Pixar May Get Their Own ‘Star Wars’ Movie

I’m starting to think that Disney should let the people coming out with all these rumors about how Disney is going to handle the Star Wars franchise actually in charge of just that. The latest rumor making the internet rounds this week is that Disney is going to let Pixar do its own Star Wars movie.

Of course the actual evidence for this is tenuous at best, but the rumor has gained popularity and been picked up by several sites, making it clear that this is something the people of the world are interested in and want to see. The internet went and did the research for you already Disney, if this wasn’t in your plans already you need to wake up and make this happen! Or perhaps to make it a little more clear for you:

Also, Pixar, if Disney gives you the go ahead on this, you better be bringing your A game. You have been treading water since Toy Story 3, and your most ambitious and original project of the past few years was the extremely flawed Brave. This project would be the ultimate event to show off the trademark excellence you were once renowned for and to engage a whole new generation of potential Star Wars fans. Also, here’s another free bit of advice for you Disney: go ahead and approach Genndy Tartakovsky to direct at least part of it and you will hear the fandom squee so hard for this project it could be heard a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

I’m not going to ask you people if you think this should happen, we both already know that it should, instead I’ll just ask what you would like to see in a Star Wars Pixar movie? Let us know in the comments below, and may the Force be with you.

Via Latino Review

‘Regeneration’: When TV and film replace actors.

A couple years ago, Two and a Half Men’s showrunners made the bold, yet controversial decision to axe Charlie Sheen from the show after eight years as the primary face of the show. This was the result of contract negotiations breaking down and Charlie’s very public drug meltdown in which he had also openly criticized show creator Chuck Lorre. So, as season nine opens Charlie is dead and is replaced by a new character played by Ashton Kutcher.

The show still limps on despite new controversies to good ratings and a decent critical reception but I don’t think it was ever the same for the show (though Kathy Bates playing Charlie in an episode is certainly a highlight).

But it got me thinking about other TV shows and films that replace primary actors within an established franchise and that entire phenomenon.

Before Charlie, the last time I recall a character axing being so controversial was Shannon Doherty in Charmed. Back in the 90′s fantasy shows were hugely popular and Charmed, along with Buffy, Angel and X-Files were some of the biggest. Charmed focused on three sisters who were magically linked and fought the week to week demon whilst dealing with love, life and whatever else people dealt with in the 90′s; probably not having Iphones yet. Shannon Doherty played one of three sisters who the show revolved around but, you may or not know that Doherty was notorious for her argumentative and confrontational nature on 90210 and it wasn’t too long before the same happened on Charmed with her threatening to leave after just two seasons. However, after remaining for a third season it all came to blows and she decided to not only quit the show but ensure that her image could never be used on the show again. Surely this would mean the premature end of the show?

Nope. In fact Charmed went on to have another five seasons. The great thing about fantasy writing is that it’s easier to get workarounds for these kind of problems. So season four introduced a secret sister that was introduced who re-established the Power of Three and continued the show. In fact, the demise of Prue paved the way for a fresh new dynamic to the point where the show may not have lived as long with Prue alive. And she was never seen again in the show and very rarely mentioned.

But even here the idea of replacing a main character wasn’t new. But what happens when a show’s lead actor decides to leave one of the most growingly popular shows on TV? Well, one of the best and most exciting plot devices that the series has – Regeneration.

The role of the Doctor had been played by William Hartnell since it premiered in 1963. However, by 1966, it was increasingly apparent that Hartnell’s health was deteriorating and he was becoming more difficult to work with. By the time The Tenth Planet had been put into production the decision had been made to replace Hartnell, but how? The idea was that the Doctor would change his face as he was already established as an alien so why couldn’t he change his appearance if need be? It was decided that this would be a recurring event to allow the change of actor whenever it was needed. Whilst they probably didn’t know it at the time, it would be the key to ensuring the show could survive as long as it has.

At the conclusion of The Tenth Planet, the Doctor collapses from apparent old age and exhaustion, having commented earlier that his body was “wearing a bit thin”. He then shifted into a whole new body, played by Partrick Troughton.

This trend has continued since then, with Eleven actors playing the Doctor (in Canon) throughout the years. In this example, the process and concept isn’t one met with controversy, but people in fact look forward to it and look forward to welcoming in a new actor to play the Doctor. The device helps to reinvent the show every couple years and keep it fresh.

Whilst Doctor Who worked in a reason to change, a similar method of changing actors has been adopted by the James Bond franchise and it exists to serve the same reasons as Doctor Who – to keep the show fresh and allow the franchise to continue when an actor leaves. Though Bond doesn’t attempt to explain the changing face and instead trusts the audience to go with it, which we do.

However, the original change from Sean Connery to George Lazenby for On Her Majesties Secret Service was going to be explained within the plot. Having dealt with Blofeld and attempting to not be so recognisable, he would undergo plastic surgery to change his face. Thankfully, this concept was ditched though there is a fourth wall breaking moment that hints to the actor change just before the opening credits claiming “This never happened to the other fella”.

There is much speculation that each actor in fact plays a new character and it is the name James Bond and 007 that are code names which each agent adopts. Codenamed “Bond Codename Theory”

I don’t buy into the Theory. There isn’t much continuity between each movie but there is enough to show that it is supposed to be one man and at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter, each film is an interpretation of a story featuring the character of James Bond. So maybe each film isn’t related at all? It doesn’t quite matter.

Sometimes actors disappear from a show without any explanation as is the case with Happy Days. Few people remember Richie’s older brother Chuck from this popular sitcom — not even his own family! Not only was the always-basketball-toting Chuck played by two actors, he was written out of the show at the beginning of the second season when he “went off to college.” Chuck must have been really successful, because he was never heard from again, or even referenced, for the rest of the show’s 11-year run.

Whether changing a character, axing an actor or however this change happens, I find it quite interesting and there are a vast array of examples more than I listed above. I guess it came full circle for Sheen too, who stepped in to replace Michael J Fox in Spin City. How Ironic.

Have something to say about regeneration? Do you remember when your favorite actor was replaced? Comment below.

‘Write a Movie With Us’ – returning soon: Get those scripts in!

Hey guys! The first draft of our exciting ‘Write a Movie With Us’ will be coming soon.If you haven’t already submitted any scripts, dialogue or writing for your contribution then now is the time to do so either down below or at chris-harrison@outlook.com.

If your new to ‘Write a Movie With Us’ then don’t fret. You can catch up on the entire creative process now before the first draft of the script is released.

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8

So get those scripts in and prepare for the incoming first draft.

Welcome back to the writers room.

A Trio of ‘Star Wars’ Actors Confirmed To Return For ‘Episode VII?’

It’s been rumored and speculated for some time about whether or not Star Wars stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford would be returning to reprise their roles from the geektastic franchise in Episode VII. Is it possible that Carrie Fisher let the answer slip in a recent interview about an upcoming appearance on The Big Bang Theory? The actress is said to have dropped the bomb by saying that she, Hamill and Ford are expected to show up for work on the film sometime in March or April.

Additionally, Fisher remarked about how she wanted to wear her iconic hair buns ones again. Reports from Star Wars Underworld (likely via TV Guide’s story) say the news is unconfirmed at this time, but researching first, the popular public movie screening website Gofobo posted the following status on their FB page: “CONFIRMED: Harrison Ford will appear in Star Wars: Episode VII, along with Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.” Gofobo often compiles movie news from various sources to later post on their website- as of writing this only the FB status has been posted and nothing on the official site.

starwars_gofobo

Fans are still waiting to see who gets cast to actually star in the film, since it is likely that even if Fisher and company return, they won’t be the central focus. I’m sure though, that just having the franchise’s most popular characters back on board is news enough for some and news that will hopefully tide them over for a little while, at least till more casting is announced.

From my perspective, I think bringing the trio back isn’t just a transparent way to try to win over the geeks who hold the original trilogy so dear, but a move that is completely logical. Using some one-off line explaining why those specific characters aren’t around would be enough to sent the nerds out of the theater in a huff, and somewhat rightfully so. Hell, there might even be people out there that would rather they not bring Luke, Leia and Solo back just in case Abrams drops the ball and further damages the franchise’s reputation like George Lucas attempted to do with the prequels.

We are all still a very long way from seeing J.J. Abrams vision of the Star Wars universe, but the anticipation continues to build especially as we wait to see who is chosen to headline the new film. From there we can start the judgement of how horrible or awesome the casting choices are, so for now I guess we can just discuss whether or not the return of Fisher, Hamill and Ford was the right decision- at least until this news is possibly shot down as untrue.

What do you think about Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford’s return to the Star Wars universe? Who else are you hoping gets cast to star? Do you think the original trio will have significant or abbreviated roles? Sound off below!

Via: Star Wars Underworld, Gofobo FB, TV Guide

 

Inside The Locker: Richard Sherman Stands Atop The Aggro Crag

On this week’s Inside the Locker, the sports nerds are joined in that cramped haven of nerdom by Brian’s brother Blake for a full discussion of the AFC and NFC Championship

…including a full breakdown of whatever Denzel monologue Richard Sherman was spouting during the post-game interview.

From there, as it is wont to do, the show digresses. It becomes a heated tirade about classic Nickelodeon game shows and why the hell none of those half-pint morons could figure out how to assemble the goddamned Shrine of the goddamned Silver Monkey!

In the second half of the show, the guys tackle The Pro Bowl, but since The Pro Bowl is about as exciting as watching the Japanese-dubbed version of Tree of Life in reverse, they construct a game in which they designate certain films as “The Pro Bowl of ____.” J.C. may have won this game.

Check out the show and help spread the word to the more open-minded geeks you know. Sports: Not just for jocks anymore.

 

Upcoming Events…

ITL Superbowl Commentary: February 2nd

ITL/All Rings Considered Royal Rumble Commentary: January 26th

Make sure to follow us all on Twitter. Otherwise Richard Sherman might strangle you. We’re not making threats, we’re just terrified of what that guy might do if provoked at all.

 

The Show Account–@ITLCast
Brian–@BriguySalisbury
J.C.–@jcdeleon1
Elliott–@ITLElliott
Adam–@the_beef
Blake–@BaustinSali08

SMARK Country: WWE Zigged When It Should Have Zagged

WWE superstar Dolph Ziggler is currently out with an injury, a second concussion within the course of a year. Hopefully, he makes a quick recovery and there is no long term damage. And when he DOES return, here’s hoping creative/booking doesn’t drop the ball
with him, as they’ve done several times already.

Dolph Ziggler is one of those rare finds in sports entertainment. He’s got the look,
completely unique among his fellow superstars. He’s got charisma and can work the mic like he’s been doing so for decades. Dolph is not only a strong ring worker, but is probably the best seller in the business. There are literally hundreds of internet memes stating this.

When he wears a championship belt, it looks apropos and feels justified. But two incredibly short World Title reigns are a cause for concern. Yes, the last time he had the strap, he was put out with the first said concussion and was out of action for a few months. But upon his return, he seemed to be put as far away from main event status as possible. Dirt sheets contained word of backstage drama and Dolph running off at the mouth. The company wants to take a hard stance against this and lay down the law. But if any CM Punk fan will ask you, is it really that bad when someone is challenging the authority to make a better program and a better company?

Right now, the top of the WWE mountain has very rocky footing if your name isn’t Cena or Orton. While Punk or Daniel Bryan are favorites to win the Royal Rumble and possibly main event Wrestlemania, Ziggler’s shown he’s got every quality that it takes to put asses into seats and to be a main event player. Hopefully the people in charge will see the valuable gem they have in front of them before he decides television, film or other wrestling promotions are more worth his while.

Occupy Oscars: Visual Effects Artists To Protest Durning Event

Once again, a number of visual effects artists are going to be taking to the streets, fighting for their right to entertain us! This so called, “March in March” will be to promote awareness of just how many American visual effects artists are losing their jobs to foreign post-production tax subsidies.

These subsidies have decimated the American visual effects field. Many of the recent major and upcoming films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and the new J.J. Abrams Star Wars movie looking to effects houses outside the United States to cover all the work they need. Plans are still tentative, but the protest will most likely take place on Hollywood Boulevard a short distance from the Oscars. Daniel Lay, a prominent blogger and planner of the event had this to say:

“We’re trying to focus on the destructive impact of the subsidies race. We want to broaden it to include musicians and grips and others who are being drastically effected. It’s great that there’s an Oscar party going on, but a lot of us are being hurt by this subsidy.”

Lay and others have taken things one step further with the creation of  the Association of Digital Artists, Professionals and Technicians (ADAPT), a group that seeks tariffs and other possible legal actions for films that use these foreign subsidies.

Ultimately I am a capitalist at heart and I understand that it is the entertainment industry’s best interest to seek out the best deal that they can. They deserve to shop around and get the most bang for their buck, just like everyone else. That said, what does make me grind my teeth is America’s apathy towards the matter and lack of willingness to compete. It goes further than simply the visual effects departments, there is a long list of current American shows (Supernatural, Almost Human, Hannibal, etc.)  and movies (Pacific Rim, the X-Men film franchise) whose productions are in other countries (primarily Canada). Again, I don’t fault these shows and films for doing what they have to to get made, but I do mind the lack of effort in America to try and create American media in , y’know, America.

Some states get it, New Mexico for instance is doing everything in its power to attract film and television productions including tax incentives.  Breaking Bad was set in Albuquerque because of such an incentive structure and any fan of that show can agree that shooting in New Mexico gave the show its own kind of flavor. One of my favorite current shows, Longmire, is shot in New Mexico as well. Indeed, the need for a centralized entertainment industry has all but evaporated and I would love to see more locations across the USA get in on the act and start vying for many of the production needs of modern TV and film.

So what say you gentle folk both stateside and across the globe, what do you think of the protesters and on the subject at large? I know subjects like globalization and outsourcing aren’t normal topics in these parts, but we really do want to hear from you guys! One favor though, let’s keep the discourse civil. These are hot topics to be sure, but let our passion not overpower our reason.

Via The Wrap

Check out the One of Us YouTube channel!

It has come to my attention that some of our new fans and listeners are completely unaware that One of Us has a prolific YouTube channel. Hell, some of our longtime followers may have been in the dark about the videos we have posted during the last few months. I think I speak of the rest of the site’s contributors, especially our news editor, Mr. Chris Harrison, when I say that this simply cannot stand. There is so much to see and the thought of you missing out is criminal!

 

 

It’s high time that you checked out our YouTube page and became a subscriber. We’re always adding new, original content there, aimed at engaging our audience and spurring on conversation about various issues in the geek community. Here’s but a sample of what you’ll find there:

  • The INTERN-Net Show, a program all about talking about news stories you want to hear about;
  • One of Us.Show, a series of interviews with talented and passionate individuals from all facets of geekdom;
  • Mind Crafts, the place where you can learn how to make nerd-inspired craft projects from the masterful Ashley Moreno;
  • In Defense Of, where Chris Harrison serves as the advocate for maligned properties;
  • In Discussion, a place where Chris opens up a forum for you to talk about prominent issues concerning movies, TV shows, comics, games, etc. Here’s the latest episode of this feature for your viewing pleasure:

 

Pretty cool, right? The best part about our videos is that your input can have great influence over what you see on our channel! If there’s a particular news story you’d like to see on The INTERN-Net Show, you can tell us and help shape the next episode! Want to see Chris defend a particularly abhorrent movie? Suggest it to him and he very well may! All you have to do is click on the YouTube link here or in the top right, either one works. DO IT NOW!

Digital Noise Episode 28: Carrie On

“The digital noise…it’s in my head…it’s tearing my brain asunder!!”–a famous musician probably.

Yes it’s once again time to open your ear gates and let in the dulcet tones of Brian and Chris as they review the best (and the rest) of the week’s Blu-ray and DVD releases. In this episode, they go to prom with Carrie, feel the Rush of racing, spend time in the company of a Thief, and eat a bunch of rice cakes with Mr. Darcy. That last one is going to require some context, so be sure to tune in!

In addition, they give away a Blu-ray copy of Riddick, because they are just that generous.

Hit play, flip on the black lights, and prepare to be blissfully swept away by the Digital Noise

*Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any images of the film Swept Away that may accidentally enter your consciousness as you listen to Digital Noise.

 

Thinking of purchasing any of the titles we discussed? Or anything from Amazon in general? Please access Amazon via our links to help support the site. We really appreciate it.

Carrie w time   Rush Blu-ray Review   Short Term 12 Blu-ray Review

Empty Space

Spectacular Now w time   20 Feet from Stardom Blu-ray Review   Thief Blu-ray Review

Empty Space

A Chorus Line Blu-ray Review   Pride and Prejudice Blu-ray Review   Plus One DVD Review

Empty Space

Wolverine vs Sabretooth DVD Review   A Single Shot Blu-ray Review   Fruitvale Station Blu-ray Review

Empty Space

Riddick Blu-ray review

 

How To Win This Week’s Giveaway:

1.) Follow @OneOfUsNet on Twitter

2.) You’re marooned on a forgotten planet, what is the most personally horrific thing with which that planet could be populated that would make it nigh uninhabitable for you? Tweet that at us!

3.) Add hashtag #riddickgiveaway

4.) We’ll select our favorite and contact that winner via Twitter. (U.S. Residents only)

 

Follow Digital Noise on Twitter and make sure to review us on iTunes.

Ash & Fern: I <3 OS?

Fern and I have been busy bulking up for awards season, fitting Oscar contenders in when our schedules allow.  I spent an afternoon over Christmas break being overwhelmed by the excess of The Wolf of Wall Street, and Fern took in the indie folk flick Inside Llewyn Davis.  My husband even got into the action by taking me to see American Hustle Last weekend. However, nothing prepared me for what I saw when Fern and I went took an evening to see Her.

I’m still processing through all the thoughts, feelings, ideas, and amazement that was going through my head during Spike Jonze’s recent creation, and I’m definitely finding it hard to describe what is so great about it to those who haven’t seen it.

“Doesn’t he just fall in love with his computer?”
“Well, it’s an operating system, and it’s more involved that that.”
“Sounds dumb.”

However, the question I’ve really been mulling over is whether or not I would want an operating system that has artificial intelligence that is created to evolve to meet my needs like Samantha did in the movie?

Of course all the pros spring to mind: My life would be ten times more organized and I’d have something working with me to not only manage my data, but highlight things of my interest. (Think Google and Facebook ads, only better suited!)  Giving my technology a personal feel is something we all strive to do already. Just look at how we decorate our phones, tablets, computers, etc.  Adding a personal feature that speaks to us is a natural next step.

I could program mine to tell me jokes every day, or sing to me in the morning. Samantha composed some awesome piano pieces in the movie; I could definitely get behind that. My OS could basically provide a soundtrack to my life without me having to program a playlist myself! It could keep track of all the new Avengers movies’ release dates and remind me of key plot information I need to remember. (Also of note: whoever patents those sweet earpieces in the movie and needs testers, feel free to call me!)

But of course, the movie brings up the disadvantages of this idea as well, some of which we can already see. I am totally and completely guilty of being addicted to my phone. I crave new information constantly. I really do try to not be one of those people who is on my phone during dinner or when hanging out with friends, but we’ve all been there. Sometimes extended “family time” can take a toll and all we need is a little escape.  A personalized OS is just another relationship with technology that could potentially take the place of personal relationships. Is that another distraction I could really take in my already overflowing life?

Tell me what you think: Would you want an extremely personalized OS?  What would you love about it? What would you hate? Any perspective you would like to give?

Feel free to comment or tweet us at @adonnell5 and @fernmays