Journeying to The Dark World this Oc-THOR-ber!

This month of Oc-THOR-ber, the mighty THOR returns to cinemas to battle ancient evil from The Dark World. In the aftermath of Marvel's "Thor" and "Marvel's The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Alan Taylor takes over the director's chair for Thor: The Dark World with most of the cast returning from the 2011 origin movie.

Chris Hemsworth stars in his third outing as Thor, reuniting with co-star Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, who is not happy that the God of Thunder did not drop in to see her during formation of the Avengers at the invasion of New York.

Also back on this third Marvel movie, Tom Hiddleston reprises his role as Loki, whose popularity seems to be out-doing Chris Hemsworth himself! Just check out photos from movie promo events on the official Thor Facebook Page.

Loki charms the audience at SDCC 2013.

Since his surprise appearance at Loki in SDCC 2013, Tom Hiddleston certainly seems to have generated his own league of worshippers, particularly amongst the fan-girls while normal women-folk may continue to swoon over Chris Hemsworth god-like physique. Well, fans of both Team Thor and Team Loki can gasp in delight together as the Asgardian brothers look to be sharing lots of screen time together on their forthcoming journey to the Dark World.

The classic Sir Anthony Hopkins returns as Odin, the All-Father Ruler of Asgard, together with Rene Russo as Queen Frigga. Critically acclaimed Idris Elba also reprises the stoic Heimdall, gatekeeper of the Biforst rainbow bridge. 

While S.H.I.E.L.D. watches and protects mankind on Earth, the Asgardians seems to be the equivalent counterpart on the galactic scale protecting many worlds across the nine realms.

Leading the fight with Thor are Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander) and the Warriors Three: Fandral (Zachary Levi), Volstagg (Ray Stevenson) and Hogun (Tadanobu Asano).

Sif

Fandral

Volstagg

Strangely Hogun doesn't get his own poster to complete the Warriors Three, or perhaps it will be a Japan exclusive.

Hogun (left) doesn't look happy to be left out of movie posters.

Space elves get nasty in the form of Malekith, played by Chris Eccleston of Dr. Who fame. Now as Ruler of Dark Elves from the realm of Svartalfheim, Malekith plots to engulf the universe in darkness.

Thor: The Dark World will unleash at Malaysian cinemas on 31st Oc-Thor-ber, Halloween Day! Let's look forward to some Asgardian cosplay at the movie opening:

Join our party of adventurers to Asgard this Thursday 31 October, 9pm at TGV IMAX Sunway Pyramid!

If you haven't yet gotten tickets for Thor The Dark World, MBO Cinemas will be giving out FREE tickets at 7pm on this THORs-day, 31 Oc-Thor-ber.

While at MBO Cinemas, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has also identified movie cup and postcards you can take home as souvenirs. Just purchase the following Mega-Cup and Postcard Combo for RM14.90 which comes together with soft drink plus popcorn to enjoy during the movie.

4 postcards comprising 3 Thor & 1 Loki, 2 of which features shiny gold print on the movie title.

Meanwhile, GSC gives us mere mortals a chance to be worthy of Thor's mighty hammer Mjolnir. With purchase of GSC Combo 3 or Large Signature Combo 1, you can take home a mini Thor Hammer for only RM2.

GSC also has an online contest via their website for a chance to win more Thor: The Dark World movie premiums.

Movie goers to TGV Cinemas purchasing tickets online or via mobile App are entitled to win movie premiums as well. Make you purchase then enter your booking number and details through the TGV website contest form.

Lastly, Cathay Cineplexes offers their Thor popcorn combo consisting of large popcorn, soft drink in Thor tumbler and a pack of Kinder Bueno for RM16.90.

In you want to feast like an Asgardian god, try Burger King's Hammer burgers. For a RM13.95 meal, get an Angus Black Pepper Beef or Tendercrisp Chicken burger, fries and special Lemon Bolt soft drink. Plus add RM6.90 to take back a Thor or Loki steel water bottle to bring along on your adventures to the nine realms.

The Outpost M.R.T. has been hard pressed to find any Thor: The Dark World toys and collectible merchandise locally. Hasbro has once again a series of Marvel action figures for this movie, which should be stocking on shelves soon at Toys R Us or major retailers. There are 3.75in series figures, a 10in electronic effects Thor, and various role-play items like Mjolnir. So far we have only spotted the 3.75in figures at one collectible hobby shop. Goto MarvelToyNews.com for on-shelf product photos.

3.75in Thor: The Dark World action figures from Hasbro.

10in Thor with light and sound effects.

More appealing to adult collectors could be Thor and Jane Foster figures from Diamond Select Toys (DST). However as there is no offical distributor for DST in Malaysia, we can only hope specialty hobby shops will bring them in. Check out photos of these figures and cutesy Minimates series from MarvelToysNews.com.

High end collectors and fan boys / girls will be happy to note Hot Toys is once again releasing a new version of the God of Thunder for Thor: The Dark World. In fact, there are 2 versions: Thor fully armoured (as he is during epic battles) and light armour (showing off his brawny arms), the latter looking to be an exclusive release through SideshowCollectibles.com. But it looks to be a long wait for these hot toys as release dates look to be almost 1 year away.

1/6 scale figure from Hot Toys releasing in 2014.

Exclusive "light armour" version from Sideshow showing off the God of Thunder's brawny arms.

Sadly LEGO doesn't seem to have Thor: The Dark World building sets like for Avengers and Iron Man 3. So LEGO fans will just have to play out their journey to The Dark World with Thor & Loki from last year's the Avengers sets. LEGO did parody the movie poster by converting the lead characters to their LEGO minifigure equivalents:

Now both Marvel and LEGO fans can play Thor and other superheroes to smash Loki and evil cohorts in the just released LEGO Marvel Superheroes video game:

Phew, that's wrapping it up for this M.R.T. report and hope it helps our loyal followers have a truly Thor-some experience.

Now we'll just sit back and throw some hammers while counting until Thors-day for release of Thor: The Dark World!

Disclaimer: Thor and its trademarks are copyright to Marvel Entertainment, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

Star Trek Away Missions by Malaysian Trekkies

2013 has turned out to be an amazing geek-out year for Malaysian Trekkies living out their "Holodeck Adventures" of Star Trek. The year dawned with Star Trek: The Exhibition taking place in the National Science Centre / Pusat Sains Negara (PSN), Kuala Lumpur, where every serious Trekkie in the region should have beamed over. On top of hundreds of authentic props, models and costumes from the venerable sci-fi saga, even a Vulcan would have found it hard to suppress delight for the opportunity to "take command" of the Enterprise-D from its replica bridge, or to "beam up" on the transporter platform. Read our previous  survey of Star Trek: The Exhibition for further details, or feature article by The Star. The exhibition has since been concluded on 7 April 2013 and is now hosted in Taipei, Taiwan. Get latest updates from the official Facebook page.

Here's some snapshots of Trekkie Away Teams at the exhibition:

Trekkies journeyed over from neighbouring Singapore and Indonesia.

Highlight of any Trekkie visit: Manning the bridge of the Enterprise-D!

Getting beamed up from Transporter of the Enterprise, 2009 reboot era.

Trekkies interviewed in 8TV Quickie.

Following the success of 2009's Star Trek movie reboot, JJ Abrams sequel Star Trek Into Darkness finally blasted back into cinemas in May 2013. Malaysian Trekkies revelled again and turned out in force at a special Star Trek fan preview of the movie on 10 May 2013, presented in IMAX 3D at TGV cinema, 1 Utama. Fans generally responded with a firm thumbs up for Star Trek Into Darkness, often teased by aspects of the original series incorporated into this new reboot timeline... well, except perhaps the fan which screamed "Nooooo!" at the big reveal during the preview! Every visual effect was simply stunning in IMAX 3D and no doubt many fans would have returned to the cinema for 2nd or more viewings by now. For further opinion, check out this review by CinemaOnline, plus a few other opinions compiled by Says.Com.

Gathering to head Into Darkness at TGV IMAX 3D.

The Next Generation crew.

The Original Series captains.

If you want to bring home a piece of Trek, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (MRT) was hard pressed to find any official Star Trek merchandise about Malaysia. Official movie toys for Star Trek Into Darkness are Kre-O brick building products from Hasbro, which unfortunately are not being brought officially into Malaysia and no sign of them from any local retailers. Otherwise find them online from BigBadToyStore or Entertainment Earth, which ship to Malaysia.

Star Trek boardgames may be available at local Borders and Times bookstores, plus some hobby gaming shops like Toybox and Meeples. Previously sighted were Star Trek Expeditions (based on reboot movie), Catan, Fleet Captains and Deck Building Games (based on Next Generation series).

Colonise the galaxy in Star Trek Catan.

Outpost has a handful of Star Trek 6in action figures by Playmates from the preceding 2009 movie as pictured below. Please e-mail toys@outpost.com.my if interested to purchase.

While the new Enterprise mess hall hasn't been featured yet in the movies, it could be serving Galactic Burgers like these from Burger King:

Includes food vouchers valid until July 2013.

Or try your luck to win some a Star Trek Into Darkness mini-joystick and other non-Trek stuff via the GSC Watch & Win contest:

Outpost is also giving the opportunity to our Trek followers to snag Limited Edition Star Trek glow-in-the-dark posters and 6in action figures. Just submit your entries via Punchtab below by 15 June 2013 for a chance to win a toy action figures. The first 3 qualifying entries will also receive the limited edition poster. So join now and get your friends to support this giveaway!

Live Long & Prosper! Q'apla!

Giveaway Terms & Conditions:

1. This online giveaway promo commences 1 June until 15 June 2013.

2. Participation is open to all residents in Malaysia. Outpost Events personnel are not eligible to particpate.

3. First 3 submissions will automatically receive a limited edition poster.

4. Winner of the action figure will be randomly selected amongst qualified participants with correct answer to question.

5. Winner will notified within 7 days of promo closing for giveaway collection arrangements. If the winner does not response within 14 days of notification, the giveaway may be awarded to next qualified participant. Postage charges may be required if giveaways cannot be personally collected.

6. Outpost Events as the organiser reserves the rights to change these terms and conditions without prior notice.

Thank you for participating.

Disclaimer: Star Trek and its trademarks are copyright to their respective owners, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.

Time to Retaliate, G.I. Joe style!

YO JOE!

G.I. Joe : Retaliation is the sequel to G.I. Joe Rise of the Cobra from 2009, the first live-action film of Hasbro's G.I. Joe franchise which enamored many boys from the 80's with cartoons, comics and toys. G.I. Joe is an elite military unit tasked to safeguard the world against terrorist organisations like Cobra.

At the end of the Rise of Cobra, Cobra Commander was captured by the G.I. Joes and locked away in a secret prison. However, Cobra's master of disguise, Zartan, had infiltrated the white house and successfully impersonated the President of United States. Now in Retaliation, Zartan frames the Joes and orders their termination. Only a handful of Joes survive, led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Roadblock and determined to strike back. Together with Flint and Lady Jaye, Roadblock reunites with Snake Eyes and recruits other unlikely allies such as Jinx, cousin to the assassin Storm Shadow, and General (retired) Joe Colton, the "original" Joe himself played by veteran action hero, Bruce Willis.

Meet the Joes:

Roadblock

Duke

Snake Eyes

Flint

Lady Jaye / Brenda

Jinx

Joe Colton

Meanwhile, Cobra has their deadly saboteur, Firefly, hot on the heels of the Joes whilst completing new weapons to take over the world. Way to go Year of the Snake!

Cobra Commander

Storm Shadow

Firefly

How will the Joes retaliate against such overwhelming odds? Find out in G.I. Joe Retaliation, now screening at cinemas nationwide.

The Outpost Movie Recon Team (MRT) has identified a few avenues for G.I. Joe fans to get into the action with the following contests and promos for the movie: 

 AXN is never out of the action and what spells action more than the Joes. Subscribers to AXN can enter this online contest by 30 March to win G.I. Joe merchandise.

Fret not if you don't subscribe to AXN, GSC is also giving out goodies in their GI Joe website contest. 

Or if you rather use Facebook, enter through Cathay Cineplexes contest app.

Want to bring home the action? Pick-up some G.I. Joe action figures and vehicles from Toys R Us.

Hungry after all the explosions and slogan writing? Head on over to Burger King for their special G I Joe Ranger & Commando meals. Purchase 2 meals to get a TGV movie voucher (while stocks last).

Order for Snake Eyes home delivery!

The Outpost Command Crew was privileged to have caught an early preview of G.I. Joe Retaliation in IMAX 3D and gives the movie a high-5. Retaliation by Jon M Chu is distinctly different from Stephen Sommers Rise of Cobra, which could have been felt much like a live-action cartoon with enough non-stop explosions to rattle loose fillings from your teeth. So much so that most of the preceding movie cast had been dropped with only Snake Eyes and Duke returning in favour of Dwayve Johnson's Roadblock to lead the new cast. Retaliation also injects more real world feel into the action by departing from the tech-OD of sonic weapons, accelerator suits, and particle cannons.

Land, Sea, Air Featurette

It's back to guns with bullets and tanks which hiss fumes (pun intended!), which perhaps adds to the high-action sequences by making them more rooted in reality and therefore believable... well, if parrying bullets with a sword comes as believable! Oh, and Cobra Commander never looked more cool; we fairly sure director Jon M Chu must be a Cobra fan at heart (and if you want to join Cobra Special Forces, head over here). After a 9-month delay for 3D conversion, G.I. Joe Retaliation provides a great action movie experience in IMAX 3D, and probably other 3D and 2D (though we can't really say for sure until we've seen it again on these formats).

Oh, and we had some childish moments screaming "COBRA!" while cosplaying; sorry no "YO JOE!" since Snake Eyes just doesn't say anything...

Catch some G.I. Joe live-action this Sunday 31 March 2013, 1300 hours at Tropicana City Mall. Plus take the change to take part in Hasbro's NERF Challenge at the Toys R Us Toy Fair on the main concourse for the chance to take up the latest NERF N-Strike Elite blasters and other cool giveaways.

G.I. Joe Retaliation is directed by Jon M Chu and starring Dwayve Johnson as Roadblock, Ray Park as Snake Eyes, Byung-hun Lee as Storm Shadow, and Ray Stevenson as Firefly with Channing Tatum returning as Duke and Bruce Willis as Joe Colton. Catch the explosive action in 3D and especially IMAX 3D!

HOO-AH!

Standby for Outpost MRT's next feature...

Disclaimer: G.I. Joe and its associated characters are copyright to Hasbro Inc. referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.