The Amazing Screw-On Head

Vince Twelve · Fri 14/07/2006 06:57:23

I just watched this amazing new animated series from the Sci-Fi Channel. (I know the terms "amazing" and "Sci-Fi Channel" don't go together very often.)

From the Sci-Fi site:

QuoteIn this hilarious send-up of Lovecraftian horror and steampunk adventure, President Abraham Lincoln's top spy is a bodyless head known only as Screw-On Head.

When arch-fiend Emperor Zombie steals an artifact that will enable him to threaten all life on Earth, the task of stopping him is assigned to Screw-on Head. Fortunately, Screw-On Head is not alone on this perilous quest. He is aided by his multitalented manservant, Mr. Groin, and by his talking canine cohort, Mr. Dog.

Can this unorthodox trio stop Emperor Zombie in time? Does Screw-On Head have a body awesome enough to stop the horrors that have been unleashed? Where can we get a talking dog?

All these questions (O.K., maybe not that last one) will be answered when you watch the thrilling tale of The Amazing Screw-On Head!

You can watch it online here before it airs:

http://www.scifi.com/amazingscrewonhead/

Seriously, It's awesome.

Nikolas · Fri 14/07/2006 07:28:42

Vince, I'k watching it and it's cool!

Thanks ^_^

Helm · Fri 14/07/2006 07:44:25

I enjoyed this greatly. If every episode is as good then... good!

Mr Flibble · Fri 14/07/2006 11:48:24

I didn't expect to like this show, initially the odd topic and slightly jerky animation were a bit off putting. Then I laughed. And I kept laughing solidly.

I loved the Lincoln "TV" screen, that was just inspired!

MrColossal · Fri 14/07/2006 15:04:44

I just want people to be aware that this is based on a Mike Mignola comic [of hellboy fame] and that's why it should be awesome... I will watch the shit out of this when I get home...

Especially if Helm liked it. He's the hardest man to please*.

Eric

*sexually

Al_Ninio · Fri 14/07/2006 15:13:15

Mignola's style seems to translate well into animation, hurray.
Plus, the pilot is hilarious.

Indie Boy · Fri 14/07/2006 16:51:51

Very good story and really funny at parts I thought it just put the whole America thing OTT but what do I know im not American

ManicMatt · Fri 14/07/2006 22:14:29

When did Mr Dog talk? I don't remember that.

Erm yes, I liked that!

And I recognised the actor of the zombie emperor dude, it was David Hyde Pierce, who played Niles in Frasier, or if you like, Sideshow bob's brother in the simpsons.

Vince Twelve · Fri 14/07/2006 23:14:37

And Screw-on Head is voiced by Paul Giamatti, who is fantastic in every way! His turn as Harvey Pekar in American Splendor made me love him forever... even if he does go on to star in the next M. Night Shyamalan shitcan.

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Fri 14/07/2006 23:48:13

Normally everything associated with sci-fi is terrible, but this is actually funny. Emperor Zombie in particular is great.

Las Naranjas · Sat 15/07/2006 00:53:36

Newton's 4th law.

Mignola = Awesome.

sergiocornaga · Sat 15/07/2006 11:03:05

Brilliant stuff. I hope it comes to New Zealand.

jetxl · Sat 15/07/2006 22:45:22

So how is this lovecraftian?

MrColossal · Sun 16/07/2006 01:34:04

if you've read Mignola's work you'd know. Everything he does is Lovecraftian. Read Hellboy, everyone, it's good for your health.

That quote on the website is more than likely speaking of further episodes since this one is based on the Screw on Head Comic

jetxl · Sun 16/07/2006 09:45:10

If those episodes contain explosions, super heros and happy endings (i.e. the main character does not go insane or dies) it's not "Lovecraftian" as the website claims but just a marketing trick. It's as meaningfull as 33% less fat.

Helm · Sun 16/07/2006 11:45:07

No, jet. It's as Lovecraftian as going in a cave in Shadow of the Comet and killing Dagon or something.

Influenced by the themes and moods of Mythos, not canonical Mythos.

As meaningful as people find it.

Las Naranjas · Sun 16/07/2006 22:26:55

Lovecraft wrote stories using only words, this has moving images as well! Ergo, NOT LOVECRAFTIAN! My consumer media weary cynicism makes be better than you!

jetxl · Sun 16/07/2006 23:47:50

You know what I miss to make this Lovecrafian? The subtlety of Lovecraft pulp. The theme and mood looks more influenced by Doc. Savage and The Shadow pulp stories.
Why call it a green lemon when you can call it a lime.

Helm · Mon 17/07/2006 00:19:27

Green lemons are 33% less fattening.

biothlebop · Mon 17/07/2006 15:16:44

Watched it recently, but I can't make my mind if I like it or don't. As of now it seems like somebody threw a bunch of random crap together hoping it would be funny.
If they give depth to the characters in subsequent episodes, this can be saved.