Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 2254

Batman Kicks a Field Goal at University of Cincinnati Game

The internet is kind of like a roulette wheel with tiny Ginsu knives attached: It’s weird and you can’t really explain it, but because it’s a little dangerous and you don’t know what to expect, you find yourself intrigued. Since it is the unpredictable gift that keeps on giving, there’s never a shortage of wonderful trinkets like this video of a man dressed in a Batman suit kicking a misshapen ball of sorts through a giant yellow fork missing its middle prongs.

It all went down inside the Nippert Stadium at the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. The background details are sketchy but, as SB Nation reported, it looks like our costumed crusader (and, according to commentators in the video, a person dressed like the Joker who went before him) was there to film a television promo. Organizers instructed him to stand at the 20-yard line where he would then kick the ball through the goal as a packed stadium watched on. No pressure or anything.

 

If Wonder Woman were there, she’d tip her tiara to this hero the internet doesn’t deserve, but is exactly what we need right now. On second thought, why would she be watching from the sidelines instead of kicking from the 80-yard line like the unstoppable badass that she is? If there’s anything better than one costumed hero attempting to kick footballs for entertainment, it’s two doing so. We could even turn this into a Justice League Halftime Show and bring out the rest of the gang. They’re already appearing in two movies together, so a local TV promo couldn’t hurt.

What do you think? Who would you want to see on the field kicking a goal? Let me know in the comments!

Image: YouTube/AL Video

TBS’ SEARCH PARTY Needs to Find Its Own Identity First (Review)

There’s a fine line between parody and recreation sometimes, and I’d say that Search Party comes close to blurring it entirely, except that I’m not 100% sure what specifically it’s trying to parody or re-create. With its aimless rooftop parties and unmoored, searching/shallow young protagonists, it’s sometimes like Reality Bites 2.0. In the restaurant scene that introduces us to all the major characters, it’s strongly reminiscent of Sex and the City. The deliberately shallow, superficial, yet rarely laugh-out-loud dialogue seems like it may be spoofing shows like HBO‘s Girls, complete with gratuitous (beeped-out) f-words. And the characters dress like they’re from the ’80s: one in particular, a shallow doofus named Drew, looks like the perfect mash-up of young Anthony Edwards and Val Kilmer.

This much is clear: it stars Alia Shawkat as twentysomething Dory, who is, as that moniker might unsubtly suggest, trying to find herself. She’s described early on by another character as the sort of person who’s really good at things nobody likes doing (running crappy errands, basically), but has no idea what her own good qualities really are. We do: she is, as of the first episode, the only fully developed character on the show who doesn’t feel like a caricature, but this may be a deliberately sly joke about the way someone like her would see the world, with herself as the only true deep thinker in it. Looking for a purpose and a goal, she comes across a missing-persons poster for a former classmate named Chantal, and decides she’s going to rally her friends around the cause of figuring out what happened. They, in turn, mostly use the notion as a chance to show off their own compassion by proclaiming how devastating the loss is on social media.

There’s an early hint that might be giving the entire “mystery” away—Chantal is said to have disappeared right after her book of poetry was finally released, and if it turns out that she deliberately disappeared to boost sales of the tome, I won’t be especially shocked. But the mystery isn’t really the point, even though the various episodes of the show do have totally Hardy Boys-like titles such as “The Secret of the Sinister Ceremony” and “The Return of the Forgotten Phantom.” It’s really just a jumping-off point for various vignettes about how totally shallow the youth of today are, with their deluded sense of self-worth and lack of real understanding (note to youth of today: they always say this about youth. Don’t take it personally). Sample gag: a guy shows up to a party just to announce that he’s got to go.

Search Party is executive produced by The State‘s Michael Showalter, who has always been right on that line between funny and not for me. If you’re a rabid fan of The Baxter or the original Wet Hot American Summer, take into account that while I did not hate those movies, I find it hard to imagine loving them, and this is about the same (They Came Together, which he also cowrote and executive produced, is the anomaly for me, in that I like it a lot). Weird deadpan for weirdness’ sake appeals; weird deadpan where I feel like I’m supposed to be getting a reference that isn’t really there, not so much. This show is being dropped all at once for binge-watching (two episodes every night on TBS starting Monday; all at once on TBS.com), so presumably there is a long game, and maybe characters other than Dory will develop along the way. I hope the gratuitous bathroom humor goes: an opening joke about stepping in dog crap and a later scene of semi-public urination add nothing but a feeling of desperation for cheap laughs to the story.

2 burritos out of 5 for the first episode. You can safely add an extra one if you’re especially fond of any of the Showalter stuff mentioned above.

Images: TBS

Fan-Animated TERMINATOR: EXTERMINATION Pitches a Reboot for the Franchise

The future of the Terminator franchise is uncertain after last year’s Terminator Genisys was unable to generate much enthusiasm. Even a strong international box office wasn’t enough for Genisys to overcome its tepid domestic numbers, and the planned sequels were taken off the schedule. The rights to Terminator are currently set to revert to James Cameron in 2019, but he’s so wrapped up in the Avatar sequels that it’s unclear when or if he plans to revisit that world. The one thing we know for certain is that the Terminator film series badly needs some new ideas, and this new animated Terminator fan trailer is offering a few timely suggestions.

Via ComicBook.com, filmmakers Bruce Stirling and John Knox are attempting to pitch their idea for a reboot film called Terminator: Extermination. Earlier this month, the duo posted an animated trailer for Extermination that set the stage for a potential new beginning. This story takes place after humanity won the war against Skynet and defeated the machines. Apparently, it didn’t take long for humanity to once again turn on itself, and that gave a few remaining Terminators the opportunity to rise again.

Although the voiceovers are occasionally shaky and the trailer is light on character and story details, Terminator: Extermination does offer a few intriguing ideas about where the franchise can go. Cannibal Terminators could be a really fun and terrifying thing to see on screen, assuming there’s a good reason behind that. But the key aspect here is one that we agree with: the Terminator franchise needs to move beyond John and Sarah Conner. Terminator Genisys literally went to the well one too many times with those characters, and the audience just didn’t respond to them with the same enthusiasm that they used to have.

Another issue to deal with is Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s status as the face of the franchise. Terminator: Extermination sidestepped the issue by leaving most of its machines in their skeletal state. While Schwarzenegger’s T-800 is still iconic, it could also use a rest after Genisys. The Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles TV show proved that fans can get behind another heroic terminator like Summer Glau‘s Cameron. Or perhaps the next Terminator film could simply avoid using heroic machines and go back to making them the feared villains that they were in the very first movie by James Cameron.

The first Terminator had the benefit of being released during the Cold War, when nuclear destruction was an ever-present theme in fiction. Cameron’s film played up that idea by making the machines responsible for humanity’s near extinction. Any new Terminator movie could be well served by tapping into society’s modern fears of an ever-changing world and climate, as well as the notion of technology turning against its creators. Perhaps the most timely aspect of Terminator: Extermination is the way that humanity is still its own greatest enemy, and even the need to unite against the machinces is overridden by petty differences.

What did you think about Terminator: Extermination? And what do you want to see in a potential Terminator sequel? Upload your thoughts into the comment section below!

Image: Bruce Stirling and John Knox

Speaking of Genisys – what was up with Arnold aging?

FIRST LOOK: GOTHAM Series 4 Action Figures by Diamond Select Toys (Exclusive)

Diamond Select made their name as action figure creators with the Marvel Select line and a Universal Monsters line that got so large they had to start inventing new original characters to keep up with demand. Every once in a while they’ll pick up a new property like Sin City, but that line was one series and done–when they got the Gotham license, I’m not sure any fans could have guessed it would run for four assortments. But then, the show itself has been getting more colorful and weird, and that’s a best-case scenario for tie-in toys, especially ones that come with diorama bits. We’ve been able to build the front gates of Arkham Asylum, a Crime Alley display, and now, in series 4, a GCPD jail cell.

Like the show last season, series 4 is focused on the rise of the villains. Mr. Freeze isn’t going to want to be sent to DA COOLUH, Azrael can swap heads to reveal his true identity on the show as Theo Galavan, and in Hugo Strange, we get a plastic immortalization of some of the best colorblind casting ever–the character isn’t Asian in the comics, but B.D. Wong embodied the mad doctor to perfection.

Here’s the official release:

Gotham TV Select Action Figures Series 4 Asst

A Diamond Select Toys Release! Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Gotham! The critically acclaimed action figure line based on the hit Fox TV series serves up the Wrath of the Villains, with three new 7” scale figures of Gotham’s most dangerous men! Azrael, Mr. Freeze and Professor Hugo Strange each feature up to 16 points of articulation as well as character-appropriate accessories, and each comes with an awesome diorama piece inspired by the show! Hugo Strange comes with the conditioning chair from Arkham Asylum, and Freeze and Azrael each come with part of the jail cell from the Gotham City Police Department! Collect them both to build the diorama and put them in a cell where they belong! Packaged in the display-ready Select packaging with side panel artwork for shelf reference. Sculpted by Gentle Giant!

Action figures SRP: $24.99/ea.

Estimated Release Date: Spring/Summer 2017

Be sure to check out all the images in our gallery below. Who would you want to see next, Gotham-ites? And what mini-diorama scenes would you re-create as pack-ins? Let Diamond Select–and us–know in comments below!

ALICE IN CHAINS Just Covered Rush’s ‘Tears’ and It’s Awesome

If you’re looking for holiday gifts for music fans this year, a certain classic Canadian prog rock band has an idea for you. Rush will be releasing a 40th anniversary edition of their album 2112. The entire thing, available December 16. has been remastered by Abbey Road studios and a second disc will include covers done by Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins, Billy Talent, Steve Wilson and more. Last night (Saturday, November 19), as seen on Bloody Disgusting, Spotify released Alice in Chains‘ version of Tears, which has the stunning and haunting harmonies that Alice in Chains is known for. If you’re a fan of the band, it’s probably going to make you beg for them to release something new. (Their last release was The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here back in 2013.)

You can listen to their version of Tears below to see what we mean. (You’ll only hear a 29 second clip of the 4:20 song if you don’t have the Spotify app, which you can get here.)

You can pre-order it right now at rushbackstage.com, where they have a variety of packages for you to choose from. The 2 CD/DVD pack is available for $30.99 and will get you these goodies, according to the site:

2CD+DVD

CD Highlights:

Original Album Remastered at Abbey Road Studios – First Time on CD

5 Newly Recorded Covers from

Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nick Raskulinecz

Billy Talent – Steven Wilson – Alice In Chains – Jacob Moon

Live Archive Outtakes from MASSEY HALL 1976

DVD Features:

Newly Restored Video & Audio of CAPITOL THEATRE 1976 Concert

Bonus Videos include

In Studio Performances by BILLY TALENT and

Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nick Raskulinecz

25+ Minute New Interview with ALEX LIFESON and TERRY BROWN

New Artwork by Hugh Syme

Liner Notes by Rob Bowman

The Super Deluxe edition will set you back $124.99 (and is not guaranteed to be there by December 25 because of holiday shipping) but will give you the above features, along with vinyl versions, and the items below. There are also packs with plenty of merch for you big spenders. Those who pre-order on the site will also get a 2112 40th Anniversary sticker bonus. Check out what is on there below.

 Vinyl Extras:

2015 Red Star Vinyl Hologram

Red Star + Circuit Board Vinyl Image Etching on Side Six

Starman Turntable Mat

New Artwork by Hugh Syme

Liner Notes by Rob Bowman

SUPER DELUXE EXCLUSIVE BONUS ITEMS:

Hugh Syme’s Original Starman Pencil Sketch Litho

Massey Hall June 1976 Ticket Stub Litho

Massey Hall June 1976 Handbill

Three Collector Buttons

So, what do you guys think? Do you have thoughts on the cover? Are you going to shell out some dough for the Super Deluxe edition? Tweet me/us @JennaBusch/@Nerdist and let us know!

Image: Rush

 

McFarlane Toys Unleashes a Bloody Preview of THE WALKING DEAD Carl Action Figure

One of the most brutal moments in The Walking Dead‘s sixth season dealt with the horrific injury suffered by Carl Grimes in the midseason premiere. That incident was lifted almost exactly from the comic book series, which depicted it in an even more graphic way. Now, McFarlane Toys is offering its take on this iconic moment, and it’s enough to make anyone yell “CORAL!”

On the McFarlane Toys website, several new images of the upcoming Carl Grimes action figure have been released. It’s an impressive recreation of Chandler Riggs’ likeness, and it comes with a poncho covered in walker guts that fully recreates Carl’s costume from that ill-fated moment. It also features a removable hat and two interchangeable heads, one of which depicts Carl just seconds after the bullet struck his eye.

But if that’s too graphic for your eyes, you do have options. The second head features Carl’s head with a bandage in place over his lost eye, and it’s a pretty up-to-date take on the character from the show. The bloody poncho is also removable, so Carl could look like this on your shelf. About the only thing that McFarlane Toys could have added to make this figure even more current would be if this Carl could “sing.” Fans of the TV show will probably discover what that means within just a few weeks.

 

You can find several other photos of this figure in our gallery below. For more information about the figure, you can visit McFarlane Toy’s site. This figure isn’t available for preorder yet, but it will be released in February 2017 for $19.99.

What do you think about McFarlane Toys’ new Carl Grimes figure? Take aim, and unleash your thoughts in the comment section below!

Images: McFarlane Toys

Ever wonder why the Walking Dead don’t decompose?

DIRK GENTLY Recap: “Very Erectus” Was a Limp Installment

When Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency from BBC America is at its best, it is bouncing off the walls with energy, letting the insane plot drive the episode and allowing us to watch how the characters caught up in it deal with the ever-growing absurdity of their situation. When the show is at its worse, it comes to a grinding halt with overly emotional (and frequent) whiny conversations, and by giving us needless backstory that takes away from the fun of the very concept the show is (and should) be based on, the “fundamental interconnectedness of all things.”

Needless to say, tonight’s fifth episode, “Very Erectus,” was the worst of the season.

As good as Elijah Wood has been and continues to be, every realization and admission from Todd felt like it was dragged out, and did we need another annoying speech from Dirk about his desire for friendship and overcoming his loneliness? It’s not that characterization is unnecessary or unimportant; it’s that it was repetitive, going over well-trodden ground from previous episodes. There’s so much to learn and glean from these characters from how they respond to what happens to them that they shouldn’t have to keep telling us how they feel about everything. We can see it.

The show also keeps undercutting itself by thinking we need multiple reminders of things they have already established, like scenes of Bart realizing the literal world exists. She has no idea what a restaurant is, but didn’t we already learn that when she didn’t understand how radios work? And for as much as Todd still hesitates to trust Dirk, how could Ken still be having reservations about Bart when he has seen what he has seen? He had his moment of clarity in episode three, the last time we saw them. Now he’s back to doubting her already?

Even the opening scene, when Gordon was throwing away his remaining Lux Dujour items, was disappointing, because his hesitation lessened the impact of the great final scene from last week, when it looked like he had turned a corner and become a terrifying villain. It wasn’t just a crime of stasis, but of actually taking a step back.

And that’s the problem with so many of the scenes this week: they either didn’t move anyone or anything forward, or they actually took steps back. The relentless drive forward into more and more absurdity is so much fun when the show is committed to it, that this episode felt like a chore to get through.

Not to mention it turns out that the worst element of them all, Dirk’s backstory as a special government special ops-type figure, was expanded to include that the Rowdy 3 are also in that same group. So it feels less and less like this is about a holistic approach to the universe, and more that the government just has a bunch of people in a special program, meaning they are connected by design, and not because all things in nature are connected. That’s a big letdown.

Todd’s suggestion that everything happening to them is because Dirk is psychic had the same effect. Whether it turns out to be true or not remains to be seen, but at this time it feels like everything is the result of some military experiment gone wrong, and it isn’t as fun as the universe being a mad, incoherent mess where everything touches everything.

There are only three episodes left in the season, and Todd and Dirk now seem to have found the missing machine (or a part of it) that has been so important to what all of these different factions are looking for, so hopefully the show will move forward with the mystery, instead of idling in place like it did for far too much of tonight. To paraphrase Dirk from this very episode, the show can’t look forward if it keeps looking back.

But what did you think of the episode? Connect with us in the comments below to tell us what you thought.

Images: BBC America

STAR WARS REBELS Recap: The Kids of “Iron Squadron” Fight the Empire

Warning: This recap contains spoilers for the Star Wars Rebels episode “Iron Squadron.” Jump into hyperspace and away from this page if you haven’t watched the episode yet.

If you saw any previews for Star Wars Rebels’ “Iron Squadron,” you might have noticed a ship resembling Dash Rendar’s Outrider. It was the same model, but instead of belonging to the smuggler from Shadows of the Empire, the ship was home to a trio of kids–as Zeb pointed out, “a ship full of Ezras.” He wasn’t far off the mark.

“Iron Squadron” was an entertaining enough episode. It did successfully illustrate the scrap and spunk of some of the youth in the galaxy. When there are movements of resistance and rebellion, statements about teaching the children so they can continue to light the way are common, and these kids took it to the extreme. Mart, Gooti, and Jonner had spirit, but their attitude meant they made rash decisions from a place of overconfidence. It’s part of being a kid. I definitely had season one Ezra flashbacks while watching the kids in action.

The Ghost encountered the Iron Squadron when they went to evacuate Rebel sympathizers from a planet. They watched the freighter bomb an Imperial transport and were surprised to learn the crew was comprised of only three young individuals. (Mart, as it turned out, was Commander Sato’s nephew.) They were bratty, with Mart being the most obnoxious of them all. I admired how they all wanted to fight, but in the face of teens and an adult who wanted to assist them and save their lives, they were all impetuous. They haven’t had a ton of experience in battle–it came up a couple of times that they didn’t even know what an Imperial Star Destroyer looked like. There were a few points when it seemed ridiculous that they weren’t listening.

Gooti and Jonner eventually realized they were in too deep. After Hera left with the Ghost before the Empire arrived in force, Ezra, Sabine, and Chopper stayed behind with the Phantom II to help fix Iron Squadron’s hyperdrive. When their repairs didn’t work and Mart was willing to fly straight into an entanglement with an Imperial light cruiser and a small squadron of TIE fighters, they decided to leave. Well, Mart tricked them into leaving by getting everyone into the shuttle and disengaging from them. He seemed to have a desire to prove himself as a hero.

One ship can’t stand against so many enemies, though, and it wasn’t long before Mart’s vessel was damaged. Admiral Konstantine planted a mine on the ship, let Mart get a transmission to Phoenix Squadron, and sat back to wait for Ghost to fly into the trap, which they did. Somehow, I imagine Grand Admiral Thrawn saw every piece of this puzzle when he sent Konstantine to deal with the problem. We’re not getting quite as much Thrawn as I’d like (I’m greedy and impatient and I’m not ashamed to admit it), but from what we’ve seen, Thrawn is testing his subordinates as much as he’s testing the Rebels. He toys with and manipulates other Imperials. I wouldn’t use the word competent to describe Konstantine, so I’m particularly curious about Thrawn’s plan for him.

Anyway. Despite the obvious trap, Hera and the Ghost crew returned to rescue Mart. The action was the highlight of the episode because it showcased Hera’s exceptional leadership and piloting skills. Her quick thinking saved everyone’s skins. While she was giving smart orders while keeping the Ghost from being destroyed by the Empire, Chopper and the Iron Squadron’s droid, R3, provided comedic relief. They removed the mine from the freighter (Konstantine was going to use the mine to explode both the freighter and Ghost) and placed it on cargo. They grumbled along the way, and Chopper got in plenty of hilarious, sassy arm waving.

Ghost successfully locked onto the freighter and got everyone out in one piece. The end was on the saccharine and goofy side, but in the scheme of things, a story like the one we see in Star Wars needs the occasional moment of joy. I can let it slide even if it’s silly enough for me to roll my eyes. On the Empire side, things weren’t anywhere near cheesy. Thrawn called Konstantine out for screwing up. I really expect the Admiral to be a janitor next time we see him.

Did “Iron Squadron” resonate with you? Let me know in the comments.

Images: Disney XD

MYTHBUSTERS Art Show Pays Tribute to Adam and Jamie

The original MythBusters may have turned in their blast shields, but their influence lives on. During its 14-season run, the Discovery Channel show was nothing less than the best science show since COSMOS. The Science Channel is currently looking to revive the series (full disclosure: I am too), but the original MythBusters Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman have made an indelible imprint on pop culture that will extend far beyond their last season. A new art gallery showing proves just that with a number of beautiful prints paying tribute to Adam and Jamie.

Testing Myths: MythBusters Art Show opened tonight in Burbank, California, put on by artist Chogrin and hosted by Creature Features. I was on hand to peruse the gallery and see just how much the old MythBusters crew meant to people. Many of the attendees, like myself, grew up with the show and even went into scientific careers because of the dynamic duo. There were sculptures, prints, posters and photographs, all honoring the legacy of curiosity, experimentation, and humor that MythBusters perfected. Take a look at a number of the pieces for yourself in the gallery below.

Testing Myths: MythBusters Art Show runs through Sunday, November 27th in Burbank if you are in the area, and is free and open to the public. If you do drop by, say hi to your fellow nerds — they miss Adam and Jamie just as much as you do.

Which piece is your favorite? Have some art of your own? Reject our reality and substitute your own know in the comments below.

Images: Chogrin, Creature Features

Disney Reveals a Newer Look at STAR WARS Land, STAR TOURS News

Via the Disney Parks blog, here’s a new pic of official concept art for the Florida Star Wars Land, to be hosted at Disney‘s Hollywood Studios. Based on the image of Poe Dameron’s black X-wing, we can hazard a guess that it represents a part of the galaxy far, far away during the time of The Force Awakens and its immediate sequels, although with both Rogue One and the Han Solo movie existing in a “tweener” period, we’ll probably get some of that too.

This image is basically a night-time version of one previously released, but it indicates the way the park area will take on a different appearance after dark. Click to enlarge it, and see how many details you can spot. The Millennium Falcon ride is there…

But that’s not all the Star Wars news. At both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland in Anaheim, California, the Star Tours ride will be adding a new adventure based on the upcoming Episode VIII. It will presumably feature a world or area we haven’t seen before, as most of the key areas in The Force Awakens were either destroyed outright (Starkiller Base) or trashed (Takodana, Jakku).

What rides or attractions are you most interested in seeing? Upon hitting the park, what would be your First Order of business? If they ever let go of an employee, as is inevitable, can we please make sure that a guy named Han fires someone first? And will the wait for this to finish being built feel as painfully long as the gap between the original trilogy and the prequels? Comment below and let us know.

Image: Disney

IN the meantime, make Pew-Pew-Pews at home: