Asimov’s ‘Foundation Trilogy’ Coming to the Big Screen

You should know Isaac Asimov as a fundamental part of all science fiction. His ‘three laws of robotics’ have pretty much defined the genre’s depiction of robots ever since. He’s known as one of the “big three” science fiction authors and he’s basically had an influential role in every android, automaton, and metal man you know and love. On top of being one of the most prolific writers ever, he’s credited with writing arguably the best science fiction short story of all time.

Anyway, if you’re not so much into sci-fi literature, you might have heard Asimov’s name attached to mediocrity-fests like I, Robot. Just let it be known that the original short story is very different and very much better. Asimov’s had a few of his works adapted into unfaithful movies that blandly miss the point, but Gamma Squad’s got word that Hollywood’s giving it another go, this time with the Foundation trilogy. Three books that make up the major storyline of a vast saga Asimov added to and compiled throughout his writing career.

 In case you Asimov fans were crossing your fingers and mouthing prayers to the sci-fi Gods, you should know the series is set to be written by relative newcomer Dante Harper and directed by Roland “Make Things Go Boom-Boom” Emmerich, so the beloved and iconic stories so cherished in the genre will likely be handled with the care and subtlety of a propeller plane dodging an exploding Los Angeles.

Above: Subtlety

Fox has also recently greenlit Asimov’s The Caves of Steel, so now would be a good time to hit the library and read these books before they go the way of Bicentennial Man. Unless you’ve already read them, in which case now would be a good time to cry.

#28 – Countdown to Halloween: THE THING (1982)

“We’re a thousand miles from nowhere, man. And it’s gonna get a hell of a lot worse before it gets any better.” – Windows

John Carpenter’s The Thing wasn’t well-received when it was released in 1982, which apparently hit Carpenter pretty hard. It’s a shame because had he had the foresight to understand the turnaround the film would experience, he’d never have worried; The Thing is now one of the most celebrated horror movies of all time and rightfully so. Combining some of the best elements of horror and suspense, it’s one of the few movies I’ve seen that can deliver real chills, and scare consistently through repeated viewings.

Continue reading #28 – Countdown to Halloween: THE THING (1982)

Django Unchained: Kurt Russell to Replace Kevin Costner in Tarantino’s Latest

Back in July we talked about Django Unchained and how Kevin Costner was set to appear. And that was accurate until recently when he dropped out and was upgraded to replaced by Kurt Russell. Russell of course worked with QT before when he played ‘Stuntman Mike’ back in 2007…

So Russell will play ‘Ace’ the sadistic whipmaster on DiCaprio’s plantation. Sound good to me. While I have nothing against Costner, I am more of a Russell fan. I mean come on –The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, Tombstone, Escape from New York...guy is a badass.

As far as the movie – Django Unchained – this is as stoked as I’ve been about a QT movie since walking out of Kill Bill and knowing I still had another 6 months till the 2nd part came out…

#29 – Countdown to Halloween: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS

After much consideration about what my favorite horror movie was, I came to the third installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street series: Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, given to us by Wes Craven in 1987. This movie begins with Kristen Parker (Patricia Arquette) putting together a model house with Popsicle sticks… the house of Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) who is haunting her dreams. The beginning was in fact… all a dream. It is a scary and fantastic way to begin a horror movie.

Continue reading #29 – Countdown to Halloween: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS

HBO Review – Boardwalk Empire: Season 2, Episode 2 “Ourselves Alone”

It was a nice surprise to see the episode start off in New York with Arnold Rothstein and Charlie “Lucky” Luciano back into the mix. More interesting was their meeting with Jimmy who was offering A.R. his own liquor products. I think everyone will be caught off guard to see how quickly things are moving against Nucky. After last week’s incarceration of both himself and Chalky, the sharks are moving in to finish the job.

The Commodore and Eli have Nucky’s inner circle set against him and taking over the liquor business, with Jimmy in charge of the liquor transporting. The only one who seems set against it is Damien. (The guy who inherited Nucky’s dad’s house.)

Overall the episode was average at best. I give it 2 out of 5 because honestly, not alot happened. Margaret wasn’t given a whole lot to do but play housewife while Nucky was gone dealing with his legal troubles. Even the parts with Jimmy in New York and his dealings with Lansky and Luciano were not very substantial even though they were the best parts. I’m hoping that next week’s episode picks things up a bit, especially with Nucky confronting his enemies face to face instead of over the phone.

#30 – Countdown to Halloween: DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978)

I love Halloween. Everything about it. The costumes, the candy, the parties. But most importantly? It’s the one time of the year where you get to watch as many horror movies as you want without people judging or thinking you’re a closet serial killer who’s studying the fine art of murder. But not all horror is about slow-walking, mask-wearing, virgin-hunting unkillable killers. Sometimes we get a look at the less structured side of horror.

Continue reading #30 – Countdown to Halloween: DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978)