Category: TV

ThunderCats (Cartoon Network) First Looks Preview

Over the weekend I watched the first two episodes of the new ThunderCats cartoon. It debuts on Cartoon Network on Friday July 29. I loved the original Rankin/Bass cartoon as a kid and was really happy with the new show. It’s a nice blend of classic ThunderCats elements with modern twists. I’ll have a full review of the show next week. For now, here are some random thoughts and factoids on the premiere.

– In the original show, the ThunderCats left their dying planet to begin life anew on Third Earth. This time around it looks like the planet is set. The ThunderCats are the most powerful race on the planet and rule from their kingdom of Thundera. In the original it was clear that the ThunderCats were the good guys and the mutants were the bad guys. Things are a bit cloudier in the modernization. These ThunderCats seem elitist and snobbish, while the other races seem oppressed by and fearful of them.

– The voice acting is solid so far, with some cool highlights. I immediately recognized Clancy Brown as Grune. Brown totally owned as Kurgan in Highlander and Lex Luthor in Superman the Animated Series. It’s going to take me a few episodes to get used to Emmanuelle Chriqui as Cheetara. She did a good job in the episodes I saw, but I kept hearing Sloan from Entourage in my head. Part of me was looking for E and Johnny Drama whenever she was in a scene.

– Here are two minor changes for you. First, Tygra and Lion-O are brothers. Lion-O is the true son of King Claudus and heir to the throne. Tygra is adopted, but starts off the series as better equipped to ruile. The second change is that Cheetara belongs to the cleric class. I’m not sure what religious purpose they serve, but all the clerics shown possess super speed. Perhaps they’re a warrior clan?

– Here are two major change for you. Snarf doesn’t talk. This makes him five-billion percent better than the original, annoying-as-hell Snarf. Secondly, Jaga kicks all sorts of ass. In the original, he was an old warrior that spouted fortune cookie wisdom (also a total Obi-Wan Kenobi rip-off). The new Jaga is leader of the clerics and still spouts the fortune cookie stuff, but kicks ass with super speed! Considering his namesake (jaguar, for any stupid kids reading this), it makes total sense that he’s a speedster.

– The classic chants and battle cries are in the show. Of course they are. The fanboys would have rioted without, “ThunderCats ho!!!” and, “Ancient spirits of evil, transform this decayed form…”

– WilyKit and WilyKat look to be much improved too. I hated both of them in the original (though not as much as I hated Snarf). Either I’ve gotten softer in my advanced age or the new WilyKit and WilyKat are much more endearing than their forerunners. (Both are probably true.) The re-imagined siblings are poor thieves that steal to survive. They appear to be orphans or runaways. Think of them as twin Artful Dodgers…but with tails…and cat ears…and, oh never mind.

– Panthro is old. I haven’t seen the “real” Panthro yet, but his shots in the press materials make him look considerably older than the other ThunderCats. Since he hasn’t appeared yet, I don’t know too much about him. What I do know is that he’s a general, he uses nunchuks, and he needs to join Hair Club for ThunderCats.

– Jaga referenced a prophecy that said that the greatest lord of the ThunderCats will possess sight beyond sight. Make what you will of that.

Anyway, let me know what you think of the new ThunderCats when you have a chance. Are you intrigued? Or are you afraid of one of your childhood memories being tarnished? As for me, I’m definitely going to keep watching the show. I wish I could say more, but I’m muzzled like a good ThunderDog at the moment. Stay tuned for the full review next week!

WWE Money in the Bank 2011 Results and Thoughts

WWE Money in the Bank 2011 was the best non-WrestleMania WWE PPV I’ve seen in years. The wrestling was strong and the results were outstanding for Internet marks. For fans that prefer pro-wrestlers that can actually wrestle (sadly, not always the talent pushed by WWE), this was a refreshing and satisfying show. Here are some results and random thoughts.

Daniel Bryan Bryan Danielson Won the SmackDown MitB Match: This was an outstanding match full of high spots, believable near finishes, and a bit of power wrestling thrown in. All the credit goes to the diverse talent that managed to work well together. There were crazy high-flying spots, nice bits of technical wrestling, and tremendous power moves throughout the match. I’m a huge Bryan Danielson fan and was thrilled that he got the nod. The Chicago crowd was into the win too, which wasn’t too surprising since Ring of Honor often has shows in Chicago Ridge and Danielson has loads of fans in the area.

I was actually surprised by the result. Even though I’m a huge fan of Danielson, WWE seems to have cooled on him lately. He’s an outstanding technical wrestler, but he’s also smaller than the guys the writers usually push. The big fear among Danielson fans is that he becomes the first guy to fail miserably when cashing in the MitB title shot.

Some Divas Match Happened: I was completely uninterested in the match so I went to get a drink, pee, and read email. I was really excited about the Divas division when Awesome Kong (Kharma) was in the mix. Now it’s back to the same old pretty girls with limited abilities when it really should be about Beth Phoenix and Nattie Neidhart ruling the division — you know, two women that can actually wrestle.

Mark Henry Beat The Big Show: My expectations for this match were low and I was pleasantly surprised by what these two put together. Henry looked monstrous and Show did a great job of selling. It was hardly a classic, but Henry and Show wrestled an above average big-man match.

Alberto Del Rio Won the Raw MitB Match: This wasn’t nearly as good as the SmackDown MitB match, but I’m still pleased with the result. Del Rio has been lost in the shuffle for more than a month and it’s great to see that he’ll be in the title hunt. He does have a fabricated “issue” since the status of the WWE title is up in the air. (Yes, I just spoiled the main event for you.)

As for the match itself, it was good, but it was hard to follow the excellent SmackDown match. It’s odd that they unmasked Mysterio for a bit. I wonder if the writers will use that for more Del Rio vs. Mysterio matches until the CM Punk situation is resolved. The Miz did a great job heeling it up and keeping the crowd involved. Evan Bourne Matt Sydal probably had the high-spot of the night with his crazy shooting-star press from the ladder. Kofi and Swagger were good, but I was hoping for more out of them since I want them do get pushed. This match didn’t take either to a new level.

Christian Won the World Heavyweight Championship: I love that Christian won the belt, but I hated how he won it. It was good in terms of putting heat on Christian and putting Randy in a position to chase the belt (he’s better chasing than as champion), but it made Christian look kind of lame. He’s a great wrestler and he got to show some of that ability in this match, but he’s capable of more. It’s kind of weird thinking that Christian had better matches in TNA.

CM Punk Beat John Cena for the WWE Championship: Wow. This was just an outstanding match. It had great wrestling, fantastic storytelling and an awesome result. It was definitely the right way to get in terms of storytelling. So many different angles and opportunities are now opened up. Cena put on a good effort, but Punk really carried him to a great match. This was the best WWE main event I’ve seen in years (that didn’t involve Shawn Michaels).

On a side note, it was awesome to see Colt Cabana and Ace Steel in the crowd. Cabana is a close friend of Punk’s and wrestled in WWE as Scotty Goldman. He came up with Punk and they wrestled together in the indies. Steel was one of Punk’s early trainers and they also wrestled together in the indies.

Closing Thoughts: I loved this PPV. The right guys won. The wrestling was mostly great. For Internet marks like me, this was an amazing show. I’m pretty sure Summer Slam 2011 is screwed. Even with The Rock making an appearance, I doubt it will top this show.

Awesome CM Punk Interview on GQ.com

GQ.com has posted a brilliant four-page interview with WWE Superstar CM Punk. It’s a long and excellent read that covers all sorts of topics. Obviously Punk has been getting a ton of attention for his current “I’m quitting!” angle, but the interview covers several “real” topics as well. I highly, highly recommend reading the whole thing. For now, here are four of my favorite clips.

On pro-wrestling being one of America’s biggest contributions to the world:

It’s truly, I believe, one of the only art forms that America has actually given to the world, besides jazz and comic books.

On a potential match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin:

I think the biggest match any wrestling company can do right now is C.M. Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. I’ve thought that since I was 15. I’m straight edge. I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I don’t smoke. And that is the perfect protagonist or antagonist to Stone Cold Steve Austin, depending on how you want to spin it. It writes itself. You would have to try really, really hard to fuck that one up.

On underutilized talent in WWE:

There’s plenty of guys and girls in house that are super-talented that we don’t do enough with. A guy like Evan Bourne, who’s a fantastic high-flyer, does the most fantastic stuff on the roster. I could go on: Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Beth Phoenix. There’s Nattie Neidhart, Tyson Kidd. Tyson Kidd is a fantastic wrestler, maybe not the greatest promo. So let’s help him. Let’s teach him to get better instead of signing someone from Europe who failed at Euro football.

On his close friend and former tag-team partner Colt Cabana (Scotty Goldman) getting fired from WWE:

I was really bummed when Cabana got fired. I didn’t feel like it was my fault, but maybe there was something that I could’ve or should’ve done to prevent it. He’s a super-talented guy. I’m brutally honest; he knows that. I can look at him and be like, “Maybe trim up, work out harder, do more cardio.” But when he’s in the ring, he’s the most entertaining guy. A company slogan is “We put smiles on people’s faces.” That’s what that guy does, and he does it with his wrestling style. It’s amazing. I was so bummed when he got fired because I want the best for my friends. If I could somehow trade places with him, I probably would, just so he could experience what I have. He deserves it.

Seriously, go read this interview now (please)!

Source

Netflix Hits Nintendo 3DS, 3D Content Coming Soon

Netflix has launched a client for the Nintendo 3DS portable gaming console. Considering that Netflix is already available on all sorts of platforms, that seems like a fairly ho-hum announcement. That said, there is one notable facet of the announcement — Nintendo announced 3D content on Netflix before Netflix did. Here’s a clip from the press release:

The new Netflix application for Nintendo 3DS displays movies and TV episodes in 2D on the system’s upper screen. Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.

For fans of 3D movies, the 3DS could be a compelling option for Netflix on-the-go. It will be interesting to see if other mobile 3D products, like the Android-powered LG G-Slate on T-Mobile, will be pulling from the same content pool as the 3DS or if Nintendo has some degree exclusivity.

I know that most of you aren’t into the 3Ds and that most of you aren’t into 3D movies, but I have to ask if 3D Netflix content on the Nintendo 3DS interests you. Would you use Netflix on your 3DS? Or are you satisfied with mobile Netflix on your Android or iOS device?

Three Awesome Game of Thrones Music Performances

Let’s celebrate the release of George R.R. Martin’s A Dance with Dragons by listening to these three awesome performances of the intro to Game of Thrones. First up is a slick acoustic mix. Next is a classical performance using acoustic and electric violin sounds. Capping it off is a rock version featuring heavy drums and electric guitar.

If you have a chance to listen to all three tracks, please let me know which one is your favorite. Thanks to Joey and Parisi for sharing these on Google+!

Kenny Powers: K-Swiss MFCEO!!!

I first watched it while I was still in Hawaii, but this K-Swiss viral marketing video starring Eastbound and Down’s Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) is too good not to discuss with y’all. This star-studded commercial features cameos by Michael Bay, Matt Cassel, Jillian Michaels, Jon Bones Jones, Rey Mysterio, Josh Cox, Mark Cuban, and Patrick Willis.

As a former tennis junkie, I’ve loved K-Swiss products since I was a teenager. However, the company always had this uppity Euro vibe. Using a character like Kenny Powers to make it cool and edgy is just awesome. What do you think of the video? What’s your favorite clip?

Today’s Poll: What Do You Think of Netflix’s New Pricing?

Netflix recently announced some upcoming changes to its subscription rates. The old $19.99 plan that included unlimited streaming and DVD rentals will die. Unlimited streaming will continue for $7.99 a month, while unlimited DVD rentals will cost $15.99 per month. If you currently enjoy streaming and renting discs then your monthly cost will rise to $23.98 starting September 1, 2011.

I know that most of you are Netflix subscribers, but I don’t know if you’re all about streaming or if you also rent physical media. What do you think of the new Netflix plans? Kindly take today’s poll and explain your choice in the comments section!

[poll id=”125″]

Watch CM Punk Cut the Best Promo of 2011

I was amazed by CM Punk’s promo on last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw. He expertly blended real-life happenings with his current angle of “leaving” the WWE. Not only was it clearly the best promo of 2011, but it was also one of the best I’ve seen in years. Highlights include:

  • Emphasizing the word “wrestling” — a word WWE doesn’t like to use anymore
  • Mentioning not having a crappy show on the USA network
  • Saying that he’s a Paul Heyman guy, like Brock Lesnar
  • Talking about bringing the WWE Championship to Ring of Honor
  • Saying hello to his close friend Colt Cabana, a renowned indie wrestler that was horribly misused when he wrestled in the WWE as Scotty Goldman
  • Blasting WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis for being a nonsensical yes-man
  • Saying that WWE has no future after Vince McMahon dies because the company will be taken over by Vince’s idiotic daughter (Stephanie) and his doofus son-in-law (Triple H)

Punk created a ton of Internet buzz and sold people on his upcoming PPV match against John Cena with a fantastic promo. I know that a few of you are down on Punk because of his size, but he’s a superior technical wrestler and, as he showed last night, magic on the mic. Brilliant, brilliant stuff.

Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston Get Hollywood Stars

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has announced the latest entertainers to get their very own stars on the world famous Hollywood sidewalk. The list is lead by hotties Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston (in my head anyway). Naturally I saw this announcement as an opportunity to post sexy photos! Other honorees include the late, great Richard Burton, D&D fan Vin Diesel, Matt Groening, and Adam West. Here’s the full list from E!:

Movies

  • Jennifer Aniston
  • Vin Diesel
  • Scarlett Johansson
  • John Lasseter
  • Malcolm McDowell
  • Sumner Redstone
  • Kate Winslet
  • Richard Burton (posthumous)

TV

  • Valerie Bertinelli
  • Matt Groening
  • Mariska Hargitay
  • Patricia Heaton
  • Marg Helgenberger
  • Walter Koenig
  • Adam West

Music

  • Pepe Aguilar
  • AMERICA
  • Boyz II Men
  • Hal David
  • David Foster
  • Vince Gill
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart)
  • Barry White (posthumous)

Radio

  • Ellen K.

Now onto the photos!

Source

Game of Thrones Finale Discussion

What did you ladies and gents think of last night’s Game of Thrones season one finale? How about the season as a whole? As for me, I absolutely loved it. The show was the sweetest television surprise of 2011. For years I’ve been listening to several friends rave about the books. The series made me start reading them. Although there are significant changes and alterations in the TV adaptation, I still love the show.

Now here are some random thoughts on the finale and season one. Spoilers ahead!

– I keep watching the scene where Samwell gets clipped by the tree while chasing after Jon on a horse. His girlish scream cracks me up.

– My friend that has only watched two episodes came over for the finale last night. In the closing scene I commented on how cute the dragons looked. He was wondering why I was focusing on the dragons instead of naked Daenerys. She’s been naked so many times in the series that this bit of nudity was lost on me. She looked super cute though…but I want a baby dragon!

– The actor that plays Tywin Lannister is cool, but I keep seeing him as the villain in Last Action Hero. He will always be that guy to me, similar to how Bill Pullman will always be Lonestar and Lou Diamond Phillips will always be La Bamba.

– One thing I didn’t like was clearly stating that Renly and Loras were lovers. In the books it’s implied somewhat subtly. In the show the pair have a manscaping and fellatio scene. In some ways it reminded me of how heavy-handed the Watchmen movie was — as if the director thought viewers were too stupid to pick up the subtleties of the comics. I’d like to think that people are smarter than that…but I have been wrong before.

– For me, Tyrion Lannister was the star of season one. Peter Dinklage did a marvelous job conveying the complexities of the character. He’s funny, vulnerable, capable, unsure, wise, a drunk, and a whore monger all at the same time. He has so many of the best lines in the series. Explaining his fondness for “cripples, bastards, and broken things” and telling Shagga son of Dolf how he envisions dying are two examples of two very different ways Dinklage masterfully entertained.

– The relationship between Khal Drogo and Daenerys starts off very differently in the books. Part of me wants to think it was changed due to time constraints, but part of me believes it was changed because of that whole “director/writer thinks viewers are too stupid” thing. In the show it seemed like Dany went from being raped to being in love way too quickly.

– Kit Harrington is doing a good job playing Jon Snow, but in my head the character is better looking. Considering his true lineage — or the one that many readers are guessing — he should be studly.

– Grand Maester Pycelle’s calisthenics scene in the finale seemed completely unnecessary to me.

– Varys is probably the only character I’m really disappointed with. Conleth Hill is doing a great job portraying him as a shifty bastard with questionable allegiances, but I miss the whole master-of-disguise thing from the books.

Anyway, that’s enough random thoughts from me. Kindly share some of your own. I’d love to hear what you have to say about Game of Thrones season one.