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Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 15, 2015 in Television 
With the AMC Preacher pilot planning to film this summer, things are heating up in the casting room. Rumors are now circulating that AMC has a certain actor in their sights to play Jesse Custer: Dominic Cooper. The actor has just finished up a stint as Howard Stark in Agent Carter, and is reportedly the top pick to play the tough reverend. As of yet, he hasn’t been offered the part, but Tracking Board claims he’s the most likely choice at the moment. Preacher is being produced by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen. The frequently violent and gross series will definitely be tough to adapt for an AMC audience. It remains to be seen how it’ll turn out! Read more…
Tags: AMC, Preacher
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 14, 2015 in Hobbies and Collections 
If you loved the Simpson’s minifigures and their house that was released last year, get ready for some more! LEGO has announced The Simpson’s Kwik-E-Mart, featuring a removable roof, a fully-stocked convenience store, tons of accessories, and Chief Wiggum in his police car. The building also folds out in the back, so you can get easy access to everything inside. 6 minifigures are included too, featuring several iconic Simpson’s characters. But if that’s not enough, LEGO is also releasing a second line of randomly bagged Simpson’s minifigures separately. The Kwik-E-Mart will be out in April for $199.99 USD. Check out all the images below! Read more…
Tags: Lego, The Simpsons
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 14, 2015 in Comic Books 
Engineering student Albert Manero is the man behind the Collective Project, a program in which he and his crew provide 3D-printed artificial limbs to kids and families for free. It’s a really cool project, but it just got a little cooler thanks to Robert Downey Jr. showing up. The one and only Iron Man showed up to deliver a bionic arm to Alex, a young boy born with a partially-developed right arm. The arm they provide lights up and well, the fact that it was delivered by Iron Man is pretty cool. Alex is surprisingly composed for meeting one of his heroes! If only all marketing ploys were as helpful and uplifting! Read more…
Tags: Iron Man
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 13, 2015 in Star Wars 
After much theorizing about the story and characters, Lucasfilm and Disney have finally revealed some critical information about the first stand-alone Star Wars film: the title, “Rogue One.” The Gareth Edward’s-directed film will also feature Felicity Jones as one of the leads (although Disney simply lists her as “the first actress cast”). All of this was officially announced in Disney CEO Bob Iger’s shareholder meeting. In addition, they also confirmed what we all already knew, that Rian Johnson would write and direct Star Wars: Episode VIII… but then they added a new tidbit: Episode VIII will release May 26th, 2017. So, uh, start saving your spot in line now? Read more…
Tags: Episode VIII, Rogue One
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 12, 2015 in Uncategorized 
Today we’ve lost one of the most prolific writers of our age: Sir Terry Pratchett. The fantasy author and renowned creator of the Discworld series passed away today at the age of 66, his publisher Transworld said via Larry Finlay, “with his cat sleeping on his bed, surrounded by his family.” They also spoke of Terry’s battle with Alzheimer’s, saying, “Terry faced his Alzheimer’s disease (an ’embuggerance’, as he called it) publicly and bravely.” After the announcement was made, his daughter, Rhianna, said, “Many thanks for all the kind words about my dad. Those last few tweets were sent with shaking hands and tear-filled eyes.” I’ve embedded those tweets below. We’ll all miss you, Sir Terry Pratchett, the world is richer for your words. Read more…
Tags: Discworld, Terry Pratchett
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 12, 2015 in Videogames 
I like my PS4, but in terms of exclusives, it’s been fairly weak. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End was an anticipated game this fall, but it seems that won’t be helping the PS4’s holiday sales anymore. Developer Naughty Dog has shared their decision to delay the game to spring 2016, based on their need to give the game some extra time to make sure it’s as good as it can be. While many modern games come out buggy and need patches, Naughty Dog’s games have all run smooth enough at launch. If this is what it takes to keep that standard, I reckon I can wait a few more months. I’d rather have a quality game later than a troubled game sooner. Read more…
Tags: PS4, Sony, Uncharted
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 12, 2015 in Cinema 
Tron and I have a complicated relationship. The first film is rather dull, but I still love the visual style and creativity. Tron: Legacy is everything you could want in a Tron sequel, but still doesn’t really connect, despite my appreciation for it. But I’m okay with that, and I’m enough of a nerd that I’ve been waiting for Tron 3 since 2011. Disney has finally given the green light to Tron 3, which begins filming in Vancouver on October 5, 2015. So far, only Garrett Hedlund (Sam Flynn) has been confirmed to return, but as long as Daft Punk comes back for another soundtrack, I think I’d be able to roll with anything. Read more…
Tags: Disney, Tron
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 11, 2015 in Comic Books, Television 
It seems a bit spoilery to me, but the CW put out a promo for upcoming villains on The Flash. You’ve got your Weather Wizard, your Golden Glider, your time travel, all good stuff — but forget those guys. As mentioned a few months ago, Mark Hamill is returning to play an older version of the Trickster in an episode featuring a new copycat Trickster. Hamill previously played the role in the 1990 TV show The Flash, and while that show isn’t canon to 2014 The Flash series, get this: they’re using pictures of Hamill in that crazy outfit to reference this older Trickster’s criminal past. I love meta references like that! I wonder if he’ll have any scenes with John Wesley Shipp or Amanda Pays, who were on both TV series as well? Read more…
Tags: DC Comics, Flash
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 11, 2015 in Comic Books, Television 
As much as I love the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I have to admit that they have a villain problem. Other than a few notable exceptions (like Loki), the film version of these villains lack depth, whether it’s the fault of the script, the editing, or something else. It’s encouraging to see the first full trailer for Daredevil focus a good portion of the trailer on Vincent D’Onofrio’s Kingpin. Maybe having 13 episodes to play with will give Marvel the time it needs to fully develop the character, who seems to be trying his best to do good things for his neighborhood, albeit using questionable methods. It’s going to be hard to wait a whole month for this. Read more…
Tags: Daredevil, Marvel, Netflix
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 10, 2015 in Cinema 
I think I’ve said it before, but I’m burned out by dystopian, real, or gritty sci-fi. There’s nothing wrong with it, but if I can accept a fantasy based on magic, I don’t see why I can’t accept a fantasy based on fake or alternate science; I don’t necessarily need to understand how it works, just what it means for the characters and plot. Disney’s Tomorrowland, inspired by the theme of the Disneyland area, looks like the kind of lighter, more optimistic sci-fi I’ve been craving. And while there’s obviously something wrong that will need to be resolved, Tomorrowland looks like the kind of place I’d love to see, a sort of “city upon a hill” that gives us an ideal to strive toward. Plus, The Incredibles‘ Brad Bird is directing it, so it seems likely the film will be a good watch. Read more…
Tags: Disney, Tomorrowland
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 10, 2015 in Star Wars 
Weird Al sang a special duet at Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars, held for New York Collaborates for Autism. 13-year-old Jodi DiPiazza, who has autism herself, began singing ‘Yoda,’ the 1985 parody of The Kinks’ ‘Lola.’ Soon, Weird Al came out in Jedi robes to harmonize with Jodi, and before long, a whole chorus was singing along with them. It was a great moment from a show with a great cause.
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Tags: Yoda
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 9, 2015 in Television 
The pilot episode for Supergirl is now in production at CBS, pushed forward by the success of The Flash and Arrow. Finally! Here’s the first look at the costume, and… it looks like Supergirl! Nothing too scandalous, nothing too unique. Simple, safe, and pretty faithful to the original design. The colors are muted a bit more than I would prefer, but everything has to be darker and grittier these days, right? Still, it fits within the universe CBS has created for the Flash and Green Arrow, so expect plenty of crossovers. Melissa Benoist will play Supergirl. Hopefully we’ll see this pilot get picked up! Read more…
Tags: CBS, DC Comics, Supergirl
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 9, 2015 in Cinema 
Tomorrowland is one of my most anticipated films this year, but it’s also shrouded in mystery. In this age of leaks and spy-photos, we’ve seen surprisingly little of the story. (I’m sure there are some legitimate leaks out there, yet they haven’t really gone mainstream. But I digress.) I think this is great, as it’ll let many people jump into the film fresh. Brad Bird’s talent as a director will hopefully be on full display here (the teaser trailer was fantastic). In this new poster George Clooney and a young boy stand in a field, waiting for something. Maybe they’re waiting for the new trailer that will premiere today? When the trailer is up, it’ll be here! Until then, check out the poster below. Read more…
Tags: Brad Bird, Tomorrowland
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 8, 2015 in Videogames 
Here’s a sweet, stylish, and funky new game coming from the folks at Harebrained Schemes (the people behind Shadowrun Returns) called Necropolis. It takes its cues from Zelda and Dark Souls, it appears, with third-person combat that is methodical and punishing. There also appears to be an ability to “re-shape” the levels to some degree. That, combined with a semi-procedural world and some beautiful visuals, made this game easily jump up my “anticipated games” list. The game isn’t out until 2016, but you can follow along at the dev’s blog, here. Then check out the trailer below! Read more…
Tags: Necropolis
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 8, 2015 in Cinema 
I just wanted to write the phrase “car skydiving” a few more times before Furious 7 comes out. Yes, this is an extended clip of the scene from the trailer in which the entire crew drives their cars out the back of an airplane with parachutes attached. Why are they doing this? I have no idea. I don’t really care, either. It just looks silly and cool. My only concern is this: how will the Fast and Furious series continue to top itself with each following movie? Eventually they’ll have to attach rockets to the cars! Also check out the new poster as well, which also features skydiving cars. They’re leaning heavily on this scene! Read more…
Tags: Fast and Furious
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 7, 2015 in Videogames 
The Hearthstone train never stops! The next large update for the game will feature the Blackrock Mountain adventure, a new campaign made up of five wings, with one being released each week over five weeks. The adventure will have 17 bosses total, 31 new cards, and other items like a new game board and pre-order exclusive card backs. The adventure begins in April for 700 gold per wing, or $6.99 per wing. You can also pick up the whole package for $24.99. It’ll be available on PC, Android tablets, and iPad, but Blizzard also showed off a phone build of the game, and promised that the Android and iPhone version would arrive in the “next couple of months.” Read more…
Tags: Blizzard, hearthstone
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 7, 2015 in Videogames 
At PAX East Blizzard is bringing the big guns — some especially big guns, actually. Two new characters have been revealed for Overwatch, Blizzard’s hero-based first person shooter. McRee is your deadly gunslinger archetype, with both short range and sniping attacks. Plus, he wears a belt buckle that says “BAMF” on it. On the other hand, Zarya is a weightlifter who abandoned her championship dreams to fight for freedom — and she looks awesome. With her Russian accent, she reminds me of another heavy-class character in some other game… Check out the two new gameplay videos below, then get ready for a beta this fall! Read more…
Tags: Blizzard, Overwatch
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 6, 2015 in Tech, Videogames 
If you’re waiting for a Steam Machine and the accompanying Steam Controller, get ready, because Valve has added them all to the Steam store. You still can’t buy them yet, but their prices and specs are listed, along with a nebulous “November 2015” release date. The Steam Controller is there, featuring its curious dual haptic touch pads and myriad of buttons. The streaming Steam Machine, the Steam Link, is also listed. I’m not really sold on a Steam Machine yet, aside from maybe a smaller streaming box. The controller is definitely something I want to get my hands on, though! Check out everything here, then also see Valve’s VR prototypes they’re showing off at GDC here. Read more…
Tags: Steam, Valve
Posted by Ben Huber on Mar 6, 2015 in Videogames 
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you: Harmonix has announced Rock Band 4. For real. For Xbox One and PS4. For 2015. There’s not a ton of details yet, and no screenshots yet either, but several big promises: almost all your DLC and music from previous games will work with it, and they’re working hard to ensure all old instruments work as well: “The Sony instruments were wireless via a USB dongle; that’s pretty straightforward. Things are complicated on the Xbox side, and I’m not prepared to talk specifics yet […].” Only one instrument will be left out: the keyboard. Oh well? Harmonix promises that more details will be on the way soon, until then you can read this article at Polygon about how they’re making it happen. Read more…
Tags: Harmonix, Rock Band
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 5, 2015 in Videogames 
Time to add another one to the list of studios that Electronic Arts bought and closed. Maxis Emeryville is no more. While Maxis (founded in 1987) has grown as a brand and now has other studios, this was the main studio that was known for SimCity, The Sims, and Spore. Perhaps this is the fallout from 2013’s SimCity, the controversial reboot that shrunk the size of cities and required players to be always online for minimal benefit. But I always got the feeling that, despite the developers claiming the poor decisions were their idea, it was EA who mandated the poor decisions. It’s a real shame, as the brand will live on, but the studio that created that brand will be no more. Hopefully all the affected employees land on their feet quickly. Read more…
Tags: Electronic Arts
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 5, 2015 in Cinema, Comic Books 
Admittedly, I’m not watching any more Avengers: Age of Ultron trailers, because I don’t want to see the same scenes over and over again and ruin their context within the film. I already know I’m going to see the movie. But that doesn’t mean readers shouldn’t watch this trailer, because from what I’m told, you finally get a good shot of the Vision’s face; the character has had minimal marketing so far, probably so people don’t ask too many questions about potential plot twists he’s involved in. Go ahead and watch, I won’t judge!
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Tags: Avengers: Age of Ultron, Marvel
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 4, 2015 in Videogames 
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes was a good (if expensive) appetizer, but most gamers are waiting on the main course, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. IGN just leaked that the game will finally be out on September 1, 2015 in every region. Of course, Konami is so bull-headed with its PR plans that they couldn’t just roll with it, taking the video down instead. But the internet never forgets, and so you can expect to get your hands on MGSV in early fall. Read more…
Tags: Konami, Metal Gear Solid
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 4, 2015 in Videogames 
Full disclosure: I backed Harmonix’s Amplitude reboot on Kickstarter, for more than the retail fight of the game. But considering the game only barely got funded, I like to think I helped get the game exist at all. Obviously this won’t be for everyone (and since Sony owns the rights, it’s only on PS3 and PS4), but if you’re a fan of music games and never played the original (or its predecessor FreQuency), you’ve been missing out. It might not end up as easily accessible as Rock Band Blitz and its no-fail states, but Amplitude is a proven design that’s really fun, especially on the higher levels. Check out this first trailer to see what the modern version looks like. There are only a few licensed tracks, with the majority of the music to be made by in-house musicians who have done great work in the past.
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Tags: Harmonix, PS3, PS4
Posted by Bob Muir on Mar 3, 2015 in Tech, Videogames 
Nice move, Epic. The game studio that develops one of the most used middleware engines, Unreal Engine, has decided to make their latest release, Unreal Engine 4, free. That’s right, the engine is free and all updates will be free. Developers making commercially-released software will pay a 5% royalty on gross revenue that is higher than $3,000 per project and per quarter, though developers can still negotiate the fee with Epic. This opens up the middleware to any developer who wants it, no matter how small the project. In fact, if your product doesn’t make much money (or is free), you basically don’t pay royalties. This is going to be great for the indie market and will hopefully lead to some cool ideas. Read more…
Tags: Unreal
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