We have already heard the song by Taylor Swift for the upcoming Hunger Games soundtrack, but a new track has been released. The song, “Our Engines” by the incredible band, The Decemberists, was revealed and is one that will be feature on the official soundtrack. The song is gorgeous (like most of their songs) and I think it will fit in well with the rest of the soundtrack. Continue reading
Valentines Day… a day to celebrate love or in this case geeky love. “Game of Thrones” fans can now give their sweeties (or future loves) a card that says exactly how they feel…through the characters of their favorite show. Continue reading
The FOX then Comedy Central sci-fi animated series, “Futurama” is a plethora of geeky references and myriad nerdy jokes. The show takes place in the year 3000 after our “hero,” Fry, gets cryogenically frozen and thawed out in the futuristic world.
FOX canceled the show after a few season (probably because FOX cancelling everything good in the world like “Arrested Development,” “Firefly” “Dollhouse” and many, MANY more.) After four post series movies, and tons of fan feedback, Comedy Central brought it back (with plenty of jokes aimed at poking FOX).
Basically, it is a pretty awesome show. And if you have ever seen it (or seen every episode probably 15 times like myself) then you know that the show basically lives off sci-fi references. But you might not know that many of those references are actually based on novels as well.
It’s a good thing we were able to put a list together for you! So here you go, 6 sci-fi references from “Futurama” that you didn’t know where based on book. (I also included a few honorable mentions as well.)
I, Robot
This classic book of short stories by Isaac Asimov has been the fuel for many many science fiction stories. And many aspects of “Futurama” are in reference to the stories. Even the third episode on the series is called, “I, Roommate” which is a direct reference to Asimov. But here are two that many people miss.
In the episode “The Cyber House Rules” (season 3 episode 9) Leela gets her eye fixed and she gets a second eye grafted on to make her look normal. In the montage that follows she stops at a store called, “Eye Robot”. It is pretty easy to miss but puns are one of my favorite things. They also use this same pun humor is used in the season 3 episode, “Anthology of Interest II” in the minisode “I, Meatbag”.
Soylent Green
This is definitely one of the greatest sci-fi films from its time. And it is referenced and parodied all over the entertainment world. However, you might not know that the movie was actually loosely based upon the 1966 science fiction novel Make Room! Make Room!, by Harry Harrison. Soylent green is so well known that in “Futurama” it’s a part of the world they live in. In both “Fry and the Slurm Factory” and “Roswell That Ends Well” they drink a soda called Soylent Cola. Which if you want to know what Soylent Cola tastes like, well, it varies from person to person. Lets not forget the main cooking ingredient in “The 30% Iron Chef” is Soylent Green
2001 – A Space Odyssey
This film often lands on top ten best movie lists. I mean it IS directed by Stanley Kubrick which basically means its gold. It is also one of the go to films for science fiction. It makes sense that in turn “Futurama” references this film more than any other. But this film is also originally based on the book written by Arthur C. Clarke. But seriously, there are a ton of references in “Futurama” to this movie, It is reasonable to believe the creators of this show liked the movie just as much as the rest of the world. First we have the episode “Put Your Head On my Shoulder” when there is a Out of order Monolith as they are flying through space. This show also uses the music “Also Sprach Zarasthura” several times such as in “A Bicyclops Built for Two” and “Godfellas.” Then in the episode, “ Insane in the Main Frame” the name of the mental hospital Fry and Bender stay at is The HAL Institute for criminally insane robots. Then again in “Roswell That Ends Well” we see a vortex very similar to that in the film and described in the book. “Love and a Rocket” is an obvious one because of the intellegence function the Planet Express Ship takes on is basically HAL. We see another vortex similar scene in “The Sting” as well.
It kind of feels like you can’t go a season without a reference to 2001: A Space Oddyssey.
Planet of the Apes
We recently had a guest post featuring this film as its subject, and thats because there is almost no one in the world who hasn’t seen this film. (I also don’t think you can watch one “geeky” show without one character using the most popular quote…. yes I mean the damn dirty ape quote). But it is also a film based on the novel by Pierre Boulle. It is one of the most popular (and lucrative) sci-fi series in the world. So of course “Futurama” is no different when it comes to loving it. First we have the episode “Raging Bender” in which one of the scenes in the background you can see a poster that replicates the famous one from the movie. The poster reads, “Planet of the Clams”; it is just for a second but an obvious reference to the movie. Then in one of my favorite episodes, “Future Stock,” Calculon says a variation on the famous quote we all love, “Get your filthy tricycle off me, you damn dirty ape!” My favorite reference to the film and book is in “The Late Philip J. Fry.” We see the five different apocalypses Earth goes through all reminiscent of the famous scene with the Statue of Liberty.
The Time Machine
I think this one is pretty obvious. There are two movies based on the book written by H.G. Wells and both included the iconic time machine design. Which in turn is the same time machine that the professor uses in two separate episodes. In “A Clone of My Own” and also “The Late Philip J. Fry.” But who doesn’t love The Time Machine? Totally worth mentioning.
Starship Troopers
Ok, seriously, this is one my favorite movies ever, and when I read the novel it was based on, I loved it even more (although the movie took some HEAVY liberties). The book was written by Robert A. Heinlein, and “Futurama” took the model of the soldiers and used it in their army scenes in episodes “War is the H-Word” and “Three Hundred Big Boys.” (It is also interesting to note that the Alliance soldiers in Firefly are the same uniforms from Starship Troopers. But that doesn’t apply here soooo…..)
Honorable Mentions:
Here are a few honorable mentions for sci-fi references in “Futurama” that I wasn’t able to add to the main list.
Craterface
Future-Reference: A Trip To The Moon Episode: “The Series Has Landed,” and Into the Wild Green Yonder
In one of the more obscure science fiction references, Craterface pays tribute to the French 1902 silent film A Trip To The Moon, most famous for its image of the moon’s face being stuck in the eye with a rocket ship.
Or a beer bottle, in this case.
Alcazar’s Yithian Form
Future-Reference: H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Shadow Out Of Time” Episode: “A Bicyclops Built For Two”
Another very obscure reference that unless you know already, a viewer is likely to miss, is that of Alcazar’s alternate forms is that of a Yithian, or “Great Race of Yith” from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story from the Cthulhu mythos.
Ice-9
Future-Reference: Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle Episode: “War Is The H-Word”
Easily one of my favorite references. Vonnegut’s amazing novel Cat’s Cradle is referenced with the ability to buy ice-9 and a six pack of beer in the future. (at a 7-11 as a matter of fact)
Jurassic Kiddie Park
Future-Reference: Jurassic Park Episode: “I Dated A Robot”
Remember that phrase from all Jurassic Park movies? “Life will find a way.” Apparently it did find a way and that occurs sometime before 3000. But be careful feeding them at the kiddie park because they might bite your hands off.
Sandworm
Future-Reference: Dune Episode: Into the Wild Green Yonder
Who wouldn’t want to use giant sand-worms from Dune as an above ground transportation tram?
Just stand clear of the closing jaws.
6 new images from the upcoming film, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, have been released. The film which features our former president hunting down the undead menace and keeping the world safe.
This new film comes from the great mind of Seth Grahame-Smith who you might know from his hit debut novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Grahame-Smith also wrote the script for his novel’s adaptation.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is directed by Timur Bekmambetov and will star Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jimmi Simpson, Robin McLeavy, Alan Tudyk and Rufus Sewell.
The official description is as follows:
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, explores the secret life of our greatest president, and the untold history that shaped our nation. As a young boy, Abraham Lincoln (Walker) witnesses the shocking death of his mother, leading him on a path to an ongoing war – and ultimately to the presidency – he chronicles in a hidden diary. The journal reveals the incredible story of a clandestine warrior who never stopped fighting for the country he led and the people he loved.
You can see the new photo stills below:
The Hunger Games is getting closer everyday (as my excitement exponentially gets bigger) and recently three new posters were released. But these posters are not normal posters, they are actually motion posters featuring Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley), Casear Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) and Cinna (Lenny Kravitz).
The film is the big screen adaptation of the novel of the same name by Suzanne Collins. It is the first in a series of four films that will adapt the three books of the series.
Each of the posters is actually an ad but using the characters from the film.
In case you need a refresher here is the official synopsis of the novel and first film:
In the ruins of what was once the United States, the nation of Panem, hosts a brutal game of life and death called The Hunger Games. A competition in which contestant, or tributes, from each of the 12 districts compete to the death until only one is left alive to be the victor. Each district must give up one girl and boy to the Games each year. The Games serve as a reminder to the 12 districts of the unsuccessful rebellion that happened 74 years prior. The story follows Katniss Everdeen, who becomes a tribute to the games after she takes the place to spare her sister Prim. She competes in the games against the other distri, as well as Peeta Mellark, the boy tribute from District 12, who has secretly loved Katniss since childhood, and who once did her a kindness she never could forget. Haymitch Abernathy is a drunk and the only living victor from District 12, mentors both Katniss and Peeta before and during the Hunger Games.
You can see the three character motion posters below:
Leading man and hilarious co-star Will Ferrell is set to star in the new film adaptation, Flamingo Thief. The film comes from Red Hour Films and director Michael LeSieur.
The project is a film adaptation of the Susan Trott novel. The official description is as follows:
Everyone handles grief differently but none so differently as Tim Forester, multimillionaire Juice King, who lost his son a year ago. It starts with him quietly pocketing a china flamingo belonging to his three year old niece, Joy, and by his tenth flamingo has escalated to felony grand theft. He is shot by one person and shot at by another. He is losing his business and his wife but he is feeling better. Flamingo thieving makes his heart beat. He comes alive. In a way he is having a wonderful time. But how will it end? Quite possibly in prison. Flamingo Thief is a funny, bittersweet story of love, loss, family, fruit and flamingoes. The reader will never forget Tim Forester, his disastrous way of dealing with grief, and a heart that is bursting with love.
Red Hour’s Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld will produce. Aaron Kaplan and Sean Perrone of Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment will executive produce.
There is no word yet who else will star in the film but with Ferrell helming the cast I can guess its going to be adorably and heartwarmingly silly. Like most of Ferrell’s movies (even the serious ones).
This film does sound like it will be one of those films that will inevitably make me cry with a declaration of love and heartache by the main character, in the case Ferrell.
A few months ago we got word that the film adaptation of the epic poem, Paradise Lost was put on hold for budgetary concerns and we all kind of hoped that didn’t mean that it was going to eventually be cancelled. Unfortunately, that is what happened and the project has been shelved by Legendary Pictures.
The film was being directed by Alex Proyas and was set to star Bradley Cooper. It seemed like it was going to be a pretty awesome film. It was based on John Milton’s 17-century poem, and was going to focus on the war in heaven and the rivalry between the archangels Michael and Lucifer.
But a few months ago, it was announced that the films budget was an issue and the pre-production was brought to a stand-still. Legendary Pictures thought that the script needed to be overhauled as a way to cut costs down. Apparently that didn’t help the budget issues and the project is now shelved until further notice.
Cooper was to star alongside Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Purcell, Callan McAuliff, Camilla Belle and Casey Affleck.
Personally, I was really looking forward to this film. I think it would have looked badass (although I am not too sure about how pretty boy actor Bradley Cooper could have done in this gritty religious film). It seems to me that Legendary Pictures just didn’t want to take a chance with this film so it inevitably shelved it. Hopefully someone will pick this up and work with it in the future.
Season 2 of the critically acclaimed HBO show, “Game of Thrones” is almost here, but fans can get a little something to hold them off till it arrives. We have 17 new images from the second season that include a first look at Brienne, Melisandre, and many of the other new characters being introduced. Continue reading
February is definitely a slow month for the book adaptation world. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. It seems like everywhere you look a new book is being remade into a movie (or a show) and you might not always hear about them, even the good ones. So because every month there are new and exciting remakes of books into movies and television, we will try to keep you updated.
You can see their release dates for all the new upcoming remakes for February 2012.
February 3rd
The Woman in Black
Starring:
Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Liz White, Janet McTeer, Alisa Khazanova
It follows a smart young lawyer named Arthur Kipps who must travel to a remote and slightly deserted village and handle a deceased clients papers and files. However, as he toils over the work, he begins to unravel tragic secrets of the village and the client. This is accompanied by a mysteriously woman in black who he glimpses more and more. When he questions the locals he gets no answers. He is forced to set out on his own to figure out the true identity of the woman and stop her from her true intent.
Based on the novel of the same name by Susan Hill.
Big Miracle
Starring:
John Krasinski, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell.
Inspired by the true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure ‘Big Miracle’ tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and a Greenpeace volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle.
Based on the 1989 book Freeing the Whales by Tom Rose
February 17th
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
Starring:
Nicolas Cage, Johnny Whitworth, Fergus Riordan, Ciaran Hinds, Violante Placido, Idris Elba, Christopher Lambert
Johnny is still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter – but he may risk everything as he teams up with the leader of a group of rebel monks to save a young boy from the devil… and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.
Based on the Marvel Comics antihero Ghost Rider.
The Secret World of Arrietty
A 2010 Japanese animated fantasy film based on Mary Norton’s juvenile fantasy novel The Borrowers. The film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, was written by Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa, and stars the voices of Mirai Shida as the titular character, Ryunosuke Kamiki as Sho, and Tatsuya Fujiwara as Spiller. The film tells the story of Arrietty, a young Borrower who lives under the floorboards of a typical household. She eventually befriends Sho, a human boy with a heart condition since birth who is living with his great aunt Sadako. When Sadako’s maid Haru becomes suspicious of the floorboard’s disturbance, Arrietty and her family must escape detection, even if it means leaving their beloved home.
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