suggs's Pocket Blog

MTV Movie Awards Tropic Thunder (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 06/02/2008

Posted in The Superficial - Because You're Ugly (View Site) - 06/02/2008

I attempted to watch the MTV Movie awards last night but quickly realized, "Hey, I don't completely hate myself." Before I turned it off though, I did happen to catch this clip of Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black and Ben Stiller trying to make a viral video for their new movie Tropic Thunder. Surprisingly hilarious. If you guys want more info on the awards and whatnot, steer your browsers over to our sister site I Watch Stuff later today. Whenever my esteemed colleague crawls out from under his Ricky Gervais sheets, he'll bring you the 411 on the night's asinine events. Provided he didn't drink a half gallon of Clorox five minutes into it. UPDATE: Aforementioned coverage up at I Watch Stuff. Be the first in your office to know that Transformers is the greatest movie ever, according to a random selection of 13-year-olds with Internet access.

The Dark Knight Viral: Operation Slipknot (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/23/2008

Posted in FirstShowing.net (View Site) by Alex Billington - 04/23/2008

We've all been waiting patiently for the next phase of The Dark Knight's viral marketing game - and here it is. If you were caught previously by Lt. Jim Gordon on the acmesecuritysystems.com website, you have been receiving e-mails from Gordon now that you're working for him. Today the Gotham Police Department's Major Crimes Unit launched Operation Slipknot - gpdmcu.com/operationslipknot/. Information was included on the page to complete the task of capturing corrupt police officers. The way this was done is people would need to call the hotel concierge desk of the Gotham Intercontinental Hotel and convince them that they were that person and needed the package to be sent to them.

You can head over to the Operation Slipknot website and see headshots of all of the corrupt police officers that Gordon is trying to arrest. From there you can visit the Gotham Intercontinental Hotel website at GothamIntercontinentalHotel.com. The concierge phone number is listed at the bottom and you can try calling in and convincing them that you are that particular person. If you read the "Intel" tab on the Slipknot site, it will give you info on how to come up with the reference number for each person.

Gotham Police Major Crimes Unit, in cooperation with the GPD Internal Affairs Division, needs you to help track down numerous offenders that are fugitives from justice. Interestingly, we've tracked all of these individuals to the same last known location: Gotham Intercontinental Hotel. But we don't know where they've gone from there.

Call the hotel and convince the concierge to ship you a certain package that's been sent there for each fugitive. Use the provided intel and whatever means you can to convince him that you're the intended recipient, your travel plans have changed, and he needs to send the package to you. Once received, you should have all you need to fill in the blanks as to that fugitive's location.

We will add details about additional fugitives as they become available. Time is of the essence, as we have only a short time before the trail runs cold. Your cooperation in this operation will go a long way. Good luck.

If you succeed, the attendant will take down your address and overnight ship you a package. This has only been running since Wednesday morning, so no one has received a package yet. However the "Submit" tab asks that you submit the following information once you have received a package:

If you have received a package, enter any pertinent intel on your subject here: the confirmation # of their ticket, the last name of the alias they're traveling under, and the city they're flying to. If everything checks out, we'll forward it so that appropriate action can be taken.

From the sounds of it, this is a care package that includes plane tickets, fake passports, and so on. We can only guess what will happen next once Gordon has apprehended all of the corrupt police officers listed. Unfortunately this isn't exactly the fastest part of the viral marketing campaign so we'll have to wait to bring you any news that hits tomorrow once people start receiving their packages.

We don't know where this leads, as now at least 28 people are waiting for packages to arrive via overnight shipping tomorrow. With the new trailer on the verge of being debuted, we can guess this game is eventually leading to that - but only time will tell! We'll keep you updated right here.

Discover More: Hype, Viral Marketing

Zack Snyder's Watchmen Veidt Advertising Contest (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/23/2008

Posted in FirstShowing.net (View Site) by Alex Billington - 04/23/2008

There are a lot of new YouTube contests popping up this year. The latest is for Zack Snyder's Watchmen. Snyder explains that they thought it would be a cool idea to run a contest to make commercials that would show on the TVs that are in the background of the movie. All you need to do is make a short commercial using Veidt Enterprises products, including shoes, planes, sports products, and so on. While I'm not a big filmmaker myself, I thought this would be a great thing to pass on to all of you who want a shot as seeing your creation actually show up in Watchmen.

All you need to do to participate is head over to the Watchmen YouTube page, grab the assets, watch the intro video from Zack, make your own commercial, and submit it! You can check out some samples and get all the information you need on that site.

Incase you're a bit confused, Veidt Enterprises is the company ran by Adrian Veidt, whose altar ego is Ozymandias. Don't forget the movie is set in 1985 so you need to make your TV commercials in 4:3 and designed to look like that time period. I hope this is a challenging task I hope many of you will take on!

Make your TV commercial in NTSC standard definition (720x486) or higher resolution, upload it, and then others can vote on your work. The contest ends on June 2, 2008. The 40 finalists will win signed posters from Zack Snyder. The top five finalists from user votes will win High-Definition Canon Vixia HG10 camcorders. Up to 20 of Zack's favorite finalists will win $1000.00, and have a chance to be included in the Watchmen feature film itself.

Watchmen, directed by Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead, 300), will arrive in theaters on March 6th, 2009. Stay tuned for more Watchmen coverage, photos, and more right here at FS.net!

Discover More: Contests, Hype

Ethan Coen Speaks! (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/22/2008

Posted in Cinematical (View Site) by Eric Kohn - 04/18/2008

Filed under: Fandom, Newsstand

The man who uttered "thanks" and little else after three visits to the podium at the Oscars this year actually has a lot on his mind, even though he chooses to rarely speak it. Ethan Coen, the younger, bearded half of the sibling powerhouse behind many of the best American movies of the last ten years, usually remains in the shadows--but that hasn't slowed his immense creative output, which extends beyond the movies. In 1998, he published his first collection of absurdist poetry, and followed it up with a second volume a few years later. Simultaneously funny and haunting, Coen's work reads a lot like his films. But can his eccentric style translate to other formats? Turns out it can: His off-Broadway play, Almost an Evening, has been receiving rave reviews, convincing the bashful auteur to do a rare interview. "I've got lots to say - depends on the day," he tells AP reporter Douglas J. Rowe, before cryptically adding, "Not usually, actually."

Intriguingly, Coen comes across as amiable and witty in the piece ("I need the Nobel Peace Prize. The Oscars have worn off, man"), which discusses the details of the three one-acts contained in Almost an Evening. It makes you wonder what would happen if the brothers went their separate ways. Would we get twice the Coen goodies? Or something completely different? Even Ethan doesn't know: "It's not a question of flying solo so much as ... I don't know what it is."

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First Teaser Trailer for Frank Miller's The Spirit! (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/22/2008

Posted in FirstShowing.net (View Site) by Alex Billington - 04/19/2008

The very first teaser trailer for Frank Miller's adaptation of Will Eisner's The Spirit has finally debuted. The film focuses on the masked superhero The Spirit, whose mission is to fight against the bad forces in Central City. I think Frank Miller has got this thing down. I love the feeling, I love the look to this, the music, everything. I don't know why anyone doubted Frank Miller to begin with? This feels like 300 and Sin City combined, but with an even more classic touch. No footage besides Gabriel Macht as The Spirit, but that's all that matters at this point. We've got plenty of time to go! Check it out and let us know your thoughts!

Watch the teaser trailer for The Spirit:

You can also watch The Spirit trailer in High Definition at MTV

Adapted from the legendary comic book series created by Will Eisner, The Spirit is a classic action-adventure-romance written for the screen and directed by genre-twister Frank Miller. It is the story of a former rookie cop who returns mysteriously from the dead as the Spirit (Gabriel Macht) to fight crime from the shadows of Central City. His arch-enemy, the Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson) has a different mission: he's going to wipe out Spirit's beloved city as he pursues his own version of immortality. The Spirit tracks this cold-hearted killer from Central City's rundown warehouses, to the damp catacombs, to the windswept waterfront… all the while facing a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill our masked crusader.

The Spirit is both written and directed by legendary comic book author Frank Miller, who previously worked with Robert Rodriguez to direct segments of Sin City. The film is based Will Eisner's newspaper comic strip of the same name that originally debuted in 1940. Lionsgate has set a release date of January 16th, 2009 for The Spirit.

Discover More: Hype, Trailers, Worth Watching

Jaq's Review Zombie Strippers - Everything and the Pole! (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/22/2008

Posted in FirstShowing.net (View Site) by Jaq Greenspon - 04/19/2008

I'm gonna start out by saying I loved this film. Let me just get it out of the way now. Zombie Strippers is a fun, frolicking fest of undead female flesh! It is packed with enough laughs, nudity and philosophy to make it required viewing for any college student's weekend late night plans. Not since Chopper Chick in Zombie Town have I laughed this hard at an intentionally funny horror film. For sheer entertainment value, Zombie Strippers ranks among the top films of the year.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying this is a great film - or even a good one, just that it is a blast to watch and if you go in with the attitude that everyone involved was looking to have some fun and make something for you to enjoy, you will walk out pleasantly surprised and with a huge smile on your face.

The plot, what there is of it, is a simple rendition of about half of the other zombie movies out there: Government developed virus gets loose and turns those infected into the undead. In this instance, of course, writer/director Jay Lee places the blame squarely on the shoulders of our conservative government who, in the not too distant future, have suspended all laws and taken over the country.

The military is called in to stop the outbreak from spreading any further than the top secret lab, located in Sartre, Nebraska, where it started. Naturally, they fail to stop one of their own, Lieutenant Byrdflough (Zak Kilberg), who has become infected, from getting away and hiding out in an underground strip club. Does Byrdflough spread the disease? You betcha! And the first of the girls to get the bug is Kat (Jenna Jameson), a Nietzsche reading, philosophy spouting topless star in the making. She's the girl everyone wants to see and when she goes zombie, the other girls realize she's onto something and one by one decide to come over to the dark side. This all works out to the advantage of Ian Essko (Robert Englund aka Freddy Krueger), the club's owner, who sees nothing but dollar signs in the boobs of his undead dancers.

If the name checking of prominent figures in existential philosophy hasn't clued you in to what kind of a film you're in for, then this may not be the movie for you. For me, though, I was sold when Kat comes back from the dead, resumes reading Nietzsche and laughs, saying it makes much more sense now. In fact, all of the characters, from the bouncer who's afraid if his own shadow (World Champion fighter and Jameson's fiancée Tito Ortiz) to the corn-fed local girl who is just getting into the business and stripping to raise enough money for her grandmother's colostomy operation (Jennifer Holland) to the illegal Mexican immigrant named Paco (Joey Medina), spout first year philosophy concepts and challenge the sheep-like mentality of the mob when faced with zombie-hood.

The filmmaking itself is serviceable, with Jay Lee not only handling the words and action, but also the cinematography and editing. This is a true auteur project and it seems fairly obvious Lee is having a damn fine time with it. At no point does he let the film ever take itself seriously, and yet, he still delivers an interesting message about the price of conformity and the ability of the individual to overcome the strength of the masses. In the end, you'll laugh, you'll… laugh some more, and you'll see things you never thought you'd see outside of a dark theatre in Tijuana.

Discover More: Movie Reviews

Drew Struzan's Hellboy II: The Golden Army Poster! (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/22/2008

Posted in FirstShowing.net (View Site) by Alex Billington - 04/18/2008

When we first posted about this, it was simply the news that it would happened - it's that big and awesome. Now it's finally here in all of its beautiful glory. Artist Drew Struzan has finished drawing a gorgeous Hellboy II: The Golden Army poster and it's launching at the New York Comic Con this weekend. Thanks to CHUD we have our first look at it and damn is it bad ass. This thing gives me fantastic shivers - I can't wait for Hellboy II this summer. Check out this beauty and if you're in New York this weekend (like me) make sure to pick one up!

After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above and the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures. Now, it’s up to the planet’s toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his marauders. He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it’s time to call in Hellboy (Ron Perlman).

Along with his expanding team in the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense—pyrokinetic girlfriend Liz (Selma Blair), aquatic empath Abe (Doug Jones) and protoplasmic mystic Johann—the BPRD will travel between the surface strata and the unseen magical one, where creatures of fantasy become corporeal. And Hellboy, a creature of two worlds who’s accepted by neither, must choose between the life he knows and an unknown destiny that beckons him.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army is both written and directed by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro of Blade II, Hellboy, and Pan's Labyrinth previously. The film is based off of Mike Mignola's comic book series that was first published by Dark Horse Comics in 1993. Hellboy II arrives in theaters this summer on July 11th. Mark down that day in your calendars now!

Discover More: Hype, Posters

Official Teaser Poster for Frank Miller's The Spirit (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/22/2008

Posted in FirstShowing.net (View Site) by Alex Billington - 04/18/2008

This weekend is the New York Comic Con, so you can expect plenty more comic related news and coverage over the next few days. The official teaser trailer premieres tomorrow afternoon, but the teaser poster for Frank Miller's The Spirit has debuted courtesy of AICN. I was thinking about passing this up and just throwing it in the trailer announcement tomorrow, but when I took a closer look at it, I realized I couldn't do that. Something about this really captured me, and I think it's the classic look with the huge letters and so on. Take a look and make sure to come back tomorrow for the trailer!

Apparently this is another NY Comic Con exclusive that I'm guessing can be picked up tomorrow at the presentation. We'll try and pick up a few extra, but the real focus will be on the teaser trailer.

Adapted from the legendary comic book series created by Will Eisner, The Spirit is a classic action-adventure-romance written for the screen and directed by genre-twister Frank Miller. It is the story of a former rookie cop who returns mysteriously from the dead as the Spirit (Gabriel Macht) to fight crime from the shadows of Central City. His arch-enemy, the Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson) has a different mission: he's going to wipe out Spirit's beloved city as he pursues his own version of immortality. The Spirit tracks this cold-hearted killer from Central City's rundown warehouses, to the damp catacombs, to the windswept waterfront… all the while facing a bevy of beautiful women who either want to seduce, love or kill our masked crusader.

Surrounding him at every turn are Ellen Dolan (Sarah Paulson), the whip-smart girl-next-door; Silken Floss (Scarlett Johansson), a punk secretary and frigid vixen; Plaster of Paris (Paz Vega), a murderous French nightclub dancer; Lorelei (Jaime King), a phantom siren; and Morgenstern (Stana Katic), a sexy young cop. Then of course, there's Sand Saref (Eva Mendes), the jewel thief with dangerous curves. She's the love of his life turned bad. Will he save her or will she kill him? In the vein of Batman Begins and Sin City, The Spirit takes us on a sinister, gut-wrenching ride with a hero who is born, murdered and born again. The Spirit is currently set to arrive in theaters on January 16th, 2009.

Discover More: Hype, Posters

1-900-Nerd-Girl (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/11/2008

Posted in FashionistaTV.com (View Site) by Amanda - 04/11/2008

Everything has it’s niche!

Operators are standing by….

HIGH'JINX' HITS YANKEES (Shyftr Comments)

Pocketed 04/11/2008

Posted in NY Post: News (View Site) by By JOHN DOYLE and CHUCK BENNETT - 04/11/2008

The new Yankee Stadium may be cursed! A devilish Boston fan working on a concrete crew at the $1.3 billion stadium covertly buried a Red Sox T-shirt under what will become the visiting team's locker room to jinx the Yanks, two construction work ers...