Friday, August 30, 2013

Top Ten Television Shows Based on Movies

With Agent of SHIELD starting in a few weeks, I've looked back on a few other television shows that originated in movies.  Some of these on this list are direct continuations or the films, other are just kind of in the same world, and other ones take place during the movie they are based.  This is by no means a definitive list, that can be found here.  This is a list of my top ten.

10. Clerks: The Animated Series (2000)

Okay, now if you have seen any of this show, just stay with me for a second.  It is far from perfect, literally only aired two episodes before being taken off the air, and really has very little to do with the show, but give it a chance!  The show follows Dante and Randall as they work at Quickstop.  Each of the six episodes has Jay and Silent Bob as recurring characters, as well as some other new characters.  It doesn't fit in with the View Askew Universe, but is definitely worth watching for anyone who enjoyed Clerks.

9. Tron: Uprising (2012)

Tron: Uprising stars Elijah Wood as the lead character.  The series takes place in between Tron (1982) and Tron Legacy (2010) and so far has lasted 19 episodes.  It features characters from both movies: Tron, Clu, and even Quorra.  The show has received favorable critical reviews, but has yet to be renewed for another season.  Since January 2013, rumors have circulated that it has been cancelled, but nothing has been officially stated.

8. Hercules (1998)

While not considered canon, Hercules the series lasted 65 episodes and well fairly well-received.  The show covers Hercules as a teenager getting into Greek mythology themed shenanigans.  One could say that it takes place during the montage scene in the film, while Hercules is aging, but really it doesn't take place within the same continuity.  On occasion, the show contradicts things from the film.  Either way, it still had a fairly successful run along with most of Disney's other series based on movies.

7. Aladdin (1994)

While definitely not as successful as the film it is based on, Disney's Aladdin had a fairly successful run of 86 episodes.  The show starts right where the second film, Return of Jafar, leaves off.  Aladdin now lives in the palace and goes on adventures with Abu, Genie, and Iago.  The third film, Aladdin and the King of Thieves continues where the show ends.

6. The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron (2002)

I didn't even know this was based on a movie for years.  It was based on the 2001 film of the same name.  For whatever reason, I never saw it as a kid, and I don't specifically remember advertisements for it.  Either way, the movie spawned a successful 119 episode run.  The movie also spawned another TV show, Planet Sheen.  The show began airing in 2010 and lasted for 26 episodes.  Planet Sheen was not near and successful or memorable as Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.

5. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2007)

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles follows Sarah and John Connor after the events of Terminator 2.  In 1999 Sarah, John, and a reprogrammed Terminator named Cameron jump forward in time to 2007 to try and take down Skynet.  The first season was well received and had decent ratings.  It quickly gained a vocal fanbase.  It was decided during the show's second season that it would not continue. It was nominated for numerous Teen Choice and Primetime Emmy awards.

4. Friday Night Lights (2006)

The film, Friday Night Lights was released in 2004 and follows a high school football team in Texas working their way to the state championship.  While the film is based on actual events, the series takes place in a fictional town with fictional characters.  The series took the overall tone from the movie, and the book it was based on, and applied to modern cultural problems.  The show has a very vocal, but small, fan-base along with huge amounts of critical reception.  The show was nominated for a number of Emmys, but still never really found a solid audience.

3. Stargate: SG-1 (1997)

Stargate: SG-1 continues where the film, Stargate, leaves off.  The gate is now fully operational and the United States government has assembled a teams of operatives to explore and defend the galaxy.  This series went on the spawn two more series and two direct-to-DVD films.  SG-1 was a huge critical success, it was nominated for a pile of awards, including seven Emmys in the ten year run.

2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

Definitely more successful than the film, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a critically acclaimed TV series that lasted 144 episodes and spawned a spin-off, Angel, that lasted 110 episodes.  Joss Whedon, the director of Avengers and Dr. Horrible had written a script about teenage vampire.  When he finally found somebody to make it, they took his script and changed most of it.  In the film, the main character, Buffy, is much more "girly" as she is in the television show.  Whedon wrote the pilot episode of the TV to be a continuation of the original script.  While I can't recommend the movie, the TV show is definitely something that is quite entertaining and will keep you busy for months.

1. M*A*S*H (1972)

M*A*S*H is based in the film MASH, which is based on the novel of the same title.  The show follows some military surgeons during the Korean war.  It covers a three-year time period over the course of eleven seasons and 256 episodes.  It is easily considered one of the greatest shows of all time, and it seems hard to find a "top 100" list of series without M*A*S*H on it.  The series finale is still the most watched television episode of all time, and the rate people are dropping cable, it is impossible for anything to ever surpass its legacy.

More True Legends Orcs

I was in a Toys R Us a while back, and instead of getting something I didn't have, it got more True Legends Orcs.  I bought these alongside Gears of War Wave 2.


This is my second post about these figures, I just love them for the price.  Here is the first post: http://www.themojoverse.com/2013/04/toys-r-us-true-legends-orcs-pack.html





Thursday, August 29, 2013

Actors Appearing in Multiple Superhero Films as Different Characters

Whether you like the announcement that Ben Affleck will be appearing as Batman in the upcoming film or not, surely you remember a previous superhero film starring Ben Affleck.


Say what you want about the film, I personally enjoyed it, but I get why most don't.  Regardless, I feel Ben Affleck did a good job as Matt Murdock despite the rest of the movie kind of being a horrendous piece of shit.

All day I've been trying to think of other actors who have appeared in multiple superhero movies as different characters.  Some were very obvious, others I didn't even realize had played more than one.  I'm positive it isn't complete, so if you know one I missed, let me know please!

Chris Evans

The most obvious one to me is Chris Evans.  He first appeared in the Fantastic Four as the Human Torch is 2005, then reprises the same role in 2007 for the Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.  Neither one of those were fantastic, and will most likely be (or already have been) forgotten due to his next superhero appearance.  In 2010, Chris Evans played the title character in Captain America.  He appears as the same character in in the Avengers two years later, and will play Captain America again in 2014 for Captain America: Winter Soldier.  In addition to this traditional superhero roles, he also played a villain in Scott Pilgrim VS the World and played a fugitive trying to clear his name in the Losers, both released in 2010.

Ryan Reynolds

The most obvious role Ryan Reynolds has played in the Green Lantern.  In 2004, Ryan Reynolds played Hannibal King in Blade: Trinity.  Hannibal is a member of the Nightstalkers, a vampire hunting organization.  He then went on the play Deadpool in 2009 in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  Finally, he played Green Lantern in 2011.  Additionally he played an undead policeman with Jeff Bridges in RIPD in 2013.

Sam Elliot

While he hasn't played the main role in a comic book movie, Sam Elliot has played two fairly important roles in Marvel movies.  He portrayed General Thunderbolt Ross in the 2003 Hulk film.  His character is in charge of a task force to apprehend the Hulk.  In the comics, he goes on the become Red Hulk.  Sam Elliot also portrays the Caretaker in Ghost Rider (2007).  In the film, he is a former "ghost rider" who helps the current one use his powers for good.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Playstation Classics - Tony Hawk Pro Skater


Here we have one of my all-time favorite games.  Honestly, Mega Man X4 gave me a little frustration, and I knew this game would be pure joy.




If you have never played a Tony Hawk game before, you essentially just skate around doing crazy tricks and scoring points.




Each level places you in some location with skate ramps conveniently placed all over.  You are given five objectives to complete.  When you complete an objective, you received a tape.  Each level has two tapes for points, one for collecting letters to spell "skate", one is obtained from destroying various items, and the final one is a tape hidden somewhere in the level.



Some of the tapes can be difficult to obtain, but I have played this game so many times, it went quickly.



Overall, this game was a great blast from the past.  I have played newer Tony Hawk games more recently, but I forgot how different this one was.  No manualling!  This game still has my favorite non-original soundtrack of all time though, and it was amazing how many songs I could remember word for word.



Next up, Medievil!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Marvel Universe Wave 20 Nova Figure


Next up for Wave 20 is Nova!


I find it quite ironic that I happen to use a box labeled "Green Lantern Figures" as a background.

Marvel Universe Comic Pack Wave 11 Thanos


The figure is very detailed.  He glossy, very articulate, and seems about the perfect size for Nova.

Marvel Universe Wave 20 Hercules Figure


Today I received all of Wave 20 from Amazon.  I started with the figure I know the least about, Hercules.


I feel I have a pretty good grasp of Greek mythology, but I don't know how much of that translated into Marvel comics.


I have never read or seen anything with Marvel's Hercules.  Apparently he showed up in the conclusion of World War Hulk, but I must not have read that far.

Marvel Universe Wave 8 Juggernaut

Overall, I like the figure quite a bit!  He's articulate, sculpted quite well, and includes his (apparently) trademark mace.


Marvel Universe Comic Pack Wave 13 Colossus


I really don't have any complaints, it's pretty solid.

Marvel Universe Wave 12 World War Hulk

He also holds other weapons very easily.  I'm impressed.


Sunday, August 4, 2013

Hobbit Wave 2 3.75 inch Figure Images

I know this is fairly old news, but I just got around to really looking into it.  One of my favorite toy lines in a long time was The Hobbit.  I bought the entire first wave except Grinnah for whatever reason, but I have loved all of them!

I sadly haven't seen the movie yet.  When it came out, I wanted to see it in the higher frame rate, and I never got around to making the trip to a theatre that had it.  Now, I feel I have waited long enough that I might as well wait for the extended cut on Blu-Ray.


The next wave apparently gives us the rest of the dwarves.  This is fairly impressive considering how many there are!  Unfortunately, from what I'm reading, if you had the first wave you are going to have some double if you want them all.

Apparently, the new single figure assortments include Radagast, Thranduil, Azog, Beorn, and another Gandalf.  In addition, there will be some box sets with multiple figures.  One of these includes Nori, Ori, Dori, Gloin, and Thorin (pictures above).  Four new dwarves, and one I already have.  Not the end of the world, but was it necessary to put him in there?

There is also a Mirkwood pack including Legolas, Tauriel, Thranduil, Fili, and Kili.  Since Thanduil is apparently available in a single carded version, I should be able to pass on this considering I have all the others already.

The final box set includes Invisible Bilbo, Bifur, Bombur, and Oin.  This isn't horrible, but I really don't have a need for an invisible Bilbo.  I know many people do, so it is far better than another regular Bilbo.




I'm always looking for new fantasy figures in this scale, and I assume these will fit in just like like wave 1 did.





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