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“Don’t Stop Believing” Is Even Better as a Lounge Jazz Anthem

Thirty six years ago, Journey released “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which has proven to be one of the most enduring anthems in the band’s catalog. Even before The Sopranos cut to black, “Don’t Stop Believin'” was frequently played and fondly remembered. Now it’s time for Postmodern Jukebox to unveil their take on this classic song, and this cover is going big. And we mean big! Because this is a full blown music video production, and Postmodern Jukebox invited a few friends to sing along and dance the night away.

This is the first time that Postmodern Jukebox has attempted a music video on this scale, and director Abraham Roofeh uses a single take that follows the singers and dancers around a wild throwback party. Sara Niemietz and Rayvon Owen are the first two featured vocalists in this video, as they seemed to assume the roles of “a small town girl” and  “a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit.” Thia Megia and Blake Lewis also joined in as both vocalists and other members of the staff who navigate their way through the mansion.

Journey doesn’t have an official music video for “Don’t Stop Believin’,” but this feels like a fitting tribute.

What do you think about Postmodern Jukebox’s latest cover? Hold on to that feeling until you get to the comment section below!

Image: Postmodern Jukebox

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Resistance to the Borg Cube PC and VR PC Is Futile

Wallet shields up! A Borg Cube PC and Borg CubeVR PC have just been picked up by our sensors, and they appear to be quite handsome boxes of hive-minded destruction and gaming. And with some excellent surface detailing, as well as sleek matching keyboards and mice, these computers seem like a nod to Star Trek: The Next Generation that could pass through the Delta Quadrant undetected.

The Borg Cube PC and VR PC, which came to our attention via io9, are the cyborg brainchildren of nascent California-based software and hardware company CherryTree Inc. They appear to be the first custom computers produced by the company, which has also made two mobile games including Goat on a Float and Divided Airways. Which look like fun, although they are, of course, no match for the HoloLens version of the Game. (Nothing is.)

Design and creation of the Borg Cube PC into reality. #borgcubepc #StarTrek #borg #computer #tech #technology #scifi #geek pic.twitter.com/ZsqVvsz8s7

— CherryTree Inc. (@CherryTreeInc) September 29, 2017

In terms of specs, the smaller gaming PC is priced at $599, $899, and $1,299, with corresponding increases in RAM, hard drive space, and processing power, which starts with the Intel Core i3-7100 dual-core, and ranges up to the Intel Core i5-7600K quad-core. The far more voluminous Borg CubeVR PC, which measures 12x12x12, is not available for purchase yet, but it’s set to have a 7th Gen Intel Core i7 -7700K quad-core, up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, a 2TB SSD, and the option for a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics card. No word on the price of the Borg CubeVR PC yet, but we all know the hardware for VR headgear doesn’t come cheap.

The Cube PC is also officially licensed, which means Locutus of CBS Lawyers won’t be showing up to assimilate your PC before it’s been delivered. Although there is a limited run of 359 units of each–in honor of The Battle of Wolf 359–with only 321 units of the smaller cube available as of the time of this writing.

What do you think about these Borg Cube PCs? Are you going to let CherryTree Inc. assimilate a good chunk of your money? Give us your thoughts in the comments below!

Images: CBS, CherryTree Inc.

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There is Now a Steve Jobs Figure from DAM Toys

From the late ’70s on, Steve Jobs was instrumental in changing the way that people interacted with technology. Though no longer with us, Jobs’ legacy and his legend lives on through his work. Now, that legend has brought to life a new tribute of the mogul: his very own deluxe figure!

Via Bleeding Cool, DAM Toys is planning to release a 1/6-scale high end figure of Steve Jobs, and as you can see from the picture below, the company has done an impressive job of recreating his likeness. DAM Toys even used their new figure to echo one of the most famous photos of Jobs.

The figure seems to be based on Jobs’ later years at Apple, when he often made presentations while wearing a black sweater, jeans, and tennis shoes. But instead of outfitting Jobs with some of his more famous innovations like the iPod, the iMac, or the iPhone, DAM Toys went old school and gave the figure an Apple MAC and floppy disks as its primary accessories.

The Jobs figure has several points of articulation as well as interchangeable hands that will allow fans to place Jobs in some of his signature poses.

You can see more pictures of this figure in our gallery below. DAM Toys hasn’t yet released the information about how much the Steve Jobs figure will cost or when it will be released. But we hope that this Jobs figure will lead to more tech icons receiving similar tributes. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak would be at the top of our wish list, and even Bill Gates would make an interesting addition. But what we’re really holding out for is an Elon Musk figure, just to give Dan Casey and Kyle Hill something cool for Christmas.

What do you think about this Steve Jobs figure? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Images: DAM Toys

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THE WALKING DEAD Brings Gabriel and Negan Together in “The Big Scary U”

Warning: Spoilers are ahead for the season eight of The Walking Dead. Keep reading at your own risk.

Father Gabriel has had a rough time on The Walking Dead.

Often seen as unreliable, untrustworthy, and cowardly, Gabriel has been kicked around by the show and fandom alike. In many fans’ eyes, Gabriel’s character has been a series of grievous missteps: he let his parishioners die, goaded Sasha into killing him, undermined Rick in front of the Alexandrians, and hid more often than he helped. Gabriel is so hated that actor Seth Gilliam has received death threats for his portrayal, and fans have created theories of how Gabriel is actually working for Negan. When Gabriel runs back to save Gregory from the walker horde in “Mercy,” only to get himself stranded in a trailer with none other than Negan, many fans saw it as a sign. Either Gabriel’s true colors would finally be revealed, or the character who had long outstayed his welcome would finally be killed.

Yet that’s not what happens. Like many others, I was fully expecting “The Big Scary U” to open with Gabriel sobbing, begging, and eventually being flung out the cabin as walker bait (not revealed as a spy; sorry folks, that one was too much of a stretch). Instead what we get is Gabriel, filled with serenity and steel, calmly telling Negan, “I think I know why I’m here. I’m here to take your confession.”

It’s a remarkable opening line for a character who, up until now, was often found cowering in corners at the end of a battle. When faced with arguably the most dangerous villain of the series, Gabriel exhibits the most composure we’ve ever seen from him, and his whole demeanor changes. What results is an intriguing back-and-forth: Gabriel quietly chipping away at Negan while Negan attempts to remain thoroughly unaffected. A priest and a despot, two opposing forces that couldn’t be further apart in morality and power, figuring out how to somehow gain the upper hand and survive.

It would be incorrect to say “The Big Scary U” shows us a complete role reversal between the two characters, but for a while they end up feeling like near equals–an interesting twist when you consider that the last time Negan was in that same trailer, he was lording over Rick’s tearful, distraught form in the wake of Glenn’s death. To think that the one character that could even begin to get under Negan’s skin is none other than Gabriel, considered the weakest link in Rick’s group, is a surprisingly refreshing twist for a show that has offered little in the way of subversions the past season or so.

One of my favorite aspects of “The Big Scary U” is how the cinematography works to reinforce how, at the end of the day and regardless of power structures, both Gabriel and Negan are only human. Director John Polson levels the playing field between the two with his tight framing, dim lighting, and all over claustrophobic atmosphere. Actors Gilliam and Jeffrey Dean Morgan both play their parts deftly as well; they’re both hollowed out and stubborn men, and they both accept that they really might die there with a surprising amount of grace. They’re on very different sides of the aisle, yet by the end of the episode you get the sense that Gabriel has actually gained some of Negan’s respect, and Gabriel has, perhaps, made a dent in Negan’s facade.

Interestingly, being trapped in a situation where Negan has little power not only fills Gabriel with resolve but humanizes Negan in a way we really haven’t seen before. Negan grows increasingly sweaty while hope of rescue dwindles, and while Morgan telegraphs little, you get the sense that Gabriel’s questions begin to unnerve him. Does Negan feel guilt? Shame? Is there anything he wants to confess before he dies?

And then there’s the fact that Negan doesn’t kill Gabriel outright to begin with. Instead he tells Gabriel that he saves people–hence the Saviors–that he wants them to work together, and that his system feeds and protects more people than it hurts. And we see this play out by the end of the episode: Negan covers himself in walker sludge, protects Gabriel from the horde, and stops violence from breaking out between the rightfully upset workers and Negan’s dim-witted warriors. It’s more humanity and honor than we’ve really seen Negan display, and the fact that his way of doing things may have merit is both an interesting and horrifying thought.

Is “The Big Scary U” a successful episode? To an extent, yes. It takes two characters–one wildly hated, and one a near caricature–and deconstructs them more than expected, but perhaps not as much as needed. While it was interesting to finally see Negan concede and confess to Gabriel, his confession does little in the way of truly humanizing him. (And from the perspective of a woman, it just makes him look like an even bigger ass.) And while we finally got to see Gabriel grow as a character, by the end of the episode his chances aren’t looking too great. Did The Walking Dead finally build up Gabriel only to kill him off? I’d like to hope not.

What did you think of the episode? Sounds off in the comments!

Images: AMC

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A WRINKLE IN TIME Gets A Trippy New Trailer

Disney has just released the second trailer for Selma director Ava DuVernay’s long awaited live-action adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved 1962 fantasy novel A Wrinkle in Time during the American Music Awards. The film features an all-star cast and a script from Frozen screenwriter (and Oscar-winner) Jennifer Lee and looks like it will be trippy, fantastical, and whimsical. You can check out the new trailer below.

At this year’s D23 Expo, Disney debuted the first footage from the film, which had many fans in attendance giving positive reactions for this latest adaptation. A made-for-TV-movie based on the novel was produced in 2003, but it didn’t quite live up to fan expectations. Now, it seems that this time, armed with a much bigger budget and bigger names involved, fans of the novel will finally get an adaptation that is far more faithful to the ideas and expansive world of the book.

A Wrinkle in Time is the story of young Meg Murray (Storm Reid), whose father, a government scientist played by Chris Pine, has gone missing after working on a mysterious project. Meg and her child prodigy younger brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe), along with their best friend, are then helped out by three celestial beings known as Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which, that are played by  Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, and Oprah Winfrey, respectively. Also starring in the film are Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Pena, and Zach Galifianakis.

Disney also released a new poster for the film, which you can see above, and several new photos, which you can see in our gallery below. A Wrinkle In Time is due to open in theaters on March 9, 2018.

What do you think of this new look at A Wrinkle In Time? Does it have you as excited for the upcoming film as we are? Let us know in the comments below.

Images: Disney

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Ben Affleck Stole Batarangs from the JUSTICE LEAGUE Set and Paid the Price

There have been a lot of rumors that Ben Affleck‘s time as Batman is rapidly drawing to a close, even from Affleck himself. Only Affleck can say why he wants to step away from the role after Justice League, and possibly The Batman solo movie. But it’s important to note that Affleck enjoyed playing one of the all-time great superheroes on the big screen. However, his attempt to take a memento from the Justice League set backfired on him.

Via i09, Affleck appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and shared the story about stealing a few Batarangs during the Justice League shoot. According to Affleck, the Batmobile was too well guarded to take as a souvenir, and we believe him. Warner Bros. not only had a close watch on Batman’s larger toys, the studio also noticed when the Batarangs went missing. “You can’t exactly have been stealing it if you got billed for it, which is what happened to me at the end of this story,” explained Affleck, “Turns out Batarangs aren’t cheap.”

Affleck also told Colbert that his two daughters are completely over him as a superhero, but his five-year old son was still excited that he got to play Batman. Affleck shared his sense of dismay when his son revealed that he would much rather be the Flash for Halloween. Afterwards, Affleck joked he had wasted years of his life.

What did you think about Affleck’s failed Batarang heist? Light the Bat-signal in the comment section below!

Image: Warner Bros.

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Expert Archer Fires Deadly ‘Turning Arrows’ Around People and Walls

When Danish archer Lars Andersen showed off “a new level of archery” in a super viral YouTube video about three years ago, he blew people away with his bow skills, particularly in regards to his speed and agility. Now, in another rare video (he’s only posted 10 over the last six years), the Legolas-a-licious Andersen shows off his ability to fire arrows in such a way so that they turn in midair. Which means all those times somebody killed you with a bow in a video game when you were definitely out of their line of sight may have actually been justified.

In the clip, the narrator, who is not Andersen, notes that Andersen is able to manipulate arrow flight paths so that they change direction while in the air. The narrator goes on to note that both archaic Arabic and English sources say archers were able to hit targets that were behind objects, and that it is indeed possible for an arrow to hit an enemy who’s hiding behind something.

Although Andersen’s claims are clearly backed up by his myriad demonstrations–he can fire a “return arrow” for the love of Hawkeye–they still may be best taken with a grain of salt. There have been some expert archers who have taken issue with Andersen’s style and his claims about historical texts, and they say that all of his methods are only good for short-range shooting.

Regardless of people’s opinions, it seems difficult to argue with the fact that Andersen does possess some kind of unique archery skill. As well as enough confidence to fire a deadly arrow with a “large hunting tip” around a man. Note that the man protects what is most precious to him–and it’s not his face.

What do you think about Andersen’s latest archery video? Do you believe his technique is sound, or are these just tricks that would never be used in real battles? Fire your thoughts into the comments section below!

Images: larsandersen23

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Bottleneck Gallery’s JUSTICE LEAGUE Print Unites the Heroes Against Steppenwolf

The DCEU’s Justice League is finally here, and while it’s disjointed, we found it fun in a way that previous DC films were not. You can find out exactly what we thought of it by checking out our review. It’s been a divisive film, but one thing we can all agree on is that it’s magical to see the League together in a big budget live-action movie. The characters are great, even if the story is not. Which is why Bottleneck Gallery‘s latest Justice League print, drawn by Rich Kelly, highlights our heroes at their most badass.

Ben Affleck‘s Batman takes center stage here as he brutally dispatches a Parademon, with Wonder Woman and Aquaman flanking him. The Flash zooms away from the team after defeating another Parademon, as evidenced by the lightning flashing across the middle. Cyborg and Superman occupy smaller roles as they contend with Steppenwolf.

The print also comes in a metallic variant, which paints the League in a more dire light. This is a damn Apokoliptian New God they’re dealing with, and it’s not going to be easy.

Both prints are 24 x 36 inches and are available now for purchase from Bottleneck, with the original setting you back $50 and the metallic variant $60. Will you be purchasing one of these prints? Let us know in the comments.

Image: Rich Kelly, Bottleneck Gallery

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Here’s Where You Can Get ZELDA Items in SKYRIM on Nintendo Switch

Finally, Skyrim fans can shout “Od-Ah-Viing!” on the Nintendo Switch as they revisit the fifth installment of The Elder Scrolls series. And to help entice gamers new and old, Skyrim for the Switch includes three important pieces of gear from The Legend of Zelda. The Champion’s Tunic, Link’s Hylian Shield, and the Master Sword can all be yours, if you know where to look.

Polygon has released a breakdown on how to get the Zelda items in Skyrim. It’s not quite as easy as Nintendo and Bethesda made it look at E3, but it’s simpler if you have any of The Legend of Zelda amiibo figures. While all of the amiibo toys will give players some kind of free gear, only the Zelda amiibo can drop the desired objects. That’s can not will, because the Zelda amiibo figures aren’t guaranteed to drop the items you want, and amiibo can only be scanned once per day.

Of course, there is a workaround if players adjust the day setting on their Switches to fool the game into believing that another day has passed. If gamers don’t have any Zelda amiibo, then there is only one place to find the gear: the Throat of the World, which is located at the highest point in Skyrim. The game does eventually guide the player to that location, so patient gamers can wait. For impatient players, Polygon created a video that demonstrates how to reach the Throat of the World much earlier in the game.

What do you think about the Zelda gear in Skyrim? Let out a mighty shout in the comment section below!

Images: Bethesda/Nintendo

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Fans Prove a PRINCESS BRIDE Theme Park Ride Isn’t Inconceivable

If you’ve ever hoped you would see The Princess Bride as a theme park attraction, then Jon Plsek and Olivia West have something to say to you: As you wish. Plsek and West, a concept artist and a concept writer for Universal, respectively, tackled this fan project purely for fun. So, no, it is not a design for a ride currently development, but the attraction, the Princess Ride, is so inconceivably awesome that we can’t be sad.

Look and be sure to click to enlarge.

Plsek and West reimagined the story of The Princess Bride in boat ride form. Think of Disney‘s Pirates of the Caribbean but with vignettes and moments from the movie about Westley and Buttercup. You begin with learning about Buttercup and the Farm Boy and then ride through adventures featuring animatronics performing all the best scenes in the films.

Swordfights. Fire effects. A R.O.U.S. attack. A strong story. Yeah, this ride has everything. It would be such a unique way to experience the movie, especially considering so many have seen The Princess Bride over and over.

And if, like Fred Savage, you’re wondering where the bedroom is, Plsek said it would be part of the queue. Genius.

Amazing!! But, like…where's the bedroom??! https://t.co/jRepHx1oUU

— Fred Savage (@thefredsavage) November 19, 2017

That’s in the queue! Animatronic boy and grandpa and everything! (No pinching cheeks though) https://t.co/OsvaoPGRGv

— Jon Plsek (@jonplsek) November 19, 2017

You can view more photos of each section of the ride at Plsek’s ArtStation page. You can see more of his projects at his website and keep up with West on Twitter.

Which elements of this ride design are your favorite? How long would you wait in line to take a trip on a Princess Bride boat ride? Descend the Cliffs of Insanity and tell me in the comments.

Images: Jon Plsek and Olivia West

Amy Ratcliffe is an Associate Editor for Nerdist. Follow her on Twitter.

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