tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55984765516862357772024-02-18T20:48:40.688-05:00The Cryptic CorridorA blog of the bizarre, morbid, and mysterious!Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-16725082256507374162022-06-20T23:23:00.000-04:002022-06-20T23:23:19.205-04:00Godzilla: Folly of Man<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvNNrtBlIk9v7ltCTIkxeRDD3cklb9rfdi5KJe7PffR6yGSKhu0jjK08U2iSW20_qbz83IgSWHDHz3LwLFg0qrxqAph-MYiydsyYCCDZ_o3IfmaZFJrBLRX_nzfM0zTYgHwH9qpt9SeUrji3_aITvLotcSyoDSg4DTeVQaCSNRqYUGRS655e9Xfqo/s4028/UEKuZLIC25_GYiOQWZe9DvcMm2UoWmh0UkFnup7-41g.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2122" data-original-width="4028" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvNNrtBlIk9v7ltCTIkxeRDD3cklb9rfdi5KJe7PffR6yGSKhu0jjK08U2iSW20_qbz83IgSWHDHz3LwLFg0qrxqAph-MYiydsyYCCDZ_o3IfmaZFJrBLRX_nzfM0zTYgHwH9qpt9SeUrji3_aITvLotcSyoDSg4DTeVQaCSNRqYUGRS655e9Xfqo/w640-h338/UEKuZLIC25_GYiOQWZe9DvcMm2UoWmh0UkFnup7-41g.webp" width="640" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i><p></p><p>Welcome to my long neglected, mostly forgotten blog!</p><p>I needed a place to share my fanfiction idea for a Monsterverse Godzilla sequel featuring Biollante and Hedorah, so here we are...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>INTRODUCTION</b></i></p><p><i>A few things I felt needed to be said before we get to the story...</i></p><p><i>I realize that the subtitle “Folly of Man” probably isn’t the best, but that line from Blue Oyster Cult’s song – “History shows again and again how Nature points out the folly of Man.” – kept coming to mind as I was working on this. </i></p><p><i>I wanted the tone for this one to be much darker, with horror elements sprinkled throughout. Godzilla – though still benevolent – will be a bit more indifferent toward humanity. As you will see, Godzilla will inadvertently cause destruction as he single-mindedly seeks to achieve his goal of maintaining nature’s balance – more akin to the 2014 Godzilla. Hedorah will be the most horrific aspect however, deriving imagery from the original 1971 film.</i></p><p><i>I thought that Biollante and Hedorah would represent a cool dynamic, I envisioned them having an opposing “Yin and Yang” kind of relationship. I also messed around with their origins a bit as you will see. I decided to make “Hedorah” both a plural and singular entity at various points (similar to the Rodan in Godzilla: Singular Point), hopefully this isn’t too confusing going forward. </i></p><p><i>I imagine the singular form of Hedorah to look like Matt Frank’s mutli-eyed redesign from 2021 (included below). At one point, the surface of Hedorah’s flesh will come to resemble that of Shin Godzilla’s (Other Shin Godzilla elements are present as well). Biollante is one of my all-time favorite kaiju designs. I don’t imagine its design changing all that much.</i></p><p><i>I recognize that a common complaint for many Godzilla films what many perceive to be a lack of compelling characters. I envision Dr. Chen and Dr. Ling - returning from 2019's King of the Monsters - along with new characters - the Biollante research team and the unnamed Apex geneticist - being the central focus on the human side of things. I did not flesh out these characters (honestly, I don't have that kind of writing talent), but rather focus on the broad strokes of the story.</i></p><p><i>I would love to see a film with similar cinematography to the 2014 film – more low angle shots highlighting the scale of the monsters, please! It would be great for Gareth Edwards to return as director. He would probably be too “out there”, but I’d love to have Guillermo del Toro direct a Monsterverse film!</i></p><p><i>Note: I've included a lot of artwork, photos, etc. as visual aides. To be clear, these images do NOT belong to me. <u>All credit goes to the talented artists</u>!</i></p><p><i>Sorry the whole thing got to be so, so long. I got very carried away. Also: apologies in advance for any typos. Thanks to whoever gives the whole thing a read!</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><b>Flashback to 2021:</b> The remaining leadership of Apex are reeling after the onslaught of Mechagodzilla. Previously unaware of Walter Simmons’ top secret project, the board of directors pressure their various R&D departments to come up with something, anything that will salvage the company’s reputation. </p><p>Thus, our attention turns to an overworked group of genetic engineers who have been experimenting with samples of Godzilla’s tissue salvaged from his battle with Kong in Hong Kong. Taking note of Godzilla’s extraordinary regenerative abilities, the team attempts to splice the Titan’s genes with pollution-eating bacteria they had previously been working on with the goal of cleansing landfills, polluted waterways, and even airborne smog around the world.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><b>Title Sequence: </b>A haunting main score plays over the opening title sequence similar to Godzilla 2014, Kong: Skull Island, and GvK. We see a montage of vintage footage featuring scenes of pollution and commentators warning of a coming environmental collapse brought by mankind, intercut with "found footage" of Godzilla and the other Titans. It would be cool to have some shots of the textures of Biollante and Hedorah similar to GMK's opening sequence sprinkled in to foreshadow the introduction of these new monsters.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdbRljBpLj4xeGNGQtMbq7KntUtCtz-z0zgYJhMleP-LPB9oOC6u3XYLlTdskicN3f4q1RXhZ_gD3EBKx2FdPnhWQ5eRdBenK2A-GihJ69no9fy_H8-HrJQn_AdyLGpl5LPPME-RsyyQZCHJrGH4iX2RWe_YAp3FJkCqcTpf7vOgRRtsTZUaRNndx/s1024/ee6429ee29941eba7f37c640e34ded5e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdbRljBpLj4xeGNGQtMbq7KntUtCtz-z0zgYJhMleP-LPB9oOC6u3XYLlTdskicN3f4q1RXhZ_gD3EBKx2FdPnhWQ5eRdBenK2A-GihJ69no9fy_H8-HrJQn_AdyLGpl5LPPME-RsyyQZCHJrGH4iX2RWe_YAp3FJkCqcTpf7vOgRRtsTZUaRNndx/w640-h360/ee6429ee29941eba7f37c640e34ded5e.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p><b>Present Day:</b> Monarch is hard at work under the new leadership of Dr. Chen and Dr. Ling. The twin sisters are doing their best to live up to Dr. Serizawa's legacy. A division of the organization’s researchers have been studying the aftermath of the worldwide cataclysm brought on by Ghidorah’s awakening of the various Titans. A special group of scientists was tasked with researching the unique plant life growing in the wake of the Titans as seen in King of the Monsters. The plants have the ability to grow at extraordinarily rapid rates and have overtaken the destroyed cities. Amazingly, one of the species found in Boston is particularly special as it appears to be sentient – able to communicate by emotions in a sort of psychic link. Researchers believe that this may actually be a Titan itself, dubbing this newly discovered species Titanus Biollante. </p><p>Since 2019, Biollante has grown to a gigantic size. Referred to as a “she” based upon emotive interactions, the Titan appears as a huge flower blending in among the other hyper-growth plant life that has spread over the entire ruined city. The scientists theorize that this is actually part of a natural cycle following particularly destructive battles between Titan species – The ensuing decimation would be healed by a formerly dormant member of Biollante’s species as it takes on an as-yet unseen mobile form and spreads vegetation over the land. The researchers are currently working with samples of Biollante’s sap and discovering that it is resistant against a variety of toxins – a trait that could be useful for medicinal applications and perhaps beyond.</p><p>The laboratory in which the Monarch researchers are working begins to rumble and it is revealed that the team are actually working offsite, aboard an aircraft carrier. The vessel is part of a convoy of battleships escorting Godzilla. The flanking ships have been able to complete biometric scans of Godzilla as he swims toward an unknown destination. Based on their findings, the monster is apparently preparing to go into state of hibernation and searching for a suitable place to rest and recharge. It is mentioned that Godzilla has spread himself thin after fighting to restore balance against the MUTO’s and Ghidorah, only to be blind-sided by his recent territorial feud with Kong and the subsequent battle with MechaGodzilla. </p><p>Meanwhile, the weary Apex geneticists have grown increasingly disturbed by the results of their experimentation: The bacteria samples have grown into hideous black creatures resembling oversized tadpoles with bulbous red eyes. Even more disturbing, the creatures have gained the ability to reproduce at an alarming rate upon consuming various forms of pollution. Undeterred by the warnings of the scientists, the board of directors pressure the team to make their work public. </p><p>Apex rushes to organize a publicized demonstration at an abandoned, seaside industrial zone marred by a variety of pollution. Calling their creations Hedorah, they release the creatures into a polluted estuary. The Hedorah miraculously purify the surface of the oily water. The crowd’s gasps of amazement turn to horror when the clean water gives way to dirty sludge. The Hedorah creatures resurface in exponentially greater numbers. The Hedorah merge into larger, more terrifying second forms which slither onto land. One group of Hedorah starts to consume the abandoned factory while the others turns their attention to the horrified onlookers. The creatures spit acidic ooze onto the multitude, leaving behind only twisted, desiccated skeletons.</p><p>Monarch is put on high-alert and calls for “all hands on deck”. The Biollante researchers rush to the command center to be debriefed on the emergence of the rapidly growing Titan-like creatures. To make matters worse, Godzilla’s readings have spiked – the monster is apparently also able to perceive the new threat to nature’s balance. Godzilla quickly changes his course, slamming into some of the accompanying ships. The researchers hold their breath as the ship groans and violently tilts. The vessel is nearly onto its side before it finally crashes back into its upright position. Thankfully, the majority of the convoy sustains only minor damage and Monarch are able to begin mobilizing to intercept Hedorah.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejgM1htvus5BS_CrsIiT4oIEzfZIrWFhr4H8FVXWwpClJklp7RKsLCdf0UzHmBC47ptjbji2o_aURIjhgz2hGNB9h2q6e204sxjQAIjPQbiAXi-34AoX_d23UbHiMDlSgYSrvzXmyieKGOT42DgZEQ-kCr1zB3ep1-TFMsc1XSYEQllSi1WbBvIne/s1920/Hedorah_the_2021.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejgM1htvus5BS_CrsIiT4oIEzfZIrWFhr4H8FVXWwpClJklp7RKsLCdf0UzHmBC47ptjbji2o_aURIjhgz2hGNB9h2q6e204sxjQAIjPQbiAXi-34AoX_d23UbHiMDlSgYSrvzXmyieKGOT42DgZEQ-kCr1zB3ep1-TFMsc1XSYEQllSi1WbBvIne/w640-h360/Hedorah_the_2021.webp" width="640" /></a></div><p>At the industrial zone, the situation has worsened. As the Hedorah consume more and more pollution, they further reproduce and congeal into larger and larger forms spreading ever outward to devour anything in their path. The largest form has moved toward nearby factories with smog-spewing smokestacks and begins to settle over the chimneys to inhale the toxic fumes. </p><p>Godzilla makes his grand entrance, emerging from the ocean and setting off another violent tsunami. The monster lets out an angry roar as he approaches Hedorah, but then takes a moment to examine the creature before engaging. Godzilla’s newest foe is truly an unnatural abomination – Godzilla seems to recognize this fact as he furrows his brow and snorts at Hedorah in a display of disgusted outrage. Godzilla’s dorsal spines glow with crackling energy. The monster sends a beam of blue incandescent light blasting into the bloated sludge creature. Hedorah splits into pieces that splatter onto the ground with sickening thuds – only to slowly come back together into a singular amorphous blob rivaling Godzilla in size. </p><p>Godzilla does his best to fight against the creature with ineffective melee attacks, slashing it and swiping at it with his mighty tail - the blows are absorbed into Hedorah's gelatinous hide, which quickly "heals" itself as more ooze fills any gaps. Despite sludge seeping through his grasp, Godzilla finally manages to grapple onto the sludge monster. Any time Godzilla is able to rip it apart pieces of Hedorah they are actually individual creatures, able to slither back to the singular form, constantly regrouping and reforming.</p><p>Monarch arrives on the scene. They begin working to evacuate any survivors and set up a perimeter around the monsters. A surviving Apex genetic engineer is found among the survivors. The scientist attempts to describe the serious threat Hedorah poses. </p><p>Just then, the creature sends forth tentacles at a clearly fatigued Godzilla, covering the Titan’s body. Godzilla howls in pain. The monster struggles as the sludge engulfs him, inching ever closer to cover his head. Hedorah starts to glow with a reddish, purple light from within.</p><p>The Apex geneticist explains that Hedorah is a hybrid spawned from Godzilla’s own regenerative cells and therefore Godzilla is powerless to stop the creature. </p><p>Thankfully, Monarch’s latest Titan fighting weapons – sonic cannons (derived from ORCA tech) mounted on tanks – arrive and have some success in driving away Hedorah before it can fully absorb Godzilla. The smog monster screeches before it separates and reverts into smaller forms, which retreat by seeping into drainage pipes leading to sewers beneath the industrial zone. As the smaller forms recede, Godzilla collapses to the ground.</p><p>The battlefield is now eerily silent as Monarch is left to assess the situation. Godzilla is completely exhausted. The monster huffs slowly with whimpering and labored breaths, possibly on the verge of death. Hedorah is gone, but as the Apex scientist explains, the creatures will be soon be reemerging elsewhere, strengthened by sewage and whatever other pollution they can consume. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Indeed, the Hedorah continue to reproduce exponentially in the sewers. The creatures spread out in various directions in a horrific montage. One group of Hedorah is discovered by an underground construction crew in a sequence similar to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UN1Gcqtqzc" target="_blank">a deleted scene from 2016’s Shin Godzilla</a>: The crew enters a cavernous subterranean room as sludge falls from the ceiling. They shine their lights upward to find a horde of oozy blobs looking down at them with unblinking red eyes. The men scream as the blobs descend upon them to consume their flesh. At the same time, another Hedorah breaks through a wall and spills into a busy subway station. In a scene <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKD_dv8RpTo" target="_blank">reminiscent of the 1988 version of The Blob</a>, the amorphous sludge surrounds a subway train and engulfs it completely, shattering the windows and seeping slowly in to drown the people inside. Yet another group of the creatures have surfaced with the ability to glide through the air. These flying forms leave darkened, red-ish skies in their wake. More and more Hedorah emerge to consume pollution around the city and mercilessly spray acid onto hapless victims.</p><p>Monarch’s Biollante team believes that they have a solution in their plant Titan. Their speculation is confirmed during a suspenseful experiment evocative of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2o2FRwn_hg" target="_blank">the blood test scene from John Carpenter’s The Thing</a> in which a sample of Biollante’s sap is able to neutralize a Hedorah tadpole, causing it to disintegrate. Just then, the ground shakes as a drained, but determined Godzilla staggers to stand up. The injured monster scans the area and lets out an angry roar. Godzilla starts marching after his foe, determined to put an end to the threat once and for all - even if he dies trying. </p><p>The Apex scientist warns that if Hedorah is able to completely absorb Godzilla then the monster would constantly consumed by Hedorah as Godzilla’s body regenerates in response, essentially providing the smog monster with a never-ending energy source. Monarch acknowledges that they are powerless to prevent Godzilla from pursuing Hedorah, but point out that perhaps they can aid the monster in his fight. </p><p>The Monarch team rushes to the overgrown city to harvest as much Biollante sap as possible. Though they are successful in collecting enough sap from Biollante’s ancillary roots, they are shocked to find that the gigantic flower Titan has disappeared. </p><p>A large intersection of freeway turnabout bridges is decimated as sludge slowly erupts from the soil beneath. Hedorah forms once more converge into a singular monster. The creature lets out a loud, chilling screech. The call is heard by the other Hedorah forms and they turn toward the prime form’s location.</p><p>Godzilla’s march toward Hedorah continues, but he is intercepted by a fleet of Monarch aircraft. The planes and helicopters target Godzilla, but instead of firing artillery, the monster is doused with fluorescent green Biollante sap. Godzilla recoils and instinctively shakes like a wet dog. However, somehow Godzilla seems to understand that the aircraft mean him no harm and he allows them to continue their work. The Monarch team, though still concerned about Biollante’s disappearance, are confident that the coating of sap will allow Godzilla to have a fighting chance against Hedorah. </p><p> Godzilla arrives as additional Hedorah forms pile into the singular form. The monster transforms into its most terrifying form yet. The creature now dwarfs Godzilla, hunched over due to its own massive weight. The digusting creature pulsates with multiple red eyes covering the surface of its oozing flesh.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaUdcDfpM2SQjt7iVsYpU39ycaZ9P90ULsAvaUVHfUEMy4WDkqHjw0Q_rdzsk2wvvQRDU8DAcj4Lkldqj4uBUeQius8Xb0bU0NfUdh66V4XrRj-YzbljSBmnmT_72o3_3KkGCmPUf21KeRJkCYYvtIG8wKhdeM_kHPYkEHHrpzypedGhdZjWhWt7s/s898/E7DDnSuWEAU7wVH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="898" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaUdcDfpM2SQjt7iVsYpU39ycaZ9P90ULsAvaUVHfUEMy4WDkqHjw0Q_rdzsk2wvvQRDU8DAcj4Lkldqj4uBUeQius8Xb0bU0NfUdh66V4XrRj-YzbljSBmnmT_72o3_3KkGCmPUf21KeRJkCYYvtIG8wKhdeM_kHPYkEHHrpzypedGhdZjWhWt7s/w640-h498/E7DDnSuWEAU7wVH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Flanked by Monarch’s sonic tanks and HEAVs retrofitted with their own sonic cannons, Godzilla lets out a defiant roar and charges toward Hedorah. This time Godzilla is much more successful – anytime Hedorah attempts to attack Godzilla with its tentacles, the smog monster recoils in pain at making contact with the Biollante sap. Any attempts Hedorah makes to advance are thwarted by the sonic cannons. Just when it seems that our heroes have been able to fight Hedorah to a standstill, the smog monster latches onto Godzilla and violently flings him like a ragdoll. As he flies through the air, Godzilla inadvertently smashes the majority of Monarch’s sonic weaponry. To make matters worse, the resulting explosions burn away Godzilla’s protective layer of sap.<p></p><p>As Godzilla begins to stand he is mercilessly inundated with sludge. Godzilla’s roar is muffled and cut off as the Hedorah completely engulfs Godzilla, head and all. Hedorah lets out a blood-curdling screech. The creature once more transforms, this time taking on the likeness of a living apocalyptic volcano – a reddish purple light glowing ominously from beneath an exoskeleton composed of hardened layers of sludge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Monarch team looks on in defeat and despair. Thunder rolls over head and the rain starts to fall. And yet, they realize, this is no ordinary rain as yellow glowing spores are also descending from the heavens. Just then, the ground below Hedorah shakes furiously. Vines with mouth-like protrusions erupt from the soil, entangling the smog monster’s limbs. Biollante emerges from same hole previously bore out by the singular Hedorah form, leaving behind a trail of hyper growth plants. The embodiment of nature’s healing and mankind’s corrupting hubris face off and brutally smash into each other. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBTrp335-XbtEh1WcuWO5rXt4otzMON-u0lh6M0N3Gtfc63LaXZvEqfmIEXmectGrLCbulO7KALHE2mrkOMTsvgqjyf6YwciCO3wlhV0L8KUM54LUmviESBJ1xddh-wt947k4r6tZfS49Ml_BbmxJG1SEN0HJveoBF3qzgHODzmEOE8SERGpkt2Sq/s1200/FU2P3LZWAAkNJ8w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1071" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBTrp335-XbtEh1WcuWO5rXt4otzMON-u0lh6M0N3Gtfc63LaXZvEqfmIEXmectGrLCbulO7KALHE2mrkOMTsvgqjyf6YwciCO3wlhV0L8KUM54LUmviESBJ1xddh-wt947k4r6tZfS49Ml_BbmxJG1SEN0HJveoBF3qzgHODzmEOE8SERGpkt2Sq/s320/FU2P3LZWAAkNJ8w.jpg" width="286" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuppEsUfA9r2Tle7_AZcUPODgGQmZ0zmotMR4YNaHIGoVjXFzbfPM9d3PjMsWOOA4vOdlowPoloSkVzuuKYMqP_B3tO9f8Lm_umLGJB4tigTnGlTOqRh5pWHL0ROyeIDiDKHADZNnVf8JAZq7-PbOmGO9tC5E3ARBJEWWTuYg6QOPl__dnYh1MFXw/s853/Legendary%20Biollante.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="840" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuppEsUfA9r2Tle7_AZcUPODgGQmZ0zmotMR4YNaHIGoVjXFzbfPM9d3PjMsWOOA4vOdlowPoloSkVzuuKYMqP_B3tO9f8Lm_umLGJB4tigTnGlTOqRh5pWHL0ROyeIDiDKHADZNnVf8JAZq7-PbOmGO9tC5E3ARBJEWWTuYg6QOPl__dnYh1MFXw/s320/Legendary%20Biollante.JPG" width="315" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though much smaller, Biollante gets the upper hand initially, easily countering Hedorah’s attacks. But as more and more Hedorah forms pile into the singular form, Biollante finds herself being pushed backward. Screaming, Biollante lets out a belch of sap. Hedorah’s singular form is severed and split in half from the top down, revealing a haggard Godzilla. The monster roars as he emerges from the sludge. </div><p>Godzilla – now covered in a new layer of protective sap – seems to acknowledge Biollante, letting out a grateful grunt. Godzilla looks over his shoulder toward Hedorah with a look of vengeful contempt. Godzilla’s spines begin to light up – this time with a purple-ish glow. Just as Hedorah had absorbed energy from Godzilla, the King of the Monsters was able to absorb energy from his unnatural enemy. </p><p>Biollante and Godzilla roar in unison. Biollante unleashes another blast of fluorescent green sap as Godzilla sends forth his most powerful torrent of atomic breath seen thus far, glowing with violet energy. In a sequence similar to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfQWz4gVcP8" target="_blank">Raiders of the Lost Ark face-melting scene</a>, Hedorah disintegrates slowly, congealing into a gruesome, hardened husk resembling a deformed humanoid corpse. The creature’s final defeated screech hauntingly echoes as Godzilla steps forward and stomps down on the husk. Hedorah’s remains crumble into a harmless cloud of dust. The dust cloud fills the air and then gently wafts away with the breeze, revealing Godzilla and Biollante, who both let out a victorious roar.</p><p>The Monarch scientists remark that Godzilla and Biollante – like Godzilla and Mothra – share a symbiotic bond. Each monster serves a role in restoring balance to Earth’s delicate ecosystem. The Apex scientist laments – if only mankind could learn to live in harmony with nature.</p><p>Godzilla watches as Biollante turns toward Hedorah’s path of destruction, setting about her work of healing the land. Godzilla again grunts before turning the opposite direction, heading back home to the ocean – His own work of restoring the balance complete once again. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Mid Credits Scene: </b>Dr. Chen and Dr. Ling, along with the Biollante team are in conference following the aftermath of the most recent Titan incident. They discuss the possibility of history repeating itself – that perhaps humanity has previously doomed itself to oblivion through interference in the natural cycles. It’s possible that ancient humanity nearly eradicated itself along with the rest of the planet, creating a situation that the Titans alone were uniquely equipped to resolve and that humanity was only able to survive in the “fallout shelter” of the Hollow Earth as Titans like Biollante made the planet livable once again. </p><p>The Apex scientist, now a member of Monarch grimly comments that maybe the uptick of Titan incidents are building toward something bigger – another worldwide Titan war that will serve as mankind’s final judgement. Dr. Chen and Dr. Ling state that there is still hope as long as there remains benevolent Titans like Godzilla, Kong, Biollante… and Mothras. The twin scientists reveal that the egg from the King of the Monsters end credits scene has hatched, bringing forth <i>two</i> Mothra larva!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>After Credits Scene: </b>A group of eco-terrorists led by Alan Jonah have covertly infiltrated and seized control of the SETI Telescope Array in California. The team has salvaged an ORCA device from one of the sonic tanks and have been able to connect the machine to the array’s systems. Jonah appears unwell and unhinged. His team has been sending out a signal to the stars. The room becomes eerily silent as a response is finally received. Over the loudspeakers comes a garbled roar belonging to... <i>Gigan</i>!</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><p><b><i>CONCLUSION</i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Now that you've read the story, I just wanted to share a few final thoughts...</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I'm a sucker for mid and after credit scenes... I really like the fantastical ideas of ancient civilizations and the Hollow Earth that the Monsterverse has introduced... And I really want to see more Mothra! </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I was bummed that we didn't see Alan Jonah return in GvK, so it would be great to see him again as an unhinged villain at least once more. Since extraterrestrial life has already been introduced with Ghidorah, I hope it's not too much of a stretch to get a Monsterverse version of Gigan - one of my favorite Toho kaiju! </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Ultimately, I'd really love for there to be an "Infinity War/Endgame"-esque event with all of our "hero" monsters facing off against a huge extraterrestrial threat. The name for this event? Why, "Destroy All Monsters," of course!!!</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I wanted to acknowledge that I was only made aware of the <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/trollmans/art/Folly-of-Man-Hedorah-809117805" target="_blank">excellent artwork and ideas by TrollMans on DeviantArt</a> as I was preparing to publish this post. I really loved their concepts of the various Hedorah forms... And, of course, I love that they share my passion for the title "Folly of Man!"</i></p></div>Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-15073880291612129912020-04-26T22:51:00.001-04:002020-04-26T23:31:12.762-04:00Happy Alien Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcYhilDyf6oxL6tmqbtOit_b9eUJB6KE0qQ6Sf4BTUNKGwux6omo-67VsRT3nnHTtBujv0EGyMnyVP45HV6ItL-6_mtCopkHUjvBClaSyXCz_VxtM1Plo80eUocDvsAVoqFRNLGSVPh8/s1600/DerelictGif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="600" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcYhilDyf6oxL6tmqbtOit_b9eUJB6KE0qQ6Sf4BTUNKGwux6omo-67VsRT3nnHTtBujv0EGyMnyVP45HV6ItL-6_mtCopkHUjvBClaSyXCz_VxtM1Plo80eUocDvsAVoqFRNLGSVPh8/s640/DerelictGif.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been 41 years since the crew of the Nostromo explored the inhospitable terrain of LV-426 to investigate a mysterious distress call in the sci-fi/horror classic Alien.</div>
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The artwork is concept art painted by the great <a href="https://crypticcorridor.blogspot.com/2014/05/in-memory-of-hr-giger.html" target="_blank">HR Giger</a>. I added animation effects to commemorate the occasion. </div>
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And now, for some music...</div>
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Yup. That's Jerry Goldsmith's theme for the film... in disco format?!? </div>
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So, yeah. Go crazy! Celebrate the xenomorph in your own way. Just don't be like Ash.</div>
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<img alt="horror Instagram posts - Gramho.com" height="320" src="https://scontent-yyz1-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/92898604_825197294647709_7510687074995075631_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=105&_nc_ohc=m9-QWFIL9BsAX80ZdI3&oh=3ed173fd6ef1add90a30ecea8a7cd132&oe=5EBE9D0C" width="320" /></div>
<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-80847672903387141962020-04-25T23:34:00.000-04:002020-04-25T23:34:21.664-04:00The HU<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMj6BSkCIdLWcPg7sGZirydE4EAXAq-qziIGzFEBxVRaHvUOgy-fT5uy2dqyik_4DzmGy7EBLhzhxhVi77pqU-X2zsVW6JDGkkn4oq5aSy-J6jh8gBI8m3Vwk7QuTI59VbooE1NcnT0SE/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="620" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMj6BSkCIdLWcPg7sGZirydE4EAXAq-qziIGzFEBxVRaHvUOgy-fT5uy2dqyik_4DzmGy7EBLhzhxhVi77pqU-X2zsVW6JDGkkn4oq5aSy-J6jh8gBI8m3Vwk7QuTI59VbooE1NcnT0SE/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've always had a very eclectic taste in music. On any given day you might find me listening to anything from classical to heavy metal, folk to classic rock. Now imagine a group combining elements from all of those genres - along with a central focus on Mongolian throat-singing - and you get The Hu.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jM8dCGIm6yc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jM8dCGIm6yc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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"Wolf Totem" - This was the group's debut single. I'm not sure what made me finally click the link when appeared on my Youtube suggestions, but I'm definitely glad I did! The video grabs your attention from the start with the haunting call of a bird of prey as a traditional Mongolian warrior rides a horse through a barren field. It's foreboding imagery, but then things get weird... A gang of motorcyclists joins the horseman? And yet, this is a perfect encapsulation of the group's sound. They combine traditional Mongolian music with a modern, undeniably metal influence. And the throat-singing? Memorizing! I'm not sure how many times I watched this video... I was hooked!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMl-uxFYxwEZxGIylvWYGX6d9u0FeKUCssWNhyphenhyphengBDm6pyns_jp70RNoASv97D2YRNIoO6hmajZN0ScAp_qb333wYI8cY4u0wdJHz-eA33GhAzhLZFvDYzVV97s98sRXU3N-p_zEMdAAY/s1600/the-hu-band-instruments-blog-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="394" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMl-uxFYxwEZxGIylvWYGX6d9u0FeKUCssWNhyphenhyphengBDm6pyns_jp70RNoASv97D2YRNIoO6hmajZN0ScAp_qb333wYI8cY4u0wdJHz-eA33GhAzhLZFvDYzVV97s98sRXU3N-p_zEMdAAY/s400/the-hu-band-instruments-blog-2.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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Take moment to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship behind the group's instruments.</div>
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"Yuve Yuve Yu"- Then along came this little ditty... It's still The Hu, but this time around I get the classic rock vibe. This song - to me - could easily be a Mongolian cover of a ZZ-Top number. It's catchy as can be! Thankfully this video was accompanied with subtitles. The lyrics are about forgotten heritage and disrespecting the wisdom of those who have come before. The producers of this music video took a very literal path with its intro, the video is a straightforward representation of the song's meaning. We start off in the lazy modern age before being swept away into the epic, picturesque Mongolian landscape. I adore the cinematography for this video, by the way... the sweeping drone shots and slick editing are a visual treat.<br />
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"Sugaan Essena" - As if I couldn't love this band anymore... Imagine my surprise as I'm playing the opening minutes of the latest Star Wars game, only to discover the main character enjoying their music as he works dismantling a starship! Yes, The Hu managed to find their way into the Star Wars universe by recording an all-new track for Jedi: Fallen Order! If you're as ignorant of world languages as I am, you could be forgiven for thinking they're singing in Mongolian as they usually do. Interestingly enough, however, the band created an alien language especially for this song! With this one, they've definitely crossed over into full-on metal, the closing minutes of the track are pure riffage and I love it!<br />
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The Hu's debut album - "The Gereg" was released last year. Check it out! It's a good listen!<br />
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The group's official website: <a href="https://www.thehuofficial.com/" target="_blank">https://www.thehuofficial.com/</a>Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-34637013335287298542020-04-25T22:31:00.001-04:002020-04-26T23:30:29.719-04:00Fractal Art<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_DH3XuzAChpKFwKfuFlfk2fW6h_B_ROuv3KvnQXkM7y19cvJkwHkQLkh2Vh5nIzRX1Bmu5tQvYmWJSH7er2CYcj9Dypyji8U3RIYzl-3SmODtD53dKI6iAIcde_obfUD1yfjT6QhTJ0/s1600/image%25253A17038_mirror3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_DH3XuzAChpKFwKfuFlfk2fW6h_B_ROuv3KvnQXkM7y19cvJkwHkQLkh2Vh5nIzRX1Bmu5tQvYmWJSH7er2CYcj9Dypyji8U3RIYzl-3SmODtD53dKI6iAIcde_obfUD1yfjT6QhTJ0/s400/image%25253A17038_mirror3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In addition to animation effects, I've also discovered the joys of creating fractal art in my time away from the blog. I use an app called Mirrorlab to take my photography and produce abstract and sometimes psychedelic imagery. You get to a certain point in the process and you almost forget what the original image even was! Here's a few pieces I've produced over the last few years...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaWmYKxsuZjZbA0MPXWtfTHGrCojFd5IShv4nn5xrg0EO7_j4jRiyNkfiFsumGEuiH5SYEqzwrzbPOJ4JlkFCg1sg7lAjfyvBWYkX0ejRDmQVvpmkhOZnxzrtVMO9RICKyPiJI5FRIpw/s1600/16678_mirror3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaWmYKxsuZjZbA0MPXWtfTHGrCojFd5IShv4nn5xrg0EO7_j4jRiyNkfiFsumGEuiH5SYEqzwrzbPOJ4JlkFCg1sg7lAjfyvBWYkX0ejRDmQVvpmkhOZnxzrtVMO9RICKyPiJI5FRIpw/s400/16678_mirror3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Can anybody name the original subject (besides the skeleton, plant, and jack-o-lantern) of any of these? If you think you're up to the challenge, leave a guess in the comments! For everyone you get correct you'll get an official Cryptic Corridor "No-Prize!" (Remember <i>those</i>, old-school Marvel fans?)</div>
Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-65146071875894630262020-04-24T20:30:00.002-04:002020-04-26T23:52:54.596-04:00Godzilla!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, one thing I've been messing around during my hiatus from the blog is adding animation effects to cool artwork I come across. This amazing original image by Antonio Jose Manzanedo is from the recent team-up between Toho and Wizards of the Coast to produce Godzilla-themed cards for Magic: The Gathering.Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-26859845912749816782020-04-24T18:23:00.000-04:002020-04-24T18:23:13.366-04:00Back from the Dead... Again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The image from Creepshow might seem familiar... Obviously if you've ever seen the movie, but I've actually used it before in a post acknowledging a hiatus from the blog.<br />
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What can I say? Life has gotten very busy!<br />
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My daughter is now five years old. Work is demanding as ever. I'm attempting to get back into shape.<br />
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Still, my thoughts have been returning to the Cryptic Corridor here lately and - despite this being my longest absence to date - I thought I might trying giving it another shot... Especially with so little to do during a world-wide pandemic and the corresponding quarantine with no end in sight. <br />
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You may notice that some of my previous posts have been deleted. I wasn't happy with them, as they were hastily posted when things were starting to get a bit overwhelming years back. Though my schedule is no less demanding I'm going to try to resume making posts, though I doubt I will ever be as active as I was when I started out.<br />
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What should you expect in the near future?<br />
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Well, I've got a huge backlog of stuff that's just been sitting on my hard-drive... I've gotten into making fractal art, simple animation effects, and I'm still doing the amateur photography thing.<br />
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I'd also like to eventually share a few pictures and some video from the Halloween display, which has only gotten bigger each year during my time away from the blog.<br />
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I plan on starting a series of posts called "Overdue Reviews" which will focus on movies, music, TV, and other stuff I've been meaning to review even before the dry spell.<br />
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Of course, there's the normal stuff... Awesome art I come across randomly, waxing philosophical on monsters, and scans from old horror comics.<br />
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Well... Time to dust off some cobwebs and give it another go. The Cryptic Corridor is open once more!Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-35670978327065654302020-04-20T23:55:00.000-04:002020-04-24T18:24:05.823-04:00The Fog Opening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An excellent opening to an excellent film.<br />
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Can't think of no better way to come back from a long hiatus... than to cheat and adjust the date to line up with the ghost story from John Carpenter's classic, The Fog.<br />
<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-83248623983976187152017-04-14T22:17:00.001-04:002017-04-14T22:17:52.303-04:00"Look Into My Eyes..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mesmerizing Dracula artwork by Mark Spears.Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-37475508250529296082017-01-28T23:13:00.003-05:002017-01-28T23:13:57.390-05:00In Memory of John Hurt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sadly, actor Sir John Hurt passed away yesterday... Hurt was a part of so many movie and television projects, but the roles I will always remember him for include his performances in <i>Alien</i>, <i>Jim Henson's The Storyteller</i>, <i>Hellboy</i>, and <i>Doctor Who</i>. <br />
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Hurt holds the distinction of being the first victim of the Xenomorph in the <i>Alien</i> film series. The way I understand it, Hurt was one of the few cast members who knew what was going to happen during the original movie's most shocking scene - the emergence of the chestburster. While the other actors were visibly traumatized by the creature's bloody reveal (famously kept under wraps by director Ridley Scott, who hoped to catch genuine onscreen reactions), I can't help but imagine the fun Hurt had being in on the "joke". Reportedly, Hurt didn't have the best experience working on this movie, but I'd like to think that he enjoyed that moment. <br />
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Regardless, he was willing to spoof himself<i> </i>in Mel Brooks' <i>Spaceballs</i>!<br />
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As the eponymous Storyteller in Jim Henson's unfairly short-lived television series, Hurt did an excellent job embodying the whimsy of the show's first season. If you haven't watched <i>The Storyteller</i> before, I definitely recommend it, if for no other reason than to appreciate Hurt's quirky narration over the retellings of lesser-known (sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing) European fairy tales.<br />
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Hurt brought a great deal of understated dignity and gut-wrenching emotion to a movie about a kitten-loving demon who beats the crap out of tentacled monsters. Personally, I love Guillermo del Toro's <i>Hellboy</i> film, but I can't imagine the reaction Hurt must have had to del Toro's pitch for the movie. Perhaps he shared in the misgivings of the studio execs that cringed at the project only to be won over by del Toro's infectious enthusiasm, or - more likely - Hurt saw the potential for <i>Hellboy</i>. Either way, Hurt delivered a great performance and proved - as he had throughout his career - that even as an award-winning, highly respected actor he wasn't afraid to take on a role in the often maligned Science Fiction/Fantasy genres.<br />
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Hurt's work on <i>Doctor Who</i> was limited to just one television special, but he brought his usual gravitas and dedication to his craft to the role of the War Doctor. Apparently, Hurt accepted the role as the "forgotten" incarnation of the Doctor immediately, honored to be a part of the shows legacy. Hurt delivered a nuanced performance as an uncharacteristically (but appropriate within the context of the story) cynical and hardened version of the beloved Doctor. <br />
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While we are certainly saddened by Hurt's passing, it's comforting to know that we have a great body of his work to look back on that ensures his legacy will long endure.</div>
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Rest in peace, John Hurt.</div>
Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-60264565126109789282017-01-27T07:23:00.001-05:002017-01-27T07:23:45.028-05:00"Sultan's Curse" - Mastodon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If only every day could begin with the release of a new Mastodon song!<br />
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I love the new artwork and the song sounds like a great blend of Mastodon's earlier work with their newer sound. The album, "Emperor of Sand" is set to be released on March 31st!<br />
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-49073648464249047912017-01-26T23:59:00.000-05:002017-01-27T07:13:20.708-05:00"Rude Awakening" - Creepy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-40427484756959564602017-01-16T20:25:00.000-05:002017-01-16T20:25:27.783-05:00Galactic Empire!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, there is now Star Wars themed metal band. I shouldn't have to explain why this is awesome... But I will anyway!<br />
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Not much is known about the group calling themselves Galactic Empire besides their allegiance to the Dark Side and affinity for heavy music. The band specializes in covering John Williams' various themes from the Star Wars films which work surprisingly well as metal compositions. The group is comprised of lead guitarist Dark Vader, Boba Sett on drums, Bass Commander on bass, and Shadow Ranger and Red Guard on guitar. The group play their shows in-character while fully costumed.<br />
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Galactic Empire's self-titled first album is scheduled to be released on February 3rd. You can pre-order the album <a href="http://galacticempire.merchnow.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-71438819714553406352016-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:002016-12-31T23:59:05.174-05:00Happy New Year from Godzilla!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-9223839261864069072016-12-31T15:28:00.000-05:002016-12-31T15:45:25.783-05:00Futuristic Landscapes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the tail-end of my previous post I talked about the need for hope in the new year. <br />
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What better way pursue this than to look to forward to the far-flung futures that might be? Enjoy this gallery of futuristic artwork! <i>As always, click on an image to view it at a larger scale.</i><br />
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-4090856502575913772016-12-31T11:38:00.003-05:002016-12-31T11:38:54.142-05:00"Time" - Hans Zimmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With another year coming to a close, most of our minds turn to the passing of time. <br />
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To some, "time" is an abstract concept that may or may not be fluid. However, based on my experience - and the collective experience of humanity throughout the ages - time only goes one direction: Forward... And we can't escape its erosive power leading toward ultimate entropy.<br />
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I realize it's an overtly negative outlook, but I'm not a physicist so what do I know? <br />
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But the perception (and possible manipulation) of time is something that is definitely intriguing!<br />
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This seems to be an idea that director Christopher Nolan loves to explore in his films, and this is probably most evident in my favorite Nolan production, 2010's <i>Inception</i>. The movie takes place in a world in which dreams can be created and infiltrated through a mindspace-sharing technology. If that isn't complicated enough, as the film progresses multiple people employ the technique while in a dream state, causing time in the dreamworlds to slow within each subsequent instance. Single moments are expanded to become lifetimes... And beyond into an eternal state it's implied. Yes, <i>Inception </i>is one of those movies that messes with your mind and requires multiple viewings to fully appreciate.<br />
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A favorite collaborator of Nolan is composer Hans Zimmer. For <i>Inception</i>, Zimmer created an appropriately moody, dream-like score accentuated with his trademark emphasis on percussion and blaring brass crescendos. Many have argued - and <a href="http://www.indiewire.com/2013/11/hans-zimmer-feels-horrible-when-his-inception-bramms-are-used-in-movie-trailers-92087/" target="_blank">lamented</a> - that the score for <i>Inception</i> (especially the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hP9D6kZseM" target="_blank">trailer</a>) forever changed the musical landscape of tentpole theatrical events. The fog horn sounding blast now appears in almost every trailer for a blockbuster film aspiring for an "epic" feel.<br />
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Criticisms aside, the score for <i>Inception</i> is a great listen, and this is most evident in the standout track, "Time".<br />
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Since the release of <i>Inception</i>, "Time" has become Zimmer's signature composition. It conveys so much emotion and, to me, communicates a feeling of both uplifting victory and sorrow for indescribable loss. It's certainly a good fit within the context of the film, but fans across the Internet have since paired the piece with a variety of other cinematic moments to awesome effect.<br />
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The best example of this is its mix into Charlie Chaplin's rousing speech from <i>The Great Dictator</i> which I definitely encourage you to watch... After the year we've had, we could use some hope!Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-48881953319242051232016-12-29T20:35:00.003-05:002016-12-29T20:35:34.196-05:00"The Body Snatcher!" - Creepy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-70852226457393375662016-12-29T01:07:00.000-05:002016-12-29T01:07:47.113-05:00"Hardwired... To Self Destruct" - Metallica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back in November Metallica released their latest (double!) album, <i>Hardwired... To Self-Destruct</i>. <br />
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As with all Metallica albums since <i>...And Justice for All</i> - or the self-titled "Black Album" depending who you ask - long-time fans will inevitably make comparisons usually focusing on the negative. Some of these complaints might actually be valid, but for the most part the criticisms seem to be retreads of tired arguments that the new material "isn't heavy enough" or laments over the fact that Metallica hasn't chosen to make the same album throughout their career.<br />
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Personally, I really enjoyed <i>Hardwired. </i>Of course, this may not be the most reliable critique since I have a lot of nostalgic affection for the band and I've appreciated the majority of Metallica's output (obviously not counting the almost universally abhorred <i>St. Anger</i> and <i>Lulu</i>). <br />
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In some ways Metallica's most recent effort seems combines elements from the sounds that defined two very different eras of their evolution; the bluesy licks of <i>Load</i> and <i>Re-Load</i> appear in some of the mid-tempo tracks, while on other songs the group revisits their thrash roots. Surprisingly, the band manages to create a cohesive flow throughout the album despite the integration of these seemingly incompatible approaches!<br />
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In a most awesome means of promoting <i>Hardwired,</i> Metallica released a video for every song on the album! Most of the time when a band does this, the videos are very haphazard in quality: The concepts and quality for one or two of the videos are excellent while the remainder come off as filler. With just a few exceptions, the band seems to have avoided this pitfall and put out some really great videos that seem to have a decent budget and creative directors behind them!<br />
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For now let's focus on just a few - which happen to feature my favorite tracks from the album!<br />
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Earlier in the post I shared the amazing video for "Now That We're Dead". Despite the grim title, this just might be the most positive song of all time based on the lyrics. The steady groove on this track is infectious, I can't help but tap my feet and sing a long! The video itself seems at first to be a straightforward recording of a jam session until the lights go dark and the band is illuminated in red. Finally, a projector casts manipulated, psychedelic images of the band members onto the live group as they play. The effect is simple, but unsettling and effective, the same technique seems to be used on the cover for the album.<br />
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The lyrics of "Confusion" hearken back to the anti-war sentiments on full display in Metallica's "Disposable Heroes" from <i>Master of Puppets</i> and the classic "One" from <i>...And Justice for All. </i>The song deals with the struggle of soldiers to reintegrate into society after being steeped in bloody conflict. The video depicts a female soldier apparently stricken with PTSD flashing back and forth between her service on the battlefield and her new occupation in a civilian setting. The dramatic ending is heart-wrenching.<br />
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"Here Comes Revenge" sounds like it could have come from the <i>Load </i>era. The song is a straight-forward analysis of revenge, personified in the lyrics. Appropriately, the video centers on a disturbing angle on the "Big Bad Wolf" trope featuring anthropomorphized animals. The stylized animated visuals on this one are eerie and almost endearing at the same time!<br />
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The lyrical content of "Dream No More" references the work of H.P. Lovecraft. This isn't a first for the band who previously released songs such as "Call of Ktulu" and "The Thing That Should Not Be" on <i>Ride the Lightning</i> and <i>Master of Puppets, </i>respectively. It's awesome to hear Metallica draw inspiration from Lovecraft once again, I got a big kick out of the fact that James Hetfield actually croons, "Cthulhu, awaken!" in the chorus! The song is a very heavy offering, sounding at times like <i>Sad But True</i> with its crunchy tone and dramatic pauses. The video is very difficult to explain, as random images are superimposed onto a silhouetted figure going about various mundane routines. Perhaps this is what madness looks like... How appropriate for a track influenced by Lovecraft!<br />
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The consensus among many Metallica fans - even the aforementioned critics - is that "Spit Out the Bone" might just be the most thrashy Metallica song since <i>Kill 'em All</i>. The track is certainly pummeling, fast, and unapologetic in its aggressive delivery, punching you in the face from the beginning and never letting up. The droning breakdown, multiple tempo changes, and Kirk Hammet's hypnotically frenetic solos are wonderful highlights. The lyrics describe the overtaking of humanity by technology and how it's useless to resist. The video for is a very on-the-nose adaptation of the lyrical content, depicting an apocalyptic future in which mankind is conquered and assimilated by robotic abominations. Featuring over-the-top performances and cheesy special effects, this video might be my favorite!<br />
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Of course, there are other notable tracks on the album, including catchy "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unrpho37rYE" target="_blank">Atlas, Rise</a>", the anthemic "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1wXXF2ON-s" target="_blank">Halo on Fire</a>", and the punishing "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU313kiBPKg" target="_blank">Murder One</a>" which serves as a heavy-hitting tribute to Motörhead's Lemmy Kilmister.<br />
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My final thoughts on <i>Hardwired... To Self Destruct</i> as a whole: If you can overlook the fact that Metallica isn't content to recycle their sound from previous albums and are willing to give it a chance, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the fresh energy and passion the "Four Horsemen" have put into this album!Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-56282191488438854752016-12-27T23:27:00.000-05:002016-12-27T23:27:01.213-05:00Celestial Bather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Artwork by Kenny Callicutt.Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-48201605939567694832016-12-27T16:22:00.002-05:002016-12-27T22:42:43.622-05:00Shin Godzilla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i> "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."</i></div>
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This quote by Oppenheimer accompanied the incredibly bleak <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x200boz_godzilla-2014-comic-con-2012-teaser-trailer_shortfilms" target="_blank">trailer for 2014's Legendary production of Godzilla</a>. As much as I liked the American film, I could never get over my disappointment that the movie itself didn't take the dark direction depicted in that teaser. I was genuinely hoping for an apocalyptic, genuinely terrifying Godzilla film.<br />
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While <i>Shin Godzilla</i> doesn't fully meet this aspiration, it certainly comes the closest out of so far 31 films created in the long-running franchise. It most definitely is the closest to approaching the somber tone of the original 1954 movie, focusing on the plight of humanity caught in the path of an unstoppable threat and hearkening back to Godzilla's roots as a nuclear nightmare created by mankind's hubris. <br />
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It is interesting to note that in Japanese, the phrase "Shin" can actually has a variety of meanings that are appropriate to the film's plot: In Japanese shin can mean "God", or "True". In this film, Godzilla is regularly likened to a god. Not only is the monster a towering, terrifying visage to behold and capable of destruction on a massive scale, but this Godzilla is a constantly evolving beast that is not only a threat to Japan, but to the rest of the world.<br />
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Like the original 1954 film, I think that <i>Shin Godzilla</i> requires some knowledge of Japanese culture and events. While the original movie was a thinly-veiled allegory for the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, this film recalls the powerful 2011 Fukushima earthquake and subsequent tsunami which led to another nuclear disaster when it caused a meltdown of a power plant, resulting in mass contamination. The ever-escalating nature of this cataclysmic event is reflected in the film as Godzilla becomes increasingly powerful and dangerous.<br />
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Furthermore, the film can be viewed as a sharp critique of Japanese government. Many Japanese citizens felt that the government's response to the Fukushima tragedy was horribly ineffective. Throughout <i>Shin Godzilla, </i>the government officials are depicted as a collection of bumbling old men who are more concerned with adhering to inefficient protocols and protecting their public image.<br />
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This political commentary exposes an apathetically sluggish, bureaucratic monster perhaps more terrifying the rampaging, radioactive variety. The government officials squabbling over just what to do frames the narrative of the film. For many, this probably comes across as tedious and boring, but I found these scenes to be dramatically engaging - and sometimes hilarious. At one point in the film, just when you think the government is prepared to take some action, they do... By moving to another conference room to continue their discussion and wring their hands some more. In another scene, the Prime minister dons disaster relief coveralls - as if he is actually involved in rescue efforts - to go on live TV and assure the Japanese populace that Godzilla could not come ashore. Just after he makes this announcement, an assistant informs him from off-screen that the monster has just made landfall.<br />
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The heroes of the film are a band of "misfits" led by Rando Yaguchi (played by Hiroki Hasegawa), a young politician willing to cast aside rank and protocol to save his country. It is Yaguchi's team which proves to be the most capable at dealing with the disaster at hand, despite additional complications in the form of the American government threatening to use an atomic bomb to destroy Godzilla. Yaguchi and his group are given a window of opportunity to formulating a plan to stop the monster in its tracks themselves, or face annihilation at the hands of either Godzilla or yet another atomic bombing from United States.<br />
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This is Toho's first Godzilla film since 2004's <i>Final Wars </i>and it definitely represents a redirection for the franchise. It's as grounded as a movie featuring an hulking atomic creature can be, approaching the subject from a more realistic perspective delving into the political and even economic ramifications of a giant monster attack on Japan. <i>Shin Godzilla </i>was co-directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi who had previously worked together on the anime <i>Neon Genesis Evangelion </i>- which certainly explains a lot of the decidedly different creative decisions.<br />
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One big divergence from Toho's standard practices to understand from the onset is that this is the first Toho Godzilla movie to not relate back to the original film. Both the Heisei and Millenium series acknowledged the 1954 film as part of their continuity - even if they ignored all other entries in the series - making <i>Shin Godzilla</i> the first true "reboot" of the entire Toho Godzilla filmography! <br />
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However, receiving the most criticism from many long-time Godzilla fans is the design of the monster itself, which "evolves" throughout the film. For this movie, Godzilla's origin is once again tweaked, as the monster is spawned from microorganisms steadily mutating from feasting on nuclear waste found on the ocean floor. The creature starts off as an odd-looking eel-like beast confined to the water, the thing eventually makes its way onto land and stands upright. These early forms could come off as goofy, but I found them to be kind of disturbing and unsettling. The eel-like form gushes streams of blood from its gills as it haphazardly crawls down the street with sickly undulating movements. The "evolution" aspect doesn't bother me as it alludes to the Fukushima disaster and builds suspense as the characters question how the situation could possibly get any worse.<br />
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The monster wreaks some havoc before returning to the ocean to further metamorphosize. When it returns to shore, it now resembles the Godzilla we know and love... Only this time around Godzilla is a truly grotesque monster: This design features tiny lidless eyes blankly staring downward, a gaping mouth full of needle-like teeth, emaciated arms befitting a formerly aquatic creature, energy radiating from scar-like openings in its skin, and a massive tail hypnotically wafting through the air behind the creature. As I've said before, design looks like what I would expect a radioactive mutation to look like - while paying homage to the original design. Godzilla is an abomination of nature that shouldn't exist and the monster appropriately misshapen and horrific in appearance.<br />
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Godzilla's behavior is atypical as well. In previous films the monster's actions are oftentimes depicted as one or two extremes: Either Godzilla is deliberately malicious, with wicked intentions bent on destruction or Godzilla is a noble hero acting as humanity's defender against a greater foe. In <i>Shin Godzilla </i>however the monster eerily moves inland with a single-minded purpose known only to Godzilla itself. Again, I find this to be appropriate: Godzilla is completely unconcerned with the destruction it is causing and totally unfazed by military acts against it, the monster just plows through whatever happens to be in its way.</div>
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It's only when the monster is provoked in a manner it cannot ignore and seems to be injured by American bombers that Godzilla directly respond in any way to the actions of humanity. It's at this point that reveals its true destructive capabilities. In an unforgettable scene, Godzilla unleashes what is probably the most devastating variation of its atomic ray we have ever witnessed onscreen, as well as a few abilities audiences have never seen before. I won't go into further detail because it's something I think needs to been seen to fully appreciated.</div>
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As far as cinematography goes, this might be the best we've seen in a Godzilla film to date. There are some amazing images onscreen throughout the movie that really give you a sense of Godzilla's massive scale and the chaos the monster's unleashing on Japan's infrastructure. One scene in particular that stands out is during the night when Godzilla reaches Tokyo and apparently walks over a power plant. The lights across the city flicker until entire sections go out one at a time, finally leaving only ambient light, minor explosions and a wide-shot of Godzilla's own red glow to illuminate the action.</div>
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The music is also amazing. Surprisingly, the majority of the music is from fan-favorite and original Godzilla composer Akira Ifubuke. Many of Ifubuke's pieces from previous Godzilla films are integrated into movie, appealing to the nostalgia of long-time fans. Perhaps the most effective use of this is exemplified when Godzilla first stands up and a cue is taken straight from the 1954 film. However, the film's actual composer - Shiro Sagisu - does a fantastic job himself. In particular are the standout compositions "<a href="http://crypticcorridor.blogspot.com/2016/10/persecution-of-masses.html" target="_blank">Persecution of the Masses</a>" and "Who Will Know" which are somber, and haunting pieces used to great effect in the film.</div>
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The only faults I can find with the film are in its pacing, a few performances, and effects, although each of these are very minor complaints. As mentioned before, much of the film deals with government officials scrambling to find the best way to deal with Godzilla. While this works well at the beginning of the movie to establish the governments incompetency, once the focus shifts to Godzilla in its final form and Yaguchi's team making their plans, it seems like less time could be spent in the conference rooms. The film's final acts could benefit greatly from a trimming of these scenes.</div>
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For American audiences, the acting of a few characters will no doubt be very off-putting. Satomi Ishihara plays an American ambassador with political aspirations who works with Yaguchi's team in the film. At a few points she speaks English, which in the subtitled version of the film I saw, was very jarring. Her delivery isn't the best, and probably more obvious to Americans. Along the same line, the focus shifts briefly to American leaders - all seen from behind - ominously discussing the situation in Japan. I'm not sure who these actors are, but their delivery seemed overly dramatic to the point that it was kind of funny. Again, this may just be my bias as an American coming through. Other than these, it seemed like the cast did a fine job, although my favorite characters are Yaguchi's extremely focused biology expert and the Minister of Agriculture.</div>
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Overall, the effects are strong, with a few hiccups. To my understanding, Godzilla was brought to life using motion capture and CGI, which is a first for Toho. For the most part, the creature looks convincing enough - even to the point that one could be fulled into thinking the traditional method of man-in-rubber-suit was employed once again. However there are a few moments in which the CG is wonky, especially when it comes to some of the military vehicles mounting an attack on Godzilla. Again, just a minor complaint, because the rest of the film looks great in my opinion.</div>
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It's difficult to talk about <i>Shin Godzilla</i> without thinking about the potential for future sequels... Indeed, the movie ends with a very interesting cliffhanger: Godzilla's energy is depleted through the use of its atomic breath and goes into a sort of dormancy. This allows Yaguchi's team to begin the mass production a coagulant which a coordinated Japanese offensive manage to force-feed the monster. Thus Godzilla ends up subdued, in a state of suspended animation. Though the reign of destruction is over, this is merely a temporary reprieve as the monster's threat still looms, frozen right in the very heart of Tokyo!</div>
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Throughout the film, scientists express concerns about the rate at which Godzilla is evolving and worry about whether or not it has the capability of reproducing asexually. Prior to the film's release, many fans wondered and speculated about the odd design of Godzilla's tail. The movie ends with Godzilla being defeated for the moment, there is no music as camera turns our attention to this unusual feature of the monster's anatomy...</div>
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What are these strange, humanoid creatures spawning from Godzilla's tail? Is the monster indeed reproducing? It would seem that this is the case! It's definitely something to speculate on as Toho considers creating a sequel!</div>
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Personally, I enjoyed <i>Shin Godzilla. </i>It's definitely an exciting time to be a Godzilla fan with Legendary's franchise moving forward as well as Toho's... the first time that Godzilla movies are being produced by both America and Japan!</div>
Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-50474750695533969772016-12-27T15:08:00.000-05:002016-12-30T14:47:54.964-05:00In Memory of Carrie Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sadly, 2016 has taken yet another icon... Carrie Fisher, most famous for her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars films has passed away.</div>
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Immortalized here in artwork by Alex Ross and in music by John Williams.</div>
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Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-64202029985944267722016-12-24T22:25:00.000-05:002016-12-24T22:27:06.336-05:00"...And All Through the House..." - EC Comics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-40781592428588001282016-12-24T21:41:00.001-05:002016-12-24T21:43:17.712-05:00"What Child is This?" - August Burns Red<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite metal groups of the last 10 years has been the heavy-hitting August Burns Red. A while back, it became a tradition that the band releases a Christmas-themed song.<br />
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This year they have covered one of my personal favorites, "What Child is This? (Greensleeves)". <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-9707392363838106322016-12-24T21:32:00.001-05:002016-12-24T21:42:23.357-05:00Creepy Carolers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-75803195818025888442016-12-22T11:45:00.003-05:002016-12-22T12:21:05.538-05:00The Art of Damir G. Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years back I was browsing the Science/Natural History section of the bookstore gravitating toward the books on dinosaurs as I usually tend to...<br />
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Suddenly, I was stopped dead in my tracks. The cover of a particular book seemed to almost jump off the shelf at me, featuring some of the most dynamic and striking dinosaur artwork I had ever encountered! <br />
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It turned out that this was the work of none other than Damir G. Martin, a paleoartist and creature designer who excels in the creation of digital models and illustrations.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damir G. Martin</td></tr>
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As a paleoartist - an artist specializing in creating artwork of long-extinct species - Martin strives to be as scientifically accurate as possible. Before creating his computer-generated models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts, Martin researches the animals, analyzing data collected from the fossil record by scientists, reading up on speculation concerning the creatures' anatomy and behavior.<br />
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The result of all this effort is some of the most stunning - and lifelike - images of prehistoric fauna ever seen.<br />
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While Martin enjoys depicting dinosaurs and other ancient creatures as they actually were, he also delights in imagining creatures that never existed. His creature design design work brings to life amazing scenes in the realm of science fiction and fantasy.<br />
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You can find more of Martin's work on <a href="http://damir-g-martin.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">DeviantArt</a>, <a href="https://www.artstation.com/artist/damirgmartin" target="_blank">ArtStation</a>, and his <a href="http://www.damirgmartin.com/" target="_blank">website</a>. Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5598476551686235777.post-83974701367069619882016-12-18T21:19:00.000-05:002016-12-18T21:19:20.817-05:00"A Cool Yule with a Ghoul!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jonathan Brinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07347401769386813165noreply@blogger.com0