From Vegas to Manila: The Killers, a life force

(Published Sept. 29, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Photos by Raffy Lerma

The close-to-two-hour show was inimitably grand and unrelenting. The Killers, as contemporary lingo would have it, killed it!

Fans of the American rock band were slow to fill up the Big Dome Thursday night—it didn’t look like the place would be filled. But by 9:15, every corner of the stadium was packed; they had come in time to catch the first number.

Thunderous applause greeted the four-man band from Las Vegas, who kicked off the “Battle Born World Tour” concert with their mid-2000s hit, “Mr. Brightside.” The patron section was particularly animated; the seats had been removed for the show, giving audience members there room to jump and dance. A sizeable portion of the crowd took out phones and gadgets to record the energetic, coruscating opener.

The fans, mostly in their 20s and 30s, sang along to the anthemic “Mr. Brightside,” about a jealous, frustrated boyfriend. Vocalist-songwriter Brandon Flowers was visibly elated with the warm welcome. He let the audience sing some parts while he moved around the stage.

The band followed this up with the similarly fast-paced “Spaceman,” Flowers’ impassioned vocals conjuring up less pained and more abstract imagery.

The Killers, whose name was inspired by a fictional band in a New Order music video, proceeded with a slew of New Wave-inspired and heartland rocker ditties. The charismatic singer’s voice sounded like a cross between The Cars’ Rick Ocasek and The Cure’s Robert Smith.

Currently sporting a cleaner, more dapper look (as opposed to his semiscruffy style circa 2010), Flowers was characteristically invigorated, air-punching while singing, intermittently hopping on elevated parts of the stage.

“Sa wakas (finally),” he said, “The Killers are here … thank you for not giving up on us!”

The songs were sequenced just right, the band playing songs from the latest album “Battle Born,” then returning to more familiar songs: “The Way It Was” was followed by “Smile Like You Mean It,” and so on.

Dazzling flashes from the backdrop, the blinking lightning insignia onstage … heightened sensations.  During a trippy rendition of Joy Division’s “Shadowplay,” a fantastic light show erupted, with laser-like lights projecting from, and intersecting above, the stage.

Flowers briefly alluded to the band’s origins. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” he said, immediately adding, “Our motto is b***s*** because The Killers are here, in Manila, tonight!”

From the nearly 20-song set, several numbers stood out: “Miss Atomic Bomb” was a swooping and bittersweet arena hymn; “Runaways” had the audience jumping to its gradually ascending melodies; “All These Things That I’ve Done” was just so spectacularly done (and Flowers and fans merrily sang the “I got soul but I’m not a soldier” part); there was even a surprisingly powerful cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now,” originally by Tommy James and The Shondells (later popularized by Tiffany in 1987).

All told, The Killers’ music—pulsating, permeating—is a life force.

Lost Larry

Larry Bodine. One of my favorite one-issue characters, like Valerie from V for Vendetta. Larry was persecuted, albeit unknowingly, for being "different." He was secretly a mutant with the power to make light sculptures. Some bullies' threats (actually a bad practical joke) made him fear for his safety, leading him to commit suicide. He appeared in New Mutants # 45, released in 1986. Brilliant story. It spoke to me when I was in my early teens, and is even more moving now.

Focused Totality

Status updates, yada yada.

Sept. 15. Finally reading some of the Joe Kelly-written X-Men issues from the late '90s that I missed. Really good. The three newbies (Doc Reyes, Marrow and Maggott) were really well-written!

Sept. 21. After many years of resisting--and just enjoying life as a freelancer--I now have a regular job. I feel like a grownup.

Sept. 21. Surreal day. Mind's practically astral projecting. Feeling excited, giddy, nervous. What a day.

Sept. 22. Mandatory employment check-up yesterday. Drug test required someone to wait nearby while you fill up some containers. Let's just say that aim and timing are important. It was like a scene from some Farrelly Brothers comedy. But the nurse lady, bless her, was unfazed by the awkwardness of it all.

Sept. 27. Watched The Killers' show last night.
Sept. 29. Naaaliw sa season 3 ng Awkward.

Original X-Men

The original X-Men, circa 1991. Plus Magneto, a Sentinel and a Smile-Face. Commissioned by a friend.                          

Aussie finds ‘Serangoon Road’ role a unique history lesson

(Published Sept. 20, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Australian actor Don Hany found starring in HBO’s “Serangoon Road” a unique history lesson, one that made his mostly Asian costars’ traits rub off on him.

“Without a doubt… I noticed particularly Asian politeness, or patience towards work… I really enjoyed letting Asian sensibilities affect me,” Hany said during a teleconference with journalists from the region.

The actor, 37, previously appeared in Australian shows “White Collar Blue,” “Offspring,” and “East West 101.”  He plays ex-soldier Sam Callaghan in “Serangoon Road,” a coproduction between HBO Asia and ABC TV. Set in 1960s Singapore, the 10-part series brings Sam to various historical locations, including the enigmatic Chinatown district.

Joan Chen and Don Hany

“The character really only felt at home in Chinatown,” he said. “He’s a guy on the run, from himself and from his origin. Life with him is sort of one big trap. He’s trying to avoid being pinned down to anything, whether it’s the place, religion, or the people around him.”

But Sam, Hany added, will connect more with some Asian characters, despite his attitude. “He doesn’t want to be associated with the expats. So it’s interesting that he wants to be associated only with Asians.”

Playing the character introduced him to various cultures as well: “It’s hard not to take on some of the things; I enjoyed learning a bit of Mandarin, which is pretty basic stuff. I think it’s such a beautiful language.”

Hany revealed that his costar, distinguished Chinese-American actress Joan Chen, brought a different discipline to the “Serangoon Road” set. Chen’s character Patricia runs a detective agency and works with Sam.

“Joan is cinema royalty in Australia, China and even the United States,” Hany enthused. “She brings a completely different energy and entity to the work when she comes to the set. The way she approached the job at hand… she’s much more thorough. She has a very Asian sensibility about her, which informed the way we continued to shoot in a really positive way. I can’t thank her enough for the influence on the production, on me, and on the cast.”

Hany also appreciated working at the 1960s Chinatown set in Batam, Indonesia: “We were blessed with a great designer… it’s a magical set to walk in. There were whole streets that were so specific to the period. Walking onto the set was a wonderful entry point for getting the right rhythm and getting into gear for the work every day. I just had so much fun, thinking about the wonderland that I, a Westerner, would find myself in, walking down the main street of Chinatown in Singapore in the 1960s.”

(“Serangoon Road” premieres on Sunday, 9 p.m. on HBO and HBO HD.)

Imperfect strangers

The adult-oriented comedy “We’re the Millers” routinely milks its stoner comedy-dysfunctional family themes, but despite its formulaic nature, it’s still hilarious at the right parts.

Jason Sudeikis plays a “nice” drug dealer tasked with smuggling a sizeable amount of marijuana out of Mexico; he hires a broke stripper (Jennifer Aniston), his geeky neighbor (Will Poulter) and a surly runaway (Emma Roberts) to pose as his vacationing family. The pretenders typically make friends and enemies along the way, their precarious situation expectedly transforming them into a closer, more family-like unit.

Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (“Dodgeball”), “We’re the Millers” is understandably and riotously risqué but predictable. The faux family concept is stretched to accommodate pretty much all the possible scenarios, sometimes accompanied by gross jokes and physical humor. So while there’s Aniston providing some sexiness, there are silly moments involving deformed genitalia and other “unreal” situations. It’s pretty lowbrow, but “We’re the Millers” doesn’t pretend to be more than that, and it still amuses. The few outtakes shown during the end credits are funny, and that particular prank on Aniston is cute.

Paradise breached

“Elysium” is a mostly sleek but oft-unaffecting scifi caper, starring Matt Damon as an ambitious lower class citizen hoping to set foot on the space station Elysium, which is inhabited by Earthlings privileged enough to leave their overly polluted home planet. Directed by “District 9’s” Neil Blomkamp, it also stars Sharlto Copley as a ruthless assassin, Kruger, who is targeting Damon’s character Max.

Not that Damon isn’t properly sympathetic, it’s just that his character isn’t very interesting apart from his steadfast belief that he will cross the boundaries of Elysium one day, and perhaps live there as well. But get there, he does, just not in the way he expected. A work-related accident leads to his bonding with a powerful exo-suit, which Max uses to fight Kruger, a henchman of Elysium’s corrupt defense secretary Jessica Delacourt (Jodie Foster).

The story’s attention to class divide is timely. Foster as a cold and condescending manipulatrix is impressive, but it does get repetitive after a bit. Damon is visually intimidating; he’s buff and has a mean-looking cybernetic harness, but the enhanced Max just has the appeal of a Universal Soldier. The enmity with Copley’s character is pretty by-the-numbers, while the action scenes are quite average. The sterile environment of Elysium reflects the apathy of its more disaffected denizens, we get that, but overall, all that’s elicited is indifference for the less-than-spectacular story and conflicts.

Objectifixation, Three

Kingdom Come Unfolded. Chase cards/character guides from the old set. Had them laminated because the stock's pretty thin. I also have the old poster of the Alex Ross covers.

A-Babies Vs. X-Babies. From last year's AVX mega-event. Baby Cyke and Baby Cap fight over a teddy bear. A super-brat war ensues.

The Man Without Fear, a.k.a. Daredevil Year One! By Frank Miller and John Romita, Jr. Really good origin series. I like DD's first "costume," the all-black jogging suit with matching blindfold.

After Supreme, Alan Moore revamped Youngblood. Really fun. Incredible art and storytelling by Steve Skroce.

    

Scarlet Witch and Rogue.
"You're just one of my father's floozies!"
"Shugah, you were engaged to Doctor Doom. Were you nuts? Oh, snap, I went there!"

"Welcome to the X-Men, Rogue... hope you survive the experience!" Super-tattered copy. The Brotherhood member Rogue, fearing for her sanity, asks Professor X for help. He makes her a member of the X-Men, a decision that stuns the team. Years later, she's one of the most trusted members, finally in control of her absorption power.

Prizes from other Mind Mash trivia games organized by Cybertron Philippines, both in 2008, I think. Had some really tough opponents!

Inter-company romance. Kinda. Robin already has a girlfriend. But Jubilee doesn't know that, and with Access' help, she drops by the DC Universe to pursue the Boy Wonder.

"Hey, Mari, wanna go on a date?"

"But Buddy, you're married!"
"It's New 52, baby. Nobody's married!"

Sketchy

A sketch I did 20 years ago for my comic book thesis Dark Utopia. Two decades old. Where'd the time go!

'I Wouldn't Go In There' is spooky but inquisitive

(Published Sept. 17, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

National Geographic’s new series “I Wouldn’t Go In There” explores the historical backgrounds of Asian locations that are reportedly haunted. Unlike many paranormal-themed reality programs, however, it has an analytical tone and a skeptic for a host.

Korean-American blogger and “urban explorer” Robert Joe, or RJ, visits sites considered haunted by locals. In an episode that featured the Clark Air Base Hospital in Pampanga, RJ interviewed witnesses of spectral activity, as well as history experts. The episode aired in the last week of August, while the rerun aired last Tuesday.

It showed reenactments of hauntings, and an interview with an aging former security guard. RJ’s research unearthed little-known facts about the base’s history. He later concluded that while he is unsure of the apparitions, the dark past of the place yielded disturbing wartime facts.

“The host brings a lot to the table, and is very different from the regular mold of National Geographic documentaries, which is usually just a voice over or a static host or presenter,” Fox International Channels’ territory director Jude Turcuato told the Inquirer.

The 10-episode series is also uniquely presented in terms of visuals, Turcuato added: “The way the program is produced and edited lends to a more entertaining viewing experience with fast cuts, a lot of motion.”

“I Wouldn’t Go In There” was launched in August, at the hospital site in Pampanga, attended by members of the press and bloggers. A volunteer group of clairvoyants and psychics, the Esoteric Society of the Philippines (ESP), accompanied the guests.

“We needed a group that had experience in dealing with haunted places to give perspective on the location,” said Turcuato. “It is a sensitive matter and we felt having them there might give everyone peace of mind as we explored the actual site. And they thought the episode was very well-researched and entertaining.”

In an e-mail interview, ESP co-founder Chiqui Martinez elaborated on the group’s participation during the event: “We were invited by the people of NatGeo to give a short talk about the spirit world and to facilitate the guests and staff to a protection exercise which is basically a visualization or visual imagery exercise.”

Martinez added that her group was no stranger to skepticism. “We have encountered lots of [skeptics] in the years that we have been psychic volunteers,” she said.

The group, however, appreciated the inquisitive nature of the show and its focus on different Asian locations. “We have so much to offer—Asian culture is very rich and there are a lot of mysteries that we can unravel,” Martinez said.

In other episodes, RJ investigates different eerie sites in the region, such as a school in Hong Kong, an air base in Japan, and a cave in Taiwan. The cable series is considered well-received in the Philippines.

“The premiere episode got solid ratings and the replays were able to sustain viewership so there was general acceptance,” Turcuato revealed. “I do think that the general analytical tone was not what the Philippine audience expected as the show was not meant to scare people but to find out more.”

(“I Wouldn’t Go In There” airs Fridays, 9 p.m. on National Geographic. Repeats air Fridays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 11 p.m.; and Mondays, 10:20 a.m. )

LNA Flashback

A panel from the Pulp version, 2002. The original run had gray tones; I used markers on the original pages. The printed versions came out in different tones. Sometimes it was dark gray, other times it turned out brownish. But it was nice that it had tonal value, regardless.

Ageless music and vocal prowess energize Austin-Benson show

(Published Sept. 10, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Photos by Arnold Almacen

Inimitably warm and energetic, seasoned R&B and jazz artists Patti Austin and George Benson, with distinguished balladeer Joe Pizzulo, attracted a surprisingly diverse crowd at the Big Dome on Thursday.

You’d think that the gracefully aging performers would appeal more to fans of a similar age group or generation, but attendees of the “George Benson Inspiration Tour” concert was a pleasantly mixed crowd. There were seniors, as well as thirtysomethings and even teens, visibly giddy as these esteemed singers performed their hits from years past.

Patti Austin’s 10-song set kicked off the show. In a shimmery outfit, the 63-year-old singer—silver-gray locks and all—was graceful and elegant onstage. She started with the smooth “Say You Love Me,” from her 1976 debut album. Immediately following this up with the beloved breakup anthem “All Behind Us Now,” she was joined by fans eager to sing along.

Her rendition of “Baby, Come to Me” was especially memorable. She showed off her range as she sang James Ingram’s parts! “So now you don’t miss James Ingram too much,” she jested after the number.

Aptly sounding forlorn but still soothing with “If I Believe,” Austin also sang her version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and her more upbeat ’80s single, “Rhythm of the Street.” She then introduced Joe Pizzulo (who was scheduled to perform with her last night in Davao).

Pizzulo, 62, sounded just like he did three decades ago, back when “Never Gonna Let You Go” and “What Do We Mean to Each Other” rotated on pop radio. He performed one song, “Take This Love,” to tremendous applause.

After a 25-minute break, George Benson started his set with his popular cover of Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Making Love.” He followed with the soulful “Kisses in the Moonlight.”

The 10-time Grammy winner, now 70, joked that it took him “50 hours from the airport to the hotel,” which elicited resounding laughter. He immediately praised Filipinos for being “wonderful.”

Austin joined Benson on their old duet, “Moody’s Mood.” He got more playful with the disco-era vibe of “Give Me the Night,” and gave a differently affecting iteration of the 1980s ballad “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You.”

 

 He picked up his guitar and played from time to time, dazzling with dexterity and mastery of style, and meshing nicely with his talented band.

He played a new single, a jazzy version of Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable,” from the recently released album “Inspiration.”

Benson’s hour-and-a-half set was animated, rousing many audience members to dance to a couple of numbers. The songs on the lineup were just a handful from three dozen albums that span several decades.

The music and artists of the night brought back memories and probably created new ones—it was a special, nostalgic spellbinder, surging with vocal prowess and ageless sonic synergy.

Don't Break His Heart

I love this. Thank you, Bastille, for making that silly song sound really good.

Monster drama 'True Blood' gets messy

(Published Sept. 6, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

                          

In a season that could be described as compressed and rushed, “True Blood” has become a fantasy-drama show that ineffectively jumps from one outrageous scene to the next.

Barely resembling its much sturdier early seasons, “True Blood’s” sixth year started with the continuation of a promising cliffhanger. Vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) has merged with the undead goddess Lilith, remaking the once-noble character into a deadly messiah figure.

This metamorphosis has turned his erstwhile friends against him, primarily his ex, telepathic protagonist Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin).

In previous “True Blood” seasons, its semiheroic monsters are a diverse bunch, Louisiana residents who periodically faced a main, power-mad villain. This time, the attention shifts from Bill to the governor, Truman Burrell (Arliss Howard), whose antivampire campaign suddenly becomes the main concern of the show’s nocturnal creatures, even the law-abiding ones.

This is a direct consequence of last season’s Vampire Authority rampage, at least. Vampires are now incarcerated in a secret concentration camp, to be experimented on freely by their human oppressors.

Interesting concepts, but they—and most of the characters—don’t possess any “real” urgency this time. The silliness overpowers the serious and potentially compelling parts.

Sheriff Bellefleur (Chris Bauer) has suddenly become the father of four rapidly growing half-fairy daughters, whom he just named with numbers. And speaking of fairies, Sookie and brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) comically meet their long-lost fairy grandfather Niall (Rutger Hauer).

New relationships come across as forced and inconsequential. Sookie quickly gets involved with a fairy vampire hybrid, the enigmatic immortal Warlow (Rob Kazinsky). The shape-shifter Sam (Sam Trammell), who hasn’t mourned the death of his recent girlfriend, is suddenly thrust into another relationship.

There’s an unprecedented personality makeover, too. The werewolf Alcide (Joe Manganiello) briefly became a villain, alienating friends (and presumably, devout fans) during his stint as a gruff “packmaster.”

With just 10 episodes this season, the show messily compresses arcs while oddly prolonging grating or laughable ones. A less-important character is killed off, and there’s an unnecessarily drawn-out funeral-centric episode.

To cap it off, the season-ender reinforces the idea that things are being rushed, more than usual. Still, like the season finales before it, it’s a cliffhanger that piques viewers’ curiosity, showing just enough for them to come back next year.

Looks like it’s taking a back-to-basics approach with the coming story line. But if it really is “True Blood’s” final season next year, it had better make people care for its characters again, and quit messing up its already weakened mythology.

As we go to press, the Associated Press reports that it’s a wrap for the “sexy supernaturals.”

The report says the series will end next year, “following a 10-episode season that will begin in the summer. That will be the show’s seventh season.”

(“True Blood” airs Saturdays, 10 p.m. on HBO.)

Daydream Believer

Status updates from the week or so that was.

Aug. 24. Two weird reams in a row, less than an hour apart. Anxiety crossing over to the dream world.

Aug. 29. Becoming a more involved team player everyday, and strangely liking it.

Sept. 3. Too out of it to attend Elysium screening. Maybe watch it tomorrow.

Sept. 3. Exam I took earlier had yes or no questions, the one with "no wrong answers." The one I found most interesting was, to paraphrase: "Do you daydream about things that you'll never achieve?" Yes. Of course.

Sept. 6. Just remembered, I was watching the replay of the VMAs on MTV Asia a few days ago. Bizarrely, the word "gay" was bleeped out of Macklemore's "Same Love" performance. WTF.

Sept. 6. Morgan "Super Size Me" Spurlock directed the One Direction movie?! Now I'm interested.

Sept. 6. Watched the Patti Austin-George Benson concert last night. Didn't expect to have fun, but I did. Powerful voices. Joe Pizzulo was there, too; he sang one song.

Sept.6. Enjoying the Infinity miniseries so far. Please have a decent, non-prelude to another event ending.

Sept. 8. The editing process is demystifying, in a good way. Learning a lot of new things. I have a greater appreciation for editors now.

Sept. 8. Took a rorschach test as part of my exam last week. The printed cards were yellowing... browning, actually. I was asked to say what I could see in each picture. I tried to respond to them as honestly as I could. Some of my answers must've been odd ("they're silhouettes of two kids with bunny ears, facing each other"). At one point, I politely said that there were just random blots that don't form anything. But the kind psychologist lady asked again if I saw anything on them, and I eventually did, so I said that I could see a certain shape. I don't totally get the test, but I hope I pass it.

Hela and Her Headdress

Hela. Goddess of Hel. Daughter of Loki.

Objectifixation, Two

"So, the new Batman. What do you think, GL?"
"Please, Clark, let's not talk about casting. Still reeling from that Green Lantern movie."

The new, reassembled Vision was devoid of emotion (and color), contributing to the Scarlet Witch's breakdown. Late '80s stuff by John Byrne.

And speaking of Byrne… Alpha Flight! 1985. In the double-sized issue, the team enters the realm of the Great Beasts to save the soul of Walter Langkowski, whose Sasquatch form had been revealed as one of the ancient beings, and was killed by Snowbird. They manage to retrieve the soul and temporarily place it in the super-strong Box robot.

The X-Men interrupt the wedding of Caliban and Kitty Pryde! The teen X-Man was abducted by Callisto and the Morlocks, who made sure she kept her vow (she promised to marry Caliban if they helped the injured Colossus). But Caliban set her free.

From July's The Wolverine preview screening. The ticket, a free sticker, and a bottle opener.

The godlike Beyonder, facing the heroes of the Marvel Universe for the last time. It was a reformed villain, the Molecule Man, who ended his threat, the moment the Beyonder was vulnerable and mortal.

Prodigy! The ex-mutant retained absorbed knowledge, making him an expert in various martial arts and scientific fields. He just joined the Young Avengers, and kissed one of his new teammates!

"Feeble automaton! You are nothing to En Sabah Nur!"
"Whoa, chill, man! Juston here! I was just taking the Sentinel for a walk!"

Dead men running

Spectral incursions and cartoony violence adequately mix in “R.I.P.D.,” starring Ryan Reynolds as a recently killed cop, Nick Walker, whose soul gets recruited into the Boston division of the Rest In Peace Department. It’s “Men in Black” meets “Ghostbusters,” as dead agents investigate cases involving monstrous spirits, and deal with them accordingly. Nick is partnered with a blunt, no-nonsense lawman from the 1800s, Roy Pulsipher (Jeff Bridges).

The organization depicted in the movie feels a lot like the super-covert defenders of “Men in Black.” It’s a well-organized group that equips certain individuals with special weaponry and paraphernalia (including Indian food, yes), and goes after targets disguised as humans. It feels a whole lot like “MiB,” up to the odd couple/good cop-bad cop dynamic. The Nick-Roy pairing, however, relies heavily on the latter’s over-the-top ways. Reynolds plays a more subdued character, just when you thought he’d play the same goofy, wisecracking guy again from most of his movies.

The characters are somewhat interesting: Nick was an erring cop, although nowhere near as rotten as the obviously shady colleague (Kevin Bacon), and he’s guilt-ridden enough to consider rectifying his mistakes as a phantom. Roy is a take-charge fellow overly attached to his hat, and is vocal about a fetish. As a team, though, they go through the motions; it really is a simple plot with the usual stakes and underwhelmingly familiar scenarios.

A few things make it just okay. The humor connects, however shallow it may be (Nick and Roy’s earthly forms are good for a couple of laughs); the drama is just right (Nick’s attempts at revealing himself to, and his reunion with his widow); the melees are big and studded with effects (the climactic battles have a proper, semi-apocalyptic feel to them). “R.I.P.D.” offers nothing new, but it’s a decent enough time-killer, an average fantasy-actioner that has its own escapist bits.

Universal Upheavals

So Ben Affleck was picked to play Batman in the upcoming Superman-Batman movie. Like many people, I have my doubts about it. He wasn't very memorable as Daredevil 10 years ago. But we have no choice but to wait and see; who knows, maybe things will be different this time. Michael Keaton wasn't a popular choice back when it was first announced that he was cast for Tim Burton's live-action film. Let's just hope that Affleck will prove naysayers wrong, eventually.

Back in the comics, the revamped DC Universe has a new controversy. Just hours after the casting announcement, the new design for the iconic bounty hunter Lobo was released. Reactions were mostly disgust and confusion, or both. Lobo, who became known for being DC's foul-mouthed, savage space biker merc, is now sporting short hair, an average superhero physique, is wearing spandex and body armor, and is just generally cleaner. Frag. Twilight-ized, New 52'd. Maybe he's still foul-mouthed. We'll know when the book comes out. But the pretty boy look just doesn't work. Well, I don't feel like posting that picture. Except for some of the Bat-titles, this rebooted DC Universe really isn't that interesting to me. I miss the eclectic-looking DC that preceded this more style-unified realm. 

Generation X

Generation X, the Massachusetts Academy students: Synch, Penance, Husk, Jubilee, Chamber, Skin and M. Their teachers were Banshee and Emma Frost.

History’s ‘Vikings’ dispels misconceptions about legendary conquerors

(Published Aug. 26, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

“There’s a huge interest in Vikings at the moment … it seems that [they] are in the zeitgeist and everybody’s curious about their culture,” said “Vikings” creator, writer and executive producer Michael Hirst during a phone interview.

The scripted History Channel series partly aims to dispel the myths and misconceptions about Viking life by using their perspective, according to Hirst, whose previous writing credits include the period drama series “The Tudors” and the film “Elizabeth.”

“There were many prejudices I wanted overturned and challenged,” he said. “I wanted to show that Vikings had a deep, complex and interesting culture.”

Vikings sailed from their homelands in Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) to raid distant coasts around 700 A.D. The nine-part series shows them as more than just conquerors and pillagers.

“Everyone thinks of them as terrible, terrifying raiders from the North who killed and plundered without conscience— that picture of them was painted by hostile witnesses,” Hirst revealed. “In other words, what we think we know about the Vikings came from the Christian monks, who wrote about them and who had every reason to attack their paganism and to exaggerate their faults.”

During his research, Hirst was “astonished” to discover their unique traits: “They were a much more democratic society than the Saxons, the Franks or other societies at the time. Their attitude toward women was positively enlightened. Women could divorce their husbands. They could own property. They fought beside their husbands, brothers and sons. They could rule!”

Casting the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok was difficult, but producers found the perfect actor in former underwear model and Australian celebrity Travis Fimmel.

“[Ragnar] is not a conventional hero,” Hirst clarified. “He’s an intelligent and thoughtful man. I wanted him to have that stillness and depth, which I feel is true to the Scandinavian character. We didn’t get anywhere. And one day, just as we were getting desperate, Travis sent a tape of himself that he made in his kitchen in Australia. He didn’t pretend he was a Viking. He didn’t overact. He read the scene absolutely intelligently … I’m proud of the choice we made.”

Describing the “Vikings” actors as a “truly wonderful cast of people,” he explained that they had to prepare extensively, and were given the option to know more about their roles.

“They had to learn to row … they had to work out. They had to train with weapons. Some of them already had an interest in Vikings, and some of them were Vikings. We cast quite a lot of Scandinavian actors. It’s nice to have the real thing. Immersing themselves in Viking culture was up to them. My research material and books are available in my office. They could grab what they needed. Some of them visited sites from the show, so there was real immersion.”

Hirst was given the freedom to elaborate on Ragnar’s exploits while reconciling them with historical research: “[History said,] ‘We trust you, but we understand it’s a drama as well. This is not a documentary.’”

(“Vikings” will air Sept. 29, 10 p.m. on History.)

X-Men, Circa 2002

The Xavier Institute teachers: Cyclops, Beast, Jean Grey, Professor X, Emma Frost, Xorn and Wolverine. The school expanded to teach more young mutants, and the faculty had to deal with students abusing a power-boosting drug, ruthless villains like Cassandra Nova, and a scandalous (astral) affair. 

Weather, Whether

Recent thoughts.

Aug. 15. Kick-Ass 2. Shocking and funny. Faithful to volume 2 of the comics, save for a few major changes.

Aug. 15. Gay prisoners wore pink triangle badges to identify them in Nazi concentration camps, as homosexuals were considered felons in the 1930s and 1940s. It's scary that being gay now in Russia, or just being supportive of them, comes with a heavy price. They're being rounded up because of some hateful anti-gay laws. What the hell is going on in that country.

Aug. 15. MHL. There've been episodes where I just go, "boring, boring, ugh, nothing's happening." And then there's tonight's episode. Holy $#!+!!

Aug. 15. Discovered that Milli Vanilli beat the Indigo Girls in the Grammys' Best New Artist category in 1990. Hmm.

Aug. 17. Getting used to friends asking if I fell asleep while watching a movie. When I squint, my eyes look closed, just horizontal lines with lashes, especially from the side. My seatmate Wanggo thought I was asleep during the first part of last night's movie. But no, it was a creepy film, and I was wide awake, even though I really lacked sleep. #scarymovie #verafarmigawasawesome #squinting

Aug. 17. Maganda yung pelikula pero panay ang bulungan, dinig na yung kuwentuhan, sasabayan pa ang mga character magsalita. O kaya, OA na pagtili at pagcomment, di pa makuha sa sitsit.

Aug. 19. Stormy Monday. I have plans, but I dunno how the day will go. Anyway, stay safe, fellow Pinoys.

Aug. 21. Still raining. Cities still immobilized. Hope it ends already and doesn't happen again any time soon. Despite the rain, though, I'm glad things are comfortable at home.

Aug. 22. Flashbacking to college, to the times when I had no choice but to wade in flood waters just to get home. Man. That weird feeling of getting parts of your body submerged, then drying as you get stuck in horrendous traffic. I don't miss it.

'Louie': Free-flowing, scathing hilarity

(Published Aug. 19, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Not a traditional, feel-good sitcom, “Louie” is the acclaimed half-hour comedy series created by and starring former “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” writer Louis C.K.

C.K., whose actual surname Szekely is pronounced “seekay” in Hungarian, brings his uniquely scathing and disarming wit to the show about a divorced stand-up comic raising two daughters in New York.

The comedian, apart from portraying a more problematic version of himself, also writes and edits the show, giving the similarly named comedian character a lot of familiar, even bizarre situations that aren’t always inspired by C.K.’s own experiences.

 

Several self-esteem issues and relationship foibles form the backbone of the series’ first season. A somewhat disenchanted Louie attempts to date again, but for one reason or another, things don’t work out for him. It’s the opposite of his character’s status quo in his short-lived, adult-oriented sitcom in 2006, “Lucky Louie.”

But this current show lets C.K. cut loose and experiment, wryly tackling topics such as sex, politics, racism and religion. Its darkly comic situations are sometimes bookended by his stand-up routines made exclusively for the show.

Through these short but effective bits, the comedian gets to examine and dissect everything from the minutiae of home life to his health issues, the self-deprecation and sharp observational tone consistently inspiring giggles. But C.K.’s humor almost always conjures up things to seriously think about, whether they’re stand-up routines or the situational parts.

And the heavier episodes of the first season easily stand out. In “Bully,” Louie gets intimidated by a teen thug, but later discovers disturbing reasons for his tormentor’s abrasive behavior. In another episode, “God,” it’s revealed that Louie unnecessarily carried extreme guilt back when he was a boy because of the misguided actions of a religion teacher.

Recurring guests like Ricky Gervais (as Louie’s odd, pranking doctor) and Pamela Adlon (who co-starred in “Lucky Louie”) keep some arcs running even though continuity isn’t always focused on (hence the personality inconsistencies of some characters). Other episodes benefit from the guest appearances of Matthew Broderick and “Smash’s” Megan Hilty.

Similarly accomplished comics like Joan Rivers, Robin Williams and Chris Rock eventually appear as themselves in subsequent seasons of “Louie,” subdued but sublime presences complementing C.K.’s unusual but welcome brand of hilarity.

(“Louie” airs Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m. on Jack TV.) 

Faith and Disaster

Members of a substitute JLA assembled by Batman, the telekinetic-empath Faith and the chaos-manipulating Major Disaster served during the Obsidian Age event and subsequently became part of the team’s main roster.  

Vigilante verve

Shocking, moving and funny, but not necessarily in that order, “Kick-Ass 2” is based on volume 2 of Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.’s violent comic book series. But one needn’t be familiar with it to appreciate this sturdily concocted sequel; it does make the experience better if viewers at least saw the first film. Then again, those who read the recent series will just as heartily appreciate the close adaptation, its major alterations still consistent with the established movie continuity.

                           

The main movie character is way more likable than the comic version, largely because of Aaron Johnson, showing considerable growth and comfort as the now-giddy costumed vigilante. But Chloe Moretz gets to be even more likeable than when she first appeared as Hit-Girl, her breakout character a more endearing, well-developed teen this time. And Jim Carrey contributes well as Col. Stars and Stripes, looking strikingly similar to Romita’s drawings. Director-screenwriter Jeff Wadlow’s foray into comic book mythology shows promise; his laudable work on “Kick-Ass 2” augurs well for his next project, Marvel’s “X-Force.”

Big Barda

Formerly an outstanding member of Darkseid’s Female Furies, Barda eventually married Mister Miracle and joined the Justice League, and later, the Birds of Prey. 

Chilling contrivance

“The Conjuring,” directed by James Wan, is downright eerie and disturbing, reportedly based on supernatural events in Rhode Island in 1971: a family unknowingly moves into a haunted abode, unaware of its dark history before experiencing some blood-curdling occurrences. The horrified Perrons enlist the aid of renowned paranormal investigators, the Warrens, to identify and stop the manifestations.

                       

Wan has better material to work with; it's certainly focused, unlike the somewhat laughable “Insidious,” and he’s helped enormously by a powerhouse cast that “The Conjuring” ends up a considerably more solid, more satisfying film. Yes, once you get past the title font and some creepy apparition designs that look heavily and unmistakably inspired by “The Exorcist,” it’s easier to appreciate it as a horror flick with its own merits. And despite the heavy reiteration of the supposed importance of Catholic rites and beliefs, it’s easy to get into the urgency of the story, thanks to a proper melding of toned-down effects and fine acting.

In that regard, Lili Taylor is tremendously helpful as the embattled Carolyn Perron, mother of five similarly shaken daughters—and they all react impressively to well-timed disturbances. Also giving necessary dimension is Vera Farmiga as the unyielding psychic Lorraine Warren, attuned to the unseen but still occasionally vulnerable. And “The Conjuring,” while sometimes derivative and quite predictable, succeeds as a substantial chiller, able to conjure up scares with simpler technical trickeries and just superb acting.

The film will be in Philippine cinemas starting August 21.

Uncanny Constellation

Shatterstar, Dazzler and Longshot, possibly the Marvel U’s strangest non-family.

Objectifixation, One

Love Machinery, but with a new name! Will make that a tradition, change the name of my hobby-related photo posts after every 20 uses.

"How do you like your new origin, Longshot?"
"It's insane, Mojo. Batsh*t, oedipal crazy. I love it!"

UXM 281. By Whilce Portacio and John Byrne. The Gold Team's roster included Storm, Jean Grey, Colossus, Iceman, Archangel, and eventually, Bishop.

Butterball! The super-invulnerable Initiative trainee eventually became an Avengers Academy student.

Rift by James Jean. Gorgeous paintings enhanced by metallic inks.

Relic from 21 years ago. Toad the Wet Sprocket's 'Fear.' Powerful album, gifted band.

Before the Ages of Apocalypse, M and X, there was the age of Kulan Gath. The Hyborean wizard transformed Manhattan into his barbaric kingdom, but was opposed by its semi-amnesiac heroes. I don't remember where my two original issues went (I think I swapped with friends), so I got these reprints.

To quote Hawkeye, "Oh, man! Not another alternate reality!" But the three-parter was a nice way to bring back the Avengers in 1998. Wanda resurrected Wonder Man in this issue. She wore the spandex-less costume on a regular basis after reality was restored.

"Two Marvel movies! Take that, Flash!"
"Quicksilver's gonna kick butt in the X-Men film, Cap."
"No, Cyclops, he'll be a star as an Avenger. And he won't be a mutant!"

Good jobs, okay job

40-something besties (Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson) were seasoned watch salesmen, forced to start anew and try their luck at Google, where the best interns are given high-paying and secure jobs. It’s fish-out-of-water time again, but “The Internship,” despite its milking of generation gap jokes, manages to connect with its tried and tested duo, and the freshness of its chosen setting.

Billy (Vaughn) and Nick (Wilson) are smooth-talking and passionate partners trying to fit in with a bunch of intelligent strangers, young men and a woman who can’t seem to form a cohesive team. With years of experience and tons of pop culture references, the older men motivate and transform the underdogs and misfits into a unified group, while fending off attacks from a condescending mega-nerd (Max Minghella).

Directed by comedy-honed Shawn Levy, “The Internship” replicates the two leads’ working rapport; as older brother-types this time, Vaughn and Wilson are rightly goofy and awkward, ably energizing a pretty typical script. Just as important are the quirky kids, among them the abused Yo-Yo (Tobit Raphael) and the antisocial Stuart (Dylan O’Brian). Rose Byrne enlivens her simple mentor-love interest role, but some of the memorable moments involve appearances by hilarious Will Ferrell and Rob Riggle. Still, Vaughn and Wilson have charm and synergy working for them, making them just right for the job.

Wild, wild, wet

This sequel to 2010’s “Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief” mostly leaves its predecessor’s attention to more momentous, revelatory moments behind to pursue a simpler, more action-focused tone. But it works just fine, as it’s still an important phase in the life of teen hero Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman). And a few new (if simpler) enigmas are still introduced.

                                                 

In “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” the demigod child of Poseidon continues his training at the secret camp for mythical beings, now besieged by the first film’s antagonist. Percy and his close friends and fellow trainees Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) and Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) seek a mystical object that will repair their camp’s security system. The young heroes, however, are joined by Percy’s half-brother Tyson (Douglas Smith), an awkward cyclops that makes Percy question his place and title as the sole direct descendant of the old gods.

While the characters aren’t as intriguing as when they were introduced, “Sea of Monsters” nonetheless moves Percy’s saga forward. There are no appearances by Zeus or Poseidon, which helps in giving the teen characters a sense of independence, the presence of Dionysus (Stanley Tucci) and the centaur Chiron (Anthony Stewart Head) notwithstanding.

The plot is somewhat similar to “The Immortals,” in that there is a scheme involving the resurrection of a long-forgotten Titan. It’s actually an overused trope, the revival of an old power, but it’s decently executed, if toned down for the tween-teen set. Directed by Thor Freudenthal (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”), the film has competent action scenes and effects; the teen demigod performs familiar and new feats, expected perks of being Percy, but he's a heavily unsung hero in this part.

This sequel isn’t earth-shaking, but it’s still adequately done, and leaves our curiosity piqued enough for the unraveling of the new puzzle next installment.

Mixed Metamorphosis

Status updates, et cetera. 

Aug. 5. Hmm. Older 12th Doctor. I wonder how different/similar the personality will be to the previous one.

Aug. 5. Roi Vinzon's MHL character better have a fitting comeuppance. Soon, I hope.

Aug. 7. Nice that Raven Simone and Ben Whishaw came out. The world really is changing; things were very different for celebrities just a decade ago. But sadly and shockingly, in Russia, bigots are now empowered, bullying and rounding up gay people and those who support them. Shame.

Aug. 8. I saw karting champ Marlon Stockinger at the gym a few days ago. Unless it's another guy wearing a shirt that says "Marlon Stockinger" on the back.

Aug. 11. Finally. Choppy net connection fixed, for good, I hope. That took weeks. I surprised myself, though; I kept patient. By my 26th call to the repair hotline, that's when I expressed my annoyance. Glad it's finally fixed.

Aug. 12. Change is good. I will embrace change. Not just yet. But soon.