GeekMatic!: February 2014

Friday, February 28, 2014

HW Workshop 191 of 250: Herbie The Love Bug!

02.28.2014 – Herbie: The Love Bug has been an iconic character that was first introduced in 1968 with its first film titled “The Love Bug” which stars Dean Jones and Buddy Hackett. An anthropomorphic 1963 Volkswagen Beetle with a life of its own.

There have been five films and one made for television that expands the stories about Herbie. The most recent one is Herbie Fully Loaded which was shown in 2005. There has been several versions of Herbie as die-cast cars and Hot Wheels released one for 2014...

02.28.2014 – There’s a saying “Birds of a Feather Flocks Together” and they really do. Well almost all the birds and one bulldog in Rio 2! The adventure is just beginning for Blue and Jewel along with their kids in the upcoming sequel.

You’ve seen the teaser posters & trailer that is certainly interesting to see where they are headed next…

02.28.2014 – You’ve seen snippets teasers of the new Godzilla movie from Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Picture Studios. The latest trailer was just released but not entirely revealing how big Godzilla was in the upcoming film.

Now SNICKERS® brings more revelations what the kaiju is doing in his regular day away from stomping cities and makings things worse when he’s hungry…

02.28.2014 – The Muppets made a rainbow connection in the first film. Then the Swedish Chef takes on Gordon Ramsey in a cook off, while revealing that there’s a new adversary in the sequel.

Things could be the craziest story and this might be the greatest adventure The Muppets will ever be going.

If you haven’t seen the teaser images and other witty promotions to end all wittier promotions then guess again…

Lumpen Culturati with Dean Alfar on Locke & Key!

02.27.2014 – Locke & Key is an acclaimed suspense novel written by Joe Hill creating a dark fantasy and wonder. IDW published its graphic novel featuring the stunning artwork by Gabriel Rodriguez.

Carljoe Javier and Dean Alfar talks about this interesting story about an unlikely mansion in England known as the Keyhouse, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them...

02.27.2014 – The Amazing Spider-Man 2 won’t be released until sometime in April. But the promotion continues as previously announced, that the principle actors namely Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Jamie Foxx all pledging support for the annual event.

Even Marc Webb has shown also his support for the advocacy with WWF and Earth Hour. Now Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone will be heading the super hero joint project with both organizations. This endeavor certainly putting Spidey on the map!

Movie Review: A Little Bit of Zombie!

02.26.2014 – A Little Bit of Zombie is an indie film directed by Casey Walker, which garnered its own cult following during the time it was being crowdsoruced to be funded in the span of five years.

The film premiered originally on February 4, 2012 at the Victoria Film Festival in Victoria, British Columbia and was released on to DVD on July 16, 2013. In the Philippines CrystalSky Media distributed the film as an SM Cinema exclusive…

02.26.2014 – Are you anticipating the arrival of Godzilla? Worry no more as the radioactive lizard is closely lumbering its way to American cinemas and the rest of the whole world will follow in his tremble.

It’s been a long time since Godzilla has been in US cinemas, and this time he’s not going to be duped by a pile of fish. The new trailer will definitely find running for your lives…

Kids Meal Spotlight: Future GPX Cyber Formula!

02.25.2014 – Jollibee’s Kids Meal is a hit or a totally miss with regards to the quality of their collectible toys. Their latest offering for the month of February features Lalaloopsey and Future GPX Cyber Formula.

Lalaloopsey continues to be popular among girls and parents. But nobody recalls the Future GPX Cyber Formula an anime series in Japan that lasted 37 episodes in 1991. This was actually the second time Jollibee features the toys related to the show.

02.25.2014 – When you drive there’s an adrenaline rush that you crave to have the Need for Speed. Aaron Paul leads a cast of new faces in this action film based from Electronic Arts’ popular racing game.

The actor in the Need for Speed who used to be in the popular TV series “Breaking Bad” is making his big screen lead role. Aaron Paul in that hit series knows a thing or two of breaking the law and you get to know more about him in this feature…

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Second Trailer!

02.24.2014 – Marvel is rolling movies starting next month with Captain America from their studio and Sony follows up with the Amazing Spider-Man 2, which is getting new promos from dropping the ball in New York Time Square to Earth Hour this March.

Peter Parker looks like having his hands full now that he’s coming back from the dead in the comic books via his re-launched series. Now Columbia Pictures has a new trailer…

02.24.2014 – 300 Rise of an Empire is going to be an epic war that pits the Greeks against the Persians who wants to conquer the world. Within that war there are major players like chess pieces that define each character.

Eva Green takes the spotlight as Themistokles a bloodthirsty warrior in the upcoming film. Being the seductress in Dark Shadows and Bond’s flame Green definitely takes her acting chops to the next level with this film that define the word “action!”

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane: Book Review

When I read the summary of the book from it's back cover (as I was doing some book 'window' shopping) and I honestly did not know what to expect from the story. Which is why I was pleasantly surprised when I was thrown into a thrilling adventure of a mysterious world existing within our own.

02.23.2014 – Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a month away from its world premiere. You’ve seen the teaser posters and trailers. The merchandise has been on display since mid-January and the recent trailer already made it to Super Bowl.

But most of those who have seen the First Avenger don’t know much about Captain America that was based in the Marvel comic books, since making the appearance in 1941. The Winter Soldier continues Cap’s adventure and there’s more revelation here…

Sights & Highlights: Stephen Segovia Signing Event!

02.22.2014 – Stephen Segovia’s signing event in Comic Odyssey at the Fully Booked store was greeted with a great turn out. Segovia’s second signing event for Comic Odyssey for the launch of Red Hood & the Outlaws #28 happened earlier.

Stephen who has been an artist for the big two was present to greet friends and followers of his works. Some have copies of Red Hood & the Outlaws #28 signed and others have commission sketches done by Segovia while at the store.

02.22.2014 – You’ve read about the voices behind Mr. Peabody & Sherman featuring voice actors Ty Burrell and Max Charles. The odd couple of characters which spin off from the 1960s cartoon Rocky & Bullwinkle.

In the new 3D animated feature Mr. Peabody & Sherman gets to share an adventure with Penny voiced by Ariel Winter. Read more about voicing the character and her time making this new animated film from 20th Century Fox!

Guadians' Closer Look: Groot & Rocket Raccoon!

02.21.2014 – You’ve seen the toy at the recently concluded Toyfair. A few weeks earlier images and teasers where revealed for the Guardians of the Galaxy. Then this was followed up its first full trailer that had a very positive reception.

You’ve seen Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) in action.

02.21.2014 – There’s war without casualty and even centuries past it has been waged with a lot of body count. The original 2007 hit in 300 has many casualties and there were no survivors as the Greeks try to defend their land against the Persians.

In 300 Rise of an Empire the story never ends but more revelations and how the Persians have risen to power...

#ArtFairPH2014: Secret Fresh x Gene Paul Martin!

02.20.2014 – Art Fair Philippines opens to the public today and Secret Fresh is featuring Gene Paul Martin as its artist which is his first ever solo show. The exhibit at the Secret Fresh booth has Gene Paul Martin’s works entitled “Remains (The Sleep Walker).”

The Secret Fresh booth is a wonderland from the imaginative concepts based from Gene Paul Martin’s paintings and his first ever toy-sculpture known as “Fachoochi.” The chocolate haired creature that appears to be melting is officially a hit.

02.20.2014 – Need for Speed is popular for being one of the longest running racing videogame and finally gets to have a live action film. When you talk about the racing game the stars are mostly the cars.

But with the live action film the cars gets equal billing with their drivers. The actors behind the wheel just like its first screen debut are a group of new talents. Dreamworks Pictures definitely want to bring a fresh vibe to the well known videogame franchise…

Guardians of the Galaxy Takes Flight!

02.19.2014 – The Guardians of the Galaxy full trailer was finally revealed during the Jimmy Kimmel Live which was introduced by Chris Pratt (Peter Quill / Star-Lord). The much anticipated space adventure from Marvel Entertainment is finally revealed.

You’ve seen the images, the toys and teaser that introduced this trailer. Now you see the first full trailer featuring five outlaws banding together to save the universe...

02.19.2014 – Art Fair Philippines is less than 24 hours and Secret Fresh will be participating again this year featuring Gene Paul Martin’s first ever solo show with the art gallery.

For his debut Martin created the “Fachoochi” art toy-sculpture which will be a limited release.

There will be custom versions of the “Fachoochi” which will be on exhibit in the event. Besides the art toy he will be the principle artist to exhibit his paintings in the Secret Fresh booth entitled “Remains (The Sleepwalker).”

Guardians of the Galaxy Teaser Revealed!

02.18.2014 – After so many images & merchandise revealed the Guardians of the Galaxy teaser trailer has been released for all its cinematic glory. You’ll never see Christ Pratt as Emmet again once you see this film.

Pratt portrays Peter Quill aka Star-Lord, the band leader teams up four other characters in Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel) and Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) rounding up the Guardians of the Galaxy…

02.18.2014 – Little is known about the next film by Russell Crowe who recently portrayed a baddie in Winter’s Tale. The trailer for “Noah” has already been circulating in Philippine cinemas that are somehow based from the biblical tale of “Noah’s Ark.”

This film appears to be bigger in biblical proportions with a roster of big names being part of this film. The trailer seen in cinemas describes this as an action packed epic and Noah is not just your average big budget movie...

Vanilla Ice & Kraft Team up! Go Ninja, Go!

02.17.2014 – The news has been around that a live action “Ninja Turtles” film is currently in the works. But for those who remember back in the early 1990s there was a TMNT film which was based from the animated series.

It might sound campy and less impressive but the original live action TMNT film was a hit that produced three more films…

02.17.2014 – Disney Planes had a box office hit when it first debut in 29013 and now follows the sequel with Fire & Rescue. Dusty Crophopper (Dane Cook) returns in this new film that takes flight in a new setting.

The adventures of Dusty is not over yet as this time he joins an elite team that takes out bush fires for a living. Just like the first animated feature the soundtrack carries an emotional tone and Walt Disney Studios has finally revealed the trailer…

Sights & Highlights: Tony Velasquez Gallery!

02.16.2014 – Tony Velasquez is Filipino illustrator and pioneered as a found father of the Philippine comics industry. He created Pongyang Halobaybay and Kenkoy which is in Tagalog language in the late 1930s. But his most popular “iconic comic strip” is Kenkoy.

His creations are told in the “slice of life” themes, where scenes the stories are in their humorous situations. There are only a few who knows the Philippine comics rich history and Tony Velasquez would be considered as one national treasure to be remembered…

02.16.2014 – The popularity of zombie themed movies is no longer just a trend that gave you “The Walking Dead” or the madness in "World War Z. There are other films with the same theme that sometimes don’t take themselves seriously.

A Little Bit of Zombie is one such film that takes the horror genre featuring mindless undead creatures to the humor side of things. This is no big production film but certainly an interesting movie…

TMNT 2012 Series: Leatherhead!

02.15.2014 – Leatherhead has been one of the original TMNT characters dating back to the Mirage Studios black & white comic book. He’s often a turtle ally than a villain who appeared in the 1987 animated series.

In the various iterations of the character, Leatherhead is mostly a huge alligator and his origins as an exotic pet that got flushed down the sewers. This origin got stuck as a template being retold in the other various TMNT series.

02.15.2014 – Mr. Peabody & Sherman gets a modern take in the big screen. You’ve seen Ty Burrell as the man behind the voice of Mr. Peabody, a genius dog who happens to adopt the young adventurous Sherman in the previous trailers revealed.

Now get to know the voice behind Sherman who happens to start trouble for Mr. Peabody. It would be strange to see things happen the opposite where the dog is the smart one while the kid is a handful in the upcoming 3D animated feature…

KidZania Opening in Manila This 2014!

02.14.2014 – KidZania is an education and entertainment theme park, which is a child-size replica or a real city. Like the real world kids gets to experience to take a profession like adults and has the currency to spend in this entertainment center.

It’s privately owned Mexican company, which currently operates in 13 locations and rapidly expanding new branches. This includes the Philippines opening this year. The first branch opened in September 1999 at Santa Fe Shopping Mall, Mexico City.

02.14.2014 – Sony Pictures is pushing the promotion of the Amazing Spider-Man 2 like no other.

Being tagged as you’re “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” certainly you’ll see more of the wall crawler not just promoting the upcoming film.

Lumpen Culturati: Discussing The LEGO® Movie!

02.13.2014 – Carljoe Javier is back this month for another episode of Lumpen Culturati, who happens to enjoy playing with his LEGO® minifigures after seeing the most anticipated 3D animated film from Warner Bros. Picture Studios.

The LEGO® Movie which premiered more than a week ago has been a hit with the young generation and the adults, who grew up with the most famous construction toy. Carljoe will be joined by Francis Quina and Gabriela Lee with more about the film…

02.13.2014 – There has been numerous adaptations of Tarzan in various media and each has its own unique tale of the original jungle king. Edgar Rice Burroughs most popular creation has been re-told for each generation and has been unforgettable.

For this generation there has never been an attempt to bring the popular apeman for the modern times, but a few days earlier there was a press announcement for the upcoming film…

Regular Show: "Episodic Figures" Mordecai!

02.12.2014 – The Regular show is an off-beat animated series created by JG Quintel for Cartoon Network that premiered in September 6, 2010. The story revolves around two friends Mordecai a Blue Jay & Rigby a Raccoon who work as groundskeepers of the park.

The popularity of the series produced merchandise based on the characters of the series, but just like the show it also focuses on variations of Mordecai and Rigby. Jazwares, the same manufacturers of the Adventure Time produced the action figures.

02.12.2014 – Rarely you ever see another car genre film like no other, but when it’s based from a franchise videogame it catches your curiosity. Need for Speed is one such film that is a car genre that has all the ingredients.

It has built a franchise that continues to expand it racing game incorporating new ideas and adding more licensed cars to the roster. The film focuses on one character and adds inspiration from the game. Then you have a director take it to the next level…

02.12.2014 – The Monuments Men tasked to save stolen artwork like paintings, statues, and anything work of art stolen by the Nazis featured a cast of talented actors. It was co-written, produced and directed by George Clooney.

Set in World War II the Monuments Man was composed of 7 individuals sent by the US government to save these historical artworks, which sore are owned by the Jewish people. It is based from a book by Robert M. Edsel…

02.12.2014 – Robert Redford joins the cast of Captain America: The Winter Soldier as Alexander Pierce. In the Marvel’s comic book universe Alexander Pierce is part of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s accounting department and Nick Fury’s right-hand man.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe Alexander Pierce is portrayed by Robert Redford, who is a senior leader in S.H.I.E.L.D. a member of the world security council. There’s not much back story about Piece other than Nick Fury’s comrade in The Winter Soldier…

Movie Review: Robocop!

02.11.2014 – The new Robocop the remake from the classic 1987 film by Paul Verhoeven takes a different take. Its now modernized and reintroduced to a new generation who are unfamiliar with the original that became a franchise hit.

There were skeptics that the new film won’t live up to its own potential directed by José Padilha and starring a new actor in Joel Kinnaman as Alex Murphy. There was even a viral promotion tie-up to the premise of the new film that’s something to anticipate.

02.11.2014 – The Monuments Men tasked to rescue stolen paintings, statues, and anything relate to art during the fall of the Nazis based on the true story. It’s like a modern Indiana Jones going to adventure.

But unlike the famous adventurer they are tasked to save work of art created by the Jews. The US government was tasked to send a 7-man team to recover artifacts after Hitler was defeated in WW II and Matt Damon is part of the talented cast…

Secret Fresh x Jazel Kristin: Multiverse!

02.10.2014 - Some theorist say we live in a Multiverse where each of us lived a different life. The ones we hope to experience it are happening in another place or time. Its like in the stories DC Comics had in the 1980s which is the Crisis on Infinite Earths.

In Jazel Kristin’s first gallery with Secret Fresh she shares her own perspective what is her Multiverse. The launch featured her works of photo collage of the same subject multiplied in an artistic pattern like viewing a kaleidoscope not needing a scope…

02.10.2014 - The classic Peabody & Sherman gets re-introduced to a new generation in their big screen debut. The classic was part of the cartoon series “Rocky and Bullwinkle Show” which now spins off into its own animated feature film.

Just like the original Peabody is a very intelligent dog, who has a friend in Sherman a boy who lacks common sense. Previous teaser images, trailers and a full version revealing their forth coming adventures featuring the voice of Ty Burrell as Mr. Peabody…

Sights & Highlights: Elbert Or Signing Event!

02.09.2014 - Filbar’s held its first ever signing event featuring local artist Elbert Or, popularly known for his creations in Bakemono High and Manosaur. Tahanan Books which publishes his other works, collaborated with Filbar’s for the event.

Elbert’s books were on display while he signed autographs for his readers. Currently, Elbert is working on Manosaur, a popular comic book about a Tyrannosaurus Rex who survived the extinction of the dinosaurs and lives among humankind.

02.09.2014 - In the 1987 classic Robocop the focus centers on Alex Murphy and his day to day job as a police officer. His only interaction in the original film was with his partner Officer Anne Lewis, but due to the pace of the film there were no details about his wife.

Abbie Cornish an Australian actress portrays Clara Murphy, which never got focused in the original franchise who appeared in flashbacks. In the latest film Cornish breathe life to Clara a loving wife and mother who just wanted her husband back…

Happy Meal US 2014: The LEGO® Movie 3D Cups!

02.08.2014 – The LEGO® Movie has already hit theaters in some parts of the Asian region as early as February 6, 2014, and the Happy Meal 3-D Cups has been out since February 1, 2014 which was first seen at the end of January.

This might be the first time McDonald’s have similar releases without any other variation.

02.08.2014 - Rarely you’ll ever see a videogame that is based on a racing theme that would be adapted into the big screen. You’ve seen fighting games and adventure themes but never a racing game.

This might be the first time and “Need For Speed” is that game based from the popular franchise by EA Entertainment. You’ve seen the teaser posters, images and even the most recent trailer and the drive the big screen begins here…

Dream Tomica: Initial-D A86 Trueno!

02.07.2014 – Initial D is a popular anime about street racing which features the iconic Toyota AE86 Trueno driven by Takumi Fujiwara. The huge following of the series also put drifting in the spotlight as one of Japan’s racing sports.

Fujiwara who works in his father’s tofu delivery takes the AE 86 as its service vehicle, which honed his driving skills in the series. Dream Tomica a die cast toy line of cars produced the most recent iteration of the iconic car inspired from the series…

02.07.2014 – 300: Rise of an Empire is slowly releasing promotions. Previously the official trailer debut, which appears that this is more than just a sequel. Its building up anticipation that Leonidas and the death of the original 300 men won’t be in vain.

The visuals still captures the essence of Frank Miller’s graphic novel, which inspired from the first film. The action picks up as the trailer revealed a few months back and two more posters has been revealed support on the warrior known as Themistokles…

Jollibee Kids Meal: Lalaloopsey & Future GPX Cyber Formula!

02.06.2014 - Jollibee the number 1 fast food chain the Philippines gets to release their own Kids Meal toys for the month of February with two licenses from popular doll series Lalaloopsey and 1990s anime series Future GPX Cyber Formula.

Two licensed brands that should be interesting for those who are into Jollibee’s Kids Meal. Lalaloopsey is the most popular among the two while the later is a classic anime.

02.06.2014 – Are you looking for a different kind of adventure? The Monuments Men can be that film. Directed by George Clooney and has a roster of award nominees and winning actors that definitely gives you something to look forward to.

This is not Clooney’s first time to direct a film, but certainly an interesting one as he is also part of the cast who portrays as one of the directors, curators, and art historians tasked to retrieve artworks stolen by the Nazis…