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BRIAN WILLIAMS' Sweet, Sweet 'Rapper's Delight'

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Look I know this video is absolutely everywhere and yeah you've probably already seen it dozens of times but who cares? What else is more important then putting this mash-up on a loop and feeling the power of Brian Williams' sick rhymes?

NOTHING I TELL YOU...NOTHING!

Watch the video after the break.

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Buckle Up, RIDE ALONG Comes To Blu-ray Combo 4/15 and Digital HD 4/1

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For the past two years, high school security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) has been trying to show decorated detective James (Ice Cube) that he’s more than just a video game junkie who’s unworthy of James’ sister. When Ben finally gets accepted into the police academy, James invites him on a ride-along designed to scare the hell out of him and ultimately demonstrate if Ben has what it takes to take care of his sister. But when the wild night leads them to the most notorious criminal in the city, James will find that his new partner’s rapid-fire mouth is just as dangerous as the bullets speeding at it. Also starring John Leguizamo and Laurence Fishburne, Ride Along is an action-packed comedy with big thrills and even bigger laughs.

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That Time of The Week - DVD & Blu-ray Releases From 2/18

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Small amount of releases this week, which is fine because it's still too snowy and cold which means that there's plenty of time to hibernate, ignore the Olympics and watch DVDs and Blu-rays.

Fire up that queue and prep that shopping cart. It's that time of the week.



Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season

HBO Home Video / Released 2/18/14
In the third season of the hit HBO series Game Of Thrones, the Lannisters barely hold on to the throne after a savage naval onslaught from Stannis Barathcon, while stirrings in the north threaten to alter the overall balance of power. Robb Stark, King in the North, faces major calamity in his efforts to build on his victories over the Lannisters while beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder and his huge army of wildlings continue their inexorable march south. Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen - reunited with her three fast-maturing dragons - attempts to raise an army to sail with her from Essos, in hopes of eventually claiming the Iron Throne. In Season 3 of this original series based on George R.R. Martin's bestselling books, the battling families of Westeros continue to clash as bonds are strained, loyalties are tested, and cruel fates are met.

Extras include:
  • In Episode Guide: In Feature Resource That Provides Background Information About On-Screen Characters, Locations, And Relevant Histories
  • The Rains Of Castamere Unveiled: Get An In-Depth Look At The Creation Of The Most Pivotal Episode Of Season 3 In This Comprehensive Expose Featuring Cast And Crew
  • Histories And Lore: Learn About The Mythology Of Westeros As Told From The Varying Perspectives Of The Characters Themselves
  • Roots Of Westeros: Explore The Interconnected Web Of Relationships, Rivalries, and Conflicts Between The Noble Houses of Westeros With This Interactive Guide
  • A Gathering Storm: Look Back At The Stormy Events Of Season 2 In This 14-Minute Recap With Cast And Crew
  • Audio Commentaries: 12 Audio Commentaries With Cast And Crew Including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, Richard Madden, and More
  • The Politics Of Marriage: The Concept Of Matrimony In Westeros Is All About Making Power Plays and Political Alliances. Cast And Crew Examine This Ancient Institution And Its Place In Game Of Thrones
  • Inside The Wildlings: Go Beyond The Wall With This Introduction To The Wildlings To Gain A Better Understanding Of Their Backstory
  • New Characters: Meet The New Faces In Season 3: Olenna Tyrell, Missandei, Mance Rayder, Tormund Giantsband, Orell, Jojen & Meera Reed, Blackfish & Edmure Tully, Thoros of Myr, And Beric Dondarrion
  • Deleted Scenes/Extended Scenes: Five Deleted and Extended Scenes

Beware the Batman: Shadows of Gotham Season 1 Part 1

Warner Archive / Released 2/18/14
Another night falls in Gotham City and the ever-vigilant Dark Knight watches over his city and its citizens. With the help of his ex-secret agent butler, Alfred, and sword-wielding assassin Katana, the Batman wages a tireless war against Gotham’s twisted criminal underworld. Buckle up for 13 all-new adventures from the first season, and ride along as Batman battles the evil machinations of Professor Pyg, Magpie, Mister Toad and criminal mastermind Anarky. It’s a crime-fighting collection of hidden clues, cool tech and detective thrills as Batman prowls in the shadows, ready to deliver action-packed excitement and justice!

Last Word: The first thing that sets Beware The Batman apart from previous incarnations is it's the first Batman animated series to be produced in CGI, resulting in very bold designs, but very tepid environments. I can say I didn't mind the animation, but as I was watching wish it had been executed in a more organic flat animation. But overall, it's visually interesting.

Characterization has once again been reinterpreted. Batman/Bruce Wayne is younger, and still learning (hinted by a brief appearance by Lieutenant Gordon on television at the end of the episode). The costume/character design of the character seems to combine a look reminiscent of the character's original design from Detective #27 with a more latex/rubbery texture. This also marks one of the first times that the writers have embraced Batman's talents as a detective which is a refreshing and fantastic change from previous interpretations.

Alfred Pennyworth is less the quiet, reserved butler and more MI-6 badass in this incarnation. With a shaved head, and a gravelly voice similar to Jason Statham, this Alfred is a bit more proactive in The Batman's war on crime, testing and rating Bruce on his fighting techniques. He is also responsible for hiring Tatsu Yamashiro, another DC crimefighter known as Katana.

Finally, the rogues were a refreshing change from the atypical Bat-nemeses.  These episodes included such characters as Professor Pyg, Mister Toad, Junkyard Dog, Magpie, Anarky, Lady Shiva, Silver Monkey, Humpty Dumpty, Tobias Whale, and Ra's al Ghul and appearances by other established DC characters include Barbara Gordon, and Metamorpho

Voicework, and casting directed by the inimitable Andrea Romano is fantastic and the series is fast paced, well written and thoroughly entertaining and a must see for every Bat-fan.  Highly recommended.

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IN SECRET (review)

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Review by Caitlyn Thompson
Produced by Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, William Horberg
Written by Charlie Stratton
Based on Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola
Directed by Charlie Stratton
Starring Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton, Oscar Isaac, 
Jessica Lange, Matt Lucas, Shirley Henderson, Mackenzie Crook


In Secret, based on the novel, Thérèse Raquin, is a tragic love affair that takes place in 1860s Paris.

Therese (Elizabeth Olsen) is trapped with her overbearing aunt, Madame Raquin (Jessica Lange) and sickly cousin, Camille (Tom Felton). The plot unravels after the cousins marry and move to Paris.  There, Therese meets Camille’s childhood friend, Laurent, and a steamy affair begins.

In Secret is easy to follow as it’s a formulaic French tale (sexy, dramatic, and depressing), but the obvious sets, not-so-subtle foreshadowing, and repetitive scenes weaken the intensity it’s striving for.

The production feels staged and comes across far more like a play than a movie.

Which is fine, just not my thing.

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POMPEII (review)

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Review by Caitlyn Thompson
Produced by Jeremy Bolt, Paul W. S. Anderson, 
Robert Kulzer, Don Carmody
Screenplay by Janet Scott Batchler, Lee Batchler, 
Michael Robert Johnson
Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson
Starring Kit Harington, Emily Browning, 
Carrie-Anne Moss, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 
Jessica Lucas, Jared Harris, Kiefer Sutherland


Pompeii can best be understood as a pastiche, an un-ironic recombination of Gladiator, 300, Game of Thrones and Volcano.

The film is a compilation of every trope within the ancient/action/adventure genre.

Check list—sexy warrior slave with incredible abs that consistently glow with the perfect amount of sweat, skinny and defiant high class daughter, weakling parents, intimidating enemy turned BFF, blonde dictator and his scowling right hand man who is inexplicably unstoppable.

Cliché line.

Cliché response.

Our gladiator protagonist, Milo (Kit Harington – GoT’s Jon Snow) is sent to Pompeii where he immediately catches the eye of the daughter of a rich politician, Cassia (Emily Browning). The love triangle is complete when the man who slaughtered Milo’s family and people, Senator Corvus rolls into town.

Of course, he also has a thing for Cassia.

The movie was a record on repeat.

Volcano explodes, people run and die, Harrington battles someone, skip, skip, start over.

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THE WIND RISES (review)

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Review by Benn Robbins
Produced by Toshio Suzuki
Written by Hayao Miyazaki
Based on Kaze Tachinu by Hayao Miyazaki
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, 
Martin Short, Werner Herzog, William H. Macy, 
Darren Criss, Mae Whitman, Mandy Patinkin, 
Jennifer Grey, Stanley Tucci, Elijah Wood


I don’t know how I am going to write this review for The Wind Rises, the final film of master animator and artist Hayao Miyazaki.

The amount of feelings I am filled with and the emotional tidal wave that has hit me as I sit and ponder this is overwhelming.

I can’t stop tearing up.

Hayao Miyazaki’s The Wind Rises is the culmination of the love and passion he has for the art form of animation, and for his love and dedication of the loved ones in his life.

The story of Jiro, a young man who dreams of designing airplanes. The Wind Rises follows Jiro through his life as he struggles with success and failure as he balances his work and his life.

The film chronicles real life events in Japan including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 through Japan’s foray into WWII.

(stops for 15 mins to just sit and think about all the beautiful watercolor backgrounds)

The opening 10 minutes of the film are breathtaking and it just keeps getting better with every passing frame.

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3 DAYS TO KILL (review)

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Review by Clay N Ferno
Produced by Adi Hasak, Luc Besson, Ryan Kavanaugh, 
Marc Libert, Virginie Silla
Screenplay by Adi Hasak, Luc Besson
Story by Luc Besson
Directed by McG
Starring Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, 
Connie Nielsen, Richard Sammel, Eriq Ebouaney


Kevin Costner stars as Ethan Renner in the latest action adventure mixed with family drama directed by McG (Charlie's Angels, Terminator Salvation) with screenplay by Luc Besson (Taken, The Fifth Element).

The PG-13 spy movie just barely meets the basic requirements for an action movie, and is mostly about the relationship Renner has with his daughter, Zoey (Hailee Steinfeld—Enders Game, True Grit).

With only 3 days to live, Renner takes the experimental drug treatment from his boss Vivi Delay (Amber Heard) to summon the strength to take on Russian gangsters as an American living in Paris.

The whole operation could have used a bit more sting, to tell the truth.

In all the movie was not for me but has potential to introduce teenage girls and boys to the spy genre with dashing and distinguished Kevin Costner in a borrowed suit and loose tie.

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'EYE OF THE TIGER' Played On A Dot Matrix Printer...Are You Pumped Yet?

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Whenever I feel the need to begin an exercise program (and then quit it promptly) I always psyche myself up by playing Eye of the Tiger by Survivor at full volume until I am overcome with the need to push my body to the limit of endurance (which, sadly, involves walking at a relatively slow pace to my local bar where I replenish my fluids with beer).

And for anyone who is pushing 40, this is practically the only song that will get us moving (well, that and Pump Up the Jam by Technotronic). Even when it's played on an old Dot Matrix printer there is still something uplifting about it, like maybe one day we will actually do something physical like take up mountain biking or extreme hiking instead of binge-watching Netflix.

But unfortunately, like the Dot Matrix printer, that feeling too will fade into the ether.

Does dreaming of a better body burn calories?

Video after the break.

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ALEX TOTH: GENIUS, ANIMATED Arrives in April

ALL YOUR TOYS ARE BELONG TO US: 80s Techno Toys Become Worthy of Wall Space

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When I was a kid my mom would go into long intricate stories about her various toys that she grew up with, and the only thing that would keep me from nodding off was the way her eyes would look when she would describe Cap Guns and Davy Crockett 'Coon-skin caps (she was a bit of a tomboy). Her peepers (normally lowered into slits due to the fact that she was always trying to figure out what I was up to) would glaze over and her face would stretch into a wide, almost manic, smile as she told me tales of days spent running around the neighborhood with her brother, laughing and feeling absolutely free of responsibility.

Frankly I thought she was kind of a loon.

But then I saw these prints from Boiling Point Creative and I too found myself traveling back in time when hours could and would be lost to hand-held games like Simon and Merlin or spelling out obscenities so that the Speak-n-Spell would say horrible things out loud (and oh how I coveted The Little Professor, but never received it and that pain has still has managed to tarnish my soul after all these years).



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THE NUT JOB Comes Out Of Hibernation For Digital HD and Blu-ray Combo Pack

KICKSTARTER KORNER: 'Ghost Source Zero' - A Sci-Fi Film by LARRY HAMA and MARK CHENG

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We spoke with filmmaker and G.I. Joe fan Mark Cheng (Operation: Red Retrieval - G.I. Joe Fan Film, 2011) about his newest project, an idea that impressed G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero writer, comic book legend Larry Hama.

As issue #200 of G.I.Joe: RAH approaches, another milestone will be met as the original sci-fi film Ghost Source Zero reaches it’s funding goal.


Mark joins us to talk about his collaboration with Larry on this exciting film, his background, education and his favorite Joe!

The legendary Mr. Hama and Mr. Cheng

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Boston Cinegeeks! We've Giving Away Passes to '300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE'

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Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war.

“300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and Artemisia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present, a Cruel and Unusual Films/Mark Canton/Gianni Nunnari Production, “300: Rise of an Empire.” The action adventure stars Sullivan Stapleton (“Gangster Squad”) as Themistokles and Eva Green (“Dark Shadows,” “Casino Royale”) as Artemisia. Lena Headey reprises her starring role from “300” as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; Hans Matheson (“Clash of the Titans”) stars as Aeskylos; David Wenham returns as Dilios, and Rodrigo Santoro stars again as the Persian King, Xerxes.

The film is directed by Noam Murro, from a screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad, based on the graphic novel Xerxes, by Frank Miller. It is produced by Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Bernie Goldmann. Thomas Tull, Frank Miller, Stephen Jones and Jon Jashni serve as executive producers.

And we're giving away passes to Forces of Geek readers to see the film on on Monday, March 3rd, at 7pm at the AMC Boston Common! 

To download your complimentary passes, click here: hhttp://l.gofobo.us/qDCYJpg7

Just a reminder that tickets are oversold and you should plan on getting there early. Passes and admittance are on a first come first served basis.  

For more details, visit www.300themovie.com


Double Feature Movie Show: PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN

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I’m gonna go a little bit off the rails here with my double feature concept and do not really a “themed” double feature as much as a “my favorite” double feature.

The death of Philip Seymour Hoffman a couple of weeks ago hit me pretty hard.

It was completely out of the blue and tragic.

I hadn’t kept up with his personal life enough to know that he had admitted to having a drug problem, so it was especially surprising to me.

He was one of the most talented actors of his generation and heroin is an awful and lonely way to go for someone with so much going for them.

Here are a couple of my favorite performances by the man.

Sadly, we’ll never get to see what he would be able to do as an old man.


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Los Angeles Geeks! Win Tickets To See The Great ENNIO MORRICONE in Concert

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Ennio Morricone, conducting an ensemble of 200 musicians and singers, will have a single performance at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 8 pm. This concert marks the legendary Morricone’s first Los Angeles performance. Morricone has composed the scores for more than 450 films including five of Sergio Leone’s westerns -- A Fistful of Dollars; For a Few Dollars More; The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly; Once Upon a Time in the West and A Fistful of Dynamite – and The Battle of Algiers; Sacco and Vanzetti; Cinema Paradiso; 1900, Malena; The Untouchables; Once Upon A Time in America; The Mission; U-Turn; The Unknown Woman; and The Best Offer, among hundreds of others.

Morricone is the recipient of the honorary award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for his “magnificent and multifaceted contributions to the art of film music” (2007), nominated for five Academy Awards, induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame for the soundtrack album of The Good The Bad and the Ugly, two Grammy Awards for Once Upon a Time in the West and The Untouchables, two Golden Globe awards for his scores for The Mission and 1900; the ASCAP lifetime achievement award, the career achievement award by the Film Music Society, and 27 Gold and 6 Platinum records.

And we're giving away two tickets to see the Maestro in Los Angeles on March 20th!

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COOKIES FOR LATER: Liam Lynch Makes Snacking Danceable

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It's Friday, I'm hungry and a bit cranky (I missed my nap time) so let's go ahead and close out the work week with Liam Lynch's song Cookies For Later. It's kinda like a more manic Cookie Monster song only instead of a puppet trying to control his eating disorder it's a grown-up dude.

You know, now that I think about it, this might be a good song to teach the young 'uns as well...I mean, those people have no control when it comes to baked goods.

Video after the break...and have a good weekend.

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TRUE DETECTIVE Show Intro...Now With Cats

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Well Internet, I guess you win. Whenever I think you can't possibly take random pop culture to the next level you go ahead and add a bunch of cats to it, and Voila! Instant awesomeness.

Who would have thought a few felines would enhance the opening credits to True Detective?

Only you Internet, Only you.

Video after the break.

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The Animated Story Of Pittsburg Pirate Dock Ellis And His LSD-Fueled No Hitter

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I love a good drug story.

Let me clarify that statement, I love a good drug story that doesn't end with the person losing their house, car, job, family or their life. I know that's probably not politically correct but hell, I have a few of my own that I'm saving for my nieces and nephews when they get old enough to hear them and let me tell you, those stories are fabulous.

Just like this one starring Dock Ellis (who was a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates from the late 60s to the early 70s) and his drug-fueled no hitter against the San Diego Padres on June 12, 1970. Not only was this feat incredible on its own, the fact that Ellis was completely bonkers on acid and Bennies is enough to make you wonder just how crazy it had to be inside his own head.

Here's what Ellis had to say about the experience:

"I can only remember bits and pieces of the game. I was psyched. I had a feeling of euphoria. I was zeroed in on the [catcher's] glove, but I didn't hit the glove too much. I remember hitting a couple of batters, and the bases were loaded two or three times. The ball was small sometimes, the ball was large sometimes, sometimes I saw the catcher, sometimes I didn't. Sometimes, I tried to stare the hitter down and throw while I was looking at him. I chewed my gum until it turned to powder. I started having a crazy idea in the fourth inning that Richard Nixon was the home plate umpire, and once I thought I was pitching a baseball to Jimi Hendrix, who to me was holding a guitar and swinging it over the plate. They say I had about three to four fielding chances. I remember diving out of the way of a ball I thought was a line drive. I jumped, but the ball wasn't hit hard and never reached me."

Think that sounds fucking psychotic? Take a look at the animated version of what happened from the time he dropped acid at the airport all the way through his no-hitter game.

Like I said, I love a good drug story.

Video after the break.

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Watch Homer Groening's Short Film 'THE STORY' Starring Matt, Maggie and Lisa Groening

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While watching this short film by Matt Groening's dad Homer two things occurred to me: 1) Homer's creativity was certainly an inspiration to Matt and 2) I kept expecting this to turn into a Treehouse of Horror episode. Seriously, there's a bit of creepiness in this that keeps you glued to your chair waiting to see if Mr Burns pops up like a zombie, even though it's actually a film about a brother telling his sister a story about zoo animals.

Well played Homer, well played...Now we know where Matt gets it from.

Short flick after the break.

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Rowling Returns, Cusack Wants Some 'Sleep', Top OOP Books & More!

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An interesting list from Abebooks on the 100 most searched for out of print books.

J. K. Rowling's US publisher for her mystery series written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, has announced that the second book, The Silkworm, will be released in June.

In 2013 Stephen King released his Shining sequel, Doctor Sleep. It will eventually be adapted into a movie and John Cusack has expressed interest in playing the lead role of Danny Torrance.

An interesting look at what you should use to help you choose what books to read.

James Patterson announced last year that he would be giving $1 million to independent bookstores across the country. He has now begun doing this and here is a list of the first wave of stores, as well as some stores listing what they intend to do with the money.

Barnes and Noble is, out of the blue, discontinuing its low-priced ereader, the Nook Touch.
 
 
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