The Gear of Alien: Covenant

In July of 2012, I was Portland, OR with a ticket in hand to see The Dark Knight Rises. The night before, we decided to see Ridley Scott’s latest sci-fi epic as a primer. Though I already knew that Prometheus was a pseudo-Alien prequel, what I didn’t know is that it that would fill my head with enough ideas to pretty much completely ruin my Batman experience and give me enough questions to think about for the next 18 months or so.

About 30 seconds into Alien: Covenant I realized it was in fact a direct follow up to Prometheus—not the indirect sequel we were initially led to believe. And I was stoked. Finally, answers would arise! Well, some questions were answered, others weren’t. But what was clear was—man, this movie looks awesome: the cast, cinematography, locations, sets, and yes… the gear.

Scott and his costume designer Janty Yates enlisted the help of fashion designer Craig Green to create a completely original, but familiar and functional look for the away team’s uniforms. I was completely struck by the textures and tones, the buckles and the brims. 

You can see from Green’s previous work that he has a knack for riffing on classic fatigues, giving them a futuristic and almost otherworldly vibe. 

From this interview with Yates, we learn that Scott instructed to his design team not to revisit what we’ve seen in the previous Alien films and do so with an eye for simplicity. Ironically, it was these fashionable threads’ lack of a space helmet that led to the team’s troubles. At least they looked good in the process.

The Vehicles of Wes Anderson

I've always enjoyed the way Wes directs vehicular action. This supercut shows just how precisely he puts together his brand of forced perspective moving shots. I have no idea how I didn't come across this video sooner. But I am glad that I discovered it eventually.

Crafted Cousteau

If you know me, you probably know I'm a massive Life Aquatic fan—a film that's openly inspired by the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Well this new biopic, entitled L’odyssée, looks like a total winner to me as well. Can't wait to see its stunning widescreen format on the big screen.

The Ultimate Batfleck Batflick

It’s official. Sounds like Ben Affleck will be writing, directing, and starring in his own standalone Batman movie. If you’re like me (and most people I’ve spoken to) Batman V Superman was barely tolerable. But the parts I tolerated the most were all about the Batfleck. I'm really into his version of this old, grizzled, fraying-on-both-ends Batman. 



I dug his Brucefleck, the Batmobile, the Batcave, the Batwing, his Batbulter, and especially his Batfighting style. In fact I’ll go as far to say—this is my all-time favorite live action version of Batman. Yes, better than Bale for sure, and even better than Keaton. Bold, I know. But that’s sincerely how I feel. And with thrillers like The Town and Gone Baby Gone sitting soundly in his filmography—I am convinced that standalone Batflick by Batfleck can and will be awesome.  

So what could it be like? Well, here’s my wishlist, prediction, my stab at what a Batfleck Batflick could and should be:

A Small Movie
First things first… this is what I’m gonna call a “small” Batman movie. This is not about saving the world. It’s not even about saving the city he loves, though that is where it all takes place. It’s all about saving someone (not Rachel!). And it all happens in a single night in the streets and on the rooftops of Gotham. And for the record, I really preferred good old Chicago doubling for Gotham from The Dark Knight.




A Different Villain
Next, this is not about The Joker in any way, shape, or form. We’ll let Suicide Squad and its inevitable sequel(s) handle that particular storyline. Oh yeah, there is also zero origin stories being told, for Batman or the villain. This film is a Hitchcockian mystery thriller showcasing Batman’s first entanglement with... The Riddler.

In this movie The Ridder is a brilliant, but unhinged master thief who’s just arrived to pillage and plunder the richest of the rich, but knows he must first trick, catch, and eradicate the Bat if wants to have his way with Gotham’s elite. He also attempts to manipulate Batman into eliminating the competition in the process... calling back to an almost Hush-like vibe.

So again, in a single night we see Bruce Wayne uncover and decode a riddle-based clue, which leads him to another and another—in a sadistic scavenger hunt all throughout Gotham. Bruce quickly surmises that whoever’s leaving these cruel clues already knows he’s Batman. So he quickly dons the cape and cowl and uses the Batmobile as his base of operations for the night, as he speeds from clue to clue in a race against the clock.



Much More Batmobile
Let me take a quick second here and talk about the Batmobile. So I didn’t not like the Batmobile in BvS. It worked for that movie. But I’m a HUGE fan of the Batmobile from Batman ’89. And I thought Nolan was for sure setting us up for the next Batmobile to be Lamborghini-based once it was featured so prominently after the destruction of the Tumbler in The Dark Knight. If you check out The History of the Batmobile fansite, you’ll see that there’s been hundreds of different Batmobile configurations over the years and the vast majority of them have been based on sports cars, including Lambos. 

For this new Batflick—Batman, will definitely need a sports car-based Batmobile, as he’ll use its amazing handling while cruising around Gotham at top speeds and avoiding any collateral damage. In fact, the Batmobile itself will actually feel like a central character in the story. The movie will be full of mind-blowing chase sequences as Batman chases the villain and in turn gets chased by cops. We’ll see lots of gadgets and gear—tons of hand to hand combat, and zero gun usage by the Bat. 




The World’s Greatest Detective
One of Batman’s primary titles is “The World’s Greatest Detective” and filmmakers constantly seem to forget this. I see very cool, very classic Batman movie here. It’s a small standalone thriller, all happening within a few hours on night. It’s got stakes. It’s action packed, but it’s also got a suspenseful twist. It’s highly focused on a single foe, who’s complex, charismatic, twisted, and ingenious—brilliantly portrayed by none other than... Casey Affleck. And it’s simply called: Riddle Me This.

The Force Awakens Trailer 3: Soundtrack Only

This music only edit of the third The Force Awakens trailer is a mind-blowing masterpiece. It's instant feels across the board and is hard evidence in hand—much like Soderbergh's silent film Raiders of the Lost Ark experiment—that JJ's accomplished something special here. Thanks to One Perfect Shot for uncovering this gem.

And just a quick note on the marketing perfection that's happening around Episode 7. Disney nailing it so hard. And though some would like to forget it, I think they really figured this out with the marketing of TRON: Legacy. If you remember, that film was seeded extremely well in the community without them giving too much away. Just the way a film should be marketed.

Celebrate Back to the Future Day with Supercuts!

First, catch every "Doc" and "Marty" ever uttered on screen from the fine folks at Screen Junkies.
 

Then go deep into the sound effects and close-ups that made me wanna go to film school.

Bat-Tac Moodboard

So unless you've been living in a cave for the last couple of weeks, you already know that new trailers for both Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad recently dropped. I thought the Suicide Squad trailer was pretty perfect (although I think Jared Leto would be a better Riddler). And I have tons of issues with the Batman v Superman trailer, but I was excited by the corresponding picture of him in a duster with these rad goggles. That bat-image inspired this bat-tactical gear moodboard.

Mad Max: Center Framed

Well, apparently Wes Anderson and Stanley Kubrick aren't the only directors obsessed with centering their cinematic compositions. I love how George Miller's technique allows you to track with the high-paced action in a way that feels right. Compare this scene to the mess of an opening sequence in Age of Ultron, and there's just no doubt what's more enjoyable to watch. 

Netflix Picks of the Month Club

The team at my agency Tribal Worldwide recently started a Netflix Picks of the Month Club. Well, this is my month and just for fun, I thought I'd share my picks.

Better Off Ted, 2009

Okay, Let’s start off with a great little TV series that’s totally binge-able over the course of a single weekend. This show only lasted two seasons, but that’s a good thing… because it’s nearly perfect. If you dig Arrested Development, you’ll absolutely love this quirky satire on climbing the corporate America ladder. 

Shut Up and Play The Hits, 2012

Even if you aren’t a fan of the electronic beats of LCD Soundsystem, this beautifully shot rockumentary chronicling their final concert at Madison Garden is simply infectious. Put it on the big screen, crank the volume, and this one pulls you in like a tractor beam. If you don’t believe me, watch its epic trailer like right now.

Unbreakable, 2000

Since someone already swiped my first pick of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, I’ll just go with straight up Unbreakable… M. Night’s best and ONLY re-watchable movie. This is easily one of the greatest superhero movies ever made and features a pre-Avengers, pre-Capital One Samuel L. Jackson in one of his coolest roles. And after you finish it, check out Patton Oswalt’s in-depth pitch for the sequel.

The Trip, 2010

This dramedy is a very English take on the classic roadtrip-buddy flick genre. Think of it as Tommy Boy with British-trained theatre actors who consume fine foods, traverse the rolling hills of Northern England, and enjoy educated conversation, all the while making you fall on the floor laughing. 

Harold & Maude, 1971

Alright, now for the coup de gras. This is one of those movies that from time to time will make you the smartest person in the room. It’s a beyond quirky cult-classic love story between equally strange peeps who are generations apart from one another in age. See a young Bud Cort (a.k.a. the bond company stooge in The Life Aquatic) drive one of the most iconic cars on film (a Jaguar hearse) to the best soundtrack ever… completely scored by none other than Cat Stevens himself.

The Life Aquatic Moodboard

So last week, I strolled into work sporting my classic Steve Zissou Halloween costume. It wasn't the first time I rocked it and it won't be the last. It's my all-time favorite movie and its style is timeless. In fact, it got me thinking. Since Wes Anderson is the definitive OH (original hipster)... does The Life Aquatic's aesthetic still work today?

I combed through Pinterest and Tumblr and stumbled on this handful of images. And in my opinion, not only does its look work along with today's vibes... this movie very well may have inspired the tone that's permeating plenty of people's pins.

BMW E28 M5 in Cry Havoc Cry

In a short film drafting heavily off of BMW's original branded content masterpiece The Hire—this short features a beautiful E28 ///M5 identical to the one my dad drove in my youth. 



Bottom line: I had no idea this car had that kind of effect on women!

Wes Anderson: Symmetry Snobbery

As if we didn't already know this already, Wes Anderson is a complete symmetry snob and I'm totally okay with it. Enjoy!

Getting Stoked for the Oscars?

Who will win the Oscar fight for Best Original Score? John Williams or Arcade Fire? I never thought that contest could possibly exist. Enjoy this clip from the scoring of Spike Jonze's in-the-not-too-distant-future film Her.

Fictional Seinfeld Movie Posters

One of my favorite running gags on Seinfeld has always been the awesome and hysterical fictional movies the gang would go see. Apparently NextMovie and Old Red Jalopy brought a handful of these imaginary masterpieces to life through a series of modern movie posters. Click on any of the sets below to enlarge.

No Rush to See Rush

Got the chance to see Ron Howard's latest flick Rush, the epic story of Formula 1 rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Don't mistake the title of this post as a negative judgement call on this one... it's a stellar, beautiful movie and you should definitely go see it. I was on the edge of my seat more than a couple of times, but if you thought it was due to intense racing scenes, you'd be wrong.

It's still a powerful story and a very cool film. However, if you're looking for a nail-biting racing-strategy car-flick, Rush may not fit the bill. Here are two Netflix instants that you may wanna check out first.

Senna
This fantastic found-footage doc couldn't have been cast any better if you tried. 

Truth in 24 II: Every Second Counts
A Jason Statham-voiced doc about the massive Audi/Peugeot rivalry at LeMans.

Back to the Knight Rider

When it all boils down to it, this blog is all about intersections. Here's a perfect example of movies, TV and cars colliding. It's a legit redux of Back to the Future meets Knight Rider. Enjoy.

Sinking Into Oblivion

Due to a variety of circumstances, I finally saw Oblivion for the very first time this weekend. For some bizzaro reason, I had no idea that it was a Joseph Kosinski brainchild. It's been a while since I've written a good film review and for me—even though I'm late to the game—Oblivion merits one.

First things first, it's more than obvious when taking both TRON: Legacy and Oblivion into consideration that Kosinski has taste. This guy knows how to inspire with both stunningly cool visuals and straight-up radical soundtracks (Daft Punk + M83 = Awesome). Both of his films feel like their cut from the same cloth in respect to their style… and I'm totally okay with that.

Next, Oblivion does a fun job of helping you feel like you already know this world by drawing on conventions and references from a slew of other flicks. Just off the top of my head, Kosinski references everything from the Stars both Wars and Trek, not to mention Wall-E, Planet of the Apes and even TRON: Legacy. In doing this, you almost instantaneously feel familiar with this film in a good way and Kosinski doesn't have to do a ton of heavily-lifting exposition all by himself.


Now, the area of opportunity that he may have missed. In conjunction with Lucas, Cameron and Roddenberry, I also grew up with with a healthy dose of Kubrick, Asimov and Bradbury… guys who created more 'science fiction' than 'sci-fi'. And their brand of science fiction didn't always end wrapped with a pretty bow. I feel if Kosinski could have introduced a little more of this brand of science fiction into his sci-fi, we'd be set.

That being said… I loved Oblivion. It's the kinda flick that just makes you feel cool while you're watching it. And was it just me or was Andrea Riseborough super crush-worthy?

Finally, between TRON and Oblivion you know that Kosinski has a deep love and respect for graphic/motion design, architecture and art direction. This little clip has some awesome insights into his graphical, storytelling process.
 

And this is an awesome behind the scenes on the creation of "The Bubble Ship"—just ignore Tom's whole, "You know… I'm a pilot." Enjoy!
 

Cars And Films

This just in from Upto12. Seville-based graphic design Jesús Prudencio has a great little project he's created. It's a series of posters featuring the combination of two of my favorite things in the world: cars and films. The project is aptly named: Cars And Films. I love the simplicity of these prints.

I also love the way he's cropped his gallery thumbnails. The gallery actually becomes a bit of a quiz. Give it a whirl, I guessed 9 outta 14. What's your score?

And last but definitely not least...

Top 10 Favorite Almost Holiday Movies

10. Edward Scissorhands

Where does snow come from? A Frankensteined man-boy making ice sculptures with scissors for hands.

9. Die Hard

It just so happens that one of the best action flicks of all time is also one of the best almost holiday movies of all time too.

8. Dumb and Dumber

This is the movie that gave us the line: Yeah, we're in the Rockies.

7. Clue

Random, I know, but we watched this movie every New Year's Eve growing up. Amazing, hysterical cast. Trust me.

6. About a Boy

Nick Hornby on the big screen brings us this line, "Do carol singers have to pay you 10 percent?" "They should, but you can't always catch the little bastards."

5. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Lots of epic movies seem to fit the holiday vibes soundly. And what's more epic than LOTR? Nada.

4. Catch Me If You Can

We saw this for the first time in the theater on Christmas Day 2002, just a few days before the first of the Kyality Kids was born. It's a surprisingly perfect almost holiday flick.

3. When Harry Met Sally

Nowadays, Mrs. Kyality and I watch THIS movie every New Year's Eve. Best dialog ever. Thank you Nora Ephron.

2. The Empire Strikes Back

Uh hello, it has an abominable snow beast… instant holiday classic.

1. The Royal Tenenbaums

Mrs. Kyality and I saw this opening weekend in NYC over the holiday break in 2001… instant memories with every viewing. Plus it has the beautiful and simple song Christmas Time is Here in it.

Skyfall: The Best of Bond?

Once in a while a franchise reboot comes around that is truly something special. I think we can all look back to moment when we first saw Casino Royale and agree that it was one of those times. It was so fresh, so subtle and so, for lack of a better term, real. And other than the lack of a proper car chase sequence, it's been my fave since. So can Skyfall do what Quantum of Solace didn't and unseat Royale as the best Bond?

Directed by a Sam Mendes, a guy known for high drama rather than high action, Skyfall is easily the most stylized of the Daniel Craig trilogy. It's the most similar to the classic films, but also has something that no other Bonds have. We see a raw 007, who gets stripped of gadgets and gizmos who has to confront his past. This shotgun-wielding, waxed canvas-wearing, DB5-driving Bond drops his stern façade and shows real emotion. This actually juxtaposes well with the climactic and somewhat playful Home Alone meets Downton Abbey sequence.

By the end of Skyfall, you realize that the Daniel Craig as 007 films have actually been a series of prequels and now the classic, campy Bond storyline begins. What I appreciated most about Skyfall, above its beautiful and straight-up cool cinematography and art direction, is how much it made me love the nuanced and gripping Casino Royale, which for me is still the best Bond.