Video, Film, and Television

Netflix Is Going to Do Documentaries, Comedy Specials

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Sounds like they have plans and are building on their success – and others.

I’m not really into “Arrested Development” (funny, but just didn’t get into it) or “House of Cards” (also a lot of talent, but not my thing) but they sound pretty good.  So Netflix branching out is a good idea for them.

However, I’d note one thing – they’re really moving into being a kind of, well, channel.  Part HBO, part Amazon. That’s going to get very interesting, and I wonder who will see them as competition – and as an ally.

I also wonder if Netflix is going to try and cultivate indie talent.  That could work out well – especially as we watch what appear to be the first phases of the predicted Hollywood meltdown.

– Steven

“Turbo” Isn’t Doing So Hot. Insert Your Own “Slow” Joke Here.

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Adjusted for inflation?  Worst Dreamworks opening ever.

I think there’s several factors here:

  1. The general movie meltdown occurring.
  2. It’s a new property that  . . . is about snails.  
  3. It’s also competing against animated sequels to well-loved properties – Despicable Me 2 and Monsters University.  I can also say that DM2 is excellent and deserves it’s praise.
  4. I can’t say the marketing campaign seemed effective (after seeing Pacific Rim‘s dismal campaign I wonder if this another Hollywood Problem).

But another sounds-sure/sounds-big property doing so hot.  I feel kind of bad for Ryan Reynolds, who just cannot catch a break here.

– Steven

 

Taking My Date To Cantown. Homestuck Creator To Work On Datesim

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No.  Really.

Now I’ll remark that this is great.  Andrew Hussie is clearly a dynamic and energized person who can create things and to say the least stick with a project.  I’m glad to see him getting even more to do, even if I’m not really into Homestuck.

So kudos for his one phenomena leading to another job!

Except it’s a datesim where, and I’m not making this up, you date Namco-Bandai characters.  Really.  In a High School.  I’m not even sure how to process this level of strangeness yet, except maybe it’s some kind of hope to move datesims over here, influenced by School Doll Culture (Monster High/Ever After High/Equestria Girls), or . . . the super robot games.  Or something.

Look I have no idea.  But maybe this’ll open up datesims more in the American market.  Or something.

Man, the “homestuck” part of this is unsurprising.

– Steven