Happy 88th Birthday To The First Ever Academy Awards aka The Oscars

May 16, 2017

On May 16th, 1929, the first ever Academy Awards show was held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). It was so long ago that Oscar wasn’t even born yet. The event was held at a smoke-filled Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in LA. Maybe it wasn’t smoke-filled, but it’s a very 1930s noir image and smoking was a pretty cool thing to do back then. Lung cancer be damned! The Oscars are a spectacle today, but they weren’t back then.

Let’s look at The Oscars, then and now!

1ATTENDANCE

Then: It cost $5 for a ticket (roughly $69 today) and was open to anyone. 275 people attended the ceremony which spread across 36 tables.

Now: The average price of a ticket is $500 and is practically unavailable since studios buy a majority of them. Ticket sales are also not open to the public. So, the event today is basically by invite only as Chappelle talks about in his Netflix special.

2CEREMONY

Then: All twelve awards were handed out in fifteen minutes. The winners were announced three months earlier, too, meaning the event was strictly a formality.

Now: There are 24 awards now. The ceremony takes four hours, plus a few hours of pre-show, plus a few weeks of hype between the nominations and the actual show.

3AWARDS

Then: Emil Jennings won Best Actor for two different movies. Janet Gaynor was awarded best actress for three films. There was a Best Director award given for drama and comedy, much like today’s Golden Globes.

Charlie Chaplin AND Warner Brothers each received honorary awards. Chaplin for his body of work and sheer awesome. Warner Brothers for The Jazz Singer and pioneering “talkie” films.

Now: Casey Affleck won for Manchester By The Sea, a film which likely contributed to many suicides. Emma Stone won for La La Land. One film each. That’s how it works today.

4BEST PICTURE

Then: The award didn’t exist. Wings won for Outstanding Picture while Sunrise won Unique And Artistic Picture. The following year, The Academy turned Outstanding Picture into Best Picture and scrapped the Unique and Artistic Picture award. So, in a bit of tricky trivia, the first ever Best Picture in Oscars history is Wings OR Sunrise.

Now: In 2017, no such confusion goes on. Well, except for an inept Academy employee who handed the wrong envelope to the presenters. In what is likely to be one of the most remembered moments in Oscars history, La La Land was announced as Best Picture, but it was quickly corrected. Instead, Moonlight was the official winner. You could say that La La Land won the Unique and Artistic Picture award.

5RATINGS

Then: ZERO. The first Academy Awards was not broadcast on TV, mostly because TV didn’t even exist yet. The ceremony was also not broadcast on the radio.

Now: Thirty million viewers in the United States alone and billions of views of clips online. Television broadcast networks once fought over rights to air the show. However, no network has aired it more than ABC with 52 out of 65 shows. It’s a spectacle in an age of spectacle.

6OSCAR

Then: The award wasn’t known as the Oscar. It was the object given to winners and was merely the Academy Award of Merit or statue.

Now: The Academy Awards, as of 2012, doesn’t even exist anymore as AMPAS officially re-branded as The Oscars. And yet, the history of why they even call the award “Oscar” in the first place is still a mystery. The story includes a journalist, librarian, and Walt Disney. It’s the kind of story that needs a movie.

‘Chaos Walking’ To Start Filming This Summer

Jamesey Lefebure

May 16, 2017

Patrick Ness has confirmed that “Chaos Walking” will begin filming this summer. In a tweet that has filled his fans with joy, the author has confirmed two of the stars of the movie and a director.

The upcoming film, which will be directed Doug Liman (Bourne Identity, Mr & Mrs. Smith) is being made through Lionsgate Entertainment. Furthermore, series author Patrick Ness (A Monster Calls) is co-writing the script with the assistance of John Lee Hancock (Snow White and The Huntsman) and Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich).

“War makes monsters out of men”

An adaption of the first book in the Chaos Walking Trilogy – The Knife Of Never Letting Go. Chaos Walking is set on the distant planet known as New World. The planet has been colonized a generation before by settlers looking for a better life. Upon arrival a mysterious virus is simply known as “The Noise” has affected all the men on the planet, making all their thoughts audible. As a result, chaos ensued and a war was waged on the indigenous population The Spackle. The resulting war sadly killed all females on the planet.

A depiction of “noise” in The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.

Protagonist Todd is the youngest person in the male only settlement of “Prentiss Town”. With his 13th birthday looming, he has begun to question the way of life. However when he stumbles on a silent young girl hiding in the woods; Todd begins an adventure to the heart of New World. Joining forces with his dog Manchee and Viola the three must face sacrifice and heartache as they try to find Viola’s people. The trio must also face up to a nefarious Mayor and give New World the hope that it once promised.

Tom Holland has been confirmed as Todd Hewitt, the main character of the trilogy who is a naive and headstrong young man. Daisy Ridley will star as Viola Eade, the only woman left on the planet.

Whilst it is unknown if Lionsgate plans to release the full Chaos Trilogy. Ultimately Ness’s announcement is certainly a step in the right direction. With shooting happening this summer we can expect a 2018 release for the movie. Do you agree with the casting choices? Who would you love to see cast as Mayor Prentiss or Todd’s parents? More importantly – who should voice Manchee? Let us know in the comments below.

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‘War For The Planet of the Apes’ Final Trailer Released

Aric Sweeny

May 16, 2017

20th Century Fox has dropped the newest, and final, trailer for War for the Planet of the Apes. Watch it down below.

“In War for the Planet of the Apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, Caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless Colonel. After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the Colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.”

The film is directed by Matt Reeves and stars Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval, Judy Greer and Terry Notary.

War for the Planet of the Apes hits theaters on July 14.

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‘Will & Grace’ – Watch The 5 Minute Reunion Trailer!

Jamesey Lefebure

May 16, 2017

NBC have dropped a five-minute trailer for the return of their hit show ‘Will & Grace.’

First and foremost the trailer is a fantastic reminder of why we loved this show, to begin with. It’s got sass, humor, and an amazing musical number! Secondly, it’s a solid return of very familiar characters.

https://youtu.be/TY10pANm4eM

Kicking off with stars Eric McCormack and Debra Messing in the NBC offices after agreeing to return to the show, Debra tells Eric that she isn’t sure she wants to get involved as she doesn’t have the time. ‘All you do is Instagram,’ jokes Eric.

As a result of one joke, the show has set its tone. From Will’s sucking up to an off-screen producer to Grace stealing sweet and magazines from the NBC offices. This is quintessential “Will & Grace”. ‘They’re free, like at the doctors’. She hisses when Will questions her.

Entering a lift, to show her ‘something else’ the action swaps to the set of their shared apartment. The nostalgia from seeing the set is instant. As Will tries to appease Grace’s fears that there’s nothing to be afraid of, he pulls the blankets off a couch to find fan favorite Karen Walker (Megan Mullally) who’s feeling fresh off the back of ten-year power nap.

“What if something fundamental has changed?”

Ultimately by posing the question in the trailer, the cast address the elephant in the room. What if the show isn’t as funny as it used to be? The truth is times have changed since “Will & Grace” left screens in 2006. However, it’s when Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) bursts into the apartment making jokes about Air B+B, we are reassured that whilst times have changed, the characters we have grown to love haven’t. The refreshingly familiar humour and well-loved characters are just how we remember them. Closing with a musical number the trailer has managed to set the tone of the new 12 episode season.

“Will & Grace” aired from 1998 to 2006 on NBC. Totaling over 200 episodes the show focused on the tempestuous friendship between a straight woman and a gay man. With support characters Jack and Karen often stealing the spotlight, the show was at heart about the importance of friendship. Ultimately the trailer has reminded viewers why we fell in love with these characters, to begin with. Furthermore, after an 11-year absence, it’s made us eager to watch new adventures.

‘Will & Grace’ will return to NBC this fall. How excited about the return are you? What’s your favorite moment from the show? Let us know in the comments below.

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Review: Hang ‘Over The Edge’ With ‘Archie’ #20

Manuel Gomez

Archie Andrews has started to work things out with his girlfriend, Veronica Lodge and slavage his friendship with ex Betty Cooper. In fact Betty and him have started fixing his grandfather’s old mustang. But Archie and Reggie Mantle’s ongoing feud reaches a dangerous level that pitches the two Riverdale rivals against each other in a deadly race on Serpent’s Tail! Will the usual peaceful town become a place of tragedy? And will these two ‘frienemies’ finally cross a line that one of them may never come back from?

Archie #20
Over The Edge Part 1
Written: Mark Waid
Art: Pete Woods
Lettering by: Jack Morelli
Published by: Archie Comics

The new Archie title has really been a revelation in the industry. Writer Mark Waid has made the Riverdale gang modern and urgent, but still recognizable and relatable to classic fans. And although the title has never crossed over into outright melodrama, serious story beats and themes have definitely been worked in. And now we have what seems to be one of the most serious and timely stories the book has tackled before. But does it work? The answer is yes! Read on for 11 reasons Archie #20 drives the title into new and welcome roads!

Pete Woods’ GORGEOUS art captures that classic sense of youthful energy Archie books have always had, but with a modern style that is expressive and flowing with movement.
Mark Waid’s ongoing narrative trick of having Archie speak directly to the reader. It really connects you to the title character and makes you feel like part of the gang.
The way the story is broken up into chapters with headings really helps to spotlight themes and sequences.
The subtle ways every character uses their specific skills or personality traits to help Archie and Betty fix the Mustang.
“Thanks for getting the food, Jughead”-Dilton. “Thanks for eating half of it on the way back, Jughead.”-Betty
The “Widdle Archie” chapter heading and it’s lettering by Jack Morelli. A neat call back to the classic font.
Morelli’s lettering in general. Great use of sound effects with the cars.
Woods panels and layouts are filled with subtle border breaks and clever design. It really creates a great pace!
The story’s great balance. It’s fun and funny, but there is enough menace suggested coming around the bend that tension hangs around the whole issue.
The race scene is tense and cinematic.
The ‘cliffhanger’ ending.
Page from Archie #20

There ya go. If you haven’t been reading Archie (or any of its satellite books), you’re missing on one of the best and most effective relaunches ever. And as the starting point to a new storyline, this issue us a great one to start doing so. So go ahead and join the Riverdale gang already!

Pick up Archie #20 at your local comic book shop this week!

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Ottawa Comiccon 2017: Freaky Friday in ‘Bytown’

Elliott Dunstan

May 16, 2017

Ottawa Comiccon splashed into the Canadian convention scene in 2012 with a record-breaking first-year turnout, and five years later, it’s one of the largest and best conventions in the area. This year – OCC 2017 – the guest list was especially impressive, boasting Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who), Alex Kingston (Doctor Who, ER), Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter) and John Cusack (Say Anything) among others.

The first day of OCC 2017 was a quiet one, serving as a prelude to the often-crowded Saturday and giving folks a day to focus on smaller panels and merchandise. It was a slow day for cosplayers. However, the panels included such standouts as ‘Oh Deer! Antler and Hoof Crafting’ for faun and satyr cosplays, ‘Licensed vs. Original Properties’ (hosted by Thomas Gofton) on his experiences with board game design, and a Q&A panel with Ruth Connell (Supernatural).

HIGHLIGHT PANEL: ‘Board Games in 2017: The Cult of the New’

Stephane Lebeau, Mandi Hutchinson, and Tracy Thillmann from ‘To Die For Games’ hosted this panel, where the difference between board games then and now was discussed in detail.

Notable points of interest include the debate of video games versus board games, in which Mandi also mentioned that board games are excellent for those with ADHD and anxiety because of how they function. Mandi then went on to talk about crowdfunding and some of its successes for new board games, including One Deck Dungeon. This game, produced by Asmadi Games and designed by Chris Cieslik, is a dungeon-raiding roguelike, notable for featuring only women in its art. Its first expansion garnered full funding within 30 minutes on Kickstarter. (Currently, it’s 1219% funded!)

Tracy Thillmann then went on to discuss the phenomenon of ‘meshing mechanics’. It’s something new to board games within the last decade or two.

“Most games you grow up with have one mechanic – word games, card games – but two different mechanics now get meshed.” – Tracy Thrillman

This meshing often means there are more ways to win, features to appeal to a large variety of players, and an increased level of complexity.

HIGHLIGHT ARTIST: Pat Patenaude

Pat Patenaude is the author of ‘The Professor’, a daily one-panel comic satirizing the modern world. He has been producing ‘The Professor’ since 2013, and inks every comic by hand with a brush.

“It’s meant to be in the style of old newspaper comics. There’s no vulgarity, no nudity, mostly because I’m bad at those things!” -Pat Patenaude

The Professor is hosted at www.theprofessorcomic.com.

HIGHLIGHT COSPLAYER: Sayaka by Northern Zero Cosplay

This Sayaka cosplay (Puella Magi Madoka Magica) is by Northern Zero Cosplay!

HIGHLIGHT MERCH: Wasteland Artisan

Wasteland Artisan is a Montreal-based artisan shop, selling handmade creepy/post-apocalyptic rings, masks, and other accessories! Of note are their plague doctor and tentacle leather masks. Their unusual decor and Lovecraft inspiration made them a standout at OCC 2017.

Wasteland Artisan’s Facebook page is here.

Did you attend OCC 2017? If not, get ready for next year!

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New Game Releases Farpoint The Surge Endless Space 2 and Injustice 2

Christina Freeman

May 15, 2017

This week’s highlight in new game releases brings Farpoint, The Surge, Endless Space 2 and Injustice 2. Let’s take a quick look at each and why players would want to check them out.

Farpoint

Releasing on May 16th, Farpoint is a first person shooter about a bug fight in a virtual world. This sci-fi space shooter is unique because it will be one of the first of its kind to incorporate the PSVR Aim Controller. This Impulse Gear title aims to maximize on the precision the Aim Controller is capable of. That being said the game will still be compatible for traditional Dualshock 4 controller play. However it is recommended for the Aim Controller. The controller has been getting a lot of hype for points in immersion and response. This FPS will be a great test to see how well it lives up to the press.

The creators speak of a deep and meaningful narrative. The M rating suggests that they actually meant it. Previews of the graphics give scenes of rich visual content and texture. Farpoint will arrive for most bundled with PSVR Aim Controller.

The Surge

Also making a May 16th debut, The Surge is an exo-suit RPG set in a dystopian future. The planet earth is nearly dead and humans have tried to adapt by using mechanical enhancements. While story suggests some predictable instances scenery and art style give this a fresh feeling from other Deck 13 titles such as Lords of the Fallen. Notwithstanding the fight system does intrigue and keep the player sharp. The other aspects are rather role-playing game (RPG) formulaic. The interesting gameplay aspect of this title is a dismemberment system that allows for all the gore that can be imagined with such a thing. However it adds an interesting side car to innovative character upgrading if you get my meaning. In a world of detachable parts the bisectional man might be king.

Endless Space 2

Being released on May 19th, Endless Space 2 is a turn based science fiction strategy game. This is a PC release. Now people who are fans of this type of genre like different things than what the previous games mentioned offer. This game world is about choice and allowing the player the autonomy to build their own stories as opposed to following a scripted path. This has been captured with an array of choices. And when using array understand it’s like nesting dolls. There are factions and minor factions. This game delves into cultural norms, political ideologies and classes. Most 4X games do account for population, however they are more regionally political and less socially political.

Another aspect that is different from the first Endless Space is the added concept of pressure. With political affiliations the nature of bluffing and having it called changes. Early access has allowed Amplitude Studios to rate reception of their game mods so this release should be smooth.

Injustice 2

In the realm of highly anticipated title Injustice 2 has been howled about since it was first spoken about. Many have listed the features including complex story arc, dynamic fighting style and oh yes customization efforts as points of excitement. Injustice 2 provides familiar characters in a new story. Beyond the new Metaverse, or the mobile innovations this is a Justice League year. With Batman versus Superman carrying ideas from the previous game Injustice: Gods Among Us, it hard not to wonder. Will aspects of this story in this game make their way into the DC Extended Universe? For many gamers there’s going to be only one way to find out.

How do you feel about the games being released this week? Comment below.

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What is GISHWHES Hunt No Further

Christina Freeman

May 15, 2017

GISHWHES is an acronym for the ‘Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen‘. Begun by CW’s Supernatural actor Misha Collins in 2011, it invites a bit of whimsy to the world in the form of good acts. While Misha might be best known as the angel Castiel on CW’s long running show Supernatural, his commitment to social responsibility should be commended.

GISHWHES is part of his yearly social calendar. An event that is now about to commence its 7th year. Notably, this year the competition will last from August 5th to August 12th, 2017. However registration is open now. Thus allowing participants to sign up months early to participate in a winner take all series of scavenger hunt tasks for a week. Teams of 15 then perform these acts of doing ‘good in the world’ for GISHWHES competition points.

GISHWHES is Hunting Fun

Past tasks have included making an elegant evening outfit from things found in your bathroom. A notable one was getting a local ice cream shop to create and sell a custom ice cream flavor for the participating team. In this vein, the creator Misha Collins admits these tasks are supposed to shake up the normalcy life has been victimized by. For a moment the world should feel and look a little bit different. Something it seems Supernatural fans have an easy time of adapting to.

International Appeal

GISHWHES has world wide appeal. For instance, it usually has thousands of participants and has represented somewhere upward of 69 different countries. Over the years it has broken a few Guinness World Records. In the books for 2011 was ‘Largest Photo Scavenger Hunt’. In 2012 ‘Most Pledges for a Campaign/to Complete a Random Act of Kindness’ was broken. Recently in 2014 ‘Most People in a Decorated Hat Competition’ fell to the hunt.

The tasks are mostly based in the concept of kindness. Other times reality bending is the most popular purpose. However it seems almost all of them are based in being patently irreverent. Consequently they invite a level of creativity. Cooperation with the overarching community is also a goal. If a person wants to play and doesn’t have 15 friends willing to go, that person can be assigned a team. All they have to do is indicate it during registration.

From GISHWHES to Random Acts

There is a reasonable participation fee that goes to Random Acts. Which is a non-profit organization co-founded by Collins that promotes random acts of kindness. The organization has been known to contribute to Red Cross and various other charities that focus on empowerment and opportunity. Projects like Dreams to Acts have aided in relief efforts in Haiti and educational development in Nicaragua. Caught in the Act is a program geared towards recognizing ordinary people committing great acts of kindness. Class Act recognizes schools for acts of community kindness. In addition, there is the SPNFamily Crisis Support Network which aids in mental health efforts such as depression and addiction.

And There are Awesome Prizes

While the competition is for fun and revelment, for the competitive, the prizes are pretty outstanding. For example, the winning team this year will be traveling to Hawaii with Misha Collins for merriment and adventures. Worth mentioning, previous locales have included Iceland, Costa Rica and Scotland. However no worries if the main prize is not secured. Evidently there are a lot of follow-up prizes such as certificates of greatness, being added to the GISHWHES Hall of Fame and a coffee table book of the year’s exploits.

Impact and Legacy

Unbelievable tasks aside, the most impressive aspect of this endeavor is the impact which catalogs what has been done in the name of the competition. Included is hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for charities and thousands of food kitchen volunteers. The event has donated to women’s shelters, blood drives and coat drives. Also listed is a tally of beaches cleaned and bone marrow donors. It really takes the theme of the Supernatural show of helping people to another level. Which is pretty amazing to see. As the saying goes, happy hunting.

Join GISHWHES today to receive bonus points for early registration. Any thoughts on this, post comments below.

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WWE BREAKING NEWS: BRAUN STROMAN HAS ELBOW SURGERY

Mikey Curalli

May 15, 2017

Sad News out of Birmingham, Alabama as Braun Stroman underwent surgery to prepare his injured elbow.

The injury, as reporter by WWE.com, will keep “The Monster Among Men” out for at least 6 months. This news could not come at a worse time for Stroman, as he was penciled in as a potential opponent for WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at WWE Great Balls of Fire.

What do you think of “The Stro” and this unfortunate setback? Comment below, and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @themikeycuralli!

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Joel Hodgson Announces Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live Tour

Erik Amaya

May 15, 2017

Mystery Science Theater 3000 creator Joel Hodgson announced this morning that the show is going on the road. Revived by a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign in 2015, the new season debuted in April. According to Hodgson’s recent Kickstarter update, it is still unclear if the streaming giant will order a new season. But to keep up the momentum, he and his team planned a 29-city tour.

Some tour dates will feature a re-riff of Eegah! The Arch Hall Sr. film was riffed in the show’s fifth season and gave fans the catch phrase “Watch Out for Snakes!” Others will screen a secret surprise film Hodgson referred to as “a truly weird sci-fi thriller.”

Though mostly confined to television, MST3K performed live shows a handful of times. The first occurred during at Scott Hansen’s Comedy Gallery in Minneapolis in 1989. The cast and crew assembled for Mystery Science Theater Alive at a Minneapolis area theater in 1992. And during the first MST3K Conventio-con ExpoFest-o-rama in 1994, they debut their take on This Island Earth.

Additionally, Hodgson is no stranger to riffing on the road. For several years, he and other show veterans toured as Cinematic Titanic. And just prior to to MST3K’s revival, he traveled the US with a presentation called “Joel Hodgson: Riffing Myself.”

In the Kickstarter update, Hodgson wrote that he considered the possibility of touring as far back as the 2015 Kickstarter campaign. In enumerating some of the advantages, he said it would help the new cast fine tune their performances. It would also allow him to do some “rapid prototyping” of new ideas for the series. He also added that live shows also offer fans another chance to come together, writing, “There’s something that’s just so different and special about sharing the MST experience in ‘real time’ with a thousand people who love it just as much as you do.”

The MST3K LIVE: The “Watch Out for Snakes” Tour begins in July with ticket information to follow … though Kickstarter backers will have that information soon. Are you excited to see MST3K live? Which movie do you think is the secret sci-fi flick? Post your thoughts below.

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