Who doesn’t love “The Little Mermaid”? It’s the movie credited with kicking off the Disney animation renaissance of the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. Its songs ranging from “Under the Sea” to “Kiss the Girl” totally rock. And, it made it socially acceptable for Disney princesses to wear two pieces (well, technically a one-piece and a tail…either way, it paved the way for Princess Jasmine’s ensemble which I am thankful for).
But, there’s always been one thing that has bothered me.
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The alliance partner and I were enjoying dinner at a local British pub a few nights ago, when our server arrived with a puzzled look on her face. Apparently, a patron had left her a tipless receipt that had a message on it that confused her. After some prodding, she showed it to us. The text read…
“This is not the tip you’re looking for.”
She thought this was some kind of creepy come on. Fortunately for her, we’re well versed in the nerd arts. We explained that it was more likely a reference to the scene in “Star Wars” where Obi-Wan Kenobi used a Jedi mind trick to get by some Imperial Sand Troopers.
Jerkiness of not leaving a tip aside, how messed up is it to use the Force as a way to cheat someone out of money?
And also, how easy is it to fake one of those “A-Hole leaves message instead of a tip” news articles?
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Yesterday’s big announcement that Disney was acquiring LucasFilm has thrown all of nerddom into a bit of a tizzy. Personally, I can take or leave “Star Wars.” I enjoy the movies and culture for what they are, but have never bought into the hysteria that follows when they stamp the franchise’s logo onto a new random product.
However, some of my friends are still super huge hardcore fans. These people love “Star Wars” to the point that they have children named Luke, Leia, and Dengar. Now, child-abuse aside, some of them have greeted yesterday’s announcement with enthusiasm, while others have shown some apprehension. I thought I’d do my best to put those concerned fanboys and girls at ease with my take on why this acquisition is a good thing…
Two years ago I made a satirical blog post turning not-so-sassy “Ghostbusters” characters into uber-sassy Halloween attire. It was just a fun way to poke fun at the costume industry’s trend of sexifying (not a word) everything from Care Bears to Minnie Mouse to skunks.
Yeah, you read that last line correctly. Sexy skunks.
In fact, by the time I get around to making next year’s ‘Sexy “Karate Kid” Costumes’ post, I’m sure someone will be pimping some kind of trampy Cobra Kai attire.
“The Avengers” movie is right around the corner, and with it comes the return of the coolest toy created in the last 20 years, Hulk Hands. These spongy appendages are a fantastic way to beat on your little sister without landing yourself in a world of trouble. Two green, cushioned thumbs up.
However, as with all inventions, it’s wrong to think that there isn’t room for improvement. The Hulk is a manifestation of one man’s unbridled rage. So, I took it upon myself to help the big green guy better express himself. Best of all, this is something you can do in your own home…
Here’s the second lost “Ghostbusters” interview from the magazine feature I was never paid for. Enjoy…
Read the Lost Harold Ramis Interview
Gordon Holmes: It’s been 20 years since the Ghostbusters last rolled into action, was it tough to get back into character?
Ernie Hudson: No, to me Winston was very specific, the kind of guy he was and his approach to life. I think once you get that sense of a guy’s perspective on the world it’s just part of who you are. Every character is a little bit different. But, I like Winston, he’s got sort of a laid back approach to things compared to everyone around him. So, it was fun to get back into the character and explore it a little bit.
The 2012 TIA Toy Fair is in New York City this weekend. This is easily one of my favorite events of the year as I get a chance to check out which products are going to be flying off of toy shelves later this year. While I was doing some pre-show prep, I happened upon a site that chronicled the history of one of my favorite toys, Shrinky Dinks.
Note: For you youngsters who don’t know what Shrinky Dinks are, they were these cool things you’d color, then stick in the oven. During the baking process, they’d shrink down into keychains or jewelry or whatever. Good times.
Now, some of the licenses, like our buddy Mr. T., were huge sellers. And then there were some that didn’t sell so well…
Was digging through some old files the other day and came across some interviews I’d done with “Ghostbusters” stars Harold Ramis (Egon Spengler) and Ernie Hudson (Winston Zeddemore) back in 2009. The purpose of these interviews was to discuss the then soon-to-be-released “Ghostbusters: The Video Game.”
While I was skimming through the interviews, I realized that less than a quarter of the content had been used in the article I wrote for a now-defunct magazine.
Then I realized that “Ghostbusters” fans might get a kick out of them even though they are nearly three years old.
Then I realized that the magazine became defunct before I was paid.
So, screw the magazine, here’s the first interview…
You know what I hate about “Entourage?”
(Wait, that blog would take months to write and we don’t have that kind of time.)
You know one of the big things I hate about “Entourage”?
Adrian Grenier doesn’t have the talent to make me believe that Vincent Chase is a good actor. It destroys my suspension of disbelief to listen to the other characters talk about how he’s one role away from an Oscar.
That and E. I f’n hate E. How anyone could spend more than five minutes with that douche and not wring his neck is beyond me.
(Wow, we’re way off topic.)
Anywho, what I’m getting at is it really helps an entertainment-themed piece when the characters can back up the praise that gets heaped on them. Here are five talents that I think pull it off nicely…
Adam Sandler isn’t trying to win any awards. His goal in life is to make people laugh. And honestly, with the world in the shape it’s in, couldn’t we all use a few extra laughs?
That’s why it’s so disheartening to see reviewer-types turning against his latest effort, “Jack & Jill.” This new comedy romp features Sandler playing both a father and his annoying, out-of-shape twin sister. Is it Shakespeare? No. Is it meant to be? Also no.
What’s even more disturbing is how noble Sandler actually is in taking on such a challenging role…
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