Artificial Continuum
Showing posts with label Firefly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Firefly. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Weekly Countdown: Top 10 Finales
This year marks the end to one of the msot lucrative franchises of all time. A seven book stories and eight movies comes to an end in a conclusion thats guranteed to make a boat load of money. However, there are a fair amount of great finales out there in multiple forms of media across several different series. (Of course, finales never really stay finales for long.)
Disclaimer: As always, this is limited to my own experience. If a reader out there wishes to recommend a series with a great finale, go ahead and place it in the comments below.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle (novel)
-------------------------
Although its tone is decidedly more bleak than previous installments in C.S. Lewis's beloved franchise, the final novel in the series presents another Chrsitian parallel in its portrayel of the apocalypse. Characters are killed brutally, but in typical Lewis fashion returns in the final chapters. The Last Battle is a truly smart capper to a great series.
9. Ultimate Spider-man
------------------------
Although the series has yet to officially conclude, Brian Bendis has done tthe unthinkable, Peter Parker has died. Although death in comics is hardly permanent and main characters have been known to die, Marvel's Ultimate line is decidedly different. Only rarely do characters return from the grave and unlike the Marvel's main coninuity, writer Brian Bendis has complete control over how the series will play out from this point forward. Peter's death is handled with class and incredible emotion. It never feels like a gimmick.
8. Toy Story 3
------------------------
Last year, I doubt many of us would have expected to include this amoung the best series cappers of all time. However, Pixar's incredible third installment in the Toy Story series is just that. It not only stands on its own as a clever and inventive animated film, but delivers a poignant statement on mortality. It also delivers closure to characters we have come to love for over a decade.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (novel)
------------------------
Are there lots of deaths? Yes. Powerful character revelations? Check. Controversial final scene? Yep. J.K. Rowling's modern fantasy epic concludes in typical fashion, but with a sense of grandeur and style the series is known for. And yes, while some hated the final scene, I have to admit I rather liked it.
6. Buffy The Vampire Slayer-"Chosen"
-----------------------
Although it is not the best episode of the series, "Chosen" ends Buffy in grand fashion with the battle for evil taking even greater stakes than ever before. Friends are lost in heart breaking sacrifice and at the same time preparing its series for a new step in its mythology and a eventually a new medium.
5. Serenity
-----------------------
Whoa, another Joss Whedon show? Insanity! This movie conclusion to the short lived series easily earns its place on this list. In addition to wrapping up the majority of the mythology questions posed by the series. However, Serenity thrives in bringing about sometimes heart breaking character conclusions through action filled spectacle.
4. Lost: The End
-----------------------
Controversial and beloved at the time, the final episode of the epic television series Lost does not answer all the questions viewers posed about the show's intricate mythology. However, what it suceeds beautifully at is at creating some of the most satisfying and beautiful character resolutions ever seen. Plus there's that scene with the dog.
3. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
-----------------------
Although it is still the worst of the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi is one hell of a series capper. The epic of Anakin Skywalker comes to an emotional and empactful close amongst epic spacebattles and slug like crime lords. The wordless finale also delivers a sense of galactic euphoria.
2. Watchmen
-----------------------
I may be cheating with this one. I mean Watchmen is a book right? Well before it was a book, Watchmen was a critically acclaimed miniseries. The bleak and atypical finale to the series not only subvert nearly every superhero cliche at the time, but creates a resolution that caps off a timeless series. It would also earn the series the label of being completely unfilmable for years.
1. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Film/Novel)
----------------------
Perhaps the greatest fantasy series ever created, The Lord of the Rings suceeds in both forms of media. It brings its quest to a climactic close with spectacular battles, blood thirsty creatures, and twists left and right. However, what makes the finale to this trilogy such a winner are its quiet moments. Especially in Peter Jackson's film adaptation this finale suceeds with its characters. Whether its the realization of Gimley and Legolas's friendship, Pippin singing to the steward of Gondor, or its great conclusion that remembers that there are more to endings than climactic battles, Return of the King is storytelling gold and the best series finale of all time.
Disclaimer: As always, this is limited to my own experience. If a reader out there wishes to recommend a series with a great finale, go ahead and place it in the comments below.
10. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle (novel)
-------------------------
Although its tone is decidedly more bleak than previous installments in C.S. Lewis's beloved franchise, the final novel in the series presents another Chrsitian parallel in its portrayel of the apocalypse. Characters are killed brutally, but in typical Lewis fashion returns in the final chapters. The Last Battle is a truly smart capper to a great series.
9. Ultimate Spider-man
------------------------
Although the series has yet to officially conclude, Brian Bendis has done tthe unthinkable, Peter Parker has died. Although death in comics is hardly permanent and main characters have been known to die, Marvel's Ultimate line is decidedly different. Only rarely do characters return from the grave and unlike the Marvel's main coninuity, writer Brian Bendis has complete control over how the series will play out from this point forward. Peter's death is handled with class and incredible emotion. It never feels like a gimmick.
8. Toy Story 3
------------------------
Last year, I doubt many of us would have expected to include this amoung the best series cappers of all time. However, Pixar's incredible third installment in the Toy Story series is just that. It not only stands on its own as a clever and inventive animated film, but delivers a poignant statement on mortality. It also delivers closure to characters we have come to love for over a decade.
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (novel)
------------------------
Are there lots of deaths? Yes. Powerful character revelations? Check. Controversial final scene? Yep. J.K. Rowling's modern fantasy epic concludes in typical fashion, but with a sense of grandeur and style the series is known for. And yes, while some hated the final scene, I have to admit I rather liked it.
6. Buffy The Vampire Slayer-"Chosen"
-----------------------
Although it is not the best episode of the series, "Chosen" ends Buffy in grand fashion with the battle for evil taking even greater stakes than ever before. Friends are lost in heart breaking sacrifice and at the same time preparing its series for a new step in its mythology and a eventually a new medium.
5. Serenity
-----------------------
Whoa, another Joss Whedon show? Insanity! This movie conclusion to the short lived series easily earns its place on this list. In addition to wrapping up the majority of the mythology questions posed by the series. However, Serenity thrives in bringing about sometimes heart breaking character conclusions through action filled spectacle.
4. Lost: The End
-----------------------
Controversial and beloved at the time, the final episode of the epic television series Lost does not answer all the questions viewers posed about the show's intricate mythology. However, what it suceeds beautifully at is at creating some of the most satisfying and beautiful character resolutions ever seen. Plus there's that scene with the dog.
3. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
-----------------------
Although it is still the worst of the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi is one hell of a series capper. The epic of Anakin Skywalker comes to an emotional and empactful close amongst epic spacebattles and slug like crime lords. The wordless finale also delivers a sense of galactic euphoria.
2. Watchmen
-----------------------
I may be cheating with this one. I mean Watchmen is a book right? Well before it was a book, Watchmen was a critically acclaimed miniseries. The bleak and atypical finale to the series not only subvert nearly every superhero cliche at the time, but creates a resolution that caps off a timeless series. It would also earn the series the label of being completely unfilmable for years.
1. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Film/Novel)
----------------------
Perhaps the greatest fantasy series ever created, The Lord of the Rings suceeds in both forms of media. It brings its quest to a climactic close with spectacular battles, blood thirsty creatures, and twists left and right. However, what makes the finale to this trilogy such a winner are its quiet moments. Especially in Peter Jackson's film adaptation this finale suceeds with its characters. Whether its the realization of Gimley and Legolas's friendship, Pippin singing to the steward of Gondor, or its great conclusion that remembers that there are more to endings than climactic battles, Return of the King is storytelling gold and the best series finale of all time.
Friday, July 23, 2010
SDCC: Whedon Talks Avengers and Dr. Horrible
One of the most exciting and informative panels at Comic Con's infamous Hall H yesterday was the JJ Abrams and Joss Whedon press conference. Together the two discussed not only film itself, but their upcoming projects in the internet as well as for the movie industry.
While Abrams mostly discussed his latest project Super 8, Whedon dropped several hints regarding some of his most anticipated projects. First off, the Firefly creator confirmed that he will indeed be directing the upcoming adaptation of the Avengers. He also offered a quick preview on why he took the job and his take on the storied comic book franchise. According to Whedon, what entices him to the project is the bizarre pairing the team presents. The director stresses that he wants to tell a story about why the team is together and about the "family" aspect that is a core feature of the comic series.
During the panel, Whedon also addressed questions about the upcoming Dr. Horrible sequel. He insisted that plans to create a follow up for the popular web based movie are still in existence, but are far from being realized at the moment. However, Whedon did mention that the general plot and several of the musical numbers have already been written.
Information courtsey of IGN.com and Comingsoon.net
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Avengers Casting Rumors
There are few movies out there bigger then the Avengers. With a critically acclaimed director attatched, and about half a dozen blockbuster superheroes it is easy to see why the film will lilkely be a success. However, with any big upcoming blockbuster there are rumors.
Comicbookmovie.com reported today that information has surfaced regarding the casting of Hank Pym (a.k.a Yellowjacket, Ant Man, Giant Man) and his sometimes wife Janet Van Dyne better known as the Wasp. Nathan Fillion, a regular of director Joss Whedon having starred in his cult classic sci-fi series Firefly, is negotiations to play the former while Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) will play that latter.
However, there is still heavy speculation on whether the characters will in fact appear as their super powered alter egos, or just as scientists for the government agency S.H.I.E.L.D.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Firefly Star Joins The Avengers?
There are few actors that are as praised in the nerd community then Nathan Fillion, star of Firefly, Dr. Horrible, and Castle. Now, Fillion looks to establish an even bigger cult following. Rumors began circulating today that Fillion will be starring as the super hero Ant Man in the upcoming Avengers film, coincidentally directed by Firefly creator Joss Whedon. The validity of this statement is unknown, but it has been picked up by Playlist Nation and Marvelous News, adding some credibility to an almost too good to be true rumor.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Firefly Star Joins Transformers Cast
Wow. Bay is trying really hard to win me back. First we lose the twins, then we have stars of the movie admitting that the second film was a failure. Now according to The Wrap, Alan Tudyk, who played Wash on the spectacular Joss Whedon series Firefly, has joined the cast for the latest Transformers film. His role is being kept secret for now, but he joins such famous actors as John Malkovich, Patrick Dempsey, and Frances McDormand. Maybe...just maybe...Transformers 3 won't be bad? I need a moment to sit down and takes this in.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Joss Whedon-Marvels Newest Star?
Well, not in the way your thinking. Joss Whedon will not be getting a comic in Marvel, and neither will Mal and the Serenity crew. Joss Whedon has worked with Marvel in the past, prominently with his run on Runaways. However, the prolific writer and director was recently announced to be directing the newest Avengers film. Pajiba.com is also reporting that Joss Whedon may be writing the script for next years Captain America film. Things are really getting exciting regarding Marvel's film line up.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Around the Web- (New Regular Feature?)
Well, I've promised regular features in the past. (Remember my top ten lists, Fringe and clone wars reviews?) Here's one that I would love to keep in existance for a while atleast. Every week I will post three viral videos/ or new memes that caught my eye. Here are my pics for the week.
1. Children's Choir Sings "Still Alive"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now if that didn't make you smile with nerd related happiness, I dont know what will.
2. TV Show Theme Medley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recently featured on the Best of Youtube Podcast, this awesome video mainly caught my eye for the awesomeness that happens at 3:55. Its just cool overall though. Though, I'm mad that they included Family guy.
3. Bizarre Giant Shark Video
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now this video is just bizarre. I actually happened upon it a few years ago, but it recently popped back into the random soup of my subconcious. It looks real enough, but its still fracking weird.
1. Children's Choir Sings "Still Alive"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now if that didn't make you smile with nerd related happiness, I dont know what will.
2. TV Show Theme Medley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recently featured on the Best of Youtube Podcast, this awesome video mainly caught my eye for the awesomeness that happens at 3:55. Its just cool overall though. Though, I'm mad that they included Family guy.
3. Bizarre Giant Shark Video
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now this video is just bizarre. I actually happened upon it a few years ago, but it recently popped back into the random soup of my subconcious. It looks real enough, but its still fracking weird.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
