The time is soon upon us, Sean Astin was recently behind the camera directing an episode of the horror/action WB show ‘Angel’.
The episode, which airs this Wednesday, is part of a ‘Dark Sun’ plotline that has been playing out for the past month or so.
If you are not a fan of the show and care to watch, read the following to get caught up with all the latest.
Angel: The information you need to know
Angelus (David Boreanaz) is a hundred-plus year old vampire living in modern day Los Angeles. He fights the good fight alongside a team of investigators dealing with all things para-normal.
Angel was cursed with a soul by gypsies in the late 1800’s, he could no longer kill people and suffers daily with memories of his past evil deeds. His curse can only be lifted (not that he wants it to go away) by a moment of pure happiness.
Having changed his name to Angel, he works alongside Cordelia Chase (the lovely Charisma Carpenter), Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof), Charles Gunn (J. August Richards) and Winifred ‘Fred’ Burkle (Amy Acker) to kill evil deamons and other vampires.
Without getting into too many details, he also has a young son, Connor (Vincent Kartheiser) who seems to possess a great deal of Angel’s powers.
In recent weeks, a really nasty rock/goat daemon (don’t take this show too seriously) has plotted and killed his way into blotting out the sun, therefore allowing all the nasty daemons and monsters out from under their rocks and feast on the city’s helpless inhabitants. Only Angel and his team can stop him and return the sunlight.
Last weeks episode Wesley theorized that the rock daemon and Angelus (the nasty version of Angel) are somehow connected. He tells Angel the only way to find more information and kill the beast is to bring Angelus back and question him. Angel reluctantly decides to do this and, after locking himself in a cage, brings in an Asian shaman with mystic powers who claims he can exercise Angel’s soul and keep it safe.
As the shaman prepares to perform his voodoo on Angel he is exposed as an assassin for the daemon and is killed. The team learns (with the aid of massive tattoo scripture on the assassin) that an ancient sword can kill the beast. They locate the sword, and in a pitched battle between Connor, Angel and the beast, they kill him.
The sun returns to the earth and all is well. Cordelia, meanwhile expresses her true love to Angel and they share an extremely intimate moment. Angel, obviously enjoying himself, beings to lift his curse and BANG! We are suddenly back in the steel cage with the Asian shaman…his voodoo has worked, Angel thought his dreams were reality (and so did we).
The REAL reality is that the sun is still gone, the daemon is still loose, and now the very nasty Angelus is back, while Angels soul is in a jar on a table….
This is where the Sean Astin episode ‘Soulless’ beings. Take a look at the trailer. [More]
We are only three weeks away from the Official Pre-Release of the Battle of Helm’s Deep Weekend! During the weekend of FEB 22nd and 23rd, across the country and around the world, LOTR TCG players, collectors and enthusiasts will all come together and take part in one of the most exciting TCG events of all time!
On FEB 7th (which is only a few days away) at DGMA.com, you will be able to PRE-REGISTER your spot for $25 to have the incredible opportunity of taking part in this exciting event and collect a brand new LOTR TCG expansion two weeks before it is legally released in stores! For your entry fee, you will receive 1 pre-constructed Battle of Helm’s Deep Sealed Deck (either the Legolas or Eowyn theme), 3 BOHD Booster Packs and 1 Alternate Image collectible card of Theoden, King of the Golden Hall as your souvenir of this event.
BUT WHAT IS A SEALED DECK TOURNAMENT?
For those of you who do not know what a SEALED DECK tournament is, then this pre-release tournament is just for you! This is your chance to not only play in a very exciting and surprising tournament format, but to also have one of the very best and most challenging playing experiences ever.
Sealed Deck Pre-Release tournaments are incredibly fun for all skill levels – because the cards that you are playing with EQUALIZE the playing field as much as possible. Everyone will be using cards from one of two Sealed Deck themes which limit the variable of pre-constructed deck surprise. The Starter Deck lists are even available for study on Decipher’s website which you can find here.
However, the 3 Booster Packs which are also a part of your deck construction strategy keep that element of suspense very much alive as it becomes the most powerful dynamic in the format of Sealed Deck play. These cards are the “unknown” factor in the game – which is where your abilities as a player are put to the test.
But don’t worry, the most important part of this event is to HAVE FUN! Players from all over the territory will take part in this event as both collectors and enthusiasts of the game. For all of you newer players, this will be a great opportunity to learn from experts who will probably share with you a trick or two. For collectors, bring your trade binder along because with this many players congregated all in one place – there will always be an opportunity to find the cards you are looking for. And for all of you experienced players… time to put your skills to the test as you are forced to play with your wits and your talents – since this format will deprive you of the comfort of your own customized pre-constructed decks!
FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PLAYERS and LOTR TCG FANS!
For all of you who live in Southern California or nearby, you have the opportunity to attend TWO pre-release tournaments! This DOUBLE-HEADER weekend is indeed a very special circumstance and here is all of the event information at this time:
FEBRUARY 22, 2003: WIZARDS OF THE COAST – Westminster Mall (Westminster, CA)
The WIZARDS OF THE COAST Store in the Westminster Mall, Westminster CA is the Official Pre-Release Tournament location of TheOneRing.net! This tournament will be held SATURDAY, Feb. 22nd. Here is a link for all of the official tournament information for this pre-release: [EVENT DETAILS]
FEBRUARY 23, 2003: SQUEEZE PLAY – Tustin, CA
There will also be a second Pre-Release Tournament at SQUEEZE PLAY in Tustin, CA on SUNDAY, FEB 23rd. Here is a direct link to the Battle of Helm’s Deep Pre Release at Squeeze Play: [EVENT DETAILS]
Thanks all for reading. Don’t forget…Pre-Registration begins FEB 7th at www.dgma.com!
Rosamunde Brownlocks writes: TORN mentioned that Elijah Wood would be in the Young Hollywood special (See Players or Played Out? -Xo) and he was, rated at # 9. Interestingly enough, so was Dominic Monaghan.
Not only did he do a brief blurb on Elijah Wood during that segment, but he had a very funny appearance while the end credits were running – so anybody who taped this, don’t toss out the taping after Elijah Wood’s segment.
Here’s a brief description:
E! showed a clip of Dom during the credits, with him wearing a white shirt, being interviewed on the street at night (perhaps at the LA premiere?), joking with the E! crew, “mock” complaining:
“I kind of feel a little bit neglected. I’ve BEEN here a year, I don’t get ANY calls from E!, I don’t get ANY of this “hot young Hollywood” stuff.
And LOOK at me! I mean, come ON! Are you KIDDING?! This kid’s on FIRE!”
And in each of the last four sentences, he’s jerking his head down on the words with emphasis, looking down at himself, as if to say “Look! Can’t you see how sexy I am?” – with a grin on his face. Very funny and charming.
Hey gang! The title says it all. Who’s feeling goosebumps!?!
Have you ever wanted to stay-up all night gaming, but all of your friends are already sleeping? Have you ever wanted to test out your newest deck design – against someone in Russia…or China…or in Ohio? Have you every wanted to game so badly and for so long but couldn’t find a crew to match your stamina? Well then…THIS GAME IS DEFINITELY FOR YOU!!!!!
The Lord of the Rings Trading Card game is about to go ONLINE! The realm of Middle Earth will soon be set upon an all new “Fourth Age”; a digital world where players from all over the globe can compete in the style and dynamic of the “offline” version of the LOTR TCG that we have all come to enjoy without measure!
The Lord of the Rings ONLINE Website is up and completely accessible and has links to actual game screens, news-articles, notes from the designers and a link to sign-up to become a BETA tester for the game. Check out all of these fantastic goodies HERE!
And, as for some additional reading material:
The following article was the first official press release of the ONLINE LOTR TCG from August, 2002. For those of you who are new to this information…enjoy! And for those who have already read this previously… now is the time to refresh your memory and get in gear for what could become the single most exciting online TCG ever played!
And, most importantly, from now on, you will be able to return to Gaming Havens periodically and follow along with the progress of this fantastic upcoming game as we continue to bring you new information, interviews and updates as the game progressess and comes even closer to completion. But for now, here’s what’s happening:
NEWS RELEASE DECIPHER® TRADING CARD GAME STUDIO 253 granby street • norfolk, virginia 23510 – 1813 phone • 757.623.3600 • fax 757.623.3630 norfolk • denver • los angeles
DECIPHER ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR ONLINE VERSION OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS™ TRADING CARD GAME
(NORFOLK, Va., August 28, 2002) — One of the most popular trading card games available today — The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game (TCG) — is about to go digital! The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game Online will open its virtual doors to ‘round-the-clock Internet play early in 2003, Decipher announced today. Decipher is partnering with Worlds Apart Productions, widely recognized for its critically acclaimed online roleplaying game, “The Eternal City,” to produce the online version of the game.
“The Lord of the Rings TCG is simply the most incredible game Decipher has ever created, and we are extremely excited about being able to offer its game mechanics and strategies to even more players through the online version,” said Chairman and CEO Warren Holland. “The popularity of this game and the popularity of The Lord of the Rings story has the potential in my mind to create the most dynamic worldwide online gaming community the Internet has ever seen.”
The Online Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game will allow players to purchase randomly assorted card packs, build their decks, make trades, and play against a multitude of opponents just like they already do with the popular paper version. However, the nature of the Internet will allow players wherever they may be to find an opponent to play no matter the time of day.
Decipher’s partner in bringing The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game online, Worlds Apart Productions, has been developing and managing online games for six years. An announcement was made earlier this week that Worlds Apart will take over Decipher’s online game development, effective immediately. The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game Online will join the already popular Star Trek Customizable Card Game Online, which launched in May 2001.
For Immediate Release. For further information, contact:
Charlemagne sends us the transcript from SCIFI’s chat with Andy Serkis.
(SciFi.com) I’m Ben Trumble for SCIFI. Tonight we’re happy to be chatting British actor Andy Serkis, until recently perhaps best known to US audiences for his performance in the Oscar nominated film Topsy-Turvy. All that changed in December with the release of the second installment of Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, for New Line Cinema. In LOTR Andy plays Gollum, or Smeagol if you prefer, a fictional character that’s inspired generations of readers to ask the question “What’s it got in its pocketses?”. The Gollum of LOTR — The Two Towers is an unprecedented combination of actor and CGI, too magical to be real, and too real to be animation. Andy also appears opposite Michael Caine in the upcoming film Shiner. Other credits include major roles in Among Giants, Stella Does Tricks and Julien Temple’s Pandaemonium. He’s played a huge range of parts in theaters in London and across the U.K., including recent acclaimed roles in King Lear and Hush for the Royal Court Theatre.
(SciFi.com) (LegolasBow) to (SciFi.com): My question for Andy: Acting for movies is very different from acting for theater, and playing Gollum, a digital character, must be even more different than being involved in the scenes. Do you think playing a digital character has changed the way you will go about acting in the future?
(AndyS) When you boil it down, the way I approached Gollum is no different than I would any other character. Again, finding a way in is the key. Even if ultimately the character is CGI. The roots of playing Gollum is acting with other actors — which we did What Peter was after was the energy he got between my character and the other. The techincal aspects were the challange I hadn’t come across before. But working in theater before gave me stamina. It was a great marriage of skills.
(SciFi.com) (AndyCircus) to (SciFi.com): Simple question: What was your favourite / most memorable scene as gollum? Or least one of them that comes to mind…if it’s from ROTK, tell us, we won’t tell anyone, muahahaha…
(AndyS) The most complex scene is the internal debate between Gollum and Smeagol, That difines the duality of person for the audience. Frodo pulled out his humanity but its such a struggle to remain outside Gollum
(SciFi.com) (Emilie) to (SciFi.com): I’ve seen extra features to The Lord of the Rings and most of the actors say they are feel privileged to have played in it. Do you feel privileged to have played a part in the the Lord of the Rings Trilogy?
(AndyS) Absolutely, Working with Peter and the cast and especially for me working with all the technical crew. It’s been one of the most iimportant expereinces of my life. So much passion, I’m blessed to have been part of the vision
(SciFi.com) (daphna) to (SciFi.com): most of the actors say, that rotk will be heartbreaking. is that also your opinion?
(AndyS) Oh sure, The outcome is emotional for all of the characters. And its the end of a true epic For me I still have a great deal of post preduction work and motion capture I can’t wait to put the finishing touches to Gollum. I’ve been working on Gollum for almost four years one way or the other, with a slight break during the post production of FOTR
(SciFi.com) (trilluser) to (SciFi.com): How hard was it to speak in Gollum’s voice almost every day?
(AndyS) It was very diificult at first, But the vocal cords are like any muscles Once they get warmed up it helps. In actual fact, it doesn’t hurt anymore, I used to drink what we called Gollum juice. Honey, lemon, and ginger
(SciFi.com) (Arwen) to (SciFi.com): now that you are a celebrity, how does it feel to have so many fans all over the world??
(AndyS) This year for me it was quite a shock really, Obviously people don’t recognise me on the street Still, the response has been great
(SciFi.com) What can you tell us about your movie Snake?
(AndyS) Snake is a story about the national health system in the UK. It’s about 3 characters with desperate needs; A med student, A middle aged man trying to buy a kidney, And a woman who is a hooker who needs ahip replacement. They join in a hotel room and meet their needs in a messy way. I’d always wanted a chance to direct. Snake gave me a chance to return to being a visual artist. More and more I’d like to direct, I’m trying to develop several features right now. And so Snake was a pleasure
(SciFi.com) (jay4632) to (SciFi.com): Did it give you a bigger thrill to film Gollum, or to see the finished product on screen?
(AndyS) I think the process was thrilling and I enjoyed every minute of it I have a great time on set, on the motion capture stage, and with the animators So every stage had its high points. The great thrill was seeing it in front of an audience . Seeing people genuinely moved by the character was a triumph
(SciFi.com) (TankGirl) to (SciFi.com): Just how much input did you get into the final gollum product? obviously the contents, but what about the packaging?
(AndyS) All the acting choices, the psychological choices, the way that he moves and speaks was mine. Who he is. The way he moves on all fours. The notion of addiction. The facial expressions. The core of the being was what I brought to the film The look of the character The dimension, the skin, the visual — that was the animators
(SciFi.com) (Eowyn) to (SciFi.com): Did you ever get completely fed up of the whole CGI process and wish you hadn’t agreed to be in this movie? Or was it just always a lot of fun? Glad you stuck with it though, the results have been amazing!
(AndyS) Never, The difficulty for me was in photography in NZ when I knew that my real work would come in the motion studio That I wouldn’t see the final product for a long long time
(SciFi.com) (Charlemagne) to (SciFi.com): When where you first exposed to LOTR? Did you read the book before you took the job?
(AndyS) I read The Hobbit as a kid, I didn’t read LOTR until I auditioned for the part, I drew from them enormously, Tolkien gave me everything I needed to see how, Gollum moved and his inner core
(SciFi.com) (Elessar-king) to (SciFi.com): Do you remember your thoughts on Gollum from your early reading of The Hobbit?
(AndyS) I remembered an image of him from the illustration of Gollum leaning over the pool from the Hobbit. But that was about it. The conception of Gollum as he was seen in the film influenced me too. Particularl;y as he moved onb all fours
(SciFi.com) (OMGGollumIsSOSexy) to (SciFi.com): What are you opinions on each: Gollum and Smeagol? Which do you prefer?
(AndyS) I like them both, They are both a part of me Both their qualities are direct representations of who I am I have a soft spot for Smeagol because on screen he looks just like my 2 1/2 year old son
(SciFi.com) (syoung08) to (SciFi.com): I have read that you had to perform each scene 4 times. How hard, and how much time was spend perfectly replicating each scene?
(AndyS) Well, it’s actually three times, On set, Motion capture, then vocal studio. I suppose four if you count my work with animators Sometime what we came up with on set Peter wanted replicated exactly in motion capture Other times we switched over to what we discovered in post production But the core of the scenes were always what we’d done on set.
(SciFi.com) (MyPreciousssss) to (SciFi.com): After being the basis for Gollum as well as the voice, did his personality and grammar stick with you?
(AndyS) I probably have more conversations with myself than I did before
(SciFi.com) (Mellis) to (SciFi.com): Mr. Serkis, I was wondering if you thought of Gollum as more of a victim than an evil character.
(AndyS) I see him mostly as a flawed human being, He’s connection for the audience, The one character who represents the light and dark sides of each of us. I didn’t want the audience to prejudge him as evil. So I guess I made choices with Peter to make him more sympathetic. But I do see him as a victim of the Ring Like child who commits murder almost by accident. The Ring and its power did that
(SciFi.com) What’s Peter JAckson like?
(AndyS) His ability to filed thousands of questions is amazing He has such a strong narrative sense. He’s awesome The great thing about Peter is he never cracks under the strain and he always keeps it fun for everybody. He’s the Edmund Hillary of filmmaking. Like a mountain climber
(SciFi.com) (frodosbaggin) to (SciFi.com): how well did you get along with the other actors on set?
(AndyS) There were so many great times on the set. I had so much fun. I can’t think of anything that wasn’t super
(SciFi.com) (MeGgiE) to (SciFi.com): How was it filming the scenes where you struggle with Sam and Frodo in an attempt to try and steal the ring?
(AndyS) We filmed every single frame of that for real on the set. The fight We must have shot that scene about thirty times It was physically demanding
(SciFi.com) (ercirithiel) to (SciFi.com): how did they make the oliphaunts?
(AndyS) That’s an example of the animators best work. The towers were real. They used motion capture to get the movement just right
(SciFi.com) (CrazyHalk) to (SciFi.com): When doing the shot when you are spashing after the fish in the river, during that cold day, did you ever get annoyed with peter having you reshot the shot again and again?
(AndyS) For all my method acting when I hit that cold water I thought I was going to die. My body took over and kept acting, but I was freezing. And there wasn’t much left of my opwn precious after thaT
(SciFi.com) (MyPreciousssss) to (SciFi.com): If you could have chosen what character you would play, do you think you would have chosen Gollum?
(AndyS) I only wanted to play Gollum. He was just right for me
(SciFi.com) (veronica) to (SciFi.com): does the third film sticks to the book for what concerns your character?
(AndyS) Well post production is still going on so I can’t say for sure I’d say in the same way that the first two films are true to the character the third film will be as well
(SciFi.com) (OMGGollumIsSOSexy) to (SciFi.com): Did you like “Gollum’s Song”?
(AndyS) It’s beautiful and haunting and I loved the way it was performed.
(SciFi.com) What will you remember about LOTR 20 years from now when you career has moved on to other great things?
(AndyS) It will have left a deep scar in my memory — those latex suits! Seriously though roles like Gollum only come up once or twice in a career. Its like gold dust It’s been a genuine priviledge Good night now
(SciFi.com) Okay. Andy is STILL in traffic… And now’s he late for his 10PM appearance. We had to let him go. We’ll open the floor now
(SciFi.com) He said he’d love to come back next year after the last film
George writes: Viggo is going to be reading his poetry at his alma mater, St. Lawrence University. A good chance for Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal (and Kingston, etc.) fans to see him in person.
CANTON – Viggo Mortensen, star of the current hit film The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, and a 1980 graduate of St. Lawrence University, will make several public appearances at the University on Friday, February 28, and Saturday, March 1, in conjunction with an exhibition of his photographs in the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery on campus from February 28 through April 5.
Mortensen will appear at the following public events. Attendance at each requires free tickets. Friday, February 28
– Opening reception for the exhibition “Signlanguage: Photographs by Viggo Mortensen,” 7:30-8:30 p.m. and 9-10 p.m., Richard F. Brush Art Gallery. Saturday, March 1
– Poetry reading, 2:30 p.m., Gulick Theatre
– Book signing, 3-7 p.m., Brush Gallery
– Screening of the extended version of The Lord Of The Rings, Part I: The Fellowship Of The Ring, Gulick Theatre, 7:30-11 p.m., and The Underground (E.J. Noble University Center), 7:45-11:15 p.m.; each with introductory remarks by Mortensen.
In order to accommodate as many people as possible for participation in at least one event, tickets will be made available as follows:
– Any one person may request up to 2 tickets for one event only.
– Tickets will be available for in-person pick-up on Monday, February 17, beginning at 8 a.m., at the E.J. Noble University Center main desk.
– Tickets will be available to St. Lawrence University students, faculty, staff and retirees, and members of the community, through 5 p.m., on Friday, February 21. After that date and time, tickets will be available to anyone for any of the events on first-come, first-served basis.
– At all times, those who desire tickets must go to the E.J. Noble University Center main desk in person; identification will be required. No telephone requests will be accepted. Also, please note that no waiting list will be established and tickets will not be mailed out.
