OK, I feel almost stupid writing a post about this, but I am now officially a Twilight-aholic. Nope, I've never read any of the books, but I've seen the movie three times now. Loved it. The first time I saw it, I wasn't totally sucked in, but I kept thinking about the story of Bella and Edward, so I saw it again...and again. And I'll probably see it yet again. I suppose there is still a 14-year-old girl still living inside of me, after all. (Please, no jokes :->).
I've got to read the books. Which one is your favorite?
I’ve been trying to decide whether or not to post this since Superman dominates this blog enough, but I just need to vent a little. Okay, I need to vent a lot. With all of the rumors and news floating around regarding “Superman: The Man of Steel,” the film sequel or reboot or whatever you want to call it, I’m so glad actor Brandon Routh has gone on record with his opinion. See, I knew I loved that man for a reason other than his complete and total hotness. Routh absolutely echoed my sentiments — and the sentiments of a lot of Supes fans — by disagreeing with this stupid idea Warner Brothers execs have for making the next film “darker.” Superman is not a dark character! Superman is a symbol of hope and good! Just because “The Dark Knight” made globs of money doesn’t mean people will pay to see an angry Superman smashing down bad guys just because he’s pissed off. That’s not who he is. It never has been. If you must, make the villain darker, but leave Clark/Superman alone already! Geez.
While I’m on the topic, I’m so sick of Mark Millar trying to generate support for his pitch for an “epic” Superman film trilogy. I mean, have you heard the basics of his idea? A Godfather-style epic on Krypton then on Earth? I think seeing Krypton would be cool, but that’s about all I can agree with. His idea to have Superman end the film series as the last man on earth when the sun turns red and he loses all his powers is way too depressing. Even if the meat in between is decent, I don’t want to pay money to see that! I don’t get why so many fans are excited by his idea. Why? Why? Why?
If Warner Brothers had any sense at all, they’d hire Geoff Johns to write the screenplay. No one seems to know Superman better right now, and if he were to use Brainiac as the villain in the next sequel, I’m 99 percent confident that he’d do it right. Also, bring back Routh as Superman if you don’t bring back anyone else. I mean, he NAILED the role last time, and obviously, he gets the character if he’s jeopardizing his chances of keeping the role by publicly stating his opinion on what a bad idea Warner Brothers has for the next movie. That alone means something to me as a fan. Routh’s brownie points went way up in my book — even if they were pretty high to begin with.
And another thing…
It’s cool they’re making a Captain America movie, but I had to scream, “Nooooooooooo!” when I read that recent interview with Beyonce Knowles. You know the one I’m talking about. You know the one — where she pushes for the role of Wonder Woman in the forever rumored Wonder Woman film. First of all, I have to say one thing. I greatly admire Beyonce. I have three of her albums and thought she was hilarious in that Austin Powers sequel, not to mention she’s one of the few mega-celebrities you never hear anything bad about. She’s awesome. But she can’t play Wonder Woman! No, no, no, no! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again (see the posts below if you don’t believe me). The actress who plays Diana Prince needs to be pale, white, dark-haired, and at least 6’1 or it’s not the same character at all. I’m a total purist when it comes to the actors who play my favorite superheroes. Adopt the look or lose the role — and some people just aren’t born with the physical characteristics to play certain characters. Sorry, Beyonce, but that’s the way I feel. Will Smith understood that. Didn’t you see his feelings on playing Superman? I wasn't too crazy about the Megan Fox hoax either. I mean, physically she fits the part better than most I've seen, but I'd prefer the role to go to someone who can act, too.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, so a lot of the news I’m excited about is probably old news to many of you.
First of all, Tobey Maguire has signed on for Spider-Man 4 and 5. Gee, did he finally realize Spidey was his bread and butter and the best role he’s ever played? Since I love these movies so much, I’m excited by this. I know not everyone liked Spidey 3, but I actually loved it, Gwen Stacey’s character aside. I’d like to see more Spider-Man movies on the big screen.
Robert Downey Jr. has also signed on for Iron Man 2 and an Avengers movie. How awesome is that? Once again Marvel will be beating DC to the punch by putting its superhero league on the big screen first. Last I heard, the Justice League movie is pretty much dead in the water.
On a personal note, I’ve decided to hone my skills as a screenwriter by doing my own take on Wonder Woman, a movie that has been in limbo for as long as I can remember. If I had to guess, I’d say the reason we haven’t seen a movie for Wonder Woman yet is because, let’s face it, she’s not an easy character to modernize. Based on everything I’ve heard, anyone who has touched the project has tried to do just that. Then the problem becomes how do you make her character relevant today? How can you modernize her in a world that already has Buffy, Charlie’s Angels and Sarah Conner battling bad guys? Wonder Woman might be the first female superhero but she’s not the only one anymore.
I think it’s possible to bring her into this century, but I also don’t see why she can’t just stick to the WWII era fighting Nazis. Keep it simple. Then again, I might just pen a manuscript and try to do a book instead. Kevin Anderson is one of my role models, after all. Yeah, maybe I need to write him for advice on breaking into the genre. Wonder if he’d reply? I’d love, love, love to write a Supergirl story. I really have an idea that I think would be fantastic for her, but alas, who am I? Plus, Supergirl has always been the problem child of DC, it seems. No writer has yet found his or her niche with her like Gail Simone has with Wonder Woman. Too bad. I’m bursting with ideas and see a lot of potential with the character. In my opinion, Supergirl’s identity has never been clearly defined as anything other than Superman’s cousin. Her backstory and personality has been rewritten so many times, it’s hard to get a good feel for the character. However, I like how Geoff Johns is using her in Action Comics right now.
It's been a while since I posted, but WOW, how could I not post about the new season for these three shows.
Smallville has been much better than I expected it to be. I'm loving the first two episodes. The Lois-Clark interchange in the second episode of the new season was so much like the first few episodes of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman that I literally had chills watching it. And seeing Clark free from the clouds that are Lex and Lana has actually been pretty nice. Not to mention the Justice League scenes in the first episode were pretty cool too. More Green Arrow, please. He's yummy.
Supernatural has been frakking amazing! Each year I brag to my friends about how much better it was than the last, but these first two episodes have been the best of all so far, and that's really saying something. I mean, WOW. I puzzled all summer over how they would play the whole Dean going to Hell scenerio in a way that would make sense and come across as entertaining, and I never once thought about them bringing God into it. Genius, and inspiring. Not to mention I'm loving this new direction the show's taking. Right now this is my favorite show on TV.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles is a close second though. I didn't think they could top last season, but from the moment Shirley Manson started singing Samson and Deliah over the opening scene montage, I knew I was in for a fun ride. All the episodes so far have been excellent. I'm amazed a TV show like this exists. It's like watching a top quality movie every week. I can't recommend it enough.
After reading and hearing all the feedback from this year's Comic Con, it is now my life's goal to go to Comic Com at least once before I die. I missed, apparently, an amazing Smallville panel and a highly entertaining Supernatural panel (not to mention a chance to get an in-person autograph from my future husband, Jensen Ackles, but, you know. That's life, I guess). I also missed the Wolverine trailer premiere and cool news from The Sarah Conner Chronicles and T4. I'm not far from Atlanta, so I'd originally hoped to go to Dragon Con this year, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Bummer.
I did see "The Dark Knight" and wow, what an intense movie! It was an amazing movie-going experience, and Heath Ledger was creepy and fantastic as the Joker. However, it was such an intense movie, it's not one I'll see over and over again. I'm still digesting it from the first viewing. They don't call it "The Dark Knight" for no reason.
Since this is a "fangirl" blog, I am going to veer off and admit this: I also saw "The Lost Boys: The Tribe." "The Lost Boys" was one of my favorite movies as a teen. When I heard they were actually, finally doing a sequel, my gut did a nosedive. As with any sequel, it could go either way - really good or disgustingly bad. I didn't see how it could be really good given the few things I'd heard about it. Well, I was right. However, it wasn't as horrible as I was expecting. I suppose since my expectations were so low, I was pleasantly surprised at how so-so I thought it was. It certainly didn't have the coolness or the style as the original. The casting was uggh, but it could have been worse.
Does anyone know if they're going to release the full Smallville Season 8 trailer anywhere? The ones on YouTube are atrocious.
By now, if you’re a fan of the show, I’m sure you’ve heard that “Moonlight” has been cancelled. My favorite new show of the season, cancelled! At least “The Sarah Conner Chronicles” will live to see another year. I’m not sure I could have handled both of my favorite new shows biting the dust. I applaud the “Moonlight” fan base for taking action to try to get the show on another network. I sent off a few letters, but I haven’t mobilized with much of the enthusiasm they are showing. I became cynical of such movements back when my all-time favorite show, “Dark Angel,” was cancelled. I wrote numerous letters, signed every petition, donated money for an ad to appear in numerous trade magazines, talked to friends to recruit them for the cause, and so on. It didn’t make one bit of difference. Now that “Jericho” has left a bad taste in CBS’s mouth, I doubt similar fan campaigns ever have a chance of succeeding again. But, this is one I hope does. I can’t imagine life without Mick St. John now that he’s ensnared me with his dark, good looks and vampy style.
Apparently, a live-action “Flash Gordon” movie is being made. What?! You mean, the first one was considered a flop? I loved the campiness of the Sam Jones, 80s flick, but it might be nice to see a new version on the big screen. Whatever happened to the Sci-Fi series, anyway? Cancelled? Renewed? I stopped watching about halfway through the season.
I felt like my birthday had come when I realized the X-Files movie trailer was now online. FINALLY! My goodness, I felt like I was unwrapping a gift as I watched it the first time at www.xfiles.com. I must admit, I was slightly disappointed with it simply because I can't quite figure out what the movie is going to be about. I had to watch it six times to develop my theory - that it involves a psychic helping Mulder search for a kidnapper/killer/monster? who may or may not be holding a woman against her will, and there's a lot of snow involved. I think it took me so long to develop this theory because I kept trying to bring aliens into it. I don't think aliens are involved though. Who knows? I'm probably wrong.
I did see Iron Man on opening weekend, and it totally rocks! Best movie of the year so far. Robert Downey Jr. is amazing in it. Is it sad to admit I've already seen it twice? Yes, I liked it that much. Stay for the ending credits to finish, by the way. I saw something the second time I didn't see the first time.
Finally, "Smallville" has finished its season, and I am both anxious and nervous about the next season. No Lex? Wow. I can't imagine it after the way this cliffhanger was presented. Thank God Chloe is hanging around. I probably would have stopped watching if she hadn't been. I'm a little bummed by the reports that Kara won't be coming back either as a regular. That girl kinda grew on me after a while.
Now that I’ve ranted about the things I don’t like about “Smallville,” I’m going to try and envision in writing what I’d love to see happen in the final season of the show.
First of all, Clark seriously needs to spend more quality time with Jor-El at the Fortress of Solitude learning more about Krypton’s history, Kal-El’s purpose and abilities, and doing some full-on training with Kara’s help. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I have nothing against Kristen Kreuk, the actress, but I’m really glad she’ll only be in a handful of episodes next season. With Lana out of sight, Clark can focus on and mature to the point of accepting his true destiny. Being a shipper myself, I sympathize with the Clana fans, and I truly believe they deserve a rewarding end to Clark and Lana’s romantic relationship. We all knew from day one that Clark ends up with Lois Lane, not Lana Lang, but because Clana fans have been so tortured throughout the years, I would love to see Lana and Clark realize they are not destined to be together and part on good terms as friends. Let’s get rid of this dark Lana. In fact, I say let Lana have an epiphany about what she’s become and decide to leave Clark and Smallville behind to find herself again. Let the character depart with some integrity, for crying out loud.
Lex Luther has been the villain-in-training for far too long now. Bring on evil Lex once and for all. Well, we all know this is happening – probably next week – so with Rosenbaum probably only returning for part of the season as well, I’d love to see more villains from the mythos arrive on the scene. Brainiac has been awesome, for the most part. I wouldn’t mind seeing him on more, too.
It’s about time for more Clois. As much as it pains me to admit it, I don’t mean in the romantic sense either. It’s way too early for that. Clark has shown practically no interest in journalism since he graduated, so let’s get him in journalism school or something already! As a newspaper reporter myself of some 10+ years, I can say while it is possible for someone to get a job in a newsroom without a degree, it wouldn't happen at a paper as renowned as The Daily Planet. Besides, it would be kind of fun to see Clark interning under Lois’ guidance at the Daily Planet. It would be a good idea for them to start sprinkling seeds of affection between these two because, right now, I can’t ever see “Smallville’s” Clark and Lois pairing up. Clark acts like he hates Lois half the time. I could do without Jimmy being on the show, but since we’re stuck with him now, shouldn’t we see Jimmy developing some hero worship toward Clark by now? This Jimmy is too cocky and competitive with Clark. I know “Smallville” doesn’t stick to the mythos, but come on, some things are just sacred.
Finally, I know Tom Welling will never put on the suit, and I’m fine with that. I think, however, it would great if in one of the final scenes we see Clark find the suit, maybe a gift from Jor-El, and could be holding it. Next scene, we see people – Chloe among them -- looking up to the sky in wonder. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
I have no idea how the writers could ever explain Lois, Jimmy, Perry and so many others not recognizing Clark as Superman, but I guess anything is possible. And, if Supergirl sticks around – and I hope she does because I’ve grown really fond of that girl on this show – I’d love to see a spin-off series based on her. But, that’s just me.
That’s my two cents’ worth, in case anyone cares. I’ll end with this awesome Youtube video I found that makes my little Clois shipper heart beat all aflutter. Check it out. Did I mention it’s awesome?
One of my favorite podcasts to listen to at work is Starkville’s House of El podcast. Lord, I don’t know how I’d make it through the day sometimes without podcasts. By the way, if you know of any good ones, post a comment. But, anyway. After listening to the past two episodes of House of El with Steve and Derek, I felt inspired to dedicate not one, but two entire posts to my opinions of “Smallville.”
Yes, folks, I’m going to talk about Superman again. :)
“Smallville.” I’ve watched pretty much from the beginning, but I didn’t really get into the show until the fourth season. Sure, blame it on the shipper in me. My love for Superman began when I was a wee child intrigued by the Superman-Lois relationship in the Christopher Reeve films. When “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” premiered, I was in seventh heaven. When they brought Lois Lane onto “Smallville,” it made absolutely no sense at all, but I loved seeing a new version of Lois and Clark on my TV screen. I guess one of the reasons I’d never been all that into “Smallville” in the past was because I disliked the idea of Clark and Lana so much. So, while most fans see Season Four as the beginning of the downfall of “Smallville,” it’s actually the season that pulled me into the show. Because of Lois. Erica Durance rocks. She’s one of my favorite Lois Lane’s ever.
Three seasons later, I’m beyond frustrated with certain aspects of “Smallville.” The fact that the writers have never stayed faithful to the general mythos of the legend has always bothered me. Martha was never a senator! Kara isn’t older than Kal-el! And, sure, I love Lois, but Clark didn’t know Lois in high school! I also have a problem with what’s happened with Lana throughout these seasons. I think Kristen Kreuk is a great actress, but I’ve had a lot of trouble swallowing this dark version of Lana that’s been progressing steadily. I don’t blame Kristen for wanting to retire the character. And, if I were a Clana shipper, I’d be so disgusted at the way the show has treated the couple. Together. Not together. Together. Not together. Geez. That has to have been tough on Clana shippers.
As for Lois Lane, I’m a little disgusted at what the writers have done to her, too. I mean, come on. “Smallville’s” version of Lois is a tad bit on the promiscuous side — she’s probably slept with half the Justice League at this point! I’ve certainly never envisioned Lois Lane as a prude, but I’ve never thought of her as promiscuous before! It kind of bothers me. It also bothers me that Clark and Lana have slept together, because I’ve always thought of Clark as being more principled than that. It always bothered me that Clark and Lois got busy in “Superman II,” too. It just seems…out of character for him.
Besides that, we’re into Season 7 now, and Clark’s progress toward becoming Superman has been painfully slow, thanks largely to his obsession with Lana. Another reason I’m no big fan of the character of Lana. I know we’ll never see Tom Welling in the suit, and Clark will never fly on the show. But when Clark found the Fortress of Solitude in the Season 5 cliffhanger, a big part of me screamed, “Yes! This is finally it. Clark will start training to become Superman now!” But has he? Not really.
I read a spoiler that Season 8 – which is sure to be the show’s last – is going to be heavy on Clois. I doubt they mean Clois as a romantic pairing, but all I could thank when I read that was, Thank God.
Enough ranting. My next post will feature my idea of how the final season of “Smallville” should end. I’ll try to post it later today.
It’s always fun to visit superhero fan-based sites on April Fool’s Day because there are some very creative fans out there. I remember, as a newbie to the fandom, falling prey to Kryptonsite’s prank a few years ago, stating that Brandon Routh would make an appearance on “Smallville” as an alternate dimension Superman to Tom Welling’s Clark Kent. There was also one about Jesse McCartney playing “Aquaman” in a WB series — before the real Aquaman pilot starring Justion Hartley was ever conceived. I didn’t realize at the time that it was only a joke. So, this year, there were some pretty funny ones out there, but my favorite was the news that 2010 would bring us a “Superman vs. Spider-Man” film starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Spidey and a CG actor as Superman. Yeah, right. Good one.
My No. 1 man, the Man of Steel, has been generating a lot of buzz now that it’s confirmed a sequel to “Superman Returns” is in pre-production. Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth have both given comments about their roles in the project, simply stating they are looking forward to reprising their characters. Too bad the story idea from Derek and Tucker over at the House of El wasn’t chosen for the screenplay. It would have been nice to see true fans actually have some input.
Speaking of the Man of Steel, I’m glad that the Seigel family won part of the copyright to Superman. Too often the creators lose out on profits because of Hollywood politics and immoral lawyers. Besides, Jerry Seigel met his widow, Joanne, when she showed up to model the character of Lois Lane. That alone makes her worthy in my book. :)
Onto “Smallville,” how awesome were the past two episodes? “Traveler” was amazing. You go, Kara! I’m really warming up to the idea of a Supergirl spinoff show. Chloe’s heart-felt speech to Jor-El to restore Kara’s memory and save Clark was awesome, and it was nice to see Dale, er, I mean “Flash Gordon’s” Gina Holden guest starring as Virgil Swan’s daughter. “Veritas” wasn’t as exciting for me, but at least Lana has been taken care of for the moment. Maybe that’s how the show will explain the end of Clana and handle the exit of Kristen Kreuk next season. And, music to my ears: Supermanhomepage.com has posted a blurb from SciFiWire that next season of "Smallville" will focus on Lois and Clark. Hallelujah! Amen! I'm so psyched about this, I can hardly wait.
Here’s another tidbit I’m excited about: the defunct WB show "Birds of Prey" will finally make it to DVD July 29. The Huntress, Batgirl and the Black Canary will be fighting together, living together, and soaring into adventure together when Warner Home Video's releases "Birds of Prey: The Complete Series," which includes all 13 episodes from the series plus all-new bonus features in a 4-disc collection. I loved this show and was sad when the WB axed it prematurely. Maybe Ashley Scott’s run on the cult favorite “Jericho” made Warner Brothers realize it was a good time to release it — finally!
Finally, I saw “The Superhero Movie” in theaters. It was pretty lame, and not very funny. Too bad. It sounded like a great premise.
It seems like I blinked and almost missed a ton of stuff the past two weeks.
First of all, there is only one movie I'm chomping at the bit to see this year. What is it? The X-Files 2. Imagine my dismay to find out a teaser trailer was shown at the recent WonderCon and that a copy of that trailer had been leaked online. Of course, by the time I searched for and found the trailer, it had been removed. Arrrggh! Just my luck. At least I hear great things, and what little I've heard has given me happy goosebumps. Can't wait. Can't wait. Can't wait...
Something else that's given me happy goosebumps has been the interviews given by Bryan Singer and Brandon Routh that the Superman Returns sequel is moving ahead. I've also heard they've found writers for the project - the guys who brought us Transformers last summer. Could be worse. I'm just so happy the movie is finally moving forward. Can't wait. Can't wait. Can't wait... Check out Superman Homepage for the latest.
I hope you caught the season finale of The Sarah Conner Chronicles because it was freaking amazing! If Fox doesn't renew this show, they're complete idiots. I swore I would never watch another Fox show because they've canceled some of my all-time favorites in the past: Dark Angel and Tru Calling, most notably. Besides, Brian Austin Green. Who knew? I never got into the whole 90210 thing the way some of my friends did, but he's kicked some major booty on this show. Yep, if Fox cancels this one, I will never forgive them. Never!
I finally rented and watched the Justice League: New Frontier DVD last weekend. Wow! I'm now a diehard Green Lantern fan for life. This one has to be my favorite animated feature so far from Warner Brothers. I was so into the movie, the hour and half flew by.
By the way, it sounds like trouble could be brewing with the new Incredible Hulk movie if Comics2Film is to be believed. They report that star Edward Norton is clashing with the Marvel execs over his involvement with the final editing of the movie, which he also helped write. The trailer is expected very soon. That's another one I can't wait for.
There’s been a lot of casting news coming out about “Wolverine,” the spin-off film from the X-Men franchise, and I have to say, so far I am ecstatic about the news. I mean, holy cow. Gambit! It’s about freaking time. He’s been my favorite X-Man since…forever. I’ll reserve judgement about Taylor Kitsch in the role – I don’t hate the idea since he’s proved more than capable on Friday Night Lights – and I’m loving that Ryan Reynolds will be playing Deadpool. Admittedly, I don’t know anything about Deadpool. They had me at Ryan Reynolds. I’m really looking forward to this movie now.
So recent reports are now saying the Justice League of America movie is back in the works. It seemed full steam ahead before, but then it suddenly got put on the back burner, probably because the script wasn’t quite ready for production during the writer’s strike. No casting has been confirmed by the studio, so we still don’t know for sure who will be playing Batman and Superman. Actually, I read somewhere that the movie might exclude these two mega-superheroes altogether. I’m thinking that might not be a bad idea, but then again, how can you have the Justice League without Batman and Supes?
Speaking of Superman, “Smallville” will go into production on five more episodes, bringing this season to 20 episodes total. Who knows if there will be a season 8, but it’s not looking good if recent reports from Michael Rosenbaum (Lex) are to be believed. If there is a season 8, Lex won’t be back. I actually wouldn’t mind “Smallville” without Lex and Lana, but I would be a little crushed if a season 8 excluded Chloe.
I also read on the USA Today blog that Warners Brothers is looking for screenwriters for the next Superman sequel. Where do I apply??
The future of “Moonlight” seems a little bleak right now because it hasn’t been renewed by CBS yet, and frontrunner Chip Johannsen just left the show, leaving it practically unhelmed. Supposedly Joel Silver is taking over. I really, really hope it makes a difference. If CBS cancels it, that would really suck.
The new “Iron Man” trailer is premiering this week, but I haven’t seen it yet. Speaking of trailers, isn’t it about time we got some teasers for the new “Incredible Hulk” movie?
Sorry for the long break, but with the writer’s strike ongoing, there hasn’t been much to report in the way of movies and TV shows. Not to mention, I had some computer problems and have been busy, busy, busy.
Thankfully, “Smallville” has returned after a short hiatus, and I enjoyed the most recent two episodes — for the most part. First of all, Bizarro caused a rift between Clark/Lana (yay!) and since Lois now knows Oliver’s secret, those two are history (about time!). Although, I have to say, I really hate the way Lois has been written the past two seasons on “Smallville.” Just a few weeks ago she was hot and heavy with Grant, then Oliver returned and suddenly she was hot and heavy with him. I’ve never thought of Lois as promiscuous before, and quite frankly, it doesn’t sit well with me. Overall, the past two episodes were probably necessary to progress the story along, but they weren’t my favorites of the season. I’m ready for Kara’s return.
Speaking of “Smallville,” the turnover at DC Comics means Chloe Sullivan will not be transitioning to the comics after all. I personally love Chloe and thought this was a nice shout-out to Chloe’s fans and Allison Mack’s contribution to the series, but it’s not the end of the world. I’ve still got my fingers crossed it will happen someday.
Heath Ledger’s tragic, accidental death has shone a spotlight on the upcoming Batman sequel, The Dark Knight. Heath, as we all know, plays The Joker in the film, but he completed his scenes and the film is still expected to be released this summer. I always thought Heath was incredibly talented, but I admit, when he was cast as The Joker, I had my doubts that he could do the role justice. Now that I’ve seen the previews, I feel confident Heath’s performance as this villain will go down in history as one of the best ever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
I recently saw the “Iron Man” trailer in theaters when I caught “Cloverfield” on the big screen. I thought seeing this trailer online was pretty cool, but the extended trailer shown in an actual movie theater was awesome. I’m really looking forward to this movie.
I also heard they recently brought Captain America back to life in the comics, sort of. Apparently Steve Rogers is still dead, but his good buddy Bucky Barnes has decided to put on the costume and take over the role of the superhero. I guess it’s good we have Captain America back, but Captain America’s death a year ago reeked of publicity stunt when they announced it. I knew he’d be back, but I never expected another character to take over the role. Should be interesting.
I was able to catch both episodes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles today, and I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Let me preface this by saying, The Terminator films were a favorite when I was a kid. I practically know every line from T1 and T2. I was alternately looking forward to/dreading this TV show based on the films. First of all, I didn't think I'd be so easily accepting of a new cast. Plus, I can't think of a successful attempt ever to translate a film franchise to a TV series. Ah, scratch that. I suppose Buffy the Vampire Slayer counts.
Anyway, I thought the first five minutes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles pilot were incredible. Action-packed, edge-of-your-seat stuff. I also have to say Lena Headey and Thomas Dekker were awesome as Sarah and John Connor, and that's really saying something as much as I loved Linda Hamilton and Edward Furlong in those roles. And Summer Glau as Cameron/new Terminator rocked! Really, I thought the pilot was incredibly well-written, well-acted and well-directed. After one episode, this became, hands down, my favorite new show of the season. I don't know yet what other fans thought, but I hear it kicked booty in the ratings, which is great. I'm just glad to have a quality, scripted show to look forward to during the writer's strike.
What kind of world do we live in that the powers-that-be at Marvel Comics believe Spider-Man’s 21-year-long marriage is a mistake?
Since I’m not a habitual reader of the actual comics for any character, I was a bit miffed today when I saw the story on Yahoo that Marvel has “erased” the marriage of Peter and MJ in the comics, and Peter is again a nerdy, single bachelor. My reaction was immediate and hot: WTF!
Before you jump to conclusions, don’t assume I’m a fan of this couple simply because of the movie or simply because I’m a girl. I know the marriages of Peter Parker and Clark Kent have always been a source of controversy among the comic book community, and you can probably figure out pretty easily which side I’m on. But, I had three older brothers, and growing up, I would occasionally read some of their Spider-Man titles. I wasn’t drawn to the action or colorful illustrations. I was drawn to Peter’s relationships with Aunt May, Harry, and of course, Mary Jane. I knew before the movie that Gwen Stacy was Peter’s first love, not Mary Jane as portrayed in the movie, but I have to say I was glad Sam Raimi did the film that way. When I watched the Spider-Man cartoon every Saturday morning on Fox while in high school, I rooted for Peter to choose Mary Jane, not Felicia Harding or any of the other female characters with whom he so easily became besotted. I was comforted to know Peter and Mary Jane had already married in the comics, so it seemed only natural for them to be the couple focused on in the first movie. Occasionally I’ve picked up the comics and have shuddered when they tried to break these two up in one ridiculous storyline after the next. As for attributing my love of this couple simply to my being a girl … well, I wouldn’t exactly describe myself as being a girly-girl, by any means. It’s no secret that as the more emotional sex women tend to be drawn to soap opera elements in a story, but I also thought Marvel and DC Comics, especially, had made a push a couple of decades ago to attract more female readers. So, is Marvel now sending a message they don’t want those female readers? Or is this simply another publicity stunt — like the death of Superman — to generate news stories and interest in an industry with slowly dwindling profits? Boy, do I hope it’s the last. If Supes can come back from the dead, so can Peter and MJ’s marriage.
What really makes me so mad about this is the societal and political ramifications of this decision, if it isn’t just a publicity stunt. It all boils down to what Joe Quesada, Marvel's editor in chief, implied in the interview I read. He basically said that it makes no sense and is bad for business to have a superhero be married in a comic book. Again, WTF! A lot of children read comics, and since most kids these days don’t get to see a real-life example of a stable, healthy marriage, seeing Spider-Man or Superman being happily married is a wonderful testament. Not to mention, does it set a better example for a young boy to see that nerdy Peter Parker never got the girl, or that if nerdy Peter Parker can land a hot wife like Mary Jane, then maybe I can too someday! I agree that making a marriage the focus of any comic book story is a bad idea and might turn off the majority of readers, but just knowing that the hero tries to lead a normal life when he’s out of costume has always been a driving source of tension and plot. If they were going for reality, they could have had the couple divorce, or killed off Mary Jane once and for all. Instead, the storyline literally erased the marriage! Poof! Gone!
Quite frankly, I can’t stand when they rewrite comic book history like this. Much better to have never had Peter and MJ marry at all, in my opinion.
Sorry. This news article really blew me up when I read it at work today. I felt a little like I’d just been slapped in the face! I’ll definitely be sending disgruntled letters to Marvel letting them know exactly how I feel about it. Not that I think it will make much difference. But, if DC even thinks about doing something similar with Clark Kent and Lois Lane, there will be hell to pay!
