Alternatural Thoughts

Just Hoping

2009-07-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Get well soon, Bro.

Know Your ‘Marvel Pets’

2009-07-12T13:54:00.001-07:00

It’s not your regular sourcebook. The “Marvel Pets Handbook” has entries on several super-pets like Lockjaw, Lockheed, Cosmo, Old Lace, the Punisher’s dog Max, Amadeus Cho’s ex-pet coyote Kerberos, Mole Man’s monsters, even Gomi’s pet lobsters Bill and Don. It’s a fun, fact-filled read; it’s interesting to discover that some heroes and villains are animal lovers. Lesser-known animals are enumerated in the Appendix: Cowboy Horses of the Old West and Miscellaneous Pets pages. This memorable and organized Handbook virtually has all of the Marvel Universe’s most beloved and reviled (and obscure) beasties.

Spidey and Deadpool Discuss Underwear

2009-07-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

Funny conversation in Deadpool: Suicide Kings # 3:

Spidey (on Deadpool’s costume): Love all the pockets. You’re like a walking fanny pack. Bet you have to beat the ladies off with a stick.

Deadpool: You should talk. Your costume’s so tight you can tell what religion you are. Ever hear of a cup?

Spidey: Yeah, but the chafing was killing me, so I decided to go commando.

Heehee. They really should devote an issue or a mini to a team-up. With quippy characters such as DP and Spidey, the script will practically write itself.

‘Desperate’ Measures

2009-07-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

Season 5 of “Desperate Housewives” succeeds in making the “five years later” jump interesting with previously unseen arcs (Gabby has children; Lynette deals with Tom’s mid-life crisis and the teen twins’ troubles; Bree becomes a successful cookbook author, etc.). But there are still boring storylines (Susan’s romantic woes again; Carlos and Gabby’s financial troubles again, etc.), which you tend to tune out. Guest appearances by Frances Conroy, Beau Bridges, and Lily Tomlin help keep things interesting. The revenge scheme of David Williams/Dash is nicely executed initially, but it ends predictably and with a whimper. The same can be said of the main characters’ arcs; by the season’s end, they encounter problems that they’ve faced before. Still, the good points overpower the dull. The deaths of two characters (one established and another retconned into the housewives’ histories) are moving, and most of the characters have grown significantly.

Losing to ‘Messiah War’

2009-07-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Stryfe is back. So’s Apocalypse. So what? What a waste of time. The seven-part crossover pits X-Force and Cable against boring Stryfe and boring Bishop. Bishop wants to kill Hope Summers, blah blah. So what else is new? Nice art, but the story’s pretty thin and unnecessary.

Slumberland

2009-07-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

I try to forget the disappointments, things long owed, and various annoyances as I crawl into bed. I’ll remember them tomorrow. But for now, I will sleep, dream and escape.

‘Astro City: The Dark Age’: History lessons

2009-07-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

Book One of ‘Astro City: The Dark Age’ is a four-parter, crammed with enough introspection, intrigue, and situations that keep you guessing. This finally reveals the fate of the Silver Agent (who’s been mentioned briefly in uncomfortable conversations), and his connection to the arc’s two narrators, brothers Royal and Charles.

The darker tone of many 1970s comic books, and the figures that represented those times, are given unique spins by Kurt Busiek, whose Astro City stories have been more human, insightful takes on superheroics and related concepts. The darker-than-usual “Book One” is powerful and meaningful; it’s much heavier than previous tales, but it’s still an engrossing read.

The art, still by Brent Anderson, is rougher and messier, but somehow, the less-controlled linework doesn’t really affect his storytelling.

Officially hilarious again

2009-07-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

Season 5 of “The Office” feels like the good old times: Jim punks Dwight; Michael spearheads monumentally stupid endeavors; Ryan is a temp. After the drama between Michael and Jann (among other less-than-comedic situations) in the previous season, “The Office” is officially funny again. The Dwight-Angela-Andy triangle concludes satisfyingly. Michael falls in love with someone who gets him. Pam and Jim get engaged. There are other changes, like a new receptionist, a temporary new boss, a fledgling rival company, and of course, Café Disco. Dunder Mifflin gets its groove back, and it’s about time.

Alexander Skarsgard: True Blood Calling

2009-07-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

Ex-child actor plays vampire and soldier

(Published July 2, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

At 13, Alexander Skarsgard was a child actor in Sweden who wasn’t comfortable with the limelight. So the son of veteran character actor Stellan Skarsgard quit and spent seven years as a “normal” youngster. But he missed acting, so he eventually moved to New York for theater studies.

Alexander recently appeared as Sgt. Brad “Iceman” Colbert in the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill” and as enigmatic vampire Eric Northman in HBO’s ongoing series “True Blood.” He spent a break from shooting new episodes to go on vacation with family and friends in Sweden. He also found time to promote the two shows. Following are excerpts from a roundtable phoner with the actor, arranged by HBO Asia.

How open to interpretation is your vampire character? Did you look at screen vampires for inspiration?

Yeah, when I did my research, I re-watched movies that I’ve seen, like the old “Nosferatu” with Max Schreck from the ‘20s, Bela Lugosi’s “Dracula,” and Werner Herzog’s “Nosferatu” from the ‘70s. Obviously, Eric Northman’s quite a different character. But diving into that old culture of vampirism was to get my creativity and inspiration going, basically. When you create a world with vampires, it’s up to you if you wanna do the whole thing with crosses or garlic or what happens when a vampire meets the sun. We hung on to a couple of those, but some of them we just dismissed. So it’s very open to interpretation.

How much did playing “Iceman” Colbert affect the way you looked at war and the US Marines?

My take on the war in general didn’t change much. My opinion was, it was a mistake to go into Iraq. That has not changed at all. What you see in the media is very polarized, very censored in a way, what’s going on in Iraq or Afghanistan. So for me at least, this was the first experience where I actually got to see it from the perspective of the boots on the ground, what the soldiers went through on a daily basis out there.

But some of them are just kids, with dreams and hopes, and families back home. Also, a guy like Colbert, one of the senior guys, he really believes in what he’s doing and coming into Iraq. He has a mission, he knows how to execute it… and he really believes this is a good cause. Being Colbert the leader, he had to stay focused and keep his guys motivated. And for me, as an actor, it’s a very interesting thing to play on.

Describe your bond with your “Generation Kill” costars, and how it developed.

We were so isolated. Being out in the Namibian desert was so surreal. It felt like you’re stuck on a different planet. Suddenly, you embark on this journey; you’re gonna be out there for seven months with people that you’ve never met before. You’ve got a huge script in your hands with tons of words that you don’t even understand and you have two days to make them your own and be this character. Then you see all these big marine guys, “All right, get ready for boot camp!” Then you’re out running and, “What’s going on?” It was scary and you felt like a little kid.

People would really open up when they’re bored; you sit around and bulls--t. In just a few weeks, I knew more about these guys’ family lives than I knew some of my friends’ that I’ve known for years!

And that made acting much easier?

It really did. In a way, I think it was good that we were that isolated because the guys we portrayed were also isolated and in an environment that was new to them. If we had shot this in California, in the desert outside of Los Angeles, they could just drive back to their families. I think it would have been a completely different experience.

“Generation Kill” is currently airing every Sunday on Max. The first season of “True Blood” recently aired on Max, and reruns will air starting July 11.

Za’s Vid!

2009-07-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Ooh, guns and ammo. You just gotta love “proactive” ‘90s comic book heroes.

Remember when Rictor was a leather vest-wearing teen mutant who had a crush on Rahne Sinclair? That was back in the late ‘80s issues of New Mutants. Readers of Peter David’s ongoing X-Factor title know that the two eventually hit it off and had some wild times together, dashing the hopes of fans who were hoping that Ric and former X-Force teammate Shatterstar would get it on. It was speculated on by some readers, who felt that the two were too chummy back in the day. Ric even quit at one point because he didn’t want Cable telepathically prying into his head during combat missions.

Well, the current issue (# 45) confirms it. Ric and Shattybuns had a thing. Yup. The two old friends kissed tenderly in front of a surprised Guido.

Mr. David hinted at Rictor’s bisexuality a few times in some really funny scenes. So officially, the living gay or bisexual X-characters* now total seven. Not bad.

*Northstar, Karma, Anole, Graymalkin, Mystique

The Metamorphosis of Luis Alandy

2009-07-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

(Published July 2, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Actor Luis Alandy has been in the business for 12 years, so he has seen many roles change and age with him in that span.

“Fortunately, I still keep getting good parts. I love acting,” he said.

From 2000 to 2006, he regularly appeared in ABS-CBN dramas such as “Pangako sa ‘Yo” and “Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan.” He was in big-screen comedies “Manay Po” and “Desperadas,” and the horror flick “Anino ng Setyembre.” He also landed parts in a couple of GMA 7 teleseryes.

The 29-year-old actor is currently appearing in GMA’s afternoon soap “Ngayon at Kailanman,” based on the 1992 movie that starred Sharon Cuneta and Richard Gomez. Alandy plays a scheming haciendero, a character originally portrayed by Mark Gil.

Describe how acting in the big networks’ shows contributed to your growth.

With ABS-CBN, I really learned and gained a lot of experience. The directors and actors there, they helped develop my confidence in acting. With GMA, kung ano ‘yung napag-aralan ko, I was given more chances to expound on it.

Did you dream of becoming an actor as a kid?

I wanted to join “Ang TV” when I was a kid. I think every kid naman, may ganoong fantasy. Growing up, I wanted to be a basketball player.

What’s the toughest thing about doing TV dramas?

It’s different here. For a taping, you’re required to be there for more than 24 hours, three or four times a week. Sometimes you don’t get a chance to be with your family. You’re tired, physically and mentally.

In your 12 years of acting, which project was the hardest?

It’s the stage play that I did, “All About Men.” We were required to act while wearing briefs only. Stage has always been difficult. Tuloy-tuloy, unlike when you do TV, puwedeng i-edit. And the piece given to me was a 5-page monologue. For me, acting-wise, I gained a lot of experience, but that was the hardest.

How choosy are you with roles?

If I don’t feel like I could give justice to that role, I have to beg off. Nagkaroon ng issue before, ba’t ko raw tinanggihan ‘yung “Manay Po 2.” During the time, Regal was only offering me gay roles. I think I’ve given justice to that role. It was also a gay role in “Desperadas.” I wanted them to give me a different responsibility.

What have you learned about the business, so far?

In showbiz, you don’t know the longevity of your career. You have to save for your future. Also, it’s important to not burn bridges with anyone. It’s a small industry. And if you keep improving your craft, people will recognize it.

How the Mighty Have ‘Fallen’

2009-06-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

(Thank you, Rita Obanil and Stratworks, for the tickets. Some spoilers ahead.)

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” is a big, loud sequel with a few cool parts and more than its share of WTF moments.

The good parts? Shia, Megan, and a few action scenes.

The headscratchers:

1. Many of the Transformers still have overly detailed designs, so it gets difficult to figure out who’s talking, and who’s doing what in scenes that show more than one robot. Optimus Prime, for example, looks like he’s got a zillion tiny flecks for parts; it’s hard to discern (a) if he’s hitting a similarly over-designed enemy with his fists, and (b) where that blow connects, if he is. At least Bumblebee and the Twins have clearly defined shapes and prominent colors.

2. Several Primes had to sacrifice themselves to create an easily penetrable chamber for the Matrix. No serious security measures or booby traps. The Matrix supposedly cannot be just found; “It must be earned.” Then the Fallen, the most unworthy of all Transformers, just snatches it from Sam Witwicky.

3. Mikaela lets her leg get humped by a small Decepticon. “At least he’s loyal.”

4. The Autobots don’t have an official interim leader in case Optimus Prime bites the dust. And they were just depending on the possible resurrective properties of the Matrix.

5. We really did not need to see John Turturro’s butt.

6. Optimus’ “corpse” wasn’t put on the ground gently by the humans; he had to be unloaded from midair in an undignified manner.

7. Decepticons can transform into humans, but they only thought of placing one “fembot” near their target.

8. Suddenly, Sam Witwicky has been destined for greatness all along.

9. The revived Prime gets extra parts and weaponry, but instead of looking impressive, it looks like he’s got junk haphazardly clumped on him.

10.You’d think that the Decepticons would have a brilliant plan, like relentlessly attacking the Autobots (and their allies) at different fronts while they were leaderless. Instead of taking advantage of Prime’s temporary death, they showed a lack of strategy and military tactics, and didn’t even put up an impressive fight in Egypt. They just depended on the Constructicons to swallow whoever got in the way. Overconfident fools.

‘Ice Age 3’: Jurassic Perks

2009-06-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

The cuddly mammals’ herd expanded in the last “Ice Age” installment, and they’re about to welcome a new member to their unique family this time. Mammoths Manny and Ellie are expecting a baby, which sends old friends Diego and Sid thinking about aging and parenthood, respectively. They all share an unexpected adventure when they discover the existence of real, live dinosaurs, mistakenly thought to be long extinct.

The dinosaurs’ survival, and the secrets behind their hidden world aren’t revealed, but it doesn’t really matter. This third part in the series of animated movies fits well and has its own feelgood dynamic. The characters are mostly how you remember them, but they’ve matured a little.

We see less of barren tundras, and more of the lush lost land. A richer color palette is used; the introduction of the warmer environment and its richly textured reptile inhabitants offers new and solid designs.

“Dawn of the Dinosaurs” is simple but manages to elicit good, hearty giggles. The Simon Pegg-voiced Buck, a less-than-sane weasel adventurer, adds spontaneity and an extremely contrasting personality.

Also, acorn-hunting Scrat finds love. Or does he?

Fun stuff for all ages.

An Endless Family Portrait

2009-06-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dream, Death, Destruction, Delirium, Destiny, Despair, Desire.

I did this drawing of the Endless siblings some weeks after reading the entire Sandman series. I like the enmity between Morpheus and Desire, and Destruction’s attempts at creating art.

“Desire, Despair, Desire… so many monsters.”

Kaskade, Dance Floor Maestro

2009-06-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

(Published June 20, PDI-Super)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Electronic artist Kaskade was in Manila again for a series of shows last week, his third time in the country.

“I love the Philippines,” enthused the 38-year-old dance artist-producer. “I think my music works really well in this country. You guys have a passion for songs, for songwriting and singing, which in dance music is becoming a rare thing. It’s more rhythm-driven. But my music is more melodic and lyrical so I think it’s a good fit for the Filipino people.”

Kaskade is Ryan Raddon, who grew up in Northbrook, Illinois. He began using the stage name in 2001. He is currently touring the globe and performing in packed venues, constantly grateful for being exposed to all types of cultures.

“It’s amazing. It blows me away. I mean, here I am, sitting in the Philippines. Next month I’m gonna be touring Europe for four weeks. I will probably play somewhere between 25 and 30 different countries this year. I’ll play around 120 shows. Dance music, electronic music, is extremely universal. People like to dance.”

Describe how your music has evolved.

I think it’s always lyric-driven music, but the production style is always evolving. My first album “It’s You, It’s Me” came out in 2002. It was very much like chill, ambient, with some deep house stuff. I still make a lot of those, but I definitely had more big room songs cross over into the club world.

How do you choose singers, and have you recorded your voice for your music?

I’ve tried to sing myself but I never released anything with me singing on it! I write music and then I just have a session singer come in and just sing. I find one that will match. I have an idea of what I want it to sound like. I write the lyrics, come up with the melody, and then have somebody sing it.

What’s easiest to write about?

I write about night life and night life culture, and about falling in and out of love. With electronic music, it can be pretty abstract, which is cool. It’s definitely something I really appreciate.

After finishing a song, when is it ready for recording?

Oh, it’s never perfect. I just get out what’s in my head and that’s good enough for me. I make stuff for myself. I’m a pretty selfish artist.

Describe the process of choosing songs for remixing.

I have to like the original song. If I don’t like it, I won’t remix it. Stylistically, I have to feel like it will fit and re-translate into the club track. And I have to have enough time to do it, which is a huge thing. I’m on the road so much, sometimes great opportunities come along that I have to pass on because I don’t have the time.

Which are your favorites?

Recently, I remixed Plumb’s “In My Arms,” which is on my latest mix CD The Grand. I really like the way it turned out. It came together super-quick, too. I heard the song, and had an idea. And it worked really well! David Morales, the song “Here I Am,” the final product I was really happy with. Dude, I can talk about remixes forever! Seal’s “Amazing”… Britney Spears’ “Break the Ice,” I love playing that one.

Which dance artists are you listening to?

Eric Prydz, I’m a huge fan of his music. David Guetta’s new track is awesome! I love Justice, MSTRKRFT… there’s a lot of guys doing cool stuff right now. Everybody has their own little niche. They’re making music that’s contemporary, but it also plays in a night club.

How do you select songs for sets?

It’s a tough thing to make the selection. I don’t wanna play too much of my music; it seems over-indulgent. But I wanna play enough ‘cause people came to hear my tracks. It switches every night. That’s the great thing about a live show. It’s so fluid.

Describe the global dance scene.

It’s massive. It’s crazy. It’s healthy. We don’t really have a lot of radio play all over the world; it’s mainly internet-driven. It’s still difficult to find the artists ‘cause they’re independently marketed. There aren’t huge budgets; it’s not Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake, where they have millions of dollars to advertise and tell the general public. It’s still a niche thing. The thing that’s so surprising is the people really want it. There are huge arena shows that I played all over the world. There’s a huge demand for this music, but the big soft drink companies haven’t figured out how to market this stuff, so the major labels aren’t involved yet.

What’s the most important thing about creating dance music?

Just be true to yourself. I always tell new guys coming up to me: “Create your own sound. Don’t copy. Come up with your own thing, your own niche, and master that.” When I started doing music, everyone was doing this one sound. I was inspired by that but I did my own thing.

Jenny Sparks, Electric Blue

2009-06-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

I finally read Warren Ellis’ and Bryan Hitch’s The Authority. I remember getting the first issue of that in 1999, the same day Gerry A. and Leinil Yu called me up to hang out at a nearby mall. The place still had a Comic Quest, and I was still doing and submitting weekly drawings to Whilce Portacio for evaluation.

I only bought that issue, and only recently read the rest of the title and some related issues of Stormwatch that a friend lent me over two years ago. I love Ellis’ big, clever action scenarios and the way Hitch illustrated them spectacularly and consistently. I’m just not too impressed with lines that accompany the Carrier bits, like “moving downwake through the Devachanic Realm at a speed of 25 dreams per second,” which sometimes come off as pretentiously abstract.

The Mark Millar-Frank Quitely issues were likewise entertaining. The situations were slightly more brutal and shocking. But the characters’ conscious and smugger declarations of badassery became off-putting from time to time. But like in Ellis and Hitch’s run, the antiheroes figured in epic-scale conflicts, and the title was a nice alternative to wholesome and traditional superteams’ exploits.

Speaking of traditional heroes, I went to the Annual Toy Con at Megamall last Sunday and got a loose Superman Blue (from the DC Universe set) at a low price. Awesome. It’s quite poseable, thanks to many points of articulation. I like how Grant Morrison played with Electric Blue Superman back in the day. Oh, hmm, wonder who’d win in a fight between him and Jenny Sparks.

I also got a loose Mysterio, a figure that I wanted to buy years back, but it disappeared fast when the Spider-Man sets went buy one-take one. It has a nice gimmick; it reminds me of the Man-E-Faces toys from the classic and revived He-Man lines because of its changing head. It’s a nice addition to my Marvel Legends villains.

The last time I bought action figures was about a year ago, also at the toy con, if I’m not mistaken. Yay, toys!

Loving ‘How I Met Your Mother’

2009-06-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

“How I Met Your Mother” isn’t “Friends,” but some storylines might’ve worked just as well if they were used in the old sitcom. The dynamic is a little similar, in that a number of disparate friends get into romantic or career milestones (or mishaps), and themes of the week often get explored well in each episode. It’s not “Friends” for a younger generation, but a large part of it is about getting by with a little help from one’s friends.

Characters like romantic Ted (Josh Radnor), lothario Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), longtime lovers Lily and Marshall (Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel) and practical Robin (Cobie Smulders) regularly hang out in a bar, mainly because they’re bored with coffee places. Ted, Barney and Robin explore the dating scene, while Lily and Marshall experience the ups and downs of staying together.

As the show progresses, plenty of opportunities are creatively tapped for expounding on the five characters. Flashbacks help define them; the show’s title refers to future Ted’s long, unending recollection of events leading to his momentous meeting with the mother of his kids. His narration (voiced by Bob Saget) is a device that helps hold together narrative jumps, and almost always shares wisdom as the folly-filled stories unfold. These tales are often touching, insightful and, yes, funny. The writing has steadily improved, guest stars are used wisely, and the main characters are people you’ll understand well and root for.

As for the titular “Mother” character, she has yet to make a real appearance; the shows’ creators are probably saving the big reveal for its final season. In the meantime, Ted and company’s connected tales are about the pursuit of happiness and contentment, and the lessons learned along the way.

Pensive ‘Pelham’

2009-06-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

A ruthless hostage-taker (John Travolta) openly communicates with a subway dispatcher (Denzel Washington), who tries to negotiate the safe release of several passengers. “The Taking of Pelham 123,” directed by Tony Scott, is a decent hostage thriller; there are notable performances by Washington (as a flawed, aging family man) and on occasion, Travolta (when he’s not being over-the-top). James Gandolfini is okay as an erring politician, but his squeaky, Jay Leno-esque voice here gets distracting. The music and text graphics (“11 minutes left,” etc.) are sometimes intrusive, as well. While the drama loses consistency because of such factors, “Pelham” still works because of the solid focus on character examination.

Assemble Your Action Figure Army

2009-06-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

(Published June 14, PDI-Super)

Monsters, aliens, heroes, villains… the toy collector can create and re-create epics via fantastic plastic

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Photos by Benedict S. Bartolome

It’s a pretty normal sight to see grownups in toy stores purchasing action figures for themselves, especially in recent years.

Grown men and women have become staunch toy collectors, appreciating the sculpture-like quality of favorite film or comic book characters.

Some superhero fans have been able to amass toy incarnations of their favorite crimefighters and even their corresponding arch-foes. Many of these intricately painted figures range from six to seven inches in height, and possess multiple points of articulation. Film or TV characters immortalized in plastic are also sought-after items; many collectors praise the toys’ faithfulness to actors’ likenesses.

Some hobbyists are satisfied with just looking at their unopened figures, while others rip through the packaging, play with the toys a little, and pose them in display shelves later. Action figure aficionados, whether belonging to one category or the other, frequent toy sales and occasional toy conventions. Chase or variant editions, loose (unpackaged) figures, and cheaper-than-usual items often become part of the treasure trove.

Here are some popular action figure sets that form mini-armies:

Marvel Universe

Marvel Legends figures, which debuted in 2002, have a number of movable parts that allow a variety of poses. These usually have accessories or weapons that also previously appeared in the comic books. Dozens of characters have become action figures in a number of releases, and those who started collecting early can create teams like the X-Men, Avengers, and a massive battalion of supervillains. Certain Marvel Legends waves have extra figures that can be assembled once completed. Marvel Select figures have less articulation and are slightly taller than the usual Legend, but both toy types have similarly detailed paint jobs and can be grouped together if opened.

DC Universe

DC Direct figures aren’t as playable as super-articulated toys, but they’re beautifully sculpted and painted. These usually have pegged display bases, shaped like specific logos or mastheads. Like many Marvel toys, the DC Direct toys are often inspired by existing comic books. Teams like the JLA, the JSA, Teen Titans and Green Lantern Corps have been translated to DC Direct figures already. The newer DC Superheroes line is similar to Marvel Legends, in that the figures are fully poseable and a bonus figure can be created when a set is completed. Smaller versions of several characters are already appearing as DC Universe Infinite Heroes action figures.

Film and TV

While not action figures in the traditional sense, Transformers toys are similarly fun merchandise; there are various toy lines that continue to attract devotees of the different shows, as well as action figure collectors. The Star Wars figures, approximately 4 inches tall, also have a devoted fan base. Completists and casual buyers are still getting a barrage of Star Wars characters inspired by the movies, the new TV show, and even the comic books. Other memorable properties that attracted toy geeks were the Lord of the Rings series of films, and the relaunched He-Man show, to name a few.

Horror and fantasy

McFarlane Toys specializes in fantasy and horror figures. Back in the mid-‘90s, McFarlane started releasing finely crafted, statuesque Spawn figures, characters created for his comic book or exclusively for the action figure series. Eventually, McFarlane Toys also did Movie Maniacs (bogeymen from flicks like “Friday the 13^th,” “Psycho,” “Scream,” etc.), dragons, and even star athletes and rock gods. While they have very limited movable parts, the ornate designs often overpower the lack of playability. The different fantasy figures can form warring hordes of monsters and warriors from different time periods and realities.

Bart and Conner Redux

2009-06-10T13:45:00.001-07:00

Impulse and Superboy were among the few characters created in the early ‘90s that didn’t reflect the darker tone of the era. They remained uniquely fun, at least until the end of Young Justice and their own solo titles. They developed into more “serious” characters when they became Teen Titans. Eventually, Bart Allen and Conner Kent were killed off.

I always felt that those deaths were wasteful and unnecessary. But DC’s rectifying those mistakes; the back-to-back resurrections in Legion of 3 Worlds were indeed memorable moments for fans of the two heroes.

As for other DC teens who met their doom, like Osiris and Marvin, they’ll probably be back, zombiefied, in the upcoming Blackest Night crossover. It’s resurrection season at the Big Two; Marvel’s dead mutants are expected to rise en masse in the X-Force title (where prominent mutant-hating humans were also reanimated last year).

Kid Flash and Superboy won’t be regressing into their more fun, younger selves--we just have to look at the back issues for that feelgood charm--but they’re back, after being sidetracked by mortality. Bart’s in the Flash: Rebirth mini, and Conner will be in a new title shared with the Legion. I hope that writers that understand them--Mark Waid and Joe Kelly, respectively--eventually pen new adventures, and make them grow further.

Metro Station has arrived

2009-06-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

(Published June 11, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

American electropop band Metro Station was formed in 2006, but discovered only after its song “Seventeen Forever” topped MySpace Music’s Unsigned charts.

Composed of Mason Musso (vocalist, rhythm guitarist), Trace Cyrus (lead guitarist, vocalist), Anthony Improgo (drummer) and Blake Healy (keyboardist, bassist), Metro Station recorded a self-titled, 10-track debut album that landed in various music charts. The band’s gigs at Ayala Malls continue tonight, 7 p.m. at TriNoma and tomorrow, 6:30 p.m. at Alabang Town Center.

Describe your music style, and name your biggest influences.

Mason: We call it synth-pop; that’s the easiest way to describe it. For the album, we were influenced by a lot of ‘80s music, and one of the biggest was a band called Postal Service. We were also influenced by New Order, Depeche Mode, and OMD.

Trace: Mason and I really got into this electronic-style music. We were into going to clubs. We wanted to accomplish getting the atmosphere--how people dance to your music--and we feel that we found that with our music.

Trace, did you always intend to make music different from your dad’s (Billy Ray)?

Trace: I’ve always wanted to do music ever since I was a child. But I didn’t know I wanted to do electronic music until I met Mason. I was making songs on my acoustic guitar; he was making different types of songs…

How do you divide singing duties?

Trace: We found this easy method. We figure out what part of the song is gonna be sung better by which singer. Mason has a totally different vocal style. We were working on a song the other night. It’s like, “You should sing this part.” and “I should come in here.” It’s just agreed upon.

What subject is easiest to write about?

Mason: Women.

Trace: Girls, relationships--it’s a big thing. We just try to write about anything that’ll reach a large number of people. If kids can’t relate to it, there’s no point in writing it.

Blake, how different was it before you joined the band?

Blake: I went to Los Angeles, not knowing exactly what I wanted to do with music, and I happen to get into a really great situation with these guys. I feel really lucky.

What’s the most important thing about making music?

Mason: Love what you’re doing.

Trace: As long as you know you’re happy, nothing else should ever matter.

What’s the best thing about being in Metro Station?

Trace: I have my best friends with me and I’m making music so it’s the best of both worlds. These guys are my new family.

‘Generation Kill’ goes to war

2009-06-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

(Published June 9, PDI-Entertainment)

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Gripping and occasionally grim, the HBO miniseries “Generation Kill” recreates the early days of the US’ 2003 invasion of Iraq. Based on the book by former Rolling Stone correspondent Evan Wright, the series follows the troops’ activities and missions that the writer witnessed.

The 7-episode series gives an oft-uncomfortable but revealing view of how Marines tasked with leading the invasion lived and carried out orders. Viewers are given a variety of human sides to the conflict, personalities that often clash off-mission. Strong language goes hand-in-hand with grimy visuals, recreating discomfiting, even off-putting situations.

But these depictions of actual events and people still ingratiate. Lee Tergesen (“Oz,” “Desperate Housewives”) plays Wright, who, like the viewer, welcomes the transparency, but isn’t quite prepared for things that happen. Riding a Humvee with Sgt. Brad Colbert (Alexander Skarsgard) and Cpl. Ray Person (James Ransone), Wright learns about chain of command, cultural differences in the ranks, and life-and-death encounters.

Episodes of “Generation Kill” have their share of unexpected humor, however. Moments of levity and realistic conversations help keep minds off the heavy stuff. Dramatic scenes that replicate the strife or show casualties of the crossfire also feel authentic, and are distressing and difficult to watch.

Structurally, the mini-series doesn’t follow typical formulas; it meanders sometimes, becomes chaotic without warning, and doesn’t necessarily end with cliffhangers. There are sympathetic figures, but it takes time to get attached to such characters. Different psychological profiles are offered; for different reasons, some of the men from the battalion treat the task at hand as one big adventure.

“Generation Kill” evokes uneasiness and can be numbing at times, but it documents and explores this side of the war quite effectively.

Two episodes of “Generation Kill” air weekly on Sundays, 9:00 p.m. on Max. The first two aired June 7.

Valid Question

2009-06-10T13:33:00.000-07:00

My nephew saw me preparing to leave for an assignment earlier:

Nephew: Where are you going?

Me: I’m going to interview someone.

Nephew: For the newspaper?

Me: Yes.

Nephew: Do they say “Next!”?

Me: What do you mean?

Nephew: When they don’t want to answer, do they say “Next!”?

That made me laugh. I told him that the people I talk to don’t do that, and they’re usually nice. Or pretend to be, because it’s for the paper, but I didn’t tell him that anymore.

Pop Confessions, Present-Day Women

2009-06-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

(Published June 6, PDI-Super)

Three artists create inspired, relevant and chart-topping music

Text and illustrations by Oliver M. Pulumbarit

They’re cute, creative, and they’ve got confessions to share. Born in the ‘80s, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Lily Allen are among the current crop of music sensations with inescapable presences, their catchy songs steadily attracting attention through radio airplay, music video rotations, even ring tones.

Some female singers in their late teens and early ‘20s have offered a range of perspectives that different listeners related to. Former teen pop darlings Debbie Gibson and Tiffany made somewhat clean, love-themed ditties over 20 years ago, while Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple gave gritty, edgy accounts of their lives as young women in the ‘90s. Not long after came Britney Spears and her ilk, with mostly bubblegum-flavored odes to young love and heartbreak.

Whatever the genre or style, the pervading quality is honesty. Aside from relatable lyrics, many of Swift, Perry and Allen’s songs have memorable hooks or accessible melodies.

Taylor Swift is becoming less known as Joe Jonas’ ex, thankfully, and is getting more attention for her music. The 19-year-old previously recorded a self-titled country album, which had a bunch of hits in the US, including the ballad “Tim McGraw.” It was named after her favorite male singer. Back when she was just a kid, the young singer-songwriter always dreamed of performing her own songs. She experienced rejection along the way, but won acceptance and acclaim, eventually.

Her current album, “Fearless,” further proves that the attention is well-deserved. The collection of pop-country songs traverses a gamut of emotions, revealing relevant insights and colorful imagery. Bittersweet high school life is vividly shared in “Fifteen” (“In your life you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team, but I didn’t know it at fifteen.”). The title track is an upbeat, carefree tune about finding someone special, while “White Horse” is a ballad that appealingly wallows in regret. Other songs in “Fearless” are similarly well-told stories with a distinctly youthful touch.

Katy Perry, meanwhile, became popular last year thanks to the bi-curious anthem “I Kissed a Girl.” It wasn’t easy getting noticed before that; it took some time before she recorded her debut pop album “One of the Boys.” It’s hard to imagine now, but the kooky 24-year old previously sang in church, and even recorded a Christian album. Now often clad in threads spanning bygone eras, Perry unleashes a wild side through opinionated songs from her well-received album.

And “One of the Boys” is one addictive set of pop-rock curiosities. Perry’s big voice is commanding, and her fast songs sound Pat Benatar-esque. “Hot N Cold,” “Waking Up in Vegas” and “If You Can Afford Me” are playful, free-spirited, and lovingly retro, while accessing a contemporary attitude. Slower tracks such as “Thinking of You” and “Lost” culminate in power ballad crescendos.

Perry certainly is an artist who knows how to attract attention, one whose musical growth will be worth witnessing.

As for Lily Allen, she’s the English singer with uncompromising, sometimes controversial views. These translate to more adult-oriented lyrics, and the occasional deployment of f-bombs. She had a successful debut a few years ago; the single “Smile” became a chart hit in the UK, and was quite popular in different countries.

Her current album “It’s Not Me, It’s You” utilizes different music styles, and reflects the singer’s openness on a variety of topics. Her girlish, lilting voice often disarms, so it’s a little shocking when songs enter unexpected territories. She doesn’t mince words, especially in “F*** You,” where she speaks against homophobia (“So you say it’s not okay to be gay, well I think you’re just evil”). The song repeats a simple but unforgettable line (“F*** you, f*** you very, very much”). Also, Allen discloses about her disappointment over a lover who can’t satisfy her in “Not Fair,” and sings about a woman’s unhappy life--the absence of a man and a good career--in “22.”

Popular music isn’t what it used to be. These are some of the women who share parts of their lives, and their unique perception of the world.

Mark Meily, Movies, TVCs

2009-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

(Interviewed Mr. Meily last week. Found out that he’s an old friend’s brother. Anyway, this is a slightly longer version of the article published June 7. Also, would like to clarify that one sentence--“Crying Ladies,” which starred Sharon Cuneta, received acclaim locally and in film festivals abroad. --somehow ended up as: “Crying Ladies,” which starred Sharon Cuneta, and which received acclaim locally and in film festivals abroad. Um… anyway, here’s the article.)

Mark Meily: Movies easier to make than TV commercials

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Mark Meily started directing TV commercials in 1991, and still enjoys the job 18 years later. He says he loves the creativity involved in making ads, although he does get the itch to express himself in another medium occasionally.

In 2003, he started directing movies. “Crying Ladies,” which starred Sharon Cuneta, received acclaim locally and in film festivals abroad. More recently, Meily won Best Director in the 25^th Star Awards for his historical drama “Baler.” The 41-year-old currently has four film scripts in development, and continues to freelance as a TV commercial director.

Describe your rapport with actors during ad shoots.

It’s always easier to work with actors, mainly because they’re experienced. They’re very flexible. Mas madali nilang naiintindihan. Meron ding magagaling na non-actors, but my experience with actors is different.

Would Greenwich’s “Cheesy” TV commercial fall in this category?

You have two experienced actors, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, who have worked together for a long time. May chemistry na sila. Wala silang diva attitudes. During breaks, nakikipaglokohan pa rin. It was very low-pressure; we weren’t stressed when we were shooting.

How has directing TV ads helped you as a filmmaker?

TV commercials are harder because you have stricter standards to follow. I’m not saying mas mababa ang standards ng feature film. You play within certain parameters. The advantage in doing feature films is that it’s your own creation. You can apply all your artistic principles. TV ads are always a collective effort. Doing TV commercials is the best film school in the world. It’s always great to start your career in directing as a TV commercial director, because you get the best equipment, you work with the most creative people, and of course, you have the best food!

What can you say about actors you’ve worked with?

Jericho Roles, Sharon Cuneta, John Lloyd and Bea are intelligent actors… You’ll know an actor is intelligent when you mention a film or a scene and they know what you’re talking about. Like, “It’s Angelina Jolie in ‘A Mighty Heart,’ when her husband died.” Si Anne Curtis, nagulat ako, kuha niya. Si Sharon Cuneta, I tell her, “Gong Li in the film ‘Ju Dou.’” Sagot ni Sharon, “Alam ko na ‘yan, Direk.”

How have indie films changed the local film scene?

Back in the advent of independent films, independent filmmakers started getting actors that are known but not necessarily famous because they could not afford big name stars. Eventually, they became famous. In effect, mainstream actors and actresses see roles that they want to do. So unti-unti, si Judy Ann Santos, Piolo Pascual started doing independent films. It’s a badge of success, “I’m not just a star; I’m an actor.”

Content-wise, how are movies changing?

The audience has become intelligent. The problem sometimes with mainstream cinema is, nauuna ‘yung artista. “We have to make a film for so-and-so. Love story, set in an advertising agency.” Doon nangyayari ang scriptwriting. Sa independent films, the screenplay comes first, and then they look for actors.

Describe your dream project.

My dream project is a historical film about the voyage of Magellan, from the point of view of a slave who came from Southeast Asia, probably the Philippines. When Magellan arrived in the Philippines, this slave was able to communicate with the locals. Also, there were seven mutiny attempts in Magellan’s voyage; many Spanish sailors didn’t join the Battle of Mactan because they knew it’s a suicide mission.