Posts Filed Under: movies

If you ventured to theaters this weekend to see Tron Legacy, you probably know by now it’s… not that good. Sure it has Olivia Wilde and Beau Garrett in video game fantasy outfits, plus Jeff Bridges being Jeff Bridges, but the best thing about the new Tron is its Daft Punk soundtrack. And the best thing about that soundtrack is director Warren Fu’s video for “Derezzed,” which introduces deadly jousting video game competitions to the Grid.

For a short, simple music video, Fu and Daft Punk’s “Derezzed” does an amazing job of bridging the visual styles of Tron and Tron Legacy. Can we get more of this, please?

A sublime cosmic convergence took place on October 3, 1963 — it was the day Tommy Wiseau was born. An equally spectacular event occurred June 27, 2003 — Tommy Wiseau released his critically acclaimed movie masterpiece, The Room. September 3, 2010 will now join these glorious dates, and go down in history as the day The Room: The Game first graced the Internet.

If you find yourself confused by any of the above proclamations, fret not — Meat Bun is here to help! First, we’ll need to get you up to speed. To do that, let’s enjoy a sampling of Tommy Wiseau in action.

You may need to watch the above clip a dozen or so times to begin to absorb it’s artistry. Don’t worry about the context or plot. There is none. Focus more on the character Johnny’s unique enunciation and delivery. And you may ask yourself, why has everything been over-dubbed?! While we ponder that question, bask in the surreal glow of a San Fransisco skyline only achieved through gratuitous use of completely unnecessary green-screening.

Now that you are a fan, you will want to attend a screening for yourself. Luckily, The Room will be showing (in perpetuity) at a theater near you. If not, move. The last time we went we were joined by the adoring cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and we shit you not, Tommy Wiseau himself! Arrive early and buy your tickets in advance — all five midnight screenings sold out when we attended. The only mandatory item to bring to the theater are as many plastic spoons as you can physically stuff in to your pockets. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

The Room: The Game will allow you to keep your The Room: The Movie after-glow going strong. In the game you can guide protagonist/hero, Johnny, around lush 16-bit environments and fully explore his world. You will throw a football in a tux, make sweet love to Lisa, even find out what really happened to Peter (who inexplicably disappears about half way through the film).

If you are in the Los Angeles area, join us on September 25th as we make another pilgrimage to the Laemmle Sunset 5. We hope to see you there! SPOON!

Before you lose your enthusiasm for all things Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, we’d like to make a recommendation as to the proper way to immerse oneself in this video game kung fu rom com. Over the past week, video games and movies have been thrown at you, all with the guilt of not having read the Scott Pilgrim comic books hanging over your head. Don’t sweat it! Here’s how you should get up to speed on all things Pilgrim before your next nerdy dinner party.

First, see the movie. It’s not necessarily the best of the three works featuring Scott, Ramona, seven evil ex-boyfriends (including one girlfriend), and cast of memorable characters, but it’s damn good. You like Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead? Odds are very good you’ll like the humor here too.

If you even remotely liked the film–or you’re wondering just what the hell was happening amid all that flash and pop rock (it’s got Beck and Broken Social Scene!)–read the books. There are six volumes, but you can burn through all six in a couple hours. Story-wise, they’re stronger than the movie. Scott’s more likable, as is Ramona; there’s just so much great humor and style to it–plus it’s packed with obscure and obvious video game references!

If you’re cheap, you can grab the whole series for a pittance (approximately $40 on Amazon.com), but you should probably pick ‘em up from your local comic book store instead.

Finally, play the game. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is essentially a repackaged River City Ransom, only with amaaazing sprites by Paul Robertson and brilliant music by Anamanaguchi. Sure, the co-op play is all offline (T_T) and it’s essentially a repackaged River City Ransom but it’s still a blast.

All that Scott Pilgrim will set you back, say, about $65 if you’re frugal about it. Way better than spending the equivalent on Crackdown 2 or Alpha Protocol or Madden. Promise!

Mike sent me an IM, “You want to go see the new Tron in 3D IMAX on Saturday?” I’m like, “Hell yeah!”

Driving down, we had a suspicion it was just a trailer from all the chatter across the web leading up to the event. Rumors were even flying it was attached to an early screening of the new Alice in Wonderland. That made the most sense, with Tron still being 10 months out, and Alice being just a week. Besides, Disney owns both…

It turned out it was only the new trailer, shown twice. (For some proper journalism on the event, check out Mike’s recount on Kotaku.)

The screening was at THE BRIDGE: Cinema de Lux in The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center — my old stomping grounds in Culver City, CA. Culver City also happens to be the place where the original Flynn’s Arcade stood. Now its a swank restaurant called Akasha.

Both Tron directors were on hand — the original, Steven Lisberger, and the new, Joseph Kosinski. This gave me some hope that the movie may turn out all right. That, and the trailer was pretty stunning. It is going to be a must see in 3D IMAX.

From what I gathered during the 20 minute Q & A session (while the film rewound), Daft Punk was heavily involved and will be in the movie, Disney will be recreating Flynn’s Arcade, and expect a game. Sometimes avoiding questions can say more than any press release.

Mike needs some wheels, so instead of carjacking some random SUV like I have been doing for the past week, we decide to go test drive a Nissan.  While at the dealer, talk quickly turns from the practical 5 door Rogue we came to check out, to the soon to be released company halo car, the Nissan GT-R.  Our sales man, Michael Harris, at Santa Monica Nissan confided in us that none other than Donald Sutherland snatched up the first GT-R hitting these shores.  He also explained it was for his kid, which if I do the math correctly means it could be for Keifer – unlikely because Jack Bauer can afford his own – so that leaves Agnus, Rossif, or Roeg Sutherland.  Mr. Sales Man also let it be known the Donald didn’t blink at the $30,000.00 dealer mark-up.

I’m not envious or anything.

I’m just into the GT-R.  Almost as much as Kazunori Yamauchi.

Uwe Boll, this is for you: Tenacious D – Cosmic Shame

JB & KG are swooping down and telling you to STOP in the form of this petition. You will never make a video game related movie that looks as good as the upcoming Onechanbara.

Just like the Simple 2000 budget series video game, it is going to be so bad it’s good. Please face it, Uwe, this concept has been elusive at best your entire “career”, and will never be within your grasp.