Movies for nerds is a deeper category than just “Star Wars” and “Avatar.”  Retrovo’s Jennifer L. Jacobson looks at the long tail of geek cinema.  More at http://www.retrevo.com/content/blog/2011/12/epic-nerd-approved-movies-see

Epic Nerd-Approved Movies To See Before You Die

Not to quote Ned Stark, but, “Winter is coming.” And what better way for any self-respecting nerd to spend the season than hunkered down in the glow of some of the best nerd-approved films of all time. But you’ve watched your favorite films a billion times, so how do you find the films you haven’t seen yet, but should?

Well, today I’m putting my Cinema “Minor” to work and that means digging through film history and pulling out title gems that are too often overshadowed by Avatar or the all-impressive Star Wars. These films will change your life (or they should), so sit down, strap in and load these puppies up in your Netflix queue. Here are the best of the best in their respective categories. Enjoy these films. You will be a better nerd for watching them.

*Note: All films should be watched in the aspect ratio they were shot in and if possible, watch the director’s cut. None of this “4:3″ nonsense when a film was shot in widescreen. Also, may of the older films on this list are now on Blu-ray. For a more technical overview of a specific film’s transfer to Blu-ray, please query The Blu Ray Blog. Now, please… enjoy the show.

Straightup Nerd-Tastic Films (AKA Category 1)

Dark City (1998)

Film Notes: If you liked Metropolis, The Matrix, and Inception, you have to see this film. I wrote an entire master’s thesis on it. If you can, watch the commentary by Rober Ebert.

The Fifth Element (1997)

Film Notes: This eye-candy adventure is one of the most charming, beautifully shot, creative, colorful sci-fi films of all time.

Forbidden Planet (1956)

Film Notes: Before Star Trek, there was Forbidden Planet. It’s amazing to see what was possible to the imagination circa 1956.

Stargate (1994)

Film Notes: If you think Terra Nova awesome or could be better… you must see this film. Groundbreaking special effects.

Minority Report (2002)

Film Notes: This Steven Speilberg directed film is based on the thrilling Philip K. Dick short-story and stars Tom Cruise. Let’s just say… it’s totally worth seeing.

THX 1138 (1971)

Film Notes: Before he made Star Wars, George Lucas made this sanitary, haunting vision of the future. … and part of it was shot in Studio One at my alma mater, San Francisco State University!

Dune (1984)

Film Notes: Dune is one of the most impressive, well written sci-fi films of all time, Dune will amaze your inner nerd.

War Games (1983)

Film Notes: It’s good to see Matthew Broderick in something besides a musical – I mean, if you loved your Atari, you’ll love this film. How what started as a game, almost became nuclear war.

Serenity (2005)

Film Notes: From the creator of Angel, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this wild-west-meets-pre-cog-human-weapon sci-fi dance through space will blow you away. It’s hard to call yourself a nerd, if you haven’t seen it.

Paprika (2006)

Film Notes: This is one of my favorite movies, I have it on Blu-ray and it’s worth watching in a proper home theater. If you want to see what animation can do and where your dreams can take you, (and if you thought The Matrix and Inception was cool) Paprika is a film you just have to see.

Blade Runner (1982)

Film Notes: Find out if androids dream of electric sheep, and if you can, find out by watching the director’s cut of the film Blade Runner. This touching, beautiful, mind-bending film is one of my all-time-favorites. Quote: “It’s too bad she won’t live… but then again, who does?”

Brazil (1985)

Film Notes: I love Terry Gilliam’s style. Brazil is one of the best no-holds-barred cotton-candy films of all time. Do yourself a favor and be sure to watch the director’s cut as opposed to the theatrical release of this film.

V for Vendetta (2006)

Film Notes: I’ve watched this film so many times. It’s a beautifully told story and stands on its own from the graphic novel on which it is based. That said, you should also read the graphic novel.

Tank Girl (1995)

Film Notes: This movie is proof that filmmakers in 1995 weren’t just making “girl movies” like Clueless.

For categories 2-5, visit www.Retrovo.com.

I give you this list so that you may know and understand all things nerd, for no one is simply born a nerd. We are a people, drawn in by the light of technology, science fiction and the possibilities of humanity and the future. We come in every age, gender, hue and kind and we are not simply born nerds… we become nerds.

By Jennifer L. Jacobson, Retrevo.com

Vic Mignogna

The anime convention Izumicon is set to take place in Midwest City this weekend. It will run Friday through Sunday at the Reed Convention Center, 5800 Will Rogers Road. Guests will include voice actors Vic Mignogna and Christine Auten. For more information, go to www.izumicon.com.

- Matt Price

Yuri Lowenthal

The cool-as-ice Yuri Lowenthal comes in at No. 9 on Nerdage’s list of actors with geek appeal.

The versatile live-action and voice actor Yuri Lowenthal voiced the animated Superman in “Legion of Super-Heroes.” Adding to his superhero resume, he portrayed Iceman in the recent “Wolverine and the X-Men” animated series and voices Mister Miracle on “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.”  Lowenthal voiced Ben Tennyson aka Ben 10 in “Ben 10: Alien Force” and “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien.”   He’s reprising his Iceman role in the upcoming “Ultimate Spider-Man” series, according to IMDB.

Lowenthal is a well-known anime voice over artist, with credits including “Naruto,” “Code Geass,” ”Gurren Lagann,” and “Naruto Shippuden.”

He voiced the Prince of Persia character in video games that inspired the Jake Gyllenhaal film.

In live-action television in 2009, he appeared in a two-part series of episodes in “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”

With wife Tara Platt, he’s written a book on voice-over called “Voice-Over Voice Actor: What It’s Like Behind the Mic.”

This weekend, you can catch Lowenthal and Platt at the Lillian Theatre in Hollywood in a performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

You can follow Yuri Lowenthal on twitter or check out a recent audio interview with him at KPCC.

- Matt Price

Milo Ventimiglia (AP)

Update from Wondercon: Marvel Television Announces Adrian Pasdar and Milo Ventimiglia for Iron Man and Wolverine Anime Series To Air On G4 July 2011

Marvel’s Head of Television Jeph Loeb announced casting for two of the company’s much anticipated anime series, IRON MAN and WOLVERINE, at its WonderCon panel today in San Francisco to the delight of fans in attendance. Both series will premiere on G4 in July 2011.

Adrian Pasdar (Heroes, Castle, Profit) will lend his voice to the character of Tony Stark in IRON MAN, an all-new series which sees Stark travel to Japan and battle the evil Zodiac Organization.

Milo Ventimiglia (Gilmore Girls, Rocky Balboa, Heroes), takes on the title role in WOLVERINE, as Logan claws his way through Japan’s criminal underworld.

“Adrian and Milo are perfect as Iron Man and Wolverine,” said Loeb. “It’s extremely exciting to see these talented guys take on two of the most iconic Super Hero roles of all time.”

As the exclusive US TV home for the series, G4 will air IRON MAN and WOLVERINE along with the BLADE and X-MEN anime series later this year. The network will premiere an exclusive clip from WOLVERINE on Wednesday’s Attack of the Show at 7 pm ET/PT. For more information, check out g4tv.com/marvel

—

What do you think of the casting?

Jamie Marchi

University of Oklahoma graduate Jamie Marchi highlights the Izumicon guest list.  The anime convention is being held this weekend in Midwest City’s Reed Center.

Voice actress Marchi is best known for roles in the anime series “Witchblade” (Masane Amaha), “Soul Eater” (Liz Thompson) and “Sgt. Frog” (Aki Hinata).   She’s also appeared in “Yu Yu Hakasho,” “Fruits Basket” and dozens more.

Other guests include Troy Baker, Trina Nishimura, Todd Haberkorn, Samantha Inoue Harte and David Williams.

For more information, visit www.izumicon.com.

- Matt Price

A scene from "Paprika"

Anime News Network reports Satoshi Kon, director of “Paprika” and “Perfect Blue” died Tuesday at age 46.

Kon made his directorial debut with “Perfect Blue” in 1997, and followed that with more well-regarded anime projects, including Millennium Actress (2001), Tokyo Godfathers (2003), Paranoia Agent (2004), and Paprika (2006).  UPDATE:  A beautiful letter from Kon, written when he knew he was near-death, has been translated into English by Makito Itoh.  I recommend all fans of his work go and give it a read.

Click past the cut for my 2007 review of “Paprika,” when the film played in Oklahoma City.  Given the popularity of “Inception” this year, those who are interested in the concept of parallel dream worlds would do well to check out “Paprika.”

- Matt Price

Dreams, reality mix in Japanese anime tale

In ” Paprika,” the line between dreams and reality is blurred in a surrealistic thriller from “Perfect Blue” director Satoshi Kon.

This Japanese anime takes place in a near-future world and is based on the science fiction novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui.

Dr. Atsuko Chiba (voiced by Megumi Hayashibara) is a research psychologist working with a device called the DC Mini. This device allows therapists to enter and record patients’ dreams to aid in their treatment. When the modest Atsuko enters someone’s dream, she becomes Paprika, an outgoing, superpowered dream detective.

While the DC Mini hasn’t been cleared for public use, Paprika has been helping police detective Toshimi Konakawa work out his feelings about an unsolved murder case. Konakawa is a college friend of Atsuko’s boss, Torataro Shima.

Tokita is the brilliant yet nerdy and overweight scientist who developed the DC Mini. When one of only four working DC Mini prototypes goes missing, suspicion falls on Tokita’s assistant, Himuro. Suddenly, those who have had the most exposure to the DC Mini find themselves vulnerable to being attacked through their subconcious. Shima leaps from a window, following a parade only he can see. The lab’s chairman, Seijiro Inui, wants to close down the program. But the chief — who recovered from his attempted suicide — agrees with Atsuko that they must catch the perpetrator. With the help of Konakawa, Paprika begins to search the dreamworld for the thief.

As the investigation continues, the mystery deepens, and the ability of the characters — and the viewers — to discern fantasy from reality is impaired.

” Paprika” succeeds as a wonderfully animated and enthralling dreamscape that recalls Philip K. Dick and Neil Gaiman while remaining wholly original.

- Matthew Price

Marvel Animation has announced it will world-premiere episodes of  The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Marvel Anime: Iron Man at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego.   The following is the provided panel schedule for Marvel Animation:

FRIDAY JULY 23, 2010

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Marvel Animation Panel - Hosted by an all-star cast of Marvel Animation talent including Tom Kenny (SpongeBob) and Charlie Adler (Transformers), and featuring a special guest of legendary proportions, this interactive game-show panel will get you more than excited about Marvel’s new and continuing animated series. Here’s your chance to snag some sweet Marvel merchandise! Come be a part of the action, showcasing all new seasons of The Super Hero Squad Show and Iron Man Armored Adventures, as well as new footage from Marvel Knights Animation, Marvel Anime, and other upcoming Marvel Animation properties. Room 6BCF

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Super Hero Squad Cast Signing – All-star talent from The Super Squad Show will be signing items at the Marvel booth, including a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive Marvel Super Hero Squad The Infinity Gauntlet poster for the all-new video game from THQ releasing November 16^th, 2010. On hand for the signing will be Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Charlie Adler (Transformers 1&2), Steve Blum (Spectacular Spider-Man, Wolverine and the X-Men), and Tara Strong (Teen Titans, Fairly Odd Parents).

8:15 – 9:15 p.m. Iron Man: Anime Screening – Witness the dawn of Marvel Anime as we WORLD PREMIERE the highly anticipated, full-length pilot episode of Iron Man! In addition to the screening, we will be featuring an exclusive first look at upcoming designs produced by the world-renowned Japanese animation studio MADHOUSE, whose notable films include hits such as Ninja Scroll and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (to name a few).  Room 6DE

SATURDAY JULY 24, 2010

4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Marvel Animation: Avengers Panel – Enter the Avengers Mansion and become a part of the team! JARVIS (Phil LaMarr, MadTV, Futurama) will introduce you to top-secret Avengers files, including never-before-seen footage, imagery, and the WORLD PREMIERE of two full-length episodes from the all-new The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes animated series premiering on Disney XD this fall!  The road to the Avengers starts here! Room 6DE

- Matt Price

Viz Media has announced that the company will offer a Limited Edition Sage Naruto Figure from Toynami at Comic-Con: International in San Diego.  Also, straight-from-Japan full-color reproduction NARUTO SHIPPUDEN animation cels (from Digital Manga) featuring favorite characters Naruto and Sasuke will be offered.

VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2813.

Tara Platt and Yuri Lowenthal (photo (c) Boris Kievsky, used with permission

The votes have been counted, and Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt are the fans’ choice for actor and actress with geek appeal!

Nerdage ran a month-long series highlighting which actors and actresses had the most “geek appeal,” based on hits and web searches.   Then, fans were given the opportunity to vote for both actor and actress.

The winners were Lowenthal and Pratt, who, in addition to frequently working together, are also married.   They co-wrote the book “Voice-Over Voice Actor: What It’s Like Behind the Mic.”

Platt is maybe best known as the voice of Temari on the anime hit “Naruto,” but she has also portrayed superheroes Dream Girl (on “Legion of Superheroes”) and Wonder Woman (on the “DC vs. Mortal Kombat” game). She’s also appeared on “Charmed” and “Gilmore Girls.”

Lowenthal voiced Ben Tennyson aka Ben 10 in “Ben 10: Alien Force” and “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien.”  He’s also been the voice of Superman in “Legion of Super-Heroes.” Adding to his superhero resume, he portrays Iceman in the current “Wolverine and the X-Men” animated series and voiced Mister Miracle on “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.”

Congratulations to Lowenthal and Platt, who are very fan-friendly in addition to their many other talents.

Click past the cut for a video of Platt and Lowenthal at Comic-Con International 2009.

- Matt Price

Yuri Lowenthal

Versatile live-action and voice actor Yuri Lowenthal comes in at No. 7 on Nerdage’s list of actors with geek appeal.    It’s not just one role that lands Lowenthal this high on the geek appeal list: It’s a boatload of them.

Lowenthal voiced Ben Tennyson aka Ben 10 in “Ben 10: Alien Force” and “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien.”  He’s also been the voice of Superman in “Legion of Super-Heroes.” Adding to his superhero resume, he portrays Iceman in the current “Wolverine and the X-Men” animated series and voiced Mister Miracle on “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.”

Lowenthal has provided many voices in anime; notably in “Naruto” he voiced ninja-in-training Sasuke Uchiha.

In live-action television in 2009, he appeared in a two-part series of episodes in “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.”

With wife Tara Platt, he’s written a book on voice-over called “Voice-Over Voice Actor: What It’s Like Behind the Mic.”

So it’s clear Lowenthal stays busy; he also does video-game voice acting, for games including “Watchmen: The End is Nigh” and “Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones.” Lowenthal talked about voice-over acting in a 2009 interview with NewsOK:

“It’s all voice acting whether you’re doing an animated series or a video game, or any of those kind of jobs,” Lowenthal said. “They all have their different techniques. For video games, you’re in a booth, by yourself. Only on one or two occasions ever have I gotten to record with other actors at the same time for a video game. I guess it’s just more efficient for them to do one character at a time.”

Coming up for Lowenthal are the films “The Arcadian” and “A Guy, A Girl, A Space Helmet.”

- Matt Price

Anime’s original hero gets a computer-generated update in the 2009 film “Astro Boy,” now out on DVD. Astro Boy was created by Japan’s Osamu Tezuka, the godfather of manga, or Japanese comics. The 1960s “Astro Boy” animated series is often considered the first anime.

Astro Boy is a superpowered robot created by Dr. Tenma (voiced by Nicolas Cage) in the image of his late son, Toby. Using Toby’s DNA as a template, Tenma builds Astro Boy, powered by the blue core energy discovered by Tenma’s colleague, Dr. Elefun (Bill Nighy). After being implanted with Toby’s memories, Astro Boy initially believes himself to be Toby. Tenma thinks Astro will help him get over his son’s death, but it does the opposite, reminding him of his own responsibility for the death of his son.

So the jet-propelled Astro (Freddie Highmore) leaves the floating Metro City to find his own destiny on the Earth below. Earth is a wasteland of junk and debris, where robot repairman Hamegg (Nathan Lane) houses a cast of runaways and orphans, including Cora (Kristen Bell).

Astro doesn’t disclose his identity as a robot, however, and soon finds Earth might not be the safest place for his kind. Meanwhile, the warmongering President Stone (Donald Sutherland) of Metro City wants Astro back, so the blue energy core can be used for Stone’s own weapons.

The animation by Imagi Studios (“TMNT”) is watchable though not up to Pixar standards. The voice acting similarly is a bit dull in places. But there’s enough happening here, especially in the design, score and action, to keep the youthful target audience engaged.

— Matthew Price

Viz has announced that Monster, the anime based on the mangy by Naoki Urasawa, will air on Mondays beginning Oct. 12 on the Syfy channel.

The show, rated TV-MA, will be rebroadcast the following week on the sister channel, Chiller.

“Naoki Urasawa’s ‘Monster’ weaves an engrossing story of politics, psychological intrigue and murder,” said William Germain, VIZ Media’s Director of Programming Sales, in a release. “The multi-layered plot and mysterious characters that make Naoki Urasawa’s manga a smash hit are adapted wonderfully for the animated series, which remains true to the original story.”

In “Monster,” Dr. Kenzo Tenma saves the life of a young boy named Johan.  Years later, Johan appears to be a serial murderer.  Suspected of being the murderer himself, Dr. Tenma must go on the run, as he attempts to track down a monster.

For more about the “Monster” manga, see http://www.vizsignature.com/monster/.

Click past the cut for the full release.

San Francisco, CA, August 21 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the debut of the animated Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER featured by Starz Media’s Manga Entertainment on Syfy beginning on October 12th as part of the latest season of the network’s Ani-Monday programming block. MONSTER is based on the critically acclaimed manga series by Naoki Urasawa that is published in North America by VIZ Media.

New episodes of Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER, rated TV-MA will air each Monday night on the Syfy Ani-Monday block and will be re-broadcast on SyFy’s sister channel, Chiller the week thereafter. Chiller airs a variety of horror and suspense-themed programs. Check local listings for specific airtimes.

What would you do if a child you saved grew up to be a monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run from the police, who suspect him to be the killer, to find Johan and stop the monster he set loose upon the world. Conspiracies, serial murders, and secret government experiments set against the grim backdrop of the formerly communist Eastern Europe are masterfully woven together in this compelling work of suspense.

“Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER weaves an engrossing story of politics, psychological intrigue and murder,” says William Germain, VIZ Media’s Director of Programming Sales. “The multi-layered plot and mysterious characters that make Naoki Urasawa’s manga a smash hit are adapted wonderfully for the animated series, which remains true to the original story. We invite anime and manga as well as mystery and suspense fans to tune in each Monday this fall for an exciting chase as Dr. Tenma tries to catch the Monster!”

“We are very pleased to add MONSTER to the robust anime lineup found on the Ani-Mondays blocks on Syfy and Chiller,” says Marc DeBevoise, Starz Media senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy. “We believe that this addition will give anime fans a lot to look forward to during the season.”

For more information on Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) please visit www.vizsignature.com/monster.

Husband and wife voice actors Yuri Lowenthal (Superman in “Legion of Superheroes”) and Tara Platt (Wonder Woman in “DC Vs Mortal Kombat”) took a few minutes to talk to me at Comic-Con International about their upcoming book, Voice-Over Voice Actor, available for pre-order at BugBotPress.com.

- Matt Price

Actress Tara Platt. (c)2008 John Phillips. Used with permission.

Oklahoma-raised Tara Platt has voiced superheroes, starred in movies and written a book.

Platt is maybe best known as the voice of Temari on the anime hit “Naruto,” but she has also portrayed superheroes Dream Girl (on “Legion of Superheroes”) and Wonder Woman (on the “DC vs. Mortal Kombat” game). She’s also appeared on “Charmed” and “Gilmore Girls.” But it all got started in Oklahoma, where Platt lived from age 7 to 11.

Dream Girl from Legion of Superheroes.

“I remember we went to see ‘Annie Get Your Gun,’ and there were a bunch of kids my age in the chorus,” Platt said. “They were dressed up in fun costumes and singing and seemed to be having a blast. After the show, I turned to my mom and said, ‘I wanna do that.’”

Platt’s mother told her that it takes lots of skill, time and energy to become an actress, but didn’t discourage her.

“She said that if I read the paper and came across an audition listing, that she would take me,” Platt said. “A few months later I saw an ad for the Jewel Box Theatre’s production of ‘Wait Until Dark’ with a role for a 9-year-old girl. I auditioned and got Gloria, and I haven’t looked back since!”

Wonder Woman from DC Vs. Mortal Kombat

Platt lived in Oklahoma while her father attended the University of Oklahoma’s medical school. She said her overall memories of the state are wonderful.

“I ended up going to elementary school there at Wiley Post Elementary,” Platt said. “We did the Sooners’ Run where we pretended we were pioneers and got to run across the school yard and stake out land with our red wagons and toy guns.”

That imagination is still in play today.

“A definite draw to (voice-over acting) is the ability to not be constrained by looks or age or gender,” Platt said. “Anywhere your imagination can take you, you have the possibility of working as a voice actor.”

Tara Platt and Yuri Lowenthal. Photo (c) Boris Kievsky, used with permission

In the English dub of Naruto, Platt voices Temari, the eldest of the Sand Siblings, who bears an iron fan. Naruto is a Japanese show based on the manga of the same name. The show, about a young ninja who seeks to become the greatest ninja of all, has a large fan base in Japan and the United States.

“There are such strong characters, and really so many that there is a character for everyone,” Platt said. “They deal with real issues; it isn’t just a ‘kids show.’ There are major conflicts that Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and the various other characters … are all dealing with that parallel many things we all must deal with: disappointment, rejection, family conflict, life and death, love, loss and many other important things. I think that is one of the reasons that Naruto is a fan favorite. That and the ninjas, of course!”

Platt’s sharing her knowledge of the voice-over world in an upcoming book. With husband Yuri Lowenthal, also a voice actor, Platt has written “Voice-Over Voice Actor: What It’s Like Behind the Mic,” which comes out this fall and is available to pre-order at BugBotPress.com.

Voice-Over Voice Actor, from Bug Bot Press

“There are tips, exercises and practice copy in addition to the nuts and bolts about the business,” Platt said.

In addition to frequent voice work, Platt takes on other roles in front of and behind the camera. Platt’s film production company with Lowenthal, Monkey Kingdom Productions, recently finished the psychological thriller “Tumbling After.” They’re also working on a documentary about the world of voice-over with director and documentarian Boris Kievsky.

Platt will be in front of the camera in some upcoming commercials and in a live-action sci-fi romantic comedy feature starting next month.

By Matthew Price
From Tuesday’s The Oklahoman

You can check out my report on the anime portion of the Marvel animation panel at NewsOK.

- Matt Price

TOKYO (AFP) –  A Japanese man has enlisted hundreds of people in a campaign to allow marriages between humans and cartoon characters, saying he feels more at ease in the “two-dimensional world.”

Seems to me to be taking fandom to a new extreme.   Check out the whole story in the link.

- Matt Price

The series comes in an oversized “Mach 5” tin case that may not fit on your DVD shelf. Inside, the discs are in a cardboard fold-out sleeve that’s about the height of a CD case. So, packaging wise, the “Complete Classic Series” is kind of an odd fit.

“Speed Racer” is the English adaptation of the Japanese anime “Mach GoGoGo.” Speed Racer is a young hotshot driver who competes in races around the world, and often gets entangled in action-packed adventures. Racer X, Speed’s closest competitor, is secretly Speed’s brother Rex, thought dead. “Speed Racer” was one of the first cartoon series to bring anime to the United States, and while it’s certainly kid-focused and a bit dated, it’s a powerful nostalgic thrill for those of the right age.

— Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

“Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes” mixes the characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby with modern animation and anime-influenced design.

The Fantastic Four is a super-team. The team’s adventures are based on the Marvel Comic book.

Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) is the genius leader who can stretch his body like elastic. Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) can turn invisible and project force fields. Ben Grimm (The Thing) is an orange, rocky monster, and Johnny Storm (Human Torch) can turn himself into a flame and fly.

The melding of 2-D and 3-D animation could be jarring for some, and the designs aren’t directly lifted from the comic book. French animation house Moonscoop tried to modernize the look, with the “4” logo seemingly spray-painted on The Thing’s rocky hide and the Torch sporting a Japanese anime-style haircut.

Several guest-stars from Marvel Comics appear, including Hulk and Iron Man.

The featurette “From Origin to Animation” is a treat for fans, as Lee talks about the Fantastic Four’s creation. The “Rise of the Rogues” featurette showcases the Fantastic Four’s villains, including Doctor Doom. Also included is a partial reprint of the “Ultimate Fantastic Four” No. 1 comic book.

— Matthew Price

From Friday’s The Oklahoman:  

The futuristic world of “Appleseed” is further explored in “Appleseed: Ex Machina,” a computer-animated sequel to the 2004 film. The films are based on characters created by Masumune Shirow (“Ghost in the Shell”).

After a non-nuclear war wipes out half the world’s population, humans turn to the artificial intelligence of Gaia to guide them. Led by bioroids, humans genetically engineered to avoid warlike emotions, the city of Olympus is a beacon of hope to the world. Still, unrest remains, and both the human and cyborg officers of the special weapons and tactics force on
Olympus are needed to quell disturbances.

Deunan, a human, and Briareos, a cyborg, are partners and lovers. Briareos, like other cyborgs, is a human who received severe injuries in the war and required robotic parts to repair him. Briareos is perhaps the top officer of the squad. When he’s injured, he’s replaced, essentially, by himself —  a bioroid named Tereus, engineered from Briareos’ DNA. When Tereus is selected to be Deunan’s new partner, it causes confusion among the three heroes.

When recent attacks appear to be cyborgs with malfunctioning parts, the cyborg members of the unit are sidelined. Briareos, Deunan and Tereus have to find a way to work together and solve the mystery of the technological mishaps to save
Olympus.

The film is directed by Shinji Aramaki, who directed the 2004 “Appleseed” and is known for his design work in “Bubblegum Crisis” and “Robotech.”
“Ex Machina” is produced by John Woo (“The Killer”) and features Woo-like flourishes such as two-handed gunbattles and shell casings clanking on the floor. But one of the most Woo-influenced scenes, a battle in a cathedral, was created before Woo joined the project.

 — Matthew Price

(Link via Blog @ Newsarama.)

– Matt Price

#1. Wanted - Based on the Mark Millar comic-book miniseries for Top Cow.

#2. The Dark Knight - Introducing Heath Ledger as the Joker.

#3. Hellboy: The Golden Army – Guillermo del Toro directs this sequel starring Mike Mignola’s blue-collar supernatural hero.

(And at #5, the Wachowski Brothers’ Speed Racer, based on the classic anime.  And this trailer is seriously growing on me.)