New York Comic Con: Your Guide to Saturday and Sunday

Look! We're alive! And even though we forgot to post our NYCC preview before NYCC started, we're here to give you our recommendations for Saturday and Sunday. That's something, right? Catch the rest of our preview over on Film.com here. Oh and to see anything Live Streaming, give a click here. Make sure to come back Monday when we will have a bunch of wrap up goodness for you, including plenty of photos from the floor and beyond. Happy Con-ing!

Saturday, October 13th

11:00am-12:00pm/Variant Stage

Kill Shakespeare: The Live Stage Reading

It was only a matter of time before someone took Kill Shakespeare to the next level in live performance, considering the comic is based on Shakespeare and all. This event, presented in conjunction wit the Vampire Cowboys Theater Company, should make for a very cool experience, featuring projections of images from the comic, and live music and sound effects, to accompany the actors.

11:15am-12:15am/1A21

Once More With Feeling: 15 Years of  Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Not to be confused with the 15th Anniversary panel that happened at Comic-Con this year, this Buffy panel is much more focused on the Season 9 comic, featuring a slew of writers and artists who have worked on the awesome series. But hey, we know a few Buffy actors of yore are attending the Con (here's looking at you, Nicholas Brendan), and the blurb does mention special guests…..

12:15pm-2:00pm

SAGA Signing: Brian J Vaughan & Fiona Staples/Image Booth #1229

Brian K Vaughan, the genius behind Y: The Last Man who also wrote plenty of your favorite episodes of Lost is signing his new acclaimed series, Saga. Pick up volume one at the booth and receive an exclusive bookplate for all your signing pleasure!!! This is a huge deal because Vaughan *never* signs. Some of us here at Film.com have been trying to get his signature for six years. If you're in a similar boat, make sure to beeline for Image first thing Saturday for details on attended this ticketed signing.

12:15pm-1:15pm

The Big Quiz Thing/Variant Stage

The greatest trivia show in the history, of, well, ever. Don't miss this awesomely fun interactive trivia spectacular, where every round of questions is themed towards pop culture and geekery. 

12:15-1:15/IGN Theater

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 - LIVE STREAM

DCU films are always wonderful, and when combined with the work of Frank Miller? A must. Plus, as always, aside from special footage to go along with the discussion, there will be exclusive DCU prizes.

1:30pm-2:00pm/IGN Theater - LIVE STREAM

The Conjuring

Before there was Amityville, there was Harrisville. Based on a true story, “The Conjuring” tells the horrifying tale of how world renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives. 

Warner Brothers makes their first appearance at New York Comic Con since Watchmen with this horror movie from Saw mastermind James Wan. Fittingly, a Watchmen cast member has also come back, Nite Owl himself, Patrick Wilson, and other special guests.

1:45pm-2:45pm/1E13

Person of Interest Special Video Presentation and Q&A

A look at the upcoming season of this surprise hit show, plus a Q&A with lots of awesome folks, including Jonathan Nolan, Taraji P Henson, and most importantly, Michael Emerson, who is the greatest always.

2:15pm-2:45pm/IGN Theater

The Bay - LIVE STREAM

From Oscar®-winning* director Barry Levinson, Roadside Attractions, and the producers of Paranormal Activity and Insidious, comes this nerve-shredding tale of a small town plunged into absolute terror. The authorities believed they had buried the truth about the tragedy that claimed over 700 human lives. Now, three years later, a reporter has emerged with footage revealing the cover-up and an unimaginable killer: a mysterious parasitic outbreak. Told from the perspective of those who were there and saw what happened, The Bay unfolds over 24 hours though people’s iPhones, Androids, 911 calls, web cams, and whatever else could be used to document the nightmare in Claridge, Maryland. 

Gotta love it when the indies and the legends start making their way towards New York Comic Con, and with "The Bay", we get both in one! Here, Chris Hardwick sits down with the one the only Barry Levinson to talk about his indie eco thriller The Bay, starring new genre sweetheart Kristen Connolly. 

3:00pm-3:30pm/IGN

Beautiful Creatures - LIVE STREAM

Alcon Entertainment’s “Beautiful Creatures” is a supernatural love story set in the South which tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers: Ethan (Alden Ehrenreich), a young man longing to escape his small town, and Lena (Alice Englert), a mysterious new girl. Together, they uncover dark secrets about their respective families, their history and their town. The film is based on the first novel in the best-selling series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. 

Providing a brief break from the horror is this look at  the adaptation of a beloved YA series, Beautiful Creatures, featuring a Q&A with stars Emmy Rossum, Zoey Deutch and more.

3:45pm-4:15pm

Carrie - LIVE STREAM

A reimagining of the classic Stephen King horror tale about Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. 

Chloe Moretz, Julianna Moore and Kimberly Pierce in person, plus the first footage of this remake seen anywhere? Oh hell yes. 

4:00pm-5:00pm/1A23

Vertigo-Fables: 10th Anniversary!

Fables has been around for 10 years?! Holy wow. If you read the comic, do not miss this chance to reminisce with creator Bill Willingham and take a look at the future of the wonderful comic series. If you don't read Fables, change that immediately. 

4:15pm-4:45pm/IGN Theater

Evil Dead - LIVE STREAM

In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up long-dormant demons that possess each of those friends in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.

Word through the grapevine is this footage is under no circumstances to be missed.  Plus, Bruce Campbell on stage is always a good thing, and you're not completely obsessed with "Suburgatory'"s Jane Levy now, the lead of this remake, it's only a matter of time. 

4:30pm-5:15pm/1A10

Adult Swim: Childrens Hospital/NTSF:SD:SUV

If you're not into horror and fear you may not be able to handle the intensity of the Carrie/Evil Dead/Walking Dead triple combo knock out, then make your way over to this sure to be hilarious Adult Swim panel, featuring show creators Paul Scheer, Rob Corddry and more.

5:00pm-6:00pm/IGN

AMC's The Walking Dead Panel Event - LIVE STREAM

Returning for their third year in order to promote their third season are the cast and showrunners of The Walking Dead, featuring a clip from Sunday's premiere. Chrid Hardwick moderates Glen Mazzara, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Chandler Riggss, MICHONNE FINALLY Danai Gurira, the Governer David Morrissey, and the returning Michael Rooker.

5:45pm-6:45pm

Jane Espenson, Brad Bell, Sean Hemeon Signing/Autograph Table 5

The Husbands team will be on hand to sign! Word on the street is they will have something very special available to sign, that may or may not be announced at their Friday panel…

6:15pm-7:15pm/IGN Theater

Firefly 10th Anniversary Special Event - First Look - LIVE STREAM

While obviously this panel cannot capture the magic of the Comic-Con reunion, this room will still be filled with Browncoats aplenty getting a sneak peek at the Science Channel's soon to be aired reunion special, complete with special guests and giveaways. 

7:45pm-8:45pm/Variant Stage

Cinefantastique Presents "Can You Survive a Zombie Apocalypse?"

One of a geek's favorite questions and one I've indulged in at many a post-Comic Con bar chat. Let's find out once and for all what the definitive best weapon to have in the zombie apocalypse is, because, no, I reject "bike" as an answer.

Sunday, October 14th

10:30am-11:30am

Jane Espenson, Brad Bell, Sean Hemeon Signing/Autograph Table 5

Your second chance to meet the minds behind Husbands!

11:00am-12:00pm/1E13

666 Park Avenue Special Video Presentation and Q&A

Watch some of new hit 666 Park Avenue and then have a chat with pretty much every single cast member. Part of WBTV's impressive showing this year.

11:00am-12:00pm/IGN Theater

Arrow Special Video Presentation and Q&A - LIVE STREAM

Fittingly, the comic book based WBTV show gets the giant room today, providing a look at the show and Q&A with the three leads, Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, and Willa Holland.

12:00pm-12:45pm/Unbound Stage

Geek Geek Revolution: The Sequel

WOOHOO! If you miss the first go round, there is another one on Sunday eagerly awaiting your attendance! This time, contestants include Anton Strout, Andrea Cremer, Beth Revis and Myke Cole. Games rule. So excited.

12:00pm-1:00pm/1E07

The Following Pilot Screening and Q&A

Yeah. You want to see this. It's great and isn't premiering until January. Get on board now! Oh and if James Purefoy, Shawn Ashmore and Natalie Zea on a panel aren't enough for you, there will also be a Kevin Bacon.

12:15pm-2:00pm/IGN Theater

Spider-Man's IGN Theater Birthday Celebration

Curious about the train wreck that is Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark, but don't want to spend over $200 to see if it really is that bad? Well, just head to the IGN Theater on Sunday to see a snippet of the show! There will also be a screening of an Ultimate Spider-Man episode, and a tutorial on how to move like Spider-Man. If you are five years old, you don't want to miss this.

1:00pm-3:00pm

SAGA Signing: Brian J Vaughan & Fiona Staples/Image Booth #1229

ANOTHER CHANCE THANK EVERYTHING SEE YOU THERE

1:30pm-2:00pm/Variant Stage

Central Park Zoo's Wildlife Theater

Central Park Zoo’s Wildlife Theater performs an expert from their interactive program Cool Rainforest Connections. The audience will meet the zoo’s superhero Captain Cocoa and our monkey puppet Tammy the Tamarin. Children in the audience will be invited to become Captain Cocoa’s sidekicks on the mission to save the Rainforest! This program uses games, humor and superheroes to entertain and teach about the Rainforest and how we can all make a difference. After the program visit our table for more fun activities and arts and crafts about the Rainforest.

What?! Why?! Okay! ANIMALS!

3:00pm-3:45pm/Unbound Stage

From Leia to Buffy: Creating Strong Female characters in Sci-Fi & Fantasy

The co-authors of "Mothership", Martin Leicht and Isla Neal, discuss their own heroine, Elvie Nara, as well other strong women in sci-fi/fantasy Always a worthy discussion to be had. And a chance to argue about why Revolution's Charlie does not count! 

3:30pm-5:00pm

Robert Kirkman Signing/Image Booth #1229

Your last chance! 

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"My Problem With Looper's Logic" or "Does This Mean I Don't Like Looper?!?!"

Thursday night, I found myself at a midnight showing of Looper at the Arclight in Hollywood. Before I jump into my thoughts on the movie aka the point of this article, I do want to mention that Looper now holds the title for Best Midnight Showing Director Introduction. See, Rian Johnson showed up in full Arclight employee garb, introduced himself simply as "Rian" and did nothing but say what the Arclight employees always say before a movie starts. As he was speaking, I thought to myself, wait a second, I know that guy, thinking he was just an Arclight dude who has been around forever, not putting two and two together that he looked familiar because I've been hearing him talk at conventions all year. Because he's Rian Johnson. But someone in our group quickly figured it out and we began uncontrollably snickering, causing Johnson to ask towards the end of his speil - "What's so funny?" It was a perfect moment, and set a nice tone going into the film.

But now to get some things off my chest after the jump. Spoilers ahead!


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Halloween Costume Brainstorming 2012

PROMETHEUS SPOILER ALERT!!

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So here's the deal. I don't exactly enjoy being next to naked in life, let alone Halloween, when girls do it specifically to look sexy, which bugs the hell out of me. But the moment this imagery entered my consciousness during Prometheus, I thought "ZOMG HALLOWEEN?!?!!" Plus, it's pretty simple

-Neutral tone strapless bra & underwear

-Ace bandage situation for wrapping

-Fake blood/wound makeup

-Short brown wig.....though man do I hate wearing wigs

-Facehugger. Just cause.

DO I DARE??!?!?!

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Pitch Perfect Giveaway Times!

MOOOARRRR GIVEAAAWAYYYSSS

I am way too excited for this movie. I mean, I saw Camp in theaters. The movie Camp is how I knew who Anna Kendrick was before anyone else did. I soft spot for whatever the hell genre this is and I AM NOT ASHAMED I AM ONLY A LITTLE ASHAMED. But come on, Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, produced by Elizabeth Banks HOW can it not be awesome.

Update: I saw it. IT'S EVERYTHING I HOPED IT WOULD BE AND MORE. Elaboration to come soon.

So we are holding a little contest, as we do, and here's what  you can win:

One winner will receive:

• Pitch Perfect Official Soundtrack
• $15 Movie Cash
• Pitch Perfect Sunglasses
• Pitch Perfect Earbuds
• Pitch Perfect T-shirt or Tank Top
• Aca-Awesome Magnetic Poetry

To enter, just rock the Rafflecopter before, you know the drill!

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PS Check out who won the first go round below!

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Beca (Anna Kendrick) is that girl who'd rather listen to what's coming out of her headphones than what's coming out of you. Arriving at her new college, she finds herself not right for any clique but somehow is muscled into one that she never would have picked on her own: alongside mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together, in the new out-loud comedy Pitch Perfect.

Release Date:                         October 5, 2012

Genre:                                     Comedy

Studio:                                    Universal Pictures

Starring:                                 Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Adam DeVine, Freddie Stroma

Directed By:                           Jason Moore

Written By:                            Kay Cannon, Jeff Roda

Produced By:                         Paul Brooks, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman

Official website          http://www.pitchperfectmovie.com/

Facebook                    http://www.facebook.com/pitchperfectmovie

Twitter                       https://twitter.com/pitchperfect  #PitchPerfect

YouTube                     http://www.youtube.com/user/pitchperfectmovie

Soundtrack listing

1. Don't Stop The Music (The Treblemakers)

2. Let It Whip (The Treblemakers)

3. Since U Been Gone (Ester Dean, Skylar Astin)

4. Cups (Anna Kendrick)

5. Riff Off: Mickey/Like A Virgin/Hit Me With Your Best Shot/S&M/Let's Talk About Sex/I'll Make Love To You/Feels Like The First Time/No Diggity (The Barden Bellas, The Treblemakers, The BU Harmonics)

6. Bellas Regionals: The Sign/Eternal Flame/Turn The Beat Around (The Barden Bellas)

7. Right Round (The Treblemakers featuring My Name Is Kay)

8. Pool Mashup: Just The Way You Are/Just A Dream (The Barden Bellas)

9. Party In The U.S.A. (The Barden Bellas)

10. Trebles Finals: Bright Lights Bigger City/Magic (The Treblemakers)

11. Bellas Finals: Price Tag/Don t You (Forget About Me)/Give Me Everything/Just The Way You Are/Party In The U.S.A./Turn The Beat Around (The Barden Bellas)

12. Toner (Instrumental Suite) (Christopher Beck, Mark Kilian)

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Watch This Now: Brand New Web Series "The Complex"

James just got dumped. In a bad way. But that's not going to stop him from winning back the girl of his dreams. With the help of his crew of oddball friends and neighbors, he's going to tackle every complaint his ex has. But in The Complex, his plans always take an unexpected turn.


So you know how pretty much all of the people have a web series? And how generally, they aren't very good? Either the writing isn't there, the direction isn't competent, the camera work is amateurish and the acting...let's not get started on the acting. This is why whenever I come across a web presence that is actually worth the watch (see: Dorm Life, Husbands), I get excited and do my best to spread the word. Which brings us to this very post on a new web series called The Complex (not to be confused with the also awesome in not even the slightest bit of the same way Canadian primetime soap The LA Complex), created by Bad Bonsai Productions.

Bad Bonsai was formed two years ago by a group of graduates from Atlantic Theater Company Acting School in NYC (part of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts), who had just completed a grad acting program in LA. Not satisfied to idly wait around for auditions, the group formulated The Complex's concept and writer Lauren Smerkanich immediately got to work. It should be noted that Smerkanich has developed a bit of a following in the Los Angeles theater scene since principal photography on The Complex wrapped over a year ago, her play Amongst The Trees named one of LA's top five original plays of 2011 by LAist. Her voice is sharp and hilarious, and though specific, every word sounds incredibly organic coming from this group of actors.  First time director Laryn Stout proves to be a natural by deftly creating a sense of authenticity and care with every frame. Watching the series, you don't find yourself cringing or waiting for the the other shoe to drop. The quality is evident from the get go, and only becomes clearer as the series goes on. In episode three, screened at the premiere party at Meltdown Comics this past weekend,  an instant classic of a character is introduced, played expertly straight faced through the absurdity with full commitment by yes-you-have-in-fact-seen-him-before-in-something actor/writer Jeffrey Addiss.

Every character on The Complex has a quirk of some kind, but as Community and Happy Endings have proven, the straight man in its classic form isn't entirely necessary if the comedy itself is strong enough. Smerkanich's character, appropriately named Lauren, is the closest the show comes to an audience surrogate, but her dry wit and addiction to lolipops to stave off her addiction to nicotine still yield as many laughs as the cooky folk surrounding her, my favorite of which (by episode four at least) is Hannah, played by Bad Bonsai founding member Hannah Miller. She is eager, enthusiastic, and according to shoe's website, loves "babies, giving dating advice, and presents with really large colorful bows." Miller's take is engagingly unique - the closest existing character I could compare her to would be Community's Annie, if Annie were a bit more disconnected from reality. Also keep on eye on on the fantastic Katie French, who plays villainous best friend to Greta (she who dumps James) and foil to James' quest to win her back.

Intrigued? Watch the first two episodes right here! I highly encourage watching both, as the first acts mostly as an introduction, the second establishing the tone for the rest of the series. Keep an eye on thecomplexseries.com every Monday for the next eight weeks for new episodes.



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A Look At September's Movies

After a jam packed August filled with many surprisingly quality films, September arrives to bring us a handful of fake Oscar bait, two rereleases of adored classics, seemingly all of the indies that got mixed reviews out of the film fest circuit, and a bizarre plethora of thrillers and genre flicks. Looking at the slate right now, at least one thing becomes very clear - no new movie will possibly make more money opening weekend than either of the rereleases, right? It's an interesting box office race this month, that's for sure. 

To take a look at my complete preview of September, head to Film.com. For now, here are my ten most anticipated. 

Bachelorette (Sept 7)

Three friends are asked to be bridesmaids at a wedding of a woman they used to ridicule back in high school.

Although "Bachelorette", written, directed and adapted from the play by Leslye Headlund, received mixed reviews out of Sundance, many calling it a mean spirited version of "Bridesmaids", don't be frightened away. The film might be tonally confused at times, and fans of the play may baulk at its alternate, happier ending, but the performances from Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, and in particular a firey Kirsten Dunst are worth the ride. Plus, supporting appearances from Rebel Wilson, James Marsden, Adam Scott, Hayes MacArthur and Kyle Bornheimer certainly don't hurt. BTW if you can't wait a week, you can catch "Bachelorette" on VOD this very moment.

Raiders of the Lost Ark IMAX (Sept 7)

Archeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis.

Just so you're aware. One week only. Get your tickets now. But no really. This is not a drill.

The rest after the jump!

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The Dishonored Dilemma

As you readers may have noticed, I've been pretty MIA lately, something that is not very normal for All Things Fangirl. Life has gotten pretty busy in ways that haven't let me geek out as much as I like. Yes, I started both Friday Night Lights and Breaking Bad and have been making my regular trips to Golden Apple, but I still haven't *opened* Uncharted 3, my most anticipated game of last year, and have a list of no fewer than 15 movies currently in theaters or on VOD that I absolutely must see ASAP. And fall TV starts *when*?!!?

So today as I finally have a day off and decide to do some spring (or fall, whatevs, shh) cleaning, I come across all of my E3 goodies and am reminded of the game that took my breath away perhaps most at the conference, Dishonored. So I immediately took to the internets to see about where to pre-order.

I was aghast to discover that there are four completely different pre-order packages available, each of which is supposed to cater to a different style of game play. Um. Look. I watched a phenomenal half hour demo and played the game for 20 minutes at E3 and I certainly have no idea what style of game play I prefer - so how is anyone who hasn't even done that much supposed to know? This led me to discover that Assassin's Creed three has SIX pre-order packages. But let's stay on Dishonored. Here are the pre-order options broken down

Best Buy
* $20 coupon towards next game
* USB Whale Oil Lamp Shadow Rat Pack :
* DELICATE TOUCH: Breaking Glass noise reduction
* VOYEUR: Key-hole peeping magnification
* DEEP BREATHER: Underwater breathing capacity bonus
* GOLDEN RAT STATUE: Unlocks one additional slot for bone charm bonuses (start with an extra slot earlier on)
* UNHIDDEN BOOK: "Filed Notes: The Royal Spy"
* 500 BONUS COINS

Amazon 
Backstreet Butcher Pack:
* FENCER: sword vs. sword advantage bonus
* FIRE WATER: increased whiskey bottle explosions
* BLAST RESISTANT: reduced explosion damage taken
* WOLFHOUND IN-GAME STATUE: unlocks one additional slot for bone charm bonuses (start with an extra slot earlier on)
* UNHIDDEN BOOK: "Early Life and Times: Slackjaw"
* 500 BONUS COINS

Wal-Mart 
Acrobatic Killer Pack:
* RAVEN: Health bonus for drop-down assassination
* QUICK DODGE: Bolt / arrow dodging bonus
* RIVER AFFINITY: Increased swimming speed
* HAGFISH IN-GAME STATUE: Unlocks one additional slot for bone charm bonuses (start with an extra slot earlier on)
* UNHIDDEN BOOK: "Rumours and Sightings: Daud"
* 500 BONUS COINS

Game Stop
* Dishonored 72 Tarot Card Deck
Arcane Assassin Pack:
* VOID CHANNEL: Powers duration and damage bonus
* WHITE RAT FRIEND: White rats will not be hostile
* GUTTER FEAST: White rat consumption for mana
* WHALE IN-GAME STATUE: Unlocks one additional slot for bone charm bonuses (start with an extra slot earlier on)
* UNHIDDEN BOOK: "Filed Notes: The Journal of Granny Rags"
* 500 BONUS COINS

Is this a thing now? I mean I know for a while you could get a deck of cards from one place or a coupon from another or free DLC from another, but these packages are too much. To give away actual *abilities* that change the game, without knowing which you would want or how to even know which ones you would want? Why?? Especially for a completionist like me, it's torture to know that there are certain elements I will never get to explore or sample. If it came down to items, then sure, narrow it down to Game Stop or Best Buy, and decide between the cards or the lamp. It it comes down to value, Best Buy gives you the money towards your next game, so, great. But it's not just items or value here, it's changing the entire effing gameplay experience.

So here, readers, for you, in case it helps, is my step by step process in deciding where to pre-order. Well. We'll see if a decision is made by the end of this experiment.

In terms of simply powers, Wal-Mart sounds the best, especially considering at the very least I know I like stealth, so a health bonus for stealthy kills interests me greatly, but it's Wal-Mart, the one place I *won't* buy *anything*!  Wal-Mart, you're out.

Amazon, I get free shipping and extra points on my Amazon credit card, and probably have some credit stashed away, but the powers seem to lean most towards playing specifically with fire, and melee. Generally I loves me some melee, but in a game that could be played entirely without direct confrontation if you wanted, why would I want to choose a package that is only valuable if I engage? Amazon, you're out.

So this brings us back to the options with items, Best Buy vs. Game Stop.

But honestly, how often are you going to use either one? Moot point.

So let's take a look at the powers, Shadow Rat vs Arcane Assassin. At Best Buy, the Shadowrat Pack seems to be the one *most* useful for stealth. Stay quieter, spy more efficiently and swim for longer without needing to come up for water. While all three of these are very specific and you only get the benefits in the situations where you need to break glass, look through a keyhole, or go swimming, the combo of the three really ups the chances of you kicking some stealth ass. But feel like playing bloody and these perks do pretty much nothing, unless you are escaping from someone via water. Speaking with what little knowledge I have of the game after spending roughly an hour with it, I have to say that Arcane Assassin's Void Channel is looking *really* good to me. Why? Powers duration and damage bonus works whether you play the game bloodily or stealthily. And frankly, so do using white rats for Mana (think EVE from Bioshock) and not getting damage from white rats! From the perspective of best in game value, I might actually be leaning towards Arcade Assassin from Game Stop.

But Best Buy will save me $20 when I buy Assassin's Creed 3 or Bioshock Infinite or Grand Theft Auto V?

Effing damnit. I don't know. At least I've narrowed it down to Best Buy vs Game Stop, right?

So which one are you going for, readers, and if you think Shadowrat > Arcade Assassin, please tell me why!

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For a Good Time Call Prize Package Giveaway!!

Can you tell how much we love contests over here?

This time win a bunch of fun goodies from the indie flick For A Good Time Call...which received positive on festival circuit earlier this year. It stars and is written by the incredibly talented Lauren Miller (aka Mrs Seth Rogen) and is one of the very very few films so far this year to pass the Bechtel test, so as we are a lady run site, it is our duty to support such things :).

One (1) winner will receive:

For a Good Time, Call Prize pack including:

·         $25 Visa gift card to have a Good Time at the movies!

·         T-Shirt

·         Nail Polish Set

·         Cell Phone Cover w/ microfiber cloth

·         Retro Phone Handset with cord

I WANT THE RETRO PHONE HANDSET. I WANT IT. GIIIIVEEEE ME WAAANT.

Anyway, enter the contest below and keep on reading for more info on the movie itself, now playing!

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Synopsis:

Love and friendship are on the line in For a Good Time, Call…, directed by Jamie Travis from an original screenplay by Katie Anne Naylon & Lauren Anne Miller. The contemporary comedy world-premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, lifting audiences to their feet and lifting their spirits. Ms. Miller stars in the movie opposite Ari Graynor (The Sitter, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist).

Two young women come up short on the funds needed to live in New York City. Lauren Powell (played by Ms. Miller), a reserved overachiever, is suddenly on her own after boyfriend Charlie (James Wolk) abruptly breaks up with her. Katie Steele (Ms. Graynor), an irrepressible free spirit, is about to forfeit a dream residence unless she finds an apartment-mate.

Their mutual best friend Jesse (Justin Long) has the bright idea that they room together, even though he well knows that they are polar opposites who haven’t spoken since they met in college and then fell out within minutes. When Lauren and Katie meet up anew at Jesse’s behest, they’re still an at-odds couple…
…but, without options, Lauren reluctantly moves in. With nothing in common, she and Katie barely speak – until Lauren discovers that Katie is working as a phone-sex operator. This is, Lauren reasons, a good business opportunity; together, they will buy a land line and start up their own answering service.
Katie is – it would seem – already in her element, and Lauren catches on quick; it’s not long before the blushing subsides and the candid chatting becomes second nature to her. It’s a long, hot summer for the newly minted team and their callers; Lauren puts her job hunt on hold while Katie considers the courtship ministrations of caller Sean (Mark Webber). But as their business partnership takes off, Lauren and Katie’s newfound friendship finds unexpected challenges that may leave them both, as they say, hanging on the telephone.

Official website          http://foragoodtimecallmovie.com

Facebook                    https://www.facebook.com/ForAGoodTimeCall

Twitter                       https://twitter.com/GoodTimeMovie #GoodTimeMovie

YouTube                     http://www.youtube.com/user/foragoodtimecallfilm

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Roomsies and Playsies

So I just discovered Roomsies, a new webseries from the awesome minds of Jenny Donheiser and Meagan Kensil. It's about two girls I kinda wish I roomed with and giggled with. Check out their site, follow them on twiiter, and subscribe to their youtube...they're only mildly inviting e-stalking behavior but they're wildly worth checking out.



And you can also check out both Jenny and Meagan in Pipeline Theatre's new production Giant Killer Slugs, a new but retro-style comedy featuring mysterious and ever-expanding slugs. For more info and tickets, go here.

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I'm Officially Obsessed With Husbands And You Should Watch It Immediately

As it is wont to do, the Paley Center for Media made history Monday night, showcasing its first ever web series and thus finally admitting that quality online media deserves as much respect as anything broadcast on television, finally accepting this short form story telling with open arms. Considering its timely subject matter, no show could be more perfect to spearhead traditional media jumping into the 21st century than the show that received this honor, Jane Espenson and Brad Bell's Husbands.

During the evening, we were treated to the first two episodes of this second season, running eight minutes each. When all three segments are put together, the season works very much like one episode of a sitcom. A great effing sitcom smarter than most of the things currently on the air. To spread the show over the course of more than three weeks, between each fictional episode, is a behind the scenes featurette that acts as a documentary of the shooting process. Word from the panel is that the making of is just as awesome as the show itself. Fuck. Yes. 

On the panel were Line Producer M Elizabeth Hughes, director Jeff Greenstein, co-stars Alessandra Torresani and Sean Hemeon, and co-creators/writers Brad Bell aka "Cheeks", who also stars, and Jane Espenson.

It was fascinating to hear these folks speak about the show. They are all incredibly intelligent, well spoken, and good at what they do. They clearly love working on the show, and the material is so quality, that a part of me yearns for it to be on television (although Jane and Cheeks' speech about how the internet should actually be called television, because it's way more accurate in regards to what the word fundamentally means, was absolute perfection), just so I can watch them every week. Though it did become clear throughout the course of the conversation that pulling off what they pull off wouldn't be nearly as possible on a network. Maybe cable. Maybe. Ultimately, the web really is a perfect forum for the show - my only complaint is simply "But I want more!"

One of the discussion points that struck me the most was specifically the sexual chemistry between main characters Cheeks and Brady. In watching the episodes, it's impossible not to notice that Brad Bell and Sean Hemeon truly have a wonderful connection. You feel the attraction between these two men in a way only seen heightened yet still somehow marginalized on something like Queer as Folk. Cheeks and Brady are a refreshing couple and by not shying away from their attraction to each other, the show allows the audience to invest in their relationship in a much deeper way. As Cheeks pointed out, being attracted to the same sex is the *only* thing that makes someone gay. So to avoid that completely is akin to just making the characters friends. On programs like Modern Family or Glee, the audience never feels the "heat" between couples like Mitch and Cam or Kurt and Blaine. But the heat is there between Cheeks and Brady, and that should not be taken for granted.

Another big part of the discussion was about Kickstarter and the responsibility the team felt to use the money they so graciously received from fans judiciously, carefully and responsibly. Even though $60,000 sounds like a lot, it's a mere 10% of a typical budget for one episode of a sitcom, if that. So not only does this group have experience with practically no budget for season one, they have experience making the transition to somewhat of a budget, for season two. It became very clear that coming from a very DIY place made every penny count once money came in, a great lesson for all artists aspiring to work in film or television, that starting with zero is just that - *starting* with zero. The product you create, the lessons you learn, the fans you garner, the connections you make - it all helps with the next step, with getting a budget, with figuring out how to best use it, with taking your art to the next level.

Can you tell how ridiculously inspired by these guys I was?

Most importantly, on top of everything, Husbands is just plain good. The show is absolutely hilarious and plays with classic sitcom tropes in a way that feels new, and features consistently outstanding performances. Is it awkward for me to call Alessandra Torresani a comedic genius? Cause I kind of think she is. Plus, season two is chock full of fun cameos, not from people who showed up as a favor, but from past collaborators of the Husbands team who genuinely love the material and wanted to be involved. Keep an eye out as you watch, cause blink and you might miss some, especially Felicia Day's hilarious pizza commercial.

Do yourself a favor, watch season one at husbandstheseries.com, then immediately head to lovehusbands.com and take in the season two premierey goodness. You won't regret it. And to hear Jane and Cheeks speak about the value of the web with other talents who bridge the gap between online content and film/tv, check out the Third Annual No Budget Film Festival: Bonus Features event happening August 25th from 1pm-5pm at The Last Bookstore in Downtown LA.

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Epic Paranorman Giveaway!!!

As you've probably heard by now, Paranorman is fantastic and if there is justice in the world, it will make all of the moneys of ever this weekend. In celebration of something awesome FINALLY opening this summer, we're doing a funtime giveaway. 

 Just fill out the Rafflecopter goodness below and enter the contest for a chance to win: 

 · $25 Visa Gift Card for a night at the movies 

 · Adult T-Shirt 

 · Keychain 

 · Notebook 

 · Slippers 

 · Toothbrush 

 · Backpack 

 Trust me. This stuff is awesome. Take a look at how happy our Moonrise Kingdom winner was :). Contest ends Wednesday August 22nd. Enter away!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

"The new 3D stop-motion comedy thriller from animation company LAIKA, reteaming the company with Focus Features after the groundbreaking Academy Award-nominated Coraline. ParaNorman is, following Coraline, the company's second stop-motion animated feature to be made in 3D.

In ParaNorman, a small town comes under siege by zombies. Who can it call? Only misunderstood local boy Norman(Kodi Smit-McPhee), who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he'll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst, of all, grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits.

Starring          

Kodi Smit-McPhee, Casey Affleck, Anna Kendrick, John Goodman, Leslie Mann, Jeff Garlin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Elaine Strich, Tempestt Bledsoe, Bernard Hill, Alex Borstein, Tucker Albrizzi

Directed By Sam Fell and Chris Butler

Written By Chris Butler

Screenplay By Chris Butler

Produced By Arianne Sutner and Travis Knight

Rated PG"

Like ParaNorman on Facebook

Visit ParaNorman.com to play games, grab free downloads and more

Follow @ParaNorman on Twitter #paranorman 

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Set List - Fiona Apple, Hollywood Palladium, 7/29/12

Photo courtesy of Sterogum

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Fiona Apple for the third time, and although normally I don't cover music for ATFG, I can't resist at least putting up her set list because BECAUSE. Only disappointed she didn't sing Never is a Promise, Parting Gift and Hot Knife, but I understand why. Two are incredibly depressing and the last one is three lyrics but DAMNIT three lyrics I wanted to sing with her so badly. Still, wonderful show. I also appreciate the fact that the songs I am currently enjoying/relating to the most are Extraordinary Machine and Anything We Want, as opposed to like, Shadowboxer, Werewolf, Tymps, I Know....pretty much any other song of hers ever....Fiona, you've been through some shit. I love you. The end.

(links to songs courtesy of setlist.fm)

1. Fast As You Can 
"I may be soft in your palm, but I'll soon grow hungry for a fight and I will not let you win"

2. On the Bound 
"Maybe some faith would do me good"

3. Shadowboxer 
"Once my lover, now my friend, what a cruel thing to pretend...Ill be sure to stay wary of you, love, to save the pain of once my flame and twice my burn"

4. Paper Bag 
"Hunger hurts, but starving works when it costs too much to love"

5. Anything We Want 
"I kept touching my neck to guide your eye where I wanted you to kiss me when we find some time alone...and then we can do anything we want."

6. Get Gone 
"I'll idealize, then realize that it's no sacrifice, because the price is paid, and there's nothing left to grieve"

7. Sleep To Dream 
"You say love is a hell you cannot bear, and I say gimmie mine back and then go there...This mind, this body and this voice cannot be stifled by your deviant ways"

8. Extraordinary Machine 
"If there was a better way to go, then it would find me....be kind to me or treat me mean, I'll make the most of it, I'm an extraordinary machine"

9. Werewolf 
"We can still support each other, all we gotta do's avoid each other...nothing's wrong when a song ends in a minor key."

10. Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song) 
"Why did I kiss him so hard late last Friday night, and keep on letting him change all my plans. I'm either so sick in the head I need to be bled dry, to quit, or I just really used to love him. I sure hope that's it."

11. Daredevil 
"Seek me out, look at me, I'm all the fishes in the sea."

12. I Know 
"If it gets too late, for me to wait for you to find you love me and tell me so, it's okay, don't need to say it..."

13. Every Single Night 
"That's when the pain comes in, like a second skeleton, trying to fit beneath the skin, I can't fit the feelings in...every single night's a fight with my brain. I just want to feel everything."

14. Criminal 
"I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand, but I keep living this day like the next will never come."

15. Carrion 
"All I want is to save you honey, or the strength to walk away."

16. Not About Love 
"Take all of the things that I've said that he stole, put 'em in a sack, swing over my shoulder, turn on my heels, step out of this sight, try to live in a lovelier night...this is not about love, cause I am not in love, in fact I can't stop falling out."

17. It's Only Make Believe (Conway Twitty cover)

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On The Scene: The 38th Annual Saturn Awards

Cross-posted on Film.com

Last night marked the 38th annual Saturn Awards, the ceremony honoring the best in Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. The Sweet Tea Vodka may have been traded in for Korbel and Gordon Biersch, but the chicken dinner, cheesecake dessert Jeff Ross's annual joke that he looks like a cross between Walter Matthau and Rick Moranis stayed the same. Phew. Special award recipients of the night included actor James Remar, writer Robert Kirkman, director Drew Goddard, jack-of-all-awesome Frank Oz, and "The Simpsons" for achieving its milestone as the longest running scripted series of all time. Big winners in regular categories included "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", "Super 8", "Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part Two", "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", "Fringe" & "Breaking Bad". Here is our recap of the festivities.

Most Heartfelt Speech
"X-Men: First Class" makeup artist Dave Elsey told us a story about how when we was 15 he sent a letter to Rick Baker, figuring he'd never hear back. Much to his surprise, Baker happened to be in London at the time working on "Greystroke" and not only wrote back, but invited Elsey to set to watch him work. After that, Elsey knew his destiny was to work in film makeup and stressed how much the award meant to him. Honoring Baker's influence even further, Elsey informed the audience, in case they didn't know, that Baker would soon be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In a close second, seminal editor Paul Hirsch, who has edited "Carrie", "Ferris Bueller's Day Off,", and "The Empire Strikes Back," just to name a few, won an award for editing "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", and noted "I first won one of these 34 years ago for "Star Wars [Episode IV]", and I hope to see you back here in another 34 years."

Most Inspiring Speech
Okay, so it turns out Frank Oz is a genius. I mean, we should all already know this, but just in case, I'll say it again - Frank Oz is a *genius.* After seeing a stellar reel of his work and hearing his praises sung by Mark Hamill and Scott Bakula, with whom he recently finished working on a play, Oz, winner of one of last night's Life Career awards, took to the stage to give a moving, inspiring and riveting speech detailing how important it is not to let low self esteem get you down, as he had terrible confidence in himself until Jim Henson forced him into realizing his talent. He emphasized that he didn't reach where he is today alone, and that it's all about the people you work with and having confidence in their confidence in you. The man who did the voice of Cookie Monster exclusively longer than I've been alive urged the audience to remember, "You may not think you're good enough, but believe me, you are." He concluded his speech by talking about Henson's drive to simply make things good, and how Oz feels a kinship with everyone in that room because he thinks we all feel that way, we just want to create and experience things that are good, no matter who gets the credit or how difficult it might be, Though Oz apologized for the length of his speech, I could have listened to him talk all night.

WAY more after the jump

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The Ten Most Heart Warming Moments Of Comic-Con 2012

Cross-posted on Film.com


For all of the criticism of this years Comic-Con for being more Hollywood than ever thanks to giant spectacle and the number of parties per night giving the number of panels per day a run for their money, what the Con is truly and still continues to be about is being overlooked - the connection between fan and property or artist. This year I saw more tears than in any year before, and not a single one was shed out of sadness. While this may have on the one hand been a year of bombast, it was also the year of joy and appreciation, and we thought we'd give you a rundown of the best of those sweet moments.

Twilight Does Some Good

The last ever "Twilight" panel managed to have one second that actually for a moment made me appreciate what the franchise has perhaps done for people. A male fan who somewhat resembles Taylor Lautner, took to the mic to have a "bro moment" with Lautner, thanking him for the inspiration to get in shape, losing almost 100 pounds so far. He asked for advice on how to stay in shape and whether or not Lautner cheats on his diet, to which Lautner gave the fan genuine advice. For some reason the positivity of that moment had at least one audience member getting misty eyes (read: me)

Fans Show Some Tim Burton Love

There were multiple moments of overwhelming sweetness during the "Frankenweenie" portion of the Disney panel. First, when a giant group of fans, each dressed as a different Burton movie came to the mic to ask a question, to which Burton exclaimed, "It's like my family came to see me!" Later, a girl at the mic was asking Burton how it felt to finish a project he started working on so many years ago and burst into tears, eliciting awes from the entire hall. Burton empathized with the young fan, "I feel like you do, when I think about it, I start to cry myself."

Firefly - We're All In This Together

Nothing beats the high emotions that took place at the end of the "Firefly" reunion panel. Being in that room for the reunion trumped pretty much anything else that happened during the entire weekend. The intangible energy alone was enough to bring any passer byer (if that was possible at Comic-Con) to tears. Although a few panelists got misty eyed during their entrances (Summer Glau most notably), everyone lost it at the end. When Joss Whedon was talking about what he would have changed about the end of Firefly had he known it was getting canceled, he said "We would have learned about Book and we would have learned about Inara and for some reason that's the question that's gonna make me cry? That's okay, you know what, that is a good last question." As Joss started to tear up, the audience showered him in applause. But it goes beyond that. Jeff Jensen, before wrapping the panel up, posed this question to Whedon, "What do the fans mean to you?" Already fighting back his emotions, Whedon had a hard time mustering up the strength to answer, which immediately cause Nathan Fillion to wipe his own eyes and inspired the audience to collectively scream "We love you!!!" After a few more moments, the audience packed to the brim with 4500 people took to their feet applauding Whedon, letting him know how much he means to us. As Whedon couldn't hold it together any longer, Glau leaned over and kissed his shoulder and the whole cast stood up with the audience, applauding Whedon right along with us. Now fully in tears, along with most of the cast, Whedon gave the following speech to the crowd, who stayed on their feet for the whole conclusion of the panel,

“Only an idiot would actually try to follow that with a sentence. When you come out of a great movie…you feel like you’re in that world. Like you come out of Brazil and suddenly everything is duct piping and…buerocracy and everyone's weird and everything's too much. You know, you come out of these certain things and the world has become that. When you’re telling a story, you are trying to connect to people in a particular way. It's not just about what you want to say, It’s about inviting them into a world and the way in which you guys have inhabited this world, this universe, have made you part of it, part of the story, you are living *in* Firefly, when I see you guys, I don’t think the show is off the air, I don't think there's a show, I think that's what the world is like. I think there’s spaceships, I think there's horses, I think it's going on in all of us — the story is alive.”

A whole lot more after the jump!

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