Mercury come to earth with a sinister plan to drag the moon down to earth. It is up to Engineer Jack Yeager and an everyday citizen, Edward Borman, to save the world and find out who’s calling the shots. Great tribute to classic black and white scifi movies.

 

Riese: Kingdom Falling – Completed Season 1. Awaiting news of Season 2 & possible transition to tv.
Fantasy, Drama
http://www.syfy.com/rewind/riese
Sponsored by Syfy.
Summary: In a realm much like the feudal society of Europe’s medieval times, the land is in turmoil. An evil queen has a stranglehold on the realm and will go to any lengths to retain power. Across the land, an orphaned woman wanders with her wolf companion to find out who she is. Steampunk sensibilities interwoven into character development and costume design. Cast includes many Syfy fan favorites.

 

Rigamortis – Completed, 3 episodes
Scifi, Zombies
http://www.rigamortis.com
Summary: After the zombie apocalypse, two zombies fall in love while they struggle to resist their brain-eating ways. Meanwhile, the premier zombie hunter shows us no matter his fame, life isn’t always awesome. Fantastically fun musical take on the zombie apocalypse.

 

Blood Light – Completed, 2 Seasons
Scifi, Vampires
http://www.bloodlight.com
Summary: Blood Light sheds light on the everyday life of vampires. It is a bit of a parody of the hit HBO series True Blood. The series follows the after-lives of 2 vampires and their wannabe friend living normal lives. Topics covered range from therapy, anger management, dating and identity crisis. Mature content warning: Language, Sexual Situations.

 

The Black Dawn
Scifi, Mystery
http://http://www.webserials.com/blackdawn/
Summary: A plague sweeps the globe, killing most of the world’s population within seconds of exposure. A small band of survivors in Los Angeles struggle to find answers, other survivors and to stay alive.

 

Lumina – Completed Season 1. Awaiting news of Season 2
Scifi, Mystery
http://www.luminaseries.com
Summary: What if alternate dimensions existed on the other side of reflections? The series explores that question. As the series begin, a woman meets and falls for a prince from the opposites side of reflections. As they become more involved and more people become aware of the relationship, we discover nothing is what it appears to be. There is a bigger conspiracy being played out in both realms. Beautifully shot with great use of soundtrack.

 

Gemini Division – Completed Season 1, 50 Episodes
Scifi, Mystery
http://www.bing.com/videos/browse/source?tag=mccannum%3ageminidivision
Summary: A happy couple visits Paris. When the guy goes missing, his girlfriend must find out what happened to him and stumbles onto a government conspiracy. Live action with CGI landscapes. Cast includes Syfy favorite, Allison Scagliotti.

 

Afterworld – Completed, 130 Episodes
Scifi, Mystery
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=07E03F5180A9F18A
Summary: A massive electromagnetic event occurs, causing permanent electronic outages across the globe, along with the disappearance of most the world’s population. One man is determined to find his way back to the family he left across the country. During his journey, he will meet other survivors – some friendly and helpful, others with more sinister intentions. As he travels, he will find clues that lead him to learn who caused “the fall” and why.

 

Misfits – Currently airing Season 2
Scifi, Drama
http://www.hulu.com/presents/misfits
Summary: Five British teenagers are sentenced to community service. When they are struck by lightening during a spontaneous storm, they develop super-powers. As they come to grips with their new abilities, they realize they weren’t the only ones affected by the storm. Can they learn how to use their abilities? Will they use their powers for good?

 

The Booth at the End – Currently airing Season 1
Scifi, Drama
http://www.hulu.com/presents/boothattheend
Summary: What would you do to heal a sick loved one, get the girl of your dreams, or the life you always wanted? In The Booth at the End we meet a mysterious man who can help you get what you’ve always wanted. All you have to do is complete a task. What if the task puts you or someone else in danger? What if it is illegal?

 

Border Guardians of Ackernon – Currently airing Season 2
Fantasy, Drama
http://www.ackernon.com
Summary: In a fantasy realm, graduates of “The University” become politicians, warriors and powerful mages entrusted with the safety and security of the realm. In recent years, their power has been weakening and a danger from another land threatens the enchanted walls. The series follows the Guardians as they recruit and train new students to ward off the dangers facing the realm.

 

Trenches – Completed, 10 Episodes
Scifi, Action, Drama
http://www.crackle/c/trenches
Summary: Two civilizations embroiled in a space battle find themselves forced to work together to survive the planet. Cooperation is a priority because they are not alone.

 

Anica – Completed Season 1. Season 2 in pre-production & talk of a movie
Scifi, Drama
http://www.wix.com/kenyonglover/test
In the future, government soldiers are selected for experimentation in hopes of creating an elite force. When one of the super soldiers is accused of murdering a high official, a disgraced soldier is tapped to track the missing soldier before the political climate worsens and endangers galactic peace. Fantastic CGI landscapes.

 

Future Series to Watch For - These series are currently in the works. Given what we have seen, these series are worth checking out when they are released.

 

Osiris – Premiers September 28, 2011
Scifi, Mystery
http://www.facebook.com/OsirisTheSeries
Summary: A man with resurrection abilities must track down a kidnapped federal witness. As he embarks on his search, he discovers a conspiracy, and finds clues about the source of his ability.

 

H+ - Season 1 in production
Scifi, Drama
http://www.facebook.com/HplusTheDigitalSeries
Summary: In the future, people take internet connectivity to the next level with a chip implant. Making the internet more accessible changes the socioeconomic landscapes across the globe. What happens when something goes wrong? Will the desire to be connected be our downfall?

 

Zenoids – Season 1 in production
Animated Musical
http://www.myouterspace.com/index.php/community/Starships/Orion.html
Summary: Created and starring William Shatner. Executive produced and starring Amanda Tapping. The story follows an alien family singing across the galaxy.

 

Resource Links - Websites which provide directories of web series and films available for viewing.

 

Crackle – http://www.crackle.com

Webserials – http://www.webserials.com

Web Series Channel – http://www.webserieschannel.com

Scifinal – http://www.scifinal.com

Hulu – http://www.hulu.com/network/hulu-presents

IFC – http://www.ifc.com/web-series

Fear – http://www.fearnet.com/shows

 

Remember to check back here at Goodtobeageek.com for our regular series, Watching the Web, where I highlight web series worth watching.

 

 

Review – Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale

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Posted by Jessa Phillips aka "SultryMinxZoe" | Posted on 11-11-2010

Category : Comics, Entertain Me, Reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics

*Warning: This review contains spoilers to the television series Firefly and film Serenity. If you have not seen either, do so now.*

Last week, Dark Horse Comics released the hardcover comic Browncoats have been clamoring for – Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale. This comic provides insight to one of the most beloved characters from the television series Firefly and movie Serenity. It tackles the past of Shepherd Book, arguably the most mysterious of Serenity’s crew members.

In Firefly, audiences were introduced to Shepherd Book as a wise and religious man, seeking to bring The Word to them that need it in the far reaches of the ‘Verse. Small glimpses into his life before Serenity were disseminated throughout the short-lived series and film, leaving viewers wondering about his possibly shady past. In the film Serenity, an Alliance operative commanded the destruction of a border planet sanctuary and known hideout for Serenity’s crew, resulting in Shepherd Book’s death. With his death, our hope for answers died . . until the announcement of Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale.

The comic is a collaborative project, with Zack Whedon writing the dialog and narrative based on a story outline provided by Joss Whedon and Chris Samnee contributing the artwork. The artwork is beautiful to be sure. It truly captures the dark, sometimes bleak circumstances of the story. The story itself is dark, action-packed and full of answers. Just what we have been waiting for.

Shepherd Book’s story begins with his death at Haven. We re-experience the tragic attack, this time with Book’s narrative. Though this is one of the saddest moments of the franchise, this narrative so beautifully captures Ron Glass’ characterization of Book, it is as if he were speaking the words. I was truly impressed and excited to see this comic would remain true to a franchise I love so much.

Sadly, this is where the praise ends. The comic uses flashbacks to take readers further and further into Shepherd Book’s past to show how his character evolved. Let me be clear here – there are 9 flashbacks. I enjoy flashbacks as much as the next reader. I am a LOSTie, after all. However, to use 9 flashbacks within one small story is overuse realized. Not only is the device overused, it also takes the reader out of the story. Instead of focusing on the character’s journey, the reader is trying to infer what happened previously to result in what is currently being read. Is it so much to ask for a story be told beginning to end?

Further, there is something lacking here – a depth of character evolution. The comic takes the reader from major event to major event in Shepherd Book’s life. However, you rarely see how he is affected by the events – save for soup. I understand this comic was a single run deal; however, it seems to me a short series would allow for the development this character deserves.

There is another point of contention I will touch on. That is the price. Serenity: A Shepherd’s Tale, unlike the previous Serenity comics, was released as a hardcover book. As a hardcover book the price is higher, retailing at $14.99. Admittedly, that is not a high price for a book. Loyal Browncoats will gladly pay the price out of intense fandom and a driving desire for answers. However, I am hard-pressed to recommend anyone other than fans of the franchise run out to purchase this comic at this price point.

As a whole, I do not believe the experience to be worth it for the everyday comic reader or the casual viewer who has seen an episode of Firefly in passing. This project will not be what gets them interested in the franchise. While Serenity: A Shepherd’s Tale started with such promise, it leaves this Browncoat “out in the black”.

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