Starship Trooper 3: Marauder REVIEW August 13, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Casper Van Dien, johnny rico, Jolene Blalock, JoleneBlalock, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Starship Troopers, starshiptroopers
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When we first heard about this movie we didn’t have high hopes for it. As it turns out Starship Trooper 3:Marauder is good fun.
Part of that fun comes from seeing Jolene Blalock (yes that Jolene the Vulcan from Star Trek Enterprise) playing a bad ass Fleet Commander.
The dialogue/acting – as to be expected – isn’t Oscar quality, but the movie is enjoyable. We don’t quite know till the end what the deal is with the SM and their are a few subplots that give this movie a little bit of complexity and depth.
The Marauder idea (the fighting outfits the grunts get) is actually closer to the original Starship Troopers concept that was in the original Robert Heinlein story. I’m not sure this movie is better than than the first Starship Trooper (definately better than the second one) – but it is – let’s say – just as good.
Stephen Colbert Tek Jansen #2 : What a shame… August 13, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: colbert report, comic, oni press, Robot Chicken, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stephen colbert, Tek Jansen, tekjansen, The Force
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It’s been a year since last we saw Tek Jansen in our local comic book shop. So it was with great surprise that we found issue #2 this past week. Apparently the braniacs at Oni Press (publishers of the series) blamed the writers strike for the delay. I can think of an interesting Colbert ‘WORD’ session to describe what I think of that…Colbert was on almost every night during the strike as scheduled.
Personally I think that Colbert should pull his endorsement from Oni Press as this shameful extreme delay hurts his brand.
Delay aside, issue #2 is good fun. It’s actually two stories back to front and front to back, both of which we enjoyed tremendously. The spy vs spy kind of story is hilarious and we didn’t figure it out till the end (so if you haven’t read it yet don’t worry no spoilers here).
The bigger story – where Jansen gets booted back to the Academy is also very intelligent and draws on the characteristics that the Colbert Nation expects from Jansen.
We have no idea when issue #3 will actually be available. Apparently Diamond had it available for order but we’re not aware of any seller that actually have it.
So if you’re lucky enough to get a hold of issue #2 – get it and keep your finger crossed for issue #3 (or that a new more predicatable publisher comes on board to take over).
Star Wars Rebellion #15 Vector #7 August 12, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: celeste morne, comics, Dark Horse, knights of the old republic, KOTOR, Luke Skywalker, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Wars, star wars rebellion, starwars, vector, Zayne Carrick
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So Vector now hits Rebellion and Luke Skywalker..and it looks like fun…
Vader left Celeste Morne (and Vector) 20 years ago (in the timeline) in Dark Times # 12 apparently Celeste is still alive and Vader hasn’t forgotten about her either.
Will Luke – see the good in Celeste and turn her back from the Dark Side?
i guess we’ll find out…we can assume that Luke survives as does Celeste..but how Celeste gets frozen to survive till her next jump – the Star Wars Legacy era…we’ll have to wait till Rebellion #16 to find out.
So far – 7 issues into Vector we’ve had numerous confrontations and the timelines between eras has been stitched together reasonably well..with five issues or so left to go.
Hugo Award Winners 2008 August 11, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Books, Hugo awards, Michael Chabon, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Worldon
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The Awards are now out for the 2008 Hugo’s.
It is the job of the Hugo awards to identify the brightest stars in the universe.
The Hugo Award was named in honor of Hugo Gernsback, “The Father of Magazine Science Fiction,”. The award is is given annually by the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) at the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon)
We’ve reviewed the Best Novel of the year The Yiddish Policemen’s Union over a year ago.Though it’s a decent book it’s not Chabon best (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is better).
As far as the best Novella – that’s a tough call since Asmov’s publishes so many very good shorts in any year…
Here’s the list:
- Best Novel: The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon (HarperCollins; Fourth Estate)
- Best Novella: “All Seated on the Ground” by Connie Willis (Asimov’s Dec. 2007; Subterranean Press)
- Best Novelette: “The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate” by Ted Chiang (Subterranean Press; F&SF Sept. 2007)
- Best Short Story: “Tideline” by Elizabeth Bear (Asimov’s June 2007)
- Best Related Book: Brave New Words: The Oxford Dictionary of Science Fiction by Jeff Prucher (Oxford University Press)
- Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form: Stardust Written by Jane Goldman and Matthew Vaughn, Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman Illustrated by Charles Vess Directed by Matthew Vaughn (Paramount Pictures)
- Best Dramatic Presentation, Short Form: Doctor Who “Blink” Written by Steven Moffat Directed by Hettie Macdonald (BBC)
- Best Editor, Long Form: David G. Hartwell
- Best Editor, Short Form: Gordon Van Gelder
- Best Professional Artist: Stephan Martiniere
- Best Semiprozine: Locus
- Best Fanzine: File 770
- Best Fan Writer: John Scalzi
- Best Fan Artist: Brad Foster
Star Wars: Coruscant Nights I : Jedi Twilight (review) August 11, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Books, Coruscant Nights, Jedi Twilight, Michael Reaves, Sci Fi, science fiction, scienceficiton, scifi, Star Wars
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Quick Review: Star Wars: Coruscant Night volume I Jedi Twilight is one fun read.
Michael Reaves is a great Star Wars Expanded Universe writer and he delivers with this book. Jax Pavan is a solid new entry into the Star Wars canon of Jedi and his challenge of trying to stay hidden in the force and then re-discovering his connection with the force.
The multiple plot lines interweave very nicely too with the robot, Jedi and Black Sun plots all coming together and crossing paths as they should.
Yes — as the first book in a new series there are a lot of loose threads left at the end of this book. But that’s how it should be cause that will make the next book (Street of the Shadows) and the one after that (Patterns of Force) interesting as those loose ends get tied up.
Like why is Vader interested in Jax? Will Kaird make it home? What’s the deal with Prince Xizor?
No this isn’t a heavy duty series like Legacy of the Force, which is actually a really good thing. Legacy of the Force left us emotionally drained and it’s great to just get into a series like this.
Serenity: The Other Half August 11, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: browncoats, comics, Dark Horse, firefly, joss whedon, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, serenity, Serenity better days, serenity the other half, the other half
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Good news Firefly/Serenity Fans! You don’t have to pay Dark Horse for the newest iteration of the Serenity comic..you can get if for free — online.
Serenity The Other Half is available for free on Dark Horse’s MySpace preview page it’s a short little story..but still entertaining.
Gorram Reaver are chasin Cap’n Mal and his pal who are tyring to deliver some human cargo..but River’s got a bad feeling about the dude…
In typical Serenity fashion, no one is really quite happy in the end.
No this isn’t quite as good as say Serenity Better Days but it is Firefly and it’s a good (short) read. There should be another Serenity full series out soon from Dark Horse though and we can hardly wait..
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic #31 Turnabout part 1 August 10, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: comics, Dark Horse, knights of the old republic, KOTOR, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Wars, starwars, vector, Zayne Carrick
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Finally after two and half years, Zayne Carrick if finally closing in on the last of the frakkers that framed him.
This is a fine plot moving issue but the real fun that we’ve all been waiting for since this whole series started is coming in the next issue..when Carrick will hopefully finally expose and end the covenant and finally clear his name!
Zayne Carrick, a fugitive Padawan accused of the murder of his fellow students, is on his way to the authorities in hope of clearing his name, shedding light on the Jedi Masters who framed him, and revealing the covert order to which they belong. But reaching the right people without facing off against his former masters is proving to be more difficult than Zayne imagined! Success is going to require help from every true friend Zayne has garnered in his long quest for justice.
Star Trek New Frontier #5 August 10, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: comics, IDW, New Frontier, Peter David, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Trek, star trek new frontier, startek
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This is it – the final issue!
It’s entirely predictable and really isn’t a solid ending to this story which overall showed hints of greatness but never really matured.
We learned in issue #4 that there was a parallel universe thing going on and all this issue did was take that revelation to its logical conclusion — back through the rift that they came from.
Sure they destroyed the Paradox..but who didn’t see that coming?
When we first picked up this series at Issue #1 we had our doubts but were still hopeful…unfortunately that hope in this series was a little misplaced.
In general ShowMeSciFi.com has not reviewed Star Trek comics (from IDW) and it would seem unlikely after this disappointing series that we ever will again..but hey you never know and the over-rated Peter David is no doubt to blame for this epic failure.
The Vader Project Rocks August 9, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Darth Vader, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, Star Wars, starwars, vader project
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Darth Vader and his helmet is one of the most iconic images in all SciFi (and pop culture). The Vader Project is an artistic to effort to see Vader helmets in different creative ways..and some of ’em are really cool.
Geekologie has a cool set of pics if you want to see em all.
Stargate 5×04 Get me off this ship August 2, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: atlantis, Richard Wooley, Robert Picardo, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stargate, stargate atlantis
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Jumping alternate realities (multi-verses) is commonplace in Stargate series. This episode of Atlantis really does nothing to advance that concept further at all.
They didn’t really meet any other versions of themselves (expect for the cheesy f302 pilot sheppard), no wraith and no replicators.
Sure it was neat to try and figure out how they would get off their ‘runaway train of starship’ but this was a relatively ‘boring’ episode..wasn’t it?
Doctor Who TARDIS Arcade Game Unit August 1, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: doctor who, Dr. Who, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi
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The best (and most common) part of Doctor Who all thirty plus seasons is the TARDIS. But have you ever seen a TARDIS arcade game unit?
A dude in New Zealand built one in his garage and provides really funny (but detailed) instruction on how to build your own.
Basically he used MAME, Windows (the dude couldn’t figure out Linux) and a whole whack of wood.
Wanna build your own?
Star Wars Legacy #26 Cade’s going kick some Sith tail August 1, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Cade Skywalker, comics, Dark Horse, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, Star Wars, star wars legacy
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Alrighty so the Jedi council didn’t authorize Cade to go kill Darth Krayt..boo hoo…
It doesn’t make much difference for our story does it?
Now we’ve got a Cade and his posse of well wishers and watcher joining him in his own crusade to take on Darth Krayt.
Still not a whole lot of good stuff on the Princess in this issue, she seems very remote and not nearly as personable as she was inside of the first ten issues….i wonder what happened..
It’s also been a while since we’ve seen the Galactic Alliance proper…so hopefull we’ll seen them soon too and end up with new super alliance with Fel, Cade and friends and the GA against Krayt.
Stargate Continuum – REVIEW July 29, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: awesome, baal, Gould, science fiction, scifi, sg-1, stargate, stargate continuum, valla
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The one word review of Stargate Continuum – AWESOME
This is what having the power of a movie gives as opposed to just an hour episode.
It gives more of everything that we love (and miss) about Stargate SG-1. Continuum delivers on all levels. It’s got the dry wit of Jack O’ Neil and Teal’c . The villainy of the Gaould and an evil V’alla that is one nasty control freak.
What more could a Stargate fan ask for?
The basics of the story (without giving away spoilers) is that somehow Baal has adjusted the timeline to one in which the gate was never found – making Earth ripe for annihilation by B’all. Simple enough.
But the way in which the writers have blended together the timeline elements is near flawless. The ‘fate’ of all the characters is also something that on first viewing was …well shocking and made for some real drama (when you watch it you’ll see what we mean)>
Doing time travel stuff is nothing new for Stargate but Continuum takes it to a new level- though there is a small problem.
After you’ve watched Continuum yourself, come back and let us know what you think about the final scene with the picture on Col. Mitchell’s locker. Personally I don’t think it quite makes sense. The basic premise is that B’aal altered the timeline and didn’t travel to a different meta-verse. When a timeline changes in the same universe, everything changes (or at least it should) and characters that don’t belong in a given timeline should simply cease to exist. It is a flaw and it’s the only blotch that we found in this movie.
No question Continuum is a vastly superior movie than the Ark of Truth which was lacking many areas. Whether or not it is better than some of the regular SG-1 episodes (I’m thinking of some of the great Season 8 episodes in particular), I’m not so sure.
If you are a Stargate fan, this movie is something you will absolutely love. If you’re not a Stargate fan (who isn’t?) you’ll enjoy this too, it’s that good.
TR2N – Tron Reborn July 27, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, TR2N, Tron
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The original Tron was a great idea and it’s a movie that as SciFi fans we’ve all seen. Does it really need a remake?
Maybe but Disney thinks a sequel is better!! (and so do we)…I wonder if they’ll go into a multi-core Intel CPU this time and fight off Microsoft Windows with Linux penguins…
When Tron was made the IBM PC was just hitting shelves and the only competition was the Apple ][e. There was no Windows, Linux or MAC. Viruses hadn’t yet hit either – the world’s largest networking vendor Cisco was just being founded…it was a very different (and infantile in comparison) computer industry.
The first trailer showed up this week at Comic-con to the Tron sequel TR2N- it’s got the light racer bikes and the deadly disks and even Jeff Bridges..but it’s missing the classic Tron soundtrack…
Stargate Atlantis 5×03 : What was that?? July 26, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Amanda Tapping, atlantis, Richard Wooley, Robert Picardo, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stargate, stargate atlantis
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The third Stargate Atlantis of season three is all about humanizing Teyla – isn’t it?
I don’t think any of us doubted that she would return to the team..but the writers had to show her agonizing over it – rather than have her made out to be a bad mother that doesn’t think about her newborn baby boy.
The turning of Ronon Dax in this episode was also a bit strange…as compared to other episodes when the Wraith suck the life out of someone – when there are typically awesome special effects of the person getting really old ..there was little of that here and he just seemed to have turned too early.
The best part though was the scene when the Wraith’s hand gets cut off. We had to rewind and watch in slow motion to see who had actually done the cutting. At first we thought it was Ronon (since his turning seemed so unbelievable), but the replay clearly showed it was Teyear.
Last but not least, Woolsey does SUCK. He’s a weak character overall that isn’t a guy you want to hate or like – he’s just lame.
Darth Vader Playing Golf – Hilarious! July 21, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Darth Vader, golf, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, spike, Star Wars, vader
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Ever seen Darth Vader playing golf?
Spike TV did a spot to promote their run of Star Trek on their TV network – with Vader using his Force to eagle a hole….and in the fight between golf club and lightsaber who do you think will win?
Stargate Atlantis 5×02 : Mr. Woolsey doesn’t suck July 19, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Amanda Tapping, atlantis, Richard Wooley, Robert Picardo, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, stargate, stargate atlantis
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So the second episode of the new Stargate Atlantis Season Five and the first with Mr. Richard Woolsey (Robert Picardo) in command.
We still don’t know exactly why Col Sam Carter was removed officially and it’s annoying that wasn’t discussed. Woolsey who is supposed to be the pain in the butt anti-hero -actually came off as a very weak character in this episode and one that was almost likeable in a way. He’s not supposed to be that way he should have got in the way more so much so that everyone hates him and there is a constant battle between base staff and him. Like this he’s just another Weir or Carter and that’s just not interesting anymore.
As for the wraith tentacles here…how did Sheppard just walk right up to Keller – esp if Sheppard had been cured?? It just doesn’t make sense.
But Beckett is back (again) and that’s a great thing. Too bad Keller didn’t get killed off in this episode so that Beckett could return to his rightful place as THE DOCTOR for Atlantis.
New Star Trek XI Teaser Posters! July 18, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: eric bana, J.J Abrams, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Trek, star trek movie, star trek XI, startrek
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Ahead of Comic-con which kicks off next week, J.J Abrams is putting out a new teaser poster for Star Trek XI. The Star Trek Movie (startrekmovie.com) site has been updated too, but the only update is the new poster…
kinda lame if you ask us…the new site that its…
but neat to see the first glimpses of the new crew…the one that looks the best is easily Eric Bana who looks like he’s a Darth Maul clone…or maybe he’s just the Klingon Kang (or Koloth?)
Star Wars the Force Unleashed Launch Trailer – WOW!! July 18, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Darth Vader, force unleashed, juno eclipse, LucasArts, nintendo, nintendo wii, Sci Fi, science fiction, scifi, secret apprentice, Star Wars, star wars games, star wars the force unleashed, the force unleashed, video games, wii
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‘You are one of Vader’s spies ?’
‘I bring Vader’s enemies to justice.’
We’ve been watching Force Unleashed trailers for almost a year now and each one looks better then the next – this latest official launch trailer is the best yet for a few reasons.
The most important reason is that this trailer shows us some real plot – which is where this game will really excel – sure the game mechanics are awesome but the plot …..NICE.
The secret apprentice will FIGHT VADER!! CHECK out the final few frames of the trailer for yourself…
The New StarWars.com Site SUCKS July 17, 2008
Posted by showmescifi in scifi.Tags: Lucas, Sci Fi, science fiction, sciencefiction, scifi, Star Wars, starwars.com, websites
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StarWars.com seems to change its website design every three years or so…this latest redesign though is obviously some kind of usability designers wet dream.
But it sucks for a sci fi fan.
The previous website had the cool holo projection effect.
This new StarWars.com site? nada. Just basic rollover screen image changes.
The site does a poor job of exposing the wealth of content that starwars.com offers and it does a pathetic job of capturing the essence of the Star Wars brand. Sure it’s an ok website, but it’s not Star Wars. The last three versions of StarWars.com were better – weren’t they?
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