X-Entertainment's Christmas Season & Advent Calendar, 2008.

01/09/2008: Cloverfrenzied.

Sorry about the lack of updates lately. I think my brain was going through one of those infrequent bouts of needing a long R&R period. Also, I was pretty exhausted after this year’s Advent Calendar, and what was only intended to be “a few days off” turned into…well, however long it’s been.

However! I’ve actually been working on a “real” article on and off for the past week. I generally don’t do that, because if I can’t knock an article out in one or two sittings, it usually means that I’m not really all that into it. I think I’m into this one, but I just can’t muster the gusto to shut the world off for the six hours it’d take to finish it, polish it, publish it and be done with it. But, that’ll happen sooner or later. It’s a really dumb one, too. Something maybe 5% of you will be at all interested in. But hey.

This post is just my way of saying that I haven’t been hit by a train or anything, but there’s one other thing I should talk about before it gets too late to do so with purpose:

Went into the office today to kick off a couple of new gigs, which I was happy about for several reasons. One, I got to see my work buds for the first time in over a month. Two, this will eventually lead to paychecks. Three, I was starting to go a bit stir crazy. Four…I got to see giant Cloverfield billboards.

You know, I’m just going to come out and admit that I’m a total 100% Grade A Cloverfield fanboy, and have been since Day 1. I’ve only mentioned it once or twice on the site, but truth be told, I’ve been tracking this film like a teenaged loon, day in, day out.

Even if you haven’t actively followed it, you’ve probably heard about the film’s screwy viral campaign. I mean, if you’re online a lot, it’s been kind of hard to miss. I know many of you balk at the thought of such campaigns, and generally speaking, I’m with you: When it’s vagueness in place of content and mystery in place of intrigue, that’s a bad thing. I don’t think Cloverfield falls under that umbrella, though. Having followed the madness, with its many fictitious personalties, faux companies, Flash websites and clues that lead to nowhere and anywhere, I’d feel almost compelled to buy a ticket to the film even if I knew it was going to suck. I’ve certainly gotten more than ten bucks worth of enjoyment just from the shit they’ve done to make me want to buy that ticket.

It’s a little late to try to explain the movie’s marketing to the uninitiated, but Christ, I can’t remember the last time I was this amped up for something. I’m not just talking about the usual anticipation of a big movie: I’m talking about anything. Can the film possibly live up to the hype, especially for those of us who spent months digging around endlessly for every tidbit we could find?

I doubt it, but that’s not going to be the movie’s fault. Hell, I’ve had dreams about Cloverfield. Completely fleshed out dreams with swooping pans over black seas, towards magnificent shots of monsters-of-my-own-design. How could any movie compete with that?

On the other hand, I have a pretty good idea about what I’m going to see, and I can’t imagine leaving that theater without wanting to see the film at least one more time. Cloverfield is going to be remembered chiefly for its marketing, but I don’t think we’re dealing with another Snakes On A Plane. It’s a film featuring a giant monster that kicks the shit out of New York City in a totally unfriendly, uncharming and unforgiving way. No amount of bad dialogue or acting can hamper something that grisly or primal. And given some of the other “aspects” of the film that I’m pretty certain of, good God…it’s gonna be visceral.

I’m not worried about having to eat my words. Like I said, the movie can totally suck balls. It doesn’t matter. I’ve already gotten my fair share of happiness from it. Still, as someone who believes that there really isn’t such a thing as a bad monster-destroys-the-city movie, my hopes stay high, and January 18th can’t come soon enough.

That seems like a good segue into a survey: What are you looking forward to in the coming months? Doesn’t have to be a movie. If you’re getting a new car or something, that counts.

PS: Yes yes, I’ll take down the site’s Christmas decorations this week.

I’m taking the old lady for a Valentines weekend in early february to watch a couple of Vancouver Canucks games, along with whatever she wants to do. We’re Canadian, so that’s pretty big for us.

Im digging the cloverfiels trailors I’ve seen.
Cant wait for thenew article Matt, Happy new year man.

Hmm. I completly missed the survey when reading through.
Id have to say Kingdom Hearts 356/2.

Yeah, the viral marketing on this thing is just endless and really intriguing. I think the last thing I saw about it was a website where you could get an invitation to the guy’s party that takes place in the trailer. Aparently, there actually is a real party and if you manage to get a real invitation and show up, it leads you to another clue or something. Yeah, this shit’s pretty wild. They’re doing similar stuff for The Dark Knight, leading people all over the city to pick up clues. I think viral marketing is one of the most fascinating and exciting things to happen in the last few years, especially when it’s attached to movies that are going to be kickass anyway.

And I agree, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a monsters destroying a city movie that I didn’t like. I even liked parts of the American Godzilla thing. Can’t wait for 1/18/08 to come around. Anything that knocks the head off the Statue of Liberty and sends it rolling down the street is going to be pretty badass. And by the way, Matt, you are one lucky dude living in a city where you can see billboards that are that HUGE. I mean, the sites to see on a daily walk to work alone must make it worth it to live there. I can’t imagine seeing anything like that around here in little old Columbia.

Speaking of returning to work, I’m glad that I’m returning to my regular job this Friday. After half the office was laid off for the whole month of December, it’s going to be nice to be able to count on a regular paycheck again. Also, spending less and less time at the restaurant where I’ve been waiting tables to make up for it will be an added plus. Funnily enough, they actually tried to call in all the graphics people this past weekend because work was piling up and they were a little panicked it wouldn’t all get done in time. We all kind of got a satisfied chuckle out of that one. Serves ‘em right.

Hmm … well, I’m about the most boring person in the world. I’m looking foward to - er - nothing. Shit. February reading break? I think that one might be a week long, so that’d be nice.

Yeah, I got nothing. I don’t even have anything to say about the Cloverfield stuff - I haven’t seen anything about it, but then again this is about the only site I visit on a regular basis. Well, that and YouTube, but that’s only to watch Angry Video Game Nerd videos or tv shows that I can’t see under normal circumstances.

Yay! Matt’s back. Speaking of Cloverfield, my girlfriend saw this earlier today:

If that’s really what it looks like, I’ll be pumped. No one kill me over the link, pls. And I’m mainly looking forward to graduating UT over the next couple months

Matt, can I say Cloverfield too? I’m so going to wear my Slusho t-shirt when I see it, even if it’s freezing balls here…

Other than the film, I’m looking forward to three games: No More Heroes, Devil May Cry 4, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Finally, in early February I’m going to my first real college formal, which is also for a good cause. (the proceeds are going to help clean the drinking water in Sudan and add additional medical facilities and staff.) So… yeah. Anybody in the Austin area interested? =D

Thanks for the update, they are appreciated.
I will be looking forward to lazy winter days (I love this time of year), my student loan check, classes (I am finally past most of the generals), I get/have to make a few road trips for a website I am building for one of my classes so that should be fun too.

Glad to see you back, and I agree with the Cloverfield stuff as well. I’ve been excited since Transformers for it.
However, the most exciting thing for me coming up is finishing my book. It’s been written for two months, now I’m just trudging through the rewriting part of it. It’s taking way too long, then I have to have a group of people workshop it, then I have to do another draft, then another…then hopefully find someone to publish it. But, I’m excited to get it out there.

I have to admit the first trailers in the theatre intrigued me, so I might go see it for curiosityâ€™s sake.

I’m so excited for this movie. I’ve gotten three other people hyped up about it so far too, mostly on the basis of the LOST connections. I can’t say I’m quite as amped up over it as I was over the last Harry Potter, but I’m definitely counting the days. And after Cloverfield, it’s just a little bit longer until new LOST! I’m going to do a little Cloverfield inspired marathon before the new season starts.
I do wonder about the PG-13 rating?
I’m also looking forward to Reno 911! coming back. I got excited the other day when it occurred to me that Sin City 2 should be coming out this year, but I looked it up and apparently it’s going to be awhile yet. I’m also looking forward to seeing Iron Man for some reason.

I myself am looking forward to going to school for Medical Billing and Coding. Also….i have some free movie passes i may use for cloverfield

Squee-dee-doo!, and mandy_my_middle_name_is_an_underscore_Reeves! Good to see you guys again. Well, not see, but you know what I mean.

Oh, and thanks, Matt for the new article. Also, for the hilarious Advent this year as well as everything you gave us in ‘07. 2007 was the year that I became an X-E’er, had my first Halloween Countdown, and discovered the Advent Calendars. Looking forward to this new mysterious article you’re working on and whatever else you’ve got planned for us this year.

If I’m not in that 5 percent, I’ll at least try to act like I am. I hate not knowing what’s the hub bub is about you know.

I applied to the local Goodwill I have a good relationship with a couple people in there and one of them told me that they are looking for cashiers. Things are looking ok :) I can’t think of anything else I am looking forward to quite honestly. Just looking forward to what is going to happen this year, I decided to try to be a professional artist and that is quite exciting.

I’m pumped to finally get my hands on a Game Boy Micro.
They’re really hard to find because they’ve never been too popular, but I want one last piece of that game boy magic before Nintendo gives up on the game boy altogether.

Im looking forward to my semi anual trip to the Good Ole U.S of A to scour TARGET for cool things that my fellow american XErs take for granted…DAMN YOU TARGET FOR NOT CROSSING OVER TO THE GREAT WHITE NORTH!

Myck: Congratulations, and way to be a novelist! What genre do you write? And which hot actresses can we expect for the inevitable film adaptation?

Does it count if the thing I’m looking forward to is probably going to occur tomorrow? After I got Nero 8 for Christmas and bought a pair of widescreen monitors with my computer repair money, I realized that I was only one component short of a DVR system. So as soon as my new TV tuner card arrives in the mail, I’ll be converting my old computer into a DVR box, and with the push of a button I’ll be able to turn my secondary monitor into a 22” hi-def television. This is a vital step in me not getting any work done this semester.

Oh, and I guess a couple of my friends are getting hitched in a few months and I get to do the best man thing. So that’s something to look forward to as well.

Well, i for one, am stoked to be seeing Bjork in about a month. She’s coming to Seoul and, frankly, this is the biggest thing going on in this city for as long as I’ve been here.

AND I’m going to be going to Beijing for a little 5 vaction. Should be pretty amazing. I am most excited to be getting to see Tienanmen Square. Just something about student massacres that opens up my pores of interest.

On a side note, I spend all day on the computer and I have NEVER heard of Cloverfield until reading the above blog post. I feel so out of the loop.

Am I the only one that can’t wait to see Indiana Jones 4 this year? I just hope it isn’t another letdown like the Star Wars prequels were. I remain optimistic though.

Matt - Cloverfield does look good. I have to admit though, I rarely get a chance to get to the theater to see a movie…I’ve missed out on all the ones I wanted to see in the past few months. I just wait a few weeks for the DVD now.

I don’t know if I’d say I’m looking forward to it, but my fiance and friends are trying to get me to go to Arizona in February for a “war” (we’re medieval reenactors), but as much as I love camping and dressing up in funny clothes, it’s a fighting-only war and I can only take so much of that. If there were bellydance or drumming classes for me to take, that would be a different story. Besides, my other friends are throwing a blow-out party that same weekend… I hate being stuck in the middle of these decisions.

What I am looking forward to is the OU Medieval Faire in April. Our group works at it every year and I’ve already started making preparations and saving up money to buy lots and lots of stuff. Any X-E Okies going this year?

My youngest brother and I are really excited to see Cloverfield. I’ve only watched the trailers, which is just enough to know I want to see the movie, but other than that I want everything to be a surprise, so I’ve done little to no research on it.

I’m really looking forward to Spring and my first camping trip of the season. No matter how many times I go camping during the summer (all the time), nothing compares to the feel, the smell, and the joy of the very first of trip of the year.

My nerd side is also looking forward to Mario Kart Wii, Wii Fit, and Resident Evil 5. I’m also going to be buying all new furniture, pots & pans, dinnerware, glassware, and a few other household items. Good, expensive stuff. Leather couch and matching chair, quality cookware, a new head & footboard for my bed, and some paintings from a local artist for my walls.

I’m especially looking forward to playing in my gardens. I’ve been a closet horticulturist for some time. I’ve never grown my own veggies before, but I’m thinking of using this weird secluded part of my backyard for cherry tomatoes. Just for fun. Nothing beats a cherry tomato right off the vine, warmed up by the late evening sun shine. Mmmm..

I’m also considering going back to school to get my mathematics degree. We’ll see.

Receiving my season ticket books… spring training… opening day…. mmmmmmmm baseball - now with 37% less hormones!

Another Mets implosion. I still watch the last 10 minutes of the Mets season on MLB TV whenever I need a good laugh and a big smile!

I haven’t seen a single online ad for this film, perhaps they don’t advertise on site I frequent. I have seen a commercial or two but thats about it.

Waiting for…..
My DS to get fixed
New episodes of Metalocalypse, Family Guy and House
My 30th birthday (02/05)
and as always, payday.

I can’t wait for Thirsty Thursdays at our local games (Oklahoma RedHawks, Texas Rangers Triple-A team). Nachos and beers out of waxy paper cups are must-haves.

I got a gift certificate for Charlie Palmer Steak DC(a very nice restaurant I would otherwise never be able to afford– http://www.charliepalmer.com/steak_dc/home.html ), so I am looking forward to dinner there. There’s nothing like a good, aged, properly prepared steak!

I’m really looking forward to ‘Be Kind, Rewind’ Michelle Gondry is TOTALLY one of my favorite directors.

Also, am I the only one that thinks ‘Iron Man’ looks totally bad ass? I think that’s a movie that’s going to be great even if it’s actaully terrible.

I’m waiting for the return of Battlestar Galactica. It’s the greatest show that’s never on TV.

And I will see Indy IV on opening day. Possibly wearing my official Indiana Jones fedora.

Off subject, but it’s not a topic-hijacker, so I’ll just get it done and over with.

I am looking forward to: Cloverfield, The Dark Knight, and a whole bunch of other movies. Also, going to LA in March (Disneyland, woo!)and going to bartending school in the summer. Awesome good times are in store for me this year.

Hey Deej! We missed you!

Ubu Rex, that’s my (only) concern about Cloverfield too. I just think that if I was in a city being destroyed by a huge monster, I’d need to drop a couple of f-bombs and other non-PG friendly phrases.
It kinda bugs on LOST too, because they do such a good job on everything that it really takes me out of it to hear these badass characters, in life-threatening situations, saying stuff like “Son of a mother!” But it’s TV, so what’re you gonna do. Maybe I just curse too much and I have unrealistic ideas.

While I am excited for “Cloverfield,” I just pray to the Gods that it is not a “re-imagined” version of “The Host” which was an excellent Korean monster movie last year. Seriously, see “The Host” it is awesome. But yeah, I’m pretty pumped for “Cloverfield” only because we lack giant monster movies. The cinemas are plagued with “hillbilly horror” and “gore porn.” I just want a good ol’ fashioned monster that tears shit up like Gojira did back in his glory days.

Can’t wait for advent calendar this Christmas, and seeing if Halloween makes a comeback this year on this website.

I’m probably the only one here, but I can’t wait for the Presidential election in November. Right now I’m having fun watching so-called “political pundits” thinking they know what they’re talking about, when they’re obviously just making it up as they go.

I’m still hesitant about Indy IV but I am completely jonesing (no pun intended) for Cloverfield. I also look forward to finally buying a PS3 this year, especially since HD-DVD seems to be entering a downward spiral, the bastards. It seems like I always choose the loser when it comes to technological/electronic stuff. I chose the Atari 5200 over the Colecovision, I bought a Sega Dreamcast. If I had been older at the time, I would have bought a Sony Betamax. The main thing I look forward to - buying up all of the HD-DVDs that people are going to dump when it goes belly-up. Cheap library for me!

I’m looking forward to…
1)My b’day vacation (Toxikfoxx, I’m 30 on 2/2)! Isolated cabin in the NC woods. Hot tub. Fireplace. Total old person vacation. I may even watch some Hallmark Channel and ION to really let the oldness seep into my bones. Who am I kidding. I do that anyway.
2)Our zombie movie that we’ve been making for the last year finally being done. All that’s left is scoring and color correction. I think we’re all ready to birth this undead baby and wash our hands of it.

i ran into them filming Cloverfield in my hood. nothing to terribly exciting, but i am definately looking forward to seeing my neighborhood get torn up by giant parasites.

other than that the only thing i’m looking forward to is a long nap after work. damn you open bars!!!

Re: Cloverfield being PG-13: Doesn’t worry me at all. Like others have mentioned, we’ve seen enough blood and guts in cinema recently…it’s not at all what this flick needs to be. And blood and guts don’t always make for a scary story.

PG-13 has been really broadened in recent years: I think you’ll get to see enough onscreen terror and hear enough curses to make it work. (Not that curses are all that important, but if someone is being chased by a giant monster, they need to say “shit.”)

I was surprised when the rating came out as well, mainly because a lot of the commercials had positioned it as so dark, dreary and horrific.

I am really looking forward to seeing the movie, ‘Charlie Bartlett’…anyone? anyone?

I am hosting my first adult dinner party type thing, for my friend’s b-day. I am even baking the cake, and making lasagna (using all the kitchen gifts I got for Xmas)

I’ve got a friend who does work for Paramount and he’s getting me into an advance screening for media-types on Monday. Can’t wait for that!

Looking forward to getting my HD Tivo hooked up, building my Darth Vader mannequin, Metal Gear 4 and tapping a keg of Hoegaarden this weekend!

My Prediction: The Cloverfield monster will be…Blowhole, the giant running whale from “The Tick” animated series!

I was looking forward to Cloverfield just from the trailer I saw a while ago, now I’m excited to get into the viral stuff even if I’m really late for the party at least my fever pitch should hit right as the movie comes out. Also I can’t wait for the new season of Lost, and hopefully the writer strike ends so we can get a proper full season. Most of all I’m looking forward to an AC trip coming up in March, considering that last time we left the casino thinking it was like 4am only to find it bright outside since it was actually after 9 it should be a good time.

I too am not feeling the Cloverfield… fieldness. I am dieing to see The Dark Knight though. I’m that jerk that’s been supportive of Heath Ledger as the Joker from day one but no one believes now that everyone is on his bandwagon. I think Iron Man is going to surprise some people too.

Personally I have no interest in Cloverfield, but then I rarely get interested in new movies unless it’s something like the Simpsons Movie where I’m already hooked on the franchise.

I’m looking forward to finding out if I’ll get a new caregiver job. The agency called and said their personnel department was going to try and find me another position, so I’m just waiting to hear back from them. Other than that, we’re getting a new dining table and chairs soon, and I just started two classes I’m really interested in.

It’s kind of sad how I’m a total kid at Christmas, then as soon as January hits I return to boring grownup status :/

I also am not all that interested in Cloverfield. After getting burned too many times (Star Wars, I’m looking at you), I don’t get caught up in hype anymore. I mean, what if the monster turns out to be a cute little kitty or something? XD

I’m waiting for The Dark Knight to come out. Though I’m going to go in with no expectations, because that will just make it that much more awesome if it turns out to be good.

I’m also mildly curious about Indy 4 (aka Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), but I’m not getting my hopes up for that one either, for obvious reasons.

Oh, by the way, I think I might try to make it out to the Med Faire, but the same thing happens every year: I forget when it starts, I don’t have any money to blow, and it’s always blazing hot. :\

The only thing I’m looking forward to more than Cloverfield in January is Lost. New episodes of Lost. 22 days 7 hours…. If they had given me a title for Cloverfield during the Transformers movie I wouldn’t be as strung out on it as I am, but some of the viral marketing deals are kinda fun.

By the way, Jessica Marie, I added you to my LJ friendlist. I’m “shiroihikari”. :]

I might be interested in Indiana Jones 4 but first I really need to watch the first trilogy again. It’s probably been 18 years since I’ve seen one, honest.

Jessica Marie: I’m with you. I’ve seen several trailers while waiting to see other movies and, while I am curious, I’m not antsy pants or anything. Now, when I read that Tim Burton is in pre-production on a stopmotion Alice in Wonderland, that got me jittery. But I’m a Tim Burton fan… uh… girl, so that’s really no surprise to anybody.

nork: I’ll be there all three days, so if you want to stop by the SCA compound, say hi! If you can’t find me, just ask the really tall guy in the red Japanese armor.

I haven’t heard ANYTHING about Cloverfield, except from here.
I mean, I saw Transformers on DVD so… no previews.
And I don’t go to the movies very often.
Like, the last movie I saw in the theatres was 30 Days of Night. Before That?
Jackass Two.
yeah. I’m SOOO on it.

I guess the biggest thing I’m looking forward to at the moment is going to Vegas in 6 weeks.
It’s been a year since I last went, and I intend to live it up as best as a poor waitress can.
I’ll be going on a plane for the 1ST TIME!
eee!

I was thinkin’ that Cloverfield might be a Tick movie, but only because it sounds like a bakery brand. The monster, the infection angle, they add up to unethical yeast experimentation. That means the villain can only be… The Breadmaster! Cover your doughnuts!

A cabin in the woods? Hot hot-tub action? Expecting uneventfullness? Sounds like the start of a slasher film to me…. Or a saucy teen coming-of-age comedy.

Ok, in Matt’s Christmas section he showed a “Slusho” Brand shirt, that was related to cloverfield somehow. Now I know about the fake companies and all that. But my question is. How did you get it? And can I get one?

velouria_78, Consider yourself “Friended”. Zombie movie! Right on! Can’t wait to see it. I worked on this terrible horror movie a few years ago that you can find on DVD out and about. It’s called “Head Cheerleader, Dead Cheerleader.” I don’t recommend killing an hour and a half of your life on it, unless you just want to see DJ D from X-E’s arm in one shot, holding a giant knife as I slash a girl’s breast off. Oh, and to see my name in the credits. It was god-awful, but a lot of fun, and my first PA work. Oh, and I got to work with Debbie Rochon, which was the biggest plus.

I can’t even explain how jazzed I am about The Dark Knight. I totally scoffed at the idea of Heath Ledger at first, and was really bummed that that his grin and white skin is no more than the result of bad makeup instead of a chemical accident. I thought it was a cop-out and was kind of pissed about it. But, Ledger’s won me over with his performance so far. Plus, we get to see Two-Face, supposidly, although probably not till the end.

I’m also jazzed about 24 coming back whenever it actually happens, as well as The Sarah Connor Chronicles. God, I hope they don’t screw that up. There’s so much potential for that to be either really good or really bad.

Special K Yeah, how cool is this Alice in the Wonderland news? And did you hear he’s also going to make a big budget full length version of Frankenweenie?

And this sounds stupid, but I’m looking forward to finally getting a desk chair. I’ve been using this really uncomfortable, old fold out chair at my desk for 7 years now, and why I haven’t invested in a nice soft, reclining desk chair yet is beyond me. But, this is the spring when it gets done. That, as well as paying off all my debt, getting my own place, and going back to school.

Well, I wasn’t looking forward to Cloverfield, but all the hype on this thread is making me tempted to see it.

Also one thing I was looking forward to just came in the mail today, I am now the proud owner of a Hare and Hssxxlllo of my very own.

hmm…..I’m turning 30 a month from yesterday so I am looking forward to an asteroid strike. j/k.

I’m committed to a sprint triathlon that is in April so I am looking forward to the day after that.

Is it evil of me to want to start snapping pictures of Hare Winningham on someone’s TARDIS playset?

Isn’t Rose supposed to come back for a few episodes? I hope no one replaces the current Doctor. I like this guy more than any of the ones so far.

Bill, I turn 25 a month from today. Not really looking forward to it, though. :\

Just being cautious in case there are any rabid Doctor Who spoilerphobes on this board.

Thanks, Tresjolie9! Just one more thing though, it says that the Doctor has someone called Donna helping him out now. I know I’ve missed a few episodes, but I don’t think I know who she is.

Assuming I get out there, which I do plan on it, I’ll definitely stop and say hey. Might even say hello to the really tall guy in Japanese armour just for the fun of it.

I’m also looking forward to getting my Net+ and Security+ certs out so I can not only keep my job, but score the management position I’ve been recommended for come our new contract in April. I’m so tired of studying, practice tests, studying, practice tests.

I enjoy computers and all, it’s what I’m paid to do, but fuck reading about them is so damn boring.

I’d be happy to see the rest of the Christmas fallout before the Christmas decorations come down.

Yes, no Who spoilering in the X-E. We get it a billion years late here in the USA as it is and I really want to find the theme phrase of this series on my own for once, assuming they have one.

I have a friend who insists that Cloverfield’s monster will be Godzilla. He won’t be convinced otherwise. I should show him that spoiler picture.

I’m looking forward to finding a job. I guess I need to start looking if I want it to happen. I’m just enjoying this free time too much.

I’m also kind of looking forward to Mardi Gras this year. I’m usually annoyed by it because not only is traffic AWFUL, but you also get to see the trashiest specimens of people our town has to offer. But this year some of my relatives are coming down to visit, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them again.

DJ D: I heard Frankenweenie was going to be stop motion also? As much as I LOVE Tim Burton’s stop motion work, I’m a little disappointed about that. I thought the original film was excellent, well-casted and well-acted. There is also some film sitting in his IMDB account called The Spook’s Apprentice about a kid who learns exorcism, which I’m getting excited about.

To join in The Dark Knight discussion, I’m ecstatic about it. I thought Christian Bale was the perfect choice for Batman Begins (though I’ll admit I was skeptical at first because of his lisp). And I was skeptical about Heath Ledger because of my loyalties to Jack Nicholson, but I’ve decided to keep an open mind because, had I not done so for Batman Begins, I would have missed an awesome movie.

nork: That would be my fiance. Just tell him you’re nork and he’ll understand. haha

DJD: I believe Donna is the woman who was in that Dr. Who Christmas Special. The woman in the wedding dress.

In the last Cloverfield trailer I saw, there’s a brief scene of something of somthing like a bear’s shadow swatting the head off of someone. Wouldn’t it be cool if the plot was that animals all over the world have escaped and now want to take over the world? Sorta like what the bunnies did his year with the Advent Calendar?

That alice in wonderland movie sounds cool, I think Marilyn Manson is working on one about Lewis Carrol.

Another Mets implosion. I still watch the last 10 minutes of the Mets season on MLB TV whenever I need a good laugh and a big smile!

-Cloverfield (obvious)
-Dark Night
-New eps of Robot Chicken, Frisky Dingo & Metalocalypse ([as] as been screwing with us!!)
-Smash Bros. Brawl.

Today was the first actual good announcement to Brawl in about a month: Captain Olimar & Pikmin combo have been confirmed as a new character!

hehe… I got my Admiral Ackbar in the mail this morning!! Thats pretty much all for now!

JoshC: Yeah, I’m excited about that one, too. It’s called Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll and it looks to be pretty fascinating. I’m kind of obsessed with Carroll and the book and, while I know it’s not meant to be a biopic, it should be a good one anyway. I’m especially excited about the rumor of Manson teaming up with Chris Vrenna on the soundtrack.

Matt, your confidence is plenty for me, I feel better. I wasn’t worried about the blood and guts anyway…I totally agree that it’s going to be plenty scary. The only reason the trailers (which are not gory at all) have stopped freaking me out totally is the constant repetition.

Jessica Marie, they had me at the giant monster stomping, but when I started reading up and found that the writer did a bunch of really great LOST episodes, including what’s probably my favorite ever ever ever, it went to a whole other level.

Matt, I suspect that the whole “Box 23 Conspiracy” of this year’s advent was inspired the hype of Cloverfield?

I remember being in the audience for the 8pm Preview Showing of Transformers. After all those lame trailers, suddenly Cloverfield’s shows up and then just ends with the “1.18.08″.

An audience of 100 people simultaneously going “What the fuck did we just see?!” and basically thought “If THAT trailer kicked ass, imagine how good the Transformers movie is gonna be!”

I’ve even heard speculation that it’s a Voltron movie, since someone thinks one of the onlookers is saying “It’s a lion! It’s huge!” instead of “It’s alive!”

Speaking of Dark Knight, I find it funny that there are commenters here on X-E with the names Joker and Jester.

As for Joker (er, Batman Joker), Mark Hamill’s Joker is the definitive one in my book, but the Heath Ledger one is looking very promising.

I’m looking forward to something, just not sure exactly what it is at the moment. Also, I have had this nagging depression since Christmas ended, I look forward to that going away, hopefully soon. That would be nice.
I am interested in Cloverfield, just not being rabid about it.

Seems like a bunch of us are turning 30 during 2008. There needs to be some sort of incredibly fun right of passage to celebrate that date, cause it’s depressing the heck out of me already.

I don’t know why, I really want to, but I just can’t get into Cloverfield. I’ll definitely watch it, and I’ll probably love it, but I’ve just not been able to jump on the hype train properly.

I’m personally looking forward to WWE’s release of the Rock, Austin, and Triple H DVD sets. I’m gonna be wasting a lot of money this year on them alone.

I’m also looking forward to The Wolfman remake. Provided it comes out some time before 2020 and isn’t similar in style to The Mummy. =\

I think Cloverfield looks totally awesome! It will probably be forever until it comes out here in the UK though…its normally about 3 months after it comes out in the US.
What i’m looking forward to this year…
Turning 18….
Watching the new Sweeney Todd film,
Me and my boyfriends first ‘anniversary’, next week!

Unfortunately, I haven’t seen too much promoting of Cloverfield in the UK, so it’s all been a bit of a damp squib marketing wise.

I do join in the crowd looking forward to Dark Knight though, and Ledger’s Joker is just what I expected when I first heard about him being cast - something that lead to a huge arguement between a friend and I, because he doesn’t like ‘gritty’ comic book movies.

What I’m most looking forward to is getting back in to work though. I need an income and there is too much stuff I want to buy! I’m even excited at the idea of finally getting bookcases in the next few months!

Katie, heh…February 1st for the UK, long enough to be totally revealed, analysed and fanficced before it hits the local Odeons.

Who’d have thunk, in this uber-digital age we still can’t get synchronised launches.

I blame the BBC. It isn’t actually their fault, but they should be blamed nonetheless!

Outside of that, I’m not sure I’m really looking forward to anything in particular. Maybe Silent Hill 5, but that would mean I’d have to buy another console.

I’m looking forward to getting settled into my new apt down here in the Gulf. I’ve been living out of what fit into a couplea suitcases. No fun.

Knegative: SH5 is coming to both the 360 and PS3, so unless you’re like me and only own the Wii for the next-gen consoles, then it should be ok….. I know I’m buying the 360 for it and Resident Evil 5 (droooooolllll). ^^

OH YES SMASH BROS. I’m having a huge release party at my place the week it comes out (also since its like me and 2 other people’s birthdays, its also an excuse to party w/ CAKE-that’s-not-a-lie).

I’ve heard you guys mention Alice and Frankinweenie, but you guys should keep an eye out for Coraline, which is done by the director of Nightmare Before Christmas, and looks to be deliciously creepy in all ways stop-motiony. Its a Neil Gaiman novel (and despite the weirdness from Beowulf, I tend to trust his writing abilities). BUTTON EYES. @_@

I’m still playing NiGHTS (almost got all the dreamdrops), and MySims, so I’m content for now. Please tell me its not true that that HACK BASTARD Uwe Boll isn’t doing a Soul Reaver movie. That would make me commit murder. Seriously.

I think the monster has a jellyfish for a head. And I love the title. Mhmmmm. Cloverfield.

I’m looking forward to various movies and games that are coming out. Also, my B day is the 16th of January, so i’m looking forward to that too.

Hehe, y’know, if the monster ended up being Gozilla, and i don’t mean a giant iquana, but the REAL Godzilla, fighting another REAL Godzilla monster like oh, i dunno, King Gidorah, that’d be the movie of the century right there, for me.

Just a dream i’m sure but frankly, i doubt they could create a monster that’d really impress me, so if it turned out to be something familiar like again oh, Diablo from the Diablo games(or some version of the devil), or something, that’d be a nice twist.

Have to admit that I’m looking forward to Cloverfield but may be even more excited about the Star Trek teaser that’s allegedly attached to it (yes, I’m one of them… No, I don’t speak Klingon).

Also looking forward to BSG, Dark Knight, Iron Man, Hulk and the fourth season of Dr. Who (although some of the 3rd season was pretty bad in spots - I mean, human Daleks?!).

Also looking forward to paying off my vehicle in about two months. It will be the first time since my junior year of college that I won’t have a car payment, so that will be nice.

Well, I was supposed to go to Amsterdam with my wife and buds over the Christmas break, but money problems didn’t let me go. For Spring break (well not really since im 30 and don’t go to school anymore) we might go to Canada were thinking Whistler. I have a cousin that lives there and I heard the weed is good.

And I’m looking forward to the Dark Knight, getting away from school for a week sometime in May or April to be a counselor at this 5 day camp, and moving to a new office. Hm. My life is boring. I wish I was a giant monster.

and Ultraman my B-day is the 18th; I hope everyone around where I live remembers..I fell like an ass reminding people….

oh, and everyone knows Cloverfield is a birthday present for me from JJ Abrams. It’s true, that is…

Hey, have you guys heard that Darth Vader and Yoda are gonna be in Soul Calibur IV?!

Dio and Lex: Thanks for the heads-up on Coraline! I’ve been so busy fangirling for Burton, I completely forgot about Selick!

Yeah, what is up with movies coming out so late in the UK anyway? When I lived over there many years ago, The Phantom Menace was coming out over here. I had to wait till I got back to the States to see it and by then it had already been out a couple of months and people were talking about and it nearly spoiling the whole movie. Turns out, it wasn’t all that great anyway, but still it was so exciting at the time.

jjwspider, Yep, I’m really looking forward to Star Trek too. I’m not one of them trekkies either, but what they’re doing with it seems pretty interesting.

Well, my 29th birthday’s in April, and I’m going to see if I can corral my sister (who just went back to law school) to head down to Cape May County to visit our mom, stepdad, and brother. I wanted to see them at Christmas, but with them moving and my sister and mother still having “issues,” it ended up not happening. Hopefully things will be settled on both fronts by the time she gets to Spring Break.

Oh, and Valentine’s Day. I’m not dating, but any holiday that condones buying huge boxes of chocolate and strips of paper with words of love from Optimus Prime and Dora the Explorer gets my vote.

Cloverfield is definitely at the top of my list for this year. Also on that list are the 25th anniversary of Fraggle Rock (today, actually), the Heroes action figures, Iron Man, and Toy Fair ‘08 in February.

In the short term, I can’t wait for the 22nd, when the new Forbidden Broadway album comes out. In the long term, I’m both anticipating and dreading the 8th of August, my wedding day.
And that’s really about it. Oh, wait, whenever Wall*E is coming out, I’m looking forward to that, too.

Cloverfield monster is just gonna be the smoke monster from Lost with a cool hat.

Anyway, I dug up some old 8mm films out of my parents basement, some of them are of Wildwood from about 1985, I’m trying to find a place that will transfer them to DVD, but there are only about 5 million different places that I can pick from.

Hate to be “this guy,” but Cloverfield’s gonna disappoint. The only way it can’t is if they never show the monster, because this is a January Low-Budget Flick, and the monster’s gonna look cheesy, making everything ridiculous.

I’m not sure if anyone has already posted this, so I’m sorry if that is the case. I’m at work and don’t have time to read all of the comments.

Anyways here is a sweet article posted online yesterday where J.J. Abhrams gives some more clues about the monster in CLOVERFIELD, spoiler alert.

George Romero’s “Diary of the Dead” comes out on Feb. 15. Screw candy and flowers, I want zombies for Valentine’s Day!

I’m a cowboy movie nerd, too, so I’m looking forward to the “Lonesome Dove” prequel “Comanche Moon” this Sunday.

This is completely off-topic, but if any of you can help, my boyfriend and I would appreciate it. This morning, my b/f woke up with a quote from a movie or show in his head and neither of us can figure out where it is from.
“I can do more than talk. I can pontificate.”
Any guesses as to where it’s from?
Thanks.

Mars - I totally agree - and that’s even if the monster is shown for any significant amount of time, which I doubt…

Survey says: Jessica Marie is looking forward to…
1. Spinning class - tonight!
2. Reading Key Concepts in Medieval Literature
3. Family reunion on the beach

Unfortunately, we had to cancel our plans for Disney, as my husband lost his job in October. :( Still looking…

undeadhead, I usually stick to stalker poems for Valentines, but for you I’ll make an exception…

“As my childhood sweetheart,
I gave you valentines daisy chains.
But now since I’ve expired,
I’d much rather nibble on your braiiiiins”

“For our valentines last year,
I cooked a recipe from Delia,
But your allergies kicked up,
And your body got wearier,

I’ve missed you these nights,
the long days just seem drearier,
So tell me my coffin love,
How do you feel about necrophilia?”

Well, count me in as one of those who turn 30 this year, so there is that to fear/look forward to :). Entertainment - wise, Mattel has promised that 2008. will be a good year for their “Masters of the Universe” brand - there has even been some talk about a live action movie, so there is that… As for more “adult” stuff, last year I finally got a drivers’ license and my very first car, and I’ve finished the obligatory (in my country) military service, so I’m looking forward a peaceful, uneventful year filled with more toys for me (which I can afford if/when I quit smoking - remember the resolution thread :); I’m already down to one pack of cigarettes per day instead of two. Go me!)

Guise You rock!!! Thank you so much. This is why x-e is awesome! I love you guys!

Devil May Cry 4, Culdcept AND (woot) Burnout Paradise
boxsets of Peach Girl, Cowboy Bebop, Moon Phase
The Golden Compass on Blu Ray

Thats about it really. Am not excited over Cloverfield at all since I just heard about it with this website…. eh well.

FangsFirst: Yeah, but on the other hand, I can name 500 truly great movies, but if they were on cable TV at the same time as ‘98 Godzilla, I’d almost always go for the G.

Cloverfield, with the monster that builds your body eight different ways. Nine, if you count the infection.

I’m actually really pumped to see Cloverfield myself, and that’s just from having seen the TV ads!

Why was Godzilla 1985 such an epic movie for me? Was it because he stepped on Bambi at the beginning? I can’t recall but that and Jewel of the Nile were the first movies my family rented when we bought the magical VCR. Great memories.

I am looking forward to the many great movies coming out, and most importantly…getting married!

Thanks fuckers….now I also had a cloverfield dream. in my dream, the monster started out little….like the size of an overstuffed teddybear…and then it ate a fox while i was walking to my car after work, and it blew up to be all gargantuan. needless to say, i ran back into work. luckily, no one i liked got eaten.

also, sorry for the possible double post, but Kinglash I definitely pictured you as master shake when you went on the rant with the breadmaster….it just seems like one of his cracked out schemes. seriously, i loved it and laughed for a good 30 seconds.

If you want a REALLY bad monster movie, go see the 1970’s King Kong remake. THAT is bad.

- Baseball, and watching my re-vamped Chicago Cubs lineup find a way to blow it — again.
- The Dark Knight… looks fantastic.
- Romero’s Diary of the Dead… LotD was a huge disappointment for me, but I am willing to give George another chance. ONE more chance.
- Indiana Jones… Indy is back, how can you not be excited?
- Hopefully this is the year I’ll get engaged. I’ve been putting it off due to money being so tight, but I am pretty excited at the thought.

Oh, and a memo to the people who will be turning 30 in 2008, from a guy who went through the same thing a few months ago. NOTHING CHANGES! Sorry, but no great epiphany will strike you on that date. Life just continues in much the same fashion that it always has. Sure, it is a little scary to think that you are only one decade away from 40, especially because we know how quickly the last decade (our twenties) just flew by. I suppose knowing that I do want to start living my life with more of a sense of urgency as far as accomplishments and not letting years just slip by.

Magic Toy, I second that. I hit the big 3-0 back in Nov. and it really didn’t affect me that much at all. I kind of just have the same warped optimism I did in my 20’s, where I said, well, at least I have my 20’s to get such and such done before I’m 30. Now, I just say the same thing about my 30’s. The 30’s don’t scare me. 40 freaks me out though. I do have a new sense of urgency and drive these days. I’m much more disciplined than I used to be. But despite it all, I’m still in some ways just a big kid. I don’t think that will ever go away, or at least I hope it doesn’t.

DJ D It goes good. for awhile i was worried about you….i hadnt seen you on here in ages and thought that something horrible had happened. maybe its my unused maternal instincts (since babies are evil and i will never have one). Anywho, glad youre back (in black).

Oh, and to add to the “things to look forward to in 08″ topc my list consists of:
1. Getting married on October 10th
2. Applying to (and hopefully getting accepted by) graduate schools.
3. Paying off my car
4. Getting my credit card debt paid off FINALLY
5. Hopefully moving out of ohio finally.

I’ve tried, I really have, but I just can’t get into the hype for Cloverfield. It looks great, and I’ll almost definitely love it, but I just can’t seem to get pumped for it.

I’m personally looking forward to going to Waverly Hills Sanatorium some time in the next few months for a paranormal investigation. It’ll be a little expensive, but it’s only a little over 200 hundred miles from here.

As long as a giant monster movie comes from japan, then I love it. Seriously those people have giant monster movies down to an art form.

Am I the only one who’s psyched to see “Rambo” in February? I may be in the minority, but I thought “Rocky Balboa” was awesome.
Other flicks that can’t come fast enough:
“Indiana Jones 4″ (guess I’m a nostalgia nut when it comes to cinema)
“Wall-E”
“Iron Man”
“Hellboy 2″
“Incredible Hulk” (Have I missed a teaser/trailer for this? Any images?)
“The Dark Knight”
“The Pineapple Express” (loves me some Seth Rogen)
“Fanboys” (Maybe this’ll actually come out this year?)

The wife’s excited about the next “Narnia” flick, but I think it’ll be a pretty ho-hum affair.(Not a fan of the first one.)

Crap, is that is the former Carson Pirie Scott flagship where the poster is? Never mind it’s not.

I am looking forward to getting a new job, and that will result in my being able to take dance and/or comedy classes (just for fun, I am no professional performer). I am also looking forward to getting my very own lovely computer back from being repaired. I’m looking forward to good health.

flimtrauma, Good job on getting involved in a paranormal investigation. I’d LOVE to do something like that. I’ve been trying to talk my friends into going out to a local cemetary here to try to record some EVP’s, but nobody’s going for it. Guess I’ll have to go myself, once I get some decent recording equipment. I’ve always wanted to do something like that and capture some real proof for myself.

Commander Awesome, I really dug Rocky Babloa and thought it was kind of underrated. I’m looking forward to the new Rambo too. It looks great from what I’ve seen so far.

What’s Wall-E? I’ve heard it mentioned once before around here but I have no idea what it is.

Man, I just got back from spending waaaay too much on comics. I was trying to catch up on some issues of Batman and Detective comics. I really shouldn’t have spent that much money. Especially since in about half an hour I’m going to go out to the movies to go see Control. It’s not going to many major theaters, and there’s only one little art house theater here that’s showing it. It’s the biopic about Joy Division. The guy they got to play Ian Curtis looks almost just like him. The Killers just realeased a new single that’s all over the radio from the soundtrack, where they do a cover of Joy Division’s “Shadowplay.” Can’t wait to check out the soundtrack too. I’m a big Interpol fan these days. Without Joy Divison, there certainly wouldn’t be any Interpol, The Bravery, or The Killers, as all those guys are either paying homage to or just out and out ripping off Joy Division.

gotta see that movie when it comes out on DVD(not in my area), I love joy division and the only thing ive seen in a movie was in 24 hour party people.
Anybody else worried that micheal bay is doing the Friday 13th remake?

DJ D I too am in love with Joy Division. My friend Gen and I at work have long and arduous conversations about joy division and new order. i think i was definitely born 10 years too late. being born in 1985 makes it so i just barely remember all of the good things about the 80’s if at all. so i live vicariously through my 30-something friends.

DJ D
Wall-E is the new Disney/Pixar movie that’s coming out. It’s basically about a robot on Earth like 300 yeara in the future who is tasked with cleaning up the pollution and trash mankind left behind. He eventually is taken aboard a starship that man is living in now and realizes that man is not what he envisioned it to be.

DJ D, your myspace has been compromised. I think it’s my fault, cause mine was compromised, too. I’m so sorry!

DJ D, I know. It’s a little hard to find the right group to do hunts with at first, but the difference between a group that wants to go and one that doesn’t is huge. Determines the whole vibe of the trip, I think. Good luck, man.

JoshC, I’m cautiously optimistic about it. I’m in the minority who actually enjoyed the Bay-produced remake. The prequel was garbage, though.

SUPER SMASH BROS. BRAWL!!! I’m getting it the day it comes out (or I’m gonna try) SO COOL! + MY BIRTHDAY 02.19! AND JEFF DUNHAM COMING TO SEATTLE! WOOT!!!

Nice to see there are some loud and proud Rocky 6 fans here (thanks for the back-up, Kneg and DJ D).
I’m sure the Rambo flick will try way too hard to take itself seriously, but it’ll still be ridiculously over the top and violent. I worry about Stallone running around so much in the trailer, though. The guy’s 61; that’s gotta be bad for your knees! But I guess if Harrison Ford can still do it…

Wall-E is the new Disney/Pixar movie that’s coming out. It’s basically about a robot on Earth like 300 yeara in the future who is tasked with cleaning up the pollution and trash mankind left behind. He eventually is taken aboard a starship that man is living in now and realizes that man is not what he envisioned it to be.
Dun Dun Dunnn!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PPlaqueB.png
(nsfw?)

Man, I’m so glad I read the comments. I had no idea there was a new Trek movie coming. Any word yet on whether it will be Next Generation, DS9, or some other incarnation?

I’m also looking forward to the new season of BSG. I’m actually kind of hoping it will be the last season though- things were starting to drag a bit through season 3.

Finally, I’m really looking forward to moving from Idaho Falls to Kansas City. My current job is boring, with the unbelievable amounts of red tape that come from working for a large government contractor dealing with nuclear materials. My new job is for a much smaller company and sounds way more interesting. I might actually get to use my engineering degree. I told my boss during my exit interview that “If I wanted to do nothing but write all the damn time, I would have been an English major.”

I have several friends in KC already, and it’s a much bigger town with a lot more to do. All in all, I haven’t been this excited for something in a long time.

For those of you turning 30, I’ll echo the sentiments made by some other posters. I myself turned 30 last August, and life didn’t change much. I got more serious about trying to move to an area where I wanted to live and get a better job. I increased the amount that I’m saving for retirement, so hopefully I can retire at 60. That’s about it. I still buy Transformers and Legos, although not as often. I still play video games. I still waste my time posting ridiculously long comments.

I think I would be excited about that movie if I knew I was going to see it in the theaters. Movies like those are meant to be seen that way and not in a lit livingroom. Sadly, the movies I see are mostly PG and animated.

JoshC & Leigha, Just got back from seeing Control. Man, that was great, especially if you’re a Joy Division fan. The guy they got (don’t know his name) sounds almost exactly like Ian Curtis. I like the fact that they actually had the band play and had him singing, instead of just lipsynching over the real songs. It’s kind of more “The Ian Curtis Story” than Joy Division. If I had any complaints at all it would be that I would like to have seen more of how he came up with the lyrics and how the band got together and all that, but I guess there’s only so much you can squeeze into 2 hours. I can’t wait to see what features they put onto the DVD.

Dan H, Thanks for the fill-in on Wall-E. Wow, that sounds pretty cool actually. Can’t believe this is the first I’m hearing of it. Where have I been?

FyarlGirl, Well thanks for giving me your cyber-cooties. I came home tonight only to find that I’m sending out bulletins to people all over the MySpace about girls who will suck your so and do such and such to your what-not. Funny, I don’t remember sending those. As far as I knew I was out at the movies seeing Control. I changed my password, so maybe that will prevent it from happening again. Stupid computers. This is how Skynet starts, you realize–with stuff like this right here.

Oh, you’ll be happy to know that I FINALLY got round to sitting down and watching my Monster Squad DVD. Brought back soooo many memories. (Come on you guys, don’t be chickenshit!) Watched the special features too. Pheobe the Pheeb grew up to be a real cutie! I’ll let her into my secret clubhouse anytime……How does that dog get up here anyway?

filmtrauma, Yeah, I think having the right people along would change everything. I don’t want a bunch of knuckleheads that aren’t going to take any of it seriously or complain about how cold it is outside and kill the mood. I am concerned about what Bay’s going to to do F13 after what he did to Transformers (don’t even get me started), but I’m in the minority that actually really liked the Texas Chainsaw remake. Most my friends hated it, and I usually hate all remakes just on principle. Don’t get me started on Dawn of the Dead either. Ugh!!

Oh, and have you guys seen the trailers for this remake of The Eye? The original Asian version is one of the scariest movies I’ve ever seen, ever, ever. And I don’t scare easily. I watched it at home alone at night with all the lights out and it messed me up. If you want to check that movie out, check out the original, not this Jessica Alba bullshit.

spaz307, The Star Trek is going to be sort of a prequel and will be set during the crew’s time in Starfleet and will show how they all met and how they all got assigned to the Enterprise. Obviously, it’s all been recast. For the most part, they’re unknowns and I don’t know most of their names. Spock will be played the guy that playes Syler on “Heroes” and Scotty will be played by Simon Pegg from Shaun of the Dead. Leonard Nemoy will also be reprising his role of an obviously much older Spock, so I think the whole thing’s going to involve some sort of time travel. I also read that Winona Ryder’s going to play Spock’s mother. No kidding. No word yet if Shatner’s going to be in it or not. Maybe somebody else around here will know more than I do.

Right now it doesn’t look like Shatner is going to be in the movie as, apparently, he’s never even been offered a role in the film. Some of the rumors have been making their way around Ain’t It Cool news and some of the story sounds pretty good while other parts almost feel as if different elements are being trampled on needlessly. I’m trying to withhold judgement until the film comes out but I’m 50/50 on the ideas presented so far. If you want a real good read someday though, check out JMS’s reboot of the Trek universe. Some good stuff in there….

DJ D I saw the trailer for control a month or two ago and was strangely drawn to it. Unfortunately, the greater Akron area of Ohio has no movie theatres that are playing it. The closest place that is playing it is up in the cleveland heights area (about an hour from me) and since my car needs to be fixed desparately, i will not be traveling said distance to see anything in the near future. The car is getting fixed this thrusday, but then i am going to be out about 200 bucks. oh yeah, and my microwave died today before i got to make lunch so i had to heat everything up the old fashioned horrible way. I was very very upset, and will be making a trip to target tomorrow hoping that they have a reasonably priced one on sale. I bought my dead one at the goodwill almost 3 years ago, and it was professional kitchen grade. it was only 20 bucks so i dont think i will find another microwave as good for as cheap, but i am willing to lower my expectations a little. sigh…..oh well.

Yeah, I try to check out Aint it Cool at least once a day if possible. It’s the best place to keep updated on what’s going on with movies. It’s weird how the feel of the chat boards on a site like that can be soooo different from this one. Occasionally I’ll read the “talkbackers” responses, and they just seem like a bunch of jackasses. They basically do nothing but rip apart and over criticize every little thing and try to think of new ways to be vulgar. It’s like a bunch of whiney, over critical 13 year olds over there. Makes me glad I’ve got X-E.

I don’t understand how they could do this new movie without at least offering Shatner a part. I mean, it’s freakin’ Kirk for god’s sake!

To continue our discussion from the other thread (I guess we can just do it here), The Sinestro Corps thing started up right after I stopped buying the books for a while, so I could save up to move. Unfortunately, every time I’m running low on funds and have to start trimming some stuff from my budget, comics are usually the first thing to go. Guess I gotta rethink my priorities. Anyways, I was buying all the GL books just before Sinestro Corps but wasn’t reading them. Actually, I was buying a LOT of stuff every week, and just sticking it in a long box. I’ve only been reading Bat books for the last few months, and will eventually make my way over to all the other DC stuff to get geared up for the new Crisis. Sinestro Corps looks good though. Guess by the time I get round to buying it, it’ll be collected in trade anyway.

I’ll never understand why some people hate remakes of old movies simply because it’s not the original. They either hate it because it’s exactly the same as the original scene for scene or they hate it because it’s too different from the original. If they don’t like it after watching it all the way through, then that’s fine because that’s an honest opinion. Alot of people though hate remakes befor they even see them. I just don’t undertsand that. Anyway I personally like the new versions of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Dawn of the Dead alot more than the original versions.

BRAWL. I’ve been living every day since December 3rd in complete apathy. I’ve been checking the updates daily since May, visiting forums, making predictions. I just want it in my hands!

I haven’t been this excited for something since the Wii. I’d consider myself a distracted gamer, where I’ll buy a game play it for 20 minutes, check my facebook and then forget about it for 6 months. This game will be different. I’ll be shutting out the world for a good month.

Leigha, Sorry to hear about your microwave. Funny how something as small as that can really just ruin your whole day. I mean, it’s just a microwave, but at the same time it’s that microwave. I really like my DVD player. There’s a million of them out there and they all pretty much do the same thing, but I just really like the remote to it, and the way the menu screen lays out and everything. As much as I know one day I’ll probably have to replace it, I really don’t want to use another one. Just one of those things I guess.

ULTRAMAN, I think my main beef with them is just that most of them just aren’t that good. It’s not so much that they’re bad remakes, they’re just bad movies. But, the studios are passing them off and getting away with it because they know they have a built in audience based on name recognition alone and people are going to show up anyway, so there’s no motivation to go out of your way to make a good movie. It&