Our InnerSPACE Convention Special aired last week during our hiatus, but if you missed it the whole thing is now online! You can watch the first part below, which covers the Wizard World Comic Con here in Toronto and the rest of the parts can be found right here.  We asked fans and stars alike about conventions, show some footage from Calgary and Vancouver and of course share a few solid con tips!

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We are running a Re-Tweet to win contest on the @SPACEchannel Twitter all day on Wednesday, May 16th.  We have 10 pairs of passes for both the Toronto and Vancouver advance screenings of Chernobyl Diaries, an original story from Oren Peli, who first terrified audiences with his groundbreaking thriller, Paranormal Activity. The advanced screenings are happening on Thursday May 24th at 9pm.

Locations:

Toronto- AMC Yonge & Dundas- 10 Dundas Street East Toronto, ON M5B 2G9

Vancouver- International Village Cinemas 88 West Pender, 3rd Floor Vancouver BC V6B 6N9

All you need to do to enter is follow us (@SPACEchannel) on Twitter and tweet the following phrase!

“Follow @SPACEchannel and RT to win advance screening passes to Chernobyl Diaries May 24th in (YOUR CITY HERE)”

Contest Rules and Regulations

Cynthia Loyst:

Leading up to the big TNG reunion, I found it hard to think about it too much. 
In fact, any time my mind settled on the details of the event I would immediately find myself with that deep, sinking feeling that usually precedes a fainting spell.

Here were the basic facts that caused me anxiety:

1.    That this was an historic occasion (I mean 20 years since the cast has been on stage together -- holy crap!!)

2.    That we had the power to make it massively fun or to massively screw it up (the latter fact we were reminded of the night before by Aaron Douglas when he literally said to us, “Best of luck, don’t f*** it up”.)

3.    That we were going to be on a stage in front of 7,000 people (gulp)

So instead of thinking about the reunion, I decided to focus on other things. For example, I began re-watching as many TNG episodes as humanly possible.  And as an aside, can I just say, I never laughed harder than re-watching the pilot episode?? Now, you hardcore Trekkers might want to kill me for saying that but I promise you some of the directors and actor's choices are simply hilarious!!  Having said that, I also haven’t recently wept as much as I did re-watching The Measure Of A Man, I, Borg and my personal favorite The Inner Light. 

Even when it was about an hour before the big reunion, instead of thinking about the many things that could go wrong, I tried to focus on my co-hosts. However, I quickly discovered, we were all a bit of a mess. 

Picture this:
-    Ajay (who had been working for over 10 hours) was curling up on various furniture trying desperately to take a nap somewhere

-    Teddy (who also had been working for many, many hours) was pacing and re-reading and re-reading and re-reading his notes

-    Michelle (our lovely boss) was gently trying to make small talk with us

-    And me wandering around…ahem…bummed…because I had just come to the realization that my underwear lines were likely going to show through my dress (damned wardrobe malfunction!!)

Yet, by the time we moved from the green room to backstage we had entered a sort of state of calm (yes, a little like the one before the storm) and when the cast arrived, I had the distinct feeling that everything was going to be just fine.  Although when Sir Patrick said to me in his very Sir Patrick voice, “There seem to be more hosts than there are cast members” I had a brief moment of doubt.

Once we hit the stage it honestly was a little like being in a dream (and haven’t we all had dreams in which the cast of TNG make an appearance?).  Highlights included:

-    The gorgeous and vivacious Gates McFadden coming out dancing to the music of the band
-    Witnessing Sir Patrick engage (ha) in two full-on mouth kisses – one with Gates McFadden (sexy) and the other with Jonathan Frakes (fantastic)!
-    The super excited and warm audience of fans who asked some wonderful questions
-    The heartfelt confession from Wil Wheaton on his regrets about leaving the show
-    The surprise arrival of John De Lancie with a bouquet of flowers (which were later passed out by Sir Patrick and then hilariously re-collected by Gates)

But perhaps the biggest highlight was backstage afterwards when Marina Sirtis – who was initially reticent about having moderators for the reunion – told Ajay that she was happy with the job we did.  I’d like to think she ‘sensed’ how happy that made all of us.

Ajay Fry:

What can I say about the TNG Reunion?

It’s like trying to tell someone about the feelings you had at your first kiss.

You can use all the words in the English language… but no matter what you say, it’s going to fall short of actually explaining what it was like being there.

I think I actually turned off parts of my brain, and tried to actively sabotage my opinion of the stars of the beloved series, so that I could handle the reality that I would be up on stage, and at moments stealing attention from them to ask questions.

If you were there, or perhaps watched the videos on youtube… you’re already aware that at one point… I actually got to tell the cast how big an impact the show did have on my life.

The episode of TNG where Tasha Yar died in season one, was one of my earliest memories of the concept of death, and I believe the episode inspired my first ‘real talk’ with my parents on the subject.

I was only 4 at the time… but that’s when the idea that our time on this earth is finite really sunk it.

It was surreal to get to ask them about that, and the impact that this unforgettable and monumental series had on their own lives.

Listening with them, laughing with them and celebrating with them was surreal and I wish my parents had the means and opportunity to have been there with me.

My parents got me into Star Trek, and were it not for their passion for sci-fi and their confidence in me, I’m sure my path in life wouldn’t have led me to my direct involvement in this truly historic occasion.

The absolute high-light for me, was in the final moments as everyone was leaving the stage.  Sir Patrick Stewart shook my hand, and then took off his hat to tip it to me.

ZOMG.

A handshake would have sufficed, to be seen as courteous on stage to the 7000+ people watching… but he took that extra step to really let me know, he thought I did a good job.

You couldn’t ask for a better bow on the night.

Hopefully we can get them all together again in another twenty years.

After all… I’m always telling people I’ll see them in the future.

This weekend, The Avengers broke the box office at over 200 million dollars in the United States alone, and over 600 million at the worldwide box office. This makes it the highest grossing movie (without adjusting for inflation) of all time. It is also everything that you want it to be, and I can say that after seeing it twice.

This weekend Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows will hit theatres. And I can say with absolute certainty that The Avengers will probably gross more than it will on its second weekend. Sorry Tim Burton.

The Avengers 2

In the least surprising announcement ever, after the 200 million US opening, Disney has said they’re going ahead with Avengers 2, which will go into production along with Thor 2, Iron Man 3, Captain America 2, and an as-yet-unknown other Avengers movie (Please say Black Widow or Hulk, please say Black Widow or Hulk).

Kick-Ass 2

While I have not been a big fan of the second series of Kick-Ass in the comic books, I was a huge fan of the first movie, and I am looking forward to the second movie. Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse will soon be entering into negotiations for returning, and Cry Wolf director/writer Jeff Wadlow will be taking the helm. Filming will begin sometime this summer for an early 2013 release!

Prometheus

It looks like this Ridley Scott picture will indeed be slapped with an R Rating, and nothing is going to be cut in order to bring it down. It’s been a while since there’s been an ambitious science fiction movie that was willing to take on an R, and it’s certainly got my attention (Well. More than it had already.)

Maleficent

It seems the fairy-tale starring Angelina Jolie has really taken off, with casting coming out across the board! Aurora will be played by Elle Fanning (Super 8), and Sharlto Copley (District 9) will be playing Stefan, the king’s half-fairy, half-human bastard. Two of the three fairies who will take care of Aurora have been cast, played by Imelda Staunton and Lesley Manville. More news as I get it!

The Wolverine

Looks like it’s finally happening, as it’s been confirmed stage shooting will be done in Australia and there will be on-location shooting in Japan. Casting will also begin soon, and it would seem that the studios are looking at some local Japanese talent, which should prove interesting!

Avatar 2

James Cameron has now made it clear that the rest of his career will be spent making Avatar movies. No, I’m not kidding. Check the link.

Catching Fire

The original script by Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire) is getting a re-write from Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine), which means that this film should prove to be endearingly cheerful. And full of puppies and bunnies. Which if you read the book, you’d know.

Doctor Who

Season 7 may be starting sooner than we thought! It's been announced that Season 7, Episode 1 will screen at the Media Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival (MGEITF for short), which takes place August 23-25.  Knowing Moffat's dislike of spoilers, can we expect a premiere date soon after?  The screening is included in a "master class" on BBC's Sherlock and will be lead by Moffat along with Mark Gatiss and Sue Vertue! Excuse me while I lament flight prices to Scotland.

The Star Wars universe has so many iconic characters and now these sci-fi icons are a big part of a new exhibit in Montreal! The "Star Wars Identities Exhibit" is the first of its kind. Cynthia attended a sneak peek a few weeks back, and discovered how various Star Wars identities connect with our own - as well as how the organisers gathered this galaxy of art.

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The classic soap "Dark Shadows" has been adapted into a new feature film from the dark and shadowy mind of Tim Burton and stars the director's longtime friend, Johnny Depp. We recently caught up with the stars of the film talk about Depp's latest standout performance and the dark, yet humorous tone of this family film!

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"The Avengers" has finally hit the big screen and fans around the world are buzzing about how great it is! After a huge World Premiere in Los Angeles, the cast were actually still a little shocked by the reception they recieved recently when the film debuted in London, England.

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Given fandom's love of puns it was inevitable that "May The Fourth" would become a special day for celebrating an iconic franchise! Now known as "Star Wars Day", fans everywhere are celebrating their love for the films, but they're not the only ones! As our we found out, some of our favorite genre stars are fans of the franchise as well!

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While InnerSPACE was in Calgary, Teddy had the chance to meet up with the mascot of the Calgary Expo - Emily Expo! She took him everywhere from the Calgary zoo and museums to the top of the town. These are definitely some of the best spots in the city, should you happen to visit!

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The embargo has finally been lifted and we can share a bunch of the details about the final two games we learned about last week at the big Playstation Preview Event in LA! We're giving you a first look at Little Big Planet Karting and the storybook adventure of a boy who's searching for a missing bird in the "Unfinished Swan".

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Thank you to everyone who dropped by the SPACE booth and took part in our photograph contest at the Calgary Expo this past weekend! We had a great time meeting you and getting to see everyone's fantastic and creative cosplay.  As promised, here are our picks for some of our favourite shots!

Stars and fans alike had a great time at the 2012 Calgary Expo, largely thanks to the overwhelming sense of community and camaraderie felt at the con!  These are some of our highlights from the weekend.

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This week brought us Pirates! Band of Misfits. It only came in second at the box office, bringing in 11.1 million, but it’s managed to get some extremely positive reviews! A good movie for you and/or your family, and it seems to be all in good fun!

But, let’s be honest. This weekend the Avengers hits theatres. Finally. And it has been flooded with good reviews that are hailing it as the best comic book movie ever. So I know where all of you will be. And I will see you there.

Prometheus

International trailer alert! And it looks totally awesome. Yet another movie I would claw off my own face for! Which may or may not kind of look like will happen in this movie. Or acid-face. I can’t tell. Hey, this movie might ACTUALLY be getting an R rating! Who knew?

The Dark Knight Rises

Well, well, well. Bane’s voice is clearer, Catwoman is looking more like a hero instead of a villain, and things would seem really serious. A lot is going on in the latest trailer of The Dark Knight Rises, so take a look!

The Graveyard Book

Disney has officially okayed Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book for the big screen! Though who will be the director? Originally it seemed that Henry Selick was lined up for the job, as in the link, but since then around Tumblr and Twitter it would seem that he’s actually currently on a “secret Pixar project”. HMMM.

Fantastic Four

Okay, so it’s all official now. Josh Trank, the director of Chronicle (which I loved.) has been brought in by Fox to direct their new Fantastic Four movie! Awesome.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2

In the biggest mouthful ever, Fox has announced that by the end of the summer they’ll have started production on the sequel to the incredibly popular (and awesome) Rise of The Planet of… you know how it goes. The Wolverine was also on their list of films to begin production.

Iron Man 3

Scarlett Johansson will not actually be back for this movie. Boo. Am I the only one holding out for a Black Widow movie? Maybe a Black Widow and Hawkeye movie? Please?

Doctor Who

Riann Steele will be playing the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti in the seventh season! Egypt lovers (Me. I mean me.) rejoice! We’ll also be seeing Michael McShane show up as a villain, which he has been tweeting about a lot recently. All good things.

Fringe

Speaking of good things! Fringe has been renewed for it’s fifth and final season. That means that there are thirteen episodes which will wrap up the show in its entirety, and we’re going to get all the answers we want. Or so I hope anyway. JJ has hurt me before. In all seriousness, I can’t wait to see how this one ends.

Game of Thrones

Io9 has managed to locate some truly awesome concept art for season 2!

Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk/Bruce Banner) and Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill) joined Teddy and Ajay in studio to chat about The Avengers! On top of talking about the upcoming film, we also had a surprise for Mark in the form of a clip of Stan Lee talking about why he makes a great Hulk!

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Last week, Playstation made some big announcements for some upcoming titles that'll have fans itching to get their game on! From a whole new experience for the "God of War" world to a mash up of the company's biggest characters in "Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale" here's your first look at what you can expect when these titles drop.

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The Pirates: Band of Misfits is the latest film from the acclaimed stop motion company Aardman animation. Even though the process of recording the voices can be challenging, their movies, like The Wallace and Gromit films and Chicken Run, are beloved, so they were able to recruit the finest actors to work on this film.

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In case you'd like to pick your panels for this weekend's Calgary Expo by what lovely InnerSPACE individual is hosting, here's your handy list. See you this weekend!

Friday, April 27

4 p.m. Gates McFadden and Denise Crosby panel, hosted by Teddy Wilson.
Location: Stampede Corral

5 p.m. Dave Prowse panel, hosted by Cynthia Loyst
Location: Boyce Theatre

Saturday, April 28

11 p.m. Jasika Nicole and John Noble panel, hosted by Ajay Fry
Location: Stampede Corral

12 p.m. Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton and Le Var Burton panel, hosted by Teddy Wilson
Location: Stampede Corral

12 p.m. Robert Englund panel, hosted by Cynthia Loyst
Location: Boyce Theatre

1 p.m. Amanda Tapping and Christopher Heyerdahl panel, hosted by Ajay Fry
Location: Boyce Theatre

2 p.m. INNERSPACE covers all things fandom with co-hosts Cynthia Loyst, Teddy Wilson and Ajay Fry
Location: Palomino

InnerSPACE PERSONALITY AUTOGRAPH SESSION (FREE)
Saturday, April 28 @ 3PM – 4PM
Booth 212/312
 
Sunday, April 29

12 p.m. Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn panel, hosted by Ajay Fry
Location: Stampede Corral

1 p.m. WALKING DEAD panel, hosted by Ajay Fry and Cynthia Loyst
Location: Stampede Corral

2 p.m. Wil Wheaton Spotlight, hosted by Cynthia Loyst
Location: Boyce Theatre

3 p.m. James Marsters Spotlight, presented by SPACE
Location: Stampede Corral
 
4 p.m. Sir Patrick Stewart Spotlight, hosted by Cynthia Loyst
Location: Stampede Corral

Prototype 2 has just arrived in stores and new abilities aren't the only thing new about this game. This game has a new hero along with new ways to bring the pain and we talk with the developer about how the Prototype 2 plot not only thickens but includes knives, hammers, a whip, claws, chains, tentacles... You get the idea.

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The latest Aardman Animation film is The Pirates: Band of Misfits, and it sails into theatres this weekend. We caught up with director Peter Lord to learn about the stop motion animation process, casting the crucial role of the Pirate Captain, and what the movie is all about.

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The third annual Canadian Video game Awards took center stage in Vancouver this past weekend! It celebrates the amazing games and talent this country has to offer, Ajay was on the red carpet to catch all the excitment leading up to the big ceremony!

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