“Aliens are dicks” in crappy ‘Dark Skies’ movie

By Robbie Graham Silver Screen Saucers

"Yawn!" Alien abduction horror Dark Skies is "boring", not scary, say movie critics.

 

Now showing in US cinemas, the alien abduction horror Dark Skies is taking a kicking from movie critics who are describing it as “bland,” “banal,” and “boring.” 

Writing for io9.com, reviewer Rob Bricken’s only take-home message from the film is that “Aliens are dicks.”

Bricken notes that “Dark Skies contains more snores than scares... and definitely nothing you haven't already seen in pretty much any other alien horror flick.”

What was marketed as a powerful family drama with supernatural / sci-fi overtones “just slowly deflates into a by-the-numbers horror flick you'd be better off skipping in theaters and on home video.”

Bricken concludes: “As a viewer, I left the theater bored and somewhat annoyed. If I were an alien, though, I'd have been downright offended.”

Dark Skies– which stole (yes stole) its title from the completely unrelated and far superior UFO-themed ‘90s TV series of the same name – is currently scoring just 36% on RottenTomatoes.com.

Peter Sobczynski of the Chicago Sun-Times calls Dark Skies “a bore that even the most forgiving genre buffs will find difficult to defend or endure.”

Writing for the New York Daily News, Elizabeth Weitzman was similarly uninspired by the film: “It's not that Dark Skies is so awful you need to be warned away from it. It's just that it's so bland you might as well find something better to do.”

Entertainment Weekly’s Clark Collis, meanwhile, writes: “Sci-fi and horror fans know to keep watching the skies – but they won't be missing too much if they decide to skip this.”

For those who are insistent on forking out their hard-earned cash this month on sci-fi drama by the name of Dark Skies, give the cinema a miss... Your money will be far better spent here.

Granger Wins It For the Pacers! Oh wait....it was just another basket.

Danny Granger, former all-star and poster boy for the Indiana Pacers made his return to the court after missing the whole season with a knee injury. While he only played 19 minutes, and went 1-10 from the field(presumably there would be a little rust), he teammates reacted as if he made the game winning shot, even though the 15-footer put them up 20 early in the 4th quarter. 

I am personally in the camp that believe this was definitely pre-meditated, but I think we are all in the camp that this was hilarious.

   

Nothing like mocking your teammate for some team togetherness. Roy Hibbert raising his arms Rocky style is my favorite part. Let us know yours in the comments.

-Bford

UFO movie news round-up (22 Feb. 2013)

By Robbie Graham Silver Screen Saucers

‘Escape from Planet Earth' reviews and box-office

Released in cinemas last week, Escape from Planet Earthhas received generally negative reviews from critics, scoring a measly 27% on RottenTomatoes.comat the time of writing. The children’s film -- which sees aliens escape from Area 51 -- has so far grossedapproximately $23 million against its $40 million budget.

In one of its more positive write-ups, The Hollywood Reporter’s Stephen Farber describes Escape from Planet Earth as “Passable animated entertainment” that is “stronger on humor than adventure.”

The Wrap’s Alonso Duralde was less kind, noting that “The kids in the theater with me never mustered a single laugh or gasp of excitement” and calling the film “a black hole of entertainment.”

Laramey Legel of Film.comis even more to the point with his observation that the film “Has it all for people looking for nothing.” Ouch. 

Megan Fox to star in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’

Michael Bay has announced via his websitethat he will reunite with Megan Fox for his upcoming alien-flavored Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. There's no word yet on who Fox will play, but it seems almost certain she’ll take the role of reporter April O'Neil.

The good news is that Bay will not be directing TMNT, only producing it. The bad news is that the director is to be Jonathan Liebesman, who delivered the filmic abortions Battle Los Angeles and Wrath of the Titans. In case readers still care, the film will begin shooting in April and is currently scheduled for release on May 16, 2014.

‘Ben 10’ movie gets a writer

 

It was announced in 2011 that producer Joel Silver was working to bring Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 to the big screen. The project has been developing ever since, and now The Hollywood Reporter has it that Ryan Engle has been hired to rewrite the screenplay (which was previously drafted by Albert Torres).

 

The kids’ TV series is about a boy, Ben Tennyson, who discovers a strange wrist watch that allows him to transforms into 10 different aliens with super powers.

Engle is best known for his work on the forthcoming video game adaptation Rampage.

Expect a 2014 release.

‘The Host’: new trailer

The latest trailer for the up-coming body-snatching alien teen flick The Host...

 

 

 

J.J. Abrams to make ‘Half-Life’ and ‘Portal’ movies?

 

Big screen versions of the Half-Life and Portalvideo games may be on the horizon. Polygonreports that Gabe Newell – managing director of game company Valve – joined director J.J. Abrams on stage at the recent DICE Summit where the pair dropped hints that they are to team up creatively.

"There's an idea we have for a game that we'd like to work with Valve on," said Abrams, who recently signed-upto helm the new Star Wars movie for Disney and LucasFilm.

"We're super excited about that," Newell added, "and we also want to talk about making movies, either a 'Portal' movie or a 'Half-Life' movie... What we are actually doing here, we are recapitulating a series of conversations going on. We reached the point that we decided to do more than talk."

The first Half-Life game was released in 1998 and follows a theoretical physicist, Gordon Freeman, who opens a dimensional rift between a New Mexico research facility and a world of alien monsters called Xen.

Portal, meanwhile, is a spinoff of Half-Life released in 2007. In it, a test subject named Chell is forced to navigate a rival research company's laboratories armed with a device that can open portals through space.

For more discussion of the Half-Life franchise and other UFO-themed video games, check out this excellent article by Silver Screen Saucers’ pal Red Pill Junkie.

Life Quote or Messages for your Relative and Friends

Life is gift of God and many of people believe on this sentence because God made this univers and gave this world for us. We need life but life don't need us. Everyone loves her/his life. Life perform important work in the world. Life has animals, plants also living organism. On internet has a lot quote or messages about life. Here are two wallpapers about life. These wallpapers are all about life. Here are two beautiful and heart touching quote about life. Someone wants share life quote to her/his love. So that's way I shared these beautiful wallpapers for you. 

In first wallpaper written a beautiful and attractive quote or message. In our life we work everyday and we love our family. In our life we imagine our life seriously.  

Marvelous and beautiful stylish life quote.

 In second wallpaper written a beautiful and lovely quote. Life for you. 

Beautiful and heart touching quote or message wallpaper 2013.

What a Trade is like for the Guys on the Court

As we talk about all of the rumors going down today and tomorrow, how teams can shed cap, and how players can fit into certain systems, sometimes people forget that these are real people, and not just pawns. 

The Association on NBATV has done an unreal job to give us an inside to an NBA season, and it got super real in 2011 when they followed the Celtics. I couldn't find a smaller cut of the video, but watch the beginning of this episode and see the blank stare of Nate Robinson and the true emotion of Kendrick Perkins after they were traded to OKC just a half a year after losing in Game 7 of the finals. 

It reminds you that while the NBA is a business, it is also very real.

-Bford

NBA Trade Deadline Buzz

3:24
NYK have sent Ronnie Brewer to OKC for a second round pick.

3:17
A. Sherrod Blakely reports Jason Collins will be included with Barbosa in the Celtics trade for Jordan Crawford

3:12
As part of the Orlando deal, Milwaukee also received Gustavo Ayon and Ish Smith.
Total trade:
To Milwaukee: JJ Redick, Ayon, and Smith
To Orlando: Deron Lamb, Tobias Harris, and Beno Udrih

3:10
Hawks Trade Anthony Morrow to Dallas for Dahntay Jones

3:08
Going to Orlando from Milwaukee is Deron Lamb, Tobias Harris, and Beno Udrih in exchange for JJ Redick.

A Second trade Orlando sent Josh McRoberts to Charlotte for Hakim Warrick

2:59
JJ Redick has been traded to the Bucks according to Woj.  More details to come on who is going to the Magic

2:55
5 minutes left, just Heard OKC has traded Eric Maynor to Portland for a trade exception.

2:03
Celtics Trade Barbosa for Jordan Crawford

2:02
Toronto receives Sebastian Telfair from Phoneix for for Hamed Haddadi

1:56
Trade for Crawford not to include Fab Melo now according to Aldridge

1:49
Miami has dealt Dexter Pittman to Memphis for a second round pick and a trade exception.  Least important trade possible but figured I'd share

1:48
The Celtics will acquire Jordan Crawford for Fab Melo according to David Aldridge.  Finally a deadline day deal!

12:08
Under 3 hours left till deadline, Clippers may be going back to reengage the Celtics in trade talks.  Kings say they won't trade Tyreke or Boogie, although Tyreke is likely gone in off season so they should consider a trade.

11:38
Marc Stein has reported that the C's are kicking the tires with Tyreke Evans.  So much for Sacramento holding still at the deadline

11:23
Woj is reporting that San Antonio is a serious contender for JJ Redick

10:45

Milwaukee, Phoenix emerging as frontrunners for Josh Smith deal, league sources tell Y! Sports. Boston still a "darkhorse," one source says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 21, 2013

10:19
ESPN Chris Broussard Reports Celtics, in offering Fab Melo have targeted Wizards guard Jordan Crawford.  More if anything develops.

10:15 AM

Hawks, Bucks seriously talking on Josh Smith deal, sources tell Y! Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh among players discussed for Smith, Devin Harris.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 21, 2013

10:15AM
A lot of buzz this morning to sort thorugh, but it looks like this:
1. Atlanta is going to move Josh Smith.  Milwaukee isthe front runner with Houston as the Dark Horse.
2. JJ Redick also looks to be on the move.  Indiana and Miwaukee are being aggressive.  Woj is reporting that Orlando has secured first round picks for him, but waiting to hear best offer.
3.  Celtics are quiet, too quiet....
4. Beno Udrih may be traded from Milwaukee to Dallas, Marc Stein Reports.

8:12
We have two seperate trades to report:
1. Houston sends Marcus Morris to Phoneix for 2nd rd pick
2. Houston sends Patrick Patterson, Cole Aldrich, and Toney Douglas as well as cash to Sacramento for Thomas Robinson, Tyler Honeycut, Francisco Garcia and a future 2nd.
Ok, now we are getting somewhere.
Rapid Reaction is that Houston gets the best player, but sacrifices some depth at PF.  There team could be scary in the future.  Sacramento saves money cause they like to do that.  Phoenix i guess is a big winner giving up little for a nice rotation piece.
7:58
Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Morris has been traded to Phoenix for a future second round pick.  He also reported Thomas Robinson was on the move.  More to come

7:18
Marcus Morris is Inactive for tonight's game, Rockets supposedly weighing options between two trades.  This would be the sixth straight year Morey makes a trade.  We will keep you updated when word drops to his destination.

6:52PM
-Pacers' GM Kevin Pritchard ADAMENTLY stating that Danny Granger is not on the trading block, per Alex Kennedy of Hoops World.

6:47 PM
-Many reports are stating(including David Aldridge) that it seems as though the Clippers are going to stay put. If so, many rumors around Bledsoe would presumably stay that way, as rumores. Also, Sports Illustrated is reporting that Brandon Jennings has been taken off the table within trade discussions.


5:12
Adrian Wojnarowski has said that the Nets have made an offer for Paul Pierce.  The offer of Humphries, Brooks, and a first was not enough to entice the C's.

5:05
Ken Berger has listed Gerald Henderson as a target for the Celtics.  The Bobcats want a first in return.  Fab Melo, Barbosa, and a 1st would likely get it done.  Could the Celtics find a way to also pry away Ramon Sessions with the value of their first round pick and include Brandon Bass in the deal? A lot of questions here, but no GM is working harder than Danny Ainge this time of year. More to come......

3:45 2/20/13
A couple updates of the latest buzz we've heard.
1. The Hornets and Warriors are discussing a possible Eric Gordon for Klay Thompson trade.  The Hornets would have to take back a bad contract in return (either Biedrins or Jefferson).
2. Celtics are offering Fab Melo in return for help at the Guard Position.  Look for Sacramento to be a possible trade partner according to Joe Kaiser at ESPN. Aaron Brooks or Jimmer could be coming back to Boston in such a scenario.
3. Derick Williams is up for grabs in Minny.  The Twolves are said to be after Paul Milsap as well.

2:33 2/20/13
The latest rumors have the league waiting for word on a Josh Smith deal.  Once/if a trade for Smith goes down, the rest of the dominoes may start to fall as well.  The latest buzz for Smith is that the Hawks are determined to move him as he is not expected to resign in the offseason and they want to acquire some pieces before he bolts.  The team that looks to have the biggest edge is the Milwaukee Bucks,  who can offer Monta Ellis as the centerpiece returning to Atlanta.  The problem is that Hawks want a young player like John Henson to be included, but the Bucks refuse to include him.  Jennings, Henson, and Sanders have been determined off limits for the Bucks.

The other big storyline is whether the Celtics will decide to blow things up and rebuild for the future or bolster the roster for a postseason run.  The ball in in your court Danny Ainge, and no one has a clue what you will do.

We will be updating any rumors we here right here on our trade deadline buzz page, check in frequently for updated.

February Trade Rumors: Kevin Garnett to The Clippers

Looking back the idea of posting 21 trades in 21 days was probably fool hardy. With the same players being reported in different trades over and over it becomes difficult to come up with original trades. At this point most logical trades have been speculated upon ad nauseum. To my chagrin I've found that I am not as creative when it comes to trades as I would have liked, with this in mind I have decided to give my opinion on trades reported by major media outlets (and endlessly repeated via twitter). The first trade I will go over of this nature hits close to home in that it involves Kevin Garnett and the Celtics. Clippers fans will tell you that they are giving up too much, Celtics fans will tell you they aren't getting enough, when both fan bases in a trade complain afterwards more often than not you have a fair deal.




 The Source: This deal has been reported in many forms but its most likely form was first reported by Y! Sources Mark Spears and Adrian Wojnarowski.

Y! Sources (w/ @spearsnbayahoo): Celtics, Clippers discussing deal centered on Kevin Garnett for Bledsoe, Jordan. tinyurl.com/br53wjq
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 16, 2013

The Trade: 

Why for The Clippers:
The difference between being an elite team and a championship team is razor thin. Not being able to put your best defensive team on the floor in crunch time can be the difference between a title and an early exit. DeAndre Jordan is one of the best shot blockers in the league and takes the Clippers to a new level defensively. Unfortunately for Clippers fans Jordan is such a poor free throw shooter that he can't be trusted to be on the court when games are decided in the fourth quarter.

Kevin Garnett allows the Clippers to upgrade at the center position. With LA being the deepest team in the league the loss of Jordan and Bledsoe could be absorbed without missing much.

Garnett might not be as long, athletic or block as many shots but he is a superior defender (even at his advanced age). This is not just my opinion, it is an opinion backed up by statistics. KG gives up 98 points per 100 possessions while Jordan gives up 100, not a huge difference but there is a difference. Where Garnett really outshines Jordan is on offense, where he can not only finish in the paint but knock down the outside jumper with regularity. On top of that Garnett is one of the best passers at the center position.

Of course it would hurt the Clippers to give up young phenom Eric Bledsoe, but it would be worth it. With the return of Chauncy Billups, Bledsoe's minutes are starting to lessen. With the way Mr. Big Shot can knock down shots Clippers fans would be surprised by how little they would miss Bledsoe. Sure moving two young talented players is a risk, but if it improves their chance at a championship it is a risk they shouldn't hesitate to take. If the Clippers are reluctant to trade both young prospects they have no chance of completing a deal with Boston.

Why for Boston:
Before I get in to the reasons Boston would do this deal, there are some qualifiers that need to be stated. Kevin Garnett has a no trade clause, so he could not be traded without his consent. KG is one of the most loyal people in the league, as long as Paul Pierce is in Boston you can expect KG to be there as well. If Boston were to decide to move Pierce then I expect Kg's reluctance to abate and accept a deal.

This trade hinges on the perception that without Rajon Rondo the Boston Celtics are not a championship level team. With the chance that Garnett and Pierce retire after the year, it would be prudent for the Celtics to get something in return before that is no longer an option. Bledsoe and Jordan would be two excellent young assets for Boston to build around or move in the future.

As a Celtics fan it would hurt to see Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce go, but if it was the difference between being competitive next year rather than in five years it has to be explored. I love what both players have done for the franchise, but the overall health of the franchise has to come first.

Check out the other posts in our February Trade Rumors Series:

First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Sixth
Seventh
Eighth
Ninth
Tenth
Eleventh 
Twelfth

Week 17 Power Rankings

Power Rankings makes a return after a break during the All-Star break. While the Spurs stay on top, there was much buzz that the Clips, Heat, and Thunder all deserve a place up there as well. Let us know what you think!

(The Spurs D has been stifling this year.)

1. San Antonio Spurs 42-12
-The team has won 14 of its last 15 games including multiple wins without Tim Duncan or Manu Ginobli who were hobbled with minor leg injuries.  They have the best coach in the league, an MVP candidate in Tony Parker, and the strongest supporting cast in basketball.  They are the biggest challenger for the Heat as the postseason approaches. (AL)

2. Miami Heat 36-14
-The only question after Lebron's unreal shooting streak that remains? How many times is he going to do it again, and if anyone can stop it come playoff time. (BF)

3. Oklahoma City Thunder 39-14
-Despite not having the best record in the league I still think they have the best team.  OKC ranks number one because they play great defense, are explosive on the break and have players to knock down important shots in clutch situations. (EJ)

4. Los Angeles Clippers 39-17
-If their recent slide proved anything, this team is going nowhere without Chris Paul. And while Eric Bledsoe has shown he can be a strong back-up, his worth to gain some more bigs might be more important to the Clippers. (BF)

5. Memphis Grizzlies 33-18
-I'm still not sure what to make of this team since the trade that shipped Rudy Gay out of town went down. I actually like their team more in a normal game setting thanks to the added depth, but I worry about them in last shot opportunities without the go-to wing scorer. Memphis may not be done dealing as the deadline is just 3 days away. (AL)




6. New York Knicks 32-18
-The Knicks have looked vulnerable in their last week of games behind ice cold shooting from the likes of JR Smith and Jason Kidd.  6. The good news is that Amar'e looks like he is going to remain playing at a high level for the remainder of the season if he stays healthy. (AL)

7. Chicago Bulls 30-22
-This entire season the Bulls have outperformed expectations without Derrick Rose. However, the longer this season has gone on the less likely it seems that he will return.  Without him returning their championship ceiling is going to crash through the floor. (EJ)

(Derrick Rose might be waiting until next year, and it is probably the right, but tough choice.)

8. Denver Nuggets 33-21
-The Nuggets are finally playing up to their talent level. They are one of the hottest teams in the league, the only reason they aren’t higher is because they lack a true go to scorer who can put the team on his back. (EJ)

9. Indiana Pacers 32-21
-To me the Pacers are the only team in the east that has a chance at competing with the Heat in the Eastern Conference. They are the best rebounding team in the league. Indiana’s only downfall has been their scoring, which could be remedied when Danny Granger returns tomorrow. (EJ)

10. Brooklyn Nets 31-22
-This squad has split their last six games including a couple of nice back to back wins against Indi and Denver, but it's time they put it together more regularly.  No more excuses, they have all the pieces, it's time to see them make a run here. (AL)

11. Golden State Warriors 30-22
-No team may have needed the All-Star break than the Warriors. Losers of five in a row, the Warriors need to get back on track quickly to keep pace with the rest of the playoff teams in the West. They are scary close to drawing OKC or SAS in round one. (BF)

12. Utah Jazz 30-24
-The Jazz have been rumored to be a landing spot for Eric Bledsoe. Getting an elite point guard would give Utah great prospects at every position, making their future even brighter. (EJ)

(Could Bledsoe be the right fit in Utah?)

13. Atlanta Hawks 29-22
-Until Thursday, expect to hear Josh Smith's name come up alot. You can't expect to know where the Hawks' season is going to go until they know whether Smith is on the roster come playoff time. (BF)

14. Boston Celtics 28-24
-This team continues to defy logic, playing great ball since their team was ravaged by injuries to three key contributors.  They face their toughest stretch of the year now, with 9 of their next 11 away from The Garden.  The first of 5 straight on the road starts tomorrow in Denver, before they play a tough back to back in LA against the Lakers.  Danny Ainge will be one of the most active GMs in the next few days as he has key decisions to make about the near future of this franchise. (AL)

15. Houston Rockets 29-26
-Houston's next two games are tough against OKC and Brooklyn, but after that look for them to get hot and make their stand to hold onto their playoff spot as 7 of the 10 games after those next two games are below .500 on the season. This is Clutch City's chance to prove they are a playoff team this season. (EJ)

16. Portland Trailblazers 25-28
-Expect Portland to use the all-star break to their advantage. The Blazers play their starters heavier minutes than almost any team. Expect their starters to come back well rested and spur them to a hot start out of the all-star break. (EJ)

17. Milwaukee Bucks 26-25 
-Larry Sanders statistically is the second best defender in the league behind Tim Duncan. The Bucks should be building around him instead of watching their black hole of a back court jack up shots. Hopefully the Bucks move either Jennings or Ellis soon so that the Larry Sanders era can begin in earnest. (EJ)

(Larry Sanders is a strong part of the future of the Bucks.)

18. Los Angeles Lakers 25-29
-The loss of Jerry Buss is just another heartbreaking turn within the Lakers' disastrous season. The NBA truly lost a legend this week. (BF)

19. Dallas Mavericks 23-29 
-The Bank of Cuban is always open.  What will it buy this year? This team has playoff tested veterans, but they need another piece to truly be a scary team and make a run at the 8th seed. (AL)

20. Toronto Raptors 21-32
-This team has reached a new level of excitement since the trade.  Everyone is now healthy and if there is ever a time to make a run for a playoff spot it starts now as they are 6 game back of Milwaukee.  Look for Andrea Bargnani to be moved at the deadline too, hopefully bringing back a rotation player in return. The team has won 4 in a row and counting. (AL)

21. Detroit Pistons 21-33
-This team is one of my favorite to watch when Monroe and Drummond are both healthy. Pair those two with a good floor general in Calderon and you have the makings of an excellent team. Next year when they pair those three with a solid wing prospect expect this team to take off. (EJ)

(If the Pistons decide to keep Calderon, his unselfish, veteran attitude could pay dividends.)

22. Minnesota Timberwolves 19-31

-The wolves are in a curious position. They have a roster stocked with talent but will undoubtedly not make the playoffs due to injuries. Normally if a team has so many good players and is not in the playoff talks they sell of pieces, but since all their good pieces are injured you can expect the status quo of losing to continue in Minnesota. (EJ)

23. Philadelphia 76ers 22-29
-Blah blah blah Andrew Bynum blah blah.  I'll believe it when I see it. Until then, it's straight to the lottery for the Sixers. (AL)

24. Phoenix Suns 17-36
-The Suns are like gas station sushi: a number of a bad decisions. It wasn't a shock that literally no one for the Suns was around for all-star weekend in any form.

25. New Orleans Hornets 19-34
-The team continues to play poorly, but I am predicting much better play in the second half led by Anthony Davis.  Davis should be a double double guy night in and night out here in the final few months.  Monty Williams is a good coach too, I like this team a lot for the future. (AL)

26. Sacramento Kings 19-35
-The Kings have been working hard to try to build a base for a future. Unfortunately, their base might not even be in Sacramento. With the Kings unsure of their future, it is going to be tough to make any inside personnel situations. (BJ)

27. Washington Wizards 15-36
-The Wizards look like a decent team that could have had a chance at the 8 seed in a weaker East this year. Unfortunately injuries derailed that. The Wizards however, seem to be a team that is finally taking a turn. (BF)

28. Cleveland Cavaliers 16-37
-The Cavs have a bright future. Lost in the shuffle of Kyrie’s great play is the emergence of Tristan Thompson as an elite big man prospect.  Since Varejao has went down Thompson has shown himself to be a big that can play Robin to Kyrie’s Bat man. (EJ)

29. Orlando Magic 15-37
-The Magic are very much lost for the rest of this year. With so many injuries and many of the players tied up in contracts, the Magic are going to have to try to build from within.

30. Charlotte Bobcats 12-40 
-The Bobcats could be where the Wizards were two years ago: Alot of immature talent that needs to bloom. Unfortunately, it's tough to bloom when your veterans don't want to be there to help. Here's lookin' at you Ben Gordon. (BF)

-BFord