We Live Blogged The Oscars On Facebook... Yes We Did!!!

Last night both Jeff Bond and myself logged into the Mike CCD Facebook page and live-blogged the shit out of the Oscars. We were joined by CCD contributors Joey Esq & Kristen Grillo. In case you missed the literally hundreds of comments we posted, here are a few highlights.

Mike D's Best Lines:

1. Ok Halle Berry, enough of all the Lena Horne talk... just go all Swordfish and show us them titties!!!
2. Glad they showed Leslie Nielson as Enrico Palatzzo in the montage.
3. Holy shit... someone do Mr. Douglas a favor and cut off the flow of gaseous hydrogen that is keeping him cryogenically frozen in an upright position.... god!!!
4. Bob Hope with the Jew/Hollywood joke for the win...
5. I hope Banksy wins and comes up on stage to spray paint Oprah's face while wearing a monkey mask.
6. Did that black dude just say Lose Yourself from 8 Mile was his movie song ever? Get the fuck outta here....
7. The lady accepting the costume award for Alice In Wonderland is wearing Jerking Off gloves... no need to wipe off the hands when you are wearing those puppies.
8. Inception sweeps the sound category "Brahmmmmmm"... why are all these guys sucking off Chris Nolan so bad "Brahhhhhhhhmmmmmm"... They did there own job, they deserve their own credit "BRAHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMM"
9. Trent Reznor sold out... he ain't fucking anybody like an animal anymore...he is walking the line now.
10. Mila Kunis should have made a short film called "How to Train Your Lesbian Ballerina Partner" with subtitles from when she goes down on Portman... Just saying
11. Just wish that one of these winners would come out and be like "To all you other nominees... suck it, we the best, all we do is win, win, win, win, win (DJ Khaled voice)"
12. Melissa Leo just channeled a bit of Jacke from 227 at the end of her speech... wtf???

And now Jeff Bond:

1. Mila-kun this, please!!!
2. Wait a minute ....Isn't Kirk Douglas dead?!
3. Fister? I hardly know her!
4. Hope Anne Hathaway never winds up looking like her mom.
5. Fully grown? You said it Mila.
6. A sea urchin is eating Cate Blanchett
7. HBC is starting to look like her dog, Tim Burton.
8. We love us some Randy Newman. When did he get Downe Syndrome?
9. Ah, the death toll up next!
10. Hillary Swank is all teeth.
11. Whoa! Jennifer Lawrence. Good Googily Moogily.
12. From the Onion: "Stay tuned for the official Republican rebuttal to the #Oscars shortly after the show"

And some of Joe & KMG's highlights:

Joe:

1. Umm Sandra, Jesse Eisenberg didn't ACTUALLY invent Facebook.
2. Wrap it up, Padme.
3. Annette Benning is sporting the ill Paulie D blowout!
4. I'm legitimately confused... Lena Horne paved the way for black performers how? She looks pretty white to me.
5. What are the odds Kirk Douglas will have been added to that list (the dead actors list) by the time they get back from commercial?
6. You named your daughter Bronty? Is she real fat?
7. Looks like they found a dress to force some of Oprah's belly fat up into her bust. Ugh.
8. Wheeeee! Autotune jokes! Its 2008!
9. YOU APPLAUD WHEN SOMEONE SAYS THE NAME GEORGE LUCAS YOU HOLLYWOOD MONKEYS!
10. I didn't hear anything McConahoweveryouspellit said over the SOUND of Scarlett Johansen's sexiness. MING!
11. Know who loses the achievement in costume design award? Whoever dressed Ms. Blanchett.
12. Kirk Douglas can't even speak and he's killing.

And Kristen:

1. Who dat? James Blunt? (Talking about the director of The King's Speech Tom Hooper)
2. I think her water just broke.
3. Is James Franco dying as the night goes on?
4. Oprah??!! The fuck you doin' here lady! The color purple was 27 years ago!
5. Spaceyyyyyy! You so crasey!
6. Look at Reese and her strong chin!
7. Josh Brolin: YOU GOONIE!!!
8. Melissa Leo: giving her best performance of her career right now!
9. Spit it out you old bastard! (talking to Kirk Douglas)
10. Hugh Jackman: My uterus is your lair.
11. Keith Urban.....you tiny!
12. Damn, I look good in the future. (Talking about her look-alike, Sandra Bullock)

Great fun... check us out on Facebook by clicking here. Love you guys!!!! Mad fun, looking forward to doing it LIVE next year (good call KMG, next year we make history!!!!)

Happy Munn-Day!

Oh yes...It's Munn-Day, again...Enjoy it!

Does Tarantino Do Anything Original?

Who? Me? A Thief... Never!!!!

Previously, my answer would have always been yes... the guy is a genius. He is one of my favorite director's, and I hold him in a very high esteem (so high that one of his movies is going to be what is shown at the 2nd Music & Movie night at The Wicked Monk on April 3rd...). With that being said, there is no secret (QT openly admits it himself) that Tarantino is a huge movie fan who often includes homages to rare and obscure films that he considers to be his favorites. We posted a Kill Bill comparison clip last week that showed the tons of movies that QT took from to complete his action/adventure epic, but then friend of CCD Mike White put us onto this clip.



Those suits look familiar, no?

White made this comparison clip to show just how much QT jacked from Ringo Lam's 1987 shitbox movie City On Fire. Now being the huge QT fan that I am, I have heard of the similarities to Lam's movie. But since I never seen it (mostly because of how horrible I heard it was, despite starring Chow Yun Fat), I could never imagine just HOW MUCH QT actually borrowed. Shit, you can't even call it borrowed... QT pulled a straight Compton Jack Move on Lam's whole movie!!! Don't believe me? Check it for yourself:


Who Do You Think You're Fooling? from Mike White on Vimeo.


Kind of hard to stick up for QT after that one, huh? The Kill Bill clip didn't anger me as much, because it was little bits and pieces jacked from dozens of movies. But this one pisses me off a bit for 3 reasons.

1. This is Tarantino's first movie... and the one that I fell in love with. Why QT? This really destroys my image of QT as such an original dialogue writer and director. He basically took a bad movie with a great premise and added some snappy dialogue. He left out the actual robbery, but used dialogue to re-enact Lam's robbery scene (which you see in City on Fire) shot for shot. Kietel's "Blam, Blam, Blam" description of Mr. Blonde in the jewelry store is one of my favorite parts of the flick because of how Taratino makes you use your imagination to see it... and now it is ruined.
2. Without the success of Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino does not get to make Pulp Fiction. Without Pulp Fiction, Tarantino does not become a premiere director in the film industry. We probably wouldn't have gotten all the collabs with Robert Rodriguez (Desperado, Sin City, Grindhouse), nor the resurgence of John Travolta. We damn sure wouldn't have seen Samuel L as a Jedi, and would Steve Buscemi really be top lining Boardwalk Empire had he not killed the part of Mr. Pink so effectively? What a different Holywood reality it would be had Tarantino been exposed as a thief off the rip.
3. This could only have happened in the early 90's. With the rise of the Internet, there is no way you could get away with this shit now a days. Imagine if a director tried to re-appropriate another directors film in plot and actual shots & claimed it to be original? That shit would be all over the net in 2 days flat. Shit, I get hourly updates on exactly which porn pig's asshole Charlie Sheen is freebasing coke out of... you think you can steal a whole movie and no one would notice? Not with all these Internet cops out here.

No... Not The Mexican Standoff Scene... Not That Too!!!

This is all very concerning for me. I don't know how I should feel about Tarantino anymore. I still think he is a great director, and Inglorious Basterd's is so completely original (except it's title... QT jacked that one to!!!) that it makes me smile, but all his success is based on a foundation of lies... god, I am torn!!! Thanks to Mike White for causing this dilemma for me (just kidding, I really appreciate it!), but now I gotta ask you guys: How does this make you feel about QT? Do you still love him, or does this ruin it for you? Please tell me in the comment section below. I really want to hear all your insights, so I ask all my regular readers to please weigh in on this one.

***Bonus***

My god, it gets worse... check out White's follow up, "Your Still Not Fooling Anybody". Damn, my month is ruined.... grrrrrrrr!!!! (shaking my fists at Mike White for enlightening me!!!!)

You're Still Not Fooling Anybody from Mike White on Vimeo.

Commercially Acclaimed: Vol.#20 - Godzilla vs. Charles Barkley For Nike

TV commercials are a part of our everyday lives as TV viewers. Even though Tivo and DVR have allowed us to "skip through" the commercials, the advertising companies are still trying to peak our interests by coming up with creative commercials. To me, great commercials are an art form and are under appreciated by a society that is always trying to speed through things. Think about it... how many times did you see a great commercial that made you laugh hysterically or want to go out and purchase the advertised product??? And how many times has the best part of the Super Bowl been the commercials during a blow out game??? Whether you want to admit it or not, commercials are cool as shit... and here are some of my favorites.


This week we got a vintage spot from Nike that pitted down low nightmare Charles Barkley 1 on 1 against the Tokyo Destroyer himself, Godzilla. This is from the classic era of Nike commercials (face it, they have some of the absolute BEST tv spots ever), and Barkley is great as the good guy who isn't afraid to get dirty. You gotta love the sports glasses that Godzilla pops on right before they start playing (in purple for Barkley's Phoenix Suns!!!). The effects were actually done by George Lucas's Industrial Light & Magic, which makes them automatically awesome.

***Bonus***

This was right around the time Nike began to embrace Barkley as the "anti-Jordan", the bad guy you could root for in contrast to Jordan's perfectly good guy. They even crossed over with Dark Horse comics to do a one shot featuring Barkley balling with the beast. How many atheletes can say that they starred in their own comic, and got to beat up on Godzilla? Here is the cover and some panel art. Enjoy!!!

I need this in my comic collection asap!!!

Barkley taking a shot at fellow Nike colleague Jordan and The Bulls

Holy Early 90's Euphamisms Batman!!!

Godzilla is definitely a Jordan Brand guy... lol



Who Wants To See Some Classic Hollywood Behind The Scenes Pics???

I forget how I came across this awesome photography site called This Isn't Porn (This Is Pure Beauty), but either way I feel remiss to not share it with you guys. It is an awesome snapshot into some behind the scenes moments from Hollywood of yesteryear. There are some really great shots on here for any fan of entertainment (music, TV movies... its all here). I chose some of my favorites to share her, but you can see the hundreds of photos they have in their archives by clickng the link above. Very cool stuff...

John Belushi & Dan Aykroyd

Tim Burton & Pee Wee Herman on the set of Pee Wee's Big Adventure

Kenny Baker (The actor who played R2-D2) with a Darth Vader helmet.

Lynda Carter being carried by her stunt double Jeannie Epper on the Wonder Woman set

Kirk & Spock grubbing on the set of Star Trek

Dustin Hoffman & Lawrence Olivier on the set of Marathon Man

Katy Perry + Kanye = Win

Here is Katy Perry's new remix single E.T. featuring the one and only Kanye West. He probably produced this as well (sounds like Kanye). I'm digging it... how about you guys? Tell us in the comment section below.

CCD Jacks The Oscars - Year 2: Mike D's Oscar Picks

Another year in film has come and gone and, my, what a year it's been. The Academy Awards air live this Sunday February 27th and a lot of us will be front and center for all the action!

While my addiction to movies (via Netflix Instant or in the theater) is well documented on this blog, it should come as no surprise that I take the Oscars quite seriously. Why you ask? Because I know that they are a 50/50 representation of everything I love about film. They represent 50% of whats right with making films, and 50% of what sucks about the film making industry. Excellent films like 'Winter's Bone' (this year) and 'Frozen River' (2 years ago) would never be known to the public at all if not for the Oscar nods they got. Would 'The King's Speech really have made over $100 million if it wasn't Oscars darling this season? I think not. But it's not all roses. The Oscars also represent the conformity that is required in Hollywood to get the nominations, let alone win an Oscar. Honestly, how can you snub Chris Nolan for 'Best Director', or never nominate a horror film for any awards despite how wildly popular they are (check the numbers... horror makes bank, son). I have seen all 10 of this years 'Best Film' nominees, and frankly the only one I can see myself constantly revisiting would be 'Inception' and 'True Grit'. That's not to say I didn't like the others... I just didn't LOVE them. I saw plenty of other films this year that I did love (um... Scott Pilgrim anyone?), yet they are missing. So it goes.

 Anyways, here are my pics for the 2011 Oscars. CCD jacks the show once again. Hope you enjoy the picks, and the awesome fan art that I took from over at Reelizer. It completes the deal. Enjoy!!!

***Please click 'Read more' below to see Mike D's 2011 Oscar Picks***

CCD Jacks The Oscars - Year 2: Jeff Bond's Oscar Picks

Another year in film has come and gone and, my, what a year it's been. The Academy Awards air live this Sunday February 27th and a lot of us will be front and center for all the action!

I'm saddened, once again to see a shit-ton of my favorite films totally snubbed in one way or another. Films like 'Get Low' which featured some of the greatest film work of Bill Murray and Robert Duvall to date...or 'The Town' which was yet another showcase of Ben Affleck's directing talents! Not too mention the absolute genius that was 'Enter the Void' or 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World'! But, I digress...the Academy wants what the Academy wants. So in choosing this years possible winners I've stuck to the nominees even when making my own personal picks for favorites to win. Without further ado I give you my Academy Awards picks for the year AND as an added bonus, since I am the author of 'Lego Iconic' articles monthly here at CCD, I've included film art made up entirely of Lego  ....and dreams.

'...and the Lego Oscar goes to....."

click 'READ MORE' below for Jeff Bond's Oscar picks!

'Art Held in Contemp.' Volume 5 by Briana Melendez

 I've always been a visually stimulated individual. As a kid I was always mesmerized by the vibrant colors in nature & much to my parent's dismay the metal radiators in our home quickly became works of abstract art as I was entranced by the melting of my 64 colors of Crayola. The MOMA is by far my favorite museum in all of NYC. I can never get enough of the smooth perfection in marble and the vibrant colors of early 19th century paintings. As much as I love all these beautiful representations of creativity I could never feel connected completely. They are products of bygone eras that while I can admire I could never fully feel a part. That all changed a few years back. I picked up this art magazine called 'Juxtapoz' & BAM! It hit me like a Batman punch. There were images I understood, images I could relate to. Artwork that made sense & represented me. Knowing that 'my' art was alive & kicking has sent me on a quest to look for artist & works of art in which we all can see a little bit of ourselves. With each new installment I'll be aiming to do just that. Sit back & enjoy the ride, I know I have been.

'Artitst James Jean'

My love for comic books and graphic novels has exposed me to some great story tellers and phenomenal artists. James Jean is one of these exceptional artist. I was introduced to his brand of genius through his work with DC/Vertigo and the cover art for 'Fables' (which on a a side note is a FANTASTIC run that is still on going. I highly suggest you all run out an pick up the first trade and check it out, now lets get back to James). Jean graduated from SVA,School of Visual Arts, here in good old NYC, back in 2001 and was quickly hired by DC as an artist. His work on titles such as 'Fables', 'Batgirl', 'The Umbrella Academy' and 'The Green Arrow' has propelled him to be recognized as one of the best in the business. He's had the honor of receiving the Eisner Award for Best Cover Artist with his work on 'Fables' for 5 consecutive years (2004-2008), Batgirl (2004) and Green Arrow (2007). 

Now for me what pushes James Jean into the realm of the 'Amazing' is his versatility. Not only can he create great comic art but his works of fine art are quite remarkable. When viewing his pieces I can't help but feel that I am looking at his paintings through a layer of gossamer. There is an ethereal and disturbing (and I say that in a COMPLETELY good way) quality that I truly appreciate. His new show, 'Rebus', opens this March at the Martha Otero Gallery in LA. With 'Rebus', I believe Jean is venturing into yet another realm and, thankfully, we are all invited along. Check out the daily blog on his website for newly added pieces as Jean shares his process with us.

'Crayon Eater'

'Batgirl Issue #41'

***click 'READ MORE' below for more great works by the artist James Jean***

Two Different Ways To Look At The Last Supper

Fisrt up we got Tom Fowler's "The Endless at The Last Supper" which features Neil Gaiman's Sandman and all his magical brothers and sisters. Great stuff.

Next up, we got Brian Stuckey's "The Last Breakfast". This is soooo cool.

Everything Is A Remix: Kill Bill

This is a wonderful compilation by Rob Wilson of all the original movies that Quentin Tarantino looked towards for "inspiration" (aka jacked) for his action film opus Kill Bill Volumes #1 & 2. I know that Tarantino loves to pay homages to his predecessors, but these are some very obscure films that he took cues from. I think that makes it even better. I'm not even mad at him for doing it... it's not like he denies it. He embraces his inner film geek, and then finds a way to put little reminders in there. This clip is wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


Everything Is A Remix: KILL BILL from robgwilson.com on Vimeo.

Thanks to Film Drunk for the tip and the screen shots... you guys rock!!!

The Invincible Iron Droid

You gotta love this C-3PO/Iron Man mashup by Gadget WK. He is a very talented artist, and his blog has some cool stuff. He also promises that this is the first in some Marvel/Star Wars mashups he has planned. Lets see what he comes up with in the future!!!

Hangover... Take 2.... Action!!!

Here is the 1st trailer for the highly anticipated follow up to The Hangover... in my opinion the best comedy film that I have seen in, at least, 15 years. I am not sure how it is going to turn out, but once again director Todd Phillips comes through with some dope music (Jay-Z's 'Reminder') and some wily antics. How did Alan's head get shaved. What is that face tattoo on Stu? Is that monkey wearing pants? This is just a taste of the madness that is sure to encompass 'The Hangover' pt. 2 and its location of Thailand. Hope you enjoy.

Wow... This Gave Me Goosebumps

I saw this promo for MSG network while I was at work yesterday, and I had to watch it at least 10 times. It is wonderful... a great use of popular music (Diddy's new song) that fits the situation perfectly. The quotes from Melo fit perfect. Check it out:



Then there was this, the Garden absolutely rocking. I wish I could have been there. Wow....



Welcome Home Melo...I'm  looking forward to the next 4 years whether it's win, lose or draw. Lets Go!!!!

The Fantastic Four Family Tree

Joe Stone is at it again... first he brought us the X-Men family tree, now he is tackling Marvel's first family, The Fantastic Four. This one is very informative, and nowhere near as confusing as the X-Men one. Hope you enjoy.

These Are The Types Of President's We Need Right Now In America

Check out Deviant Artist Sharpwriter's version of two presidents doing some truely badass shit...  our country could use some leadership like this right now:

Teddy Roosevelt vs Big Foot

Lincoln Riding A Grizzly

Who Better To Don The Slave Leia Bikini Then Jessica Rabbit???

Check out this wonderful rendition of the most popular cosplay costume at every Comic Con, Ms. Jessica Rabbit donning the infamous Slave Leia chainmail bikini. Deviant Artist Jim Sam-X  turns in a beauty.... here you go:

Now These Are Some Alternate Film Posters I Can Get Into

Check out these awesome movie posters from artist Laz Marquez. These are just stunning. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Here are my favorites:

Is 'Blacktino' The Next 'Superbad'???

I got hit up with a ton of emails asking me if I had seen this trailer, and then I saw that my boy Cal posted about it at The Cave of Cool. As soon as I got in, I had to give it a gander. Here it is...


blacktino SXSW Trailer from Aaron Burns on Vimeo.


Wow... I am in. I love the teenage era comedies that are in the vein of 'Juno', 'Napoleon Dynamite' & 'Superbad', and this looks like one of those types of films. A half black, half Spanish theater geek that is going through the awkward years of High School? Yes please!!! Count me in.

The young man that stars in the film as 'Stefan Daily', Austin Marshall, is a newcomer that bears a striking resemblance to first time director Aaron Burns. Burns was a visual effects artist on the 'Grindhouse' double feature, so he comes from good film making stock (Tarantino & Rodriguez are OK... lol). That also explains why 'Blacktino' is the talk of the upcoming SXSW Film Festival, given Robert Rodriguez's connection to the Austin festival. I am really looking forward to this one. I might even have to check the torrent sites after the March 11th premiere at SXSW to get this one early (what... you want me to lie?). 

Here is the official synopsis, according to the movies website:

'Blacktino' is a dark teen comedy about an overweight half-black, half-latino nerd named Stefan Daily. He was raised by his black grandmother in a medium sized suburb of Austin, TX. Struggling to find his place in a mostly white high school, Stefan finds sanctuary among the eclectic mix of social outcasts in the school's Theatre Department. In the tradition of the great teen comedies of the last thirty years 'Blacktino' will ensure that the torch of teen angst continues to burn bright.

What do you guys think? Do you want to see this movie? Do you think it holds a candle to films like 'Superbad', 'Juno' or 'Napoleon Dynamite'? Tell us in the comment section below.

***Bonus***

Check out this great second movie poster that draws its meaning from Stefan's half black, half Hispanic heritage... very funny stuff. Enjoy!!!

Yup, Here Is The NY Knicks New Theme Song... Stat & Melo!!!

Check out the new remix of Wiz Khalifa's hit song 'Black & Yellow' by rapper Marquise Green, called 'Stat & Melo' in reference to Amar'e Stoudemire & Carmelo Anthony teaming up in NYC. Great song made greater due to all the NY symbolism and the fact that this is a reality. Carmelo is in NYC!!!!!!! I'm pre-ordering my jersey TODAY son!!!!

R.I.P. Dwayne McDuffie by James West

It saddens me that just a short time after my Human Torch article, I have to write yet another memorial piece: this time about real-life creator, Dwayne McDuffie.

For those of you who don’t know, Mr. McDuffie was a voice against racial stereotyping in the industry. His creation of the Milestone Imprint in the 90’s was well-renowned for its racially diverse, but equally respectable cast members, including Static Shock. In later years, McDuffie worked as the head writer for Justice League Unlimited cartoon, stringing together the main Cadmus, Secret Society of Super Villains, and Darkseid Invasion plots. He also had a well-received run as the writer for the Justice League of America comic book itself. The cause of death is unknown, but he will be missed.

Family Guy Goes Back To The Stone Age

Check out yesterdays awesome T-shirt entry from TeeFury.  Sorry its a bit late (yeah... you can't order it anymore... grrrrrrrrr!!!), but artist Herky portrays the entire Griffin family in prehistoric dinosaur form... and I love it. Enjoy the art, since you can't buy the shirt anymore:

Welcome To New York City 'Melo!!!!!

The Knicks have finally made a move that I am extremely happy over. Sure, I was happy after they signed Amar'e. He is a beast. Dude is the man. But 'Melo, Mr. Anthony if your nasty... one of my all time favorite players to ever suit up a pair of kicks, coming to NYC??? You gotta be kidding me!!! I am finally happy to say I am a Knick fan again in public after all these years.

Not On The Opposite Side Anymore... Nice!!!

I have loved Melo's game since he led the Syracuse Orange to a national title as a freshman. He was a beast then, and still is. He has been overshadowed his whole career by Lebron, and now he gets a shot to annually fuck Lebron out of a chance at the chip. God is good. We got Amar'e and Melo locked up for at least 4 years... and a shot at CP3 (Chris Paul) or Deron Williams next year when they become free agents. I think there is a group of superstars making moves in NYC... so lets go!!!

You Know Melo Was Wishing Upon A Star For NYC During The All Star Game!

Just in case you haven't seen what Mr. Melo is capable of, here is a highlight real to remind you:

Wu Tang Wednesday - Tragedy Khadafi ft Cam' ron, Killa Sha & Rza - W.W.T.

On Wu Tang Wednesday, I always feature songs from one of my favorite rap groups of all time. Today I am focusing on a rare guest appearance by Rza. He doesn't make many guest spots, but when he does he drops some gems. Such is the case on Tragedy Khadafi's song W.W.T., that also features future rap star Cam'ron as well (this song is from the late 90's/early 2000's). Hope you enjoy... and if you never heard of Tragedy, definitetly check out more of his music. It's fire!!!!

Proof That There Is A God: Shannon Elizabeth Edition

No Words... Just Thanks!!!!!!!!