Jet Li's Fearless (Huo Yuan Jia) - Directed by Ronny Yu
Rated PG-13 for violence and martial arts action throughout.

The opening minutes of what is being billed as "Jet Li's final martial arts epic" are worth the price of admission, alone. Indeed, if you're looking for stunning hand-to-hand combat sequences, Fearless delivers and then some.

Fearless chronicles the life and hardships of martial arts master, Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li). Like all good kung fu movies, this one follows a somewhat predictable plot: someone murders someone, while another seeks revenge. However, Fearless throws a few twists in to keep things interesting. And if you can look past the negative way the West is portrayed and the heavy communist undertones, you're left with a touching story of personal triumph.

With fight choreographer Yuen Wo-Ping (The Matrix trilogy, Kill Bill, Crouching Tiger) on board, top-notch fight sequences were pretty much guaranteed--but they surpassed my expectations at every turn. Featuring duals between Li and everything from a European swordsman to a Japanese Samurai, the scale of each stunt is matched only by its originality.

The only thing that I think could have been handled better in Fearless is the pacing. It's usually not a good sign when most of the final fight sequence is shown at the very beginning of the movie. Although it worked well as a means to draw my attention into the story, it left the climax feeling a bit lacking. Also, the movie gets bogged down in the middle, focusing on Li's emotional trauma. It's all good content, don't get me wrong, but I found myself counting the minutes until they got back to fighting.

If this is to be Jet Li's final martial arts movie, I do believe he has gone out on a high note. With mind-blowing, original fight sequences and a touching, emotional plot, Jet Li's Fearless is likely to be as good a martial arts film as you'll find this decade. For martial arts fans and otherwise, I highly recommend Jet Li's Fearless...Just be warned that you will need to read subtitles, so younger viewers probably wont be able to truly appreciate the story.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

09.27.06

Welcome to the latest installment of The K-Files. It was a nice treat this past week, as I was able to find the time to sit down and listen to Ian Punnett's Coast to Coast Live program in its entirety this Saturday night. I intended to feature my review of the episode this week but, as has been the case as of late, something else came up.

That night, after I fell asleep during Art Bell's broadcast, I experienced the most shocking and downright evil nightmare of my life. Disturbing beyond words, it has left me in a depressed haze these past couple days. It has also caused me to start questioning the power of dreams and the meaning of evil itself.

You'd better get ready, 'cause here come The K-Files...Full Article.

Sci-Fi Showdown GATE-TO-GATE - Week 10

Welcome to the latest edition of the Sci-Fi Showdown.

Man has time really flown by. Hard to believe that 10 short weeks ago, I started this latest series of Sci-Fi Showdown's. But, with Stargates Sg-1 and Atlantis having aired their Summer Season finales, it's time to bring the Showdown to a close.

I present to you now my reviews for the Stargate season finales. Be sure to check back next week as I award the shows and actors that I feel were the best this season.

Stargate Sg-1 ("The Quest part 1")

With the announcement of Stargate Sg-1's cancellation, I find myself cherishing each episode this 10th season. It's unclear as to how they will be ending the show come this spring, but I should think that from here on out, the shat will start to hit the fan in a big way.

In episode 10.10, The Quest part 1, things are really starting to heat up. The goal of this current story arch has been to find the Holy Grail--a weapon with the ability to destroy ascended beings. At the episode's start, Daniel (Michael Shanks) (with the help of an inspired Vala (Claudia Black), discover what must certainly be the Grail's location. However, once on the planet, things get progressively worse when after it is revealed former System Lord Ba'al is also searching for the Grail, an Ori army arrives to convert the local populace and take the weapon for themselves.

I was glad the writers decided to include Ba'al in the finale. The last remaining Goa'uld with any real power, he's played superbly by actor Cliff Simon. I always like to see former enemies team up with the good guys in end-game stories such as this. The tension between Ba'al, Teal'c and Mitchell is excellent--you can just feel the stress of Teal'c having to hold back from killing him on the spot.

Most of the finale revolved around a series of Indiana Jones-style puzzles. Sg-1 had to show themselves capable of a series of positive human qualities in order to gain access to the Holy Grail. It was nothing original, but entertaining nonetheless. However, I was a little turned off by Carter (Amanda Tapping) and her Tricorder like PDA device...it just seemed a little too Trek-like for my tastes.

Then came the episode's dramatic cliffhanger moment. Now don't get me wrong, as I like the idea in theory, but the episode ended with a long close-up on a poorly animated CGI dragon. Like something out of a Sci Fi Original crap-fest movie, it was more comical than dramatic. If this show hadn't jumped the shark so many times before, I'd say this would have been the moment...but as this show is light-hearted enough as it is, I can look past this with a little chuckle.

Can't wait to see how they bring the entire show to a close next season!

Rating: 7.75/10

---

Stargate Atlantis ("The Return part 1")

With Sg-1 slowing to its end, Stargate Atlantis is just now starting to pick up. I've always been a fan of Atlantis, but season 3 has been better than I could have ever expected. With the expansion of the Wraith and addition of the Replicators, this show is dishing out the goods more and more each week.

In the season 3.0 finale, The Return part 1, the Daedalus discovers an Ancient warship traveling at near light-speed toward the Milky Way Galaxy. After catching their attention, the ship stops and reveals that they are Ancients fleeing from Pegasus. After a joyous return to Atlantis, however, the Ancients ask that the Earth expedition leave their rightful home. Begrudgingly, the Atlantis team packs up and heads back to Earth. However, when the human-form Replicators return to greet their former masters, things don't happen as planned.

What a fine way to end this terrific Summer season. What The Return part 1 lacked in action, it certainly made up for in emotional value. With the team (temporarily, of course) breaking up, much of the episode was concerned with the characters saying their goodbye's and being forced to continue with their lives back on Earth. Of the cast, Dr. Weir (Torri Higginson) was hit the hardest, with Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) and Dr. Beckett (Paul McGillion) taking it upon themselves to help cheer her up.

Also worth mentioning was Richard Dean Anderson's guest starring role as General O'Neill. Surprising that Anderson appeared in Atlantis' finale as opposed to Sg-1's, but not at all unwelcomed. And after the episode's top-notch conclusion, it looks like Anderson will return next season on Atlantis, as well. The more Richard Dean, the better, I say.

But with a touching script and monster cliffhanger, this season finale is one for the record books. It was truly the perfect way to bring this superb season to a close.

Rating: 9/10

Thus concludes the Week 10 reviews for the Sci-Fi Showdown, Gate-to-Gate edition. Again, be sure to check back next week as I declare my favorite episodes, actors, and much, much more.

~Khyron, 2006

09.20.06

Welcome to this week's installment of The K-Files. With September nearing its end, chill is starting to creep its way back into Minnesota weather. It's getting darker more quickly, the wind is picking up, and I am retreating to my warm bed faster and faster at night. Because of this, I'm also starting to rediscover my love of terrestrial radio.

Getting back into a more routine schedule of Coast to Coast AM listening, I found myself really getting into George's Monday, September 18th interview with self-proclaimed psychic vampire, Michelle Belanger. It wasn't an episode I would usually listen to, but I'm glad that I did. The vampire subculture she explained made for an interesting interview. This week I will give my take on these 'real' vampires.

You'd better get ready, 'cause here come The K-Files...Full Article.

Sci-Fi Showdown GATE-TO-GATE - Weeks 8 + 9

Welcome to the latest edition of the Sci-Fi Showdown.

Unfortunately, I was unable to watch the week 8 episodes in time for a review last week because of a mechanical malfunction on my DVR. However, I have since found other means to watch the episodes, so this week I present to you reviews for both week 8 and 9, in a slightly reduced format to save some time.

Stargate Sg-1 ("Memento Mori")

I reckon it was bound to happen eventually, but I just wasn't sure when and how they would handle it. I'm talking about a dedicated Vala (Claudia Black) episode. Since joining the cast full-time this season, such a themed episode was only a matter of time.

In Memento Mori, Vala is kidnapped by the Trust--an international conspiracy group (a.k.a. Sg-1's lamest enemy) being secretly controlled by the Goa'uld. After a botched rescue attempt, Vala's memory is erased, forcing her to wander the streets without a clue.

This episode would probably have been a whole heck of a lot better if I was able to watch it without having to deal with excessive pixel-ization and stuttering sound (thank you very much, Comcast digital cable...), but what little I did see, I liked. There were a few humorous and touching moments--mainly Daniel (Michael Shanks) getting emotional after Vala is thought dead, and when Mitchell (Ben Browder) is tied up to a bed nearly nude.

There was also an unintentionally funny moment in which Mitchell hops on a motorcycle--of course he puts on a helmet so we don't tell that its obviously a stunt-double. But high-speed chases aren't something we see on Sg-1, so for that I found it refreshing.

I feel bad giving this particular episode a rating, as I didn't view it as intended, but I'll do it anyway...

Rating: 8.25/10

---

Stargate Sg-1 ("Company of Theives")

Like all good Stargate Sg-1 episodes, Company of Theives was packed with plot lines.

After the spaceship Odyssey travels to the supposed location of an Ori super-gate, it is ambushed by forces of the Lucian Alliance (a.k.a. Sg-1's second lamest enemy). With Carter and the crew held hostage, it is up to Daniel, Vala, and Mitchell and Teal'c to find and rescue them.

The first thing I noticed about this episode was the edited opening sequence. I usually don't pay much attention to Sg-1 opener, but something strange caught my eye towards the end. With Vala (Claudia Black) now a full-time member of Sg-1, they have spliced her running up to the 'Gate to meet the rest of the cast. I'll admit, I laughed a little. Certainly didn't expect it.

As per the episode, it was a fine rollercoaster ride of emotions. From the emotional death of a side character to the return of a bumbling alien race, there was plenty to keep me interested. And although I've never been a big fan of the Lucian Alliance plot lines, the in-depth look at the organization in this episode was better than I expected.

Best part of the episode came at the end, however. In one of the better "oh shi-" moments I've seen in a while, a doomed alien cowls, "Damn you, Cam Mitchell!" Just classic.

Rating: 8.5/10

---

Stargate Atlantis ("McKay and Mrs. Miller")

After this episode failed to properly record on my DVR, I will admit that I had considered simply skipping it. However, I'm quite glad that I didn't. Keeping in line with the rest of Atlantis' 3rd season, this episode was a real winner.

In McKay and Mrs. Miller, Rodney (David Hewlett) ventures back to Earth in order to meet with his estranged sister. In a surge of inspiration, she developed a complex mathematical theory--one that could solve Atlantis' energy problems. However, after their experiment begins to destroy an alternate dimension, its resident McKay travels to our dimension, leading to hilarious results.

As far as Atlantis comedy is concerned, it doesn't get any better than this episode. It had it all...Rodney/Carter interaction, funny Rodney backstory, Hermiod doing what he does, an alternate, cool Rodney named 'Rod'--really anything involving Rodney was golden in this episode. This only further reinforces my belief that David Hewlett is Atlantis' strongest cast member.

Funny as all get out and even a little touching, McKay and Mrs. Miller deserves Atlantis Best-Of status.

Rating: 9.5/10

---

Stargate Atlantis ("Phantoms")

This episode was a real trip. Well written and executed, it proves that Atlantis is just as capable at delivering drama as it is comedy.

In Phantoms, the Atlantis team ventures to a planet searching for another team that failed to report back. There they find the remains of several Genii, who had apparently killed each other. After McKay discovers a mysterious Wraith generator device, the team is attacked by a deranged survivor. Now McKay must find a way to turn off the device and its brain-altering effects before the Atlantis team turn on each other.

The real stand-out performance of this episode goes to leading man Joe Flanigan. As part of his hallucination, he imagines himself back in the deserts of Afghanistan, fighting for his life against Taliban soldiers. Real-world conflict isn't presented much in the Stargate franchise, so it was interesting to see how the writers would handle it. I was impressed. The added backstory to the Sheppard character is also a great contribution to the already complex lead role.

I would also be amiss if I failed to mention Paul McGillion's performance as Dr. Beckett. Coping with his fading sanity while trying to save a wounded soldier was Atlantis drama at its best. The good doctor seems to be joining the Atlantis team more and more lately, which I think is ultimately a good thing. I would be pleased if McGillion became a regular team member.

Rating: 8.5/10

Thus concludes this jam-packed edition of The Sci-Fi Showdown. Be sure to check back next Monday when I review the Sg-1 and Atlantis mid-season finales. You won't want to miss it.

~Khyron, 2006

09.13.06

Welcome to the latest installment of The K-Files. With the 5-year anniversary of September 11th only a couple days old, I felt it only appropriate to comment on it in some way. As with last week's Steve Irwin edition, the 9/11 anniversary pretty much overshadows any other topics out there.

In this edition of The K-Files, I will be giving my $0.02 on Coast to Coast AM's 9/11 special. George Noory brought a lot of interesting guests to the table, including some first-timers and Coast veterans, alike. Although my main-man Alex Jones seemed out of it, quite a few theories (many rather outrageous) as well as some some eye-opening revelations were presented. But the episode wasn't without its flaws.

You'd better get ready, 'cause here come The K-Files...Full Article.

No reviews for today. Long story short, Comcast dropped the ball. My DVR recordings were un-watchable due to data corruption. Reviews will be up when I finally get the chance to watch the episodes.

More on this later.

The Walking Dead vol. 3: Safety Behind Bars (Image Comics)
By Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard

The following is why Robert Kirkman's 3rd The Walking Dead volume is probably one of the greatest comic books of all time.

1. Strong, graphic violence including beheadings, disembowlings, and multiple skull fractures
2. Strong, pervasive language
3. A whole lotta zombies
4. A lesbian kiss
5. The act of shooting someone, burying them, digging up their zombified corpse, and shooting them again
6. Main characters die every other page
7. Even more zombies
8. Kids get guns
9. Relentless pacing
10. Did I mention the violence?

The Walking Dead Art Gallery

09.06.06

Welcome to the latest installment of The K-Files. My original intentions were to discuss Major Ed Dames' latest appearance on Coast to Coast AM, but something more important has come up. In the wake of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's unfortunate and untimely death, the random musings of a remote viewer suddenly don't seem so special.

This week I'd just like to say a few words about Steve Irwin, how he impacted me, and how the news of his death has impacted the internet and Coast to Coast AM community.

You'd better get ready, 'cause here come The K-Files...Full Article.

*Attention* Because of an insane amount of hits from Google searches regarding Beyond Hell Lyrics, I thought it would be best to tell you now that if you're looking for lyrics, I don't have them. Do check out this picture review of the album, however. It's a sweet package.

The first thing you'll notice about GWAR's latest album is the unusual package. Unsatisfied with a simple jewel case, they've gone all out with something a little more elaborate.

I snapped a few shots of this excellent package with my iSight camera so you can get a better understanding of what to expect. I apologize if the images are a bit fuzzy, but lighting in my 'studio' is less than desirable.

First off is the front cover:



Its white background with bronze, industrial lettering certainly stands out on the shelf. I had no troubles finding this beast at Best Buy. Imposed over the GWAR logo is a reflection of Balsac. The album title is spelled out in a splattered blood effect. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the blood is shiny to the point that it almost looks raised or 3D...all very cool. And of course there's the Parental Advisory label--expect more vulgar than the previous two GWAR albums.

The package then folds out into 3 sections:



On the left is Flattus Maximus and the actual CD. In the middle there is a group shot, with Oderus taking center stage. Finally, on the right is Jizmak and a special DVD. I have yet to watch this DVD, but a sticker on the wrapper said that I would "...laugh, cry and crap your pants" over it. Sounds like a good time.

And, as if all this folding wasn't already enough, the center panel folds open one more time to reveal another little surprise:



Now the rest of the band comes into view. On the top is Beefcake, in the middle stands Oderus again, and on the bottom is of course Balsac. Behind Oderus is a cool poster/lyrics sheet.

Here's the poster, which is roughly 12" by about 8". Its nothing great, but will look pretty sweet next to my computer:



On the reverse side is a rather detailed lyrics sheet. Very cool...



Next is the actual CD. It uses the striking white background of the cover with blood oozing down from the top:



Here's the DVD. Its labeled accordingly. Thank GWAR for avoiding any confusion.



We mustn't forget the Sex Slaves...



Finally, here's a shot of the back cover. It features the song list and a cool 8-point star symbol thing:



Thus concludes this picture tour of GWAR's new album, Beyond Hell.

~Khyron, 2006

Sci-Fi Showdown GATE-TO-GATE - Weeks 6 and 7

Welcome to this special 'catch-up' edition to the Sci-Fi Showdown. Due to a hectic schedule, I've had to take a break from my weekly Stargate re-caps/reviews. I feel a little guilty about this, as I missed my chance to comment on a couple of monster Sg-1 bombshells. First off was the groundbreaking 200th episode, then the announcement of the Sg-1 cancellation soon after.

Being the huge Stargate fan that I am, I certainly have quite a lot to say on the subject of Sg-1 being cancelled. However, I was unsure on how I should handle the situation. I finally decided to just write up a series of quickie reviews for the shows I had yet to cover. As for Sg-1 having been cancelled, you can expect more on that on a later date.

So here we go. Get ready, because these reviews are about to hit you at wormhole speeds.

Stargate Sg-1 ("200")

This was probably one of the most hyped episodes of Sg-1 of all time. I remember first hearing rumors about this one when season 9 was still coming to a close. However, as is the case with such hype, I'm afraid to say "200" didn't quite live up to it. Don't get me wrong, it was an extremely entertaining episode, but I think it fell short on a couple parts.

The comedy was excellent, but suited more towards the long-time fans (rightfully so, I guess). The show played out similar to a sketch comedy program, with several imaginary scenarios filling in the thin plot. My favorite among these was a clever take at Farscape (the show from which stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black first broke out on). I only wish the segment was longer.

Yes, the comedy was good, but I only wish it was more consistent. A few of the jokes fell totally flat. Chief among these is a 'Team America'-esque puppet sketch that went on far too long.

Definitely a love-it/hate-it kind of episode, "200" delivered for long-time fans. But, most importantly, it seemed like the cast and crew had a fun time making it.

Rating: 9/10

---

Stargate Sg-1 ("Counterstrike")

It's really starting to hit the fan on Sg-1. With the Ori now invading deep in to our galaxy, things are looking grim.

"Counterstrike" picks up on the plot after the brief pause for the 200th episode. The big shocker on this one was the revelation of Vala's now fully grown daughter. How appropriate she is played by Morena Baccarin--known among sci-fi fans primarily as Inara from the short-lived 'Firefly'. Strange that all of these failed sci-fi stars made their way over to Sg-1 just in time for it to get cancelled...I guess some people just can't catch a break.

If season 10 is to be the last for Sg-1, I hope the final episodes start to take more risks. Thankfully, if they're anything like "Counterstrike," we can expect an explosive ending to this fine show. The giant explosion to mark this episode's climax was certainly unexpected and will have far-reaching effects on the dynamics of Sg-1. Bravo for not letting this season go stale.

Rating: 8/10

---

Stargate Atlantis ("The Real World")

I liked this episode...I liked it a lot. Stargate Atlantis has really impressed me this season, and "The Real World" is no exception. Featuring guest-star Richard Dean Anderson, the plot focuses on Dr. Weir and her trip into insanity.

I've noticed a lot of style experimentation in Atlantis lately, and this latest episode would best be described as Stargate meets Stephen King. Being such a departure from the normal Atlantis adventurous flair, I couldn't help but be drawn into the story.

It faced a difficult task of following the 200th episode of Sg-1, but I think held its own in terms of an enjoyment factor.

Rating: 8/10

---

Stargate Atlantis ("Common Ground")

I got a little ticked at Comcast for this episode. As I have revealed in the past, I rarely have the opportunity to watch Stargate in real time--instead I rely on my Comcast DVR to record it for me. Well, for the first time in a long time, the DVR failed to record this episode. Thankfully I was able to get home in time to watch the vast majority of it (I missed about 10 minutes, or so)...but that's just too bad, because this turned out to be a superb episode.

I'm always happy when the Genii return to Atlantis. As far as enemies go, I'd rank them above the Wraith (but below the new Replicators) in terms of coolness. This episode also gave us some more information on the attitudes and inspirations of the Wraith. It seems each episode this season tries to humanize them more and more. I wont say this is a good or bad yet, but I'm definitely interested to see where the writers will take the show's primary bad guy.

Rating: 7/10

Thus concludes this special catch-up edition of the Sci-Fi Showdown Gate-to-Gate review. Check back again next Monday when the Showdown returns to its usual format.

~Khyron