Episode 135: Tit For Tat - Where the Wild Things Are, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Paranormal Activity, FlashForward, and Stargate: Universe [Discussion] [Archive]

cyrinix

10-20-2009, 02:34 PM

sadly was a bit disappointed by the TV segment, i was so excited to hear about the review for SGU from the guys (been watching SG since it started on Showtime back in the day), and felt like it was just pushed aside, and also very surprised that Jeff really didn't give it a true chance, besides the 3-part premeire (but was hooked on flashforward on the 2nd ep?), but i understand if something doesnt catch you early so i appreciate his honesty, but it would be nice to have jeff revisit the series in a while after its got a few eps under its belt

it's funny tho cuz i totally said to my friends that it is a bit like voyager in the fact they're lost and in a serialized/style way like BSG, but ts going to be really good

overall great ep guys, keep it up, thank you!

slagster

10-20-2009, 05:35 PM

I find it rather odd that you guys didn't discuss Brutal Legend this week since it came out the same day as Uncharted 2 especially since its been one of the show sponsors for the last couple weeks.

Inkwell

10-20-2009, 05:53 PM

I find it rather odd that you guys didn't discuss Brutal Legend this week since it came out the same day as Uncharted 2 especially since its been one of the show sponsors for the last couple weeks.

That's precisely why they didn't review the game. They've explained this before for another game. I would personally like to see them review it as well, but it probably won't happen.

I was really hoping for more of a discussion on Paranormal Activity. Dan didn't seem to care for the movie that much and I would have liked to hear why that is.

I've never watched any of the Stargate shows. SGU looks much more interesting, but I'm not quite sure if I'll end up watching it. I'm also really mixed on Flash Forward. I like the concept of the show. The problem is I don't care about any of the characters. Also, Like Alex said, the show plods along until the last five minutes that make you want to watch the next week's episode. I also felt that the writing and acting fell a bit flat in the first couple of episodes. It seems a little better now.

As far as TV goes, they need to give Fringe another shot. I felt similarly to them when the show first started, but it's gotten much better (though the first 2 episodes of the new season were not that great).

ghelyar

10-20-2009, 06:58 PM

sadly was a bit disappointed by the TV segment, i was so excited to hear about the review for SGU from the guys (been watching SG since it started on Showtime back in the day), and felt like it was just pushed aside

I completely agree.

I also have to say that SGU is very different to any of the other Stargate series so it is definitely not a substitute for watching those. SG1 and Atlantis are all about freeing the galaxy from the tyranny of seemingly unstoppable enemies by using ingenuity. SGU is all about the relationships of a bunch of people stuck on a ship.

The Eli Wallace character is just geeky comic relief, in the same way that David Hewlett's character was in Atlantis. If you cant get over the first 10 minutes in which he's abducted while playing a computer game, skip the first 10 minutes. Easy.

I'm a bit disappointed with SGU in general just because it's absolutely nothing like the Stargate that I know and love. I don't really watch science fiction to see how characters interact when they have cabin fever.

Also, LDP is a human telephone.

PsyKoWeeZeL

10-20-2009, 07:14 PM

Another Episode in which JC takes the words right out of my mouth.

I felt the exact same way at the end of "Where the Wild Things Are". I wasn't upset at the movie, it wasn't a bad movie by any sort of stretch, I just sort of felt disappointed at the ending -- it was rather lackluster for me, and I didn't really fell that I "gained" anything by watching the movie, if that makes sense.

suprstrpj

10-20-2009, 07:41 PM

why review paranormal activity if alex hasn't seen it yet?

i agree with dan that this wasn't the scariest movie ever, but somehow i'm not surprised that jeff was so hype about it. really jeff? this flick was scarier than the orphanage?

muddi900

10-20-2009, 08:49 PM

I think the problem with FlashForward is the same one that Lost had pre-season 4 and BSG had post-season 1; anything more than 16 episodes causes a lot of slow down. Its like the writers have a beginning, a middle and an end all drawn out but they have to stretch a 16-hour story into a 20-22 hour story.

I am still watching though as the plot intrigues me.

hellhound

10-20-2009, 09:07 PM

I gotta say that the creators of SGU are taking abit of a slow path to establish "a base" of their "universe" and letting the viewer know the character before getting into the crazy "expedition" type scenarios.

For the e-mail... Alex left out his trip to Jamaica where he and friends tried to buy some pot. He mentioned "pool-hopping".... come on guys... statute of limitations is generally 5 years.. You can admit youthful indescretions and not get busted....

I'll go 1st.. I shot cars on the freeway with a beebee gun, I shoplifted, I drank beer at a construction site when underage (We found the 1 1/2 case of beer there already) and used their scaffolding for firewood, I smuggled pot in from mexico and charged a 10% bankroll fee (I can admit that because I've already been charged, took a plea, and served my time). I'll wait another year or 2 for limitations to run out for more.... but come on.... not many have a past like me... because not many get introduced to heroin addict bikers in their youth and get into situations... but come on...

Yes I'm not trying to get Sponsors etc... so I can talk about my past.. but instead of being disingenuous and denying any youthful indescretions.... (especially Alex) shoulda just given a "No Comment"

crabcakes

10-20-2009, 10:27 PM

I would just like to say that the faces that Dan and Jeff make during their name credits at the beginning are hilarious. Classic 80's-break-the-4th-wall-credit. I just miss the black and white Dan leaning in to say "Video games!".

TRSJeff

10-20-2009, 10:36 PM

really jeff? this flick was scarier than the orphanage?

I didn't say it was the "scariest", I said it was the "best scary". I love The Orphanage, but I think I liked this movie even more.

-Jeff

TRSJeff

10-20-2009, 10:38 PM

instead of being disingenuous and denying any youthful indescretions.... shoulda just given a "No Comment"

No one spoke untruthfully, and I think the presumption that we were being disingenuous is a bit insulting.

-Jeff

geekdw

10-21-2009, 12:03 AM

Here's a tweet I posted before this episdoe came out:

"Excited about TRS's reviews of #SGU, kinda scared though that they only had 2 episodes (weeks) to form an opinion on it."

Their reviews were exactly what I expected... I knew they were going to say they needed to watch more of it to have a solid opinion (in the case of Dan and Alex at least).

Can't really blame Jeff that much though... I know if I hadn't ever gotten into Stargate during SG1 I wouldn't care for this show either.

JMcLagan

10-21-2009, 01:47 AM

Was I the only one that felt like Voyagers replacing Voyager graphic in this comparison was like fingernails on the chalkboard? LOL

I loved SG-1 only....I think 1/3 was storyline for me, and 2/3 cast. Couldn't stand McKay, so I never got into Atlantis and I don't see me getting behind this cast either.

They had a great formula in SG-1 that never was duplicated.

Geeks that are smart, hot and adventurous (Tapping and Shanks) and a team leader that is just a little nuts (Anderson or Browder). To that add an alien that is the size of a small tank and keeps saying "indeed". Now that's entertainment. Guys please do not base the series on SGU. Go back and watch the original SG-1 episodes, as those are the ones worth watching.

Does that make me a purist?

joeyrock

10-21-2009, 01:14 PM

I'm surprised you liked Flashforward so much. It's one of the stupidest shows I've ever seen. Couldn't watch more than 3 or them. Since the characters are boring, all that's left, as you guys said, is the mystery. But there are so many plot holes and silly suspension of disbelief requirements in this I just couldn't, nor would I care to, try and work it out.

Joseph (I can't remember his name) sees a load of clues he had put on a board... then he puts them on the board! How is that working anything out or a clue?!!! Everything he does for the next sixth months could have been completely wrong. It's highly likely he that he's just started a 6 month wild goose chase, started by himself. Shame one of the clues on the board wasn't "ontological paradox"

The thing that is most annoying is that not one of the "crack team" the FBI put on this is theoretical physicist (or any kind of scientist). They all seem to have bizarrely clear idea of how they should be investigating something as strange and metaphysical as the entire world mentally travelling 6 months into the future... like it was some terrorist hunt. Which is very stupid of the writers.

I will wait and see if everyone declares this show the most awesome thing since happy days, in which case I'll catch back up. But I suspect it will just get suckier and suckier.

Maybe there will be a spin off... "Flashforward: CERN Investigation Team" which might be actually interesting because there's an entirely different show going on in this universe, with interesting people who might actually know where to start to work out what this flashforward is, why it's happened and what that means to the world.... but oh no, we aren't watching that show. We are following some random, dull, clueless, sour-faced cop... who's having marital problems with his Doctor wife. Because there aren't enough of those archetypes on TV.

royterp

10-21-2009, 02:22 PM

..."Flashforward: CERN Investigation Team"...

I blame the Higgs boson (http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/10/is-a-time-travelling-higgs-sab.html).

joeyrock

10-21-2009, 02:49 PM

Exactly, it would write itself!

How cool, new and interesting could a show like "FF:CIT" have been? Goyer either didn't have the balls or didn't consider such a show around this premise. He stuck with the boring old police/doctor setup common to TV... he didn't even pick one of them! He, and ABC, totally hedged their bets and it'll result in a dull, committee produced TV show which will die sooner rather than later.

siraim

10-21-2009, 03:02 PM

Loved the episode and am really digging the opening sequences. Really enjoying seeing the creativity weekly in the intros and I like that you're lifting the curtain a little bit to let us see how @snoopmikey works his magic.

I was once told to hand in my geek card because I've never seen SG-1 or really paid any attention Stargate. If only they'd known I've never seen the actual Stargate movie! For shame, I know. I've honestly tried to watch the movie three times and each time I've been asleep within the first half hour.

I can't wait to get home to get Uncharted 2. After a few longs weeks on the road, I've got a few at home to make my way through Uncharted 2. I'm not looking for spoilers, but I'm really hopeful they stay away from the supernatural this time. (one can hope)

In another blow to my ability to keep my geek card, I have to admit that when TRS first mentioned where the wild things are years ago, I had no idea what they were talking about. When I first started seeing images, my only connection to the characters was the WTWTA section at the Sony Metreon. I'd never even known there was a book. All I knew was that it was a Metallica song. :)

wideawakewesley

10-21-2009, 03:16 PM

Guys, I think it's safe to say you've finally got your mojo back with the recent change to the intros. While not quite as satisfying as the originals, they're definitely a step up from the user submitted ones (even mine ;)).

On SG:U and FF, I'm pretty much in agreement that both shows need more time. I thought FF started brilliantly, but then the 3rd episode was very bland, whereas SG:U was bland until the 3rd episode which picked up a bit. I've yet to see the 4th episode of either, but I'll give both until ep6. There's definitely lots of opportunity for both shows to be great, as long the creators realise what's important to the viewers of both.

Very surprised the guys didn't love Where the Wild Things Are. I was expecting it to be a gushfest and now I can't decide whether to bother taking my 3yr old to see it. I think I'll wait to see what the feedback is on twitter as I'm more concerned about my son liking it than me.

Uncharted 2 was always going to be a glowing review from at least Dan, but it's interesting to hear the game be talked about as a definite reason to buy a PS3. Obviously the main gaming outlets have heaped praise on it, giving it what I personally believe are a ridiculous number of 100% scores, but it definitely sounds like a game every gamer should play. As soon as Sony have more of those on their system, I'll probably lay down some wonga and pick one up.

Desperately want to take my wife to see Paranormal Activity, if it ever gets a UK release. It reminds me a lot of a TV show in the UK called Ghostwatch, which was a one off "live" investigation into a haunted house. It aired back at the start of the 90s and managed to scare most of the nation. We're going to discuss it on next week's Weekly Geekly podcast if anyone's interested.

Great show guys!

PsyKoWeeZeL

10-21-2009, 03:20 PM

I just miss the black and white Dan leaning in to say "Video games!".

Well, they changed it because there was a problem with "the blacks", amirite or did I just break the thread, haha. :p

darknessgp

10-21-2009, 04:19 PM

...

In another blow to my ability to keep my geek card, I have to admit that when TRS first mentioned where the wild things are years ago, I had no idea what they were talking about. When I first started seeing images, my only connection to the characters was the WTWTA section at the Sony Metreon. I'd never even known there was a book. All I knew was that it was a Metallica song. :)

Don't feel too bad, I didn't know it either. After they made the comment that "everyone" had it as a kid, I asked around and 1 out of 20ish people I asked had heard of the book and read it as a kid... sadly, neither the book nor the movie look very interesting. and based on their reviews, I probably won't go see this.

TRSJeff

10-21-2009, 04:33 PM

I can't decide whether to bother taking my 3yr old to see it.

I am not a parent, but my feeling is this is not a film for a 3 year old. I would think it could be pretty scary/disturbing for a very young child.

-Jeff

masherscf

10-21-2009, 04:40 PM

I am not a parent, but my feeling is this is not a film for a 3 year old. I would think it could be pretty scary/disturbing for a very young child.

-Jeff

This sounds like a great missed opportunity for the film. There are actually very few movies that are suitable for 3-year olds. WTWTA is one of my 5-year old Daughter's very favorite stories...right up there with "Cat in The Hat" and "The Grinch who stole Christmas." Guess what, She probably wouldn't get through the movie adaptations of those either. My daughter has trouble with the second act of Toy Story.

YSSMAN

10-22-2009, 03:52 AM

RE: Where the Wild Things Are

I have to say that this was the review I was looking forward to most, but also fearing at the same time. I was able to see the movie on opening night with a friend of mine, and I couldn't have been more excited. But, as the move went on, and on, AND ON... I kept thinking about how disappointed I was, and how I was probably going to be in the minority on that. I think my expectations were far too high to enjoy it fully, but worse yet, Zombieland I think has ruined my expectations for everything at the moment.

miyazakihayao

10-22-2009, 04:23 AM

I would just like to say that the faces that Dan and Jeff make during their name credits at the beginning are hilarious. Classic 80's-break-the-4th-wall-credit.

I keep hearing the theme to full house.

skin87

10-22-2009, 06:39 AM

That's precisely why they didn't review the game. They've explained this before for another game. I would personally like to see them review it as well, but it probably won't happen.

During the webcast of the gameathon, Dan talked a little bit about it (he was the only one to play it). I can't remember what exactly he said about it, but the jist I got from it was that if you liked Psychonauts, you'll like Brutal Legend.

xturbro

10-22-2009, 09:28 PM

can they give an honest review if they are being sponsored by them?

gm_wil

10-22-2009, 10:16 PM

Jesus H . . . Jeff you continue to crack me up (you other two as well) but when you did the "arrival of the doof" in the 3's company spoof or whatever - that body posturing was flippin hilarious . . . i had to watch it a couple times . . . like the total recall thing . . . ya funny bastard

-

doom

10-23-2009, 07:57 AM

wideawakewesley

10-23-2009, 08:25 AM

This sounds like a great missed opportunity for the film. There are actually very few movies that are suitable for 3-year olds. WTWTA is one of my 5-year old Daughter's very favorite stories...right up there with "Cat in The Hat" and "The Grinch who stole Christmas." Guess what, She probably wouldn't get through the movie adaptations of those either. My daughter has trouble with the second act of Toy Story.

I wonder if my son is normal for his age then as he watches quite a lot of movies. He loves pretty much every Pixar film and Bolt, but his current fixation is Transformers: The Movie (the original) and G Force. We've let him watch small segments from the new Transformers movies, but only where it's robot on robot action. We try and keep him away from anything with real guns in it and if there's any point he gets scared in a film we try and talk our way through it and reassure him everything will be ok in the end (which it always is).

I have a friend with a daughter the same age and she's watched every Star Wars film apart from Episode 3. He has pushed things a little too far though imo as she's also watched Iron Man and some X Men films.

thavok

10-23-2009, 04:36 PM

this is bad but my 7 year olds favorite movie is iRobot.

tsmith15

10-25-2009, 01:27 AM

I'm still watching FlashForward for the same reason Dan/Alex gave - the huge holes in the science of the thing make me hate it but I just have this feeling it's going to rock at some point and be worth suspending my belief in physics. Tonight's episode was half and half for me - the lesbian storyline was grating... omg could they be any LESS like actual people. I thought I was done with the show at that point... Also, the editing was HORRIBLE - when the head guy is talking to the Senator they have a reverse shot but while he's speaking you can clearly see him licking his lips; the SUV that hits the car ends up at a completely different angle once the firefight starts.. But the firefight at the end... bad ass. :) Loved the music kicking in while they came out shooting behind the flames of their car... maybe it's just me but I friggin' loved that. :)
Haha I agree with you 100%. I watched the episode with my parents and I vocally remarked "this is possibly the most awkward conversation I've ever heard" at the lesbian-threesome dream conversation in the restaurant, and I also noticed the back-of-the-head shot which is SO FRUSTRATING and done SO MUCH, fuck ADR.

About Flash Forward though, I'm somewhat interested in the plot, and I like some of the characters. It is going much too slowly, and I don't see how they can convincingly make a second season. I like Joseph Fiennes' sponsor as well as the autistic kid's dad (where was he last episode, btw..). There are better shows on TV imo (Fringe, House), but it's good enough to fill Lost's void this fall-winter.