Pop Culture
John Steakley’s Armor
I have a guest blog post over at TOR.com about a novel that meant a lot to me growing up, John Steakley’s science fiction novel ARMOR. Give it a read, if you have time:
Strong Female Characters
Female characters are often labeled “strong” because there is an element to them that’s self aware they are doing things not stereotypically associated with being female. As much as they pretend to shrug off the “male gaze”, they’re actually just another version of it. Physically strong perhaps…but not well written.
James Horner and the Giant Spring
I’m listening to my (sadly) out of print Vinyl edition of James Horner’s awesome score to BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, not only my favorite Roger Corman movie (a tough call to make, it’s like picking your favorite Robert E. Howard short, but come on: it’s a remake of THE MAGNIFICIENT SEVEN in space, itself a remake of SEVEN SAMURAI in the […]
J.J. Abrams’ STAR WARS: It Could Go Either Way
Well, it took a STAR WARS announcement for me to dust off the old blog. As I’m sure you’ve heard, J. J. Abrams will be directing the next STAR WARS movie, EPISODE VII: (INSERT TITLE WITH EPIC SOUNDING WORDS HERE). I was originally pessimistic when it came to this announcement, but I’ve changed my tune somewhat. Don’t get me wrong, […]
TRON LEGACY: A Missed Opportunity
This isn’t most the topical blog post, but I recently rewatched the Blu-ray version of TRON: LEGACY, and felt like commenting about it. While it’s visually stunning, the film itself, sadly, leaves a lot to be desired. Which is a shame. To me, this movie is a tremendous missed opportunity for Disney to establish a dynamic, unique, massively entertaining franchise. […]
Smash Party
My friend Greg and I recently braved an ominous sounding event named Smash Party. It’s a once a year thing in Los Angeles, put on by an animation studio called Titmouse. If you’re not familiar with them, they’re the guys behind Metalocalypse. It’s without a doubt the oddest (and probably most cathartic) company party you’ll ever go to. The first […]
Suspension of Disbelief in Classic Speculative Fiction
“I am forced into speech because men of science have refused to follow my advice without knowing why. It is altogether against my will that I tell my reasons for opposing this contemplated invasion of the antarctic – with its vast fossil hunt and its wholesale boring and melting of the ancient ice caps. And I am the more […]
