Joe Sergi's Cup of Geek
 
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I really enjoyed this. I liked that they  replaced Silver Surfer with BetaRay Bill since it tied Korg's back story into the main story. The only problem I had with the movie was accessibility. If someone didn't read comics and learned everything they knew about Hulk from mainstream media, I think the idea of a thinking Hulk (who doesn't change to Banner when he is knocked unconscious) would be jarring. I wonder, in hindsight, if they should have added a scene explaining how this evolved (or even changed it to a dumbed version that being on the Planet made him able to think.) Then again, I have been reading comics for nearly 35 years and I can't really consistently explain why there were Hulk Smash comics out at the same time as Intelligent Hulk comics.

I will also say that one of my favorite moments in the series was omitted where Hulk shows Caiera that he is also Banner.

Nonetheless, a great movie and I enjoyed it immensely. The action scenes are strong. Be warned if you have kiddies, the movie is unrated. But, I think it earns a PG-13.

The Thor: Tales of Asgard preview wasn't bad, but was reminiscent of Avengers Next movie. I would rather have had another mainstream movie. I hope Marvel (like DC) continues the trend of animating great comic story lines.  However, I hope they avoid the Hulk for a while since he was featured in six of the last eight Marvel animated movies.  Marvel has over a thousand characters; it's time to have another one share the Hulk's spotlight.

 
 
A couple of interesting geek movies came out this week.
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Zombieland was a great movie.  I reviewed it here.

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Jennifer's Body was better than people gave it credit for.

I reviewed it here.

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Planet Hulk. I picked this up, but haven't finished it yet.  What I have seen has been true to the original storyline.  I will review it when I finish it.  I actually am very interested to see if they set up the potential for World War Hulk at the end.

 
 
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The Golden Raspberry Awards, frequently called the Razzies, is an award ceremony to recognize the worst in film. Founded by American copywriter and publicist John J.B. Wilson in 1981, the event precedes the corresponding Academy Award ceremony by one day.  The awards themselves cost US $4.79 each, in the form of a "golfball-sized raspberry" which sits atop a Super 8 mm film reel; the whole of which is spray-painted gold. 

I have heard people discussing the fact that Sandra Bullock may be the first person to ever be nominated for an Academy Award and a Razzie in the same year.  What I found even more interesting is that fact that Jonas brothers were nominated for playing themselves.  I also strongly believe that Halle Berry (who also has an Oscar and a Razzie) was robbed as Catwoman was clearly one of the worst movies of the decade.  Perhaps they went easy on her since she actually picked her Razzie when she won for the film in 2005. She took the stage carrying her Monster’s Ball Oscar and said, “"I want to thank Warner Brothers for casting me in this piece of ****."  She then dragged her agent on stage and warned him "next time read the script first."

 The press release and a complete list of 2009 nominees after the jump.

 
 
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Since he first appeared in Steam Boat Willie (or Plane Crazy if you count being drawn as opposed to being released), Mickey has captured our hearts.  Now, the Disney Store wants you to open your hearts to celebrate "I Love Mickey Month" and have planned some fun free events for kids and some lower priced items for adults. 

Details after the jump.

 
 
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As ABC's Lost is about to kick off it's final season.  You have an opportunity to bid for the chance to have lunch with Evangeline Lilly, who plays Kate on the hit television series.  This unique opportunity is for a worthy cause--proceeds will support vital programs in Rwanda.

Of course if you can't afford this opportunity.  You can still buy her underwear. 

More after the jump.



 
 
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Tyler Creviston has a unique YouTube video where he has every single Kramer entrance, in chronological order from the Seinfeld TV Show.

The video after the jump.

 
 
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A couple of months ago, I picked up 1001 Arabian Nights: The Adventures Of Sinbad: The Eyes Of Fire Vol. 1 trade paperback from Zenescope Entertainment.  I finally had a chance to read it and am writing to recommend the book. 

The series is written by Dan Wickline, Art by Gus Vasquez and  presents a reinterpretation and reinvention of Sinbad the sailor and his crew as they journey to a strange volcanic island in search of magical treasure.  The art is beautiful and the story telling flows. The combination results in an action packed and fun tale worthy of a Ray Harryhausen film.

I should also add that Dan Wickline uses his panels very effectively.  They are never cluttered and I don't think he ever uses more than five panels per page.  As an editor and writer, I have noticed that the urge is to try to overdue the amount of panels on each page.  Wickline is a perfect example of someone who is able to tell a rich and complex tale, while still being a panel minimalist.  And, yes.  I am sure someone is going to email me to point out that Watchmen has nearly a dozen panels on each page (someone always does whenever the topic comes up).  So,if you are Alan Moore, you can use as many panels as you want. The rest of us mere mortals should try to limit them to no more than six panels on a page. :-)

The trade collects the first six issues of the 1001 Arabian Nights series.

If you are a fan of sword and sorcery, you should pick this up.

More after the jump.

 
 
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Universal Orlando has released a description and calendar related to its upcoming Mardi Gras celebration. The celebration Includes Authentic Mardi Gras Parade and Cuisine, Along with Live Performances by Acts Such as Aretha Franklin, 3 Doors Down and Miranda Lambert.

More after the jump.

 
 
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Merlin Entertainments, the world's second largest visitor attractions operator, announced a multi-million dollar investment in the biggest family tourist center in the world with the planned opening of LEGOLAND Florida. As if there weren't enough reasons to go to Florida.  I do wonder what effect this announcement will have on the huge Legoland store in Downtown Disney since that will essentially become an advertising vehicle for the new park.

 
 
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The list of 73 of the 2010 Great Graphic Novels for Teens titles, drawn from 127 official nominations, is presented annually at the ALA Midwinter Meeting. The books, recommended for those ages 12-18, meet the criteria of both good quality literature and appealing reading for teens.

“There was a wealth of great titles to choose from this year,” said Eva Volin, committee chair. “This allowed the committee to create a well-rounded list that includes everything from European comics to manga, superhero titles to adaptations of classic literature. We think librarians will find this to be a very useful list.”

Members of the Great Graphic Novels for Teens Committee are Eva Volin, chair, Alameda (Calif.) Free Library; Marea Black, Burton Barr Central Library, Phoenix, Ariz.; Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Jesse Karp, Little Red School House/Elisabeth Irwin High School, New York; Candice Mack, Encino Tarzana (Calif.) Public Library; Barbara Moon, Suffolk Coop Library System, Bellport, N.Y.; Kimberly Paone, Elizabeth (N.J.) Public Library; Michael Pawuk, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, Ohio; Jessica Smith, Bend (Ore.) Senior High School; Christian Zabriskie, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Dorcas Wong, San Francisco, Calif.; and Ian Chipman, consultant, Booklist, Chicago, Ill.

Congrats to the winners

More after the Jump: