Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Comikaze 2013: Stan Lee Introduces ‘Superhero Ball Wars’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  5 November 2013.
Ball Wars
At Comikaze 2013 Stan “The Man” Lee was on hand to announce on of his newest ventures: Stan Lee’s Superhero Ball Wars. The series of apps, set to release starting in 2014, will be available first for iPhone and iPad and later for Android devices.
The game centers on the characters from the planet Ballo whose citizens are, as Lee says, “well-rounded.” But the Inflators are the superheroes of planet and they are the ones who must fight off an invasion by the evil Deflators. Earthlings are called to help in the battle by collecting heroes and deflecting villains.
The augmented reality aspect of Superhero Ball Wars allows you to hold up your device while the app is running and actually locate Ballo in the sky. You can also lock the game to play without moving your phone or tablet around above you. Once you have Ballo in your sights, characters and objects start flying towards you. Each of the 15 missions requires you to collect a specific character, including Professor Ballkenstan (Lee in Ballo form), while deflecting or avoid other objects and characters.
Superhero Ball Wars is a relatively simple game and is certainly marketed more as a kid’s game. Producer Jeff Edell said on the HotTopic mainstage at Comikaze, “Your kids will love this and maybe adults too.” A virtual vault keeps track of every character you collect, allowing you to learn more about them and trade with your friends. Physical Ballo character cards let players continue their missions even when they’re not plugged into the app.
Look for the first of Stan Lee’s Superhero Ball Wars apps to be available in the App Store next year. For now, check out the trailer for the game below.

Monday, August 12, 2013

D23 Expo 2013: Tom Hanks is a Perfect Walt Disney in 'Saving Mr. Banks'

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  12 August 2013.
Saving Mr. Banks is more than a movie about bringing Mary Poppins from the page to the screen. It is a tribute to Walt Disney and his incredible team of filmmakers.

The biographical drama follows the journey of adapting P.L. Travers’ Mary Poppins books into the feature film we all know and love. Emma Thompson plays a lovely stoic and proper Mrs. Travers. She is the perfect contrast to Tom Hanks’ enthusiastic Walt Disney.

Exclusive clips shown during D23 presented a film that is both entertaining and poignant. The movie is the first time an actor as portrayed Disney in film but Hanks is more than up to the task. He brings Disney’s signature warmth and excitement to the screen with ease.

D23 Expo 2013: Reviewing New Thor and Captain America Footage

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  12 August 2013.
This could be the end for Jane Foster. Exclusive footage from Thor: The Dark World shown at the D23 Expo revealed Thor’s lady love is infected with a mystical disease that leaves even the Asgardians baffled. In addition to replaying the trailers and first looks from San Diego Comic-Con last month, Marvel unveiled new clips from both the upcoming Thor sequel and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Neither scenes are available online yet so here is what you missed.

Jane Foster’s (Natalie Portman) fate remains uncertain as a team of Asgardian healers examined her. Knowing that Earth’s doctors would be unable to help her, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) brought Jane to his home world. But his father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins), does not like having the human in Asgard so he sends guards to remove her.

Jane’s infection is not going to go lightly though and it pulses out a wave of energy that knocks the guards back. What could the infection be? Thor and Odin are as clueless and we are.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

First Clip of 'Ender's Game:' Mazer Rackham's Run

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  25 July 2013.

The first clip of director Gavin Hood's adaptation of Ender's Game is here and it looks pretty promising. Though not a Battle Room scene like some fans may have been hoping for, we do get Harrison Ford's gravely voice as Colonel Hyrum Graff.

He narrates the actions of the legendary Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley) during the second invasion of the buggers. The heroic and mysterious Rackham will later become Ender's (Asa Butterfield) mentor.

Based on the award-winning bestseller by Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game also stars Abagail Breslin as Valentine, Ender's sister; Hailee Steinfeld as Petra Arkanian, Ender's friend at Battle School; and Viola Davis as Major Anderson.

The film is due in theaters November 1.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

SDCC13XTRA: A Sneak Peek of 'Vikings' Season Two

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  24 July 2013.
Vikings is having a moment. Season one of History’s series became the #1 new cable series of the year. A massive Viking’s Interactive Waterway at San Diego Comic Con let face ships on the water. The show’s panel brought in a room full of ravenous fans, many in Vikings costumes or gear. Then attendees were rewarded with a special sneak peak at the highly anticipated season two of the historical drama.


SDCC13: Check Out the Book 2 Trailer for 'The Legend of Korra'

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  23 July 2013.


When the Avatar dies, a new Avatar is chosen right away. When The Legend of Korra season one ended, fans had to wait a bit longer for the new season. Returning almost 18 months after the season finale of Book One: AirBook 2: Spirits premieres this September on Nickelodeon and it looks incredible.

Those at the Korra panel at SDCC responded to a special screening of the first episode, “Rebel Spirit,” with roaring applause. Spirits picks up six months after Air with Republic City slowly returning to normal now that Amon and the Equalists are gone. But Korra has a new battle to face when the physical and spirit worlds collide, pushing her to discover more about both realms.

Book 2 will also explore the origins of the Avatar with Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead’s Glenn) voicing the very first Avatar, Wan. Ten thousand years before Korra’s time, Wan was just a teenage and skilled bender whose quest to bring balance between mankind and the spirits led to him become the first to master all four elements.

The first Avatar, Wan

Saturday, July 20, 2013

SDCC13: Starz's 'Black Sails' Offers a New Kind of Pirate Drama

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  20 July 2013.
The upcoming Starz original series Black Sails is Game of Thrones with pirates and that is a compliment in the highest form. With top tier actors, plenty of action and intrigue, and Michael Bay executive producing, Black Sails could very well be Starz’s answer to the HBO powerhouse.

Set in 1715 at the height of piracy in the Caribbean, the series centers on Captain Flint (Toby Stephens). Even as the most feared pirate captain in history, he is not immune to the impending threat posed by the return of the British Navy to the waters around New Providence Island.

To maintain his rule of the island, Flint allies with Eleanor Guthrie (Hannah New), the daughter of the wealthiest local smuggler. Antagonists come from every side not only in the form of the British Navy but also rival captains, Eleanor father, and a young member of Flint’s crew named John Silver (Luke Arnold).

Friday, July 19, 2013

SDCC13: 'Psych: The Musical' and Dream Therapy Coming in Season 8

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  19 July 2013.

There is plenty in store for the 8th (and maybe final) season of USA Network’s Psych including a James Roday directed episode and new and old guest stars. Plus the long-awaited Psych: The Musical will finally air on Sunday, Dec. 15. In all, this season showcases “the most inventive things we’ve done yet,” said Executive Producer Steve Franks.

The short clip of the musical shown during the panel is proof enough that Psych-Os are in for a good ol’ fashion song and dance from their favorite detectives. In fact, some lucky San Diego Comic-Con fans were treated to a special screening of the musical Wednesday night. “I am so excited to see it because these guys they know how to sing and dance,” said moderator and guest star Cary Elwes. “Forget acting; they’re the triple threat.”

Another big announcement is the results of the fan vote, which was held to determine what episode to add to the season. The winner is Dream Therapy, officially titled “Nightmare on State Street,” where Gus undergoes dream therapy to understand the cause of his night terrors. Making the episode extra special, Roday will be directing. “It’s the last episode that we’re shooting, so I want to go out with a bang no matter what,” he said, hinting that this season may indeed be the end.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Her Universe is Official Merchandise Partner for ‘Star Wars’ Charity Relay

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  3 July 2013.

The race to Comic-Con is on. The Star Wars themed Course of the Force returns again this year on July 9th and with Her Universe as the official merchandise partner. Her Universe will be selling men’s and women’s apparel, including the new Course of the Force shirts and sweatshirts, at the relay events in San Francisco, Santa Monica, Huntington Beach, and Oceanside Pier.

The apparel company will also have a booth at San Diego Comic-Con International, where the lightsaber relay will conclude on July 16th. Her Universe founder, Ashley Eckstein will also return as co-host with The Nerdist’s Chris Hardwick to cover the event.

"It's an honor to return as a co-host and merchandise partner for Course of the Force," said Eckstein. "This is truly a magical and Force-filled event. It was also a pleasure to work with Russell Walks. We are so lucky that he donated his time and talent to create this amazing design!"

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

VidCon’s Ten Thousand Attendees Show Growing Impact of Online Video

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  5 June 2013.
More than 10,000 people will attend the fourth annual VidCon, August 1-3, at the Anaheim Convention Center to learn about the online video community and meet with some of its celebrities. Confirmed attendees include Hannah Hart (MyHarto/My Drunk Kitchen), Felicia Day (geekandsundry) Charlie McDonnell (charlieissocoolike), Jenna Marbles (JennaMarbles) and VidCon co-founders, Hank and John Green (vlogbrothers).

"Even when VidCon was just 1,000 people in a hotel, it was our goal for the conference to reflect the growth and culture of the online video industry," said Hank Green. "VidCon's exponential growth over the last four years is indicative of online video's impact on the entertainment industry and on our everyday lives."

Digital research firm comScore’s confirms Green’s asseration about online videos becoming one of the fastest-growing entertainment mediums in the country. The firm stated that 182.5 million people in the U.S. alone watched a combined total of 39.3 billion online videos in just March 2013. VidCon is a celebration of online video as well as an opportunity for industry professionals to learn more about the business of online video.


Monday, April 29, 2013

YouTube Will be Title Sponsor of VidCon 2013 and 2014

Originally published on TheFlickcast.com.  29 April 2013.



In a show of the strength of the online video community, it has been announced that YouTube will be a title sponsor of the online video conference, VidCon, for the next two years. The 2013 VidCon is expected to have more than 10,000 online video professionals, content creators and fans in attendance.

Since the event’s inception in 2010, YouTube has been a supporter and sponsor. While the specifics of their title sponsorship will be released closer to the event, it’s clear that the decision will give YouTube a strong presence both this year and in 2014.

“YouTube has been a long-term supporter of VidCon, and is, of course, the biggest company in online video,” said Hank Green, creator and cofounder of VidCon. “We're thrilled to have them as our title sponsor for the next two years and are grateful for their continued support of our efforts to create a compelling and productive experience for VidCon attendees.”

Noted as “the largest industry conference and fan extravaganza in the world for online video” VidCon is set for August 1-3, 2013, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Industry Day, which is geared toward professionals and the online video business, will be on August 1.

The second and third days will feature panel discussions, concerts, other performances, celebrity meet-ups, an expo hall and much more. Among the featured celebrities expected at VidCon 2013 are Charlie McDonnell (charlieissocoollike), Hank and John Green (vlogbrothers), Rhett and Link (Rhettandlink), Jenna Marbles (JennaMarbles), Dane Boedigheimer (Annoying Orange), and dozens of others.

Industry and community passes are available at www.vidcon.com.