GeekMatic!: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Sighted: Bandai's Godzilla!

03.31.2014 – You’ve seen the teaser images and trailers but still no idea what Godzilla look like when starts stomping cities across the world. There were images that are not clear what this monster would appear in the big screen, but confirmed to be gigantic.

Godzilla IS big in literal sense and presumably bigger than its original predecessor, and this is not the one you saw from the 1998 film that ate A LOT of fish. If you’ve seen the teaser trailers from the cinema or the most recent one that also featured promotional teaser posters than you might be wonder what the merchandise looks like…

03.31.2014 – Godzilla is king of the kaiju and his return to the big screen is imminent every stomp in the ground destruction waits.

Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Picture Studios just recently released new artworks of the monster that will making its way to Hollywood and the rest of the world.

Real American Heroes: First Responder!

03.30.2014 – G.I. Joe is celebrating 50 years and it’s not the “Real American Hero” team, which turned 30 years in 2012. But THE original G.I. Joe action figure first introduced in 1964 was always mistaken for a doll than a toy for the boys.

In 2012 when Hasbro was celebrating the 30th anniversary of the G.I. Joe team for the 3 ¾ scale figures they also re-introduced their “Real American Heroes.” This is for the 12 inch line of figures based from real people from soldiers to firemen in the modern era.

03.30.2014 – Earth Hour team up with the cast and crew of Amazing Spider-Man 2 did not start on Earth Hour itself. The campaign was ahead of its schedule and it started with the arrival of the main cast in Singapore during the press media this recent Thursday.

Red Dot Diva reports from the sidelines during the media day Friday early evening. She had the chance to see the cast talk about supporting Earth Hour what it means to be a hero too. The Earth Hour collaboration doesn’t end there but also a global movement with WWF.

Happy Meal PH 2014: Super Mario 3D World!

03.29.2014 – McDonald’s pulled out a surprise this early for the Happy Meal toys for April 2014, and it’s none other than your favorite plumber in Mario! You just read it here the Italian who keeps getting in trouble dealing with weird looking creatures from a world far from New York is taking over your “Happiness in the Box!”

This might be another minion-grabbing attention much like last year this toy meal is poised to be sold out in less than a week. Based from the Wii U game Super Mario 3D World released eight six variations of Mario with Princess Peach and Yoshi to collect all eight.

03.29.2014 – The Wachoskis haven’t had a big hit since The Matrix Trilogy and their next one Jupiter Ascending, a science fiction themed epic, which stars Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis in lead roles that is quite an odd pair.

Warner Bros and Village Roadshow rolls out a new trailer!

Movie Review: Muppets Most Wanted!

03.28.2014 – The Muppets are back and this time they are touring Europe. But along the way things are not what you expected since the last one shown in 2012. There was a huge marketing promotion for this film that definitely makes this interesting.

The gang is back with new human cast of talented actors in Rick Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey. This is not the Muppets of old but rather has a new shine to its armor now that Kermit, and the cast of wild characters are basking a new spotlight…

03.28.2014 – Edge of Tomorrow based from an original Japanese Manga with some elements of “Ground Hog Day” having science fiction elements slowly getting the attention that this is not just another Tom Cruise film.

While the original novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka carried a different title, but still inspired a would-be box office film that certainly a sci-fi thriller that really kicks some serious alien ass. Warner Bros. Picture Studios and Village Roadshow released a new trailer…

Morpheus "Introduction" on the KIA K900!

03.27.2014 – Morpheus as your guide to choosing the right luxury car for KIA’s K 900 model is a brilliant campaign that was first seen late in January with a series of TV commercials giving you an idea what to expect in a car like this.

The agency behind this campaign knows which target market they want for KIA’s first ever luxury car. You’d feel old knowing The Matrix was in cinemas in 1999, and by now those audience is in their late 30s to 50s where they have Morpheus giving you a choice.

03.27.2014 – The previous teasers for X-Men: Days Future Past mostly focuses on the characters that are part of this big film ensemble. It’s a reunion and at the same time assembling their own “Avengers” to battle a mutant extinction they might not win.

Bryan Singer returns in the director chair far removed from seeing the development of the X-Men franchise since the second film.

Anyone knew the history behind it and now poised to bring back the glory days with Days Future Past that seems to be darker than the previous mutant story to date.

Marvel's Game Changer in The Winter Soldier!

03.26.2014 – Marvel continues to roll the punches and the company known as the House of Ideas is not running out of surprises. Iron Man 3 was the appetizer and Thor: The Dark World was introduction to the main course.

But Captain America: The Winter Soldier is not what everyone anticipated. It’s WAY 70 plus years away from “The First Avenger”, and as what others have said for those who got the chance to see it first it was DEFINITELY GOOD. Sorry DC Comics fans you won’t see your Batman VS Superman film until Captain America 3 comes out…

03.26.2014 – Captain America: The Winter Soldier has opened in Philippine cinemas with the midnight showings earlier today. The anticipation is growing and possibly this could break box office records, but change the tone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

Ayala Malls across the board have the exclusive promos through their social media channels to take home some collectible items and goodies. The start for Marvel Studios in 2014 is strong that their fans and viewers want to be part of the experiences!

Abangan: The Best Komiks Collaboration of Friends!

03.25.2014 – Abangan: The Best in Philippine Komiks 2014 will be released next month at the Summer Komikon. It’s a compilation of works from the best local artist in the country. This is also a collaboration of four friends that brought this book together.

Rob Cham who collaborated with Adam David, Carljoe Javier and Elbert Or was at the Art in the Park last Sunday talking about what went behind the scenes in producing this book that everyone is talking about it…

03.25.2014 – Black Widow returns in Captain America: The Winter Soldier after taking part in the Battle of New York. She first made her Marvel Cinematic Universe in Iron Man 2 as “babysitter” to Tony Stark.

This is the third Marvel Studios’ film that the Widow makes an appearance portrayed by Scarlett Johansson. In the three outings she had her hair changed, but the character stayed a mystery until Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Could this be her revelation movie?

Art in the Park 2014: Vinyl on Vinyl!

03.24.2014 – Art in the Park is an annual event, where art galleries converge together with the artists from all mediums in this one day event. Vinyl on Vinyl has been part of this since the art gallery opened in February 2010.

VoV has established itself as one of the art galleries that featured their own in-house artists like Anjo Bolarda, Gab Tiongson, Iyan De Jesus, and Danger Sanchez to name a few of the talents. They also had Jon Bugerman and Gary Baseman do a solo show too.

03.24.2014 – Before you see the evil side of Lex Luthor portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg in the upcoming untitled Man of Steel 2. Heart him again as the voice of the adventurous Blu in Rio 2, which made a box office hit in 2011. This sequel is something you’d one to see first as Eisenberg brings back Blu with the rest of his family…

Kapow! Celebrates Marvel at 75!

03.23.2014 – Kapow! Universe, the Marvel Concept Store in the Philippines celebrated its 75the anniversary by promoting the upcoming Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which will be hitting the big screen on March 26, 2014.

Local comic books artists led by Leinil Yu was at the store meeting with fans, singing comic books, and making sketches. The other local artists where just across the store supporting the celebration and launching the new Captain America vinyl by Funko Pop!

03.23.2014 – Peanuts is one of the longest running comic strips that Charles M. Schultz have created debuting October 2, 1950 “arguably the longest story ever told by one human being" which ran up to February 13, 2000 and has been reruns afterwards.

The strip is the most popular and influential comic strip in history with 17,897 strips published in all. Outside the pen and paper Peanuts was also successful with two Emmy Awards.

Spider-Man Delivers for US Postal Service!

03.22.2014 – How often do you get your mail or package delivered on time?

Some make it while others don’t but with the United States Postal Service teaming up with Spider-Man surely Stan Lee would definitely be amazed right?

03.22.2014 – Chris Evans has portrayed two superhero characters and being a jokester behind the camera everyone knew him for being the Human Torch. At the same time Evans is a geek and originally had reluctance to accept the role as Steve Rogers.

But based on the previous interviews in press junkets to promoting Captain America: The Winter Soldier he made the right choice thanks to some convincing from his friend Robert Downey Jr. or was it Tony Stark…

A Different Kind of Moon Knight!

03.21.2014 – You can say Moon Knight is Batman in white costume, but entirely there’s more to Marc Spector than some can describe.

The character has been around since 1975 making his first appearance in Werewolf by Night #32, which was co-created by Dough Moench and art work from Don Perlin.

The latest series to come out from the House of Ideas takes a different approach from controversial writer Warren Ellis with Declan Shalvey and Jodie Bellaire managing the art work.

03.21.2014 – They say if isn’t broke don’t fix it, but refining one successful film into a franchise is another thing. Zack Snyder changed the way we see about films and he incorporates that perspective that is consistent.

Noam Murro translated that success into another blockbuster hit in the “Rise of an Empire”, which is completely a different animal but follows the narrative of what Snyder has left for him to continue.

Converse All-Stars + the Simpsons Sneakers!

03.20.2014 – If collaborating with Philippine comic book artists was something unique for Converse. This time around it’s very special as the oldest American sneaker brand team up with Matt Groening’s famous yellow skinned family.

The natives of Springfield get a pair of sneakers tribute how the Simpsons has become part of the popular culture. This year Converse released their All-Star line decked with the Simpsons family featuring individual designs for Bart and Homer with a third one with the complete family that includes Maggie, Lisa, and Marge.

03.20.2014 – There are films that never makes it to mainstream that was produced with a well-written narrative and great visual. It’s rare that a virtual unknown film like Saga: Curse of the Shadow is one of those who never got a spotlight of a chance.

Period themes during medieval times are popular nowadays with television having Game of Thrones and Vikings. Now here’s Saga: Curse of a Shadow not only is a fantasy based film but also having elements of sci-fi to give you that curiosity too…

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Final Trailer!

03.19.2014 – Just when things are heating up at Marvel Studios for the release of Captain America: The Winter Soldier this week. Sony Pictures shows off their ace up with the final trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

This might be the best Spider-Man sequel since... Well Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2...

03.20.2014 – There are great animated feature films that have enough substance, that you forget how the quality wasn’t enough to impress your visual senses. And there are great animated features that have mesmerizing visuals that lacked a good story structure.

In Rio 2 it’s a marriage of both with great writing and spectacular visuals that was crafted in the original. The sequel will boast the same concept that will surely memorable story-wise visually…

Superman Flies Using GoPro!

03.18.2014 – Imagine how Superman uses a GoPro camera to capture his view while flying. That’s exactly what the guys behind Corridor Digital when they produced this short film featuring the Man of Steel and a GoPro camera.

Everyone dreams of flying but can imagine how Superman would be this cool strapping a GoPro camera while he takes off?

03.18.2014 – Captain America an iconic character and the first Marvel hero to appear in the comic books has a fair share of history. Steve Rogers won’t be the star spangled hero without his supporting cast and Bucky Barnes is the closest he had as a sidekick.

When Bucky perished during WWII when he tried to disarm a bomb, but failed to do so that cost his life. In the cinematic film he plunged to his death trying to help Captain America in his mission. The comic book character was dead for a long time until 2005.

Marvel Universe: Black Widow!

03.17.2014 – For every super team there’s a female lead character that’s a member of this group. Marvel’s the Avengers had one female lead in the Black Widow portrayed by Scarlett Johansson who will reprise her role in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

In the comic books the Black Widow’s character is more layered and defined as to he she is being a double or triple agent. Black Widow first appeared in Tales of Suspense #52 in 1964 and her origins revealed in Avengers #44 in 1967.

03.17.2014 – Muppets Most Wanted still carry all the necessary elements that you’ve seen in the previous films. Even on television it won’t be a Muppets show without part of being a musical variety show and it also translate into film.

The film brings back the gang with their new human friends portrayed by Ty Burrell, Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais which where featured previously. Most Wanted is turning out to be more than just another Muppet film that is now bigger than its predecessor!

Secret Fresh at the World BEX 2014!

03.16.2014 – Street art invades the 19th World Building Expo at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The live art was conducted by Secret Fresh and its talented graffiti artists during the first day of the event last March 12, 2014.

The live art featured six artists who also have their works featured at Secret Fresh. The art works where work-in-progress during the first day. The finish product is as stunning as its presentation and this is the second time Secret Fresh has a booth at World BEX…

03.16.2014 – X-Men: Days of Future Past has so many casts about 25 mutants will be seen in this film with returning director in Bryan Singer. There are so many layers to the story it’s going to be a challenge seeing them all come together in one epic film.

If you have been reading the news surrounding DoFP it’s already set to continue with Apocalypse and then a possible third Wolverine film. But DoFP won’t be out until May 2014 and things are ramping up with more reveals for this upcoming X-Men adventure!

HM Asia 2014: Mr. Peabody & Sherman Sphinx Maze!

03.15.2014 – The worldwide promotion for Mr. Peabody & Sherman featured as McDonald’s Happy Meal is not entirely the same. There’s one or two toy different in each continent and just like in the previous featured promotion it stands out unique.

For those hardcore in collecting all the variations it’s a challenge. If you have been one of those who was tracking all the minions for Despicable Me 2 this one is not as easy as you think. In Asia they have their own exclusive and that the Sphinx Maze!

03.15.2014 – The Muppets Most Wanted has the original cast from the first film return, but without their human friends since this is set in Europe if you haven’t seen the trailers and teaser posters.

In this film the human characters looks mighty interesting with actors like Ty Burrell, Tina Fey, and Ricky Gervais joining the cast of Muppets everyone can’t wait to see again.

Besides the three actors there will be surprise cameos in this film…

Hunter X Hunter: The Last Mission Showing Exclusively at SM Cinemas

I can't believe that it's already been a year since Movie Punch distributed Hunter X Hunter: The Phantom Rogue last May and now they're at it again with the new movie ~ Hunter X Hunter: The Last Mission which will screen EXCLUSIVELY at SM Cinemas on April 19 - that's a Black Saturday so not sure how that's going to work but I guess they will be screening it for a couple of weeks so mark those calendars!

03.14.2014 – Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a few hours away to premiere in a special red carpet screening at the El Capitan Theatre in the US. But there’s more behind the scenes about this film that would be interesting to find out.

Anthony and Joe Russo are the men behind the camera taking on the helm in bringing the sequel for Captain America. They are enthusiastic to share the experience on how they put together this political and espionage themed film in the world for the Marvel Cinematic Universe…

Movie Review: Need For Speed!

03.13.2014 – “Need For Speed” is not your typical film about cars, action and hot women. It’s about friendships, street racing, and a rivalry that make the narrative interesting as its debut film based on a popular racing game by Electronic Arts.

More entirely it’s about what the video game stands for, that makes it interesting and differentiates other films based about racing.

03.13.2014 – The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a month away and the promotion for the upcoming sequel keeps on rolling. For those who haven’t read the comic books the amazing wall crawler has built a huge following jumping into the big screen.

Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko which first appeared in The Amazing Fantasy #15 on August 1962 is also the face of the brand. Spider-Man swings to action once again and what’s the person to hear more about this character is none other than Stan Lee…

PRESS RELEASE: Maleficent Reveals Two Posters!

03.12.2014 – Maleficent is Walt Disney Studios’ next live action film based from the 1959 animated feature Sleeping Beauty. This film portrays the story from the perspective of the antagonist, Maleficent. It has been talked about and teasers where revealed recently.

Walt Disney Pictures has just revealed two new one-sheet art (domestic and international) for its fantasy adventure “Maleficent” starring Angelina Jolie. It’s a different take for Jolie who also has previously portrayed as an antagonist.

03.12.2014 – Lighting indeed can strike twice, Grant Gustin as The Flash is revealed in full costume. If the first reveal showing Gustin smiling wearing the headpiece, that teased a lot of fans last month that gave a huge anticipation.

This time around CW has your complete attention as they reveal Grant Gustin as The Flash in full costume, that will certainly a discussion among fans, who followed the original comic book published by DC Comics.

NexCon Brings You SciFi & Fantasy Convention!

03.11.2014 – There has been a lot local conventions happening in the Philippines, and mostly it has something to do with toys and cosplay. There has never been a convention that defined popular culture that catered equal interest.

There was news about NexCon a convention about Science Fiction and Fantasy. But there are no exact details on what this event has to offer. The event is organized by Cosplay.Ph and there will be more updates as the event happens…

03.11.2014 – 300: Rise of an Empire has so many things going on in one epic film, but that doesn’t stop it from being a blockbuster hit. The sequel to Zack Snyder’s 2007 hit is based from Frank Miller’s “Xerxes” might have lost you but the action scenes won’t.

You’ve got a vengeful woman, a god-king who thinks he can rule the land a Naval Commander who only goal is defend Greek as whole. Add sparks fly between sides and you got some gut wrenching action at sea that clearly an unexpected success…

Movie Review: 300 Rise of an Empire!

03.10.2014 – Wars have won and lost but when you watch 300 Rise of An Empire everything is at stake which includes your life. The film follows the stories of the Greeks and Persians from the 2007 film 300 the Zack Snyder directed.

It’s a tough act to follow if you’re talking about 300 based from the graphic novel by Frank Miller. Rise of an Empire is a different animal from the beginning as promoted it’s a prequel at the same time sequel to the original which has layers of intrigue.

03.10.2014 – There’s saying for every positive there is a negative. In the case of Kermit there’s no such negativity with this famous frog. Unless you have an evil twin or a clone that might wreck havoc in your life that spells catastrophe to our muppet friends.

The Muppets Most Wanted is as intriguing as hilarious the plot says. But you can never get enough with the crew. There are some surprises awaits and it’s not at the end of the rainbow. But it will be a ride that Kermit and the gang will take to explore it…

Vinyl on Vinyl + Gary Baseman!

03.09.2014 – Gary Baseman is a well known contemporary artist who has built an impressive body of work in various creative fields, including illustration, fine art, toy design, and animation.

His aesthetic style combines iconic pop art images, pre- and post-war vintage motifs, cross-cultural mythology and literary and psychological archetypes.

This is Baseman’s first trip to the Philippines and his debut show at Vinyl on Vinyl.

03.09.2014 – Iloilo Comic Con returns this summer and this time it’s bigger than the first. Known as ICCON its debut in December 2012 was a success the event is expanding to establish itself as the Pop Culture Event in Western Visayas.

This year’s ICCON will definitely give you something to look forward to this summer as it’s no longer a one-day event...

Clueless Gamer: Conan Plays WWE 2K14 on Xbox 360!

03.08.2014 – There are great wrestling games but due to 2K’s popularity with the NBA 2K series they also ventured into other sports that featured a lot of serious beating. The game is the WWE 2K14 which features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on the cover.

It’s the first game published by 2K Sports since Take-Two, which gained the license from THQ in a bankruptcy filing...

03.08.2014 – Rio 2 is coming back in a whole new way and they are heading to the wild parts of the Amazon. The voice cast reprises their roles in this big adventure that brings more laughs and introducing new faces.

Fast-rising to be one of Hollywood’s leading men, Rodrigo Santoro, a Brazilian native reprises his role as Tulio in “Rio 2,” from the globally beloved hit “Rio” where he plays an eccentric scientist opposite Leslie Mann’s character, Linda who owns Blu.

Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame To Kill For Teaser Trailer!

03.07.2014 – It’s been almost nine years since Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez co-directed Sin City. The sequel is star studded just like its processor and new cast joins the original team that brought you that popular comic book series that Miller created.

Dimension Films just revealed the first teaser trailer for the upcoming Sin City: A Dame To Kill For, which will have Eva Green as Ava and Josh Brolin as Dwight...

03.07.2014 – You’ve got the villain Dominic Cooper and the hero in Aaron Paul. As they say there’s a woman behind a man and Dakota Johnson fits the role. Need for Speed is getting amped to be shown soon and this time Dakota Johnson gets featured.

Scott Waugh, the director of DreamWorks Pictures' new action-adventure “Need for Speed” was looking for someone special for the role of Anita, the girl the film's hero let get away.