Twilight moment during the Oscars

I'm sure someone thought this would be cute/funny, but I thought it was kind of lame. What did you think?

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Hailee Steinfield comments on "The Hunger Games"

The other day, it was announced that Hailee Steinfield had committed to her next project, "Forgotten," based on Cat Patrick's upcoming book of the same name. I pretty much figured that took her out of the running to play Katniss (she's my top pick out of all the names that have been mentioned), but tonight at the Oscars, MTV asked her if there was still a possibility she could star in "The Hunger Games."

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Glad to know it's still a possibility, and that the casting director is being careful in choosing the right person for this role.

(Hailee didn't win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, but I still love her anyway :)

Breaking Dawn news, and casting Katniss

• Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: It’s been a while since I’ve noted any “Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” news, but a lot has been reported the past week, since production wrapped in Louisiana and all of the cast has moved on to Vancouver to complete filming. Apparently, sources are saying that Renesme will be played by multiple actresses, including Christie Burke, who will play her as a teenager? I don’t remember Renesme making it to that age in the actual book, which means Peter Facinelli’s remarks make sense. He recently told Access Hollywood that while “Eclipse” was his favorite book, “Breaking Dawn” is by far his favorite script.

"We have baby vampires, lots of fun stuff going on in that movie," he told Billy and Kit. "'Eclipse' was my favorite book, but I think 'Breaking Dawn' is my favorite script. I really like what they did with them. There's a lot of fun surprises for the audience."

Also, this is a couple of week’s late, but I really dig the photo of Isle Esme that Summit released for fans on Valentine’s Day. I wanna go there. Like, now, please!


• The Hunger Games still finding its cast: The Wall Street Journal has an article on its website that talks in-depth about casting Katniss for The Hunger Games film. It seems anyone who wants a shot at the role is being given the chance. Casting directors have set up ways for fans of the film to submit their headshots for consideration. Cool! Could I be Katniss? Seriously? Where’s a fountain of youth and plastic surgeon when you need one? The hottie that is Alex Pettyfer is still being questioned about his possible involvement with The Hunger Games. He told Access Hollywood at his latest film premiere yesterday that he has been talking to Lionsgate about the project, but sorry fans, he still hasn’t read the script.

What I thought about "Mockingjay"

"The headache's coming on and my thoughts begin to tangle. I shut my eyes and start to recite silently.

My name is Katniss Everdeen. I am seventeen years old. My home is District 12. I was in the Hunger Games. I escaped. The Capitol hates me. Peeta was taken prisoner. He is alive. He is a traitor, but alive. I have to keep him alive..."

I’ve finished reading “Mockingjay,” the last book in the Hunger Games trilogy, and I can easily sum up my reaction in one word.

Wow.

But does that “wow” translate to an amazed, ecstatic “Wow, that book was awesome! Better than the others!” or does it translate to “Wow, I can’t believe the author did that! That book was horrible!” I honestly think it translates to both. I don’t think I’ve ever had more of an ambiguous reaction to anything in my life. That’s why I’ve waited a few days to post my thoughts on it. I needed to digest everything and come to terms with the ending so I could think about it and get a better grip on my feelings about this book that was…absolutely brutal, from beginning to end.

So many deaths. So many beloved characters’ deaths, especially one that is so shocking and disturbing in the way it is carried out, I dare not even mention it here (for those of you who haven’t read it and want to). I admit it. I felt totally betrayed by this death. I wanted to throw the book against the wall and scream, "Noooooooo!" and not finish it because it was too painful to keep reading. But of course I had to finish it.

While the other books were certainly dark and violent, "Mockingjay" makes it clear from the beginning that these characters are now living in the dark times of war. Battle scenes are scattered throughout the novel, complete with bombings and shootings and worse. In the previous books, Katniss was always incredibly resilient, surviving horrors most of us could never imagine and with her mind and principles still intact. In "Mockingjay," she finally succumbs to the reality of what she has been forced to experience in the previous two books and is portrayed as crippled, both physically and emotionally. Katniss clearly has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (I actually remember thinking, It's about time, Katniss. You're only human, after all). It's also obvious from page one that Katniss is being used by those around her, and her judgment is flawed. Should she trust the Rebels? Haymitch? Who? It's pretty much left up to the reader to decide. Would the Katniss in the previous books allow herself to so easily be used as a pawn by others? Heck no! But in "Mockingjay," she has clearly changed. However, it doesn't become clear just much she has changed as a character until the final pages of the book, when she ruthlessly commits acts of violence without feeling or showing the remorse or guilt she felt and displayed in the previous two books. I grieved for Katniss as I read those last few chapters. I missed the old Katniss, that young girl we met on page one of "The Hunger Games" who could laugh and smile if the circumstances were right, the same girl who blushed so easily in "Catching Fire" when anyone teased her about being innocent.

I also imagine the author, Suzanne Collins, ripping her hair out in frustration as she surfed message boards for the first two books, before she finished "Mockingjay." The fervent Team Peeta vs. Team Gale debate seemed awfully prevalent before "Mockingjay" was released, given there were much more important themes to talk about within the books. I think the author used "Mockingjay" to make it painfully clear that the point of the story has nothing to do with which suitor Katniss should or would choose. While the book does end with Katniss settling down with one of them, it seems totally unimportant and even grim -- certainly not the happy ending I'm sure most people (including myself) hoped for. Trust me when I say, by the end of "Mockingjay," neither Gale nor Peeta come across as the romantic figures they appeared in the other two books.

It's because "Mockingjay" isn't predictable and doesn't cater to the fans' wishes that I both love and hate it. I'm trying to decide if Suzanne Collins is a genius or a nutcase for that. I certainly can't deny that "Mockingjay" is by far the most powerful book in the series because of this. It paints a harsh portrait of war that is chilling and thought-provoking.

I think the first two books are easier, more fun reads, and that's why I probably won't be reading "Mockingjay" again anytime soon. But I still say if I were a teacher, all three of these books would be taught in my class. Yes, they're all that good. They're all that powerful.

Cliff notes for The Hunger Games

The other day I had lunch with a friend who enjoys reading young adult novels too, and when she asked me what I’d been reading lately and I told her “The Hunger Games,” she asked, “What’s that about?”

I failed epically in my explanation. I barely got past my first sentence and she held up her hand. “That sounds terrible,” she said. “I don’t think I want to read that.”

I wanted to grab her shoulders and yell, “But you should! It’s amazing!”
I had another friend on Facebook tell me she couldn’t figure out what the books were about either from reading this blog, so let me back track for a second and try to do justice to what these books are about — and tell you why you should read them — in as basic terms as I can muster. Warning: this contains spoilers for those of you who haven’t read the books.

The Hunger Games: Book 1
The book is set sometime in the future in the United States. Only, it is no longer the United States. People revolted against the government, a civil war broke out, and the country became Panem — made up of 12 districts ruled by The Capitol. The Capitol is a place of wealth and extravagance and ruled by one man, President Snow. Life in the Capitol is great. There are parties, entertainment, food and expensive clothes. Life in the districts is hard. Think Great Depression and then some. People are desperate for food and everyday items, but it is against the law for them to hunt outside of their district. Food is rationed and supplied by The Capitol and used to control the citizens of each district. Most people are literally staving. Following the revolution, The Capitol devised a way to further punish the people in the remaining districts by holding The Hunger Games for their own entertainment. Each district holds a lottery, in which one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 – 18 are selected as “tributes” to fight to the death as part of a televised reality show. Only one victor can survive each Hunger Games.

Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 with her mother and younger sister, Prim. When her father died in a mining accident when she was only 11, Katniss had to become the sole provider for her family because her mother had a complete mental breakdown and could no longer function. Katniss broke the law, went into the surrounding woods, and taught herself how to hunt to keep her family alive. That’s how she met her best friend, Gale, because he was doing the same for his family. The only reason she hasn’t been punished is because she sells meat to The Peacekeepers in her district, so they turn a blind eye to her and Gale (a boy), when they hunt. Katniss resents her mother, misses her father fiercely and tells us in the first chapter that Prim, her 12-year-old sister, is the only person in the world she knows she loves for certain. So during the ceremony for the 74th Hunger Games, it’s almost no surprise that 12-year-old Prim’s name is drawn. And of course, 16-year-old Katniss volunteers to take Prim’s place in The Hunger Games, fully expecting to die because she doesn’t see herself as a likely contender. Making matters worse, the male tribute chosen from her district is Peeta — a boy who once took a beating from his mother so he could sneak a starving Katniss some bread. They’ve never spoken (this happened when Katniss was about 10 or 11), but she has always felt indebted to him for that act of kindness. However, she will have to kill him if she wants to win The Hunger Games.

The tributes are given a mentor — a past victor of The Hunger Games — who is supposed to train them and win them sponsors (while in the arena, tributes can be given gifts from the viewers at home to increase their chances). Haymitch — the town drunk — is Peeta and Katniss’ mentor. Snarky and belligerent, Haymitch only sobers up when Katniss and Peeta show some spunk and force him to give them a chance. During the final televised interviews before The Games begin, Peeta tells the audience that he has been in love with Katniss since they were children, which shocks and confuses Katniss, who has already braced herself for having to kill him. She decides winning over the audience with a star-crossed lover act is Peeta’s strategy for winning. He seems sincere enough, but she can’t understand why anyone would love her.

Once they are dropped into the arena — a wooded forest with the environment controlled by Gamemakers — Katniss separates from Peeta and tries to survive on her own. She uses her hunting skills to stay alive. However, she finds an ally in the youngest tribute, Rue, who reminds Katniss of Prim. After Rue is killed, Katniss realizes that Peeta has been protecting her in the arena, and she sets off to find him. He’s badly wounded, and she nurses him back to health, realizing that she can use his star-crossed lovers idea to her own advantage. She pretends to share Peeta’s feelings and soon begins receiving gifts from sponsors — medicine, food and weapons. The audience watching feels moved by their love story. When The Hunger Games come down to just Katniss and Peeta, she refuses to kill him, and he — because he truly has loved her all his life — refuses to kill her. Katniss and Peeta threaten to kill themselves rather than kill the other, and it’s implied that the Capitol audience watching demands they both be allowed to live because their love story is so great.

After the Games, Peeta realizes that Katniss was only acting when she pretended to care for him in the arena, and worse — Katniss learns that her refusal to kill Peeta in the arena has sparked rumors of a new uprising against the Capitol. Her refusal to play The Games as instructed has inspired people in the various districts to rebel.

Catching Fire: Book 2
Following their win in The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are celebrities of a sort who are expected to visit the various districts. While she’s at home with her mother and sister before her Victory Tour, Gale informs Katniss he loves her and hated seeing her fawn all over Peeta on television during The Games. Confused by her feelings for both Gale and Peeta, Katniss is thrown into more emotional turmoil when she is visited at home by President Snow, who warns her that her actions have sparked thoughts of a rebellion against the Capitol. Many people in the Districts saw her kindness to Rue and her refusal to kill Peeta as clear acts of defiance against the government. President Snow threatens to kill Gale and her family if Katniss doesn’t convince people on her Victory Tour that she truly does love Peeta and that her refusal to kill him wasn’t an act of defiance — it was the action of a girl out of her mind with and desperately in love. Peeta agrees to help Katniss with the act, and the two become close friends as they travel from District to District greeting their fans. Katniss notices that many people have mimicked her token symbol — a Mockingjay pin she wore during the Games — throughout the districts, which confuses and puzzles her. And when she visits Rue’s district, Katniss delivers a heartfelt speech thanking the people there for their sacrifice, which again sparks an uprising.

Rather than murder her family in retaliation, President Snow arranges instead for only past Victors of The Hunger Games to be placed into the lottery for the 75th Hunger Games, and as the only living female tribute in her district, Katniss is guaranteed to participate — again. Peeta volunteers to take Haymitch’s place in the Games when Haymitch’s name is drawn and swears to again protect Katniss in the arena at the cost of his own life. Haymitch instructs Katniss and Peeta to make allies with some of the other Tributes, and they team up with others to try to stay alive. Katniss has decided that her single goal is to protect Peeta so that he can be the only Victor, fully expecting to die to make it happen, but Peeta has decided the same about Katniss. Inexplicably, though, it seems many of the other Tributes are determined to sacrifice themselves to keep both Peeta and Katniss alive during the latest Hunger Games. Katniss begins to suspect they see Peeta as the leader of the new rebellion and need to keep him alive so he can use his influence over people to rise against the Capitol.

These same allies in the arena devise a plan to channel lightening and destroy the force field around the arena. Peeta and Katniss become separated during the attempt, and Katniss is nearly killed when she manages to blow up the force field. A hovercraft appears and takes her badly injured body away. Upon waking, she learns that the Rebels plotted to save her from the arena — but they didn’t save Peeta. Haymitch explains that, unknown to both Peeta and Katniss the whole time, Katniss with her Mockingjay token has become the face of the rebellion, and she had to be protected at all costs — even at the cost of Peeta’s life. She is expected to become the leader of the rebellion — not Peeta. Worse, she learns that President Snow has completely destroyed Katniss’s home, and that District 12 has been obliterated off the map.

Mockingjay – Book 3
Katniss — suffering from post traumatic stress disorder — visits the ashes and rubble of District 12 under the protection of the Rebels, who live and operate out of District 13 (a district once believed to have been destroyed by The Capitol). Gale managed to save some of the people in District 12 before it was bombed, including Katniss’s mother and sister, Prim, which provides Katniss with some comfort. Believing Peeta to be dead, however, Katniss displays no desire to become the Mockingjay — the face of the Rebellion. She forces herself to function only because of her sister, Prim. Gale, now a soldier of the Rebellion, also helps Katniss recover as they slowly regain their old friendship. Katniss hates the rebels for not saving Peeta, but when President Snow airs television propaganda showing that Peeta is indeed still alive and being held prisoner, Katniss agrees to film propoganda for the Rebels in retaliation. In short, she agrees to become the Mockingjay.

As the Capitol airs more and more disturbing footage of Peeta, showing that he has been tortured, Katniss has a mental break down. Haymitch then convinces the Rebels to rescue Peeta and the other hostage Tributes from The Capitol to help Katniss recover. However, Katniss’s reunion with Peeta is spoiled when he tries to kill her. Peeta has been brainwashed into believing Katniss is the enemy. His undying love for her is gone.

Finally broken by this, Katniss decides her last act in life will be to personally kill President Snow and begins training with the Rebels to accomplish this. As she trains, doctors work on reversing Peeta’s condition, with little success. His new hatred for her pushes Katniss to train harder. Eventually, Katniss succeeds in reaching The Capitol and President Snow, and that’s when — pardon my French — all hell breaks lose.

Of course, there's more to Mockingjay than that, but that's the gist of it, and I truly don't want to spoil the ending for anyone who might read this.

I'll post my reaction later...

Dylan Dog "Dead of Night" gets a U.S. release date

As you probably know, I am a HUGE fan of Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), and most BR fans have been wondering for a while now, When will "Dead of Night" be released?

Shock Til Ya Drop has found out that the movie will finally be released in the U.S. on April 29. Yay! And even better, a trailer has finally been leaked online. I have to admit, it looks kinda cheesy, but I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek kind of film anyway. Check it out, and show Brandon some love by seeing the movie when it hits theaters.

Brandon Routh stars as paranormal investigator Dylan Dog, a private investigator who seeks out the supernatural in Louisana's Bayou. The movie was directed by Kevin Munroe and is based on the Italian comic book series written by Tiziano Sclavi. It also stars Taye Diggs, Peter Stormare, Sam Huntington, Kurt Angle and Anita Briem.

Woman Woman lassos its lead

You've probably heard by now that "Friday Night Lights" actress Adrianne Palicki has been cast as the new Wonder Woman for David E. Kelley's new pilot. I've been so distracted waiting for casting news on Lois Lane and Katniss Everdeen that I almost forgot about my homegirl, Wonder Woman!

My reaction? Well, at least she looks the part, and at 5'11, I can't complain that they've cast a shrimp in the role that requires a tall Amazonian type. Truly, I wish Ms. Palicki the best and hope the series turns out better than I'm anticipating (Have you heard the rumors about the script? Has David E. Kelley ever read a Wonder Woman comic before? I mean, does he even know who she is?! Check out this tidbit from Blastr.com about the script and tell me you're not both confused and worried at the same time. Three identities? Huh?).

Bleeding Cool got their hands on a draft and offered some tidbits to their readers—being careful not to spill any heavy-duty spoilers, just a few general premises.

Wonder Woman lives her days as Diana Themyscira, head of Themyscira Industries. Bleeding Cool writes, "[I]t is well known in this world that Ms. T and Wonder W are the same - think Tony Stark and Iron Man from the end of their first film on."

Secretly, however, she has another identity: Diana Prince. (How she has time for a third identity when she's not running a business or saving the world is anybody's guess.)

Wonder Woman will include a few familiar characters from the DC comic book, including Myndi Myers, Etta Candy, and Veronica Cale. Love interest Steve Trevor makes an appearance; although they had been romantically involved in the past, they've broken up by the start of the series.

Want more? Fun facts include that Diana—

♦ "Pines for Steve like Carrie for Big."

and

♦ "When she's Diana Prince she's a mousey Miley Stewart, when she's Diana Themiscyra [sic] she's the Hanna Montana of businesswomen, and when she's Wonder Woman she's Wonder Woman - which is precisely twice in the whole episode."

I mean, WTH?

As for the casting news from yesterday, I'll admit, I am not a huge, huge fan of Ms. Palicki, but as a "Supernatural" fan (she's played Sam's girlfriend Jessica in a few unforgettable episodes) and as a fan of the movie "Legion," I am well aware of who she is. I actually didn't recognize her at first because, well, she's usually a blonde. I'm glad she's dyed her hair from blonde to brunette for this, and like I said, she's tall. In short, I'm willing to give her a chance before I give her a thumbs down.

Good luck, Adrianne! My fingers are crossed for you (and us too!). Now go knock 'em dead, girl, er, Wonder Woman.

Why I think Lionsgate might get “The Hunger Games” film right

I had some downtime today so I did a news search on “The Hunger Games” movie. While there’s nothing new in the way of casting (darn it!), I did find some interesting back articles describing the production on this film. My attention was piqued and I was ecstatic to learn that the book trilogy’s author is adapting the screenplay herself, which has to be a first in this genre. Neither J.K. Rowlings nor Stephenie Meyer adapted their stories for the big screen, and many fans were unhappy that important details were left out.

Of course, a book author writing a screenplay could be a dangerous prospect, but I also learned that Ms. Collins formerly worked in TV and Film production as a writer, so she obviously has skills in this area. Things are looking up already!

Apparently “The Hunger Games” has also become a hot property in Hollywood, inspiring bidding wars and multiple studios to stake claims on it. Lionsgate — a studio, if I’m honest, I have never liked — had the foresight to snap up the rights after “New Moon” broke box office records (and film studios began snapping up the rights to young adult books left and right, but so far, “The Hunger Games” is the only one to generate positive buzz). Yesterday, Warner Brother Studios purchased the rights to distribute “The Hunger Games” film overseas. Obviously people are expecting this movie to do really, really well.

I found interviews with a variety of high-profile celebrities — Emily Blunt, Stephenie Meyer, Stephen King, Kristen Bell — professing their undying love for these books as well. It certainly is poised to become the next big thing if people don’t get turned off by the idea of kids killing kids. Then again, that could also work in its favor. “The Hunger Games” books have just as many male fans as female fans, whereas “Twilight” has a predominantly female fan base, and look how well it has done at the box office.

I've been looking on YouTube and found these cool fan-made trailers. I thought this one was pretty cool.



As an aside, I also found this video highlighted on The Hollywood Reporter website. A production company in Utah is staffed by lots of fans of “The Hunger Games” books, and they filmed a critical scene from the first book — Rue’s death. I was amazed at their attention to detail — Katniss’s bow and arrows, her orange backpack and the Mockingjay pin she wears make Katniss look exactly how I pictured her. Of course, in the book, I’m pretty sure Rue is described as being a tiny 12-year-old black girl, but otherwise, these guys did an outstanding job! Check it out to get a taste of what “The Hunger Games” is all about.

And, finally, “Mockingjay”

Since I’m sorta, kinda trying to document my reading of The Hunger Games trilogy, it’s time for an update. I’ve finished the second book in the series, “Catching Fire,” and holy cow! Did it seriously end that way?! I’m pulling my hair out because I so badly want to be reading the third book, “Mockingjay,” right now, it’s pathetic, but instead I’m writing a blog that pales in comparison. Not that that’s going to keep me from blogging, of course. Pathetic? Ehh, so what? And I suppose this all makes me seem like one of the people in the Capitol, doesn’t it?

I’ve read the first chapter of “Mockingjay” because, seriously, how could you not read it after that cliffhanger ending? But I forced myself to stop there because I was already so sleep-depraved from reading “Catching Fire” that I didn’t want to risk losing my job or anything when I collapsed on the floor from sheer exhaustion today.

So what was “Catching Fire” about? Here’s the description taken from Amazon.com:

Every year in Panem, the dystopic nation that exists where the U.S. used to be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome battle to the death. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit to threaten everyone she loves if she doesn’t tow the line, but can she? Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader. Though more of the story takes place outside the arena than within, this sequel has enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment.

My thoughts after reading “Catching Fire” are this. Darn you, Suzanne Collins! I’ve never read any book series with romantic elements where it wasn’t predictable which boy the heroine would end up with by the end of the second book. If I hadn’t already peeked at the end of “Mockingjay” because the suspense was absolutely killing me, I would have no idea whatsoever who Katniss ends up choosing — her best friend, Gale, or her fellow tribute, Peeta? Katniss ping pongs back and forth in such a realistic and heartfelt way that it’s impossible to know for certain at this point who she would choose if she felt she lived in a world where she had that right.

Besides, we were introduced to hunky Finnick in this book. Not that I imagine anything romantic will develop between him and Katniss, but I’d love to take him myself. Such a yummy character. And, so far, he’s the only character I’ve been able to cast in my head as I read him. I think Zac Efron would make a terrific Finnick, and I’m not even a big Zac Efron fan! But he fits the physical description so well, doesn’t he? Yum. (OK, let me put my inner Cougar back up now).

If I thought “The Hunger Games” was a thought-provoking page-turner, “Catching Fire” was the same times ten. So how does that bode for “Mockingjay?”

On one hand, I’m hesitant to forge ahead. It seems each book intensifies with emotion, violence and death. I cried a little when Rue died in “The Hunger Games.” I cried a lot when Mags died in “Catching Fire.” Will I need to seek therapy when whoever dies in this one? Will my beloved Haymitch be killed? Finnick? If it’s one thing I’ve learned from these books, it’s that no one is safe. A war is brewing, so deaths are guaranteed if the story is to be effective in getting its point across. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past Ms. Collins to kill Katniss herself (thank God I already know from my peeking that doesn’t happen).

Will “Mockingjay” be as good of a read as “The Hunger Games” and “Catching Fire”? Ask me in a few days. I’m sure I’ll also lose sleep reading this one to find out.

Smallville news galore, and more

Smallville news galore!
By now you’ve probably heard the flood of news surrounding “Smallville” lately. Yes, Michael Rosenbaum is confirmed to be returning as Lex Luthor for the series finale, which it was also announced will be two hours. I didn’t rush to post this because, while I like Rosenbaum as an actor, I never enjoyed Lex on “Smallville” all that much and think the show has been sooooo much better since Lex and Lana left, it’s not funny (What, does it surprise you I wasn’t that big of a fan of “Smallville” until Season 7? Trust me, it’s true.). However, I’m glad he’s returning for at least one episode as a farewell to the diehard fans. The news that has shocked me most — SPOILER ALERT — is that Alexander, the Lex clone Tess saved in this season’s first episode, is actually none other than Conner Kent. That’s right — Superboy! As fans of the comic books know, Superboy is who-what resulted when Lex Luthor cloned his DNA with Clark Kent’s. He’s got all of Clark’s powers and a lot of Lex’s bad attitude. My first reaction was, Wow, are they really going there? Seriously? But yep, it seems they are. Then again, when has “Smallville” ever been predictable? And, anyone else find it pretty humorous that the blond, slightly gay-acting guy from High School Musical is now playing Superboy? Finally, TV Guide’s Water Cooler, has a fun article speculating about the future of Tess on the show. I hated the villainess Tess when she first came on the scene, but now, the redeemed baddy can join my crime-fighting team any day! But, as the article predicts, she might not survive to the finale, now that she knows she’s a Luther, she’s fully prepared to turn her back on Lionel for good, she’s chosen to stand by Clark and his team of goodies AND she tried to kill the Lex clone to right her wrongs.

“Ugly ends usually come to those who cross the Luthors. Upping the chances that Miss Mercer may not make it to the final credits are her non-mythology roots and her bitch-goddess bad-girl past (let's just say Miss Mercer did more than just kneel before Zod, OK?). That cocktail of revenge, karma and the likelihood of a few fatalities by the show's May 13th farewell really has us concerned, especially since Tess has repented, joined our heroes and just plain rocks. Hopefully, executive producers Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders will figure out how to keep her safe and send Freeman's fierce alter ego off with a happy ending of some sort. Otherwise, Tess could be headed for a real mess.”

To recap all of the “Smallville” news in 30 seconds or less, Michael Rosenbaum, aka Lex Luthor, is really returning! The series finale will be two hours May 13! Alexander is really Conner Kent who is really Superboy from the comics! And Tess might bite the dust soon! Got it? Good. Whew!

The third Batman film begins suiting up soon: Various news reports are saying the third Batman film from Christopher Nolan starring Christian Bale will begin filming this summer, and the cast reads like a Who’s Who of Hollywood powerlist. Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy and now Marion Cottiliaird. Others in the cast already include Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman. I’m sure the movie will be great and rake in the big bucks, but seriously, can we hear something about “Superman” already?

Speaking of casting news: No one likes waiting, and the suspense over casting the new “Superman” film (mainly, Lois Lane and the supporting characters) and the film adaptation of “The Hunger Games” has become a preoccupation I seriously could do without. Is this what pregnant women feel like when they approach their due date? Geez. Just tell us already! I have a feeling an announcement on casting for either project could happen any day now. And as is almost always the case, I predict a bunch of unhappy moaners reacting to whoever is cast in any of the parts, because, well, that just seems to be the standard. Still, I’m on pins and needles waiting for the info. Give, already!

The Hunger Games movie, plus what do I think of Catching Fire?

I gobbled up the first book in The Hunger Games series and am now well into the second book, “Catching Fire,” which I have to say is even better than “The Hunger Games.” That’s really saying something, because I thought “The Hunger Games” was at once horrific and thought-provoking and entertaining and amazing. Katniss Everdeen, you are my new fictional BFF. You go, girl! And for the record, I am firmly on Team Peeta now. Gale who?

This has been a book series that has stayed with me long after I’ve put each book down, and I've actually dreamt about it a couple of times, which is something I haven’t done with a book before or since Twilight! Granted, one was a nightmare, but still. What magic writing abilities do both Stephenie Meyer and Suzanne Collins possess, and where can I get some of it? This isn’t your ordinary science fiction young adult romance novel series. I can easily see this book being taught in schools someday for its social commentary, although the violence in the books will probably land it on the most banned list a lot. Too bad. Kids today could learn some serious lessons from it.

Apparently, I’m late to the party for the popularity for these books (or maybe it’s because I’m not a young adult?) because, as I said before, Lionsgate is already planning “The Hunger Games” movie and polls show it is one of the most anticipated films of 2012. Awesome! With a March 23, 2012, release date already lined up, and filming set to begin this spring, expect casting confirmations any day now. MTV even has a poll on its website about who should play Katniss. If you search news stories about "The Hunger Games" movie, you get a hit on a crazy, insane amount of articles. It seems every young actress and her sister are lobbying for this role right now. I especially like this one article, which predicts "The Hunger Games" could be the next big thing in film francise and breaks down the reasons why.

Maybe it’s because I love this character so much — even more than Bella Swan, if I’m honest — but I can’t see any of the actresses rumored to be in the running playing Katniss with any justice. Ultimately, I really just hope they pick someone who does a great job. Of those listed, perhaps “True Grit’s” Hailee Steinfeld? I watched an interview with her, and the question was posed if she was interested in the role, and she showed a love and enthusiasm for the books (and Katniss) that made me really lean toward her. I don’t know. What do you think?

As for Peeta, Alex Pettyfer seems to be foremost in the running for the role. I suppose he’s determined to conquer every Young Adult novel adaptation in Hollywood (wouldn’t this be his third – or fourth?), but I don’t hate the idea. I tend to hope that they will find an unknown cast though. Maybe when I see “I Am Number Four” next weekend, Pettyfer will completely win me over, but I doubt it. Peeta has become another character that is near and dear to my heart. I’d hate for just anyone to play him. Know what I mean?

There is one actor that I have envisioned the entire time I’ve been reading these books for the role of Haymitch. Who better than Johnny Depp could play this complex character? On second thought, Robert Downey Jr. would make an awesome Haymitch too. Or am I hoping for too much?

Should be interesting to see the cast announcements when they're made, which will hopefully be soon!