Marvel Animation brings Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man swinging our way in Jan 2025 on Disney+

I'm a huge Spider-Man fan with an attachment and love for the character that spans decades. From the classic animated series to the upcoming Disney+ show, I've loved watching Spider-Man's journey. The new animation style has a similar feel to 'What If,' and I'm looking forward to the show's creative take on the character. How do you think Marvel is doing? Ready for the Fantastic Four film? In the famous words of Stan Lee, “Excelsior!”

Lots of easter eggs and I'm expecting more once we get closer to release date and a new trailer is released.

The Truth About Star Wars and YOU

The Truth About Star Wars and YOU

The trailer for the newest entry into the Star wars universe, The Force Awakens, has now been released and I was floored by the amount of responses I saw within a short period of time. What really shocked me (yes, it still shocks me) was the negativity. Now granted, I may be bias as I am a HUGE Star Wars nerd; starting in 1978 when SW came to my local theater and at the tender age of 8, I was immediately hooked. I was instantly taken to a galaxy far, far away. 

This is where I start to speak the truth about Star Wars, so buckle up as we jump to light speed. It's gonna be a bumpy ride rides. 

My love for Star Wars is over 35 yrs long and tons and tons of money deep. From countless viewings, opening night toy runs, multiple copies of VHS, DVD's and Blu Rays purchases. Yes, I feel like I have a problem. What I don't have a problem with though; knowing that Star Wars is aimed at children. As I grew older, the series stayed aimed at the same audience. My inner child was still there but I started to see the writing on the wall.

Kids love this asshole

From Ewoks to Jar Jar Binks, all aimed for kids, not me. Light sabers, space ships, creatures...yep, all for kids...again, not me. We have to remember, we all fell in love with Star Wars as a child. I would love to be selfish and think "Lucas was making the movies for me"...but sadly, he wasn't. To me, this isn't negative...this is the charm of Star Wars.

When I became a father and The Phantom Menace came out, I immediately thought, "Midnight showing with my kids!!" Was I happy with that movie? It was ok (ok, my least favorite of the series)...it was not what I fell in love with but then it dawned on me, as my kids were asking for Jar Jar Binks toys...wait, this isn't MY Star Wars...its bigger than that. THEY loved it. Know why? Because they aren't a 26 yr old fanboy who grew up on it that shits on every possible flaw that we, as adults don't feel fits into OUR Star Wars memories. We have emotion attachment, based on various feelings we all had when we saw or had our 1st experience.  

The film and universe isn't for us...its for our kids!! Sitting and bitching about how the 90 sec teaser looks, is just silly. First, how can you judge anything in 90 secs...unless you're a guy getting your first experience of vagina, its hard to achieve pleasure in 90 secs. Well, even then, its one sided. In todays world, Disney knows YOU are going go see the movie, regardless of how much you bitch. Bitching does NOTHING. The flashy droid, the cool speeder...all aimed at kids. The new Light saber design? You guessed it...for toy sales. Once you start to accept it, its much easier to just relax and enjoy. 

Ok, maybe the lens flare is for me ;)

Will it be good? Who knows. Will I be there? Of course...with my wife and kids too. I will (probably) also buying toys I don't need and more Star Wars nonsense that will continue to clutter my house. I'm not saying we have to enjoy the thought of Jar Jar making decisions that could foil the galaxy or even the thought that Chewbacca needing to get home for Earth Day, we just have to realize, we are fans, but its our inner child that has a connection. Its time for a new generation to know what becoming a fan of the series is and making that connection. The series beginning to restart again makes me happy. Knowing we will see some of the main trilogy characters, again, makes me excited. JJ Abrams is a fanboy just like us...if anyone could make a fantastic film, it's him. Have faith boys and girls. 

Be more positive, be better for tomorrows fan...and may the force be with you.....always.

XOC Podcast #14 - Is Nothing Sacred?

XOC Podcast #14

Extreme Odd Couple Podcast

Is Nothing Sacred??

Fresh from the Royal Rumble week, Steve Corino and Rob Dimension are mad at the Nationals...do we hear boycott? The guys give their opinions on Facebook going public, Energy Drinks (good or bad) and share a plan to make America thinner. 

Then, they do the unthinkable...they taint the thoughts of Disney Animated Leading Ladies....do they have no shame?? Plus, they talk WWE network and changing the lanscape of Wrestling.

All this and so much more, right here at http://www.xocpodcast.com/. Don't forget to subscribe on iTunes and follow the guys on Twitter @SteveCorino and @RobDimension. If you would like to advertise on the #XOCPodcast, simply email Dimension at RobDimension@msn.com with Advertising in the subject header.

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Toy Story 3 - worth the price of admission

Toy Story 3 - Worth the price of admission

by: Rob Dimension

How many times have we taken the trip to the movies and been horribly disappointed? Way to many...especially for the price they charge us these-days. Toy Story 3 made it's way to theaters this past weekend and raked in $109 MILLION smackeroos (that's my Cowboy talk..sorry, best I can do) and can I say: Rightfully so. This review is Spoiler Free!!

Disney is often revered as an evil, cooperate monster, well regardless...with Pixar in the mix, they know how to put out some great films. Look at this track record - Cars, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc, Toy Story, Up and the Incredibles...wow, all fantastic films. Toy Story 3 was no exception.  I might even run to Target and grab a Buzz and hopefully get a Woody...err...that doesn't sound too P.C. actually.

This time around, Andy is all grown up and ready to head to College. The toys are in a tough predicament, will they be retired to the attic, go with Andy or possibly be donated? The story is heart-felt and all the adults will feel the little tears well up as they realize that their children will grow up and head out one day too. I don't want to get into details..would rather you check it out yourself.

Woody never wants to give up hope...he is the believer. Buzz and the rest are wanting to believe but the time for Andy to make a choice could prove a sad realization for the crew. New characters like Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear, Big Baby and Ken are fresh, fun and great additions to this classic cast. Big Baby was my favorite, newest character....not sure why..maybe cause Baby was a Goon.

I saw this in 3-D and can I say...AMAZING!! Probably the best 3-D film I have ever seen. Well worth the extra cash to see this. If I had to grade this film, it might actually get a 5 out of 5 stars. Just fantastic, except when the lady behind me dumped her popcorn on me, not Pixars fault just her clumsiness...but it was fine, I didn't have to buy any...just picked it from my head, shirt and chair.

Bottom line...it's hot outside, go to the movies and check this film out. I think you will be glad you did.