SSF: “Wanderers”

Last updated on: April 20, 2015 at 11:40 am By Joseph Susanka

Having recently watched Interstellar (and re-watched “Ambition”), I am reminded of Erik Wernquist’s Webby-nominated short, “Wanderers.” I especially like the way he includes a humanizing element in nearly every sequence, to give us a sense of scale and emotional impact. And the final shot is fantastic. (Also, be sure to visit the gallery on Erik’s “Wanderers” mini-site, where he includes hi-res images and a bit of the thinking/science behind the creation of each shot.) A vision of humanity’s expansion into the Solar System,... Read more

SVS: “Sunset Boulevard”

Last updated on: April 17, 2015 at 2:28 pm By Joseph Susanka

A murder has been reported from one of those great big houses in the ten thousand block. You’ll read all about it in the late editions, I’m sure. You’ll get it over your radio, and see it on television — because an old-time star is involved. One of the biggest. But before you hear it all distorted and blown out of proportion, before those Hollywood columnists get their hands on it, maybe you’d like to hear the facts. The whole... Read more

Best Miyazaki Tribute Ever?

Last updated on: April 16, 2015 at 6:02 pm By Joseph Susanka

I’m not saying this is the best Miyazaki tribute I’ve ever seen… …but I’m not saying it’s not. Girls and Guys from Summits and Skies Project: A trailer for a 2D animated sci-fi/adventure feature Pitch: A young boy who lives in a village perched on a huge tree falls in the depths of the forest where he meets two Aboriginal strange that will help him return home Main Inspirations: Hayao Miyazaki, Jean Giraud, Syd Mead Using: Hana-bi by Joe Hisaishi... Read more

Parked by the Jukebox with Hollow Coves’ “The Woods”

Last updated on: April 15, 2015 at 3:07 pm By Joseph Susanka

A few weeks ago, quite by accident, I stumbled across the musical stylin’s of an “acoustic duo” from Australia named Hollow Coves. I’m not kidding. It was a genuine accident. I was listening to something else entirely on SoundCloud and this came on before I had time to switch back from my other tab to turn it off. But the first few moments were enough to keep me listening, and I’ve been listening to this “The Woods” single off-and-on ever since. I can’t quite describe the vibe,... Read more

The Value of Knowing Another’s Secrets, Movie-Wise

Last updated on: April 14, 2015 at 12:01 pm By Joseph Susanka

For Wilder the writer, knowledge is power, and the way he wields it is wonderful to behold. For Baxter, though, it’s much more than power. For him, it’s salvation. Read more

SSF: “Simulacra”

Last updated on: April 13, 2015 at 3:13 pm By Joseph Susanka

I’m not quite sure what the term “mustardcuffins” means. Or if it describes Theo Tagholm in any way. So I’m going with “genius” instead. Works just fine, I’m thinking. Yes, it’s a bit of a one-trick pony, so you’ll probably understand what’s going on fairly quickly. But it still feels amazing, even after you understand. The freeway stuff, in particular, made me double-take. (As I watched, I kept waiting for — and even needing — the other images to line up. With the freeways, though,... Read more

Face-Meltingly Hi-Res Rocket Launch Footage via SpaceX

Last updated on: April 10, 2015 at 5:45 pm By Joseph Susanka

Again, I include my usual “Full-Screen” and “HD” recommendations, though the warning below is a fair one. (I tried it out on 2160 at first and my Internet…pretty much died.) Oh, and HT to the good folks at Laughing Squid, who provide the InterWebs with an inordinate amount of awesome each and every week. (If you’ve got a feedreader, throw ’em in there. You won’t be disappointed. As evidenced by the video below.) Enjoy SpaceX launch footage in Ultra HD 4K. All footage... Read more

In Memory of Stan Freberg, Here’s “Elderly Man River”

Last updated on: April 10, 2015 at 3:53 pm By Joseph Susanka

I knew Stan Freberg (the “madcap adman and satirist” who passed away on Tuesday) mostly as the Beaver in Lady and the Tramp. Or as various voices in various Looney Toons production. Or as The Man We Praise and/or Blame for Weird Al. But he also did this hilarious “Elderly Man River” radio routine, which is almost Peter Schickele-like in its mastery of sarcasm, both musical and matter-of-factual. (Here’s the golden-throated Paul Robeson by way of comparison. And by way of... Read more

SVS: “The Dick Van Dyke Show”

Last updated on: April 10, 2015 at 12:05 pm By Joseph Susanka

So, confession time. But first, let me set the table (for maximum embarrassment). First, I’ve always loved Dick Van Dyke. The guy is an absolute hoot; a goofy, plastic-faced, comedic wiz; basically, a real-life (but uncreepy) Gumby. And he reminds me of my dad. I suppose that’s probably a big part of why I love him. Second, I’ve heard of the surpassing excellence of The Dick Van Dyke Show for years and years (and years and years). Including hearing about it... Read more

No Commentary Necessary — “Adam Eaton Channels Superman”

Last updated on: April 9, 2015 at 4:07 pm By Joseph Susanka

Earlier today, the White Sox’s Adam Eaton made a catch. OK, that’s not fair. He didn’t “make” a “catch.” He full-on Iron Giant-ed it. (That’s probably not an actual term, but should be. So if it’s not, I’m coinin’ it right now.) Your browser does not support iframes. Gosh. Just…wow. Definite shades of Jim Edmonds, right? Not quite as amazing, perhaps. But still, pretty darn amazing. (Also, he’s half the size of the RF. And also-also, I can’t stand Hawk.... Read more