Where's Ryorin, What's Up With The Schedule, and How About Some More Eva

You may remember when I previously mentioned that my shiny new schedule got a wee bit thrown off when unanticipated things that make up life happen.  This past week I've learned that when said unanticipated events include musicals, jet-lag, and illness, schedule get eaten whole.

So!  I will spend the next week making up the five posts I missed while laying in bed trying to digest my oh-so-hardy breakfast of a single sip of water before I move on to a new and improved schedule for March!

For those of you keeping track, that's one Fiction Friday, one Animated Tuesday, one Webcomic Wednesday, and two posts about whatever-I-kriffing-well please.  And, yes, I am counting this as today's official post because I'm still recovering and don't have the energy for this.

If you simply must have content, I watched the second Rebuild of Evangelion film, Evangelion: You Can (Not) Advance (the first of which I discuss here) and it was fantastic.  It felt much more coherent as a film than the first one and it changed a lot.  It even had a father-son moment, which caused me to flail about, grab my phone, and ask my brother if I was still watching something involving Eva.  It changes pacing, character development (oh my Waru, Rei!  You grew a personality!), when events happen, who the events happen to, etc.  It is still Eva but, to me, it felt the way Eva should have been.  And it adds a little things called "foreshadowing."  So much.  So.  Much.  So if you were let down by the ending of Neon Genesis Evangelion or just want to see an alternate take, check it out.  Also, it ends with a Hikaru Utada song that I am beginning to suspect is the theme for these movies.  Take that as you will.

(Belated) Animated Tuesday: You Are (Not) Alone in Thinking This Movie Was Long Overdue

Today I watched the film Evangelion 1.0: You are (Not) Alone.

You may have heard of the obscenely popular mid-nineties anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.  It was incredibly influential in shaping the giant robot genre as we know it and it is one of the most well known examples of genre deconstruction.  It had distinct imagery, memorable characters and dialogue ("I mustn't run away; I mustn't run away."), intriguing direction, and a director who was plagued by fatigue and depression, causing the show to culminate in an incredibly disappointing finale that was then replaced by an infamously gruesome and disturbing film.  It also had a really, really great theme song that haunts karaoke parlors to this day.  If you want my full feelings on the show, this review by JesuOtaku is one of the very few reviews of anything which I fully and emphatically agree with.  Basically, I think it had an enjoyable first half with lots of potential and then devolved into a pseudo-philosophical mess with pacing issues over the course of the second half.

This film is part one of a four part series to "Rebuild" (and hopefully reconstruct) the story of Evangelion.  Which is to say it's a reboot of the franchise.  I will never escape reboots, will I?  In this case, though, it is a sorely needed restoration of a series that shows its flaws more and more as time goes on. 

This movie retells the first several episodes of the series with updated animation, improved pacing, and minor story tweaking.  It also feels like a retelling of the first several episodes and the structure and pacing don't do anything to hide this.  This movie feels nothing like a movie; make of that what you will. 

The Rebuild Evangelion project has been called "Evangelion of its meds" by many (all of whom seem to be quoting some unnamed Mysterious Reviewer X) but this first film doesn't get far enough into or change enough about the story to reflect that.  On the other hand, it does tweak just enough to vastly improve one major element: the main character.  Let's talk about Shinji Ikari.

• Shinji's character design and facial expression are subtly tweaked from the original so that he looks less like an innocent, young, gender ambiguous waif and more like a weak, troubled fourteen-year-old.  It took me a while to notice it, but through changing minor details in his hair, eyes, and facial structure (and major details in his facial expressions) he no longer comes off as a wide-eyed innocent and this helps to contribute to my next bullet point...
• This film is fully aware of how much Shinji sucks.  He is a whiny, unstable brat.  He was always a whiny, unstable brat, but the TV series didn't seem quite aware of this, at least at the beginning.  This movie makes no bones about it, though, and it is wonderfully refreshing to hear characters say it and to see Shinji portrayed as such.  Somehow the acknowledgement of his loser nature and his cowardice (not in wanting to run away but in his inability to make his own decisions) manages to make him less annoying and more sympathetic. 
• The streamlined pacing of this film allows for more robots and less Shinji being whiny.  There's definitely enough Shinji time to get the gist of his whiny-ness, but the film seems to cut out some of the more redundant whiny internal monologuing and whatnot.  And  I am grateful.
• That scene at the end where they noticeably change the pacing of the overall series.  Okay, this has nothing overtly to do with Shinji, but I like that they put this in the first film and can't wait to see how it impacts Shinji's characterization.

It's been a while since I last saw the show and when I saw this beginning episodes I was busy looking forward to the episode where Shinji and Asuka go through intense dance training for our blue blood-red planet Earth humanity (more properly known as The Best Episode), but from what I remember, I would definitely recommend watching this film to someone interested in the story that made such an impact (Impact! Get it?) on anime and popular culture.  This film has me really looking forward to the second film, In Which They Make Obviously Changes.  The only problem was the lack of fantastic theme song  mentioned earlier, but at least there's a nice Hikaru Utada song at the end.

Star Was Spinoffs: Han and Boba Walk Into A Bar

You may have heard that Star Wars spinoff films are planned.  One rumor claims that there will be stand alone films centering around Han Solo and Boba Fett, respectively.  Clearly, there are a lot of people who would love for this to happen.  Both characters are well known fan favorites; who wouldn't die to see movies completely about them?

Ready the hate mail.

I really don't care for the idea.

I worry about solo (hah) films, and not just because of my concerns about focusing too much on the actions of one character through the course of a story and not showing interactions and relationships.  If these films are made, it is entirely possible that Han and Boba would both have interesting, well-rounded supporting casts and lots of interaction.  While I would worry about the execution, this isn't my primary concern with the concepts.  Nor is my issue that Han Solo already has an origin story in the Expanded Universe books.  I have no problem with Star Wars having two continuities (something I'll discuss in greater detail some other time).  No, my issue with Han and Boba having their own movies is much simpler than that:

Overexposure.

Most of my favorite characters in fiction of all forms (books, movies, comics, whatever) are supporting characters rather than the main protagonists.  Because they aren't the main characters, creators seem to feel more comfortable giving them a degree of unpredictability and an air of mystery.  The creators can also dose the amount of time you're exposed to a character, adding to the intrigue.  This, added to the fact that the audience primarily gets to know these characters through their interactions with the main character makes the audience's relationship with these characters different then that with the main characters.  Instead of being the characters you relate to and see yourself as, they get to be the characters you want to hang out with and wish you were.  These are the kinds of characters Han and Boba.


It's true that you can make good films about such overly amazing characters; the Indiana Jones films (at least the first and third ones) prove this.  The problem is with Han and Boba specifically.

I am tired of hearing about them.

I'm aware that this is a personal issue.  Not everyone has read Star Wars novels and is aware how much Han and Boba's roles grow.  But I'm also aware that I'm not alone.  As fantastic as they are in the Original Trilogy and as much as I loved both of them when I was little, I have been overexposed to them.  Stories focusing entirely on them have no draw for me because, frankly, I've heard it and seen it and read it before.  If these movies are made, I will be apathetic to them.  I love Star Wars, but it would take good reviews from specific people to make me care about Han and Boba movies.  At this point, I would much rather see movies with new characters with open futures instead of the back-stories of cool characters I've been hearing too much about constantly since I was five.

Feel free to comment and let me know if you agree, disagree, or what characters you wish would get their own films.

Favorites of 2011

Hello there, Internet.  It's been a while.

Since we last spoke, I had surgery, discovered that I did not have a nasty, life-changing disease, moved to another country while still recovering from aforementioned surgery, began graduate school, and discovered the joys of David Weber's Honor Harrington books.  Oh, and a universe was destroyed and remade, but we'll save that discussion for another time when I can discuss it more fully.

Anyway, as it is not yet February, a quick post about some of my personal favorites of the year 2011 seems appropriate.  Let us begin!

• Favorite Album of 2011: Something Fierce by Marian Call.  (Available for listening and purchase here).  I love this album.  I really, really do.  Marian Call is an Anchorage based singer/songwriter (which may or may not make me biased) with a folk/ blues style.  This album flows very well and has a variety of sort of song in it.  Some of my favorite songs from it: "Coffee by Numbers," "E.S.B," "Dear Mister Darcy," and "Anchorage."  And let me add, this was a year in which both Kamelot and Nightwish came out with great new albums.  Two of my favorite bands.  And this one was my favorite.
• Favorite Book of 2011: Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson.
  
    First off, let me say that a lot of amazing books in series that I love came out this year: Goliath by Scott Westerfeld, One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire, I Shall Wear Midnight (paperback) by Terry Pratchett, Across the Great Barrier by Patricia C. Wrede, multiple books by Timothy Zahn... I highly recommend all of those as well as this one.  They made this a tough choice.  Go read them.  This is an incredibly fun book.  Set three hundred years after the conclusion of the Mistborn trilogy, Alloy of Law has a Western-adventure-meets-steampunk-meets-magic feel and requires no previous knowledge of the world.  If you are familiar with any of Sanderson's previous works, you know that the world is going to be well thought out, and this book doesn't disappoint.  Nor does it disappoint with interesting characters.  This book must be read by every fantasy fan.  Every.  Single.  One.  Happily, there is plenty of material for sequels, so hopefully we'll see more.
• Favorite Superhero Film of 2011: Captain America: The First Avenger.  Like good books and good albums, several good superhero movies came out last year.  My runner-up is probably Thor, but Cap, silly scenes included, was my personal favorite.  Chris Evans did an amazing job and this was a really well made movie.
• Favorite Video Game of 2011: Portal 2.  Portal was an amazing puzzle game with an unexpectedly dark plot and background and this sequel is a great follow up.  While Aperture Science's benign facade is gone from the very beginning of this game, there are still secrets to uncover and witty robots to face.  And a great ending.
• Favorite Anime of 2011: My Ordinary Life

  

  Super-geniuses drink milk!

  (also known as Nichijou and available for completely legal viewing here).  Based on the yonkoma comedy manga by Keiichi Araw, this is basically a slice of life series about people going about their normal lives in a world that's just a tad... completely bonkers.  This series has a unique sense of humor that may not suite everyone, but I say check it out in case it is your thing.  The animation style(s) are gorgeous and the ridiculousness (a seven-year-old mad scientist!  who acts like a real seven-year-old!) is fantastic.  This series is made of sparkles, rocket ships, and pure joy.  Runner-up series: Hanasaku Iroha.
• 
  Favorite Amazing Conclusion to a Long Running Manga Series of 2011: Fullmetal Alchemist volume 27.  Okay, this is practically cheating but I must mention it.  Fullmetal Alchemist is an amazing, amazing series and this is a wonderful conclusion to it.  If you like comics and/or fantasy, go read this series.  My favorite (non-spoilery) part of this volume: the train station scene.  It's just so perfect.

 That's all for now!  Have some favorites of your own to share?  Feel free to leave a comment!

Old Poll, New Poll, and May the Fourth

First off: Happy May Fourth, Day of Bad Star Wars puns!  Which is to say that StarWars.com has announced it "Star Wars Day" and is releasing information about the Star Wars Blu-ray set.  Because it's May the Fourth.  If you can't/don't want to dig through the official sight, Club Jade posted much of the info here.

My last poll asked which of this year's superhero movies you were most looking forward to, and the results were three votes for Captain America, one vote for Thor, and both Green Lantern and Green Hornet were unloved with zero votes.  I personally was most looking forward to Cap's movie, but I have to admit, I'm getting pretty excited about Thor coming out later this week.

The new poll asks your favorite "Star" franchises.  You may select more than one because, hey, I don't think I could choose between my favorite two.  Let me know which are your favorites in the comments or, if your favorites aren't listed, let me know what they are, why you love them, and why you consider them a "Star" franchise.  Just because I only listed science fiction franchises starting with "Star" doesn't there aren't others with legitimate claim to the designation.

Things To Look Forward to in 2011

A lot of things are happening this year, so it seems appropriate to talk about them as my first post of 2011.  In no particular order, here are some of the geeky things I'm looking forward to in 2011:

• Lots of Superhero Movies: The Green Hornet came out in the US on January 12 and Thor, Green Lantern, and Captain America: The First Avenger are scheduled for release in May, June, and July respectively.  Hopefully all of them will go well, and chances are at least one will be good.
• The Last Harry Potter Film: Deathly Hallows Part One  was possibly my favorite Harry Potter adaptation yet, and I am looking forward to Part Two knocking my socks off.

• Not One, But Two New Zahn Books: Cobra Guardian, sequel to Cobra Alliance, and Star Wars: Choices of One, sequel to Allegiance are both set for release this year.  As I may have mentioned before, I'm a big fan of Timothy Zahn's books, both Star Wars and non, so I am happy.
• Heir to the Empire Strikes Back: Speaking of amazing books by Timothy Zahn, the twentieth anniversary re-release of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire comes out this June, with new cover art (at least for the jacket...), annotations and a new short story.
• More Full Metal Panic! Novel Translations: I love giant robots and I love humor, so naturally one of my favorite anime series is Full Metal Panic!, based on the novels by Shoji Gatoh.  After nearly three years, Tokyopop is finally translating the Ending Day By Day, the fourth Full Metal Panic novel.  This is the book that FMP's third anime season, The Second Raid, is based on.  Say what you will about Tokyopop's novel translations, I'll be happy to have this book available to read in English.
• The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya:  The anime film based on the fourth book in Nagaru Tanigawa's Haruhi Suzumiya series is set for a US release this spring.  I really enjoyed the book and the anime series, so the movie should be fun to see.
• Television Continues Being Fun: While Syfy has canceled SGU, the shows Warehouse 13, Sanctuary, and Eureka have all been renewed for their third, fourth, and fifth seasons, respectively.  Also, the psychic detective comedy Psych has been renewed for a sixth season, so I'll have a lot of TV to veg-out on, despite the sad lack of Stargate.
• Veteran's Day/ Remembrance Day: November 11, 2011.  AKA: 11/11/11  How can you not love that?

So, those are a few things I'm happily awaiting this year.  Happy slightly-early Year of the Rabbit, and may you have plenty of good things to look forward to!

Once More With Movies: Buffy Gets A Reboot

In case you didn't catch the Buzz of the Day, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has been confirmed for a reboot film.  As I am typing this, thunder is booming ominously in the background.  Whether it is a portent or merely an interestingly timed result of Michigan weather pattern, only time will tell.

That's right, you read that first sentence correctly.  There will be a Buffy reboot.  If that shocked you, than brace for impact: Joss Whedon is not involved.  Buffy's new writer will be Whit Anderson, of whom I honestly don't know enough about to comment.  Joss Whedon has already reacted to the news.

I really have mixed feelings about this.  At this point, there just doesn't seem to be enough information for meaningful speculation.   In her interview with the Los Angeles Times, Anderson says that "While this is not your high-school Buffy, she’ll be just as witty, tough and sexy as we all remember her to be."  This could mean that Buffy won't be back in high school for the reboot, but in context with the rest of the article, it could also mean simply that it won't be the same Buffy you remember from when you were in high school.  Not exactly a crammed full of information, are you quote?  At least it says "just as" instead of "even more."  That's a good sign.

The popular TV show ran for seven seasons and was itself a reboot of a far less successful 1992 film, so this film will actually be a reboot of a reboot and will be joining Spider-man in his tangled web of reboots.  The TV series also spun-off a continuation in the form of the comic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight, so people who want more Buffy but not without Whedon ought to check that out if they haven't already.


So, because I love bullet-points so much, some things to speculate about despite my assertion that there's not enough info:

• The Setting: I guess I already covered this above, but still.  Will it be high school, college, or neither?  While the original concept was based on the motif of "high school is hell," the TV series hit on all of these times in Buffy's life.  I personally think high school would be the most logical choice, but, hey, you never know.
• The Friends: will the Scoobies (Buffy's friends/side-kicks) be in the film, with new interpretations of Willow and Xander, or will Buffy have new friends?  Over the course of the series, the Scoobies became extremely popular among fans in their own right, so will they be carried over?
• The Cast: this one's pretty obvious.  Since Whedon's not involved, we probably shouldn't expect any of the TV series' cast to return either.  There's also the fact that the series ended seven years ago and the cast has continued aging regardless.
• The Villains: will they be reinterpretations of villains from the series or all-new?
• The Love-Interest: will there be one?  Will he be undead?  Will he be all-new or Angel?  Or would they be so radical as to make it someone from the series who isn't Angel?
• The Vampires: will they return to the campy masks, or-- wait, stupid question.  Here's a better one: how will their appearances differ from their televised counter-parts?  Will their abilities, weaknesses, and lore be different?
• The Story: will it be new or from the series?  While there are plenty of interesting story arcs in the series to choose from, I rather doubt they'll go that route.  Many of them built up over a long period of time and would be difficult to introduce new viewers to, like the Dark Willow Saga.

Those are what I'm wondering about for now.  I'd say more, but I need more time to process this and figure out whether I should be afraid, excited, or both.  At this point, I really don't know how to react, which is probably the proper reaction.

Here are the relevent links once more:

Announcement!
Interview with a Writer!
The Creator's Response!

Brand New Movie Franchise: Spidey Gets a Reboot. Again.

As You may have picked-up on from previous posts, I am rather attached to Spider-man.  Because of that, I have a lot to say about this topic and this post is kind of long.  Please bare with me and feel free to get a snack at the intermission.  Thank you.

For those of you who didn't hear back in January, Spider-man, quite possibly the most popular comic-book movie franchise around, is getting a reboot.  That's right, folks, the fourth movie starring the world's favorite arachnid-themed costumed hero will ignore the previous three and will have a completely new director and cast.

The main reason for this change is apparently director Sam Raimi's lack of confidence in his ability to make Sony's deadline for a May 11, 2011 release, but there were apparently quite a few creative differences between the director and the company as well.  They wanted lots of villains, he wanted one, they wanted one script, he wanted another, etc. Apparently similar issues came up with the third one, and we all remember how well that turned out...  Any way, now Marc Webb will be directing instead of Sam Raimi.

Spider-man getting a reboot is hardly a revolutionary concept.  The poor guy seems plagued with 'em.  Let's take a look at his comic reboots from the past ten years: