Congratulations, KStew!

I love this video. Kristen Stewart seems so surprised and overwhelmed to have won this prestigious British award which is equivalent to our Oscars. I think it's well deserved. Personally, I think her acting in Twilight is probably the worst she's ever done, and I loved her in that. So, congrats, KStew!

OK Magazine writes:

“Hysterical Twi-hards slept overnight outside the Royal Opera House in London to secure their place alongside the red carpet after learning that four of the film’s stars would attend.

And as the first to arrive, Anna Kendrick received one heck of a reception as she signed posters and photographs.

She was followed by Jamie Campbell Bower, who – after chatting with fans – spent most of his time alongside girlfriend Bonnie Wright.

Kristen Stewart was next to arrive and spent more time with the fans than anyone, making sure she could give out as many autographs as she could.

Last to arrive was Robert Pattinson, who was greeted by screams and chants of: “We want Rob!” coming from the sidelines.

After arriving late, Robert didn’t spend long signing autographs and was quickly ushered inside to take his seat before he could reach the rest of the crowd.”

Vampire Diaries, Supernatural to get new seasons, but what about Smallville?

First things first. Congratulations to the Supernatural cast and crew (and fandom!) for making it to 100 episodes! As much as I love Jensen Ackles (Dean), I have to admit I think Jared Padalecki (Sam) says the best ‘thank you’ to the fans in this video clip. Aww, thank you, Jared.



On the heels of that celebration came the news that Supernatural has received an early pickup for a sixth season from The CW!!! Yes! The Vampire Diaries was also renewed. Awesome! Now, as thrilled as I am about these early pickups, I was bummed for a couple of reasons. First of all, no pickup announcement was made for Smallville? Seriously? However, I found a few gossip sites that speculate that a pickup for my Smallville peeps is imminent — the CW just probably wants to make a big deal out of it because the next season will almost certainly be its last. Um, the last? Definitely, for sure the last? Ah, I think I need a hanky now. Sniff, sniff.

Another reason I’m kinda-sorta bummed even though I’m happy? Supernatural creator Eric Kripke is planning to step down as co-show-runner, along with his current co-show-runner, Robert Singer. While they promise to continue to act as hands-on executive producers, current writer/producer Sera Gamble will move into that role, taking over day-to-day operations of the series, reports EW.com.

Since Supernatural began, Kripke has said time and again that he had a concrete five-year plan for the show. And since season five has spent much of its time dealing with an apocalyptic battle between angels and the devil, with Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) caught in the middle, it seems like Kripke's plan was well in place and the show was set to end on a high note come May. However, since this season started, Kripke has also commented that he could now see how the story might continue.

Usually when a show’s frontrunner and creator leaves that position, the show starts sucking…bad. I’m gonna cross my fingers here though because Kripke has said he’ll be working closely with Gamble, and it’s not like she’s coming into this new. Gamble is an executive producer and talented writer who has been with the show since season one.

The Chicago Tribune's Maureen Ryan caught up with Ms. Gamble via email. Ms. Ryan asked Gamble if viewers might be seeing "The Apocalypse 2: The Squeakquel," and Gamble replied: "No, you will not be getting Apocalypse, The Squeakquel in Season 6 (that's hilarious). We're climaxing that story this season. We've been working on the Season 6 storyline for quite some time, and we're very excited about it. We have lots of ideas, and are grateful for the chance to keep the show going. Please tell the fans that the writers say thank you! We so appreciate the support."

Personally, I’ve been on Team Gamble from the beginning, since way back in season 3 when she gave a fan a few minutes for a podcast interview that left me both laughing at her wisecracks (I’m sure she writes for Dean…she has to) and thinking the woman was pretty darn cool. She’s one of my role models. A hip chick writing for an awesome TV show (which I still say is the best on TV right now). Nope. I’m not worried. … Much.

I just can’t help but wonder now…if Jensen is locked into season six, does that mean he won’t be able to make the Captain America movie? Guess so. Darn. I was really looking forward to seeing him in those tights. Sigh.

Breaking Dawn: More speculation

Oh, Breaking Dawn. Why must you torment me so?

Naturally every day I search the news for word on the next Twilight films, and today I got a hit on a couple regarding “Breaking Dawn.” Yes, the fourth book (and my favorite book) still seems to be plagued with rumors on whether it will be turned into a film or not. The latest articles — although the sources are iffy and more gossipy than more credible sites — all remind us that despite recent reports, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” still hasn’t been greenlit which means there’s always the possibility it won’t get made. The reason it hasn’t been greenlit, according to these same sources? Author Stephenie Meyer. She is apparently still on the fence about making the fourth book into a movie, despite what she might have said in the past. Real or rumor, who knows? But since Summit Entertainment hasn’t made an announcement yet, I’m guessing there is some truth to this. Especially since at least one article breaks down some good points we know to be fact.

For one, Summit Entertainment has only optioned the rights to make the fourth book into a film; at any time, it can decide not to proceed and sell the option to another studio, especially if Meyer stonewalls them for much longer. Summit has consistently denied reports that the movie will be made, that it will be broken into two films, and where it will be filmed and by whom. Some officials have gone on the record to say that they’re working on it, but even then, they never officially say it’s a done deal that it will be made by Summit. I think Summit would be crazy to sell the option on its biggest cash cow, but stranger things have happened in Hollywood.

For another, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner have all three been questioned about filming in recent weeks while promoting their new movies. All three have confirmed they don’t know anything. However, they’ve all said they know it will be made, they just don’t know when. I imagine Summit has locked these three into contracts while they decide how to proceed, but if Summit releases its option on the fourth book, it also releases its contracts on these three stars. And if Summit doesn’t make “Breaking Dawn,” my guess is that at least Pattinson and Stewart would walk simply because they’re indie actors and Summit is, after all, still an indie studio they seem to feel loyalty to. I think their disdain for big studio would keep them from following the project elsewhere. Total speculation on my part, but still…

However, I did find hope in some of the articles I read today, although I wonder how much salt I should put into the rumors about the “hot” sex scenes being written into the final script. “Twilight” is, after all, aimed at teenage girls. I can see them releasing a director’s cut on DVD with extended “sex” scenes, but I doubt seriously if any steamy stuff will make it to the theaters. Seriously, I just want to see Kristen Stewart ask, “Why am I covered I feathers?” and I’ll be good.

More speculation on my part — I think Summit will officially greenlight “Breaking Dawn” as two films in March, around the release of the “New Moon” DVD. I think BD part 1 will be released in theaters November 2011 and BD part 2 will come out in June 2012 (gee, I hope the world doesn’t end before then). Anyone want to place bets?

Jensen Ackles is...Captain America?!?

That thud you probably heard a few minutes ago was me, hitting the ground after I read a few bits of news/rumors that left me both shocked, ecstatic and amazed.

If news reports are to believed, my No. 1 future husband, er, sorry my ex-future-husband-soon-to-be-married-to-another-woman Jensen Ackles — the man I have adored and loved since he first walked onto my television screen as Eric Brady on “Days of Our Lives” and, yes, the same man I obsess over week-after-week on my fave show “Supernatural” — has one project and possibly two that have made my little fangirl heart overflow with pure happiness.

The confirmed news: Jensen will voice the character of The Red Hood in the next direct-to-video animated DC Comics film “Batman: Under the Red Hood.” In the story, Batman is pitted against the Red Hood, a mysterious new vigilante cleaning up Gotham City by killing all the criminals he can find. And while I’m not the biggest Batman fan out there, I think it’s awesome that Jensen keeps being tied to DC Comics projects — first when he was a regular cast member on “Smallville” and now in a Batman project. A few years ago, he was rumored to be up for the role of The Flash in a movie about that DC character, but that proved to be a dud. Hmmm. If Jensen is being fostered within the talent pool at DC Comics, I can’t help but wonder how true this next piece of information is….

The rumor: I know this rumor has been flying around for a long time and could still be only that — a rumor — but it actually feels like a possibility that it could be true this time. Supposedly director Joe Johnston has narrowed down the casting of Marvel Comics’ Captain America to three actors: Jensen Ackles, Chad Michael Murray and Ryan McPartlin. Now, Jensen has been a favorite among fans to play the role for a while now, and when he was asked at a “Supernatural” convention last summer if he’d been offered the role, he said he hadn’t been contacted about it, hadn’t read for it and didn’t know anything about the film — but that he’d love to play Captain America if the script was good. That seemed to kill the rumors for a while, and now this. It could just be another case of fan gossip, but I hope not. If Jensen played Captain America and the script and movie were actually good, I could then die a happy woman. Here’s hoping for the best…

In honor of this batch of “news,” I thought I’d post a short timeline of Jensen Ackles career, rumors about his career and more....

1997 — Jensen joins the cast of “Days of Our Lives,” is nominated for numerous Daytime Emmys, and I become hopelessly infatuated with him…

1999 — Jensen attends a fan event for “Days of Our Lives” in my town and, after meeting him, I become even more infatuated…

2000 — Jensen is famously one of two actors narrowed down to play the lead of Clark Kent in “Smallville.” The show’s producers opt to hire Tom Welling in the role instead.

2001 — Jensen joins the cast of my all-time favorite show James Cameron’s “Dark Angel” and played my favorite character-to-date, the wisecracking Alec X5 – 494.

2002 — “Dark Angel” is canceled. Jensen joins the cast of “Dawson’s Creek” during that show’s final year.

2004 — Jensen lands the lead in a television pilot on FOX called “Still Life” but the show isn’t picked up. The producers of the WB’s “Smallville” create a role for Jensen and he joins the cast as a regular during season four. When The WB offers Jensen a lead role in a new series, the writers of “Smallville” turn his character into a villain and kill him off of the show.

2005 — Jensen creates the character of demon hunter Dean Winchester on “Supernatural.” He’s rumored to be in the running to play The Flash on screen and Leon in the next “Resident Evil” film. Neither rumor comes true.

2007 — On hiatus from filming “Supernatural,” Jensen veers away from the sci-fi horror genre with a role in the independent film “Ten Inch Hero” (great movie…seriously, watch it). He also portrays the role Tom Cruise made famous in “A Few Good Men” for a stage production.

2008 — Jensen lands the lead in the horror remake “My Bloody Valentine 3-D” which opens at No. 1 at the box office. Rumors begin that he’ll play Captain America in a big-screen adaptation.

2009 — The fifth — and possibly last? — season of “Supernatural” debuts on the CW to its highest ratings ever.

Confirmed? Breaking Dawn, finally!

I was about to turn my ailing computer off when I stumbled on this tidbit quite by accident. Although I'd say this isn't exactly official, it's the most recent news about the filming of "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn." Breaking Dawn, according to this source, is definitely going to be two films, and filming begins in October. They claim they've received confirmation. It;s about freaking time!

I will be really mad if I wake up to news tomorrow that this is another false rumor. However, my gut tells me it's legit. Fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, check out a breakdown of all of the different versions of the "New Moon" DVD coming out next month, courtesy of the wonderful crew over at Twilight Series Theories. Is it sad that I want every single version on this list??? I'm torn between the Target version and the Wal-Mart one. Decisions, decisions...

Mini review: "Gabriel"

I have a new man-love, but I’m crushed because I just found out he’s married with kids. On my furlough day while I was stuck at home, I watched a movie called “Gabriel” which had a cool premise but, truthfully, I didn’t understand half of what was going on. It was about the arc angels fighting with fallen angels for the influence of mankind’s souls. I think. It was kind of out there, and I still have no idea how it ended — seriously, I can’t figure that ending out. It made no sense to me. But I couldn’t stop watching because of the gorgeous blue-eyed, British-speaking man playing Gabriel. Andy Whitfield. Apparently he’s the lead on the TV show remake of “Spartacus” now — man, I wish we had expanded cable. But unfortunately, Andy Whitfield is married with two kids, even though I doubt that will stop me from going googly-eyed over him in future.

To be completely off-the-wall and as an aside: Speaking of Gabriel, the angel…when I had a psychic reading several years ago (back when I was in college, I think), the psychic told me that Gabriel was my guardian angel and that he’d been there at my birth to see me into this world and that I had a “special” bond to him because of it. He said that Gabriel, the chief messenger angel, was the angel who influenced us to be creative and to write, therefore I was born to be a “messenger” myself. Even though I kinda doubt that, I’ve always liked Gabriel, the angel, because of the thought of it. That’s why I watched this movie actually because, being non-Catholic, I don’t know much about the angels. Now I'm fangirling over Andy Whitfield. And Gabriel, the arc angel, seems pretty awesome too!

Eclipse: Didn’t I tell you?

So yesterday Wal-Mart announced that it will release the only DVD of “New Moon” to feature a seven-minute scene (and I think, the teaser trailer?) from “Eclipse.” Actually, the story on Reuters reads: “"The Twilight Saga: New Moon Ultimate Fan Edition," also set for release March 20, will be the only disc release of the sequel to include a seven-minute special feature about upcoming franchise threequel "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

The "Eclipse" feature includes on-set interviews with cast and a clip from the threequel, which is set for theatrical release June 30.”

I had predicted this a few posts back, but some people on forums argued with me that I was wrong. I guess I know where I’ll be going at midnight March 20, although I doubt Wal-Mart will have any cool activities like FYI did last year!

Superman reboot news

Last week, I read that Warner Bros. would be making an announcement about the future of its superhero projects soon. I’ve been waiting with a skeptic’s perspective (but still hoping for the best) for news about the next Superman movie. A lot of people seem to think any future Superman movie is completely dead at this point. I don’t know how to take today’s news, which may or may not be the official word many of us have been waiting for. I have definite mixed feelings about it.

Warner Bros. has supposedly hired director/screenwriter Christopher Nolan to reboot the Superman movie. Nolan resurrected Batman with the last two movies, "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," which were great. For Batman. But Superman is not Batman. Batman is dark. Superman is not. I hope Nolan gets this.

Plus, I think this news means that Brandon Routh is out as Superman/Clark. I’m really sad about that because I loved him in the role and think he is really underrated. But I’m holding out hope he stays and is given better material next time.

We’ll see…

An update on Eclipse?

So, they are adding more Edward, huh? Thanks for the tweet, Mr. Slade. I'm liking you more by the day...

Review: "Smallville: Absolute Justice"

I commandeered my friend's large-screen television on a Friday night to watch the premiere of the 2-hour Smallville movie, and while it was 1/3 cheese it was also 2/3 awesome! I think, even if you'd never watched Smallville before, this would have been a good episode/movie to catch. All you would need to know you could have figured out pretty quickly. Clark Kent and Lois Lane are reporters at the Daily Planet. Clark's best friends are others who either have special powers or just enjoy saving lives, and they often team up on cases to help people (in the comic books, this team will eventually become the Justice League which includes Batman and Wonder Woman, but for now, Clark hasn't even made the leap to becoming Superman yet, so the Justice League has not yet been formed). Chloe is the Watchtower, an uber intelligent cyber hacker who can find out anything at the snap of a finger and who connects all of the "superheoes" on Smallville with one another; Oliver is a hunk of hotness in green leather who could shoot the apple off of your head with perfect precision from a mile away, and he's otherwise known as the Green Arrow; John is a police officer and Martian bounty hunter now living as a human after the loss of his abilities (he saved Clark's life on a previous episode and thus lost his powers).

For this movie event, it kicks off when a strangely costumed man comes to warn Chloe that she and her "friends" are in danger. He is pretty much murdered in front of her by a weirdo wielding icicles, and it kicks off an investigation that leads to a band of other strangely dressed "criminals" that are being murdered off one by one. The band is a team of superheroes called the Justice Society of America.

Overall, I thought they did an amazing job, considering this was only the CW and it was Smallville. I thought the first hour was a little slow and where most of the cheese occurred, but of course, the first hour didn't have Lois Lane, Tess Mercer or much action. It also didn't have the costumes. As an aside, I must say that I really loved when Tess showed up at the Daily Planet, talked to Lois and Tess mentioned that "print is dead." I've been wondering when Smallville would recognize this modern day reality about newspapers. But I really, really loved Lois Lane's comeback when she handed Tess her business card and said, "My name, in print. I guess I haven't been having many problems." Oh, I loved that moment. Such a great Lois thing to say.

Geoff Johns did an excellent job on the writing and even made me tear up with some of the dialogue (I literally had chills; that man seriously needs to write a superhero movie), and I was pretty impressed with star Tom Welling's direction of the second half of the movie. I think he will have a good career as a director when he gives up acting.

My five favorite moments:
5. The scene where Clark went to the JSA museum and uncovered the exhibits. I mean, when he leaned in and saw a green lantern and green eyemask, I had an OMG moment and cheered on the inside. It was an obvious shout out to Green Lantern, who is a Justice League member not yet featured on the show because of DC Comics legalities, I'm sure. But a really cool moment none-the-less.

4. When Dr. Fate saw Clark's future and it flashed a vision of the red cape and S symbol blowing in the wind, I almost cried. Sometimes it's easy to forget now that on Smallville, Clark isn't Superman yet. He's still in training to be Superman, but someday he will wear that cape, red boots and blue spandex suit I love so much. Totally cool.

3. Great uplifting speech by Dr. Fate about Clark's destiny as a savior. Part of it is below in the scene embedded. It also shows why I LOVE Lois Lane, and especially Erica Durance as Lois Lane. Her final comment at the end of the clip nails it - it nails why I love Lois so much. She's so spunky!



2. Loved Stargirl's speech to Chloe about the Justice Society and when she asked about Chloe's team. When she gave the whole "Where's the table where you gather to eat? Where do you hang out?" speech and it showed Chloe's face, I knew that was the moment on the show when the Justice League truly forms. Especially when Stargirl added, "Family's not just about blood." And Stargirl's comment that the old superhero team was a family who got together for holidays and fun times and not just when things were bad and that was why it worked...loved it. Great lesson there, Chloe.

1. I almost picked the scene at the end with Oliver aka Green Arrow, John and Chloe as my favorite because it goes hand-in-hand with the scene above. John (aka Martian Manhunter) comes in to see Chloe and tells her that she, Clark, Oliver and the others are his only family now that he's not on Mars, then Oliver shows up, just because he wanted to see them, and then they all decide to go grab dinner together. Like a family would. Oh, it almost made me cry. But my favorite scene is really this one. Hawkman's speech to Clark at the end of the show. It made me feel great about the future of Smallville and the JLA on Smallville.

"Smallville" and other superhero news

SMALLVILLE. First of all, "Smallville" is back, and I loved it! Great return episode after the hiatus. Tom Welling makes an awesome Clark Kent, let me tell ya. I love that man. I'm really psyched about the 2-hour Smallville movie premiering this Friday night: "Absolute Justice." Not only was it written by Superman comic book writer Geoff Johns, it will introduce me to a whole slate of superheroes I'm not familiar with - Stargirl, Hawkman, Dr. Fate. It'll see the current Justice League of America (Superman, Green Arrow, The Flash) meeting up with superheroes from the past - heroes not even Oliver or Clark knew existed. And it should mark the initiation of the JLA on "Smallville" as a real organization. Until now, it's just been hinted at. If it shows Clark, Oliver, John Jones, Bart and the other current heroes sitting around the JLA table when it ends, I will probably cry tears of fangirl happiness. I am such a geek. I can't wait!

CAPTAIN AMERICA. Film Journal got an update from director Joe Johnston about the movie Marvel Studios' "The First Avenger: Captain America." No actor has been confirmed yet, but here's what Johnston had to say.

"We're in prep," Johnston says. "Rick Heinrichs is production-designing and we're set up down in Manhattan Beach [California]. It's the part of the process that I love the most," he enthuses. "We have eight or ten really talented artists, and we all just sit around all day and draw pictures and say, 'Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we could do this?' It's that phase of the production where money doesn't matter: ‘Let's put all the greatest stuff up on the wall and [then later] see what we can afford.'" The film, he says at this early stage, will begin "in 1942, 1943" during World War II. "The stuff in the ’60s and ’70s [comic books] we're sort of avoiding. We're going back to the ’40s, and then forward to what they're doing with Captain America now."

Hmmm. I can't help but wonder, if they make this a period film, if it will work. But I'd rather see Steve Rogers fighting in WWII because I just don't think a guy fighting bad guys in that costume in our time would work.

AVENGERS. A separate interview also talked to Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige about Iron Man 2, Thor and The Avengers film. "It's fun now, and we're introducing some new characters in ['Iron Man 2']," he said. "But it's not about just cramming in lots of new people; that's sort of the cardinal sin of the sequel - adding in too many characters. This is totally Tony Stark's story. And that's gonna weave into Thor's story, and Steve Rogers' story, and it's already ingrained with Nick Fury's story and an organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D."

Translation: go see "Iron Man 2" to get a taste of what to expect in the other "Avenger" films. Iron Man 2 comes out May 7. I'm totally there.



GREEN LANTERN. To shift back to a DC Comics superhero, I was so excited to read this article with director Martin Campbell at comingsoon.net about the Green Lantern movie. I'm crazy excited because Ryan Reynolds will be playing Hal Jordan (as you may or may not know, there have been multiple Green Lanterns over the years. Hal is my favorite!). My favorite superheroes have always been Superman and Spider-Man, but Green Lantern has become probably my third favorite in recent years after watching some of the Justice League animated films. I might go see this one at midnight when it comes out.