Russell Challenger

Combined Media Creative. VFX Artist, Editor, Director, Gamer, Flammable and should only be used with adult supervision. *Batteries not included. RussellChallenger.com

[russwchallenger]

My son's first NEW theatrical Star Wars experience (not counting Rise of Skywalker because he was too little and had to wear stupid 3D glasses and didn't want to and wound up sleeping on his mom)!

This was a great one if you're a fan of the show, but having watched previous Star Wars shows is not necessary to enjoy this, as it's really its own story. However, I am a sucker for the fan service parts, and they really elevated my personal experience.

My main criticism is the same I had the last time I saw a Star Wars film in theaters which is being forced to watch it in 3D! It really brings the overall experience down quite a bit 😡. Otherwise I'd recommend it if you're not a cynical fan of the franchise. 👍👍

[russwchallenger]

Well, I said I'd get this out by April, and I did! Though admittedly it was supposed to be April 2024... but better late than never! I overcame a few obstacles and pulled out a success in the end! Just gotta fine tune the details before moving on to the next steps.

[russwchallenger]

Snagged a sweet Fangoria on FB marketplace not too far from me for $10 CDN! If you travelled back forty years to the day, you'd likely see this still on store shelves.

Now, I don't plan to rebuild my collection, but I never said I wouldn't either 😉

[russwchallenger]

Really great to see Fangoria on your average store shelves these days, even if it's not their standard issue. I picked this up at a local drug store. Love that paper smell whenever I open these up to read. Ahhh...

[russwchallenger]

Happy New Year! Looking forward to bigger and more challenging projects in 2026, whatever they might be!

[russwchallenger]

First snowfall of the season means a couple of snow stages in DKC, as is tradition.

[russwchallenger]

Good start to Halloween with some home roasted pumpkin seeds and a coffee.

[russwchallenger]

Finally picked up the third of the SNES Star Wars games, Super Return of the Jedi (feel free to use my continue code 😎), as well as Jurassic Park!

[russwchallenger]

Some of the awesome vintage joke books found in my son's classroom.

[russwchallenger]

Today we have started an experiment: Take some VERY earthy dirt, put it in a jar, close it up and leave it alone by the window. What we're hoping to see is an isolated ecosystem form inside over a period of months and possibly years! I placed a little plastic knight inside to add to the look. What should we call him?

[russwchallenger]

My third #Madballs portrait, Bash Brain, is finished! I've added a fourth portrait because of where they will hang on my wall, and four made more sense. You'll see. #acrylicpainting #retro #vintage #BashBrain #portraits #ugly #grossouttoys

[russwchallenger]

Latest pick-ups over the last week!

[russwchallenger]

It's been a long road but it's finally coming to an end as part 1 of #WednesdaySeason2 starts tomorrow! Be sure to look for my name in the VFX credits!

#wednesday #vfx #vfxstudio #BehindTheScenes #NoSpoilers #jennaortega #emmamyers #hunterdoohan #gwendolinechristie #christinaricci #luisguzmán #issacordonez #catherinezetajones #joysunday #fredarmisen #joannalumley #ladygaga #evietempleton #netflixandchill #netflixseries #netflix #TimBurton #dannyelfman #jayprychidny🖥️🎞️✂️

[russwchallenger]

When I think of #Madballs, I think #Slobulous! Two of three Madball portraits down, up next: #Crackhead!

[russwchallenger]

My first of three Madballs portraits, yadda yadda... Splitting Headache.

[russwchallenger]

How often do you see the APC vehicle from Aliens produced, let alone for $5? I kinda kicked myself for passing on this at a discount store but FB Marketplace shines a light once again!

#Aliens #APCvehicle #JamesCameron #toys

[russwchallenger]

Two years ago today we said our formal goodbyes to my brother Bart at the Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Scarborough. Knowing my brother, I think he really would have appreciated the send off. It was classy but not devoid of humour. And the gathering at the Royal Canadian Legion felt perfect for his tribute. Just friends and family getting together to eat, drink and share memories of him.

But two years have passed and the shock of losing him at the age of 52 has affected me each and every day. My Mom passed just three years earlier, and her celebration of life event was held just one year prior, so to say goodbye to two close family members in such a short time can really mess with one's head.

I suppose if there's anything that I've taken away from all of this is if there's something wrong with your health, don't feel that you are inconveniencing anyone by reaching out. Don't worry about those worried about you. If they care, they will probably want to spend more time with you before it's too late, because you just never know.

Today I have a picture of my brother hanging in our rec room so that he can be with us while we enjoy life while it's still here. Or in other words, "wish you were here".