GeekMatic!: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

PRESS RELEASE: Sibling Rivalry in Sea Monsters!

07.31.2013 – Percy Jackson is the reluctant hero who still trying to get used to being of the demigod children. The first film didn’t get much back story as what you’d wanted behind the thrilling action and spell binding fantasy.

Logan Lerman reprises the titular role as the teen demigod son of Poseidon prophesied to save the world of the gods’ children sired with humans in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.” The adventure continues and the mystery behind Percy’s family will probably revealed more in this film.

07.31.2013 – The aftermath of Age of Ultron left a huge repercussion in the Marvel Universe.

But in the end one man had the “sure win” to conquer the challenges even a collection of the best Avengers was not successful thwarting the threat.

That one man is Hank Pym the size changing hero known as Ant-Man. Marvel has dig deeper in the collection of characters that needed a spotlight and Hank Pym is the man they are grooming in the comic books.

PRESS RELEASE: The Wolverine Earns Box Office in PH!

07.30.2013 – The Wolverine could be the savior for the North American Summer movies.

The film was heavily promoted as early as last year where followers in the social media got the glimpse of preview photos as well as an online interview with Hugh Jackman and director James Mangold.

It’s also a match that would light up the next big thing for Marvel’s X-Men in Days & Future Past which is FAR BETTER than its predecessor’s first solo outing that was a catastrophe in Origins.

07.30.2013 – Previously Secret Fresh released some images of what could be the final product of the upcoming ERASERHEADS X SECRET FRESH vinyl toy exclusive designed by Korean artist COOLRAIN who’s well known who has collaborated with Mindstyle to release NBA licensed figurines.

The NBA figurines will be like the ones going to be released by exclusively by Secret Fresh sometime in September but only bigger. Recently a specialty store Big Boys Toys has given the exclusive rights to set a preorder for this much anticipated collectible.

Vinyl on Vinyl + Jon Burgerman!

07.29.2013 – Who is Jon Burgerman? He is a NYC based artist interested in instigating improvisation and play through drawing and spectacle. Something rarely seen with other artists but there is a growing interest with his style that was also inspired followed by others the way of doodling random creations.

His first trip to the Philippines and he gets to do a talk at Vinyl on Vinyl yesterday regarding his inspirations and creations. Plus you get to see his creations at the gallery which is also being sold.

Sights & Highlights: Smurfs 2 Global Premiere Day!

07.28.2013 – The Global Premiere Day for Smurfs 2 culminated with the event last June 22, 2013 with the Global Smurfs Day.

The highly promoted sequel from Sony Pictures Animated brought out the fans that grew up from Peyo’s creation.

Smurfs 2 had a special screening earlier today and Columbia Pictures the local distributor for the film went all the way to make it something to celebrate having a Smurfs mascot and having cinema 4 in SM Mall of Asia decorated in baby blue and white.

New Look Filbar's Grand Opening!

07.27.2013 – Filbar’s is the oldest comic book store in the Philippines established in 1979. It was first started as magazine store that sell selected comic book titles. Fast forward to the present the store is getting a fresh look under new management.

Its first appearance during Summer Komikon 2013 in April was the start of something new. Acquired by a new company all the store branches will have a new look and re-focused towards bringing the hobby in comics, toys, and games to local market.

Star Wars Black Series Luke Skywalker

Presenting Luke Skywalker from the Star Wars Black Series.

Now before you go balistic NO THE BLACK SERIES DOES NOT INCLUDE A LIGHT-UP LIGHTSABER - that's Photoshop (because I think it's cool).

Anyway, this is Hasbro's most recent and quite interesting venture involving the release of 6-inch tall figures to accompany their regular new 3.5" figure line. Luke Skywalker Rebel Pilot is one of four figures involved in series 1 of the Black Series line that includes R2-D2, Darth Maul and an Imperial Sand Trooper (Troop builders start drooling, they Sand Troopers look awesome).

Anyway, as I understand it, Series 1 has yet to reach International Distribution levels (But they're already available in HongKong and the Philippines), and there is much debate as to whether we should embrace Hasbro's move to the larger format or curse them to the high heavens, so here's a peak at the Black Series Luke Skywalker.

Movie Musings: Spoiler Free Review: The Wolverine

So we just got back from a 9:00AM screening of The Wolverine at Resorts World Manila. While I feel very grateful for the free tickets there is still much to be said about their policy of having to register for a membership card to get a movie ticket (it was inconvenient and disorganized) I will still say thank you and leave it at that and go on to my spoiler free movie review. I still love you Resort's World - I'll make sure to be a member to avoid any inconveniences in the future. :P

Okay so going back to The Wolverine - first off - I will say that I absolutely loved it! Liked is an understatement because I loved it! Easily 4 out of 5 stars! It was able to redeem itself from the awfully cliche-ridden X-Men: Origins movie - The Wolverine (which is a stand alone sequel after X-Men III: The Last Stand) has no cliches' what so ever and is in fact quite unpredictable. There are times in the movie where I found myself thinking 'Okay - so what's next?' because you absolutely have no idea what's coming and you'll definitely be quick on your feet and thinking throughout the movie, which is always a welcome experience when watching a movie. Sometimes it's not all about the effects and the fight scenes you also got to make your brain work and like a very good book 'The Wolverine' has surprises in every corner. Can I just tease that there is definitely a shocker scene and something that you definitely won't expect. (Wink. Wink). Oh and don't hold on to your horses for this one - you don't know who your enemies or allies are - so watch out!

Set in modern day Japan - with a bit of the old - it was a refreshing change to the usual X-Men (Xavier school for the gifted setting :P)

Happy Meal 2013: It's the Smurfs 2!

07.24.2013 – The unprecedented success of the Happy Meal brand for McDonald’s has been followed by other fast food restaurants. The aftermath of the Despicable Me 2 featuring the beloved minions has caused the marketing to bring the next one –- Smurfs !

The Smurfs (Les Schtroumpfs in French) has been around long before merchandise marketing was born for collectibles as it first appeared in a Belgian comic and television show. Smurfs first appeared in comics on October 23, 1958 by Peyo (pen name of Pierre Culliford).

McDo PH: Should Implement a Happy Meal Policy?

07.23.2013 – Happy Meal’s recent success with the Despicable Me 2 Minions has pushed a huge demand that can never be compared. The global popularity of the yellow guys talking gibberish has changed the way some McDonald’s in other regions to re-think the policy to avoid some incidents from happening again.

Smurfs 2 is the next Happy Meal toy in the line-up following the smashing success of DM2’s minion craze. This puts a lot of questions about how this will be done.

SDCC 2013: Don Rosa takes Bill Finger Award!

07.22.2013 – Don Rosa is a well known artist best known for illustrating the world of Walt Disney’s Ducks that have Donald and Uncle Scrooge in the comic book publication. He took over the legendary Carl Barks in 1986 in making great art continuing the adventures of your favorite ducks.

His meticulous, carefully researched work caught on big, at first in America and then overseas, where he was hailed for expanding on the foundation laid by Barks. Don Rosa has been the man behind the world of Donald and Uncle Scrooge gets recognized.

07.23.2013 – Percy Jackson returns and this time he’s taking on a bigger adventure to the open seas and this time new challenges awaits!

As the young teen hero, the son of Poseidon makes the big leap this time in saving the world!

The much adored teen demigod Logan Lerman aka Percy is back in "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters" to face his most perilous adventure based on Rick Riordan's best-selling second book of the same title.

SDCC 2013 PRESS RELEASE: Man of Steel Sequel Announced!

07.21.2013 – Maybe it must be too much to absorb what went down when Zach Snyder the director of the recently released Man of Steel film that brought back Superman to the status quo of fandom. The man behind 300 and Sucker Punch drop in an announced.

Of course you have to be there physically to have that “feel” of his presence and thousands of miles away it was never been the same. You must be thinking if this was all too real to keep up. Sure there were a lot of things to take in but hey this is Zack Snyder who also directed The Watchmen but Man of Steel was a different animal.

07.21.2013 – Reveal after big reveals have been unveiled today at the DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. panel gave the fans a frenzied reaction to moving forward with the future in the movie department that of course now a common knowledge.

There also “little things that matter” which could build up the reputation of the company not only in the movies but also in the small screen.

Sights & Highlights: Community Meet

07.20.2013 – The LEGO® enthusiasts who are also into other brands related to constructions toys has been around since 2007.

The small community known as Philippine Bricksters was born on the now defunct Multiply Group page.

Originally the group would benefit interest in all brands of constructions toys led by LEGO® that started it all. When Multiply.com closed this year all members you were part of the growing community moved to the FB group.

Kick Ass 2 Extended NSFW Trailer!

07.19.2013 – It may have taken this long but it’s already common knowledge that Kick Ass 2 is coming out this year. It’s hard to imagine Chloë Grace Moretz who portrayed Hit Girl has grown up since last see slicing bad guys in the big screen.

This time around the film gets bigger & more complicated with a new cast led by Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes. Teaser photos & trailers has surfaced online in the past months as Comic Con takes center stage this might get interesting.

SDCC 2013: SMU Toys + Red Dot Diva Reports!

07.19.2013 – Correspondents Red Dot Diva and SMU Toys was all over Comic Con International. Just like last year the Singapore based Diva and the local SoCal legend takes their respective coverage on the scene.

Red Dot Diva was excited about the X-Files reunion long rumored a few days before SDCC opened its doors, while SMU Toy’s Mach Diesel shares his adventure on the sought after collectibles for this year. Definitely it’s going to be another weekend for the team bringing you the biggest event of popular arts in San Diego.

Be The Wolverine Kinect Experience!

Cosplayers cosplaying The Wolverine and The Silver Samurai during the event. I don't really want to give away anything during the movie....but... this one's a pretty good give away.

So it's only 7 days before The Wolverine shows in Cinemas (July 25). If you have been following the blog you would notice that I already have a couple of posts featuring the upcoming stand alone sequel. So I won't be blogging about the movie itself but this fun event that Paul and I got invited to attend.

PRESS RELEASE: Powerful Foes & Allies!

07.17.2013 – The Wolverine has battled foes in all sizes but never was prepared to fight the enemy when he’s most vulnerable.

Besides having his own rogues gallery there are a few would be his allies and this is evident in the upcoming film.

The most iconic character in the X-Men universe embarks upon on an epic journey in modern-day Japan in “The Wolverine.” As mentioned by Hugh Jackman this is a standalone adventure for Logan.

Sights & Highlights: The Wolverine Kinect!

07.16.2013 – The event dubbed “The Wolverine Kinect Experience” featuring the Soap Creative's system that powers the game as you slice your way while riding the bullet train that was seen in the trailers of the upcoming film.

Members of the media were present for the launch of the game at the Robinsons Movie World in Galleria.

The launch was hosted by Magic 89.9 FM’s DJ Pat who invited the media to take the challenge and try the game for themselves.

07.16.2013 – Ten days ago Neil Gaiman on July 6, 2013 held one of his stops for his last US Tour promoting “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” which has become a top book seller since its release.

His stop at Copperfield’s House in Sonoma County in Santa Rosa has produced long lines but not as the one that lasted for three days in the Philippines on his first visit back in 2005 which by far what he describes “The Wall of Sound.” Every stop for Neil Himself is as epic as how huge his followers are whenever he goes.

Wolverine is back on the Big Screen!

Everyone's favorite mutant (favorite pertaining to popular) Wolverine is back on the big screen. After lead roles in all three X-Men movies, a hilarious cameo in X-Men: First Class and a not so popular X-Men:Origins: The Wolverine movie; Logan is back with a stand alone sequel to X-Men 3: The Last Stand and this is the action filled The Wolverine.

Considered as the most popular and successful manga and anime in the world. Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball Z has sold more than 230 million copies worldwide since it's release in 1984-now almost 29 years later and after 17 movies - an 18th movie is bidding it's time (as of this posting -44 days) before it is released in Philippine Cinemas.

Going through Twitter, I saw some tweets about Pacific Rim that was pointing out (complaining) how 'Japan' was not that too pronounced in the film. Given that the concept of humans piloting huge robots or mecha and battling monsters from the sea is straight off a Japanese show - whether anime or not. (Ultraman, Godzilla, Daimos, Evangelion and of course Voltes V- the list goes on and on.)

While we all know that the X-Men: Origins Wolverine movie was bad, (in a bad way) really bad with the nauseating cliches and all too familiar narrative we are hoping that Wolverine will be able to redeem himself with this upcoming movie: The Wolverine.

ERASERHEADS x SECRET FRESH by COOLRAIN!

07.14.2013 – The Eraserheads composed of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro is the Filipino iconic rock band from the 1990s.

The band was dubbed “Beatles of the Philippines” producing 7 studio albums and a collection of EPs, demos and compilations that defined an era of Philippine music.

The band was reunited again in 2008, 2009 and recently doing selected international tours in 2013.

First Look: How to train your Dragon 2!

07.13.2013 – How to train your Dragon became an instant hit based from the 2003 book of the same name by Cressida Cowell.

The Dreamworks Animated feature was conceived as a trilogy and at that time it was long thought a single film until they have revealed the sequel’s trailer that would possibly wanting to own a Dragon for yourself…

Celebrate 2013 with Power Rangers 20!

07.12.2013 – The Power Rangers series concept is based from the Super Sentai of shows from Japan that began in the early 1970s. However Power Rangers was born in the mid-1990s with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

The original Super Sentai shows where not an English dub and the Power Rangers is new production with English-speaking actors spliced in with the original Japanese footage to varying ratios.

Pacific Rim Opens the Possibility of Cool!

07.11.2013 – There was no trailer for other movies they started showing the film almost at 8 PM. There was some trivia games where you took home a coffee table book related to Pacific Rim which was won by two individuals.

It was raining hard but no one bothered as everyone started lining up to get in the cinema by 7 PM. The rain was bad and traffic was at standstill. But then again you’re cozy up as one of the few who get to see the film prior to regular showing.

Tour The World of Grand Theft Auto V!

07.10.2013 – Grand Theft Auto series has become a multi-awarded franchise game produced by Rockstar Games and has become a favorite among gamers.

Its revolutionary concept has expanded with a new game released.

You immerse yourself in the environment a game title derived from "grand theft auto", a term referring to motor vehicle theft.

Jollibee Kids Meal 2013: Goes Turbo!

07.09.2013 – In the anticipation for the release of the film Turbo from Dreamworks Animation the Philippines popular fast food restaurant in Jollibee brings you their latest Jolly Kids Meal for the month of July 2013!

The Kids Meal toys might be exclusive only in the Philippines and it might not be available in other regions outside the country. But it’s sure that these little garden snails aren’t push overs. Possibly not as appealing as the trending minions but you got only three snails to collect in building one cool race track!

PRESS RELEASE: The Cast of Pacific Rim!

07.08.2013 – Pacific Rim is a Monster VS Robot fight fest which was inspired from Japanese animation as well as other popular culture that makes this film a must see in the theater on the day things get rocking!

It was essential to the filmmakers of Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures' new action-adventure “Pacific Rim” that the magnitude of the action be balanced with the human stories that are at the heart of the film.

Google Doodle: Roswell's 66th Anniversary!

07.08.2013 – This year celebrates the 66th anniversary of the Roswell incident that catapulted to public media that there are aliens out there. If there’s rumors that the cast of X-Files is making a reunion at this year’s SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) then this might be one heck of an alien conspiracy theory.

But then again on a serious note let’s go back to what inspired all these conspiracies with other things related to what inspired various medium of media from comic books, movies and television to produce shows that’s related to what really happened during that time.

MacGyver Doing the Impossible Now!

07.07.2013 – Who has not heard of the TV show titled “MacGyver” which originally ran from 1985-1992 which stars Richard Dean Anderson as the man who prefers non-violent resolutions where possible, and refuses to handle a gun.

From ordinary things Mac escape unscathed having only his Swiss Army Knife and a regular flattened duct tape. The television series was popular airing in the Philippines Saturday night the show was a success.

Golden Age Hero: The Owl #1!

07.06.2013 –The Owl (not to be mistaken for Marvel’s hairy villain) is an original character first appeared in 1940 in Crackerjack Funnies #25 published by Dell Comics. The Golden Age superhero was created by Frank Thomas possibly inspired from DC Comics’ Batman.

A fictional city of Yorktown in need of a hero and Police detective Nick Terry became The Owl to protect his home his home city in the night. Originally during Dell Comics publication the character have similar gimmicks that the famed cape crusader has today.

Sighted: DM2 Agnes & Gru Collectors Edition!

07.05.2013 – The Minions may be sold out but for those who collect the Despicable Me 2 toys other than Gru’s henchman have a little chance to collect the other characters. Two additional action figures have been sighted yesterday.

They are the Collector’s Edition Gru and Agnes just like the three playful minions that were sold out prior to the release of the film these have the same electronic feature. Both figures have more than 30 movie lines based from the original and the sequel. Agnes stands at 11 inch while Gru stands at 14 inches which has a talk back interactive feature.

07.05.2013 – Man of Taichi is an upcoming film which stars Keanu Reeves and this will also be his first feature film debut as director.

Man of Tai Chi is a multilingual narrative, partly inspired by the life of Reeve's friend, stuntman Tiger Chen.

Pre-production of this film began in 2008 but the project did not move forward until Reeves was done finishing some of his commitments appearing in B Movies as well as making script refinements in the screenplay.

Trese Preview in Manila Noir Book Launch!

07.04.2013 – Manila Noir is a compiled of featured stories by Lourd de Veyra, Gina Apostol, F.H. Batacan, Jose Dalisay, Eric Gamalinda, Angelo R. Lacuesta, R. Zamora Linmark, Rosario Cruz-Lucero, Sabina Murray, Jonas Vitman, Marianne Villanueva, Lysley Tenorio, Budjette Tan & Kajo Baldisimo.

It’s part of Akashic Books an award winning series of original noir anthologies comprised of all-new stories set in the Philippine’s capital city. It is edited by Fil-American fictionist and the 2011 Asian American Writer’s Workshop Lifetime Achievement Awardee in Jessica Hagedorn.

07.04.2013 – Tonto was originally Lone Ranger’s friend that he needs to talk to during the original run in the radio show appearing in the 11th episode on February 25, 1933. The character was a native of the Potowatomi tribesman and has been an iconic partner of the Lone Ranger in various media.

In the new film three-time Best Actor Oscar-nominee Johnny Depp stars as Native American warrior Tonto (now as a Comanche tribesman) in Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ epic, action adventure “The Lone Ranger.”

Happy Meal 2013: Despicable Me 2 US Release!

07.03.2013 – The movie comes out in the US in less than 24 hours and there was no details of what the minions that will come out but thanks to those who followed the updates regarding the releases in some parts of the world.

In the Philippines prior to the movie’s release it was sold out and no word on a restock as previously reported during the premier last Saturday that they have 1.2 million units allotted for the whole duration of the promotions.

07.03.2013 – Pacific Rim is one of the anticipating films of the year with inspirations from Japanese monster and robots that definitely with impress you once you see it in the big screen. With all that action what about the pilots behind those gigantic Jaegers?

He's best known for his starring role as Jackson “Jax” Teller in TV's “Sons of Anarchy,” the highest-rated drama in the FX network’s history. Now, Charlie Hunnam as embattled Jaeger pilot Raleigh Becket in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures' futuristic action adventure “Pacific Rim.”

PRESS RELEASE: Percy Jackson in Sea of Monsters!

07.02.2013 – It’s been a while since we’ve seen Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief that became a box office hit back in 2010.

Rick Riordan’s The Olympians series consist of four novels including the first film is adding another one coming this year.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters is loosely based from the novel this time the adventure takes them to even bigger world that reveal some interesting visuals as well as expanding the franchise to a larger audience.

Happy Meal 2013: US Exclusive Two New Minions!

07.01.2013 – The minions has taken over McDonald’s all over the world. In the Philippines it has become a trending topic regardless if it was from the movie Despicable Me 2 or the popularity of the minions.

They have become an instant celebrity since their first appearance in 2010 that catapulted them creating a huge cult following. If you’re getting ready to see them when the movie opens in cinemas expect renewed minion craziness.