I know the actor Nick Adams (who died tragically young, much like his friend and co-star James Dean) from the Toho films he did in the 1960s: Frankenstein Conquers the World and Invasion of Astro Monster. He was the first notable western actor in the Godzilla franchise (and, perhaps not coincidentally, was part of the series' … Continue reading “The Rebel”
Television
The Paper Chase
Prominent among my most recent television diet has been the show The Paper Chase, a four-season drama that ran from 1978 to 1986 (the show was cancelled after the first season due to low ratings – which is what happens when you schedule it opposite Happy Days: the Fonz brooked no challengers - but revived … Continue reading The Paper Chase
Bishop Sheen on the Three Confessions
Broadcasted 1957: Ven. Bishop Fulton Sheen traces the course of human sentiment through three great 'Confessions:' those of St. Augustine, of Abelard, and of Jean-Jacque Rousseau: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGGSxxuBtMk Money quote: "Jean-Jacque, therefore, gave birth to an entirely new concept of how to handle a conflict: namely, give way to it and call it right."
Celebrating 30 Years of Mystery Science Theater 3000
By an interesting coincidence, I am exactly as old as one my favorite shows: Mystery Science Theater 3000. This show has had a huge influence on me, particularly when it comes to developing my sense of humor and appreciation for the obscurer side of the entertainment world. Now, as the show turns thirty years old, I explore … Continue reading Celebrating 30 Years of Mystery Science Theater 3000
Apu and Charlie Chan Syndrome
I'm long since finished with 'The Simpsons' outside of the occasional re-run, but I had to comment on this. Apparently, the show has decided to drop the venerable character of Apu in the face of 'controversy' over his 'blatantly racist' portrayal. Said 'racist portrayal', as far as I can tell, amounts to that he has … Continue reading Apu and Charlie Chan Syndrome
Thoughts on ‘Phineas and Ferb Star Wars’
Past Entries: -Star Wars -The Holiday Special -The Empire Strikes Back -Return of the Jedi -The Phantom Menace -Attack of the Clones -Revenge of the Sith -The Force Awakens -Rogue One -The Last Jedi -Solo I wanted to end this series on a high note, so, despite the fact that it’s explicitly not canon (the … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘Phineas and Ferb Star Wars’
Thoughts on ‘The Star Wars Holiday Special’
Past Entries: -Star Wars I wasn’t sure whether I’d including the Holiday Special in my Star Wars rewatch, for the obvious reason that it’s not really part of the series proper. But, in the end, I decided that, since I had it (in the Rifftrax version), I might as well take another look in context … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘The Star Wars Holiday Special’
Drakken and Shego Manip
Here's a photo manip I did of live-action versions of Drakken and Shego from Kim Possible. Features my dream casting of Jeffrey Donovan and Morena Baccarin.
The Not Mary Sue
I’m rewatching Kim Possible at the moment, after being away from it for several years, and I’m delighted to find it’s even better than I remember it. It’s not quite in the same league as Phineas and Ferb or My Little Pony, but it is a very solid, very entertaining show anchored by two particularly … Continue reading The Not Mary Sue
How to Write Stupid Characters
Writing my Flat and Complex Characters post, describing the flaws in how Launchpad is written, it struck me that a major problem with him and similar characters (again, Soos from Gravity Falls) is that their stupidity is done in a very lazy way: they simply say or do whatever is most inappropriate or most idiotic, … Continue reading How to Write Stupid Characters
Serpent's Den 