Movie of the Week: The Hunger Games

You've all heard of The Hunger Games, at least.  The hype is justifiable.  People of all ages are reading the trilogy because it is brilliant.  Its accurate portrayal of the psychological damages of killing and of war, its horror of pitting children against each other in "games" for the government's own entertainment as well as for keeping control of its remaining population, and its commentary on celebrity, loyalty, human nature, class, and history repeating itself come to light.  The moment the movie was announced, no fan could wait to see the films come to life.  And that day has come.  It fares well for fans who've read the book, but perhaps because they know more about the world and the characters than the screen actually portrays.

Lord of the Rings Drinking Game!

I find the only way to tolerate Sam and Frodo (if I don't fast forward through them) is to drink.  Now you don't have to watch LOTR alone!  It'll be enjoyable with friends!  Okay, you can still watch it alone and play this, but it probably won't be as fun, and I think people would worry about your addictions.  Click after the jump to see how to play!

Community Pogs

There's nothing better than fan art for Community.  We've seen the Community cast as X-Men, but we haven't seen their faces on pogs, until now.  Vulture provides a nice dated reference to the fad of the 1990s: pogs, complete with nearly every guest star, core cast member, and recurring character. Unfortunately Annie's Boobs, Asian Annie, and a few others are missing.  And the school motto "E Pluribus Anus" probably should be the slammer, rather than the one chosen. Read on to see the image!

John Barrowman, Catherine Tate, and David Tenant Sing

If you haven't seen it yet, you will now.  John Barrowman, Catherine Tate, and David Tenant sing a tune called "The Ballad of Russell and Julie", based off this tune, in honor of Tenant's departure along with Russell T. Davies and Julie Gardner.

Review--The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond

The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond did what I had hoped and made a post-apocalyptic folk sound, a natural and primal folk music that arises out of a troubled and destroyed nation in the future.  I'd trust no one but T Bone Burnett to do so.  While the songs may not be in the movie itself, it is a nice accompaniment to set the tone for what life is like in Katniss's hometown with themes relative to her life and to the uprising.

Why Aren't You Watching Cougar Town?

You should be ashamed of yourself for not watching Cougar Town.  If you are and you're not my friend, then you should be my friend.  Being my friend is a privilege and an honor that people fight over.  Let's call this the first reason you should be watching Cougar Town.  The rest of the reasons have more to do with the show than with being my fantastic friend.

Themed Music: Drink! Drink! Drink!

In honor of the upcoming holiday that celebrates Irish heritage (but really celebrates and excuses insane drunkeness), I thought it fitting to provide the next music theme "Drink! Drink! Drink!" -- a theme comprised of songs about drinking.  (Songs for a drinking atmosphere will later ensue.)  This list will be heavy on Irish songs, as well as sea shanties, but it will inevitably encompass much more. 

"Drink!", They Might Be Giants

Everybody's favorite band that they're afraid to admit is their favorite band, except for hipsters who say it in a completely ironic way and nerds who completely own up to it with pride, is They Might Be Giants.  Their song "Drink!" might not make sense, but upon further analysis, it is just vague enough to provide multiple interpretations, but it seems to be about someone living loud on the weekends, becoming more than a wallpaper and drawing attention to themselves.  All week you're ignored in your monkey suit, but when the weekend comes, you are a monkey. "Let's drink, drink this town is so great/Drink, drink cuz it's never too late!"

Saul Zaentz Company Orders Extra Douche on Their Hobbit Deal

One of the production companies that bought the rights to Tolkien's franchise Saul Zaentz Company (SZC) have declared war on Earth.  As part of their contractual agreements, they own all property for goods and merchandise relating to The Hobbit.  Granted, New Line got anal about it with artists who weren't on commission by them when the first movie came out.  Dozens of artists, like Cincinnati-based Mike Makras (now retired), were sued or sent legal notices to cease and desist production art relating to Tolkien's world middle-earth.  Now, upon production of The Hobbit, the concern is again raised when SZC struck an all-time high of strict policies concerning their rights to The Hobbit materials.  Read on after the jump for more details and how small businesses are in danger from them.

Site of the Week 3/11/12-3/17/12: Bear McCreary's Blog

If you're the BEST kind of nerd, you LOVE Battlestar Galactica (BSG).  That's right, I'm going to say it.  And if you're the best kind of nerd, you LOVE the score to BSG from the genius mind of Bear McCreary.

Katrina Law on Spartacus' Mira

TV Guide recently interviewed Katrina Law on her role as Mira in Starz' Spartacus.  I get if you're not a fan, but the show is grounded in the historical realities of sensual fulfillment and brutal backstabbing (Get it?  Brutus?  Literally and figuratively backstabbing Caesar?) with rich characters, characters who also happen to be strong females.  I love the warrior women vibe the slave women always gave off, but it could never really come to fruition until now (though Ilythia always is ruthless in a different fashion).