DVD Review: Thor (Blu-ray)

When it comes to bringing comic books to the big screen, nobody does it better these days than Marvel.  With the blockbuster performance of Iron Man, Marvel Studios proved that "if you want something done right, you do it yourself."  With strong performances, heavy nods to the comic book faithful, and a strong continuity tying the movies together, all building up to next year's release of big budget, ensemble adaptation of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, The Avengers.

A couple of weeks ago, yet another member of the "Avengers Assembled" club made his way to home theaters with the release of Thor on DVD and Blu-ray.  It's officially "Hammer Time" (sorry about that, but I think everyone in the media is contractually obligated to make the M.C. Hammer reference) as Marvel's God of Thunder enters the battlefield.  But is the flick that perfect storm of action and adventure waiting to electrify comic book fans and filmgoers alike?  Or is simply more Hollywood bluster, amounting to little more than a special effects laden tempest in the proverbial teapot?

Game Review: Marvel Super Hero Squad Online (PC)

In case you're just tuning in here, there's something you guys should know about me.  I am a self-professed and unapologetic comic book fanboy.  Marvel, DC, IDW, Dark Horse ... it doesn't matter.  I love the art, the writing, the characters, and pretty much everything about the medium.  Heck, before I got into this whole writing shtick, I even managed a couple of comic book shops.

Because of this "fanboy" mentality, whenever I see a new movie, TV show, or video game coming out based on a comic book, I kinda feel obligated to at least check it out and see if it's any good.  So when Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society released the kid-friendly, free-to-play MMO based on Marvel Comics' Super Hero Squad ... well, who was I to pass up a chance to "Hero up!" and save the day?

Music Review: Lady Antebellum - Own The Night

I am by no means a music critic. I select music solely based on how it makes me feel, and I know I can always count on Lady Antebellum when it comes to matters of the heart. Their latest album, Own The Night, is chock full of songs that will make your soul ache for that lost love who still haunts you.

I was pleased to hear more duets featuring Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott. They both have amazing voices and I love hearing them sing together. I wasn’t so sure about Charles Kelley when he started singing more, and it wasn’t just Hillary Scott in the limelight, but he has definitely worked his way into my heart and I was thrilled to hear more of his sexy voice.

The King Has Returned!

For those people who weren't around in 1994 and for those who didn't want to see it in IMAX format in 2002, or those who for some other reason missed it the first two times it was released, Disney has re-released its blockbuster hit, The Lion King, in theaters this week. This time those marketing marvels at Disney have added a 3D format to the film (no doubt hoping to cash in on the current 3D craze sweeping theaters all over the country).

Generally speaking, I tend to think of 3D as a sort of gimmick, like the B-grade movies that filled drive-in theaters and matinees back in the 1950's with their accompanying cheesy special effects. And for me at least, I received the news that Disney had given this animated classic the 3D treatment with more than a little skepticism, despite my innitial delight at the thought of seeing it again in theaters.  The Lion King is a modern piece of storytelling genius that doesn't need any gimmicks to entice me to see it again in all its theatrical glory. That having been said, I shelled out thirteen dollars to see it last night in order to discover whether the movie still stood the test of time, or if my fondness for Disney/Pixar was coloring my memory for this film.

I Want To Love the New Girl

It’s been a long time since I’ve followed a new television series. I think Lost was my last TV love. For the first time in a long time I decided I was going to pick a show from the fall lineup and give it a chance. Because of an On Demand clip that was showing while I was surfing for something interesting to watch, I decided to check out the pilot for New Girl, starring Zooey Deschanel. I saw her as a kind of kindred spirit. She’s a quirky adorable girl who has been hurt and needs to have some hope that life isn’t all cheating men and people that want to sleep with her.

A world where guys DON’T want to sleep with Zooey Deschanel? Yeah, that can only happen on television.

Deadliest Warrior Season Finale

For three seasons now, Spike TV has been pitting some of the greatest and most infamous characters throughout history against one another in mortal combat (no, not THAT "Mortal Kombat" ... though there are plenty of fatalities) in Deadliest Warrior. I'll admit, I've been a big fan of the series, and I'm constantly learning more about the history of combat, while being fascinated to see the weapons in action.  Still, I'm always left wondering how they could possibly outdo themselves.  Well, to wrap up Season 3, the Deadliest Warrior crew went out with a bang ... or rather a bite ... answering an age old fanboy question:

"Who would win in a fight between Vampires and Zombies?"

Game Review: Dead Island (PS3)

Ahh.  The clear, sunny skies.  The warm, sandy beaches. The crystal clear ocean.  Who wouldn't love to escape to a tropical resort for a while, far away from the hustle and bustle of the day to day grind?  It's a perfect little relaxing getaway.  I mean, it's not like you're going to wake up the next morning and find out paradise has suddenly been overrun by the shambling hordes of the undead looking to feast upon your flesh, right?

Damn it!  That's the last time I book a vacation through Priceline.

Shh ... don't spill the beans.

Odd.  This seems like just a random blog at first.  Ahh, but like the greatest of magic tricks, there's a lot more going on behind the scenes. "Like what?", you ask.  Well, if I told you right now, I'd be giving it all away ... and where's the fun in that?

All kidding aside, this may not look like much just yet, but it's a start.  If you've stumbled across this already and this is the only post you see, then it's a safe bet that we're still under construction.  But keep checking back with us.  Before long, PopCult POV will be a haven for all manner of pop culture fun, including news, reviews, editorials, videos, and so much more.  We're going to run the gamut here, from comic books and video games to movies and TV, and even some more esoteric facets of what's considered PopCult.

So sit back, buckle up, and get ready for a hell of a ride.