Video: Even Gambit of the X-Men Isn’t Safe in This Economy

The Pete Holmes Show is new TBS late-night talk show  starring comedian and writer Pete Holmes (obviously). The program veers away from the traditional late-night model by including more sketch comedy instead of interviews with the stars.

Or at least that’s what I’ve heard. I’m usually in bed long before the late-night shows begin because I’m actually 90 years old.

Still, if the video below is anything to go by, I might want to consider staying awake for a bit longer. In this routine, entitled Ex-Men: Gambit, everyone’s favorite Cajun finds out that Professor Xavier (played by Mr. Holmes)  doesn’t value his talents or personal style as much as the rest of us. Check out Remy getting the pink slip below:

 

 

Seriously though, who is actually the most useless of the X-Men? I question Cyclops’ worth myself, but perhaps you have a different (read: wrong) opinion. Let us know in the comments!

Via Pete Holmes’ YouTube Page

 

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Mind Crafts Episode 2: How to Make a Gus a.k.a “Sweet Tooth” Costume

::Sigh:: Every November I get a little a down. I mean, it’s another 11 months until the most magical time of the year: Halloween! And this year? I had a blast. (OMG it was horrifying!) I ate candy, I went to parties, I noted the glitter bats and pumpkins that my co-workers festively scattered in my cube, and I honored our Dark Lord with viewings of a couple of not-so-oldies, but goodies, like Cabin Fever, The Descent, and Jun-On. Yeah, it was another HORRIBLE year! But now? It’s time to get back to business. Besides, I’ve missed you guys.

In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through how I made my Halloween costume: Gus, from Jeff Lemire‘s 2010-2013 comic Sweet Tooth. This tutorial will  be handy for anyone making a costume that involves horns or ears, which I’m pretty sure is everyone.

How to Make a Gus a.k.a “Sweet Tooth” Costume

 

This year, I went as Gus, from Sweet Tooth. Sweet Tooth chronicles the misadventures of Gus, a young deer-boy hybrid, meeting the — disease-ridden, violent, post-apocalyptic — world for the first time. (It’s kind of like the Wonder Years, if Winnie was part pig, Paul was a murdering drifter with a heart of gold, and everyone else was basically dead.) All of Sweet Tooth is available in six trade paperbacks, and I highly recommend it. I’ve also been enjoying Lemire’s Trillium, which has four monthly issues available.

As always, if you use any of the techniques, post pics! And if you have questions or advice, hit us up in the comments. You can also send us pics of or questions about any of your nerdy endeavors on our Facebook, or email us at MindCraftsDIY@gmail.com. (No seriously, we want to answer your letters in a hilarious and heart-warming segment called “Mind Crafts Mail Bag.”)

 

Interested in Sweet Tooth? Buy the Comic here!

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The ‘World of Warcraft’ Film Gets a Plot

I used to be really in to the World of Warcraft. So much so that I gained 30 lb, and my diet was reduced to Hot Pockets, Snickers, and pixie sticks. I would also take showers in between flight paths that take 20 minutes or more. Whether it was battling Murlocs in the swamps of Azeroth, or ganking poor little gnomes in the Stranglethorn Vale, this world consumed me and I had no shame. Alas, those were my glory days, for now I do not have the time or money to invest in that anymore. Although I did lose those 30 lb, so I guess it’s not a complete loss!

So when it was announced that a World of Warcraft film was in the works, I was super excited. This universe is so rich with lore and material, that the possibilities are endless to what you could write about. The world itself is just BEGGING to be manifested in to a cinematic medium, with all the expansive details that this universe is riddled with. So with all this material to work with, where does one start? This is what Game Informer learned about the film’s approach from Duncan Jones, the project’s director:

Jones’ goal for the film is create a war film that will follow the first encounters of the warring factions, with both sides of the conflict representing empathetic ideals featuring characters like Lothar and Durotan. Often in war films, one side is shown as the correct side that the audience is meant to side with, but Jones wants both sides to be represented equally, leaving it up for the audience to decide allegiances – much like the game. When asked if any casting for the film had been worked out, Jones simply replied, “Yup,” unwilling to expand.”

It was also mentioned that the special effects supervisor Bill Westonhofer, who was the supervisor on Life of pi. It is also interesting to note that their goal is to take the film technology of on set motion capture from Avatar, and bring it in to a gritty and well realized world like Game of Thrones.

I am bloody excited about this project, because Duncan Jones as a director and writer is two for two on my list. The two films he made were Source Code and Moon, both dealing with grey areas of morality, and existential contemplation. So when he mentioned that he wanted to show that this war is up in the air as to who you side by, I have absolute faith that he knows how to work in the right balance. Also, the film being about the origins of war between the Orcs and the Humans is a great choice. This way, the plot is simple enough to where we are introduced to this world, and not overwhelmed by the insane amount information and plots within plots that this world of warcraft is detailed with. So Mr. Duncan Jones, if you are reading this, I offer you this blessing. May your blades never dull!

So what do you think? Are just as… WoW’d! as I was at this news? Are you for the Horde? or for the Alliance? Whatever it is, comment below and let One of Us know!

Via Game Informer

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Don’t Be A Scrooge, Give Fantagraphics Some Help!

Despite our reputation as snobbish jerks, I’ve always maintained that comic book fans and creators are by and large are actually pretty decent people. We are a passionate lot, and often that passion can be read wrong by outsiders. We aren’t just passionate though, we are also compassionate. We aid those of us that are in need and give our time and money to defend the right to expression through the medium we love, let things like the Hero Initiative and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund stand as proof of that.

Which brings us to today, and to Fantagraphics.

Fantagraphics really are the good guys when it comes to comics. Not only are they one of the premier companies seeking to provide the best in alternative and independent comics from around the world, but they also collect  and reprint many classic comics in nice collected volumes, comics that most fans would never even have a chance to read if not for Fantagraphics.

Recently Fantagraphics lost their Co-Publisher, the Eisner Award-winning Kim Thompson to lung cancer. This tragedy left Fanatagraphics in the lurch as many of the books Thompson was handling needed to be pushed back or outright removed from their schedule of releases. While other companies may have retreated and hoped with time and luck they could get back to where they were, Fantagraphics instead is seeking to attack the problem head on by starting a Kickstarter for their spring releases.

I’ll let them explain the situation themselves:

 

It is no secret to anybody that knows me that I love the Disney Ducks, hell, my favorite Disney character period is Uncle Scrooge. Since 2011 Fantagraphics has been releasing beautiful collections of Carl Barks’ (and soon Don Rosa’s as well) Duck stories. I love what Fantagraphics stands for, their dedication to providing the great comics of yesteryear as well as today is truly a thing to be commended. If you have a little coin to give, please consider helping Fantagraphics continue to brighten the world with quality comics.

 

Photo on 11-12-13 at 7.56 PM #4Thanks again,

John

 

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Planetfall: Sci-Fi Short Film Needs YOU!

So last year, I took up the most ambitious project that I’ve ever embarked on; a short Science Fiction film entitled Planetfall. Now, for some, the project might not seem so ambitious, but it was my first legitimate foray into film making and therefore I was, and I guess am very inexperienced, though over the past year I’ve had a little experience building and even an award!.

So Planetfall; my objective was to extend my work in Theatre based activities by engaging with youths and people who like me, were inexperienced and perhaps found it hard to break into the industry in a film making project in which they are empowered to take on roles within the project.

After working alongside each other on a number of both Theatre and Film projects I met with writer Gav Balfour and he presented me Planetfall, I was smitten. A science fiction short that very deliberately strips away the romanticism of Space Travel and tells the story of one man, isolated and facing death – a human story portraying one man’s descent into madness and the effects that has on the psyche.

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Whilst the film is only in the pre-production phase the project has already generated a great deal of interest from local press, interested parties and locations around Dundee. These volunteers are at the heart of the production and our values of getting young, inexperienced individuals involved and training them in aspects of film making and allowing hands on experience.

 

 

Tony Osoba, known for his iconic role in Porridge, Doctor Who, Dinotopia and much more has come on board Planetfall and we are extremely excited to welcome him. About Joining Planetfall, Tony had this to say;

“The Arts” – in all it’s forms – has routinely striven against heavy odds to achieve or make it’s voice heard. Film making, because of the various technical elements required, is an expensive and relatively complex procedure, and Chris, Gav, Jade, Lillias, India, et al, are to be applauded for their determination to succeed in making this film despite all the attendant difficulties. With their eyes wide open and a passion and belief for the project, they demonstrate a commitment that certainly drew me to want to be part of it. The script is novel, powerful, tense and poignant – always attractive to actors. The readily accepted challenge to raise the funding by Chris and his team is admirable and is deserving of every support – testimony to their strong belief and a clear example of what can be achieved with imagination, determination and not a little courage.

The project creates genuine opportunities for the experienced and the less experienced – and all such opportunities are to be welcomed and nurtured. The positives are many – as well as creating a riveting and engaging film allowing seasoned pros to practise their skills, perhaps more importantly, it introduces new talent to a fascinating and creative industry that will only ever be enriched by their participation. The opportunities – there’s that word again – it gives, are precious, as these are usually few and far between, particularly for those looking for a way in. The ethos of giving chances to some inexperienced but dedicated people is wonderful and to be encouraged – working on a project like this has the potential to change lives. On a very short acquaintance I already feel that the production team when faced with inevitable problems will regard them as things to be tackled and solved rather than things to deflate and depress. Among the excitement and occasional rose tinted view that creative work brings, positive energy and objectivity are also necessary and this team certainly has the right qualities. Serious work is being done in a professional but friendly and convivial atmosphere. This small company are focussed and positive…the saying are acorns and mighty oaks comes to mind…who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

Actor Ian Cullen, another alumni of Doctor Who and also a veteran actor of film and TV including the popular Z Cars will also lend his talents to Planetfall. Both these actors have shown their enthusiasm and commitment to not only the project but promoting the project – including at Doctor Who conventions. Whilst this is fantastic news for the project it is also a  constant reminder of the quality expectations of the entire team.

So after our Kickstarter, we began building the set in an old Theatre that had an abandoned area for which we were given permission to use. Whilst we were gearing towards the 48 Hour Film Competition, our set builder, having spent a large proportion of the set budget on pretty much nothing left the project and the Theatre also began declining access to the build. So, since then I have been looking at alternatives and this week the Scottish Aviation Museum confirmed it would be possible to use one of their jets, along with a piece of fuselage to shoot the film in early January. This is great news, but means that I need to rethink much of the concept art and script. You can see an exclusive sneak peak at the jet below, featuring exclusive concept music and Tony Osoba too!

That’s where you guys come in. I’ve had so much fun working with you all on Write A Movie With Us and so impressed with your tumblr entries that I thought I’d throw it out to you guys. Want to create some simple concept art based on criteria? You can be as creative as you like with it and right now, there’s lots of creative freedom. So, if you’re interested in becoming part of the team do give me an email or comment below. The project isn’t paid (for anyone) but we do have a lot of motivation and desire to create something inventive and interesting.

If you are interested in contributing to our concept art and help shaping the movie, don’t hesitate to contact planetfall@hotmail.co.uk immediately! I look forward to once again collaborating with you and Look out for more on Planetfall coming in the upcoming months!

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Digital Noise Episode 19: We’ve Got Company

On this weeks’ show, while Chris is gallivanting around China (no, we’re not kidding, that’s where he is), we’ve invited a special guest to be our temporary co-host. Richard Whittaker from the Austin Chronicle fills in with his sharp humor, bountiful film knowledge, and inescapably British accent.

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!

While we don’t have a great many titles to discuss this week, this episode does feature a special segment devoted to Mad Men Season 6. For that chat, Brian could think of no better commentator than fellow MadMenophile, and internet geek extraordinaire, Grant Davis from Lounge Geeks, The Beerists, and Rage Select. Much like their long ago and far away discussion of Season 5, Brian and Grant get scary in-depth about what makes this season work and the myriad subtle breadcrumbs that seem to suggest the series’ drastic conclusion.

We also give you a chance to win one of two copies of How I Met Your Mother Season 8. Remember, you must be following (@OneOfUsNet) on Twitter and be a U.S. resident to win.

Tune in, laugh your face off (like in Face/Off), and remember to tell your friends to get hip to the 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!

White House Down Blu-ray Review   Three Faces of Eve Blu-ray Review   Vincent Price collection Blu-ray Review

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Lovelace Blu-ray Review   Mad Men Season 6 Blu-ray Review   HIMYM Season 8 DVD Review

 

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

 

 

Beerists

And hey! Don’t forget to vote for The Beerists Podcast, which is nominated for a Podcast Award in the food/drink category for the second year in a row! Vote once per day, help this fantastic show be recognized.

 

Art Contest: You Decide The Winner! VOTE NOW!!!

We put out the call, and Us Nation responded with the talent and fervor we’ve come to expect. Your submissions for OneOfUsNet’s very first art contest were fantastic! We really appreciate the care and passion you put into these entries.

 

We’ve narrowed the field down to six finalists, but choosing one winner became too damn difficult.

Therefore, we’re leaving it up to you! Take a look at the finalists below and cast your vote in the comment section below. Just leave a comment with the number that corresponds with your favorite piece of artwork. We’ll then tally the votes and select a winner by next week.

 Behold the gallery, and vote away!

Go!

 

OneOfUs_MattHaworth_Fanart-1          digi noise poster

1                                                                                                     2

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ITL 8 Bit Fan Art          OOU 8 Bit

3                                                                                                    4

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5

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Kevin Smith Praises New Batman Suit

Kevin Smith recently took part in a Question and Answer session on Yahoo for the Blu Ray release of Man of Steel. Whilst there wasn’t any reveals for Batman VS Superman on screen, on the latest episode of his podcast Hollywood Babbleon Smith revealed that when the cameras stopped rolling, director Zach Snyder pulled out his phone and showed him something very special indeed – the brand new Batman costume. He said;

 

I saw the costume. More than that I saw him in the costume. I don’t want to give anything away ’cause that is up to them and stuff, but I am going to say this … I instantly hugged him.

So not only did he get to see the suit before everyone else, he got a glimpse at his pal Ben Affleck in the cape and cowl. Whilst he didn’t give much away regarding the outfit, he excitedely explained that;

You have not seen this costume in film before. Because every other movie has done this matrixy black armour thing … There wasn’t a single nipple on this fricking suit man. I think everyone is gonna be like, ‘holy s***!’ We haven’t been down this path before. Even the hardest core ‘f**k this movie’ person will be like ‘alright, I’m ready.

Does this mean we are going for a much more comic book style costume? Perhaps with blues and greys? Only time will tell.

Does this make you excited for the new interpretation of Batman? How do you think the suit will look or how would you want it to look? Comment below.

Source: Hollywood Babbleon

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Fan Comic Explores a Possible End for Batman

Batman has been through some incredibly painful situations. The death of his parents, losing Jason Todd to the Joker, Bane breaking his back, watching close friends become murderous psychopaths, the attempt on Barbara’s life, the loss of his son, and the god-awful decisions of DC Comics’ editorial board are just a few of the horrible events the Dark Knight has weathered. These kinds of tribulations would just ruin an average person, but Batman carries on and never waivers from his ideals. That’s why Batman is such a paragon in our culture.

Still, it can be interesting to explore what would happen if Batman couldn’t take it anymore. Asking what would happen if Batman finally broke is a fair and persistent question that has lingered for decades. The Deal, a fan comic written by Gerardo Preciado and drawn by Daniel Bayliss, is one examination of this unthinkable scenario. After years of torment, the Joker has finally brought Batman to the breaking point. The art style is enjoyable and the conclusion these two arrive at is certainly thought-provoking. I would probably come to a different answer than Preciado and Bayliss, and that is perfectly acceptable. We all have our own idea of who Batman is, which means we all would imagine a different end to his crusade. That said, the path these two passionate fans take is absolutely worth a look.

Is the ending depicted in The Deal in line with your vision of who Batman is? What do you think Batman would do if his mission became too much? Voice your opinions in the comments!

Via Moonhead Press – The Deal

 

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For Veterans Day: Our 5 Favorite Cinematic Soldiers

Today is Veterans Day, the time we have set aside as a special occasion to honor the courageous individuals who have served in the armed forces. These noble citizens have faced horrific situations in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, simply because their country needed them to do so. When duty called, these were the remarkable people who answered without hesitation. Honestly, a day is not nearly enough time to thank veterans for their sacrifices and those of their families.

The One of Us crew would like to honor our veterans in our own way. We’d like to take a moment to talk about some of our favorite cinematic soldiers and what they mean to us. Of course, it goes without saying that these individuals are fictional. While we certainly respect these cinematic soldiers, their bravery and valor pales in comparison to the real members of the armed forces, the people who actually risk everything each day to make the world a safer place for the rest of us. Many of the greatest warriors in movies share the same traits and characteristics that make real veterans worthy of our admiration. By examining what makes a fictional soldier stand out, our appreciation of the people who possess these traits in real life becomes that much greater.  Every positive word we say about the heroes of the silver screen is reflected a hundred fold in our veterans, and that is why we honor them today.

 

Dimitry Pompee

 

Forgive me for going with the obvious answer, but I have to go with Captain America as my favorite cinematic soldier. Chris Evans does an impeccable job of bringing Marvel’s first Avenger to life. Not only does he look the part, his performance embodies the best aspects of the Steve Rogers we know and love from the comics. In The First Avenger, Evans’ Steve Rogers starts off with nothing to offer but his unbreakable loyalty to his country. Even before becoming Captain America, Rogers is willing to risk death multiple times for the sake of preserving freedom. Various individuals in the movie note that his super-strength or his shield that make him the hero he is. Steve Rogers’ basic, core good is his greatest asset; his powers and weapon only serve to enhance that trait. The Winter Soldier trailer also shows he is not simply a blind patriot who follows orders without question. He realizes that this country can do better, thus he strives to make it so. Captain America fights to both protect and improve the country he reveres so dearly and that is why he is an exemplary cinematic soldier.

 

Chris Harrison

 

Veterans Day is an American tradition, but here in the UK we have a similar day known as Remembrance Day. But really the title for either isn’t the point. Today, I remember, and pay tribute to the veterans in the USA, UK and all over the world who gave up their lives in the line of duty. I don’t think we should ever forget, but today allows us to take a moment together, in unison, and remember. There are many great examples of on screen soldiers, but there is always one that resonates strongly with me – Doctor Who’s Wilfred Mott, played by Bernard Cribbings. What made him so extraordinary for me was how ordinary he was – he didn’t play a large “important” role within the war, have unique abilities or powers but he prided himself on serving his country and through his performance epitomised the sadness of the past, the wisdom of the lessons that can be learned and the hope of the potential future where things are even just a little better.

 

Luke Crum

Veterans Day took on new meaning for me when I met the woman that would become my wife as she comes from a military family. In our years together her father went on two tours of duty in Iraq and I want to just give a big shout out to all the men and women that devote their time to this country and fight for it. I have such great respect for these folks that I almost kind of regret picking my favorite cinematic soldier as Dutch from Predator as played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Predator is one of the first horror films I watched as a young lad and I love it still to this day. I can’t with a clean conscience call this a serious pick for favorite soldiers, but Schwarzenegger and the rest of the gang are pretty badass throughout the course of the film and I couldn’t help but choose Dutch and his crew for my favorite cinematic soldier(s).

 

Caitlin Turner

Since today is Veterans Day and we were asked to pick some of favorite cinematic soldiers I decided to go against the norm. Yep I’ve picked a female soldier (which there is a startling lack of) who I think can kick all the male soldiers butts. Yes even yours Captain America. That woman is Warrant Officer (later promoted to Lieutenant 1st class) Ellen Louise Ripley. Ripley is one of the few female soldiers in cinematic history, but what makes her stand out even more is that she’s one of the very few female soldiers to not be portrayed as a sex object and taken in a serious manner. What makes this even more astonishing is that she came about in 1979 when a female soldier was unheard of in movies for the most part. Yet here Ripley was the toughest member of her ship. She proved that when she kicked Xenomorph tail and saved a child, fellow soldiers, and a cat while doing so. She dealt with PTSD, a cover up, losing her flight license, and more importantly the death of her fellow crew members and soldiers. She kept going because she knew she had to and that she could save people. She didn’t take crap from anyone, and even after everything she had been through she had hope for humanity. To me that’s why Ripley is my favorite Cinematic soldier.

 

Angelo Elauria

Sure, say what you will about Saving Private Ryan and how it is complete Hollywood schlock. No way in hell would someone send the lives of eight soldiers just to find one MIA soldier, and send him back to his mother, all because his three other brothers have died and his mom is going to get all three telegrams about their death on the same day. They didn’t even know if Pvt. Ryan was even alive, so the mission was FUBAR from the beginning. It’s war. People die by the masses, and we shouldn’t spend time contemplating the life of a single person they don’t know right? Well, this is what Captain John Miller has to say to one of his soldiers, who wanted to quit and leave:

“I’m a schoolteacher. I teach English composition… in this little town called Adley, Pennsylvania. The last eleven years, I’ve been at Thomas Alva Edison High School. I was a coach of the baseball team in the springtime. Back home, I tell people what I do for a living and they think well, now that figures. But over here, it’s a big, a big mystery. So, I guess I’ve changed some. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve changed so much my wife is even going to recognize me, whenever it is that I get back to her. And how I’ll ever be able to tell her about days like today. Ah, Ryan. I don’t know anything about Ryan. I don’t care. The man means nothing to me. It’s just a name. But if… You know if going to Rumelle and finding him so that he can go home. If that earns me the right to get back to my wife, then that’s my mission.

You want to leave? You want to go off and fight the war? All right. All right. I won’t stop you. I’ll even put in the paperwork. I just know that every man I kill, the farther away from home I feel.”

So it’s not about glory, patriotism, or even Ryan’s own life. War is just composed of people trying to fight their way back home. Sure, it may sound selfish of him to say that, but in war who isn’t selfish? So rather than saluting soldiers for “fighting for America,” I salute them for dying for my freedom to believe. Captain John Miller is a normal guy, forced in to a dire situation of ugliness and brutality, and does what he is told, just so he can go back home and be done with it all. In the cold world of war, he is the warm gooey center of humanity, and that’s why he will always be my favorite soldier. Also… he was a complete BAD ASS in the movie! Implementing crazy smart Guerrilla strategies like making sticky bombs with socks, tar and c4 explosives. With his final breaths of life, as a final “Fuck off!” to the Nazis, his last stand has him taking on a tank with a pistol. He didn’t go out crying! That being said, his last words to Ryan, were actually his last words to the audience. His final words meant that the sacrifices made, suffering inflicted, and the people that had been slaughtered should not have been in vain. We need to live life to the fullest potential, or else everything they fought for will have been for nothing. These were those words: “Earn this. Earn it.”

 

Again, thank you to all of our veterans, past and present, from all of us here at One of Us.