CanGeek's Fandom Friday!

Everyone remembers their first...

For me I was six years old, it was a cold winter day, we were snowed in so my Mom and Dad slept late that morning. I had woke up at my normal time, half expecting to be rushed off to school but when that didn't happen I turned on the television to watch the very first movie to air on Canada's new home movie network - First Choice!

And as I watched the adventure unfold in front of me, the heroic sacrifice a mentor was prepared to make for his student, the epic fight between good and evil, a new hope was born within me and my life long love of Star Wars was born.

As I type out this blog It's Friday June 1st, and on the CanGeek Community Page we're inviting our members to post about their personal favorite fandom, and from gaming to comics and movies I have a lot to talk about....but I suspect I will be posting about Star Wars more then anything else today.

If you've read some of my other blogs then you know I can be more then a little outspoken about the current state of a galaxy far, far away, I'm not a major supporter of what Disney has done to the Star Wars universe, however I'm grateful that this franchise still has some life left in it and we still have much to discuss.

Like many others fans, those who support the Star Wars franchise are both fiercely loyal and aggressively protective of this fandom. Like me there are many out their who find comfort in this series because it invokes memories of simpler times, memories of their childhood.

We aren't born as fans, we develop our fandom as we grow.

Everyone remembers their first game, their first film or television show, the first comic book that made them an instant fan of a specific superhero or publisher, that's what we're talking about today.

Please consider this an open invitation to join the CanGeek Games and Collectibles Fandom Friday on Facebook and share the passion you have for your fandom of choice with us.

Thanks for reading.

Let the games begin!

This question was recently posed to me by a friend:

"If you are running an online games store, why do you blog so much about television and film?"

The answer to that question was simple, I view CanGeek.com as more than an online games store, I like to think of us as a pop-culture resource with a variety of products including games and collectibles - in short we try to have a little something for everyone. And since my personal love of both board games and video games began with my love of television and film, it somehow seems right to blog about that which I love.

With that in mind.... we're half way through the month of May, and with the Summer Blockbusters just beginning to roll into local theaters, there are going to be a multitude of games released which will allow fans to continue their journey alongside their favorite heroes.

Here are some of my picks for games to try over the next few months.

1. Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War

Personally there is no doubt in my mind that Avengers: Infinity War will be the biggest release of the year, and with everyone feeling the need to talk about the events of this incredable film, I'd advise you to see it soon.

To coincide with the release of Infinity War, game publisher USAopoly has released Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War. This cooperative dice and card game challenges a group of 2 to 4 Players to recruit a team of heroes in an attempt to face off against the Mad Titan and prevent him from collecting all six Infinity Stones and wreaking havoc on the fabric of reality.

Are you up to the task? 

2. DEADPOOL VS The World

The Merc with the Mouth is coming back to theaters as Ryan Reynolds suits up for the release of Deadpool 2. As Wade Wilson kicks ass, takes names, and continues to break the fourth wall with jaw-dropping dialogue, we're also preparing for the release of Deadpool VS The World.

This adult party game which has been compared to Card Against Humanity will feature 100 custom illustrations of Deadpool in some very strange and unsightly situations. Players are tasked with then filling in the blanks on caption cards to produce the most outrageous explanations of why the Merc with a Mouth has found himself in his current position.

The player with the best, most jaw-dropping explanations wins! 

3. MONOPOLY: Deadpool

Love Deadpool but looking for a more "Family Friendly" game to play?  Not only is the Merc with a Mouth conquering the world, he's also conquering the world of MONOPOLY!

While playing MONOPOLY: Deadpool players build their own team of Mercs for Money as they purchase the contracts of the world's best-mercenaries. Some are Deadpool's allies, some are Deadpool from alternate universes, and one is just Deadpool in a maids outfit.

Players pay when they land on Mercs purchased by opponents, buy vehicles like a chimichanga truck, and steal friends' stuff with the Cheap Shot and Low Blow spaces.

Will you be the Last Merc Standing?

4. MONOPOLY: Han Solo

Continuing with their plans to release a Star Wars themed film every year for the foreseeable future, Disney and Lucasfilm are set to release SOLO: A Star Wars Story on May 25th.  

Alongside the release of the film, fans of the MONOPOLY board game will see the release of MONOPOLY: Han Solo.  This edition invites players to enter a world of smugglers and adventure as they journey from the battlefield to the spice mines and attempt to make the Kessel Run!  Players are encouraged to buy as many Star Wars locations, Vehicles, and Power Sources as they can while taking risks with the smuggler and scoundrel cards.

As with other versions of the game, the last player with Imperial Credits wins!

5. MONOPOLY JR: The Incredibles 2

It's been fourteen years since the release of The Incredables, now some of the children who grew up watching this Pixar classic have children of their own - which is why it's a GREAT time to take them on a SUPER adventure! Players of MONOPOLY JR: The Incredables 2 are invited to suit up as one of the four members of the Parr family as they visit and explore locations inspired by the new Disney/Pixar film. 

In this easy and fast-playing game the hero who earns the most money saves the day!

These games, as well as many others, are available for purchase from our online store at cangeek.com. 

Why do I blog so much about television and film? Because in my opinion that is in some way where almost every great gaming adventure begins.  

As always, thanks for reading.

The Hollywood Reboot.

Has Hollywood trained us to look back as opposed to looking forward?

If you happen to be a member of the CanGeek Community Page on Facebook then you know we've talked a lot about Hollywood reboots, more specifically films that we'd like to see given the reboot treatment.

However over the past few days, as I've been re-watching classic films including HIGHLANDER and Tim Burton's BATMAN, I've found myself wondering if, due to the lack of creativity within their writing community, Hollywood has somehow trained consumers to welcome reboots as opposed to expecting fresh material.

From TOTAL RECALL and Stephen King's IT, to The FANTASTIC FOUR and TOMB RAIDER, there just seems to be no end to what Hollywood will remake, and with films like Hellboy and The Crow getting the reboot treatment there seems to be no end in sight either.

Now don't get me wrong here, I'm not opposed to reboots if they make sense, but there is no confusing the fact that some of these films are being remade due to a lack of inspiration and a need to grow a movie studios bank account.

However what's more offensive then a reboot is a sequel to a film that hasn't seen a franchise release in more then twenty years, films like Blade Runner 2049 and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull immediately come to mind.

What's next, a re-release of Batteries Not Included? 

It's just my opinion but as much as directors including Ridley Scott have been critical of the Superhero film genre in the past year, Marvel Studios seems to be one of the few Hollywood film companies offering up semi-original content that is keeping the movie-going public entertained.

The success of Marvels Black Panther earlier this year is, at least in part, proof of that...after-all keeping the public entertained is their job.

So with very few films beyond the Superhero genre on my radar this year, I'll be in line next Saturday, ready to throw away my movie-going money, for the release of Avengers: Infinity War. As for Hollywood and their need to revisit the past, if they want to continue to earn my money then they need to step forward into the future.

Thanks for reading.

Making sense of the chaos.

Sometimes you have to admit when you're wrong.

Over the past few months I've been more then a little critical of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, having gone so far as to say that Star Wars is now dead to me. However after a recent blog I authored about the upcoming release of Avengers: Infinity war, I have to admit I was wrong.

Loss is a natural part of life and is a great way to develop new story-arcs, when one door closes, another door opens, or at least that's what they say.

I have many complaints about the Rian Johnston directed Star Wars film, from Rey's "3 lessons to become a Jedi" training, to Leia's "Mary Poppins" flight through the vacuum of space, this was not a good film. 

However my single largest issue was with how they handled Jedi Master Luke SkyWalker - You don't write off such a monumental character in that fashion.

Personally I didn't want to see Luke the hermit hiding from The Force. I wanted to see Luke the seasoned Master Jedi, wise in experience and ready to wage one last battle against the Galactic Empire!

Make no mistake, given Disney and their intention to milk this franchise for everything they can, we all knew in our hearts that the original cast would make their exit, just not in the fashion that they have thus far.

However once again, loss is a natural part of life and helps to create new stories, which is why in my opinion the final scene of The Last Jedi was so important. The child pushing his broom, peering into space was a declaration that we should expect many more stories from Disney and Lucasfilm - wither we want them or not.

With that mindset I challenge you to re-watch both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, view them for what they truly are, the foundation for a brand new extended universe with a multitude of stories to follow.

I did just that...  and with that perspective I can now, all be it reluctantly, accept that when the next film hits theaters I'll be there ready to dish out some hard earned money to see what happens next.

It doesn't resolve the fact that these aren't great films, but it helps to make a little more sense of the chaos that is running rampant in a galaxy far, far away,

Thanks for reading, please join the conversation on our Facebook Community Page and remember to connect with us on social media via our website at cangeek.com

Blade Runner 2049 - DON'T DO IT!

When I was seven years old I was already cutting my teeth on some of the biggest Science Fiction and Fantasy films of the time, and one of my fondest memories comes from how many times I watched the original Blade Runner.

Adapted from Philip K. Dick's novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Blade Runner was Directed by Ridley Scott and stared an up and coming cast of actors including Harrison Ford, Sean Young, Retger Hauer and Edward James Olmos.

Set in the dystopian future of 2019, the film followed a burnt out Los Angeles cop by the name of Rick Deckard who had been empowered to track down and "retire" a group of synthetic humans - known as Replicants.

Replicants had been created by the Tyrell Corporation as an off-world workforce in the service of humanity. However when a group of Replicants go rogue and return to Earth, they become a problem that needs to be dealt with quickly.

With both an amazing soundtrack and stunning visuals Blade Runner asked one truly important question, what makes a human being? This was a story that did not require a sequel, but it got one anyways. 

In 2017, thirty-five years after the release of the original film, Harrison Ford returned alongside Ryan Gosling to bring us Blade Runner 2049.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Blade Runner 2049 tells the story of officer K - a Replicant working for the LAPD. Much like Deckard before him, K is forced to question his beliefs when evidence comes to light suggesting he isn't who he thinks he is.

 

The running time of Blade Runner 2049 is 2 hours and 44 minutes, that's almost three hours of your life that you can never reclaim - DON'T DO IT! Don't tarnish the memories you have of the original Blade Runner by watching this weak attempt at continuing the franchise - the film is long with very little action and a truly boring story. Honestly this film felt like an attempt by a movie studio to make some much needed money off nostalgic consumers without offering up much in return.

If you've never had the opportunity to watch 1982's Blade Runner then do yourself a favor and watch that instead. If you have had the good fortune to watch 1982's Blade Runner then do yourself a favor and watch it again - it's a much better investment of your very valuable time.

As always thanks for reading, let us know in the comments below if you agree with this review of Blade Runner 2049 or not, and remember to join the conversation on our Facebook Community Page OR by following us on social media via our website at CanGeek.com

Ready Player One

Although I watch a lot of movies I hardly go to a theater anymore....

The simple truth is that if I saw every film I was interested in at a theater then I'd need a second mortgage on my house, the theater going experience has become progressively more expensive over the years!

With that in mind I'm very selective about where I invest my movie going dollars, for example this month I will be investing in the film adaptation of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One.

Directed by Stephen Spielberg, Ready Player One is set in the dystopian future of 2044 and tells the story of Wade Watts, a teenager residing in a poverty stricken district known as the stacks.  Obsessed with the 1980's and seeking to escape the realities of his world, like many others Watts seeks comfort through a virtual reality experience known as The OASIS.

When James Halliday, the creator of the OASIS dies it becomes public knowledge that somewhere within this VR utopia is a hidden Easter Egg, and whomever finds this digital treasure will be gifted Halliday's real-world fortunes.

Let the hunt begin!

Much like the book, this film promises to be ripe with pop-culture references from the '80's, encompassing a multitude of movie and gaming genres.

And although the film adaptation has received some harsh criticism on social media these past few months, Ready Player One is expected to do well at the box office as the film promises to feed that "geeky hunger" - at least until the release of Avengers: Infinity War Part One!

Let us know if you're excited for the release of Ready Player One and please remember to follow us on social media via our website at CanGeek.com .

Keeping It In Focus Part Two - 12 MUST SEE films in 2018!

As a followup to my previous blog Keeping It In Focus Part One, here are the remaining six films that I just can't wait to see in 2018!

7. The Incredables 2:

Some films get bogged down with multiple unnecessary sequels, which is why it's so hard to believe that a film like The Incredables which was truly deserving of a sequel hasn't had one yet - After all its only been fourteen years since The Incredables first arrived in theaters!

But as my mother kept telling me as a child "Good things come to those who wait" and after fourteen years of waiting we're finally set to see the release of The Increadbles 2 on June 15th!

Although the trailer doesn't give much away, it does seem like this film will focus mainly on Jack Jack and his newly acquired powers. However regardless of the story-line The Incredables 2 is sure to be worth the wait as rumors have circulated for years that Craig T. Nelson refused to sign on for a second film unless the script did the first film justice!

8. Ant-Man and The Wasp:

When I first saw Ant-Man I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the film - I was wrong!  

Where other Marvel films have focused on a dramatic story with small amounts of comedy to move the film forward, Ant-Man was much more lighthearted and comedic in its portrayal of Scott Lang - the would-be criminal who inherits the the Ant-Man suit from Hank Pym. 

An-Man solidified his place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when he joined Team Cap in Captain America: Civil War - Now it's time for Ant-Man to return alongside The Wasp on July 6th.

In this new film we'll find Scott Lang seeking balance as a new father while still living up to his responsibilities as one of Marvels greatest heroes.

Check out the teaser trailer for Ant-Man and The Wasp.

9. X-Men: Dark Phoenix 

I recently re-watched X2: X-Men United and as much as I like the film I can't help but reflect on all the missed opportunities that came after its release.

For those who have't seen the film I will say that the films conclusion set up what could have been an epic finale to the trilogy with X-Men: The Last Stand - except it was anything but epic!

Fortunately for fans FOX hit the reset button with both the release of X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days Of Future Past, now we might finally get the Phoenix saga we've been waiting for with the release of X-Men: Dark Phoenix which is due to release on November 2nd.

In this newest film Jean Grey develops Incredibly powerful psionic abilities that corrupt her and threaten to destroy the universe.  The X-men will be forced to decide whether one life is worth more then that of all the other living beings.

With the recent deal between Disney and 20th Century Fox it is all to possible that this could be the final film in the X-Men series, at least until Disney once again resets the franchise - Here's hoping Dark Phoenix goes out with a bang!

10. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald

When Warner Bros. released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 2011, I like many others believed that this final film signaled the end of our adventures in J. K. Rowlings Wizarding World - fortunately we were wrong!

With the release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in 2016 it became clear that fans the world over had many more adventures to look forward too.

Not only did this new series changes locations from the Highlands of Scotland to the bustling metropolis that is New York, but it also took us back in time seventy years to the roaring '20's as it told the story of a wizard determined to protect some truly misunderstood Fantastic Beasts.

And as much as it is true that I couldn't help but point that Newt Scamanders suitcase reminded me of a TARDIS, I did generally enjoyed this new film.

With the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald on November 16th, we can look forward to once again returning to Rowlings Wizarding World, and to the return of a young Albus Dumbledore as portrayed by Jude Law.

Now all we need is for someone to adapt Harry Potter And The Cursed Child into a film and all will be right with the world!

11. Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2

I am both eagerly looking forward & dreading the release of this sequel at the same time.  On one hand I really enjoyed the first film, it was a well thought out story that used classic video games to tell the story of a arcade character who simply wanted acceptance from those around him.

Something we can ALL relate too.

On the other hand, unlike The previously mentioned Incredables 2, I'm not sure that this film warranted a followup, at least not so soon.

My fingers are crossed that this follow up will do justice to its 2012 predecessor when it releases on November 21st.


12. Aquaman:

I've been fairly outspoken in the past regarding Warner Bros. and their efforts to build the DC Extended Universe, that it to say that excluding Wonder Woman (and to a lesser extent Justice League) their films have been nothing short of awful!

So why is Aquaman on this list you might ask, it's either because I still have hope for the future OR like so many others I just like a good train wreck - I'm not quite sure which one it is yet myself. 

Regardless of which it might be, I'll be one of the many DC fans in line to see this movie when it releases on December 21st. Although not much is known about this new film, other then it seems like an origin story, with any luck it will represent a much needed turning point for both Warner Bros. and DC Comic fans the world over.

We Need A Win Here!

Once again this list represents the twelve films I'm eagerly waiting for in 2018, let me know in the comments below which films you can't wait to see this year....

As always thanks for reading, please remember to follow us on social media via CanGeek.com.

Keeping It In Focus Part One - 12 MUST SEE films in 2018!

As I begin to type this blog we're just under 2 hours into 2018 and while others are finishing that last drink or preparing to negotiate the hangover they'll wake up with in the morning, I'm already focused on what a great cinematic year I expect it to be.

With some true Hollywood blockbusters on the horizon, I wanted to share twelve films that I just can't wait for this year.

1. Black Panther:

While I have heard some say that Marvels decision to bring Black Panther to the big screen was politically or racially motivated, I for one say this character was long overdue for his feature film debut! 

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, in which T'Challa witnessed the death of his father, T'Challa has now assumed the role of both the ruler of the advanced nation of Wakanda and that of The Black Panther - the protector of his nations people.

T'Challa must now do battle with those who would threaten his nation, both from outside his borders and withing.  

Black Panther releases on February 16th, and if you haven't seen the trailer yet then check it out!t

2. Ready Player One: 

Based on the novel by Ernest Cline and directed by Oscar winner Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One promises to be a fantastic treasure hunt ripe with music and pop culture references from the 1980's!

When the creator of a virtual reality world known as the OASIS dies, a video is release which challenges all of OASIS users to find a hidden Easter Egg. With the understanding that whoever finds the egg will inherit a vast fortune, Wade Watts joins countless other players in a race to gain the ultimate price.

Ready Player One releases on March 30th, and if you haven't seen the trailer yet than what are you waiting for?

3. RAMPAGE!

It's no secret that movies based on video games are cursed, that is to say that they usually turn out to be slightly on the awful side.  

However having said that, when a movie is released based on one of my favorite games I'll still find myself lining up at the theater box office to throw my money away.

Such will be the case with RAMPAGE!

I can remember many a day spent pumping quarters into the local arcade machine as me and my childhood friends sought to level virtual cities with our monstrous avatars, and that is why I will go out and see this film.

The trailer for this film more or less says it all, animals infected with some sort of growth serum will turn violent on unsuspecting cities, more then likely seeking revenge for the wrong doings of mankind.

This will be a disaster film, the only question is will it be a disaster on the big screen or a disaster at the box office?  Will find out when RAMPAGE releases on April 20th.

4. Avengers: Infinity War

Lets be honest here - before Marvel brought us Iron Man in 2008 superhero movies just weren't that good.  Now that isn't to say that there weren't some decent superhero films, more to say that these films just can't compare to what Marvel has done thus far.

Marvel Studios has done a fantastic job of developing both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and creating stories that have kept audiences coming back for more with each new film.

The next film in the Marvel saga, after Black Panther, will be the highly anticipated Avengers: Infinity War Part One.  In this film, which will begin to close out phase four of Marvels story arc, we will see allies both old and new unite against the mad titan Thanos who is intent on bringing an end to the universe.

The trailer leaves you with the since that this movie will in fact represent a real shift in the MCU once the phase four story has come to an end, and we won't have long to wait before we find out with Avengers: Infinity War Part One releasing on May the 4th!

5. SOLO: A Star Wars Story

I'm actually not sure how I feel about this movie yet, not after seeing The Last Jedi, Yes I'm one of THOSE people who didn't enjoy The Last Jedi.  I honestly believe that Disney purchased the intellectual property that is Star Wars for the money they knew they'd make in market saturation, but now that they have it they don't know what to do with it. 

Having said that as Jyn Erso pointed out "Rebellions are built on hope" so I HOPE that SOLO: A Star Wars story won't be the let down that both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi have been.

However as a fan there is reason to be concerned.

From Lucasfilms decision to trade in directors from the team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Ron Howard (which isn't a bad thing) to recent rumors that the Mouse House is advising its shareholders that they expect this film to bomb at the box office, one has to wonder why Disney doesn't delay this films May 25th release date until they are absolutely confident in releasing a finished and finely polished piece of work.  After all Disney, this film might be set in a galaxy far, far away but Star Wars fans much closer to home are watching to see what happens next......

6. Deadpool 2:

It's hard to believe that there was ever a time when the success of an "R" rated superhero film was in question - they were dark times indeed!

Fortunately a savior who personified the very hero he longed to play came along and opened the foolish eyes of studio executives - the Deadpool movie was finally going to happen!

Thank You Ryan Reynolds! 

Following up on the unquestionable success of Fox's 2016 hit, Deadpool is back with all the supporting faces who helped to make his first film so much fun to watch!  Adding to the hype of the new film is Josh Brolins casting as Cable along with some fantastic marketing including the no good deed trailer and the  Wet on Wet teaser.

Although no official story has been released for this film ahead of its June 1st release date, Deadpool 2 promises to be one of the biggest hits of the 2018 summer movie season.

Who said "R" rated superhero films wouldn't be acceptable to the moving going public?

Check back soon for for Keeping It In Focus Part Two, until then thanks for reading and remember to follow us at cangeek.com.