Thursday, February 28, 2008

Justice League is back on, Smallville gets five more episodes, Gambit arrives, and Moonlight in turmoil

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?

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Smallville returns, farewell Heath, and Captain America lives again

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.