Vin Diesel's latest masterpiece

Post by **Omphalos** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 2:22 am

Pretty stupid title if you ask me.

Post by **SandChigger** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 3:14 am

Title, hell. Did you read the plot outline?

Post by **Omphalos** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:03 am

SandChigger wrote:Title, hell. Did you read the plot outline?

Yea, I got there too. Its made by a Frenchman, so I gave him the break that he obviously will need.

Post by **Freakzilla** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 11:44 am

Genetic messiah

That's so 1965

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 12:45 pm

Wow, way to give away the whole plot 20th Century FOX.

I love the way the studios market movies these days, just blabbing the entire plot out in the synopsis or the trailer. After that, there's really no need to see the film because the audience already knows what happens

Post by **SandChigger** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 4:15 pm

Kinda like going to see a Dune film, huh? You already know how it's going to end.

(Norma saves the day!

)

Post by **Robspierre** » Sun Apr 27, 2008 7:21 pm

Only PG-13? Why fucking bother?

Rob

Jaster Mereel · Post by **Jaster Mereel** » Thu May 01, 2008 4:14 pm

I didn't realize vin diesel had a previous masterpiece.

Liege-Killer · Post by **Liege-Killer** » Thu May 01, 2008 4:41 pm

Is it based on something else.... book, comic, something? I know I've heard that title before, years and years ago. Maybe it was something unrelated though.

Anyway, even though I like ol' Vinny, that plot outline doesn't exactly make me tingle with anticipation.

Star Dust · Post by **Star Dust** » Sat May 03, 2008 7:30 pm

Jaster Mereel wrote:I didn't realize vin diesel had a previous masterpiece.

Sweet avatar. Is that Mike Liut??

Jaster Mereel · Post by **Jaster Mereel** » Mon May 05, 2008 5:38 pm

Star Dust wrote: Sweet avatar. Is that Mike Liut??

Thanks!

It's actually of the goalie right before Liut, Ed Staniowski. He was just before my time but being an avid Blues fan and a goalie myself, I love that picture. The angle and postion of it is great, not to mention the kick ass old jason mask.

Post by **Omphalos** » Mon May 05, 2008 8:46 pm

A trailer for this thing has hit You Tube and other sites. It isnt inspiring me to want to pay money to see this thing. There is also a French trailer out there that is even less inspiring. It looks a bit like a cheap knock off of Blade Runner, the X Games and The Hunt for Red October all rolled into one. Anyone inspired by this thing?

Post by **SandChigger** » Mon May 05, 2008 10:02 pm

INSPIRED? OH GOD, HOW CAN YOU ASK?! WHY DO YOU EVEN HAVE TO?! DUDE, IT'S VIN DIESEL!!! VIN DIESEL, DO YOU HEAR ME?! OH MY GOD! MY GOD! HE'S LIKE, THE GREATEST! EVER! EVER EVER! FOREVER! GOD GOD GOD! I MEAN, LIKE, GOD! I SOMETIMES WISH I WAS A BINT SO I COULD HAVE HIS CHILDREN! INSPIRED? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!?!?!?!?! AM I INSPIRED?!

No.

Post by **Omphalos** » Mon May 05, 2008 10:33 pm

Been drinking coffee with Teg again lately?

Post by **SandChigger** » Tue May 06, 2008 2:24 am

No. That's tomorrow afternoon, actually.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Post by **Omphalos** » Tue May 06, 2008 9:02 am

Tell him I still want my other fucking sock back.

Post by **SandChigger** » Tue May 06, 2008 10:05 am

And I told you I ain't gettin' involved in no footsie disputes.

Mr. Teg · Post by **Mr. Teg** » Wed May 07, 2008 6:38 am

Omphalos wrote:Tell him I still want my other fucking sock back.

You said I could keep your socks as a momento...

Post by **Omphalos** » Wed May 07, 2008 8:29 am

Mr. Teg wrote:
Omphalos wrote:Tell him I still want my other fucking sock back.
You said I could keep your socks as a momento...

That's what the bowling ball was for.

Post by **SandChigger** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:07 pm

Oh...gawd...no...please...don't let me...must...stop...no...control.....AAAARGH!

What's the difference between Hyppo and a bowling ball?!

You could eat the bowling ball if you had to.

Aaaaaah!

Post by **Omphalos** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:12 pm

I have seen ads for this thing all over the place. I DVR ST:TNG every day on SF, and Thursday I capture all four episodes of Jeremiah that they air, and I have yet to see an ad break with out a plea to go see this movie.

Looks like others out there agree with us.

Does this mean that its worse than Plan 9 From Outer Space? That's bad!

Here is where even the director says that its crap. Though he is French and full of shit as to why, I think I still believe him.

Post by **SandChigger** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 9:54 pm

Was that the frog said, "Riddick...Riddick"?

Haven't seen any ads for it over here yet. Maybe even the Japanese will find it too silly and pass.

Nah!

I think Hancock just started playing yesterday, btw. Have been seeing a lot of ads for it.

(Heard the rumor that Berg was seen meeting/talking to Christina Aguilera. Who do you think she'll be? Chani? Jessica? Mohiam? Alia?

)

Post by **Omphalos** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:03 pm

SandChigger wrote:I think Hancock just started playing yesterday, btw. Have been seeing a lot of ads for it.

Was that supposed to have sucked? I love Will Smith.

SandChigger wrote:(Heard the rumor that Berg was seen meeting/talking to Christina Aguilera. Who do you think she'll be? Chani? Jessica? Mohiam? Alia? )

Talk about fantastically water-fat!

Post by **SandChigger** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 10:17 pm

Omphalos wrote:Talk about fantastically water-fat!

Ouch!

That Hurt.

Post by **Omphalos** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:32 am

Maybe he is planning a musical number? A touching lament after Paul drinks the WoL as she rides the worm up from the Southern reaches? It could be a duet with Jessica when she arrives!

Ampoliros · Post by **Ampoliros** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:09 am

I Hate that song. Actually there is a lot of pop crap like that I hate. Because it sucks and has no relevance other than how much of this shit can we pop out, sell to tweens, rape them of their cultural heritage and block actual talent from reaching.

Hmm sounds like "Cash of Dune" "Profit of Dune" "Dune of Dune" "Dune of Dune of Dune" "KJA shit his pants of Dune"

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:41 am

I actually appreciate reading that rare interview where a director says exactly what's on his mind. No meaningless marketing talk, no my-agent-approves-this-next-speech; just pure opinion and throwing consequences to the wind

Still, I agree with the critics that Kassovitz's excuse is tenuous at best. I don't care how much studio interference there was, you don't cast Vin Diesel in anything other than a shit film. If you want to make a serious sci-fi adventure-drama, you cast Clive Owen and you call it Children of Men

Post by **Omphalos** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:23 pm

GamePlayer wrote:If you want to make a serious sci-fi adventure-drama, you cast Clive Owen and you call it Children of Men

I sawr the light, Brotha!!!!

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:32 pm

Omphalos wrote:I sawr...

LOL! I'd get in so much shit from my British friend if he sawr me laughing about that. I can almost feel the bruises

Star Dust · Post by **Star Dust** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:36 pm

I actually thought Pitch Black was pretty good. Good movie that is. Diesel
was unremarkable, but at least he didn't suck. Well, I didn't think so.

Post by **SandChigger** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 2:56 pm

I rather enjoyed Pitch Black myself.

The sequel sucked mightily, however.

Star Dust · Post by **Star Dust** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:06 pm

SandChigger wrote:The sequel sucked mightily, however.

<nods>

Aye, it is known.

A Thing of Eternity · Post by **A Thing of Eternity** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:18 pm

Star Dust wrote:
SandChigger wrote:The sequel sucked mightily, however.
<nods>

Aye, it is known.

Indeed. If you turn off certain arts of your mind it's OK.

Ampoliros · Post by **Ampoliros** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:50 pm

Turn off your mind. Seems to be a lot of that recently. We need more stuff (legal stuff) that turns ON your mind.

A Thing of Eternity · Post by **A Thing of Eternity** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:11 pm

Ampoliros wrote:Turn off your mind. Seems to be a lot of that recently. We need more stuff (legal stuff) that turns ON your mind.

There are many legal stimulant substances which turn the mind more "on" but it would be unwise to confuse that effect with "improving" consciousness, a neuron which triggers too easily is just as useless as one which triggers not easily enough.

Post by **SandChigger** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:18 pm

Thank you for that perspective, arDoltômas.

(Just keedding! Heere, have feesh! c=< ... Well, sort off looks like feesh.

)

Ampoliros wrote:We need more stuff (legal stuff) that turns ON your mind.

Ahp, of a surety.

A Thing of Eternity · Post by **A Thing of Eternity** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:20 pm

SandChigger wrote:Thank you for that perspective, arDoltômas.

(Just keedding! Heere, have feesh! c=< ... Well, sort off looks like feesh. )

Ampoliros wrote:We need more stuff (legal stuff) that turns ON your mind.
Ahp, of a surety.

Where the hell did this "Ahp" business come from? Sound more like an exclamation of surprise than agreement.

Post by **SandChigger** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:30 pm

A friend from Wolverhampton used to say it all the time (in jest), and I'm pretty sure I've heard it on TV shows and in movies.

Haven't looked into it, but I've always assumed it comes from something like "Happen that it did". It's an affirmation, so far as I can tell.

I take it I should add it to my List of Things that Annoy Thang?

A Thing of Eternity · Post by **A Thing of Eternity** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:32 pm

SandChigger wrote:A friend from Wolverhampton used to say it all the time (in jest), and I'm pretty sure I've heard it on TV shows and in movies.

Haven't looked into it, but I've always assumed it comes from something like "Happen that it did". It's an affirmation, so far as I can tell.

I take it I should add it to my List of Things that Annoy Thang?

No, I would advise against creating any such list, it would be long indeed.

I just wondered where it came from.

Post by **Omphalos** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:38 pm

Ive heard people use it too. It is an affirmation, but Ive noticed it is only used when something is said that that the speaker should have known, but forgot. More like an "oh shit, I knew that!"

Post by **SandChigger** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:47 pm

Ahp.

(My sense is that it's more like, "Yep, I know exactly what you mean and agree completely!")

Star Dust · Post by **Star Dust** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:37 pm

I like yup yup. When i doubt, double it.

A Thing of Eternity · Thu Sep 04, 2008 11:10 am

I like Yarr... it's pirate-y and I like pirates.

Seraphan · Post by **Seraphan** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:32 pm

We need more stuff (legal stuff) that turns ON your mind.

Movie speaking, Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocense blew my mind when i saw them. Explain to me again why these sci-fi movie directors dont learn from them?

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:49 pm

Ignorance
Ego
Superiority complex
Imperialism
Cultural elitism
Ethnocentrism

All of the above

I love film and I admit I'm a film geek first and an anime fan second. But I will say with all honesty and humility, it took North American filmmakers (and our own society, by extension) almost 20 years to learn what we anime fans had figured out decades ago. While the Japanese enthusiastically embraced a seminal film like Blade Runner that influenced almost two decades of science fiction anime, it took North Americans 20 years to produce an anime-inspired work like The Matrix.

What can I say; we're slow learners

Star Dust · Post by **Star Dust** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 8:31 pm

I am history challenged when it comes to anime. Shit, I'm just challenged
when it comes to anime. Regardless...was Blade Runner really that big of
an influence? I love the movie, but I was unaware of this other effect.

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:01 am

Yes indeed, Blade Runner was a major influence upon anime. No one really talks about it much, because who cares about anime, after all?

Seriously, it's safe to say Blade Runner (and cyberpunk by extension) was the primary influence on 1980's science fiction anime. Numerous anime productions such as Bubblegum Crisis, Megazone 23, and Appleseed take liberally from Blade Runner. Bubblegum Crisis in particular embraced the Blade Runner aesthetic almost completely, including cybernetic entities called "Boomers" that masquerade as humans and even one of the main character designs is modelled after Daryl Hannah and named "Priss". In addition to these anime productions, several landmark anime titles such as Katsuhiro Otomo's seminal Akira and Mamoru Oshii's influential Ghost in the Shell take directly from Blade Runner, most notably the architectural design, the urban sprawl, the film-noir themes and the dark oppressive atmosphere.

Echos of the Blade Runner's influence in Japanese animation can be found all the way to the present, including elements within such titles as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Serial Experiments Lain. Particularly the tech-noir aspects of Shinichiro Wantanabe's series Cowboy Bebop series owe much to Ridely Scott's Blade Runner. While it is agreed that the larger genre of cyberpunk, particularly the work of Canadian cyberpunk writer William Gibson, was a greater influence on Japanese anime, it is clear the unmistakable set design of Blade Runner was a major influence on the visual style of most 1980's science fiction anime. Even anime works that don't share the tech-noir themes or story similarities with Blade Runner often borrow extensively from the visual design of the film.

It's likely the Japanese embraced Blade Runner and cyberpunk so enthusiastically because modern urban Japan already shares so much in common with the fundamentals of the cyberpunk genre. The tall artificial landscapes, the techno-commercialization, the urban sprawl and other aspects of cyberpunk are already a part of Japanese life to a certain degree. Especially the Japanese influences felt so strongly in Ridley Scott's fictional Los Angeles likely appealed to foreign audiences in Japan (the asian restaurants, the Japanese iconography, the geisha adverts, etc).

Makes one appreciate just how important Blade Runner really was

Post by **Freakzilla** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:13 am

GamePlayer wrote:Makes one appreciate just how important Blade Runner really was

Which is ironic considering it bombed at the box office. I remember a friend raving about it after seeing it at the theater, I hadn't even seen a commercial for it. The marketing was almost non-existant from what I remember.

Post by **Freakzilla** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:17 am

I didn't even realize until reading the wiki article that White Zombie's More Human than Human was inspired by Blade Runner.

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:23 am

Well, not every landmark film was a big success during it's initial run in the theatres. Fight Club was not successful at the box office either, but became a huge success on home video and it's now an indelible part of popular culture.

It's often said that Blade Runner was very much ahead of its time and I agree. That's one reason why the film has endured and is now acknowledged as a modern classic.

I'm not familiar with White Zombie, but that song title definitely scream Blade Runner

Star Dust · Post by **Star Dust** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:24 am

I've only recently gotten into anime, at least in a manner that could be
described as "gotten into", and this was directly attributable to my kids
discovering it. Most of what I've seen is Studio Gibli (sp?) stuff, which I
really, really like. Great storytelling. But I'd love to pick up some scifi
anime, preferably feature films.

And to top it all off, hentai isn't all that bad, either.

Post by **Freakzilla** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:26 am

GamePlayer wrote:I'm not familiar with White Zombie, but that song title definitely scream Blade Runner

I've heard the song a hundred times at least and just have never paid attention to the title or lyrics. If someone walked up to me and said, "More Human than Human" I would have immediately thought Blade Runner.

GamePlayer · Post by **GamePlayer** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:34 am

Star Dust
Anime is okay. It's about the same as any other medium of entertainment; some really great stuff, but also a lot of crap. I think what attracted me to anime, at least initally, was the bravery of the stories and subject matter as well as the unique visual style. At the time, many of the stories were going in directions not even live action film was exploring. Even today, some anime is so fringe it's amazing. I look at Cowboy Bebop, in particular the episode "Sympathy for the Devil" and they get away with stuff in that show that no live action director would even dare to touch. Impressive cinematic art at its finest.

The Studio Ghibli stuff is great, but definitely more familiy friendly. My favorite Ghibli films are Nausicaa ofThe Valley of The Wind, Mononoke Hime, and Spirited Away.

Funny thing is, I've never got into hentai. It can look pretty, but it just lacks too much reality to maintain my interest. I enjoy the inherent unreality of anime; it's one of it's strengths. But that same unreality just doesn't seem to work that well in provocative hentai. But it's an interesting form of entertainment from an academic and sociological veiwpoint. It often stands as a testament to the boundry breaking potential of what can be achieved with animation.

Freak Z
I've had that happen. I think it was with several songs by The Police. I grew up listening to them on the radio and enjoyed the songs, but I was too young to really get them or understand some of the lyrics. I must have listened to them hundreds of times and never made the connection.
Then much later in life I listened to them again and suddenly gained a new appreciation for the sophistication of the lyrics, and more importantly, the subject matter. I wasn't expecting ruminations of philosophy in "Wrapped Around Your Finger" or Nabakov in "Don't Stand So Close to me"

Star Dust · Post by **Star Dust** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 10:46 am

GamePlayer wrote:The Studio Ghibli stuff is great, but definitely more familiy friendly. My favorite Ghibli films are Nausicaa ofThe Valley of The Wind, Mononoke Hime, and Spirited Away.

I've seen all of those! yay me!

I've also seen Graveyard of the Fireflies, Castle in the Sky, Howle's Moving
Castle, Akira, Steamboy and Kiki's Delivery Service. And yes, very family
friendly. Definitely no alien appendages inserting themselves in female
orifices in those movies.

Post by **Omphalos** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 3:21 am

Here's that GITS discussion. Was that what we were looking for the other day?

Post by **SandChigger** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:39 pm

Hmmm...not quite? (I haven't had a look for it yet.)