review
Reviews of the top geek movies, tv, and books in the industry.
Questions We Hope To See Answered in the Last Season of 'Grimm'
Grimm is a show that on paper, should never have worked. Throughout its six season run, Grimm has aired on 4 different days of the week but has stayed primarily in the Friday time slot where very few shows survive, and its main character is a former reality star on MTV's Road Rules: South Pacific. Despite the seeming limitations, Grimm turned out to be a perfect combination for a TV network. It is a procedural, so that means it has valuable syndication rights, but it also has a strong plot that runs through the season and that keeps viewers tuning in week to week. Grimm was originally optioned by CBS, but was cancelled due to the writers strike. In 2011, NBC announced they had ordered a series titled Grimm which premiered right before Halloween. Season 6 will wrap up the Grimm saga, so here's what you need to know about the last 110 episodes and what to expect from the final 13.
By Jason Schwartz9 years ago in Geeks
Reviewing 'Heaven Can Wait'
Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait begins in the same California hills where his Shampoo ended. But where George in Shampoo reached a dead end, Joe Pendleton embarked on a fanciful journey that he hoped would transcend death. The uality of Heaven Can Wait springs from the ease with which Beatty, who co-authored with Elaine May, co-directed with Buck Henry, and produced, transforms his sophisticated stud image into the awkward innocent who sets the film's screwball plot into action. However, while Shampoo's comedy seems to have stood the test of time, Heaven Can Wait's somewhat convoluted plot line of who-died-and-came-back-to-life-as-who? and focus on the 70s with its satire left it less well remembered than its counterpart.
By Mike Mavenful9 years ago in Geeks
'Powers' Season 1 Review
Powers was the first original TV show from PlayStation Network, and is based on the eponymous comic book series. It premiered on March 10, 2015, as an online streaming series. The show features human beings, known as “Powers,” who possess special skills that remain hidden until adulthood. It is specifically focused on the main character, Christian Walker, who was once a hero who had the ability to fly and was known as Diamond. In the past, his powers were taken away from him by his mentor Wolfe, after which he became a policeman, currently a member of the LAPD “Powers” Division, which is tasked to deal with the Powers who commit crimes.
By Stephen Hamilton9 years ago in Geeks
Ultimate Guide to STARZ 'Spartacus'
I will not forget the first season of Spartacus. Blood and Sand starred Andy Whitfield as the legendary Spartacus and Manu Bennett. The show was something original, best compared to the epic 300 series from Zack Snyder. My son and I watched the entire series together. He was 14 when the series premiered. I remember taking him to see Manu Bennet at a NY comic con who I had been introduced to through friends in the industry. Manu signed the original helmet he wore during many of the fight scenes. I had bought it from STARZ' auction after the series ended as a gift for my son.
By Frank White9 years ago in Geeks
Larry Blamire's Steam Wars: Head of Steam
Bringing Larry Blamire's tale to life through the amazing medium of comic books was an important experience for me. I had a chance to work with Larry directly and get to know a universe only creatives like Larry can imagine in their minds. Involving Tyler Kirkham in the mix gave me an opportunity to work with someone whose skills have been honed at one of the great iconic comic book empires, DC Comics.
By Frank White9 years ago in Geeks
Is 'Saturday Night Fever' Still Running High?
As long as Norman Wexler (who also wrote Serpico)'s screenplay stays on or near the dance floor, Saturday Night Fever can do no wrong. The rituals, atmosphere and unapologetic promiscuity that define the disco culture of the 70s are captured with the same authenticity and immediacy common to all movies that stand the test of time. John Travolta– having already reached teenage heartthrob status playing Vinnie Barbarino in “Welcome Back Kotter”– was the right pick for Tony Manero. The actor has the smile and presence of a natural movie star and Travolta fuses the audience's attention long before his dazzling dance sequences, which he handles supremely.
By Mike Mavenful9 years ago in Geeks
Best Nickelodeon Holiday Specials
We all know what the best part of the holidays are. No, it's not family or friends or food or even presents, the best part of the holiday season is obviously the TV specials. Cartoon holiday specials have a special place in many peoples hearts, especially Nickmas. The Nickelodeon holiday specials are a staple of the holidays for children everywhere. Every year our favorite shows have a holiday special and while many of them are forgettable, the best ones are worth the annual rewatch.
By Jason Schwartz9 years ago in Geeks
'Semi-Tough' Was an Easier Read
Michael Ritchie's film adaptation of Dan Jenkins' raucous, ribald and satiric look at football fanaticism in Dallas was a heavy favorite going into production. The novel’s savvy view of pro football in the 1970s, at the dawn of pop culture, acknowledged with a sly wink the absurdity of approaching anything as superficial as pro football with a religious aura of seriousness. Aging running back Billy Clyde Puckett (Burt Reynolds), receiver Shake Tiller (Kris Kristofferson) and Barbara Jane Bookman (Jill Clayburgh), who've grown up together in Big D football, are wild and edgy characters. Dan Jenkins' Super Bowl scenario, featuring a stoned-out bash with members of each team the night before the game, made Semi-Tough look unstoppable, looking to visualize the life behind the closed doors of the football elite.
By Mike Mavenful9 years ago in Geeks
Larry Blamire's Steam Wars: A Good Left Arm
Larry Blamire's Steam Wars comic series is a tor de force of the steam punk genre. Larry's visuals are stunning, characters have depth and the steam punk story line is action filled. Decades ago Blamire dabbled for a time in underground comics like Predator, a vigilante anti-hero, Blazing Violence, and Ace of Spades.
By Frank White9 years ago in Geeks
