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Evil Dead (2013) Trailer Review!

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Wait….This has nothing to do with comic books? Why am I writing this?

So, when folks hear the word remake these days, the words “not again” is groaned in reply. It’s true that we’ve had an insane amount of remakes these past few years, and we’ve got more to come. Plus, the majority of these remakes released are based upon some of the biggest horror films ever made. You name it, it’s probably been remade. Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Dracula, Frankenstein, Last House on the Left, Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the list goes on and on. Now, we have a new horror classic to add to the remake list: Evil Dead.

However, the horror remake list is slightly divided. Some horror remakes are actually not that bad. While others do nothing but give the middle finger to the original film and it’s many fans. I’m looking at you, Halloween! Yes…I’m looking straight at you, fother mucker! So, all that being said, where will Evil Dead end up? Well, based on this trailer, the film might actually end up on the good list! Yes, I actually liked this trailer a lot! I’m surprised as all hell that I liked it, but I did! I mean, It’s got the feel of Evil Dead, and It has the look of Evil Dead. Also, the original film makers (Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Robert Tapert) are heavily involved in this new movie! So, That makes me very excited!

It reminds me of when I made a crappy short called Specter Quest. Eventually, I made a better version that captured my original vision perfectly! That seems to be the reason Raimi and company, along with director and co-writer of this remake, Fede Alvarez, want to make this version. Well, that’s what Bruce Campbell said when He told me, and a few other press peeps, about the remake during the New York Comic Con. When they made the original, Raimi and Campbell looked to make a scary film. However, It ended up being more comedic and cheesy because of the low budget effects, and “melodramatic dialog delivered by bad actors” as Bruce Campbell said. ha-ha!

Fun fact, by the way, I’d never seen the original Evil Dead film until after I did the press round table for the remake. When I arrived back in Ohio, I immediately drove to Best Buy, purchased the original on Blu-Ray, and loved every second of it. It was such a fun film, but I didn’t really find it funny. It was pretty bloody, and cheesy, but I didn’t really find it all that funny. I mean, how can you find raping trees funny? I guess this world is full of sick sick people.

Anyways, so even though I liked the trailer, there were some stuff that bugged me. First of all, and this might just be me, but I loved the fact the original film didn’t feature crazy bad language. Not a single f-bomb was dropped. A few hells and damns sure, but no ships or trucks at all. This new film has an f-bomb dropped in the trailer! I just hope it’s not over used, like most horror remakes.

Second, the original’s crazy violence was fun because of the low budget effects. With this new version and it’s bigger budget, I fear the violence might come off as torture porn. Bruce Campbell spoke a bit on torture porn at NYCC, and how he felt it was just bad film making. I couldn’t agree with him more. I’ve always been incredibly against torture porn because it is just bad film making. He also said this new film doesn’t feature a single frame of torture porn in it.

Which would imply that the film cares about the story, and the violence is just icing on the cake. So, I hope that is the case with this version of Evil Dead. In the end, I was rather impressed with this trailer, and I am excited to see the final product. I just hope that I’m as impressed with the actual film when it’s released next year. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, click on the picture above! I should warn you, though…It’s not for the faint of heart!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Dredd 3D Review! (COMICS!)

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Hi everyone! It’s your enforcer of the law, Judge Richard here! So, normally I’m not really excited for the fall movie season. Most of them just seem like filler until the winter award winning flicks arrive. 2012 has changed that a lot for me! There are so many movies coming out this fall that I am gushing with excitement for! One of those movies was the latest adaptation of the British created comic character, Judge Dredd. I wasn’t much of a fan of the original movie, but not because it ruined the comic.

Believe it or not, I’ve never actually read the original comic work. I just thought the original was just a bad movie. However, I can’t even come close to saying that for Dredd 3D. Along with my short, but sweet, review of Dredd, Carter and I also discuss the new Kick-Ass movie with Jim Carrey, Marvel NOW!, and an amazing indie comic series called Saga! To see the latest episode of COMICS!, click on the photo up top! Also, to keep up with us when we release a new video, subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! Enjoy the video!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

The Dark Knight Rises Review!!!! (COMICS!)

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A fire will rise, A legend will end, and Christopher Nolan will deliver an amazing ending to his Dark Knight Trilogy! All of those….are facts!

Hey, hi, and hello everyone! It’s Richard here, and I’m incredibly, undeniably, and powerfully in love with The Dark Knight Rises! Christopher Nolan’s much anticipated conclusion has finally hit the theaters for all to see, and It’s my favorite movie of the summer! Now, before you read on, and click the picture to see Carter and I’s full review of the film, I just want to send my best wishes out to all those who suffered during the movie theater shooting in Colorado. We make a brief statement on this in the video, but I wanted to say something here as well. Add more of my thoughts on the matter then whats mentioned in the video.

You know, I don’t think I’ll ever forget when I first heard about it. I had just gotten out of my midnight showing. I was overwhelmed, excited, and incredibly satisfied with how the filmed played out. I did have some minor gripes, but nothing that could ruin the movie for me. Before we left, My friend’s buddy whom tagged along, sort of, lost his keys. We spent probably a good half hour asking around, trying to locate where the keys could have ended up. We never found them. So, after a quick trip to the Wal-Mart next door for a potty break, My friend’s buddy came back and hitched a ride home. Leaving his car in the movie theater parking lot.

I got back to my house, and texted Carter nonstop! We both seemed to really enjoy what was on screen. Though, I think I enjoyed it a bit more then he did. I went to bed, waiting to wake up and see the movie again. However, I was woken up earlier then expect, with news from my mother. “You’re not going to believe what just happened” She’d say to me. Instantly, I went from feeling excited…to not caring. The film just didn’t seem that important anymore. I still loved it as much as I did, but still.

Its crazy how life can change so fast. One minute, you could be celebrating your wedding day, and the next day could be a funeral. Its one of the scariest thoughts we can have, and to witness it happening is even scarier, especially when it happens to a loved one. However, We shouldn’t let things like this hinder us 100% from going to the movies, or even just going out. The sad truth is, anything like this can happen anytime, anywhere. We gotta stay positive, be safe, and be brave for ourselves and everyone around us.

So, once again, I want to send my best wishes to those in Colorado right now. I hope they all can get through this painful time successfully. Click the picture above, and you can checkout Carter and I’s full spoiler free review! Also, Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Channel23hahaha for more comic book goodness! Again, be safe, stay positive, be brave, and have the best day you can. Thanks for watching and reading!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Batman: Earth One Review (COMICS!)

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As everyone should know, the absolute best way to celebrate July 4th is by reading awesome comic books!

So, in case you aren’t aware, I am incredibly obsessed with Batman. I’ve been that way for a very long time. I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running around in a cape and cowl. Hell, I’d do it right now if I wasn’t writing this post! When I was younger, I would run around my house trying to save anything that was in any sort of danger. When I say anything, I seriously mean anything! I think I raised a few eyebrows when the neighbors saw me trying to save a picnic table. You know, Batman was…is my hero! However, believe it or not, It wasn’t the comic books that made me obsessed with Batman. In fact, I never read a full comic book until I was a teenager.

The movies featuring Michael Keaton, and the 90’s animated series, were the sources of my obsession. I will never forget when I saw that first Batman flick. The look on my face when I saw the beauty and fierce nature of Gotham City, The fear I felt when I first glanced at The Joker, and how amazed I was seeing Batman kick some criminal booty! I never thought I’d experience something like this again. Granted, I’d end up seeing a lot of flicks I’d fallen in love with later in life, but non of them ever gave me the same viewing experience as that first Batman movie. That is, until 2005’s Batman Begins was released. Man, was that movie excellent. Not only did it give me the same experience as Batman did, but It enhanced it! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on that silver screen! This was how Batman should be done!

Now, why am I telling you this story? What is the point of it? Well, today I had a similar experience. Not 100% similar, but still similar. When I first read the classic comic Batman: Year One, I had experienced magic in it’s purest form. The book did an incredible job of telling a modern day version of Batman’s origin story. Not ever, not even in my wildest dreams, did I think anyone would be able to come close to as good as Year one when telling Batman’s origin story. Today…I, once again, stand corrected and flabbergasted.

About 2 and a half years ago, DC Comics announced that they would be releasing a new line of original graphic novels called DC: Earth One. In the same fashion as Marvel’s Ultimate line, DC: Earth One was a way of taking big DC characters, and telling their tales for a modern audience without the struggle of keeping within the main DC continuity. The first book in this line was Superman: Earth One. I wasn’t a big fan of the book, honestly. It kind of gave me a bad taste in my mouth with the whole Earth One deal. The next book from DC: Earth One was going to be a new take on the beginnings of Batman, obviously. However, because of Superman: Earth One I was kind of worried Batman would have the same fate with me. I became even more worried when it took forever for DC to release the damn thing even though it was already supposed to be out. Comic series usually die because of delays like that. People just forget they even knew about them.

Thankfully, The book is finally out, and It’s a freaking good read! Written by DC superstar Geoff Johns, and drawn by the brilliant Gary Frank, Batman: Earth One does a terrific Job of giving us a fresh take on Batman’s origin story. However, the best thing the book does is humanize Batman. The opening of the book shows Batman chasing after a criminal on the rooftops, as usual. But instead of capturing the bastard, Batman has a gadget malfunction and falls to the ground. This is a great example of how well Johns and Frank humanize Batman, but not the best. The best example is something most probably won’t even notice. The best example is…seeing Batman’s eyes.

Normally, Batman has those white lenses over his eyes. Without the lenses, You see both the Bat and the Man. It’s always weird that such a subtle change can be that powerful, but it’s true. Also, I really loved the new takes Johns gives to familiar characters. They all feel the same at their cores, but they’ve changed significantly. I, Especially, love his take on Alfred. Alfred is just a beast with a cane, man! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alfred kick Bruce’s ass like he did in this book! Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alfred kick Bruce’s ass…ever. At least, not in a physical way. As much as I loved Geoff Johns’s story, I loved the artwork even more! Gary Frank has such a great attention to detail. Frank usually blows me away, but this is some top notch work! I really love that he gave the book such a cinematic look. I felt like I was watching a movie the entire time!

The only real flaw I found in the book was the pacing. At times, The book feels a bit rushed. Like they were trying to fit a lot of material into the comic, but had to cut even more out. However, in the big picture of it all, The book is still fantastic! That flaw, for me, is just a minor nitpick. It’s not a persistent flaw, but it’s in there. Overall, even though it took 2 some years to release, Batman: Earth One is a fresh, modern, and damn good re-telling of Batman’s beginnings. I don’t think it’s Year One good, but I think Bat-fans will still dig it!

4.5/5

Comics! With Richard and Carter

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Review!!! (COMICS!)

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As Batman, we’ve saved Gotham from The Joker in Arkham Asylum. Then we saved Gotham from Hugo Strange in Arkham City. Now…Its time to suit up once again, and save Gotham City! However, this time around…things are a bit plastic.

Hey everyone! Richard, here! Its time once again for me to plug my latest venture into the comic book world! This week, I decided to review LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes! This game is a sequel to the previous Batman game, but things are much bigger! In fact, this is the biggest game in the entire LEGO game franchise. A few new features were added into this game that’s never been done before in LEGO form! First off, the characters actually have voices instead of grunts, and second off, the game is open world! You heard me! The very first open world Batman game…is in LEGO form! ANYWAYS! Click on the sweet picture above to checkout my thoughts on this game, and if it met my expectations! Enjoy the video! 🙂

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter Review

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If you thought you knew the entire history of ol’ “Honest” Abe….think again!

Hello Everyone! It’s Richard here, and I’d like to wish you all a happy Memorial Day! So, I’ve been thinking of ways to celebrate the day with you all. One way, we can all get together and have a BBQ in my backyard, but I have a strong feeling it might take a while for you all to get here. So, I decided a review would probably be easier. Today, I will be reviewing Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter!

No, Its not a review of the movie. I’m not cool like some people, and get to see big movies early. I wish I was cool enough, but I’m not. This is a review of the book which was written by Seth Grahame-Smith. Now, This review would probably make more sense to be published during Presidents Day, or July 4th, but I’m writing it now cause the movie comes out before the 4th. Also, Presidents day has gone by already. Plus, the book does touch on the Civil War a lot, So there is a connection!

Anyways, Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter’s plot is sort of explained from it’s title. The book follows Abe’s entire life, from boy hood to his presidency, but from the “true” perspective. When Abe was a boy, he witnessed his mother’s murder at the hands of a Vampire. This was the beginning of his life long war against the creatures of the night. I won’t say much more, but trust me when I say Vampires are the key motivation, and reason, for the vast majority of everything in Abe’s life.

So, I haven’t read a good novel in quite some time. When I was younger, I HATED reading. Because of my dyslexia, It was hard for me to get into anything. I loved a lot of different stories out there, but I hated having to read them. It was a big struggle in my life, and the biggest reason I didn’t do too well in my English classes. However, I became really inspired during High school, thanks to my awesome English teacher, and began reading books all the time. It was a mixture of both comics and novels, but eventually books would end up being dominated by comics and graphic novels.

Recently, I’ve wanted to jump back into the world of novels, but I couldn’t really find the right book. I was going to start with The Hunger Games, but I wasn’t amazed by the movie enough to check it out. I might still read it someday, but not any time soon. Eventually, I would read an older article saying that Tim Burton’s newest film, Dark Shadows, was going to be scripted by a guy named Seth Grahame-Smith. Now, I’m a HUGE Tim Burton fan. He is my all time favorite film maker. I grew up with his pictures, and they inspired me to want to make movies. Also, I know the DCR peeps didn’t dig Dark Shadows much, but I really enjoyed it. Yes, I said those words! I liked The Dark Shadows movie! Deal with it!

Anyways, When I read this article, I wanted to find out exactly who this guy was. Strangely enough, the first Trailer for the movie Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter had been released the same day. Once I viewed that piece of action packed, Vampire Slaying awesomeness, I ran out and purchased the book immediately! Now, admittedly, the idea of Abe killing vampires is pretty ridiculous. That being said, the book was so freaking amazing!

Its a big action packed thrill ride, that paints Abe as much more of a Badass then he already was. Grahame-Smith does such an amazing Job blending fact and fiction. So much so, That I questioned whether or not a few bits in the book were true. Example, I never knew that Abe hadn’t met Edgar Allan Poe before. The only connection the two have is Abe was a fan of Poe’s work. Also, I loved how Grahame-Smith took a real historical event, and kind of turned it into a diabolical plot cooked up by the Vampires. Kind of like X-Men: First Class. That flick took the Cuban Missile Crisis, and made it the evil scheme of a group of Mutants. Very clever use of the events, if you ask me!

Probably my favorite aspect of the book is Grahame-Smith’s character work. Especially in his dialog, Grahame-Smith captures the tone, voice, and nature of every character in the book. Fact or Fiction, you just love every character! My favorite character was Henry Sturges. Probably one of the cooler Vampire’s I’ve seen in a long time. He is arguably better than Abe! This aspect was what proved to me that Grahame-Smith would be a natural at writing screenplays, and what got me even more excited for Dark Shadows and the Abe film adaptation.

What I would love to see is Grahame-Smith adapting his book in comic book form. The book, and even the movie it seems, just ooze comic book potential. He should team up with an artist like Roger Cruz or Sean Murphy, and create an Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter Graphic novel or comic series. I’d pick that up instantly! Though, It’d have to be written by Seth Grahame-Smith, or I probably wouldn’t pick it up. Overall, even though its a ridiculous idea, Seth Grahame-Smith deliver’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time! I highly recommend each and everyone of you go out and pick up the book! I have a strong feeling you won’t be disappointed.

I give Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter a 5/5!

PS Click on the photo! Just do it!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men: Gifted Review

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Isn’t it funny that the first comic I review is from Marvel and not DC? or is it just me?

Anyways, today I received an amazing new comic in the mail. The comic in question is called Astonishing X-Men. Astonishing X-Men is one of many titles from Marvel that follow the mutant team. The series started in 2004 with the story arc called “Gifted” written by Joss Whedon with art by John Cassaday, which I am reviewing right now! Gifted, which is what the third X-Men film is loosely based on upon, tells the story of this geneticist who has just found the cure for mutation. When the X-Men find out about this they don’t see it as a blessing. Well…most of them don’t. Eventually, on the quest to stop the cure, The X-Men uncover the truth behind this cure and its true purpose.

I can’t begin to describe how in love I am with this series so far. The art is fantastically detailed, and the writing is what you’d expect from Whedon: pure brilliance. Recently, I’ve finally been discovering Joss Whedon’s work because I was curious who he was and why everyone is in love with his work. Also, he is the writer/director of the new Avengers movie coming out in a few months. So, that was the spark that started the flame essentially. Nowadays, I am a huge Whedon fan! I’m currently in the process of watching Dollhouse!

Anyways, when I heard Whedon had written an entire X-Men series, I knew I had to acquire it. Whedon’s writing of the series is, as I’ve stated, pure brilliance. His dialog is hilarious, clever, and dramatic all at the same time. He seems to have a great handle on the characters. I also loved that the team in the book is smaller then normal. there is only 6 members of the X-Men present. With the small number of characters used, Whedon gets the chance to have each one shine brightly. My favorite character in the book is Beast. He has always been a favorite X-Men of mine, behind Nightcrawler, and Whedon writes him so wonderfully.

I also love the way Whedon writes the story. Its basically an engaging summer blockbuster. However, the most interesting thing I found in the book wasn’t the story, but a single character. The character is an original creation called the Ord. Why did I find him interesting, you ask? Well, As you know, one of the biggest mysteries about Whedon’s Avengers movie is whom the alien race is that’s working with Loki. Many have guessed either Skrull or Kree, but both have been denied by Whedon. Nowadays, Its rumored that the aliens in the film are called the Ord. So, my question is: Are the two one in the same, or just a really really really strange coincidence? I guess we won’t find out until May 4th with the film hits theaters.

Anyways, the artwork, by John Cassaday, Is just amazing. Its highly detailed, beautifully drawn, and the characters truly seem to come to life. At times, I found Cassaday’s work similar to Brian Bolland from The Killing Joke. My favorite piece is a two page splash featuring Wolverine being thrown towards the sky. Overall, I’m already loving this book based on the first arc, and its getting me excited for Whedon’s Avengers flick. The best part of it all? There is more from Whedon and Cassaday for me to read! YAY!

10/10

Comics! With Richard and Carter

The Avengers Super Bowl Spot Review!!! (COMICS!)

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Did you all watch the Super Bowl Sunday night? Is that a stupid question? PROBABLY!

Anyways, for most people the game ended with the Giants defeating the Patriots. For me? It ended with the premiere of the much anticipated Avengers Super Bowl commercial. I couldn’t believe how awesome it was! What was even cooler, and I’ve done this for the previous Avengers trailer, was spotting all the shots that were film in Cleveland. I live in NE Ohio, and visited the set myself. That was an experience I’ll never forget! Anywho, here is Carter and I’s review of the commercial in question! Click on the picture to watch the video! 🙂

PS If you didn’t see it, Marvel released an extended 60 second version that’s EVEN COOLER!!!