2015 Farewells

On Episode 18: Geek Review 2015 we briefly list some of the actors, directors, producers, and others who passed away this year. (We also spotlight the best and worst geek moments of the year. Listen now.) Here is a fuller listing of the many beloved artists we said farewell to in 2015:

By Roibert Williams via Wikimedia Commons

Longtime television producer Harve Bennett worked at different times for ABC, Universal, Columbia and Paramount with credits on The Mod Squad, The Six Million Dollar Man, and The Bionic Woman. When he complained that Star Trek: The Motion Picture was boring, he was asked whether he thought he could do it better. Although he had never seen a single episode of the show, he accepted the challenge, watched all 79 episodes of the original series and created Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which many (perhaps most) fans rank as the best film of the entire Star Trek universe--and he did it with a smaller budget than the first film. He went on to produce the next three films in the series, but turned down the sixth film when it went in a different direction than he had envisioned, which involved using younger actors to portray the classic characters as young cadets during their days at Starfleet Academy--which is interestingly where the J.J. Abrams reboot takes its starting point. He died on Feb. 25 at age 84 of multiple embolisms.

Director and visual effects artist Nancy Bernstein died of colorectal cancer on Sept. 18 at age 55. Her credits include The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, X-Men and Rise of the Guardians.

Actor Martin E. Brooks made an historic first in 1976 when he became one of the first two actors to ever portray the same character on two different series. Together with Richard Anderson (as Oscar Goldman), Brooks and his character Rudy Wells crossed over from The Six Million Dollar Man to The Bionic Woman. He passed away on Dec. 7 at age 90. (Anderson is still with us at age 89.)

A producer with a Columbia University law degree, Robert Chartoff and his fellow producer Irwin Winkler won the 1976 Oscar for Best Picture for Rocky. He went on to produce all of the Rocky films, including Creed, which is currently on screens. Among his 30+ other films are The Right Stuff, Raging Bull and Ender’s Game. He died from pancreatic cancer at age 81 on June 10.

By ABC Television via
Wikimedia Commons

Yvonne Craig portrayed Batgirl on the 1960s Batman television series starring Adam West. She also is remembered for her portrayal of an Orion slave girl who wished to kill Captain Kirk on the 1969 "Whom Gods Destroy" episode of Star Trek. An active advocate for free breast cancer screenings, she died from the disease on Aug. 17 at age 78.

Master of horror Wes Craven passed away at the age of 76 from brain cancer. He directed the Nightmare on Elm Street film series introducing the now classic Freddy Krueger character and the Scream series as well as other horror favorites The Hills Have Eyes, The People Under the Stairs and Red Eye. He directed a couple of movies outside of the horror genre and even co-created a five-book graphic novel with Steve Niles, which was released in digital format in 2014 and print format shortly after his death on Aug. 30.

Screenwriter Maurice Hurley, who passed away on Feb. 24 at age 75, is best remembered as the head writer on Star Trek: The Next Generation during its first two seasons. His greatest legacy was his role in have Gates McFadden removed from the show, a decision that did not sit well with fans. After his departure, she was invited to return in the third season and remained with the show to the end, returning for all of the Star Trek films featuring the TNG cast.

Television's original Jimmy Olsen, Jack Larson, passed away on Sept. 20 at age 87. He was featured in the role on the 1950s The Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves in the title role. In addition to other roles, he made cameo appearances on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman in 1996 and in the 2006 film Superman Returns.

By Manfred Werner-Tsui
via Wikimedia Commons

Active in films and television for 67 years, Sir Christopher Lee launched his acting career after serving in the British Royal Air Force in World War II. He spent much of his early career performing in the classic monster movies, including several appearances as Count Dracula, and in Sherlock Holmes flicks. In the 1970s, he crossed over to more general-audience movies like Disney's Return from Witch Mountain and the 1979 TV film, Captain America II: Death Too Soon as well as Chuck Norris and James Bond films, although usually as the villain. In 1993, he narrated The Nightmare Before Christmas, before going on to be featured in five more Tim Burton films. He really earned his geek credibility with the turn of the new century, taking on the role of the villains Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies and Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels. He was presented with his first knighthood in 1997 receiving further British honors in 2001 and 2009 and a French won in 2011. He died of heart failure at age 93 on June 7.

Screenwriter Melissa Mathison got her first break from family friend Francis Ford Coppola as his assistant on The Godfather Part II. She first gained notoriety on the film The Black Stallion in 1979, catching the attention of rapidly rising director Steven Spielberg who collaborated with her on his 1982 film E.T. The Extraterrestrial, for which she received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. She then married Harrison Ford and had two children with him before they divorced 21 years later. Some of her other screenwriting credits include The Indian in the Cupboard and Kundun. Her most recent work, an adaptation of the Roald Dahl book The BFG, is currently in post-production with July 2016 release date. Spielberg is directing. He also is co-producing it with Sam Mercer and Frank Marshall for Disney. Mathison succumbed to neuroendocrine cancer on Nov. with , on Nov. 4 at age 65 from neuroendocrine cancer; won Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for E.T. The Extraterrestrial; second wife of Harrison Ford for 21 years and had two children with him; her final 4 at age 65. 

By NBC Television via
Wikimedia Commons

The biggest loss of the year for most sci fi fans is undoubtedly Leonard Nimoy's death on Feb. 28 from COPD. Internationally lauded for his portrayal of Spock on Star Trek, Star Trek: The Animated Series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and eight of the franchise's feature films. The role earned him three Emmy nominations and placed him on TV Guide's list of the 50 greatest television characters. He also appeared in two seasons of the 1960s Mission Impossible series and later appeared regularly on the series Fringe. In addition to prolific voiceover and narrative work, he hosted the documentary series In Search of. He also directed the third and fourth Star Trek movies and wrote the sixth. After his death, an asteroid was named 4864 Nimoy in his honor.

The patriarch of the 1980s TV show Eight Is Enough, Dick Van Patten started his career as a child actor on Broadway in the 1930s. He rose to geek prominence later in his career with roles in the spoofy films Spaceballs and Robing Hood: Men in Tights. Founder of the Natural Balance Pet Foods brand and an advocate for guide dog training, he passed away June 23 of complications from diabetes; he was 86.

Via Wikimedia Commons

Prolific film producer and CEO of United Artists Jerry Weintraub started his career as John Denver's talent agent in 1970s. He went on to manage major tours by legendary artists ranging from Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra to Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. Once he moved into film production, he was equally as busy, producing all of the Karate Kid films and the reboot of Ocean's Eleven and its sequels. Through his work on the Ocean's films, he became great friends with actors George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Don Cheadle, with whom he founded Not on Our Watch, a human rights organization dedicated to alleviating the genocide in Darfur. Before his death on at age 77 on July 6, he was signed on to produce the film The Legend of Tarzan, starring Alexander Skarsgard and Samuel L. Jackson. When it is released in summer 2016, it will be dedicated to his memory.

By Larry D. Moore
via Wikimedia Commons

Grace Lee Whitney is best known as Yeoman (later Chief Petty Officer and then Lt. Commander) Janice Rand in the original Star Trek series, Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Star Trek III, IV and VI. She reprised the role for an episode of Star Trek: Voyager and on two of the Star Trek web series. After being released from the cast of the original series because producers wanted Captain Kirk to have more love interests, she fell on hard times but DeForest Kelley re-discovered her and encouraged her to become involved in the fan conventions, where the fans had been asking for her. She died of natural causes at the age of 85 on May 1.

Producer Bernard Williams' geeky credits include Flash Gordon in 1980, The Bounty with Mel Gibson in 1984, and Daredevil with Ben Affleck in 2003. He died of cancer at the age 72 on Jan. 4.

Best known for her Oscar-nominated set decoration on the Sandra Bullock film Gravity, Joanne Woollard passed on Feb. 28. Other credits include Hope and Glory and Hackers.

Thanks to all of these great artists for the joy and entertainment they have brought to us. May they rest in peace.

-- First Officer Cheryl, Stardate 2015.12.28

Geek Homeworld Episode 18 Geek Review 2015

  This is our best of 2015 episode covering all things us and our geeky friends out there liked and disliked.

  It is all in this episode, you will want to listen to this one, and as always....

  Thanks for listening,

 

   SavageTechman aka Ed

   12-27-15

     Please Check out our Blog for extra content, and LIKE our Facebook page.

 

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Geek Homeworld Episode 17 The Force Unmasked

SPOILER ALERT! This episode contains major spoilers. If you have not seen The Force Awakens yet, then do not listen until you have, otherwise, listen to Episode 16 Spoiler Free Star Wars.

Episode 17 is our breakdown and discussion of Star Wars The Force Awakens in all it's greatness!

 

Thanks for listening,

SavageTechman aka Ed

12-20-15

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Guest Review: Star Wars The Force Awakens

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not yet seen the movie, do not read any further or you will see details that will spoil certain parts of the movie, including one of the most important moments of the film. STOP READING. You have been warned. (You can listen to our spoiler-free review on the podcast: Download Episode 16)

We always enjoy hearing the comments and opinions of our friends and fans! In this case, we actually saw Gaby LaRosa at the same theater for the Thursday night shows. In fact, she saw the film 30 minutes earlier than we did. We asked for her thoughts on the movie and decided to share them with all of you, too. (If you would like to submit a review, please comment on the blog, Tweet us @geekhomeworld, message us on Facebook or send an email to geekhomeworld@gmail.com.)

Embed from Getty Images

I hope you ended up enjoying the movie! I surely did... even my friends who didn't know much about the series were thoroughly entertained and their kids were as excited and captured by the world as we were as kids... which was awesome.
Daisy Ridley as Rey was remarkable. She reminded me so much of Kiera Knightley. I can say, without hyperbole, that she is the exact female protagonist I love seeing on the big screen. I eagerly awaited her scenes, with her natural, unsexualized beauty, brains, and unapologetic confidence that should never be considered unique or exceptional. Every trope shot down - no femme noir, no princess, no damsel.
John Boyega was adorable as Finn. Never has a stormtrooper pulled at my heart strings, from the beginning when we see him kneel down and freeze up seeing the Order take out the innocent, to seeing him stand up to Captain Phasma, his hilarious claims, his genuine concern for Rey, Poe, BB8. He smashed it. 
Maz Kanata was reminiscent of Edna from the Incredibles. My friends said she looked like a dried up pumpkin but I disagreed, I thought she was awesome. Along with the rest of the CGI, seamless matte painting...I'd expect no less from Lucasfilms.. esspecially now that they're working with Disney.
Han Solo was, unbelievably, my least favorite part of the movie. I was bored by his action parts (with the exception of those involving Leia...she looked great!). In truth, I am angry that he so naively approached his dangerous son on that bridge and let him get so close. Did he really trust it would be that easy? It couldn't have really gone any other way... I guess the moment was pivotal in creating an uproar and really getting us to hate Kylo Ren. I was on the fence about how truly bad he was because the film used his temper tantrums to make us laugh. I didn't really feel threatened by him until he turned against Han Solo. Then, I felt confused and hurt, angry, and I'm glad Rey slashed his face. It'll leave a fun facial scar we can use to recognize him in VIII. Though, it was hard to believe (even while hurt) he'd draw in the final fight with a untrained Rey the first time she uses the light saber. Then again, she might be the daughter/Jedi/prodigy of Luke himself, soooo...

-- Geek Homeworlder Gaby LaRosa.

Geek Homeworld Episode 16 Spoiler Free Star Wars

 Cheryl and I just saw Star Wars The Force Awakens in 3D on opening day. This is our spoiler free review of the movie.

 

  Thanks for listening,

  SavageTechman aka Ed

  12-18-15

  

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Geek Homeworld Episode 15 Geek Apocalypse

Cheryl gives you many ideas for shopping for that special geek person in your life, and Ed reviews the new X-Men Apocalypse trailer.

 

Thanks for listening,

 

SavageTechman aka Ed

12-14-15

 

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Shopping for Geeks

On Episode 15, we spotlight some web sites that specialize in helping you find the perfect gifts for the geek in your life. While you can almost certainly find something Star Wars anywhere you look this season, you might need to look a little deeper for other geeky gifts. Here is the list of web sites we mention, plus a few more:

Arcane Store offers clothing and accessories for men and women, posters, collectibles, and housewares inspired by movies and gaming. Based in London, England.

Black & Nobo Geekery calls itself a "cosplay couple with a geeky shop" on Etsy. However, there shop is closed until January 1, so you will have to wait a few weeks to check them out.

Nerdy with Children has a variety of superhero, sci fi, and real science themed shirts for the whole family from baby to mom and dad.

Stick To The Story for a selection of handcrafted wooden walking sticks or wands shipped directly to you. Based in Ontario, Canada.

Tech Gifts for Him offers cool gadgets with brief, easy-to-read reviews.

Think Geek is probably the most comprehensive online shopping site for geeks in every genre. They not only offer the usual assortment of clothing and toys, but also outdoor items and survival gear plus
stuff for your car.

Toys4Geek tweets links to great product finds.

Trektangles is a Society6 shop selling Star Trek-inspired minimalist art on prints, shirts, mugs, pillows and more.

Wonk Shop offers his and hers clothing, household items, and other fun stuff for geeks like us.


Some of Our Top Picks This Season:
All under $50!

Geek Homeworld Episode 14 Freestylin' Geeks

  Cheryl quizzes Ed about a few random geek things....

 -Which is the best geek pet?

-If I could save one science fiction planet from extinction, which one would I save and why?

-If I had an unlimited budget, and I could remake a bad science fiction movie, which one would I redo and why?

-Plus more!

 

Thanks for listening,

SavageTechman aka Ed

12-6-15

 

 

Check out this episode!

Movie Review: Victor Frankenstein, the man with a familiar name

(Listen to Episode 13: El Capitan Frankenstein for a segment with Ed and Cheryl reviewing Victor Frankenstein immediately after leaving the theater.)

"You know this story."

No, Igor. No, we don't. No matter how many times you repeat this line in the new movie Victor Frankenstein, it will not make it true!

Okay. So, we do know some stories about a man named Victor Frankenstein. But the character in this movie just happens to have the same name and the same odd obsession with building creatures out of body parts. Beyond that the screenplay by 30-year-old Max Landis (of American Ultra infamy), gleans nothing else from the original source material: the classic science fiction horror novel written by a young English girl almost 200 years ago. Max includes the character of an assistant who was introduced in the Frankenstein film series of the 1930s and 1940s. Although in that series (starring the legendary Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff), he is not named Igor. That name emerged in an entirely different horror film franchise: Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933), which was remade as House of Wax (1953) -- not to be confused with the terrible 2005 horror film of the same name. The character of Igor appears in many other franchises, including Dracula, and in the 1962 song "Monster Mash," which you can hear on radio stations every Halloween. He doesn't show up as Igor in a Frankenstein production until as late as 1971 when he appears on a Canadian sketch show. You see him again in the 1974 Mel Brooks' parody Young Frankenstein pronouncing his name as "eye-gore". Count Duckula has an Igor; so do The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Van Helsing (2004). He even has the title role in his own animated film, Igor (2008), where he is voiced by John Cusack.

Clearly, Dr. Frankenstein doesn't need Igor AND, perhaps even more clearly, Igor does not need Dr. Frankenstein. However, Victor Frankenstein definitely needs Igor. As the narrator, he strings the whole allegedly well-known story together. Of course, he also has a completely superfluous romance with Lorelei, a circus-performer-turned-high-society-gay-man's-beard. It is through Lorelei's accidental fall that Igor meets Victor. After that, Lorelei's character serves no purpose in the plot. As far as I can tell, she is in the film so that the costume designer Jany Temime (who also designed for the Harry Potter films) could make some gorgeous, brightly colored dresses.

Of course, I excuse Max Landis and director Paul McGuigan (remember Push or are you trying to forget?) for their apparently complete lack of knowledge about Frankenstein. Even the Internet Movie Database, is woefully ignorant: in its trivia section of its Victor Frankenstein entry, it notes that three of the actors in the film also star together in the television series Sherlock, which it says is "similarly based on classic Victorian literature." This could help explain why Landis sets his film in a clearly Victorian time period. Unfortunately, the original Frankenstein was written and published during the Regency period. Victoria did not become queen until two decades later. In fact, she had not even been born yet! By also setting the film in London, rather than the original Switzerland, Germany, and the Arctic, Landis avoids the dramatic landscapes that so intensely inform the drama of the novel. Then, he adds a dogged police detective determined to solve a crime and piecing together evidence while his assistant stands by in awe. All of this makes it feel like novelist Mary Shelley time travelled to have an illicit affair with Sherlock Holmes novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and then gave birth to this bastard of a movie.

View image | gettyimages.com

But, as veteran English actress Dame Joan Plowright says in one of her films, "There are no bastard children, only bastard parents!" Indeed, for all its tortured storytelling, faulty green-screen work, and over-the-top everything else, Victor Frankenstein is a beautiful bastard. This is due entirely to the incredibly engaging performances of James McAvoy in the title role, Daniel Radcliffe as the baffled but brilliant Igor, and an outstanding supporting cast. (Be sure to look for Game of Thrones' Charles Dance reprising his bad-father-of-the-year character -- careful not to get typecast, Charles.) Add in well-designed sets, excellent sound editing, some great cinematography, and fantastic costumes, and you can almost (almost, I said) forget the evil monkey creature and the special guest appearance by the Incredible Hulk (apologies to Mark Ruffalo) at the end of the film.

Despite my great love for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (the book, not the 1994 Kenneth Branagh film Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which you can hear me rant about on Geek Home World Episode 7: Franken-Geek), I must admit that I did enjoy this movie. I almost pulled a muscle rolling my eyes at times, but I was definitely convinced by the Wonder Twin powers of McAvoy and Radcliffe. These two must appear again on screen as soon as possible, but in a movie that is more suitable to their considerable talents.

-- First Officer Cheryl, Stardate 2015.336

P.S. I just developed a brilliant theory that could explain all of this film's departures from the original source material: this Victor Frankenstein is the English grandson of Mary Shelley's Swiss Victor Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein the Younger's father is so angry because he knows that his own father's "unholy pursuits" led to his demise in the frozen wasteland of the Arctic. I'm not quite sure when Victor Frankenstein the Elder procreated since his wife died on their wedding night, but he did go to college and he could have met a tempting sorority girl or waitress at the local bar. Whew! I love resolving a paradox. I feel much better now...

The Original:



Films Based on the Frankenstein