Another Kaiju Appreciation is up, this time an updated version of my video for Hedorah the Smog Monster. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T305CEptpks Godzilla vs. Hedorah, AKA Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster is a very strange film. It marks the transition of Godzilla into straight-up hero mode and its environmentalist message is as nuanced as an anvil. There's a … Continue reading Kaiju Appreciations: Hedorah (Update)
Videos
Low-Effort Blogging: David Stewart
This week I'm outsourcing to author / YouTuber David Stewart, whom I find to be one of the more interesting and helpful creators on the platform, especially where writing advice is concerned, though his social / economic commentary is generally excellent as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqFiUzCe3nA&list=PLrcjHcKc8BLiI28WyqwJK3ChsZT3pSMGL&index=133&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyHsxkUgu2c&list=PLrcjHcKc8BLjrnN9DpFJC4tqj98XZPlEO&index=4&t=392s&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzaqSf_I9qg&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFkF0ozf8yM&t=2s&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR3cRQEQGs4&t=2s
Low-Effort Blogging: Marvel / DC Comic Con Videos
Had a pretty full day and didn't get around to writing a post, so more low-effort blogging. This time I'm outsourcing to YouTuber It'sJustSomeRandomGuy (whom I've mentioned before) and reaching back to the dawn of the second comic book film renaissance. Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite videos of his on the subject of...well, … Continue reading Low-Effort Blogging: Marvel / DC Comic Con Videos
Kaiju Appreciations; Kiryu (Re-Upload)
I made an appreciation for Kiryu, the third incarnation of Mechagodzilla...wow, seven years ago. It got hit with a copyright claim that led to the audio being muted, and, to my shame, I've only just gotten around to re-uploading it (partly I didn't want to just do a re-upload when I was behind on new … Continue reading Kaiju Appreciations; Kiryu (Re-Upload)
Batman: Broken Promise
A friend put me onto this excellent fan-made 'Batman' film. The animation is a little limited, but the writing is top-notch. Batman's as much a detective as a martial-artist and ultra-skilled without being invincible. The villains are broken and mentally-ill, but all the more dangerous for that. And it's got a great visual style that's … Continue reading Batman: Broken Promise
Kaiju Appreciations; Zigra
My latest appreciation video is up at last. This was kind of a tricky one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFum3UHzhCY I haven't done a full survey, but at the moment I want to call Gamera vs. Zigra the worst kaiju film to come out of either Toho or Daiei (well, Gamera Supermonster might top it from being mostly just … Continue reading Kaiju Appreciations; Zigra
Low-Effort Blogging: Unskippable
Because I'm still sick, I'm doing some extra low-effort blogging right now. In this case, here are some videos of a now-ended series called 'Unskippable', which is basically Mystery Science Theater 3000 for cheesy video game cut-scenes. It was a charming series, with the two laid-back-sounding hosts providing easy-going humor (as I recall, there's very … Continue reading Low-Effort Blogging: Unskippable
The Power of Nerves
I found a few videos showing just how effective standing your ground can be. Against an Elephant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8R50nvv5gc A gorilla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KujmrcF0ZxU And a bear (the second video then provides a an explanation of what's going on): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atZqRbpb5gg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb2skHOryJI I'd have more to say here, but I'm currently in a cold-induced haze that leaves very little … Continue reading The Power of Nerves
To the Death
A friend put me on to the below video: a fresh take on the lightsaber concept, applied to an original setting and done with some really quite excellent swordsmanship (apparently they had an expert consulting on it). Especial kudos to them for emphasizing how vital distance is in sword fighting, something that most movie sword … Continue reading To the Death
Kaiju Appreciations: Iris (Updated)
My latest appreciation video is now up. This one's a remake of the very first one, a tribute to Gamera's most vile and sinister opponent, Iris. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrHXCS9KQSo Iris is a very interesting figure among the kaiju. He's pretty clearly based on Viras from the Showa Gamera films - an alien squid monster - but they … Continue reading Kaiju Appreciations: Iris (Updated)
Serpent's Den 