Jun 19, 2009

'Transformers' star Shia LeBeouf sings 'The Touch'

Haha. I LOVE that Garrett will HATE this. I am so cruel!

Look at Shia's stupid face! It rules!




Also, I never saw the first Transformers movie (and by "first Transformers movie," I clearly mean the Michael Bay-directed, Megan Fox-sexified Transformers, i.e., the only one ANYONE CARES ABOUT) (I'm not even going to link to the totally-forgotten animated movie's IMDb page--suck on that, Garrett!). So, if you could, maybe let me know what happens in that atrocity fun movie. In, like, 8 words.

NEWS!

(Cardboard) Black bear visits Cleveland. "This is what the bear probably looked like..."



"Except real."


Thanks to Attack of the Show. Best News Ever!

Jun 16, 2009

The Little Nemo That Wasn't


Anyone who was watching animated features in the early 90's should be familiar with Little Nemo: Adventures In Slumberland. Now, I doubt that it's anyone's favorite film, but it has it's moments. The animation is fluid, the characters are endearing, and most importantly, it's fun. With that said, what could have made Little Nemo better? The love and care (and immense talent) of Studio Ghibli, perhaps?

In pre-Ghibli 1982, Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke) and Isao Takahata (Grave Of The Fireflies, Pom Poko) were developing the then titled Nemo as an American/Japanese joint project for TMS Entertainment. One of the duo's key animators, Yoshifumi Kondo (Whisper Of The Heart), put together this test pilot, which in under five minutes, far surpasses the version that we ended up with.



The production folded due to creative differences (i.e. Big American Dollars = Our Way Or The Highway), and Miyazaki and co. decided to pursue other projects. Namely, NausicaƤ of the Valley of the Wind; the movie that sparked the formation of Studio Ghibli. Although I admire them for leaving a production that compromised their integrity...I really, really wish they made it anyway! Little Nemo: Adventures In Slumberland holds a little place in my heart, but it's a little place. Not a BIG place like Ghibli's phenomenal library. C'est la vie.

Little Nemo didn't get a US theatrical release until 1992...a decade later! It's production is a bit of a legend in Hollywood animator circles due to the vast number of "hands" the movie went through before it's completion. Oh, and remember this?


Little Nemo: The Dream Master for the NES

It Might Get Loud (Bring It)


Jimmy Page. The Edge. Jack White. Three generations of guitar virtuosos. Three of the best rockers to touch finger to string. They live music. They are music. Each has created a sound that is instantly recognizable. Each has built his own guitar(s). Each are worthy of praise. I'm very excited for this film!



Limited release: August 14, 2009.