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SUMMER MOVIE BUZZ: Looking at X-MEN APOCALYPSE, TMNT: OUT OF THE SHADOWS, WARCRAFT, & NOW YOU SEE ME 2

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Captain America: Civil War kicked off the 2016 summer movie season in grand fashion with an impressive $179 million dollars for the film’s opening weekend earnings.

Hollywood hopes this is the first of what will be a box office wave of currency as there are several blockbusters waiting in the wings.

Let’s take a look at some of this year's summer movie offerings.


X-Men: Apocalypse 
Opens on May 27


Official synopsis:

Worshiped as a god since the dawn of civilization, the immortal Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) becomes the first and most powerful mutant. Awakening after thousands of years, he recruits the disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and other mutants to create a new world order. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Professor X (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) lead a team of young X-Men to stop their seemingly invincible nemesis from destroying mankind.

The Buzz: 

Age of Apocalypse is one of the most popular comic book crossover storylines and fans have been itching to see the big blue baddie on screen for quite some time. While we’re finally getting this long waited moment, perhaps it’s too little too late.

The last film, Days of Future Past reset the timeline thus erasing the events of the Brett Ratner directed The Last Stand. However, we also saw far into the future with our heroes safe and alive. Presumably this makes the introduction of the new Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) and Cyclops (Tye Sheridan) an uphill battle because any of the life threatening stakes they encounter in the film have already been spoiled since we know they survive.

The same can be said for Professor Xavier, Beast, Storm, and the world that Apocalypse is trying to destroy and rebuild for that matter. When we walk into a movie theater, plop a bucket of popcorn on our lap, and wait for the house lights to drop, it’s a given that the good guys are going to win. This usually isn’t a bad thing, but we were essentially told the results of this film two years in advance.

Director Bryan Singer has had more ups than downs with the X-Men movie franchise. But all of his creative ingenuity will have to focus primarily on the journey of these characters in order for the audience to be invested in future films.

It’s a task that is easier said than done. Can Singer pull it off?

FOG! editor Stefan Blitz reviewed the film this week, and the verdict wasn't good.


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Shout! Factory Presents BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS on Blu-ray June 14, 2016

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On June 14, 2016, Shout! Factory will release the Asian action film Bodyguards and Assassins, for the first time on Blu-ray in the U.S. Directed by Teddy Chen (Kung Fu Killer, The Accidental Spy), this release comes complete with brand new bonus features, including behind-the-scenes featurettes and extended interviews with cast and crew.

Donnie Yen (the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) stars in this gripping martial arts blockbuster set in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong in 1905. The revolutionary movement has spread throughout China, but the corrupt Qing dynasty will do anything to hold onto its power. As Chinese revolutionary hero Sun Yat-Sen prepares for a historic meeting that will shape the future of the country, a motley crew of men and women are entrusted to protect him from a group of deadly assassins who will stop at nothing to kill him.


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COOL SHIRTS: A Look At T-Shirt Offerings From SUPERHEROSTUFF!

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By Stefan Blitz

There's no doubt that the boldest and most personal fashion statement, anyone can make is in one's selection of t-shirt.  Personally, I love them. It's an opportunity to show the world what pop culture I care about, a wonderful flashback to the past and a fantastic way to initiate any nerd discussion.

For this installment of Cool Shirts, I took a look at some of the shirts fromour friends at SuperHeroStuff.com which is not only one of the industry's oldest superhero specialty shops, but also one of the best.

SuperHeroStuff sells more than shirts.  Among their wares are hats, hoodies, underwear, socks, action figures, stickers, buttons, belts wallets, cardboard standups, jewelry and much more including large selections for women and children.

And if you're interested in staying up to date, they have plenty ofCaptain America: Civil War, Deadpool, Harley Quinn and Force Awakens merchandise to satisfy any and all geek cravings.

As for me, I've already seen X-Men Apocalypse, so I'm getting ready for the season finales of Flash, Arrow, Gotham and Legends of Tomorrow.  These are a few of my recent favorites.


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See How it all Started with STRIKE BACK: ORIGINS, Available Now on Digital HD

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The hit Cinemax series Strike Back recently ended its four season run. Now it’s time to see how it all started as Strike Back: Origins is now available on Digital HD.

In this six-part series that inspired the hit Cinemax series Strike Back, former British Special Forces soldier John Porter (Richard Armitage) joins Section 20, a top-secret British-government agency run by Hugh Collinson (Andrew Lincoln), who was part of a 2003 Iraq rescue mission marred by soldier fatalities – staining Porter’s military career and sending him into seclusion for seven bitter years. Now, a familiar face from that mission has resurfaced in a recent international crisis, one involving (among other elements) a missile-encryption plot involving renegade agents and a group of ruthless terrorists. After persuading Collinson to add him to the Section 20 team, Porter travels from Basra to Zimbabwe to Afghanistan to track down the terrorists. In the process, Porter discovers some new evidence that could restore his Special Forces reputation. Porter makes an appearance in the first season of Cinemax’s “Strike Back,” during which he is captured on a mission and Section 20 head Col. Eleanor Grant (Amanda Mealing) brings in U.S. Special Forces soldier Damien Scott (Sullivan Stapleton) to work with Michael Stonebridge (Philip Winchester) and the team. Scott previously ran a mission with Porter in Iraq and had knowledge of their target, terrorist Latif.

Strike Back: Origins, hailed as “another win for fans of action drama” (NY Daily News), is now available via digital retailers for the SRP of $7.79 (SD), $10.49 (HD).

Dances With Films 2016 Film Festival Competition Line-Up With Star Studded Casts

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Dances With Films, the iconic Los Angeles based Film Festival today announced their 2016 Narrative Feature & Short Film Competition programs for its 19th Festival edition. Dances With Films(DWF) is known as an important showcase of emerging directors, producers, actors and this year’s edition will surpass the true cinefile’s dreams.

The 2016 fest will include a vast selection of richly imaginative films, showcasing 16 narrative features and 31 short films. The 47 competitive films line-up with a record 47 premieres – 22 World, 3 North American, 1 US premieres, 15 West Coast, 2 California, 1 Los Angeles, and 3 Southern California. This year’s competition films feature acclaimed casts including: Ione Skye (“Say Anything”), Randall Park (“Fresh Off the Boat”), Annette O’Toole (“Superman III”), John Glover (“Smallville”), French Stewart (“3rd Rock From the Sun”), Nick Mancuso (“Stingray”), Cassidy Freeman (“Smallville”), Jay Ellis (“The Game”), Chris Weihl (“What Boys Like”), Lucy Russell (“Batman Begins”), Greg Powell (“Contagion”), Camille Sullivan (“The Butterfly Effect”), Gabrielle Rose (“If I Stay”), among others.

“Shining light on these exceptionally talented artists, who will almost all be here for their screenings is an exciting part of the DWF experience. With so many local and international voices to be heard, we’re very proud of our diverse slate,” states Leslee Scallon, Festival Co-Founder.

2016 marks continued expansive growth with a 30% increase in submissions for DWF as they celebrate their 19th “fiercely independent” festival season presented over 11 days, beginning with an opening night party on June 2nd and culminating in the closing awards ceremony & after party on June 12th, all centrally located in the Hollywood & Highland complex.

“As time evolves, so does the creative process and we’re in the age of film where there are no more borders to filmmaking which is never more apparent than with our global collaborations in this year’s line-up,” shares Michael Trent, Festival Founder.

Dances With Films is known as a unique and exhilarating discovery festival for introducing breakthrough filmmakers. Some have referred to it as a "summer camp" for filmmakers because of its awesomely friendly spirit and continual efforts helping filmmakers forge relationships that will last long after the glimmer of the fest is over. Dances With Films is proud to present the best of unknown filmmakers pushing the boundaries of filmmaking with innovation and unique talent.

Dances With Films 2016 Film Festival season 19 will take place from June 2nd-12th, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA at the TCL Chinese Theaters, located at: Hollywood & Highland, 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028.



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DARWYN COOKE (1962-2016)

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This has been a long 24 hours for family, friends and fans of cartoonist Darwyn Cooke.

On Friday morning, Darwyn's wife, Marsha, posted news on his blog that surprised thousands of the artist's fans and admirers:

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce Darwyn is now receiving palliative care following a bout with aggressive cancer. His brother Dennis and I, along with our families appreciate the outpouring of support we have received. We ask for privacy as we go through this very difficult time.

Cartoonist and frequent collaborator of Darwyn's, Michael Allred, confirmed the unfortunate news of Cooke's passing.

I've been a fan of his since DC published his Batman: Ego, back in 2000, and have followed his work ever since.  I really don't have much to say right now other than please check his work out and after the jump take a look at some of my favorite pieces of his amazing art.

Rest in Peace.

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THE BIG CHILL Has The Best Funeral Scene

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Forces of Geek recently contributed to an article on the top funeral scenes from movies for Hippo.co.za's Funeral Cover blog.

Check it out here.

MINDS EYE ENTERTAINMENT Teams With BRIDGEGATE PICTURES and VMI WORLDWIDE For Six-Picture Sci-Fi, Action and Thriller Slate

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Minds Eye Entertainment, in association with Bridgegate Pictures and VMI Worldwide, have financed and green lit a six-picture production slate of sci-fi, action and thriller films. Minds Eye Entertainment will distribute the films in North America, while VMI Worldwide will distribute the titles internationally. The six films will also be shot for the new Barco Escape three-screen, panoramic theatrical format, which fully surrounds audiences and offers the ultimate immersive cinema experience. Portions of the films will also be shot in Virtual Reality.

Kevin Dewalt, CEO of Minds Eye Entertainment, made the announcement this week at the 69th Cannes International Film Festival.

“Minds Eye Entertainment's strength has always been to deliver exceptional production value with a talented cast at managed costs,” said Dewalt. “It's a natural progression for us to now finance and produce multiple pictures concurrently to manage budgets wisely without sacrificing first class crews and talented art departments across six films. I am delighted to partner with VMI led by Andre Relis and Bridgegate Pictures’ Guy Griffithe on this new venture."

The first production under the deal is the sci-fi thriller THERECALL written by Reggie Keyohara III (SEND IN THE CLOWNS) and Sam Acton King. When five friends vacation at a remote lake house, they expect nothing less than a good time, unaware that planet Earth is under an alien invasion and mass-abduction.

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MARVEL TSUM TSUM #1 Brings the Pint-Sized Heroes to the Marvel Universe!

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All-New Limited Series Starring Marvel Tsum Tsums!
The global phenomenon is coming to the Marvel Universe, and they’re getting their own series! Today, Marvel is pleased to announce MARVEL TSUM TSUM #1– an all-new limited series coming this August! Writer Jacob Chabot (The Mighty Skullboy Army) and artist David Baldeon (Captain America, Web Warriors) bring you an in-continuity tale of these stackable sensations as they come face-to-face with their super hero counterparts, and the Marvel Universe at large.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Tsum Tsums are HUGE! Well, not LITERALLY (they’re actually pretty tiny) but these cute and cuddly creatures are sweeping the globe. So what happens when the Marvel Tsum Tsums find their way into the Marvel Universe? When a crate of these pint-sized piles of fur accidentally falls to Earth en route to The Collector, one small group of Brooklyn teenagers will find out! Oh – and did we mention the Marvel Tsum Tsums believe they’re the real Marvel Heroes?

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TABLOID VIVANT (review)

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Review by Dean Galanis
Produced By Alexandra Spector
Written and Directed By Kyle Broom
Starring Jesse Woodrow, Tamzin Brown,
Ana Corbi, Chris Carlisle, Chris Heltai,
Amber Friendly, Lisa Valerie Morgan


Interesting, unique, semi-experimental indie follows a young couple – Maximilien, an up and coming artist and Sara, an ambitious art critic – who hole up in a cabin in the woods so that Max can demonstrate his new “painting system” which he feels will revolutionize the art world; Sara is planning to write a killer article about her beau’s breakthrough to catapult her career.

The film’s title is a play on Tableaux Vivant, a silent, motionless group of people arranged to represent a scene or incident (I had to look it up).

In fact, there is an interesting aside about a tableaux vivant featuring Friedrich Nietzche that sorta-kinda figures into the plot.

The first chunk of the film has a lot of sorta-kinda in an entertaining, art film manner.

The opening is a gruesome depiction of the death of the Black Dahlia, followed by a car conversation with an amusingly artificial background, followed by the couple’s first meeting, which is interrupted at one point to depict the unseen screenwriter editing the scene on paper, which then changes the scene itself, and so on.

Once the couple heads up the mountain into the woods, Vivant does settle into a fairly straightforward narrative about Max’s development and demonstration of his new “system”, and the couple’s growing obsession with the resulting, hypnotic paintings.

The shift from all over the place-ness to the narrative thrust is a terrific scene that is exactly the kind of scene screenwriting classes and books tell you to never, ever write.  It’s quite long, full of exposition/explanation and debate, and is intellectually heady.  Fairly deadly stuff for a mainstream audience, but if you go with it, if you have any interest in art at all, it’s a riveting scene. Max explains his system in detail to Sara, which is basically a digital vs analog argument, but with paint!

This leads into Max’s demonstration, which has the two giddy with excitement. Soon, however, the paintings appear to take on a life of their own, to the detriment of Max’s and Sara’s mental and physical well-being.

The Black Dahlia, analog vs. digital arguments, etc. etc. never gel in a satisfying manner. But I doubt writer-director Kyle Broom had any interest in these threads being tied up in a tidy manner.  There are a lot of ideas in Vivant, some of them fleshed out beautifully, others just sort of tossed off.

This will, no doubt, piss off less-patient viewers, but I was never remotely bored.  It’s wildly uneven, but is always interesting, often fascinating and at times exhilarating.

The two leads have potent chemistry, and both give strong, charismatic performances. Jesse Woodrow nails the lovable asshole "artist" and Tamzin Brown oozes intelligence and sexuality; they’re both called upon to do a lot here, and they fearlessly jump in and are always convincing.

So, if you dig art, man, or just adventurous movies, give Vivant a shot, if only to see what will likely be termed “great early work” by Woodrow, Brown and Broom.


For more details visit Facebook.com/TabloidVivantFilm





Hercules Takes Up Arms – Your First Look at CIVIL WAR II: GODS OF WAR #1!

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The world stands upon the brink of chaos. As friend stands against friend…which side with the world’s very first super hero land? Find out as Hercules storms the front lines in CIVIL WAR II: GODS OF WAR #1, coming to comic shops and digital devices this June! Writer Dan Abnett and artist Emilio Laiso bring Hercules directly into the conflict of the biggest comic event of the year. Could a God tip the scales in Captain Marvel or Iron Man’s favor?
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Nebula Award Winners, Badass Moms, International Bookshops & More

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Written by Alex C. Telander

Great Women in Fantasy 
Find good female characters in fantasy can be hard work sometimes, here bestselling author Kate Elliott gives you her recommends.

Nebula Awards 
The Nebula Awards ceremony was held this last Saturday and here are the winners.

Hugo Finalists 
In other awards, the finalists for the Hugo Awards have been announced.

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KICKSTARTER: Help Support A Documentary About the Artists Behind Your Favorite Video Game Box

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By Elizabeth Weitz

Rob McCallum (director of Nintendo Quest, Kittie: Origins/Evolutions and Power of Grayskull) has launched a new Kickstarter to help fund his newest endeavor Box Art: A Gaming Documentary.

According to McCallum, Box Art will go behind-the-scenes of the artists who have designed some of our favorite video game box art from the past and present, as well as include in-depth interviews with various illustrators, game developers, fans and programmers.

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Two and Done: The Sequel

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I knew when I wrote my previous Spasm that I had not included every Part Two that killed its franchise, but not only had I barely scratched the surface, it turns out I overlooked a few doozies.

So, without further ado, here comes the sequel.


The Good:

28 Weeks Later (2007)  

We’ve been hearing for nine years that a third film in the 28 Days/28 Weeks Later cycle was in the works—most logically titled 28 Months Later—but even in the midst of a zombie craze that just won’t seem to die, there’s been no serious momentum on it.

Which is a raging tragedy, because the first two movies are among the finest in the genre.

Help us, Danny Boyle, you’re our only hope.






The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)  

I admit it: I didn’t dislike the Andrew Garfield reboot series, I merely felt it was unnecessary to hit the restart button so soon—better Sony had gone forward with a true Spider-Man 4 rather than retell an origin story still quite fresh in the minds of moviegoers.

Much of AS-M2 feels like that Part 4 we never got, further fleshing out the relationships between Peter Parker and his main squeeze Gwen Stacey and introducing Electro, a villain we hadn’t met before…but in rehashing the Green Goblin storyline and expanding the mystery of Peter’s parents’ death, we’re still firmly in reboot territory.

Even with all the déjà vu, somehow a $700-million worldwide gross was deemed a disappointment, so Sony and Marvel are pressing the reset button yet again, with a new Spidey (Tom Holland, currently stealing scenes in Captain America: Civil War).


Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)  

This unlikely sequel to Oliver Stone’s seminal tale of ’80s avarice never really felt like it was necessary, though it was somewhat poignant to catch up with Gordon Gekko (and, in a brief cameo, Bud Fox) all these years later.












The Color of Money (1986)  

Another unlikely sequel, from director Martin Scorsese no less, furthering the story of pool shark Fast Eddie Felson from 1961’s The Hustler (Paul Newman, who scored his only Oscar for reprising the role here).

The feasibility of a third story was made moot when Newman passed away.










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Win CAROL + 2: THE ORIGINAL QUEENS OF COMEDY on DVD!

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Airing on March 22, 1966, Carol + 2 united two zany redheads with the always unpredictable Broadway dynamo Zero Mostel for an hour of comedy and song. From Carol's familiar earlobe-tug gesture to comic sketches and musical numbers and a rousing finale, home audiences will get an early window into things to come for Burnett. Carol's wedding anniversary sketch with Mostel points to future moments with Harvey Korman. She offers a variation of her beloved Charwoman character when she and Lucy clean up at the William Morris Agency as imaginary "charwomen of the board" of showbiz central, finishing with a duet on the spirited Chutzpah. This was the second televised appearance of the Charwoman, who became a staple of the series and icon of its animated opening. The first, included here in a bonus sketch, was on Carol's 1963 special, Carol & Company.

Also on the jam-packed DVD single, CAROL + 2: THE ORIGINAL QUEENS OF COMEDY, is the 1972 CBS color television movie version of Once Upon a Mattress, a hilarious twist on the classic "Princess and the Pea" tale in which Carol reprises her 1959 Tony-nominated Broadway debut role as Princess Winifred the Woebegone. Joining her are Ken Berry (Prince Dauntless), Bernadette Peters (Lady Larken) and Jack Gilford (reprising his stage role as King Sextimus), all of whom (in addition to Lucille Ball) would guest star on The Carol Burnett Show multiple times over its eleven seasons.

Carol Burnett's iconic legacy represents a vital part of broadcast history, and the special performances seen on the never-before-available CAROL + 2 illustrate why she remains one of the all-time great comedy legends.
And we're giving away two copies!


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HALT AND CATCH FIRE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Comes To DVD August 9th

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Starring Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishé and Toby Huss

The critically acclaimed AMC hit drama, “Halt and Catch Fire: The Complete Second Season,” will be available on DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment on August 9. From creators Chris Cantwell (“Vicariously”) and Christopher C. Rogers, comes the ten-episode series, featuring buzzworthy performances from Lee Pace (Lincoln, “Pushing Daisies,” Guardians of the Galaxy ), Scoot McNairy (Argo), Mackenzie Davis (Smashed), Kerry Bishé (Argo, Red State) and Toby Huss (Cowboys & Aliens).

The sophomore season of AMC’s hit tech-centered drama “Halt and Catch Fire” hits the ground running. It’s March 1985. More than a year has passed since Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace) set fire to a truck full of Cardiff Giant PCs, the last in a long string of destructive acts that burned the people that made the machine possible: Gordon Clark (Scoot McNairy), Donna Clark (Kerry Bishé), Cameron Howe (Mackenzie Davis) and John Bosworth (Toby Huss). The Giant is about to go the way of the dinosaur, like any number of personal computers to enter the market in the wake of IBM. The lesson is harsh but clear: in history, only the truly disruptive ideas are destined to matter. Season two of “Halt and Catch Fire” thrives on the spirit of innovation and takes on world-changing scenarios, no matter the risk.


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FOG! Exclusive Clip From Gambling Doc, THE BEST OF IT

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THE BEST OF IT takes an unflinching look at the life of a professional gambler. The character driven documentary focuses on the lives of Boston, The Shrink, Dink, and Banker who all chose to make a living betting sports. A gambler selects this profession despite knowing the life they fancied tends to chew up and spit out even the most seasoned gambler—an all too common tale in Las Vegas. A feud between Boston and The Shrink develops after accusations are made about gambling debts, but a gambler’s actual bank account balance is often based on rumors and half-truths. The outcome of a gambler is as unpredictable as the the games they bet.
After the jump, check out the documentary's introduction of Lem Banker The “Godfather” of sports betting.

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CROSSFIRE Flashback. You'll Get Caught Up In It...

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It’s the future. The world has collapsed into chaos. There is no more law, no more order…

The only thing that remains is a battle between two forces to see who the ultimate warrior really is. It’s a violent game fought on a bloody field of chaos. A winner takes all war that is less rules and more brutal violence.

Some call it a game. I call it madness. Everyone calls it:

CROSSFIRE!!!


Crossfire was created by Milton Bradley and released in 1971 – the concept being like air hockey as both opposing sides score by getting their “puck” in the opposite player’s goal. However, instead of air and paddles, the player uses a spring-loaded gun that shoots small ball bearings into a bin at the other end of the board.

It’s at this point I’m going to level with you all – the game really isn’t that awesome. In fact, it’s kind of lame.

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A Look at JOURNEY TO SPACE Available June 7 on 4K UHD, 3D Blu-ray and Blu-ray From Shout! Factory

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Shout! Factory will Journey To Space for its first foray into a line of new, immersive, Giant Screen films in the visually stunning 4K Ultra HD™ format. The film will be released June 7, 2016, on Blu-ray, and in a 4K UHD + 3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray 2-disc combo, and both releases will include trailers, a photo gallery, and behind-the-scenes footage as bonus features.

This dazzling film illustrates just how exciting and ambitious NASA’s next era promises to be. In showcasing the goals NASA and the space industry are working towards, including space travel to Mars and capturing asteroids, the film puts an end to the perception that the space program died with the end of the Space Shuttle Program.

Beautifully narrated by film and television legend Sir Patrick Stewart, and featuring extensive interviews with astronauts Chris Ferguson (Commander of the final shuttle mission) and Serena Aunon (a new astronaut chosen for future flights), Journey To Space also puts into historical context the magnificent contributions made by the Space Shuttle program and its daring space pioneers during their 135 missions.


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Twelfth Doctor's Second SONIC SCREWDRIVER Blasts into North America

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After months of speculation, BBC Worldwide North America announces Doctor Who’s Twelfth Doctor Second Sonic Screwdriver is now on sale, shipping exclusively in the U.S. for $29.98 from BBC Shop US and Doctor Who Shop US and in Canada for $37.98 from BBC Shop Canada and Doctor Who Shop Canada.

This new toy version is a faithful recreation of the current Doctor’s (Peter Capaldi) Sonic Screwdriver, which made its debut in the season nine episode, “Hell Bent.” This is the first Sonic Screwdriver toy to have four light modes and four sound effects.


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