Archive for April, 2009
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Looks like Gordon has some free time in his schedule so we’ll be recording this week’s Triple Feature after all.
Be sure to join us at 9PM CST at http://www.thetriplefeature.com as we discuss Adventureland, Observe and Report and more!
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After Emerald City Comicon, I had a couple of t-shirt ideas kicking around in my head. I tend to over-analyze my ideas and smother them before I give them a chance to get off the ground. So this time out, I decided just to roll with my instincts and try not to put too much thought into it.
Maybe I’m not doing myself any favors by putting them out here for your comments at such a formative stage. But I figure at this point, what do I have to lose? Either I entertain the notion of a new t-shirt design and kill it before I ever sit down to design it or I knock one out super quick so I can at least move on to the next thing. Who knows? Maybe you might like it? Maybe it’ll be the biggest-selling shirt I’ve ever designed!
So, what do you think? Leave your feedback in the comments below.
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Writing this comic, I tried to figure out a way to incorporate Andy Rooney in some way. In my mind, he’s one of America’s all-time greatest cranks. He rambles on about unimportant matters with a know-it-all tone reflective of the take-no-responsibility mantra of the American populace. I certainly wish him no ill will, but if he were to disappear entirely from the end of 60 Minutes each week, I wouldn’t miss him.
Since I was unable to write Rooney into the strip directly, please enjoy this video – one in a series of edited shorts that takes the first and last line of one of Andy’s rants and cuts out the middle. The effect is often quite hilarious.
You can find more of Andy’s truncated rants here.
Steering the conversation back to things more cinematic in nature… Crank: High Voltage comes out this weekend and a lot of people I know are excited to see it. I kind of have to chuckle because, judging by the trailers, the film is complete trash and the filmmakers know this. I think people are excited for it simply because they’re responding to a certain level of honesty in the marketing.
If you’ve seen the first Crank, you know entirely what to expect. Jason Statham runs around for 90 minutes kicking, punching and shooting things. Last time he was given a deadly intravenous “Beijing Cocktail”. A synthetic drug which stops the flow of adrenaline in the body, slowing the heart, and eventually killing the victim. The idea was to have Statham keep his adrenaline level up by causing mayhem the entire length of the movie in an effort to stay alive.
This time out, Statham’s character has been scooped up by black market surgeons attempting to harvest his organs. They perform surgery and steal his heart, replacing it with a temporary electronic one. He wakes up and chases the surgeons in an attempt to reclaim his stolen heart. Meanwhile, he has to continuously electrocute himself throughout to keep the artificial heart charged and working.
Why the surgeons bothered to install an electronic heart in the first place, I don’t know. But I’m sure the movie has a very good reason.
Look, it’s not like logic is the forte of this genre of film, so check your brain at the door and have a good time already.
We were talking about Statham as an action hero a little bit on The Triple Feature last Monday and I think all of us respect the guy for what he’s willing to put up with. Obviously, he’s game for anything. But at the same time, it would be nice if he could pick a movie that wasn’t constantly winking at the audience with its antics. Statham is a certifiable bad-ass. But he’s also a bit of a clown. Or at least a bad-ass stuck in clownish pictures.
Looking back at the luminaries of the action genre, Statham could run circles around Jean-Claude Van Damnm or Steven Segal with his physicality. But Van Damm and Segal carefully cultivated an enduring, impenetrable image. At least until the started making deck like Double Team and The Glimmer Man. Perhaps Statham can solidify his cred a little bit when The Expendables comes out next year. We’ll see.
I’ll probably see Crank: High Voltage this weekend simply because I know it’s something Cami will have no interest in seeing. So I won’t feel guilty for going to the movies when we can’t get a babysitter for Henry. But what about the rest of you? Are you planning to see the movie this weekend? If so, what’s the appeal for you? Were you a fan of the original? Does this one look better or worse? Leave your comments below.
Also, be sure to check back on the site later in the day. I will be announcing a week-long pre-order on the Spoiler Alert t-shirt I previewed earlier in the week. Thanks.
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A couple of days ago I posted images of a few t-shirt designs I was working on. Response was generally positive and I have been encouraged! Thank you!
One of the designs I’m taking back to the drawing board and adjusting. But the other design was received well enough that I’ve decided to go forward with production. Starting today, you can pre-order the Spoiler Alert t-shirt. Next Wednesday, April 22, I will submit those orders to the printer.
For those of you who forgot what the design looked like, here’s a reminder:
You’ll notice that I added a tag line to the back of the shirt. The feedback I received the other day pointed out that a shirt that says “SPOILER ALERT!” on the front kind of sets up an expectation for some kind of spoiler. I agreed, but I didn’t want it to be a specific movie spoiler. I already have two shirts that do that. Instead, I decided to make the statement more general and reflective of your passion and knowledge and movies. In a way, the shirt says “Watch out! I know so much about movies, I might accidentally spoil one for you. But, hey – my t-shirt DID try to warn you!”
I had a suggestion to print the tag line on the back in black ink. Think about it for a second. Black ink on a black shirt. Kind of like a hidden message or sort of like how you have to highlight text in a forum or on a web site to reveal a spoiler.
I really like that idea and I’m asking my printer if it’s advisable to go this route. I don’t want the tag line to be obscured completely, so we’re looking into ink that is perhaps shinier or more reflective so it catches the light. I’m thinking I might do a “Limited Edition Super Spoiler” edition of the shirt. Maybe only print up 5 of each size. We’ll see. I’ll be sure to let you know what we find out.
Anyway, that’s it for now. Place your orders now so I know how many of each size to get. This pre-order will also help me determine the popularity of the shirt and if it’s an item I want to continue producing going forward.
I really like the design and appreciate the feedback you guys gave me the other day. I hope you like the shirt as well and consider adding it to your already impressive collection of ironic t-shirts.
THANKS!
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I realized this morning that I forgot to upload today’s Top Web Comics incentive sketch.
So, if it’s not too late and you want to know what’s up with the old guy in today’s comic, vote for Theater Hopper at Top Web Comics to find out!
Thanks!
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Curious as to how a movie with a robot-headed Jason Statham might play out? Vote for Theater Hopper at Top Web Comics to find out!
I had a hard time writing the punch line for today’s comic. It really could have gone one of two ways. Either I could have gone for something totally benign and played the unexpected reversal card or I could have pushed the concept of the Crank films into ludicrous territory.
In the end, the latter option had robots, so that’s what I went with.
As you know Crank: High Voltage hits theaters today and I’m pretty pumped to see it. I think I’m going to the late show tonight.
Aziz Ansari from Human Giant and, most recently, NBC’s Parks and Recreation, saw the film last night and live blogged DURING the movie using Twitter. He’s posted his collection of tweets here, away from his Twitter account. Sample tweet? “Chev needs to call Dwight Yoakam and figure out what’s happening!” Seems like he had a pretty good time!
For the record, I will not be posting updates to my Twitter account when I see the movie later tonight. I guess Aziz ran into a bit of controversy over it, but at the same time… this is Crank 2, people. Lighten up!
I would like to take this opportunity to switch gears and let everyone know that there is a pre-order for a new shirt design going on now through next Wednesday.
Your orders make the difference in terms of how many shirts I decide to order and what kind of inventory I keep around in the future. So if you like what you see, don’t wait. Pre-order Spoiler Alert! today!
I’d also like to point out that I am also still taking pre-orders for Theater Hopper – Year Three. I know there are some of you who have placed an order already and are wondering what’s going on. The honest truth is that the pre-order for the book have stalled and I’m about $1,500 short of what I need to get it printed.
Now, it’s possible that I haven’t been pushing the book as hard as I have for the first two books, but that’s because I don’t want people to get tired of hearing about it. A few people expressed alienation when I produced the last book, so I’m trying to stay conscious of that.
But, at the same time, I want the book to be printed in time for Wizard World Chicago in August and I need to make up the difference somehow. If I’m not talking about the book, then maybe I can entice you with the shirt. A little diversification goes a long way…
Last thing I’ll mention, but I have an option to bundle books together with shirts at a discounted price. You can buy one book and one shirt for $25.00 – that’s $5.00 less than if you bought them separately. Something to think about it if you’re looking to save a little money.
If you’re not in a position to purchase anything from the store, tips are always appreciated. Even a dollar or two helps. I’ve been reluctant to announce an official donation drive for the book since I still owe people original art from when my hard drive crashed last fall. Plus, I really only want to reserve that kind of thing for emergency situations. But if you’re feeling generous, I wanted to let you know donations are an option.
I’ll leave it at that for now. That’s to everyone for their support.
So what does your weekend look like. Are you seeing Crank: High Voltage? Is anyone here seeing 17 Again, or should we all go to Blockbuster and rent Vice Versa instead? Fred Savage FTW!
What about the mature adults in the audience? Are you going to see State of Play? I’ve heard it’s an odd little love letter to traditional reporting at newspapers since it has an odd, contentious relationship between Russell Crowe’s character as the hardened journalist and Rachel McAdams character as a newspaper blogger that stumbles onto the coverup. Kind of a neat way to set up some internal conflict.
What do you think?
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Does anyone out there have any experience writing code for RSS through WordPress? I wanted to make a change to how the comic displays through the RSS feed and I need someone to double-check my coding before I attempt to put it into production and screw everything up.
If you have any experience in this regard, please contact me at theaterhopper@hotmail.com or leave your comments below.
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If nothing else, Jimmy is very responsive to matters concerning customer service. To figure out exactly what I’m talking about vote for Theater Hopper at Top Web Comics.
I didn’t realize it until I had finished inking and scanned today’s comic into the computer, but I think I may have inadvertently stole the set up for this joke from a recent Joe Loves Crappy Movies. Sorry about that, Joe. Totally unintentional, I swear. I guess there are just a lot of movies leaving people stunned walking out of the theater!
I suppose one could accuse me of plagiarizing myself in this comic as well. Anyone who is following my Twitter account already read the punchline Friday night after I posted my 140 character or less review of Crank: High Voltage on Twitter as soon as the credits started to roll. But what can I say? I thought it was a good off-the-cuff zinger that could be used in the comic.
I saw Crank: High Voltage at a late showing on Friday night and there’s really no other reaction but slack-jawed silence.
The movie is 1 hour and 25 minutes of pure kinetic “eff you.” I didn’t have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder before watching this movie, but now I fear I might. Now I know how an 8 year-old on a Ritalin fit must see the world.
Crank: High Voltage is an unusual film in the respect that the filmmakers are basically daring you to hate it. And if you do hate, they make it perfectly clear they don’t care what you think.
You know how critics complain that action movies are like giant video games? Crank: High Voltage takes that literally, and there are several references to the digital pastime littered throughout the film. Everywhere from the 8-bit opening credit sequence to Dwight Yokum’s girlfriend Chocolate playing Atari on the couch to the topographical map of Los Angeles tracing the hero’s journey from location to location. There’s even a giant boss battle at an electrical sub-station!
The film is none to subtle about letting you know that Jason Statham’s Chev Chelios is basically a character inside a giant video game running around Los Angels, creating all kinds of mayhem with barely any interference from the authorities. Watching Crank: High Voltage, you realize how pointless a film adaptation of Grand Theft Auto would be. This movie beat them to the punch.
There’s not a lot to celebrate in the film. It’s a highly cynical, hateful affair. But at the same time, it’s cathartic fun. Much like a video game, I can easily see someone watching this film, working out their aggression and then going about their day a little less wound up.
Regarding the performances, Statham does a good job kicking ass and chewing bubble gum. Oh, but look! He’s all out of bubble gum! I like Statham’s willingness to go along with something that is completely ridiculous. Outtakes during the credits reveal his good nature. Whereas other action stars might look at the role of Chev Chelios and roll their eyes, Statham seems to be licking his chops to get at the character. His sincerity is communicated clearly and it makes the intensity of the character easier to stomach.
Beyond that, I kept trying to figure out what Amy Smart was doing in this picture (beyond the fact that she appeared in the original) and Bai Ling basically played to type as a hysterical, gibbering psycho bitch who wears too much eyeliner.
I’m trying to think of more critical angles to examine the film from. But, in truth, the whole episode feels like a fever dream. It’s very difficult to remember details because the film zips from location to location, scene to scene so fast, nothing really sticks with you except the feeling of momentum.
In that respect, I suppose the film is successful in communicating the sensation of a man running out of time. Chelios and his artificial heart placed under strenuous use keeps things moving at a brisk pace. But beyond that? Um… a stripper chest shot in the chest and her implants ooze out all over her body as she screams? Yeah, that sticks out to me.
I think most of you already know whether or not Crank: High Voltage is the movie for you. There’s very little about this film that aims for acceptance from the popular majority. It is what it is and either your along for the ride or not. Hang on, if you dare.
For more discussion around Crank: High Voltage, be sure to tune in to The Triple Feature tonight at 9PM CST at Talkshoe.com. I know for a fact that all three of us saw the film and certainly with a movie as provocative as this one, we should have a lot to say about it.
If you have any questions you would like us to answer during the show, please feel free to send them to us at group@thetriplefeature.com. We’ll be happy to answer them on-air!
See you then!
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Hey, guys. Don’t forget that I’m taking pre-orders for my new shirt Spoiler Alert! now until Wednesday, April 22. If you’re thinking about ordering one, please place your order now as it will help me to determine how many of each size to request from the printer!
Thanks!
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Lawrence has an awesome idea for a new movie about ice cream. If you want to find out his suggestion for what they should title it, you’ll have to vote for Theater Hopper at Top Web Comics.
I can’t decide if the joke in today’s comic is a little too obscure or not only because I’m not sure how aware audiences are of the movie Fighting coming out on Friday.
The movie sticks out to me primarily because it’s my job to know about such things. But also because I think it’s one of the laziest titles in movie history.
“What’s your movie about?”
“Fighting.”
“What’s it called?”
“Fighting.”
Fighting wins the award for the movie with the lowest set expectations ever. All it has to do is put at least one fight sequence on screen and it will have fulfilled the promise of its title. Who else but a simple-minded 5 year-old could come up with something so literal?
The last time I recall running into a title this dim-witted was (appropriately) the 2007 Mark Wahlberg action film Shooter. But at least that was more of a title and less of a verb. I’d probably respect Fighting more if it were renamed “Fighter.” At least then it would communicate that the movie is about a specific person that I should care about.
But Fighting? I leaves me with a “Yeah? So what?” vibe. What action movie these days DOESN’T already feature lots of fighting?
Am I the only one for whom this is a problem? Am I too far inside my own head? Does the title of this movie strike you weird or are you psyched about seeing it this weekend?
Leave your comments below and we can iron this out.
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