(Re)Animations: Mighty Ducks - The Animated Series

Alongside Gargoyles, Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series is one of the last cartoons of the 90s that I can remember watching that was actually worth a damn. I mean, Ducks had all of the elements necessary for a franchise of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles status: mutants, aliens, a team of equally awesome and powerful heroes, etc. Each hero even had their own archetype appearance and abilities from Duke's eyepatch and suave 007 personality to "Grin" and his behemoth strength kept in check by a peaceful nature. These guys (and gals) were made for action figures!

Having re-watched the series pilot recently (The First Face-Off), the show is still as fun to watch as it was back then. With a basic concept that involves intergalactic ducks from a planet called "Puckworld" whose passion is playing hockey, the storyline really emphasizes a lack of imagination in today's television programming. Granted, there are still a few good shows out there now, but come on: space ducks playing hockey who moonlight as super-cool vigilantes?! That's awesome!

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Trailer Terrors: Steel (1997)

Heroes don't come any bigger.

Before Batman "began" his crusade against crime or Superman "returned" to save Earth from villainy there was one superhero who was keeping in real. His name was Steel and, as portrayed by pro athlete Shaquille O'Neal, he was the baddest mofo since Shaft strolled the streets of Harlem back in 1971... except of course until it came to his own grandmother.

Truth be told, the film isn't actually half bad when compared to other cinematic superheroes of the time which included the Bradford May incarnation of Darkman, Billy Zane as The Phantom (1996) or even the dark knight himself in Tim Burton's second franchise film Batman Returns (1992). Granted, its not Academy Awards material that the director and actors are working with here, but no one can deny that its a modest improvement compared to the ill-fated O'Neal vehicle Kazaam! (1996).

There were hi-tech gangsters roaming the streets, a laser-wielding wheelchair and even Judd Nelson in the role of evil mastermind Nathaniel Burke. It was, of course, based on the DC comic of the same name which itself was a Superman spin-off, but actually took a few creative liberties with his appearance and supporting cast and despite negative box office returns, the film succeeds in providing the same cheesy superheroics that many fans came to love about Super-Friends or He-Man. An added bonus? Shaq doesn't have a single rap in the entire film.

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Terror Trailers: Defendor (2009)

Its time to fight back.

If there's one thing that film has taught me, its to never give up without a fight. From Rocky to Scarface, there's always been something cinematically heroic about the underdog who defeats the odds through sheer willpower and determination. So what better way to celebrate this Hollywood stereotype than with a socially awkward superhero named Defendor.

I'll admit that the trailer, when I first saw it on the Zombieland DVD, had me fooled that this was a straight up comedy. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective) this is definitely not the case. Closer in kin to a comedy/drama, Defendor does manage to inject some of the action of the upcoming Kick-Ass (albeit on a much more realistic level) while maintaining a dramatic pacing of The Blind Side.

As the spirited Arthur Poppington/Defendor you just can't avoid connecting with Woody Harrelson, whose childlike portrayal of Poppington reflects the proverbial inner child that resides in us all. Throw in some corrupt cops (Elias Koteas from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)), a prostitute struggling with drug addiction and dimestore childhood psychology and you have a recipe ripe for the indie circuit. Definitely a rental, you'll find (as many others) that, despite a good formula, its Harrelson's acting that really carries you through 'til the end.

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Trailer Terrors: PacMan The Movie

Saw meets old school arcade coolness.

That statement about sums up this epic slice of April Fool's Day foolishness by Therefore Productions. The indie filmmakers posted this retro remake yesterday (April 1st) and have already received over 50,000 hits (and well deservedly so)! The studio had this to say of their creation:

This 2-minute trailer satirizes and skewers Hollywood’s love for taking video games with barely any plot (e.g. Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, etc.) and turning them into abominably bad feature films. In this trailer, Pacman is given the “Saw” treatment — enter a dark and disturbing world filled with pellets, ghosts, and yes, Pacman.

It would definitely make for a sweet haunted house theme. Want more pop culture inspired PacMan madness? Insert quarter here. Be sure to tell 'em Strange Kid sent you.

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