Tsukino-Con Day 3: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

TsukinoDay35When at a weekend convention, such as Tsukino-Con, if there is one thing I learned this year it is to take a freakin’ vacation in 2015. Working eight hours days across town and then hopping two long bus rides to make it in time for the last two hours of convention is a bit of a whirlwind. There is no time to relax and unwind from the trip, no time to chat to the con goers, no time to browse the tables of our dealers and talented artists and no time to truly appreciate the final day of a great con such as this.

On reflection, 2014 was a record-breaking one in terms of attendance for Tsukino. And I can understand why. It is a very active con and there is always something for the fans to enjoy. The University of Victoria (UVic) is the perfect setting for such a con, everything from food to transportation is within reach. With the growth in attendees over the last year, someone suggested the con should move off campus. To them I say “nay!”

From the facilities available in Victoria, UVic is the perfect place for such a con. No other place can house such an event that looks busy but still feels open and free. And besides, UVic benefits from the money spent on their campus and enrolled students get in for free. Why ruin such a good thing?

Continue reading “Tsukino-Con Day 3: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow”

Godzilla: Unstoppable Force of Nature

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

Godzilla2014Godzilla as a force of nature is the message that is being conveyed. Man’s arrogance it is said, is that we believe those forces are within our control. But Godzilla is a severe lesson in how powerless mankind is when dealing with a force of nature that is so unpredictable.

I had some concerns with the initial teaser trailer that there would be a cheese factor with this film. But after watching this latest trailer, those concerns have melted away. Gareth Edwards is letting fans know this is a serious drama and will be nothing like the debacle that was Godzilla 1998. Am I being too unkind? I suggest you watch the movie and judge for yourself.

Edwards uses a sullen atmosphere to set the tone for Godzilla’s rampage. Much like real life disasters, humans are never quite sure of what they see or what can be believed, even when it happens right in front of them. In this trailer, Godzilla is not fully revealed. Perhaps it is the director’s way of making the audience feel the confusion of the people on-screen.

My hat is off to you Mr. Edward’s for respecting the Toho source material.


 

Luxury Comedy Airing Set for May?

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

The second series of Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy will finally air on Channel 4 television sometime in May, or at least that is what Noel Fielding has surmised. Fans who expected a one year wait for the second series were rewarded for their long two year vigil. Fielding added sound to the final episode of the new season yesterday. Said Fielding via twitter

 
Continue reading “Luxury Comedy Airing Set for May?”

Youtube Find: M.A.S.K. Theme by Charley Corbiaux

mask1By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

Many of our readers remember the 80’s and if you do then you will definitely remember M.A.S.K. For those who are too young, M.A.S.K. was a powerhouse animated series, comic and toy line. The series revolved around a covert team called M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand). And at this team’s disposal were specialized vehicles and powerful helmets used to fight V.E.N.O.M. (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem).
Continue reading “Youtube Find: M.A.S.K. Theme by Charley Corbiaux”

Examining Pacific Rim’s Video Release: The Bonus Disc & Beyond

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

pacificrim1

Fans of the giant robot genre should take note: the “limited edition” video release of Pacific Rim is worth picking up for the packaging alone. It makes for a very cool display piece, and it ranks up there with other specially designed products like the Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection, presented as a chest, and Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One, contained in a suitcase. The bonus is that this simple 3D display piece is far cheaper than the other two, and it can still be the center of attention on any collector’s shelf.

Continue reading “Examining Pacific Rim’s Video Release: The Bonus Disc & Beyond”

Desconstructing the Purpose of the LEGO Movie, A Review

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

The_Lego_Movie_poster*Spoiler Alert

Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) certainly know their LEGO product; they philosophically understand what playing with these bricks is all about. But when it comes to cobbling together a well-meaning tale, the time wasted to get to the point is long. People watching The LEGO Movie may need a reality check later. They may wonder what goes on with their toys when no one is around.

If this movie is beginning to sound like Toy Story then maybe that’s this movie’s greatest secret let out. There is another potential reference, but do audiences really need another never-ending story? At least this product is a decent watch. Just where this film succeeds is with the final act when all the pieces of the puzzle start fitting together. However, the rest is a different entity altogether.

Continue reading “Desconstructing the Purpose of the LEGO Movie, A Review”