Geekfest Rants

In Defense of Old Superhero Movies, Part 2 - by Steve Vivona

Shortly after The Punisher went into production 21^st Century Films (founded by Menahem Golan, late of Cannon films) announced two Marvel projects in the trades: Spider-Man and Captain America. Spider-Man soon entered a legal morass of court battles between MGM, Carolco, Sony, Golan and God knows who else, eventually emerging in 2002 as the blockbuster directed by Sam Raimi.

Cap was not so lucky. Golan managed to get his film off the ground with Cyborg director Albert Pyun, a well-meaning guy who has made a career of schlocky independent films that valiantly try (and often fail) to be more than what they are. Pyun's heart was in the right place on this film, but unlike The Punisher - which is punctuated by well-staged action set pieces – nothing happens in this film.

Episode 146 - Thawing Out Buck Rogers...in the 25th Century

Today on Geekfest Rants Carlos and James take another trip back to early 80's television to revisit one of their childhood favorite shows, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.  Join us as we thaw out everyone's favorite frozen astronaut Buck Rogers, played by the futuristic spandex wearing Gil Gerard.  We'll examine the movie, tv show, and toys to see if they still hold up (they usually don't). Remember, he's been onboard Ranger 3 out in space since 1987.

 Episode 146 - Thawing Out Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (30:01)
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Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected] 

 

The New Star Trek: Why Trekkers Need To Relax - by Tom LaSusa

I finally caught “Star Trek: Into Darkness” featuring Sylar as Spock and Sherlock Holmes as the currently worst kept secret in Hollyood.

By no means was it a perfect film, nor did it really do much to surpass its predecessor.  But it was a fun popcorn romp with some nice homages to past Trek.

I enjoyed the JJ Abrams rebooted Trek Universe when it debuted in 2009.  Having it take place in an alternate timeline was a smart way to honor everything that had come before, while giving Abrams and his team free reign to tinker with the familiar characters and plots.

Episode 145 - The Evil Dead Films

On this week's installment of GFR Carlos and Steve V. unearth the original trilogy as well as dissect the reboot (remake, reimagining, semi-sequel??) of the seminal horror classic Evil Dead, coming soon to blu ray! This film has caused a bit of a rift amongst the Geeks as not all of them felt the film was groooovy. Who dug it? Who didn't and why? And what's the future of this franchise? So bust out the chainsaw and lop off a limb as we travel back to that scary cabin in the woods!

 Episode 145 - The Evil Dead Films (26:54)

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Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected] 

Spirit and Guts: Revisiting the Dennis Quaid/Jim Caviezel Movie “Frequency” for Father’s Day - by Tony Rossi

Anyone who’s seen the Aurora Borealis either in pictures, on video or in person knows the beauty these “Northern Lights” can produce. But they’ve rarely produced anything as beautiful as the time they allowed John Sullivan to reconnect with his long-dead father and try to save his life.

That’s the premise of the film “Frequency,” released in 2000, written by Toby Emmerich and directed by Gregory Hoblit.

The story begins in Bayside, Queens, October 1969, a few days before firefighter Frank Sullivan (Dennis Quaid) will die while trying to rescue a teenager in an abandoned warehouse fire.

Click here for the rest of this article:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christophers/2013/06/spirit-and-guts-revisiting-the-dennis-quaidjim-caviezel-movie-frequency-for-fathers-day/#

Episode 144 - James Bond Music - Part 4

Today on Geekfest Rants, Carlos and James conclude thier discussion on James Bond Music.  Here with Part 4 of our special, we are introduced to our newest Bond, Daniel Craig.  Included here we have a great score by Thomas Newman and the hit theme song by Adele, Skyfall.

 Episode 144 - James Bond Music - Part 4 (26:48)
(To download as an MP3, right click on the above bar and save to desktop)

Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected] 

In Defense of Old Superhero Movies - by Steve Vivona

The recent release of special edition blu rays for the original Punisher and Captain America films got me reminiscing about the days when studio execs looked down on comics as little more than kiddy fare, and what little they did produce often went straight to video – or in one infamous case – nowhere.

As a member of the Television Club back in college I did a show about superheroes on film and television. This was 1992 mind you, so beyond the Supermans, the Batmans and the Hulk, most of what I was covering could hardly be considered classic.

It's hard to conceive of now but back in my day (did I really just say that?) superheroes were hardly the hot properties they are today. Aside from the aforementioned Batman and Superman, few studios were willing to take a gamble on characters from the funnybooks, and when they did they often strayed so far from the source material that the result was sheer parody.

Episode 143 - Doctor Who, Season 7 Recap

In this episode, GFR's Carlos is joined by guest commentator Tom LaSusa and they discuss the wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey world of 'Doctor Who.' The season finale gave fans alot of answers, plenty more questions, and a jaw-dropping cliffhanger until the 50th Anniversary special this November. We cover it all, including whether Matt Smith will continue on as everyone's favorite Time Lord (UPDATE: MATT SMITH QUITS?!?!? We reconvene to discuss this shocking news and who the top contenders are for the role).

 Episode 143 - Doctor Who, Season 7 Recap (29:02)

 (To download as an MP3, right click on the above bar and save to desktop)

Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected] 

“Man of Steel” Rumor: Why Superman Fans May Revolt - by Tom LaSusa

So, there’s a rumor circulating that the upcoming “Man of Steel” film — which looks bloody magnificent based on the trailers — contains a fairly substantial change to the Superman mythos.  I’m hoping that it’s fanboy/troll nonsense, because if it isn’t you can almost guarantee there’s going to be a nerd revolt.

Okay…Spoiler Alert Countdown (last chance to turn back):