Month: October 2016

Just How Many Times Can John Cleese & Eric Idle Be Together Again at Last, for the Very First time

CleeseAndIdleCartoonBy Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Eric Idle and John Cleese are “Together Again at Last, for the Very First Time” — that’s the name of their show, and these living legends certainly had me enjoying their quirky comedy live and singing along to the many memorable tunes Idle composed over the years. Cleese, as a producer, recounted how Monty Python formed (it was through fortunate circumstance) and while some of the content is familiar — from his previous tours — to see the two join forces showed just how loved they are by fans.

They talked about the origins of the group and two of their movies: Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Life of Brian near the end of the first act. With Spamalot by the Victoria Operatic Society still fresh in memory, to be reminded of this Arthurian tale not only had me wondering which parts of the films they enjoyed the most. When Cleese talked about what worked cinematically, I get the sense he wants to be more involved in the production of a film. It’s a medium he’s embraced and to hear him praise cinematographer Terry Bedford as to how to comedy should be captured on film, had the movie editor in me take mental notes. His little lecture reminded me in how live skits should really get recorded so nothing is missed. Instead of relying on consistent cuts for close-ups and focusing on one character, a better technique is to go wide, and let the actors do their routine. That is, the camera is better off left to catch the action as a single shot.

Continue reading “Just How Many Times Can John Cleese & Eric Idle Be Together Again at Last, for the Very First time”

Eerie Ed’s Eclectic Musical Mix for All Hallow’s Eve

eerieedBy Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Halloween is almost here, and the only thing some readers fear is the same ol’ songs making these lists all the time. I’m offering an eclectic mix of tunes from various decades to get into the spirit. These are songs to be potentially enjoyed by all, and they are diverse enough to celebrate what the season is about. Disclaimer: perhaps one or two are of a 14+ design so please carefully click on what I describe is of “adult” nature.

Despite what my comrade in arms claims, I think his tastes are ancient. His choice is a perfect look into the past, but how far can I drag a pun? His selection is indeed a treasure chest of buried treasures, but can today’s generation truly appreciate them? I can hear a few folks say, “Those old-time tunes are dead; today’s kids crave pop.”

I pay attention to today’s modern music even though they are not all high on my hit list. One tune that did not make it on the list but deserves honourable mention is “Zydrate Anatomy” from Repo! the Genetic Opera (2008). I love this song because it’s edgy and treats the subject of drug addiction like Aerosmith’s song, “Janie’s Got A Gun” but only in a post-apocalyptic horror/sci-fi setting. Unlike a certain coffin character, I enjoy the progressive sound found in today’s compositions while still dosing in the tunes I grew up to.

“Grim Grinning Ghosts”
Buddy Baker and Xavier Atencio

The reason this tune works is that it plays with a well-known musical motif to underscore the creep factor. Known as the Devil’s Interval, the tritone, the resonance and emotional impact it imparts upon the listener invokes certain feelings. Back during the Renaissance certain musical constructs was banned since it creates a dissonant tone. In that era, music was made to praise God much like how Mozart is said to be a favourite child of his. Some of his scores are bright and cheerful, and others … oh my, watch out! Listeners can hear this composer’s life play out when considering how amazing the movie, Amadeus is — even though I’m digressing.

Buddy Baker’s work simply works because pieces are used repeatedly to let its timbre crawl under your skin.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11, Page 12, Page 13

Count Wind Up’s 13 Coffin Hits for the Living Impaired

James Shaw (The Wind Up Geek)By James Robert Shaw (The Wind Up Geek)

When it comes to Halloween music, I prefer the old and creepy over the new and scary (I’m still wondering whatever happened to the Transylvania Twist). And though my music picks may not be as eclectic as my writing partner’s (which is coming up), there are still some who consider I have good taste in both music and blood type.

Try as I might, narrowing this list down to just 13 ghoulish songs was an extremely difficult task. There are so many artists living, dead and undecided who deserve mention and praise. Perhaps next year I will expand on this list. For now, lay back in your coffin, cross your hands over your chest and listen to Count Wind Up’s 13 songs, guaranteed to bring a little flesh tone to your skin.

“Bogey Wail” – Jack Hylton (1929)

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11, Page 12, Page 13

Eerie Ed’s Haunted Top Ten Halloween Comic Book Reading List

125557_956257_36

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

The Halloween Comicfest is now into its fifth year, and this milestone certainly needs to be recognised. Not only will a handful of major comic companies, like Marvel, will be contributing themed goodies that comic shops around the world will distribute but also there will be toys! Diamond Select‘s release is the most notable, with sculpts from Universal Monsters Select Figures line. This year will see The Wolfman, The Mummy and Lucy Westenra, Monster Hunter.

Among the most notable items that will see free distribution is Afterlife with Archie: Season Two (Archie Comics), Evil Dead 2: Beyond Dead (Space Goat Productions), Harrow County (Dark Horse Comics), The Haunted Mansion #1 (Marvel) and Scooby Apocalypse (DC Comics).

Mini-Comics offered include John Carpenter’s Tales for a Halloween Night: the Traveler’s Tale, Mickey’s Inferno and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Manga by Diamond Publications.

Please phone your local comic book outlet to see if they are participating in this program.

As for regular releases, the following are my picks of the season — but I must begin with a classic:

Continue reading “Eerie Ed’s Haunted Top Ten Halloween Comic Book Reading List”

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8

CW’s Legends of Tomorrow Season Two Goes “Out of Time” Commentary

legends-of-tomorrow-s2-premiere

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Mild-Spoiler Alert!

The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow is venturing into new territory, and census says it feels like classic era Doctor Who material. The Time Masters are gone, wiped out, and Rip feels the group should take on the mantle to correct anomalies manifesting in the time stream. As I recall, even though the third doctor was exiled to Earth, that did not stop the Time Lords from recruiting him for missions they deem needs intervention in. I’m okay with this direction, and still have to wonder if Thanagar (from last season’s finale) has further plans with the planet Earth. To totally ignore a few plot reveals in a finale does not mean these details are unimportant. The showrunners and writers of this show decided this planet is of universal importance in the great cosmic scheme of things.

As the streamlined crew (minus Hawkman and girl) are out to right what once went wrong, I have to wonder how much Quantum Leaping this group will do? As this episode begins, Nate Heywood reveals to Mayor Oliver Queen that he’s finding minor aberrations in the timeline; they go off to find the sunken Waverider and one survivor — Mick — who recounts what has happened. The dire warning from last season where Rex Tyler warned of their eventual death gets explored in a massive flashback making up this episode — and most of the episode shows how the group has gotten better at being heroes.

Continue reading “CW’s Legends of Tomorrow Season Two Goes “Out of Time” Commentary”

From Paperclips to Microchips, the new MacGyver is not a Game-changer

The new actor in MacGyver does not hold a candle to Anderson and that nostalgia — to which may be the problem of this reboot.

macgyver

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

How can anyone decide to replace MacGyver, a television series and character that made Richard Dean Anderson famous? I loved the original series because his resourcefulness taught me more than a thing or two in how to make use of the most common items (to keep some of my old tech alive). Even when it no longer operates, I will take it apart and keep the screws, cogs and wheels to use elsewhere. The first three episodes certainly pays homage to moments I still recall from the original and captures the spirit — the action and voice-over — but to keep that enthusiasm week after week is tough. I’m watching, but I’m not always paying attention to every detail.

Lucas Till is the perfect choice to take on the mantle and he has that charm I recall from the original. But he does not hold a candle to Anderson and that nostalgia — to which may be the problem of this reboot. Instead of being new and original, it’s banking on the familiar. As with most shows developed these days, it’s also depending on sex appeal to get viewers attention.

Continue reading “From Paperclips to Microchips, the new MacGyver is not a Game-changer”