Archive for September, 2004
22 items.
Well, I didn’y make it to the theater this weekend to see Resident Evil: Apocalypse, but I guess it will wait for me. I did see a few others at home though. Here is a quick recap:
Intolerable Cruelty – I enjoyed this Coen Brothers movie, though I don’t see it having the replay value of some of their previous films.
Naqoyqatsi – I rounded off Godfrey Reggio and Phillip Glass’s trilogy by watching this third installment of music and images. This is the second best in the trilogy, with Koyaanisqatsi: Life Out of Balance being the most innovative.
Blow Up – “This is a bad movie, you know that, right?” Patti said before bailing out on this one. I agreed, until I completed watching this and thought about it for a few minutes. I watched the trailer after I finished viewing this film which confirmed that I did understand the point they were trying to make. A little long, with spans that include little dialogue or even conceivable plot, this film is stylized enough to grow on you. You spend the first twenty minutes thinking “Why am I watching this?” but stick with it. Think art film rather than Hollywood Blockbuster. I guarantee Mike Myers has seen this film, as a few of the scenes reflect Austin Powers.
[ No Comments ]
If you think that today’s comic isn’t exactly light-hearted, then maybe you want to check out the buzzComix voting incentive sketch. It follows a similar theme, but it turns up the irony a couple of notches. Maybe you’ll get a chuckle out of it.
I can’t quite put my finger on what’s motivating me to steer the arc into slightly darker territory, but I promise that things will start looking better for Jimmy soon.
I think part of the shift in tone can be attributed to wanting to flex a few new muscles creatively. I’m experimenting with refining my art style, adding debris and small details. At the same time, I’m testing the waters to see if I can toss in a little bit of drama.
To me, Jimmy is the only character that can withstand this emotional weight. Since he’s the only character in the comic not based on a real person, he’s kind of a catch-all that I can insert into a storyline for a specific effect. He hasn’t appeared in a lot of strips, so we don’t know a lot about him. We CERTAINLY don’t know much about him outside a movie theater, so this is an interesting way to develop his character.
Jimmy has always been the most good-natured of the bunch. He can take a joke. He’s a hard worker. He’s optimistic. What does it mean to have him experience all this bad luck? What’s the moral? “Bad things happen to good people?”
…
# The rest of this blog post was lost, presumably after Theater Hopper moved to WordPress in January 2009. #
[ No Comments ]
Let me explain the way I rate movies. I usually find some value in most movies, so I struggle with giving movies very low ratings, even if they are bad. I am adopting the five star rating system since it is the same that I use on Netflix. Since I “enjoy” most movies, I tend to rate almost everything a “3.” I guess that is just the way it is.
“5” Movies that totally rule. I probably own it or should own it. Good acting, good plot, good direction and cinematography, a great movie, one of my favorites. Must be rewatchable. May lack in any of these categories if it is one of my favorites.
“4” Great Movie. Has qualities similar to a “5,” but lacks in some way. Usually it just doesn’t make my favorites list for some reason, probably because it lacks replay value.
“3” Most Movies. Sorry.
“2” This movie was lame in a way that made it flunk out of the Majority “3” group.
“1” I hated this movie or this movie sucked. Probably both.
Does that clear anything up. No? Oh well. Here are the movies I’ve watched this week.
Tremors 1990 “3” After watching parts of this movie a million times, I thought I would finally sit down and watch it. Yup, I don’t think I had really missed too much, but everyone should see this once.
They Live 1988 “3” John Carpenter rules. Though the acting is pretty bad and the thrid act wraps things up in a fairly sloppy way, this was a cool movie. The subliminal message shots were especially nice.
Duplex 2003 “3” I have learned to avoid anything that says Danny DeVito and Director, but I ignored that and actually liked this film. The lead actors ( Ben Stiller, Drew Barrymore ) have both been better, but their chemistry was good and they carried the film.
[ No Comments ]
Today’s incentive sketch doesn’t entirely follow the narrative of the strip, but let’s just say it was inspired by it. Click here to check it out.
So now Jimmy is shacking up with Tom! Will wonders never cease? What will Cami have to say about it? You’re going to have to wait until Monday to see where it all goes next!
We’ve reached a critical turning point in this little adventure. With Monday’s continuation, this will be THE LONGEST STORY ARC THEATER HOPPER HAS EVER TOLD! Ominous, no?
It’s exciting in a respect, but also a little nerve-wracking when you cross a boundary like that. Remember that scene in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings where all the hobbits band together to begin their quest? Early in their journey, they come to the edge of a field. Sam stops and comments, “If I take one more step, it’ll be the farthest away from home I’ve ever been.”
It’s kind of like that.
As such, I’m becoming paranoid that it’s going on to long, and I feel obligated to keep referencing back to the origin of the story so people don’t become lost or bored. I don’t want you guys to think that I’m fishing for compliments with the whole insecurity routine. Just trying to explain where my head is at.
That said, interest has really heated up and people are starting to wonder what will happen to Jimmy next. The people in the THorum have been extremely supportive in this respect. Thanks, guys! Of course, I’m getting some really nice e-mails, too…
…
# The rest of this post was lost, presumably after Theater Hopper moved to WordPress in January 2009 #
[ No Comments ]
If you look at the top of the page and the navigation under the logo, you’ll notice I added a new Cast page to the site. I figured Theater Hopper had been around long enough that newcomers might appreciate a small introduction to the characters instead of having to troll through 325 plus comics in the archive!
Hopefully you guys are digging the changes. Expect more changes in the coming weeks as I drag the remaining pages in the site, kicking and screaming, into the wonderful world of CSS…
[ No Comments ]
It’s kind of hard to come up with a wacky buzzComix incentive sketch on a character piece with a focus on dialogue, so I thought I would draw a wholesome picture of Jimmy enjoying that sandwich Tom was talking about in the second panel. Click here if you want to see Jimmy enjoy a sandwich! (Yes, we’ve stooped this low!)
For those of you not in the loop, we’re in the middle of a storyline where Jimmy has lost his job at the movie theater, lost his apartment and is now shacking up with The Brazeltons. If you’d like to see where it all began, you can click here.
I thought today’s comic might be to address the issue of what exactly is Jared doing over at Tom and Cami’s house all the time. Some people have asked me if he lives there, if he’s a relative or what’s the deal?! The short story is, he’s a moocher!
Not in real life, mind you. This is comic Jared we’re talking about, okay? Besides, it’s just handy to have a comic foil around the house for emergencies.
And incidentally, Cami would NEVER strike a guest in our home. “COMIC” Cami, remember? So no one reading this has to worry about her backhand if you’ve overstayed your welcome!
If you’re worried that today’s strip isn’t advancing the plot, don’t stress. I’m laying the groundwork for events later this week. I think you’re really going to enjoy the direction I plan on taking things.
Not much else to report. I didn’t make it out to the theater this weekend, so I didn’t get to see Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. But from what I’m hearing, it’s great. Kind of bummed about that, but unforeseen expenses popped up over the weekend, so we’re on fiscal lockdown. Doesn’t help that I have to pay my car insurance this month, but what can you do? Just show a little willpower, that’s all! Close the purse strings!
That’s why it’s awkward to share this next bit of news… but both of the main advertising slots are open. If you have a web site you’d like a little extra help promoting, we have the space to accommodate you! If you’d like more information, including our rates, you can click here. Even if you can only advertise for a week, it would really help me out.
Traffic has been looking good since I redesigned the front page in CSS. It’s loading faster and I’m getting good feedback. Now’s the time to hop on board. We can help each other!
The rest of the site is coming along in regards to the subtle redesign. I recently added a Cast page and just yesterday redesigned the Links page. You should check it out, if not for its stream-lined effectiveness, but to click on the links of comics I’ve recently added to my regular reads, Del Mar 8, Brainwrap Comics and The Useless Superheroes. They’re all pretty sweet.
It’s my goal to redesign the store next. We hit upon a really good idea in the THorum and I plan on taking pre-orders for a shirt with Tom’s “Professional Movie-Goer” business card from Friday just as soon as I complete the design.
I’m also calling area printers to get quotes on binding services. I’m thinking that collecting this current arc (with bonus strips, incentive sketches and commentary!) into a small trade paperback is a really good idea. Even if I end up sitting on a few copies, I’m proud enough of the work to use it as an introduction to people who may have never seen the site before. Sell them at conventions; maybe even ask a couple local comic stores to carry it. You never know!
Thanks to all of you for your support with the changes that have been happening lately. You guys have really allowed me to stretch creatively and it has infused me with a new vigor for the comic. These changes have been great medicine.
Thanks.
[ No Comments ]
Wow, I tell you guys that I have some advertising space open and you come a’running! Please, please, please check out our latest sponsor. I promise they won’t disapoint.
Wacky Movies is pretty much that. An interesting collection of short films, writing and an internet chat show. Lots of interesting stuff to see here. I got a kick out of The Playground Patrol.
Our next sponsor should need no introduction, but I’m breakin’ all the rules, baby! Joe and Monkey! Zach Miller (formerly of No Pants Tuesday) has been kicking ass and taking names with his new comic. He updates seven days a week, people! And he hasn’t missed a day yet! If that doesn’t earn your faith and devotion, I don’t know what will.
Lastly, don’t forget to check out O’Deer Comics. These guys are frequent advertisers on the site and we love their business. Show them how much we appreciate their support by visiting their web comic often. They update five times a week and have a really good storyline going on right now.
That’s about everything I can think of for the moment. Please visit our sponsors!
[ No Comments ]
Sep22
Something that I always thought about was how Jared was able to get away with beating up Ben Affleck without really ever having to answer for it. Today’s strip kind of plays with the idea that the characters aren’t living in a vacuum. The buzzComix incentive sketch takes it a step further, suggesting institutionalization when Jared has one of his Affleck freak-outs.
Sometimes people in the THorum ask me where Jared is off to when he hasn’t been in the strip for a while. Now you know. He’s off taking his meds in a nut house! Ever notice that he kind of disappears after one of his episodes? Now it all comes together, doesn’t it?
I realize that there was a pretty serious shift in tone with today’s comic and it’s a little out of character for Jared to threaten – well, anybody but Affleck! But I figured if I was able to translate despair in last Wednesday’s comic and have it be well-received, I thought I would try my hand at menace THIS week!
I know I like to remind you all that this is a story arc, so I’m going to do so again this week. If you want to know how Jimmy got in the mess that he’s in, just click here to read the story from the beginning.
Keeping in mind that this is all part of a larger story, I’m also aware that today’s comic isn’t fall-down funny or really even that strong on its own. Referencing previous strips probably isn’t helping anyone that’s coming to the comic fresh. But hopefully you’ll thumb through the archives to get a sense of things. Jared’s threatening behavior felt like the right choice at the time. He just loves hanging out at Tom’s SO much!
I suppose to keep things grounded in the world of movies I should make some kind of comment about the Star Wars Trilogy being released on DVD. What can I say? Films that were once loved universally now finds its fan base split down the middle between purists and enthusiasts. George Lucas has instituted ANOTHER round of changes to his movies and continues to bilk money out of his fans. So what side of the fence do I stand on?
It’s difficult to say because I can see both sides of the argument. As a fan, I wish he would stop mucking with the movies that brought so many people of my generation happiness. Adding a Dewback here or there really does nothing to improve the film. It’s just selfish tinkering because he can. Where does it stop? At what point does inserting Hayden Christensen as the “force ghost” of Anakin Skywalker in Return of The Jedi become replacing Luke Skywalker with an adorable kitten?
But on the other hand, as an artist, I can appreciate the notion that a piece of art is never REALLY done. If you can go back and improve the work, why shouldn’t you?
Lucas is a total anomaly in movie making. He owns the rights to the Star Wars movies lock, stock and barrel. This isn’t about a studio making changes or PREVENTING changes because they’re afraid it will affect their bottom line. It’s about one man that wanted to tell a story the best way he could and has the means to do it. The technology wasn’t in place when he first shared his story with the world and now it is. So why not make things more fantastic? Frankly, considering the amount of money the Star Wars franchise rakes in, who BETTER to make these kinds of tweaks?
I guess I get a little turned off by the fans who say that Lucas can’t do this or can’t do that. It’s just a lot of needless bitching to me. Do you think he’ll answer your e-mails or look at your petitions? He has bigger fish to fry. If you want to get him where he lives, stop spending your money on his products. Believe me, it’ll get through.
Are you complaining that it’s the principle of the matter? That you’re hopelessly addicted to all things Star Wars? Give me a break. Remember New Coke? America rejected it whole-heartedly and raised their voice by closing their wallets. Coke had no choice but to bring the original flavor back. Same rules apply here.
I guess if you wanted my personal take, the litmus test is to decide if the visual changes lessen the movie experience. At the end of the day, they really don’t affect me one way or the other. So I guess I’ll end up buying the trilogy more out of curiosity than anything. And also so I can get these movies in the best audio and video presentation available. I’ve loved these films since childhood and I have no problem continuing to line Lucas’ pockets.
At least until some new technology comes around and Lucas finally replaces Luke with that kitten we were talking about…
Anyway, with that handled, on to some site news.
I’m working really hard on bringing some new merchandise to you and I think you’re going to be really pleased with what I have in development. In fact, if you’d like to see a mock up of what I’m working on, you can read this thread in the THorum! It’s a brand new t-shirt and MORE are in the works!
I’m also working on collecting this storyline into a book. I plan on adding a few extra strips in between what’s on the site to entice you into buying it. For example, why does Jimmy go to Tom and not to family or friends? Where did Jimmy get that yellow shirt from if he left the theater in his work uniform? Why did Jared suddenly turn so hostile? All those questions will be answered in this book.
There will also be extra content, including all of the incentive sketches from this period. If you missed some of them from a while ago, you’ll get them all in one dose. Remember, the incentive sketches don’t appear anywhere else but the Donator’s area of the THorum. So if you don’t have access there, you’re missing a little bit of history.
I’ll also include some commentary, possibly and introduction and some pin up art from other creative types. For example, Joerules from the excellent Digital Pimp Online sent me some wicked artwork that reimagined a scene from this comic. I’ll share it with you on the site before putting it into the book, but wouldn’t you like to have a copy of it in print? It’s really good. Trust me.
Pretty much all that’s left for me at this point is to redesign the store in CSS and get things rolling. I’ll be taking pre-orders on the t-shirts and the book before putting them into production. So you have a little time to start digging through the couch cushions for change and hassling your parents for bump in your allowance.
So much good has come out of this storyline, not just for the site but for my self-esteem as an artist. I get ALL of it from you guys. You’ve been exceptionally supportive and I can’t tell you how lucky it makes me feel. Every day I’m humbled.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. What more can I say?
[ No Comments ]
Sep24
LIKE SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, BUT WITH A GUY INSTEAD
September 24th, 2004 |
(6 votes, average: 9.33 out of 10)
How’s THAT for a reversal?
Here I had you thinking that Jared was the one going mental, but it turns out it was Jimmy! Well, in Tom’s dream at least. But maybe Jared got to him? Put some thoughts in his head? It’s certainly a possibility. Maybe that question will be answered in the mini trade paperback I’m putting together that collects this arc. Yea… I’m thinking there might be a bonus comic inserted between this comic and Wednesday’s comic that might address that very issue…
Oh, by the way, if you want to see a sketch of Tom with a knife stuck in his back, you can view it by voting for Theater Hopper at buzzComix. Click here to see it.
The sketch isn’t all that good because I didn’t have a lot of time to work on the comic yesterday. About an hour and a half when I came home from work and then another hour or so before I went to bed. For the curious, I was out helping someone celebrate a birthday. I think the comic suffered a little bit, which I’m dissapointed with. Some of the perspective is off.
At any rate, I hope you’re enjoying the story arc. Can you believe it’s gone on now for almost a month? Crazy. Hopefully Tom’s little nightmare will be a nice little cliffhanger whetting your appetites for more. WHETTING, I SAY!
So what’s in theaters this weekend? After what seems like forever, Shaun of the Dead drops stateside. I guess it was mega-popular in the UK. People were constantly sending me e-mails about it from over there a few months ago. “Why aren’t you talking about Shaun of the Dead? You need to do a comic about Shaun of the Dead!” Well, we’re just now getting it, so hold your horses.
From where I sit, the movie looks pretty unique. A love story that spoofs zombie movies at the same time? Interesting. My only concern is will I be able to tell the zombies apart from the non-infected British cast? They’re a pale sort, that’s for sure. I might need to bring a scorecard.
Ahhhh, I’m just pulling your leg, you limeys! All in good fun! Seriously, I’m just playin’…
The only other movie I’m half-curious to see is John Waters A Dirty Shame. It’s a sex comedy with Tracy Ullman and Johnny Knoxville.
Wow. I never thought I would ever write a sentence like that in my life.
This is the brilliance of John Waters, though. Right now he’s forcing movie reviewers around the globe to write the same head-scratching synopsis.
The movie is rated NC-17, which isn’t surprising if you’re familiar with Waters’ past work pushing the boundaries of good taste. Of course this rating instantly motivates me to see it more. What’s all the hub-bub about? All I know is that the normally rail-thin Selma Blair is sporting a pair of giant, fake boobs through the whole picture. I think she plays a stripper, or something named Caprice Stickles. Classic.
The next trick will be finding a theater in good ol’ conservative Iowa that’ll play an NC-17 movie.
Funny story about a John Waters experience I had. I worked at a movie theater tearing tickets back when Serial Mom with Kathleen Turner. We had just closed up all the theaters for that afternoon’s matinee’s when this woman and her 8 year-old daughter come storming out of Serial Mom. She immediately demands to speak with a manager to complain about the movie. “How could you show this kind of filth in your theaters?” and what not. “My child should not have to watch this kind of garbage!”
Our manager gave it to her straight: First, it’s a John Waters movie. If you’re familiar with the history of cinema at all, you’d know he was notorious for filming a 6 foot 2 transvestite eating dog poo on camera. Second, the movie was rated “R”, so it’s your own fault for bring your daughter. Third, the movie is titled SERIAL MOM! Did you hear the title instead of read it and think it was about Frosted Flakes?
Never underestimate the ignorance of the American public.
I’ve been working on a new t-shirt design. It’s my goal to work on the site over the weekend, redesigning the store so I can take pre-orders next Monday. There’s been some buzz about this little fashion item building in the THorum. If you want a shirt, take back some aluminum cans this weekend and be ready to reserve one on Monday!
Everyone have a great weekend!
[ No Comments ]
Curse an overtly polite Midwestern upbringing! Tom has it in his head that Jimmy is trying to take his place, but he’s took locked into his hospitality that he can’t do anything about it.
Incidentally, what Tom WISHES he could do is represented in today’s buzzComix incentive sketch – a parallel reality where ANYTHING can happen! Click here to view it!
We’re coming close to the end of the arc and I’m still toying with a couple of potential endings. I don’t want to spoil anything for those of you have been along for the ride or especially those of you who have been so encouraging! But whichever way it lands, I hope you’ve enjoyed it.
 |
The big thing I want to talk about today is the new t-shirt design I was talking about all last week. It’s called “Spoiler” and it is on sale RIGHT NOW in the newly redesigned store!
But I should forewarn you. This t-shirt launch is going to be a little different. Thanks to the good people at Brunetto Shirts, not only are we offering t-shirts, but baby doll tees and hoodies, too!
Not only that, but we’re offering a myriad of color from you to choose from! 22 colors for the t-shirts, 10 colors for the baby doll teesand 7 colors for the hoodies. Now there should be NO reason why everyone can’t get the COLOR of shirt in the STYLE they want!
There’s also a handy Flash application on each page that gives you a rough idea of what the design will look like against different colored backgrounds! I’m telling you, we thought of EVERYTHING!
PRE-ORDERS WILL BE GOING ON THROUGH OCTOBER 15th. So that means you have 3 weeks to gather up your loose change and reserve your shirt before I place the order with the printer. If feedback in the THorum is any indication, this is going to be a really popular shirt, so be sure to get in on the ground floor.
But let’s say for the sake of argument that you don’t like this new shirt. Hey, that’s alright! You haven’t hurt my feelings. In fact, I have a pretty thick skin when it comes to that kind of thing.
That’s why I’m already hard at work on THREE NEW T-SHIRT DESIGNS that will debut shortly after the pre-order time period for the Spoiler shirt ends. I plan on rolling the rest of them out subsequently.
So it’s kind of like the weather here in Iowa; Don’t like it? Wait 20 minutes! Or in this case, about 20 days.
I know some of you will have questions about the links to the posters and DVD pages not working. That was intentional. I gave myself a deadline to put the Spoiler shirts on sale today, so other elements of the store have been put on hold. Access to those areas will be open soon and when they are, you can expect to read about it here.
Some of you might also be wondering about our previous t-shirt – The Pimp Tom t-shirt. Well, don’t worry. It’ll be coming back soon and better than ever. In fact, I’m thinking about producing it with as many color options as I have for the Spoiler t-shirt. I LOVE giving people options!
If you guys have any questions that weren’t covered in this space, feel free to send me an e-mail and I will do my best to answer them!
That about covers things for the moment. Thanks for your support!
[ No Comments ]
