Return of the Fanboy

Greetings awesome followers! It's been quite some time since my last post. I had just started a week-long segment regarding music in movies and television, when I suddenly dropped off the end of the earth. Hopefully, I left many of you shocked, disappointed and wanting more. Emphasis on 'hopefully'.

I suppose I should explain myself. Well, to put things in layman's terms. Life took over. A mixture of school, family, and a new job took precedence. I'll most likely revisit, the Music in the Media Week segment sometime soon.

Obviously, a lot of news has been coming out in the weeks since I've stopped posting. I've tried to keep track of all the cool happenings, rumors and news, but alas, by the time that I've gotten around to writing this post, I've most likely forgotten about a good deal of quality news.

Well, here's my best attempt at compiling everything that I thought was interesting. That I can remember...

Star Trek 2 Villains: Okay, so first off, and I think this is the coolest news/rumor; someone supposedly close to the production of the next Star Trek movie, the sequel to 2009's Star Trek, has revealed five different villains from the original Star Trek series, and left it up to us fans to guess who the villain will be. The choices are;

                                              The Talosians 

                                              Gary Mitchell

                                               The Horta

                                                Trelane

                                                 Harry Mudd

For those of you unfamiliar with these classic villains, descriptions for each can be found here. Personally, I'd LOVE to see Gary Mitchell take the lead as the next villain, the only thing I could see complicating things is that in this alternate timeline, McCoy seems to have taken the role of Kirk's best friend. As for the rest of them, I think that J.J. Abrams could easily adapt any of them into a great villain.

But who's to say that McCoy can't take the role of Gary in the next movie. Now THAT would be interesting.

Star Wars Sequels: The Internet has been abuzz lately with the rumor that George Lucas will be creating another Star Wars trilogy, taking place after the events of Return of the Jedi.

This supposed sequel trilogy will (according to rumor) follow the exploits of characters other than the Skywalkers. The trilogy is rumored to be released after the final movie of the saga, Return of the Jedi, will be shown in 3D in 2016 or 2017.

Now, I would normally shoot this rumor down right off the bat, and wouldn't even bother posting about it; but I must say, this actually does have a certain amount of credibility to it. The original website that posted this news, IESB, has broken some of the most important Star Wars related news in the past with their 'inside source' in Lucasfilm such as Revenge of the Sith being the first PG-13 Star Wars movie.

For now, I'll contain myself and my thoughts on yet another trilogy, but I'll also be keeping a look out for any and every bit of news regarding this in the future.

Quinlan Vos in The Clone Wars: After coming off it's incredible second season, The Clone Wars' third season seems dull in comparison. Littered with stories that are bogged down by politics, uninteresting characters, and poor character development, The Clone Wars' third season has gotten off to a rough start. However, in it's defense, there are always bright spots. The first two episodes of the new season, 'Clone Cadets' and 'Arc Troopers' were breakout episodes, as was the most recent installment, 'Assassin'.

Now, The Clone Wars promises something to fans of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (novels, video games, comics). Quinlan Vos, a prominent character in tie-in novels that accompanied the prequel trilogy will be making his Clone Wars debut in one of the series' upcoming episodes. Personally, I couldn't be more excited. The only thing that could quell that excitement would be if the show's creators changed the character drastically from his portrayal in all his previous work. (That of a rouge triple-agent Jedi Master whose continuous struggle with the Dark Side puts him over the edge time and time again.)



Does he look like a triple-agent? I didn't think so! However, this could easily be explained away that this is one of the rare times when he's not deep undercover behind Separatist lines. Also, if you recognize the name, congrats. George Lucas liked the character so much that he put a mention to Quinlan in Revenge of the Sith. He even went so far as to put Quinlan's apprentice, Aayla Secura, (the scantily clad blue-skinned Jedi) in the latter two of his prequels. Okay, enough Fanboyish ranting.
Movie Titles Revealed: The titles for Transformers 3 has been revealed, The Darkness of the Moon, as has Batman 3, The Dark Knight Rises. Is it just me, or do both of those sound awefully familiar? The Darkness of the Moon sounds like a Pink Floyd song, (you know which one), and the Dark Knight Rises? Seriously?!? That's all they could come up with? Wow...

Lastly and on a completely different note. Who would like to see the pumpkin I carved for Halloween this year? Well here it is anyway. Creative no?

Aaaaaahhhhhhhh, it's good to be back!

Alright. That's enough. This post is already long and disorderly enough. Thanks to everyone who still kept up with me while I was inactive.

Who do you want to see in the Star Trek sequel? What are your thoughts on another Star Wars trilogy? Can you contain yourself now that I'm back?!?

Music in Media Week!

This entire week, I'll be creating posts pertaining to the wonderful world of music in mediums such as movies, television and also... um.... well basically just movies and TV.

Music inspires us! It makes us sing and dance, laugh and scream, and sometimes, it brings out the silliest in us. The tone provided by music, sets the pace and ambiance for the viewers. Bottom line, music can make or break movies and television.

So, without further adieu, here's my first post for what I'm declaring is music week!

My Top Ten Favorite Opening Theme Songs:

10. Mash:



Unfortunately I couldn't find the actual opening credits, so this will have to do. Isn't it simply an uplifting song?

9. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air:

 

It was funny the first time, and it's still funny the hundredth time.

8. Spongebob:

 

I couldn't help but put our spongy, aquatic friend onto the list, after all, his theme song is pretty much known by children and adults alike. Or maybe it's just the children's parents who heard it every waking day of their lives?

7. Futurama:

 

Another cartoon, I know I know, but this one's different. It has Zoidberg in it!

6. Star Trek: The Next Generation:

Though the middle three Star Trek series all sported fantastic opening themes, The Next Generation's was the finest by far.

5. All in the Family:

 

"And you knew where you were then!"

4. Malcolm in the Middle:

 

The theme showed just how dysfunctional the family was in a manner of 30 seconds.

3. Chuck:



One of the catchiest theme songs, ever!

2. Firefly:

 

Should I be embarrassed to say that I can quote the lyrics off the top of my head? Nah!!!

1. Band of Brothers:

 

To this day, it still makes me want to cry.


Honorable Mentions:

The Pacific:



Riveting, but Band of Brothers' opening takes the cake.

That 70's Show:

 

You knew laughs were going to ensue whenever you heard this theme song.

Star Trek: Voyager:



As much as I loved the Voyager theme, The Next Generation's is a classic.

Feel free to jump on in and create your own music inspired posts, and leave a link to it in the comments section!

Star Wars Blu-Rays: Deleted Scenes

George Lucas (the creator of Star Wars) while at Celebration V, revealed that his epic sci-fi saga would be converted to Blu-Ray. With this welcome news came a special treat for fans of the films. A scene cut from the original production of Return of the Jedi, wherein we see Luke crafting his new lightsaber as Darth Vader calls out to him through the Force.

This little scene is just a taste of what we can expect from the Blu-Ray releases. Each new scene whether it barely made it into post-production or not, will be fully recreated for the release. Below is a list of deleted scenes that possibly might be added to the saga.

Episode I: The Phantom Menace:

Digital Yoda in Episode I: This has been hinted at for quite some time now. During a documentary, a scene from Episode I, where Yoda is entirely digital could also be seen.

Probability: High

The Waterfall Scene: An extended portion of the Gungan sub sequence, wherein the trio, upon reaching Naboo's capital of Theed, find themselves surfaced directly near a waterfall.

Probability: Medium

Probe Droid Attack: One of my favorite deleted scenes, the probe droid attack explains why Qui Gon and Anakin are running through the Tatooine desert prior to being attacked by Darth Maul. It also adds a nice additional farewell scene for Anakin.

Probability: Medium

Exotic Neimodian Birds Suffocate: At the start of The Phantom Menace, the Jedi divert an attempted poisoning. In the original script, there are two birds who share the room with them. The poison was originally invisible, but as the birds fell to there deaths, the Jedi instantly knew that they were not welcome. I wouldn't put it past them to somehow incorporate this scene into the finished version.

Probability: Low

Episode II: Attack of the Clones:

Assault on the Core Ship: These scenes were tremendously awesome! Coinciding with the larger arena battle scenes in Attack of the Clones, the footage was never completed, with large portions of it even lacking sound. The rough footage was released to members of Hyperspace, the official Star Wars fanclub. Yes, I'm really showing my level of fandom here.

Probability: Medium

Padme's Family: Multiple extended sequences of Padme and Anakin's pre-marriage relationship were cut from the final film. One of my favorites involved Padme taking Anakin to her childhood home for dinner with her parents and sister. The scene, while a little corny, added a certain amount of realism to the duo's relationship.

Probability: Medium

Padme's Bedroom: After meeting Padme's family, Padme shows Anakin her bedroom. It is a quiet scene that showcases Padme's humanitarian work and a small portion of her political background through moving "holo-portraits" that adorn her walls.

Probability: Low

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith:

Yoda arrives on Dagobah: This short scene closes the story of Yoda in the prequel trilogy, allowing for his absence in Episode IV and his eventual discovery in Episode V to have a smooth transition.

Probability: High

Order 66-Clone Trooper Disguise: An additional scene as a part of the Order 66 sequence was cut, wherein Obi-Wan and Yoda confront a group of clones disguised as Jedi and proceed to kill the group who were laying in ambush for Jedi to return to the Temple. An extension of this scene, presumably cut for graphic nature, involved a Jedi youngling who was lured in by the disguised clones and proceeded to be killed by a blaster wielding clone firing at point blank range at the child's face.

Probability: Low 

Episode IV: A New Hope:

Luke's Anchorhead Introduction: Luke's introduction was cut from both Episodes IV and VI. Though his Return of the Jedi intro has been confirmed as a new scene on the Blu-Ray release, the ever popular Anchorhead introduction has still yet to be confirmed. The scene involves Luke, gathering with his friends in an outskirt town known as Anchorhead where he tries to show the group the space battle seen overhead between Princess Leia's vessel and Darth Vader's. We also are introduced to Biggs Darklighter, Luke's best friend, making his death at the film's end all the more bitter.

Probability: Medium

Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back:

Fleeing Echo Base: A scene were upon fleeing the assault on Echo Base, Han, Leia and Threepio come a cross a door with a warning sign on it. Han ushers the trio into the door, but stops at Leia's protest, "No! That's were they keep the creatures!" (Referring to the Wampas; the same creatures that attacked Luke at the start of the film). Threepio proceeds to take off the warning sign as he follows Han and Leia further along the corridor. The Snowtroopers chasing after the trio fall for 3PO's trap and become a small snack for the creatures.

Probability: Medium

Episode VI: Return of the Jedi:

Extended Tatooine Departure: After destroying Jabba and his sail barge, the heroes reunite at the hangar bay that houses both the Falcon and Luke's X-Wing. A sandstorm engulfs the group as Han thanks Luke for saving him and Luke explains that he has to leave for Dagobah.

Probability: Medium

General Cracken and the Falcon's gunners: An Expanded Universe (books, comics, video games etc...) character know as General Airen Cracken was supposed to appear in Return of the Jedi as one of the gunners for the Millennium Falcon during the Battle of Endor. In addition, extra scenes involving the B-Wing pilots were originally going to appear in the 2004 special additions, but were withheld for a "future release."

Probability: High

Hopefully, there are even more scenes that have yet to be revealed that will make it onto the Blu-Ray release, and for your viewing pleasure, here's the first scene revealed from Return of the Jedi. Watch it, if you haven't done so enough already.

Which scenes do you want to be added to the saga and why? Feel free to comment!

Harry Potter 8, 9 & 10!

There's no time for a picture! Okay, forgive me, because at the moment, while writing this post, I'm in the process of yelling and screaming in joy and wetting my pants repeatedly! J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, (duh) mentioned previously today while on the Oprah Winfrey show that she may publish three more continuations to her extremely popular series of Harry Potter novels!

I can't believe this news! It's SO awesome in SO many ways! That's all I can make onto paper right now, so feel free to freak out in the comments! WOOOOOOOOOOT!!!

Here's a quote from the show, (she mentions the tenth novel in an interview with EW.com): "They're all still in my head. I could definitely write 8 or 9."--J.K. freaking Rowling.

Star Wars in 3D!

Years and years of rumors have now been confirmed! Both USA Today and the official Star Wars site have confirmed that the entire Star Wars saga, beginning with The Phantom Menace will be converted to 3D and re-released in theaters. The prospected release date is 2012. The release dates for the following five movies has yet to be revealed.

With the earlier news of the Star Wars saga being converted to Blue Ray, and considering that the Blue Rays will feature formerly deleted scenes, as seen here, the question rises; will the 3D release feature the deleted scenes?

Which scene or scenes are you looking forward to seeing in 3D the most? Mine would have to be the Battle of Endor, The Battle of Geonosis and the three-way-duel between Obi-Wan, Qui Gon and Darth Maul.

Roundup: Blackwidow movie, Pick of the Week, The Hobbit, Rock Band 3

Highlighted Song: I'm really looking forward to Rock Band 3, so to share my anticipation, as a part of the Highlighted Song mini-segment, I'll be sharing some of my favorite songs that are slated to appear on the upcoming threequel's track list. Let's start with one of my favorites, good 'ol Lowrider.







Quote: From Gangs of New York:

Boss Tweed: The appearance of the law must be upheld, especially as it's being broken.

Fanboy Pick of the Week: If there's one thing that I've learned when it comes to children's movies it's this, Pixar never disappoints. With each new film, Pixar outdoes itself, creating both visual and storytelling masterpieces that captivate both young and old. One of my favorite movies that Pixar has dished out is The Incredibles.

Taking a humorous slant on the life of retired super heroes, The Incredibles managed to perfectly parody the lives of a retired (super) couple, all the while feeling like a 50's comic book. The movie also promoted the importance of family, something we see so rarely in today's media and culture.

News Flash: The much anticipated prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, has once again been delayed, this time due to a change in the movie's shooting location. According to IGN, a writer's strike originally taking place in the Australia/New Zealand area has now spread to encompass both Europe and the United States. Members of SAG, (the Screen Actor's Guild) were told not to participate in the creation of the movie due to the fact that it was not a union run project. The movement may force Peter Jackson and Warner Brothers to change the location of the movie to Eastern Europe.

On the other hand, here's some hopefully positive news regarding The Hobbit. It is rumored that Martin Freeman of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fame will be playing Bilbo. Personally, I think there is no one more perfect for the role than Martin. Now that his name has come up, I don't think that I can envision anyone else in the role. Hopefully we'll be able to see him on the big screen sometime in the next, oh I don't know, decade or two.

Some of you may be aware that the recent Marvel movies, i.e. Iron Man 1 and 2, The Incredible Hulk and both the upcoming Thor and Captain America, are all predecessors to an Avengers movie. But what you may not know is that Black Widow, a character first seen in Iron Man 2 and played by Scarlett Johanson will be appearing in her own Marvel movie as a follow-up to The Avengers. I'm not sure how well this will be. But I really don't know enough about the character to go into any more detail. All I know, is that she kicked some serious buttocks in Iron Man 2 and that she works for Samuel Jackson.

Stay tuned as I look back (and forward) on Harry Potter, the novels and movies of a generation!

Countdown: Top 7 Best Movie Opening Scenes

Top seven? Why not a nice round number like 5 or 10? Well, here's why. I truthfully couldn't find any more than seven opening sequences that I thoroughly enjoyed and thought should garner a position on this list. That's it.

So without further adieu...

7. Gladiator: A battle of titanic proportions, a victory won, and a great life lost. The opening scenes of Gladiator, with it's depiction of a battle between the Holy Roman Empire and a horde of Germanic barbarians sets the stage for what would be one heck of an action packed ride.

6. Up: I'm not one known to cry while watching a movie, but I'm not sure if I've scene a more tragic scene in a film. Up's opening sequence, with it's tale of love found, love lived and love lost, brought me pretty darn close to tears!

5. Star Trek: The opening sequence for Star Trek's latest incarnation can be summed up as pure cinematic gold. From the breathtaking visual effects to the utilization of the classic Star Trek sound scheme from the original series, Star Trek's opening sequence sets the pace for the rest of the film. Not to mention, it pulls your heart strings!

4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: After seeing the introduction with it's massive battles, elves clad in gold, Sauron wielding a mace to the terror of his enemies, and a story that held true to the books, fans of the novels instantly knew that they're childhood memories were in good hands on the big screen.

3. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark:

The first scene from the very first Indiana Jones film is pefect. It instantly sets up Indy as an extremely interesting character to follow. Indy has to avoid poison darts, spear pits, and gigantic boulders. And in the end, his efforts were in vain anyway. I don't think he'd be considered your typical archaeologist! For anyone who's seen the film, I don't believe any more needs to be said.

2. Saving Private Ryan: The opening sequence for Saving Private Ryan has already gone down in the history of cinema as one of the most realistic interpretations of modern warfare to date. From the first scene where we see Private Ryan, aged and tormented by the ghosts of his past, to the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach, Saving Private Ryan has one of the most notable opening sequences in cinema, period.

1. Star Wars: A New Hope: Every viewer, upon seeing the might of the Empire's gargantuan Star Destroyer eclipse Princess Leia's smaller Corellian Corvette, knew that they were in for something completely different than anything they'd ever seen. This in turn heralded the introduction of one of the greatest movie villains of all time, Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith.

Your thoughts? Did I leave any movies out? Did I add any that you didn't think should be on the list? Feel free to comment below.