Alan Rapp

Hubble 3D

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Hubble 3D
  • IMDB: link

What is it about space that so captures our imagination? Is it the vastness that seems to becon, almost tease us, upward and outwards to explore its seemly endless wonders, or is it simply how it allows us another perspective in order to see how small and relatively unimportant one tiny blue dot is in the grand scheme of things? Whatever the reason, since man first turned his gaze to the sky we’ve been captivated with that final frontier just outside our grasp.

Since it’s launch two decades ago the Hubble Space Telescope has been responsible for several breakthroughs in the areas of astronomy and an increased understanding of the known universe. The new IMAX documentary Hubble 3D gives us a short history on the telescope, and its early struggles, before exploring the final service mission of to repair the telescope by the Atlantis crew.

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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
  • IMDb: link

scott-pilgrim-nesBryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim relies heavily on video game style and super-hero fantasies built over an emotional story between a slacker Canadian and, quite literally, the girl of his dreams. Eric and our own alphamonkey have a few words of their own to say on the subject of the new film from director Edgar Wright, so I thought I’d take things to another level putting the film to the test in the form of an old school video game review.

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Batgirl #13

/ / Comics

batgirl-13-coverThis Batgirl is reminding more and more of classic Peter Parker stories, always getting into more trouble than she can handle, but jumping in anyway with a positive attitude and snappy comeback for each situation. We’ve even got the insightful but self-deprecating narration.

This single-issue storyline puts our heroine up against Clayface (who is used very well here) and his attempt to rob a Gotham bank, but not for what you might expect.

Throw in the seamless addition of Proxy (who just might be an okay replacement for Oracle), the early scenes of Batgirl at college, and Stephanie’s conversations with Detective McHandsome (great nickname), and you’ve got yourself a really good read. Definitely worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #1

/ / Comics

green-lantern-emerald-warriors-1-coverUmmm… Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a Green Lantern title featuring Guy Gardner. Especially one where I mercifully don’t have to put up with Kyle Rayner. But does it have to be this comic? More Blackest Night/Brightest Day nonsense? Can’t we just move on, already?

As first issues go there’s nothing remarkable here other than to set up the main story which will involve Guy’s pact with Ganthet and Atrocitus and involve the Unknown Sector (oooh, spooky) of space.

And, surprise surprise, it seems the Red Lantern isn’t to be trusted. Really? Wow, thanks Peter J. Tomasi for spelling that out for me in multiple panels! Yes, it does give you plenty of Guy Gardner in all his glory but the rest…meh. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC $3.99]

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Red Robin #15

/ / Comics

red-robin-15-coverTim Drake‘s been shot! Or has he? Plenty of twists and turns have been packed into “The Assassination of Tim Drake.” Although I like the idea of showcasing how far Drake will go to protect his legacy I do take some issue with a storyline that has him pretending to be severely injured by a gunshot in an issue that mentions, but doesn’t include, Barbara Gordon. It’s just a little…unseemly.

I’m assuming Babs will weigh-in on this elaborate plan to throw Vicki Vale off the scent of the Bat-family, and I’m hopeful that the moment will be given the time and weight it deserves. At the same time, if he had weighed the effect of such a plan on one of his closest allies and went forward anyway, it does help push Red Robin further into a morally ambiguous gray area which should give plenty of opportunities for new stories. Hit-and-Miss.

[DC $2.99]

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