Three bits for Monday’s musings:
1) I saw RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. Recommended. Great setup to the series. (Thought I was gonna say I went “ape”, didn’t ya? Even I’m not that easy.)
Some brilliant plot points (especially at the end. No button after the credits, but an important one after the first few begin to roll). Middle was a bit slow, but necessary. John Lithgow is brilliant, but James Franco could have showed more emotion. (Notice not even his hairstyle changes over an eight year period!)
I swear a couple of the ape closeups in the very beginning were real before the CG simians took over. (You can tell by their movement thru the forest.) For the most part, a tour de force of chimpanimation! A few blatantly obvious fake looks but overall incredible work–you’ll understand the reason for the list of “senior texture artists” and “texture artists.” You’ll believe these tree-swingers are real.
Still, I am a bit nostalgic for Roddy McDowell’s real eye reactions (amazing what he could do since his mouth appliance basically just opened and closed) and some of the Rick Baker apes of films past. But this new film is a lightyear of improvement over the stuck-rubber mouths of the originals.
Only major complaint: a completely missed opportunity to add a primal primate love story and set up the birth of the next of kin. (You’ll see what I mean.) What did you think? Comment below!
2) While searching for some files I found a cover published last century (man, that really makes it sound old, doesn’t it? It was only fifteen years ago!) It was for a ‘zine titled ComicAttractions published by a couple nice guys I met at a convention. This was back when alternative comics were more welcomed and locatable, and there were still several ‘zines covering them. (I still remember The Comics Journal online giving a favorable review to Bru-Hed’s Guide to Gettin’ Girls NOW! and having a full-page interview in Comics Buyer’s Guide when I launched Nasti: Monster Hunter. Ahh, the days of little sleep and less cash…) Anyway, here ya go:
3) Finally, here’s a mystery for all you cyber sleuths. A dear friend of mine came across an amazing find at a garage sale. It’s a Robot Mickey Mouse Clock. (See the pic–cool, right?) Trouble is, there was no box, nor are there any markings to be found anywhere on the object, other than a cryptic “Copyright Disney” underneath the clock mechanism. Nothing! An exhaustive image search on the Web garnered no additional info. (Heck, we only found one pic of the dang thing in 28 Google pages…and that site had no description either!)
So I’m tossing it out to the artful experts in the audience. Someone out there has to know something about this! Is it from this century? USA or elsewhere? Common or rare? Mass-market or limited edition? For sale or a special premium? First person to correctly identify it with year and origin gets a FREE sketch card from me of any character of their choice. And if you can offer a lead or tidbit of correct info, Craig will take 20 percent off ANY commission from me PLUS FREE SHIPPING. You can post below or email Craig at this link.
Thanks!
Hope your week is wackily wonderful and your acquired art always awesome.
Best,
Mike
Is this battery operated? Is there a cover or anything to open to reveal mechanism or a Serial Number? Any manufacturing details at all?
This has got to be made by Disney? I know that Disney also has Mickey Mouse Robot Wall clocks!
http://robotsinc.biz/S100.htm
Hi, Daniel–As mentioned above: the only markings are a cryptic “Copyright Disney” underneath the clock mechanism–which pulls out to change the watch battery; the rest of the figure is posable but is not battery or otherwise operated.
The whole figure is about three inches high or so.
But thanks for tryin’! Anyone else ever see this? Surely we can’t be the *only* ones!
You’re not alone in this hunt.
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/26302-have-you-seen-this-mickey-desk-clock
It’s amazing. I never would have believed that there’s a Disney product that has absolutely ZERO web presence. I’ve scoured the web and come up with nada.
I think this may be an Disney Employee Store item.. as in an item sold to Disney Employees only.
Hi Mike and Craig,
Any luck? I’ve got this feeling that it is an item that was once sold in either the Disney Stores in the mall (now closed?), or the employee Disney store.
I would suggest a BB for Disney fans and former employees – that may be your best bet to get a good lead.
Just saw “apes” today, and have to admit I really enjoyed it. There are a couple of genuinely great moments. None of which involved action scenes. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll say no more. Just see it. 🙂
My friend just found one of these about a half hour ago in Goodwill. Saw your pic when I was trying to see what we could find out about it. The clock mechanism slips out. Then the back comes off but I haven’t determined if the battery can be replaced. Very cute item. Maybe there is a Disney corporate site we could look at? Or Disney Collectibles search?
I bought a red one of these locally today and was told it was purchased at the UAE Disney and possibly only available at that Disney park. Hope this helps you!
Very cool! Thank you very much, Terra! Would love to see a pic of a red one if you get a chance to send it to me at your convenience (mike “at” mikepascale.com). The offer for 20% off a commission still applies as well. Rates are here: http://wednesdaysheroes.com/mike_pascale/ Just click “Contact for more info” if interested.