Very fluid and beautifully choreographed 2d animation:
Hey, are you thinking introspectively about your current relationship? You should watch a very short behind-the-scenes video that accompanies this animation @ conteanimated
Goodness I love science-fiction! Behind every alien and beneath every sci-fi suit and mask, and not to forget cyborg, creature, monster and mutant scum, there’s a human actor or actress we never get to see on-screen. Mad props to you all, I salute ye!
Here are a few, unmasked so if you see them on the street you can now haggle them for an autograph 😀 Let’s start with the ones you may never have heard of / my favourites:
This is ‘one’ of my Top five All-Time Favourite Films and that’s never going to change. Wak is a fun, and yes, very wak alien. But can you blame him?
Three young boys discover they have been given the blueprints for interplanetary starship travel through their collective dream. They build a spacecraft from an old theme-park ride and embark on an adventure every childhood science geek dreams of.
*Ahem, like moue* This adventurous space tale (a contemporary Huckleberry Finn adventure) stars a young Ethan Hawke and late star River Phoenix as misfit best friends.
Director Joe Dante celebrates science-fiction with this family friendly classic, and don’t get me started on its ‘perfect’ soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith – RIP (February 10, 1929 – July 21, 2004). If you want your child to turn out like Fin, try show this to them ASAP HA!
1951 and not the snore fest remake with that young girl who solved the Labyrinth. The Day the Earth Stood Still is based on a 1940s short story “Farewell to the Master” by Harry Bates and is truly a science-fiction classic. “Klaatu barada nikto!” = Don’t tase me, bro! Great film, cheers ‘D’light for showing me.
Klaatu (possibly analogous to Jesus and his message) claims Earthlings’ warlike behavior is of no interest to the spacefaring species of the universe, as long as it’s contained to one planet. But the interstellar community is beginning to fear that Earthlings are about to discover interstellar travel, and they will not permit humanity to bring their atomic weapons with them.
Good year! (Chernobyl & Challenger aside…) Every image of the alien spacecraft in this movie is visual splendour. Sleek, very appealing, memorable and iconic. Max Rocks!
Disney is probably/most definitely going to remake this film and I don’t care, as long as the classic original is around I’m fine with their attempt to capture what made this film great – 80s vibes and that Beach Boys moment! “Round Round Get Around I Get Around.” Watch it, COMPLIANCE!
This film also stars a very young Sarah Jessica Parker as NASA intern Carolyn McAdams, and I must admit I had a crush on her when I was a boy (and one on the ‘child like empress’ “Moon Child” from ‘Neverending Story’ too, but that was yonks ago) …Damn’it I have Limahl in my head now!
A 12-year-old boy goes missing in 1978, only to reappear once more in 1986. In the eight years that have passed, David hasnt aged.
It is no coincidence that at the time David comes back, a flying saucer is found, entangled in electricity cables.
One of my favourite over-re-run childhood VHS tapes I ever owned. The Last Starfighter is in fact a sci-fi retelling of ‘The Sword in the Stone’. Instead of Arthur pulling Excalibur from the stone, 18-year-old Alex Rogan brakes the top record of an arcade game called Starfighter.
It’s a great family film that I never get bored with watching – Especially the final death scene!
“Captain! We are trapped in the moons gravitational pull! What do we do?” (pause) … (visor swivels over eye) *bzweeeeeeet-click* “We die.” (pause) … *EXPLOSION!!!* (EPIC)
It was one of the first films that used computer generated special effects as an actual narrative medium and not treat it as if it were graphics by the characters in the movie: (also the ‘first’ computer generated Spacecraft; designed by artist Ron Cobb)
You know what I mean? Tron had graphics but every character in the movie knew and acknowledged them as graphics. Whereas now a days it’s normal to suspended your disbelief of green screening. Starfighter was the first to achieve/do this …yeah…
A young man seemingly doomed to stay at his trailer park home all his life, finds himself recruited as a gunner for an alien defence force thanks to his topscore on the arcade machine / training simulator at his trailer park – No way, I can totally relate!
The enigmatic Borg Queen is the central locus of the Borg Collective and brings order to the legions of voices within the Hive mind. She is the “one who is many.”
The borg. What can I say about the Borg other than they’re hands down the most malevolent cybernetic organisms in the Star Trek universe. Not just because they look badass, but because they will assimilate you against your will because they truly believe that their Borg nanoprobes will unite all species thus becoming a superior, perfect race.
By introducing the new concept of a ‘central locus Borg Queen’ in First Contact, the Borg became so badass and grounded as an ongoing threat that they reappeared to play major roles in The Next Generation and Voyager television series, primarily as an invasion threat to the ‘United Federation of Planets’ and the means of return to the ‘Alpha Quadrant’ for isolated Federation starship Voyager, respectively. *deep breath* Can you tell I’m a fan?
First Contact is a tight, contained and controlled little story and was directed by Jonathan Frakes who plays Captain Picard’s first officer, Commander Riker. Not as epic in scale as some of the earlier Star Trek films but very much one of my favourites – “Assimilate this!” …Speaking of Star Trek:
“By Grabthar’s Hammer” I almost forgot about this surprise hit! A successful standalone sci-fi comedy that parodies Star Trek’s cult following phenomena and the conventions it spawned. Jonathan Frakes himself approves.
I believe that great casting can breathe life into an otherwise mediocre story, but when the two align the results can be highly entertaining. That, and Sigourney Weaver’s hotness helps:
Sigourney Weaver as Gwen DeMarco, the actress who played Lt. Tawny Madison, the Computer Officer of the Protector, who performed communication duties similar to Lt. Uhura. As the show’s female sex symbol.
“WELCOME TO EARTH!” Admit it; you love Independence Day! It’s ok, what’s there not to love? The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Jeff Goldblum, Data’s doppelgänger, Tentacles, F/A-18 Hornets dogfighting sick-looking alien crafts within earth’s atmosphere, foolish hippies getting blasted off skyscrapers, the White House’s iconic destruction and President of the United States Bill Pullman! (could have done with a little more burlesque action, but hey)
This movie put science fiction back in the lime light, was one of the first disaster movies to kick-start the genre, and rates tops when it comes to great (cheesy fun) popcorn flicks! Too bad them aliens didn’t upgrade their virus scan software, tisk tisk.
I remember watching this with my mum. “You Ugly Head!” If you are a fan of science fiction then Enemy Mine is one of those films that you MUST see. I’ll get you a copy ok.
Going through my retro collection of Starlog magazines (man that felt weird saying) I found a small write-up on its production:
A soldier from Earth crash-lands on an alien world after sustaining battle damage. Eventually he encounters another survivor, but from the enemy species he was fighting; they band together to survive on this hostile world.
Achuta! My favourite Mon Calamari from Mon Calamari, Admiral Ackbar, the supreme commander of all space forces for the Rebel Alliance during the second and final assault on the rebuilt and fully operational Death Star! Old Ackbar has become quite the internet meme.
I’d also like to honourably mention these BAMFing bounty hunters that make a quick appearance in The Empire Strikes Back, who I imagine were unfortunately ‘rejected’ by the empire: “WE DON’T NEED THEIR SCUM.”
How can I continue and not give mention to E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, directed by Steven Spielberg in his prime; when he truly was the best at making successful box office films.
Spielberg took the time to craft details, layer on an internal logic unique and relative to the world he wanted us to see, and fuse it all with visual appeal and memorable imagery. A film that encourages imagination, holds excitement, and manages to capture life through the eyes of a child. I give credit where credit is due, and E.T. is definitely a master piece of storytelling.
But, compared; that abysmal Indiana Jones alien crap makes me think, a wee bit too much self-indulgence went to your head there Mr Spielberg. And CGI monkeys!? I know where the zoo is thanks.
Back to ET – Great nostalgia is associated with this feel-good flick for a great many people around the world. Plus it stars a young Drew Barrymore, who happens to be fucking awesome! (Justin Long you lucky son of a *#@*$)
ET ALWAYS manages to bring a few held-back tears to my eyes, and I think most of them are a credit to John Williams and his mastery of sound.
Did you know that Pat Welsh (and Debra Winger), the voice of E.T. went uncredited in the film. Shocking.
“In space, no one can hear you scream.” Alien (sometimes referred to as a xenomorph) laid the foundation and set the standard for every subsequent Alien in the franchise, thanks to the talented and obscure mind of Swiss surrealist H.R. Giger:
Bolaji Badejo’s role as the title character (the Alien) in ‘Alien’ was practically tailor-made to suit him.
Badejo was a young African design student when he was picked up from a bar by Ridley Scott (director of ‘Alien’). He was as big as Scott wanted the alien to be: at least two metres (6ft, 7in) tall. Bolaji Badejo, a Masai warrior, stood at well over 7ft . It was Scott’s intention to create a monster that looked as if no human could be behind the mask.
It was to be long and angular, with an impossible frame that only a few men would be able to fill. Badejo filled the role. Lucky.
Maïwenn Le Besco is a French actress and film director, sometimes credited as Maïwenn. Maïwenn had a daughter, Shana, in 1993 with director Luc Besson. (I read somewhere that she was only 16) They were still engaged at the beginning of filming for The Fifth Element, during which Besson left her for Milla Jovovich. Maïwenn later had a son, Diego, with her second husband, Jean-Yves Le Fur.
Inva Mula-Tchako is the voice behind the Diva Plavalaguna when she performs the aria “Oh, giusto cielo!…Il dolce suono” (the mad scene) from Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, and “The Diva dance” song.
I actually love the Mondoshawans (played by Clifton Lloyd Bryan,Richard Ashton, Justin Lee Burrows, Jerome Blake, Kevin Molloy and Francois Guillaume – (uncredited) more than the Diva, but the performance anxiety and need to express character emotion through the face demands a heck of a lot more ‘courage’ than wearing a suit.
The Fifth Element is so great, It doesn’t really require praise or explanation – it, just, is. Perfect. This film is unique, colourful, humorous, intriguing, has a beautiful (another fav) soundtrack by Eric Serra, is sexy, smart, action packed and fun. It stars a great cast and I wouldn’t change a thing. (…Maybe Picasso)
I also think everyone is an alien when they wear *does the voice* Jean Paul Gaultier clothing.
Someone asked me a time ago, if there was one movie I could watch over and over again what would it be? I misheard the question and kicked myself ever since lol. I said the fraking Matrix, being the movie that I have watched the most of, but only because of it’s bro-friendly popcorn flickness. Fifth Element is tops! And don’t you get me started on the Zorg ZF-1 Pod Weapons System! *drools* I’m not a pack-rat, but I still have my ticket-stub somewhere.
Congratulations for making it through this epic post, and thank you. Here are a few extras that require no real introduction, and I was planning on excluding from this post… Basically, I’m too knackered to write anymore and remember the ones I’ve missed:
Can’t forget the best worst fight scene in television history, and I’m so proud that it’s Star Trek. Robert Eugene “Bobby” Clark is an American film, television, stage actor and stunt double. He is the Gorn.
Done & Done. Have I missed any?
During my brother’s ballroom dance finals, there was another event taking place a few miles toward ‘one no-tree-hill’ called Armageddon — A pulp culture nerd magnet expo — naturally I couldn’t resist.
I was alone, again, but I had Kaig in mind so I soldiered on through the crowds of prepubescent tweens and chattering know-it-all buffs to hunt down a pile of Hulk comics for my brother – The Incredible Hulk being his favourite Marvel superhero:
I found what I was searching for (7 items in all), also checked out some wicked steampunk Rayguns made by Weta Workshop’s very own Dr Grordbort:
I immediately detected the warp signatures from New Zealand’s very own Star Trek Fan Club: (why am I not in this?)
I even smelt the liquor from Artoo’s exhaust vents; malfunctioning Astromechs are funny:
Bumped into a friend too, or rather, she bumped into my butt! The only other place I found intriguing enough to go over to was the small two-womaned stand in the corner — NZ’s answer to roller derby — The Pirate City Rollers!
It was definitely a queer Bliss Cavendar moment. The woman in black handed me a flyer, which I kept on my dresser all month-long. Not meant as flattery, just saying; I still have crap on there from four months ago.
I had no reason not to go to this. So I did, after spending a great day with the fam of course – cheers sis.
The (hawt) woman I was sitting next to complimented my bracelet, among other things, but she was so drunk she forgot about her man-servant sitting beside her. Sure it was an awkward moment, and yet very settling lolz for me at least. Don’t know what the other guy was thinking. Lucky son*f%$@#!*
[the following photos are courtesy of the Pirate City Rollers/photographers]
Lucy in Disguise was a favourite, as was the pro-dancer babe on wheels in the yellow helmet; totally missed her name…
Also, I doubt anyone from Dead Wreckoning will actually read this, but, a few years ago at a party at esplanade, I dressed up as a mime and I’m pretty certain one of YOU made a silent pass and groped my junk in the hallway. I’m not pointing any fingers here, but I am looking at you skull face! Grrrrr. Totally raped my pride that night. I want it back!
From aggressive body talk, fierce facials, badass uniforms right down to kickass names; both Dead Wreckoning and Mascara Massacre meant business:
One patron; let’s call her Bangel, felt the final bout was completely rubbish…“boring to watch, no doubt boring to play. Loopholes in the rules should not be exploited at any cost. Dead Wreckoning’s strategy was arrogant and selfish, and didn’t do anything to promote the sport. Bah humbug!” [facebook rip]
Wait, so RD can be better than what I saw? Cool! How about some indoor pyrotechnics next time then huh?
Long story short: I really enjoyed the atmosphere. I would have enjoyed myself more if I wasn’t alone sitting next to the flattering booze-fish, but still. Next year I wouldn’t mind getting more involved in Roller Derby, as a fan or maybe more. Who’s keen? You know I’m buying!
What would the world be like without Nicholas Cage? This guy gives good face I’m telling you — just watch as he demonstrates various states of distress…mostly batshit:
APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) consists of 21 Pacific-Rim countries/members and recently took place in Yokohama, Japan (Sunday Nov 14 2010) where World economic and political leaders gathered to discuss a range of universal economic issues:
In more locally related news; New Zealand prime minister John Key (right side from Barak Obama) has made/accepted a free-trade-agreement (FTA) with President Dmitry Medvedev (cool first name) of super nation Russian, the 12th largest economy in the world:
“We’ve formally launched free trade negotiations with Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus with the aim of completing the deal by 2012, that’s a very significant milestone and we would be the first country to sign an FTA (free trade agreement) with Russia if we can get the deal done.”
(If?) Hmm… Good news – A power relationship has been forged, said Gimli – a Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiation will surely deliver important gains for New Zealand’s economy. Or maybe he’ll shaft us ALL!
John Key may posses the leadership merits to represent this fine green country. Key’s every decision is protected and his executives make damn sure he doesn’t put a foot wrong that’s for sure; but who knows what dodgy dealings are in the works behind the curtain?
But to be honest, this story and John Key is NOT what I really wanted to blog about…
*Ahem* 😀 A few years ago (September 1999) APEC was held in New Zealand, and this recent news item reminded me of how much of a young political geek I really was:
APEC ESCAPE the worlds first protest rally videogame! What type of boy would pay attention to such things at such an age? Amazing, I can’t believe how nerdy onto it I was:
Still gutted I didn’t win though – Not only was I witty but I lost to some fictitious game that promotes drugs – no big loss though, I already had Wip3out. But yeah, smarts is in my blood… And geekiness.
BAMF! The first ever image of Karl Urban as Mega City One’s lawman, Judge Dredd, has emerged, and it ticks all the boxes, including the helmet and the big gun.
Will it erase the memories of Sylvester Stallone? Of course, but the gore may be toned down a little to conform with its PG13 restrictions. But who cares man, Kiwi boy Karl Urban is Judge Dredd!!!
A zoetrope is a picture wheel device that produces an optical illusion of motion, from a rapid succession (usually spinning) of static pictures. It produces the same effect as flipbook drawings do. Except Pixar has gone and 1UP’d the Zoetrope by using real 3D objects instead of 2D pictures.
Pixar made a zoetrope at Disney’s California Adventure Park, but they used sculptures and strobe lights instead.
Some of the first elementary Zoetrope’s played an important evolutionary role during the early stages of moviemaking and animation history.
What’s cooler is the fact that Pixar drew inspiration for this ‘3D’ Zoetrope from none other than Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli and their “Bouncing Totoro” Zoetrope; Pixar’s immediate antecedent:
The “Bouncing Totoro” zoetrope is a 3D project consisting out of 347 figures which took nearly a year to finish. It was made by HAL with Yuzo Nishitani as head of the group. Production was started with the vague goal of creating something “fantastic” that would make anyone stop and gaze in awe for at least a few minutes.
Following Miyazaki’s wishes, the movement of the figures was initially to be based on the scene at the bus stop from “My Neigbor Totoro” where the Totoro jumps up holding an umbrella, and comes down hard making Mei and Satsuki bounce up in reaction.
However, some people thought that more kinds of movement would be needed to have people stop for a few minutes, and the scale of the idea continued to escalate. The repeating movements – Bouncing Totoro, running Cat Bus, flapping bat wings – were decided immediately, but as ideas continued to expand, the numbers of figures expanded as well.
Katsuya Kondo was in charge of the key animation and media artist Toshio Iwai helped a great deal in conceiving a LED device to be used instead of powerful strobe lights which hurt the eye, and in making a layout plan using a computer for the positioning of the figures. To allow the viewers to see how the rows of figures appear to be moving, they decided not to have the display in full rotation all times, but to start with the platform stopped, then make it gradually start rotating, and then after a while to have it stop again. Miyazaki himself decided the timing with his stopwatch.
Turns out train nutter’s dad is in one of the world’s top special ops units; the French Foreign Legion. Apparently. That, and I just think he’s a little wonky in the head. Socially that is. Just a little.
A truly amazing picture. It reminds me of every awesome science fiction movie I’ve ever watched ever, only this is magic science:
Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson peering down at Earth spinning below from a cupola in the ISS. Dr. Dyson is also a lead vocalist in the (astronaut) band Max Q. How cool is that?
Happiest woman in space? Yup.
Err, an inspirational video for (slender?) young woman – Science Cheerleaders make biochemical engineering and rocketry cooler than they ever were with their new viral video campaign from the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, to engage young females with positive messages about going into scientific fields:
I wanted to hear an epic rhyme-y cheer about science, but all I got was a showcase video of attractive, smart girls that happen to cheer. I already know hot girls are smart, so I’m a little disappointed …Just a little…
F, I, N, D, where’s that cheer for fin-a-lee! SCI-E, N, C, E, why do I embarrass me???
Kia ora! Hola! Bonjour! سلام! こんにちは! नमस्ते Namastē! مرحبا! 您好！Hallå! Hallo! Selamat Datang! Welcome! ⭐(★´♡‿♡`+)⭐ You have found ditb
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