Death Valley! New Series from MTV?!???

So tonight I was forced to sit through the crap storm known as the MTV Video Music Awards.  Granted, it is no where near as bad as the MTV Movie Awards but still isn't my cup of tea because I think a lot of the music today is crap.  I NEVER watch MTV and think most if not all of their programming is totally worthless and an absolute waste of time but out of the blue this little nugget drops on the tv screen....

  
Alright, so for like the first time in over 10 years I see a commercial for something on MTV that actually looks like it could be kinda good.  At first I totally recognized Bryan Callen who is pretty famous from being in The Hangover films among other comedies and Tania Raymonde of Lost fame.  I get vibes of Zombieland from this series.  It looks kinda stupid but then again the effects look pretty good which could keep me interested.  The first half hour episode premieres Monday night at 10:30.  I have my DVR set and can't wait!  Let's just hope The Walking Dead Season 2 get's better.  We need a good zombie series.

New TMNT Toys 8.28.11!

This past week I had the opportunity to cash in on some more new and very cool vintage Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles off of Craigslist!  I am now the proud collector of over 100 action figures and many different vehicles and play sets.  The thing about the ninja turtle line of toys is that their are so many different and unique characters that were made.  I would guess their are around five to ten times more toys than what I have in my early collection.  I am also a bit picky.  I am not interested in anything newer than the late 1990's.  I grew up as a kid with the cartoon show and collected many of the turtles growing up so I have a special connection there. The newer line of toys are too anime looking for me and don't hold a torch to the old line of toys.  Being around 20 years old the toys are especially hard to find with their accessories or complete at all.

These are only a few from the vast collection I acquired.  Overall it was a great find.  Out of the 60 figurines I was able to add about 20, will sell around 20 and the rest were broken.  I was fine with taking the broken ones because the broken pieces were still with the collection and can be easily super glued back together and in working order.  It also came with around 200-300 accessories.  Some or most went to the toys that I have or perhaps extras from other long lost and forgotten pieces.  Still great to have and can add to other action figures in the future.

The number one item that attracted me to this sale was the photo to your left.  It is called the Technodrome and is a very hard piece to find without shelling out a lot of money.  It is a complete piece and goes great with my ever growing collection.  Thanks to Ryan for the sale.  It was his personal collection that he had from when he was a child.  Feel free to comment and let me know what you think!

Site Update 8.28.11

Hey everyone! It has frankly been a super busy week at my "real" job and their hasn't been much news to share with you all anyways so ultimately it has been a slow week. I was able to purchase a TMNT collection this week and will be sharing more of that with you soon. Until then, keep checking out the site for new updates and thank you as always for being a part of Mechamania! -Seth

Fright Night: The Musical!

Keeping with the spirit of Fright Night for the weekend I came across this video. Pretty funny and kinda nerdy. Enjoy!

Support Mechamania! Google Ad-Sense

Hey everyone!  This is a test more than anything.  I have had Google Ad-Sense on this site for quite sometime now with not much luck.  Google Ad-Sense is basically me saying to Google to put some ads on my website and if the reader clicks on the ad I get one tenth of a cent or something like that.  While cruising the site you may have noticed some ad's on the right hand side of the site towards the bottom.  I kept them down there purposely to not annoy anyone and they are also easily blocked by pop up ad blocker programs.  They seem to be semi relevant ads and who knows, perhaps there is something that you might be interested in?  For my test I am asking that you click on one of those ads and I can see if it actually works.  It would be interesting to see how many unique visitors click on the ad and see what happens?  My goal would be to get a new computer or some new web design software to help the site become even greater!!  Thanks for your support!

Fright Night 2011 Review!

Fright Night is a remake of the original 1985 film starring William Ragsdale, Chris Sarandon and the great Roddy Mcdowall. The 2011 version stars Anton Yelchin as Charlie, Colin Farrell as Jerry the vampire neighbor and David Tennant as Peter Vincent the vampire hunter. If you want to know up front what I thought about this movie then it is totally a go. I had a great time watching it and only minor gripes overall which I will discuss later in the review. If your looking for an alternative to Twilight and something more along the lines of 30 Days of Night then this film is for you. If your interested in the original and I highly recommend you watch it, you can check out the original trailer here.

Like I stated before. This is a remake. It's pretty consistent to the original overall but tends to lean on it's own here and there. This time around the story takes place in Las Vegas. I was a little skeptical about it being in Vegas but it actually fit very well to the story. We meet Charlie, played by Anton, and his best friend Ed, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse AKA Mclovin from Superbad. Charlie has been distant with Ed because he wants to impress his current girlfriend Amy played by Imogen Poots. Ed is a nerd and into vampires and science fiction unlike the rest of the kids. Various students at school begin to mysteriously not show up in class. Ed is convinced it's because of the apparent vampire that lives next to Charlie is killing the kids in his neighborhood. The supposed vampire is Jerry played by Colin Farrell.

It's pretty apparent and doesn't leave much to the imagination once Ed goes missing and Charlie finds out that Jerry really is a blood sucking lustful vampire.  Through the simple works of his own via breaking into Jerry's house that Charlie is defenseless against Jerry so he enlists the help of the great Peter Vincent.  Peter is a Criss Angel of sorts that has his own show at the Hard Rock Casino where he performs magic and fights off fake vampires.  The big question from here is does Peter help Charlie or does he think he is a punk kid looking for attention?  Can they defeat Jerry and save Vegas from the wrath of the vampires?

I really liked this movie.  It is hard to beat an original with any remake but this comes pretty damn close. Being a remake the story was more or less the same but the original story was good so it wasn't like this had to be much different.  Vegas played out good with Peter Vincent working at the Hard Rock tied in nicely.  The vampires looked good but not exactly original.  Jerry looked like he came from the clan in 30 Days of Night.  Imogen Poots did a great job as Charlie's girlfriend and not just the side character we didn't really care about.  Christopher Mintz-Plasse was fine as Ed but never really added that much to the character.  If you liked Mclovin then you will love him in this movie.  The biggest and most pleasant surprise was David Tennant as Peter Vincent.  I really never heard of him before but he was awesome and I hope they spawn a sequel with his character!

We watched this film in 3D.  It was ok.  Not the best but I have seen worse in 3D.  This is a dark film mostly being at night or inside dark houses so it seemed harder to watch the movie because of this.  I think it would almost be better to see it in 2D.  I was expecting to see more of Evil Ed and Peter Vincent.  Ed was really only in it at the start and then back at the end of the film.  Peter Vincent is introduced about half way through the film and then is only in a few key scenes at the end also.  I would have loved to see him through out the whole film.  These are only minor things and really don't drag down the film as a whole.

This was a great film and an alternative for the vampire fan.  I am disappointed to hear that it came in something like fifth place at the box office this weekend.  I really hope we can see an original sequel and especially David Tennant in more films! I totally recommend this film for anyone looking for a scare and a good time at the end of the summer!

What Happened To Nicolas Cage?

What the hell happened to Nicolas Cage?  Many of you may agree or disagree with the image to your left.  I loved him in Con Air and he was a 100% bad ass movie star.  Where is the guy from such classic films as Raising Arizona, Peggy Sue Got Married, The Rock, Face Off and Con Air?  Now he is acting in shitty films like Drive Angry 3D, Season of the Witch and Ghost Rider?  What the hell Nic?  Is this guy just taking a pay check cause he can and not caring about the legacy he is leaving behind?  This week a couple of trailers were released with him as the star and one looks ok while the other looks like crap.  Take a look below.


Eh, ok.  A movie with Nicole Kidman and Cam Gigandet looks ok.  I get the overwhelming feeling that I have seen this film before ala The Last House on the Left.  Not too interested.


Really?  Really?  Pissing fire?  Maybe I am in a bad mood and I know I am just a lowly web writer with no credit for anything other than this website but from the first second having to listen to those directors to the very last shot of Ghost Rider pissing makes me wanna take a piss on this film.  I could write on forever about every frame of this trailer but I am going to stop while I can.

Underworld Awakening Trailer!

The 4th film in the series and sequel, not a prequel, with Kate Beckinsale returning once again. It looks pretty cool and like it's predecessors but they were all pretty good in themselves. The film will be released in 3D in January.

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes Review!

Rise of the Planet of the Apes follows the desperate beginning of an extraordinary animal and the realization of his destiny, The Rise of the Planet of the apes, directed by Rupert Wyatt, is a film well worth your attention.

Caesar had never been your ordinary chimpanzee, even by a long shot.  He was raised from infancy in the home of Will Rodman (James Franco), a seemingly average American citizen, who quitted his work to live alone and take care of his sickly father (John Lithgow), who had long since been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Caesar (Andy Serkis) marked a time of change in Will’s life, and came as something of a blessing, being a positive distraction from all that he was leaving behind. The small creature also served as a companion of sorts to will’s father, whose condition was quickly progressing, and worsening on a day-to-day basis.

Within only a few short years, Caesar’s intelligence was exceptionally advanced for a tamed creature of his species. He was clever, intuitive, and even expressed a sense of distinguished emotion. Will had taught Caesar sign language, and it was clear from his communication that he did not really comprehend the difference between himself and Will, or that there even was a significant difference between them, for that matter.  As Caesar ages, and his intelligence peaks, he begins to recognize and refute the role he is required to play in a world of “intellectually superior” creatures. There is a fine line that distinguishes the homosapien and the inhuman. What would the outcome be if man decided to ignore the boundaries nature had carefully spun to separate the two?

While the charismatic James Franco is certainly a favorite actor of mine, admittedly I felt that his performance as Will Rodman, the “father” of Caesar, was satisfying, but not necessarily exemplary. It may be debatable to say that he was the main character, but supposing that is the case, he certainly had no problem sharing the limelight with the incredible Andy Serkis, who I believe to be the real star of the film.  Keeping in mind that Caesar’s appearance is completely computer animated, I must express my amazement and interest regarding his awfully realistic facial expressions. In one scene, Caesar is curiously gazing at some unknown object he wishes to understand, and in another animosity and hate masks his face, distorting those almost human eyes to something beast-like and terrifying. You, as the audience could feel his pain and his hurt; sometimes you took pity on Caesar, and sometimes you were sitting still, almost afraid.

The rise of the Planet of the apes, all in all, was a film well worth your time and money.  Since it depicts the origin of the Planet of the Apes story, an audience unfamiliar to the story can sit down and enjoy the movie as well as anyone else. For obvious reasons, those of you who are fans of the other Planet of the Apes films have probably already listed this film as a must-see. However, even for those who are not fans or who aren’t familiar with the story, this film still offers an interesting and enjoyable movie experience.  I give it 4 out of 4 pizzas.            

-KDV

Birthday Weekend: New Ghostbusters Toys!

Here are some closer looks at some of the new Ghostbusters toys that came into my possession this weekend.  First off is a new Ghostbusters Zapper Light Gun.  The gun originally displayed images of random The Real Ghostbusters ghost images on your wall.  I purchased one earlier in the year but was missing a film cartridge with images to light on the wall.  So happens I was at one of my fave toy shops in Portland, Billy Galaxy, and they had another zapper with 2 cartridges! How cool!  Now I have a pair with all of the parts.  Next is a vintage Ghostbusters VW car that transforms into a bug ghost.  My wife purchased a Slimer piggy bank made by Diamond Select toys.  My brother Dave found some very cool vintage The Real Ghostbusters figurines.  From left to right is Peter, Egon and Ray.  For those that do not know, The Real Ghosbusters is the cartoon that was on in the 1980's early 1990's and most if not all of the older toys are from that show.

Birthday Weekend: New TMNT Toys!

Another entry into the famous "Birthday Weekend" log!  You can see from below the new and cool Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys I was able to pick up while in Portland and also receive at my birthday party.  The turtle submarine was a cool find from Billy Galaxy in Portland.  I had been eyeing it off and on the past few visits and decided I needed it bad enough for my collection.  I believe it is pretty rare and even more rare being a complete piece.  Next is the TMNT Soap Dish. The van as you can see is actually a plastic dish that holds the mini bars of soap.  A very rare find from my brother Rusty and a great addition to my collection.  The TMNT Double Barrel Plunger Gun is another find from Billy Galaxy.  Another great and complete piece.  Last is a more current version of Raphael on a skateboard.  I am really not sure if he originally went with the skateboard and is a more current piece dating in the 2000's somewhere.  Still very cool!

Birthday Weekend: TMNT Drawing!

This past Thursday was my birthday and it ended up being a birthday weekend with a party on Saturday night and then another party with Summerslam on Sunday night.  Needless to say it was awesome and I will be posting my cool gifts and new finds from my trip to Portland on Friday.  I wanted to share a drawing my oldest daughter, Krystal, made for me.  It is a montage of different Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle characters that I have.  She drew me John Cena which you can check out here and also check out her site.  She is an amazing artist and I am so proud she is my daughter!

Summerslam Upset! New Champ! Nash interferes!

Last week we learned that tonight on Raw Rey Mysterio will have a match against the current WWE Champion. And that champion is.....Alberto Del Rio. WTF?! Alberto Del Rio? As you can see from the montage of photos above Del Rio cashed in his "Money in the Bank" briefcase and took the title from CM Punk. Let's rewind a minute here. Triple H was the referee and it came down to a 3 count with Punk pinning John Cena winning the title but Cena's leg was on the rope and everyone knows that you can not be pinned with your leg on the rope. He was still counted out and the match was over. CM began to celebrate when out of nowhere Kevin Nash AKA Diesel appeared in the ring and obliterated Punk allowing Del Rio to come in and pin him winning the championship. I'm not sure what to think about this? I don't know why John Cena didn't put up more of a fight after losing instead of walking out. Why was the match not forced to move on? Where did Nash come from and who is he working for? Online rumors state that he is Del Rio's new body guard. Let's hope not. I am thinking he has some tie to Triple H and took care of Punk for all of the things he said about Triple H's wife Stephanie Mcmahon. It will be an interesting night for sure and make sure to tune in at 9:00pm on the USA Network!

First Goldberg. Now Stone Cold Steve Austin?

Now, let me say first and foremost. Unlike the comments from Bill Goldberg yesterday. Stone Cold Steve Austin did not say on Attack of the Show that he was returning to wrestling but if he did have "one last tango" he would like it to be with CM Punk. I think this match could be huge for Wrestlemania 28. You have the straight edge drug and alcohol free CM Punk against the beer drinking, pie eating and ass kicking Austin. I think Stone Cold has one more left in him and it would be great to see him back in the ring and not just as a special guest referee who does his special move to make everyone happy and that is it.  Also check out his new movie Tactical Force.  You can check out the trailer below.  Thanks to G4 for the clip.

The Miz Verses Keenan Cahill?

Yes, your probably wondering the same thing I just was. What the hell is WWE Superstar The Miz doing in a video with Youtube internet sensation Keenan Cahill? Well, it seems the past few weeks a battle has irrupted on Twitter between the two of who could be the best at lip syncing. Keenan has became very popular on Youtube from making home made videos of himself lip syncing to famous songs. He now has the attention of The Miz and it all came down to a test to see who could lip sync The Miz's entrance music the best.

Harold And Kumar 3 Trailer!!!!

Hell yeah!!!  Forget the summer and usher in the holidays! This November we get the third Harold and Kumar film aptly titled "A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas".  From the preview it looks a lot like the previous films bringing back everyone's favorite pot smoking duo and the gay but non gay, well you get the picture, Neil Patrick Harris.  This movie is in 3D and looks hilarious!  November can't get here fast enough!

Goldberg To Return To Wrestling This Year?

"Probably", says the big man.  The video below surfaced today of Goldberg saying that he would probably return to wrestling by the end of 2011.  The big question is he going to come back and wrestle with the WWE or TNA?  I seriously doubt he would come back and work in TNA.  He is one of the legends of wrestling and it would only seem fitting to see him return to the WWE and everyone's dream match would be Goldberg against Steve Austin and with Austin being a WWE guy then it makes more sense.  You can watch the video for yourself below.

WTF Video Of The Day!

I saw this video and thought ""WTF" or what the fu** when I saw it.  This video comes from the Johnny Carson show in 1973 and his guest was a very talented music artist and singer Paul Williams.  I did not know who Paul Williams was but found out via IMDB that he had starred in many films through out the 1970's, 80's and 90's including Battle For The Planet of the Apes.  In honor of Rise of the Planet of the Apes here is Paul in all of his glory singing for Johnny Carson.

Jon Favreau Cowboys And Aliens Spoof Short!

Update #1: I didn't realize I had the behind the scenes making of and not the actual short film posted. Here it is!

I just saw this online today and it is a very cool short film. Apparently, there is this guy named Freddie Wong who is a Youtube sensation. He has inspired actors that have seen his videos online to approach him and make short films. His latest is a Cowboys And Aliens spoof with none other than director and actor Jon Favreau. It is very cool and I highly recommend you check it out!

Awesome Dark Knight Rises footage!

This is some very cool behind the scenes footage that one of the local television stations in Pittsburgh recorded. From what I understand this scene is taking place on the steps of Gotham City Hall with an all out fight between the good guys, Batman, the bad guys and Bane. I'm not usually too big on watching behind the scenes stuff but this is actually pretty cool. Thanks to WPXI for the footage!

The Sitter: Red Band Trailer

I made it back from my weekend hiatus and wanted to share this trailer with you.  I saw this before I left on my trip but didn't get the chance to post it until now.  Their is a red band "dirty" trailer and a green band "non dirty" trailer for this film.  I wanted to show you the red band for the fact it has an opening monologue with Jonah Hill and his weight size of today and then the Jonah Hill when he shot this movie.  What the crunk?!  Is this guy on crack?  He is literally half the size now that he was when he shot this movie.  And also the red band trailers are almost always funnier because they include the content that would normally not appear until the actual showing of the film.  Be advised: strong sexual content and foul language!!

Summerslam: Champion Versus Champion

It was announced this past Monday night that at Summerslam in one week the main event will be John Cena against C.M. Punk for the WWE Championship. Now we know that Punk won the title at the Money In The Bank pay per view and then quit the WWE. The next night John Cena pinned Rey Mysterio and became the current holding WWE Champion. Then we find out that Punk had been rehired and that left us with a problem: 2 WWE Champions. So it will be decided on August 14th who will be the best of the best. I personally hope that Punk will win it all. I love John Cena but frankly I am tired of him being the champion all the time. It's time to move in a different direction and let Cena out of the limelight. I think Cena needs to take some time off and re-invent himself. Leave for a while and come back with a new gimmick, a new and refreshing persona and kick ass like he always has. That is just my two cents on it.

Superman Revealed! First Official Photo!!

Here it is folks! The first official picture of Henry Cavill as Clark Kent AKA Superman! I think he looks different, cool, but different. Going in that different direction look. I sure hope Zack Snyder punches this one out of the park. Man Of Steel arrives in June 2013. You can check out a couple of behind the scenes pics of Henry as Clark Kent with the wavy "S" dangling above his forehead. Thanks to Aint It Cool for the pics via Moviehole.

Wanna Be A Real Superhero? Watch This!

Wow. Interesting stuff. I knew that there are people out there like this and it looks pretty dangerous. Still looks like a good watch and if it's anything like HBO's other documentaries then it is going to be awesome! It premiers on August 8th.

Behind The Scenes VFX Of Game Of Thrones!

We were all treated this last spring with HBO's premiere of George R.R. Martin's amazing series Game Of Thrones. I can attest and I am sure the rest of you can also that this tv series looked absolutely amazing and surreal. I was blown away with how good it looked and from the video above you can see all the magic that went into the making of this show. If you haven't seen this series I highly suggest it even if your not a fan of this genre. The story is very compelling and sucks you in wanting to know more!

Exclusive WWE 7-11 Slurpee Cups!!

After weeks of anticipation, they are (insert Rock voice here) "finally back at 7-11". You can pick up your exclusive WWE Summerslam Slurpee cups and Big Gulp cups at your local 7-11. I purchased all 4 Slurpee cups this evening and surprisingly there was no mention of Summerslam on the cups themselves. The cups are actually half real pictures of the superstar and then a mark up of the superstar from the WWE All-Stars video game. The Slurpee cups are still very cool because they look almost 3-D as you move them around. I am partial to the Roddy Piper Big Gulp cup and will be picking that one up soon! You can also purchase the special 7-11 straws that have mini figurines that hook to each straw but they want an extra $2.00. After it is all said and done your paying about $4.50 a cup. I decided I didn't need the straws that bad. Check them out at your local 7-11 today before they are all sold out!

Harrison Ford and Chewbacca Re-Unite!

In keeping with the spirit of the release of Cowboys and Aliens, here is a funny short from the Jimmy Kimmel Show where Harrison Ford re-unites with his old friend from the Star Wars Trilogy.

Cowboys And Aliens Review!!

One of the most anticipated movies of the summer is finally upon us and I have to say I was not disappointed in the big time action flick Cowboys and Aliens.  If you enjoy westerns with a twist of sci-fi in it then this film is for you.  I am not going to make this review long and try to keep it spoiler free so let's just jump into it!  If you don't know by now it stars Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan, Harrison Ford as Woodrow Dollarhyde and Olivia Wilde as the mysterious Ella Swenson. There are great supporting characters in Clancy Brown as the pastor, Sam Rockwell as the local bartender and Paul Dano is Ford's jerk son that is interested in nothing but causing trouble and not paying the price for it.  The film is directed by Jon Favreau of Iron Man fame.  It is rated PG-13.

Let's start with the story.  Jake Lonergan wakes up in the middle of the dried up southwest with no recollection of who he is and what he is doing other than a strange mechanical bracelet attached to his left hand. Through the course of the film we find that he is a wanted man for robbing gold from a stagecoach owned by Woodrow Dollarhyde.  Dollarhyde has a son that thinks he can do anything because of who his father is and accidentally ends up shooting a deputy in the arm resulting in his arrest.  Even though Jake doesn't know himself, everyone knows him and he is arrested and is lodged in a stagecoach with Dollarhyde's son sent to go to the county police.  That is when Dollarhyde arrives in town just in time to stop the coach.  We fear his son will get away once again when all hear a strange noise and bright lights off in the distance coming towards the town.  Flying ships careen across the horizon whiplashing the towns people into the sky whisking them far away. It's up to Jake, Dollarhyde and a party of survivors to seek out what is taking their loved ones and bring them back.  But, who is Ella Swenson and why does she know so much about Jakes past?  

This story is not an original story or something that you have never seen before.  It is more or less an alien abduction story set in the old west.  What is original in my opinion is that it is in the old west and works with cowboys, indians and aliens.  It is a film that is cool and different than the usual alien film.  We've all seen alien films and abductions and man fighting monsters but not much in the old west.  It has that twist of old school and then the high tech alien weaponry that really clash well together.

The special effects were very cool.  The aliens space ships were cool and original.  I wasn't as sold on the aliens themselves.  It reminded me too much of the alien from Super 8 in how they moved and fought the humans.  I recommend seeing this in the theater because the cinematography was beautiful.  The acting was great.  Daniel Craig did a great job convincing us of a guy who lost his memory as did Harrison Ford as the crotchety Dollarhyde.  No Indiana Jones here folks and a nice break away from the norm for him.

I really enjoyed this film and highly recommend it to anyone that is looking for a fun popcorn flick to end the summer of big blockbuster movies.  Someone said to me after the film that they didn't get it.  They didn't understand why the aliens were there.  I agree but that is why this is a film about aliens abducting people and the bad ass cowboys getting them back.  Not so much about why they are there or what they are doing on earth.  If your a fan of the actors or the director or even westerns or sci-fi in general then go see this film.  Harry Knowles at Aint It Cool said it was good but not as good as Back To The Future Part 3.  I very much so agree although the BTTF Series will always hold a special place in my heart.