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Iron Man

I saw Iron Man over the weekend, and apparently so did a lot of other people. The film made over 100 million dollars in just a few days. I think it’s going to make a lot more before it’s over, because the film is really great… really.

I can’t tell you how skeptical I was to see Robert Downey Jr. as a superhero, but he did a fantastic job. He nailed the role of Tony Stark and his comedy moments were brilliant.

Wrapped in a very relevant story are scene after scene of pure gadget eye candy. The 3D and motion graphics work are spot on.

My only complaint is a very obvious product placement scene with Burger King. But I’ll get over it.

Great film. Be sure to catch this one on the big screen.

Posted in Movies on May 6th, 2008

300 Trailer

I don’t typically blog about movies until after I’ve seen them, but the trailer for 300 looks amazing. The cinematography is beautiful. Every frame is eye candy. Plus it looks like it will be a good movie.

If you want to see more, check out this podcast of the making of the film and the fight scenes, and this 300 production blog.

Posted in Design, Movies on October 9th, 2006

Afro Samurai

When Samuel L. Jackson isn’t busy fighting off snakes while he travels, he’s voicing the lead character in an original Spike TV anime series called AFRO SAMURAI. This 5-part series is being produced in English by Japan’s Gonzo Digimation. Jackson is also apparently developing a live action version. The anime series will debut this fall.

The super perspective art direction and animation looks great (reminds me of Aeon Flux), but it can get a bit gory. You can watch the trailer here.

Posted in Design, Movies on August 10th, 2006

Le Building Animated Short

Le Building is an animated short film made by 5 french students. That’s right, students, and it’s brilliant.

Originally created as an opening film for the Annecy International Animation Festival, the story is a simple one. A Grandmother wants her neighbor to stop singing so loud, and you follow the chain reaction that she starts.

The students completed the film in about four months (including screenplay, storyboards and character design). The technique is a mix of 2D, flash and 3D animation. The pizza guy, his bike, the bus and the crane are all 3D, all the other characters are traditionally 2D animated, except for the cat on the pizza guy’s head. He and all the backgrounds are drawn and animated in flash.

Great work.

Posted in Design, Movies on July 22nd, 2006

A Scanner Darkly 24 Minute Preview

If you’re planning on seeing A Scanner Darkly, check out this free 24 minute preview on IGN. The site is also offering video interviews with the actors and director. Interestingly, they’re having to age-restrict the preview since it’s “R” rated.

I was planning on seeing the film, if for nothing else but the interesting graphic overlay. But, I think I may have gotten my fill watching this preview. Things did begin to get mildly interesting… but only mildly.

I think they should have let the movie get to a more exciting point so that you felt as if you had to see it (perhaps there is no such point). They should have also released the preveiw a bit more broadly, like on YouTube.

On a positive note, the film does have a cool cartoon-like, hyper real visual effect, and I like the “scramble suit”.

Posted in Movies on July 14th, 2006

Dead Man’s Chest

Last night I went to see Pirates of The Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest. And I must say, it was just about everything a summer blockbuster should be. While I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first Pirates movie, it’s comes pretty close to capturing the feel and magic.

Dead Man’s Chest biggest problems were a few minor consistency and plot issues, a scene or two that tends to drag, and your typical leave-you-hanging middle film ending (That’s right, there will be a Pirates Of The Caribbean 3). Aside from those minor issues, it’s amazingly fun the whole way through.

Dead Man’s Chest does a great job of taking the lore and characters of the first film and weaving them into a brand new tale, while at the same time tying it closely to the first movie. And I love the little nods to the attraction at Disney’s Theme Parks.

It’s a bit darker than the first, but not without loads of humor. Depp is great and gets better as the film goes on, although it felt like he didn’t have many lines in this film. Bloom and Knightly are good and most of the secondary characters are terrific. I really enjoyed Jack Davenport as Mr. Norrington and was thrilled to see he was still a large part of the movie. Naomie Harris as the Gypsy Queen is great as well. But my favorite performance, hands down, goes to Bill Nighy as Davy Jones. Oooh, it’s a good one.

Speaking of Davy Jones, the special effects and character costumes/effects in Dead Man’s Chest was what really made the film for me. Every second of film with Davy Jones is amazing. In fact, Davy Jones and the crew of The Flying Dutchman could very well be part of the best special effects I’ve ever seen. What made it so great was their ability to blend the effects with the performances of the actors. Davy Jones was especially convincing in a very creepy, slimy, slippery way.

The film also has a nicely done flash website you should check out. And if you like, you can also download a remixed version of the soundtrack from iTunes.

Posted in Movies on July 11th, 2006

Superman Returns!

I went to see Superman Returns tonight and I have to say, I went in expecting to be a bit disappointed, but I wasn’t.

The action sequences were amazing. I love the way the environment reacted to Superman’s flying. I also liked all of the nods to the 1978 version. In fact, the story begins with Superman returning from a five year trip to visit his home planet’s ruins, and it picks up from where those Christopher Reeve versions left off.

The art direction was really nice as well. It had some wonderful textures and great architecture. I especially liked the Daily Planet building.

My only complaint is that it was about 25 minutes too long. Bryan Singer really took his time on some scenes, and occasionally it felt like too much time.

Overall, it was a lot of fun, I think Superman fans will like it, and it should make a few new ones.

Posted in Movies on June 30th, 2006

Harutoons

Hayasa Pictures founder Hayk Manukyan has a site filled with his great looking Harutoons. These flash animated shorts are funny, and the illustration and animation may inspire.

Check them out, and while you’re there, don’t miss Neenja I and II.

Posted in Design, Movies on June 22nd, 2006

Superman Returns: Exclusive iTunes Scene

Hey Superman fans, or future Superman fans (that should cover everyone), iTunes has an exclusive premiere scene of the upcoming film for your downloading pleasure.

Superman Returns opens Wednesday, June 28th. It will also be release in iMax, and it’s rumored that the iMax version will have extra scenes.

Posted in Movies, Web/Tech on June 21st, 2006

Best Video Sources Online

I often get asked about where to find quality video content online. If you’re looking to find some shows worth watching and downloading, then check out these online video sources.

NETWORKS
ABC
Blinkx tv
Democracy
FireAnt
Google Video
iFilm
iTunes
MobiTV
Newgrounds
Public Domain Torrents
Revver
Undergroundfilm
YouTube