Doctoring Fan Films

This is a post that I have some bias in - not only do I enjoy Doctor Who (which is well documented), but I also have discussed my love of fan films in another online forum. So, in this time before the David Tennant/Matt Smith switchover, I am enjoying a couple of really strong, fan-made efforts that - in terms of episode format, scripting, tone, and even acting - very closely resemble BBC-made Who. So much so that both of these films can help ease the discomfort as we head into The Waters of Mars.

One group of fans is attempting to do an entire series of episodes, and "Fire and Ice" - the initial episode of Doctor Who 2009 - really demonstrates a well-thought-out approach, and is a remarkable effort. Much like many fan efforts, there are multiple fan references (both to UNIT and Ice Warriors), but even these help build out an episode that...is really creepy in many ways. It's a unique take on the whole Doctor-meets-companion phenomenon. The acting is relatively strong (especially Kenneth Raymond Moore as a very unique Doctor), the special effects are good (and not just in a "for-a-fan-film" way)....my only quibble is that the file I downloaded had a slightly off-kilter sound track. But even that distraction doesn't take away from a pretty strong initial episode.

Ultimately, would I download the next episode (titled "Guardian of the Solar System)? Yes, I would. Very highly. And without spoiling - the ending packs a real emotional gut punch.

However, I really like Doctor Who: Victimsight a lot more - so much so that I thought it would easily fit as a Tennant special. (Graham Seeksma patterns his Doctor after Tennant's, but there's a little bit more punch in the performance). Partnering with a local policewoman, the Doctor finds himself (falsely) accused of murder, and ends up with a very unique punishment. Much like "Fire and Ice", it's a well-written episode, with some strong direction, an intriguing premise, and a classic series reference that, admittedly, I didn't see coming.

(As a public service, I'm embedding the entire video at the bottom of this post, although the link above will take you the main page).

This is an interesting time for Who fans, but both of these films provide a great outlet. For those who enjoy Tennant-era Who, Victimsight is a fan film that could easily fit as a 10th Doctor special. For those interested in another, slightly more alternative take in the Doctor, "Fire and Ice" serves as a great alternative take for Doctor Who's next series.

Both are definitely worth your time.

I Hereby Declare Every Wednesday "Power Girl" Day

I know this has made the rounds, but I think we could all use a laugh. Enjoy!

Of Gods and Meh

It's one thing to boldly go and explore a mythology; it's another to simply just take toys and build another castle. The best fan fiction does a little bit of both; Of Gods and Men does too much of the latter and not enough of the former.

When I wrote those words for Comic Related back in May, I had not seen the third part of the three-part fan film commemorating Trek's 40th anniversary. I was secretly hoping that, in the third act, it would pull itself together and prove me wrong - that, in fact, there was still life in the Star Trek franchise.

Unfortunately, my greatest disappointments were confirmed - this is probably one of the worst pieces of Trek ever made. It's such a badly conceived, written, and acted piece of fanwank that it makes Journey's End seem like appointment television. And if JJ Abrams' movie version of the the Enterprise crew does poorly in the box office, this will be seen as the final nail in Trek's coffin.

In all fairness, it's obvious that the people involved love Trek...so then, why is this so pedestrian, so simplistic, so cliche that it's often hard to watch.

Maybe I've answered my own question - there are numerous references to classic Trek. Way too many references, not just to characters, but to plots. It happens so much that if I tried to spoil the experience for someone, they would either not believe me or shrug and walk away. This is an episode reminiscent of later Voyager or even early Enterprise - there's enough for the hardcore fan to latch onto, but it ends up being a parody of itself, like a full length version of Bring Back Kirk.

Of course, the other weakest link is the acting - one would expect bad acting from amateurs (and quite frankly, most "amateurs" would do better than this), but from people in the business for thirty plus years? Granted, it shows how dedicated they are to Trek, but to volunteer for rubbish like this seems...well, sad. And the special effects...well, I've seen better in Second Life.

I know that some readers will chastise me, either claiming that I'm not being fair and/or that I should be grateful to the producers of the New Voyages for dedicating their time and talents to a non-profit endeavor. However, there's something about this production that feels incredibly arrogant, that doesn't have the sheer joy - or sense of discovery - that classic Trek or TNG did. (Or even, I'll argue, DS9).

Granted, it's free, and you can watch online and make up your own mind. However, you will lose an hour and a half from your life, and I can think of better things to do....like watch classic Trek.

Not recommended.

My 700th Post...

...and I'm jumping on the "Happy 30th, Star Wars" bandwagon.

Enjoy!

Back in Business!

Ok, now I have the most important thing set up in my new apartment - my computer. Had to get a new phone jack installed in the second bedroom (or the "office", or even the "love shack"), but now I can catch up on blogging, thanks to Orac (the pet name for my computer).

First, the deadline for questions is April 8th (this Sunday), but only because somebody decided to monopolize it.

Secondly, I received an e-mail from Tammy Caplain, who directed the fan film Fartman: Caught in a Tight Ass, and she asked me to review it. Here goes:

For some people - like myself - Howard Stern's sense of humor is an acquired taste. However, you don't need to be a fan to enjoy Fartman: Caught in A Tight Ass. Yes, it's seven minutes of fart and poop jokes...but these are clever fart and poop jokes. (The baseball bat gag itself is worth the time). Plus, there are some clever uses of multiple frames (like on 24), the acting is appropriately tongue-in-cheek, and this film is well-made and will, at the very least, bring a goofy smile to your face. Personally, I'm hoping the sequel sees Fartman team up with Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo. Although I would recommend watching this at home, only because some employers have more rigid senses of humor. Recommended.

Reason I'm glad I moved back - guess who's returning to Channel 11 on Sunday nights? (God, it's like being back in high school)

Finally, to celebrate my becoming more settled, a video - for you!

Since I'm Under the Weather...

...a Power Girl fan film - for you! (Might be NSFW)