Star Trek Into Darkness, a review.

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Andy

Red Alert: This is a long post, and contains spoilers a little ways down. I haven’t been so excited for a summer movie this year as I’ve been for Star Trek Into Darkness. Despite 2009’s Star Trek major plot holes and logistical issues, I’ve generally been a fan of J.J. Abram’s reboot. Roddenberry’s characters are iconic enough to withstand (and even flourish from) new interpretations and perspectives. Like Batman, Spider-Man, James Bond, or even the works of Shakespeare, there’s room to explore the essentials of Star Trek from many angles. So in that regard, I enjoyed what Star Trek into Darkness had to offer: the friendship between Kirk and Spock, the rousing adventures aboard the most famous starship ever, the stirring score, and the top-notch jaw-dropping vfx. The overall plot was a nice twist on some Star Trek stories that have come before. If you’re looking for some big-budget, gorgeous … Continue reading →

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Dusting Off

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Andy

It’s been a long while since I’ve posted anything on the blog, but it’s been a crazy few months, friends. In February, I got the news (along with quite a few of my colleagues) that when my contract with DreamWorks Animation expired in April, I’d be leaving the studio. I haven’t talked about it much publicly, though friends have heard the ins and outs of my job worries and expectations. It’s a bad time in the visual effects and animation industry, with a lot of studios imploding and many jobs going to countries where the tax incentives are highest (hint: the U.S. isn’t one of them). I had an incredible run at DreamWorks and would jump at the chance to go back some day. The job lasted five and a half years, which is a lifetime in my industry, and I worked with very talented folks on some pretty amazing … Continue reading →

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Podcast Recommendations

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Andy

I recently picked up a new podcasting app for my phone, and was looking to fill it with new content. I’m already following most of the spec-fiction ‘casts, and many of the related writing and geek shows, but am looking to expand my horizons. Last week on Twitter, I asked the hivemind if they had any favorite podcast recommendations. Turns out you did. Several of you asked me to share this list once it was compiled. Here you go!  Many thanks to those who chimed in. Last week I was mostly asking for non-fiction suggestions, but if you have any recommendations at all (including story podcasts) please feel free to add them in the comments below. (They are presented here in the order they were suggested to me. No rhyme or reason or bias here, just a list of podcasts to enjoy… I tried to track down all the right … Continue reading →

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Remember, Remember the Fifth of December…

Posted on December 5, 2012 by Andy

Remember, remember the fifth of December when folks liked their booze a whole lot. No banning of sin keeps folks from their gin; that Volstead somehow forgot.* To celebrate the repeal of the Volstead Act, aka Prohibition, on this day in 1933, this one’s on me, friends: The Seelbach 1 oz Bourbon 1/2 oz Cointreau 7 dashes Angostura Bitters 7 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters Champagne Stir ingredients over ice, pour into chilled Champagne flute. Top with Champagne and garnish with lemon twist. The Seelbach is named for the Louisville, Kentucky hotel where it was invented in 1917. Folks sort of forgot about it after Prohibition, though it’s regained popularity with modern drinkers. Cheers!   *an original bit of doggerel. I couldn’t help myself.  

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