New in Theaters: "Kick-Ass 2" Starring Aaron Johnson and Chloë Grace Moretz

Not having watched the original Kick-Ass, I went into the screening of its sequel, Kick-Ass 2, with an open mind and only one expectation - that the performances from the mostly younger cast members would be serviceable. That expectation was met and, frankly, the performances are one of the few reasons to watch the film. The story centers around Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) and Mindy Macready (Chloë Grace Moretz), two high school teenagers who also happen to be super heroes/vigilantes known as Kick-Ass and Hit Girl, respectively. After a brief retirement, Dave is back in the game and joins a team of "everyday" heroes called Justice Forever, led by Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey). However, their combined strength may not be enough to defeat Chris D'Amico, who becomes a super villain (whose name is rather vulgar and sounds like Mother Focker) after accidentally killing his mother. Chris forms his own team, which includes a seemingly unstoppable Mother Russia (Olga Kurkulina).

Meanwhile, Mindy's father, Marcus (Morris Chestnut), realizes that she is still acting as a super hero and makes her promise to quit, which she does. She tries to lead a normal life by making new friends at school and thinks about dating. However, after being embarrassed by her new "friends," Mindy seeks revenge, which gets her suspended. Shortly thereafter, someone close to Dave is targeted and killed by Chris's team, who then attack Dave, Mindy and their friends at the funeral. This prompts Mindy to once again become Hit Girl and join forces with the other so-called heroes to take down the villains in an extremely violent clash.

As a life long fan of the superhero genre, I appreciated the comedic take on the subject matter, from the obvious comments about the form fitting outfits, especially the ones worn by the males, to the appropriately over the top performance by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, as the evil villain. In addition, Aaron Johnson's low key, but confident, performance is impressive, as is Chloë Grace Moretz, who is formidable for her age and size. The youngsters elevate the material, but not nearly enough for me to recommend the film. While some viewers may find the violence troubling, I found it hard to take seriously in a film such as this one, when tongues are planted firmly in cheeks. However, I hope parents/guardians would not allow younger children to see Kick-Ass 2, which more than earns its "R" rating. Finally, the gross out gags are completely unnecessary and do not look remotely realistic. They serve only to diminish what little the film has going for it. With that being said, it appears that a third installment may be on the way, pending box office approval.

Director/Screenwriter - Jeff Wadlow

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" (Excuse Me While I Geek Out)

Deep breath......I must have been living under a rock for the past few weeks. Thankfully, the teaser at the end of The Wolverine brought me up to speed on the upcoming X-Men film that is scheduled to open next summer. I knew that a sequel to X-Men: First Class was coming, but I did not know that the film would feature characters from the previous X-Men franchise as well as those from First Class. X-Men: Days of Future Past is based on an X-Men comic book story from the early 1980s by the phenomenal Chris Claremont and John Byrne and will serve as a sequel to both X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men: First Class. The film will be directed by Bryan Singer, who has not helmed an X-Men movie since X2 in 2003.

I consider the upcoming film to be the best of both worlds because it features many of my favorite actors who will be reprising their roles from previous films. For instance:

James McAvoy (as the young Professor X)- The underrated and underemployed actor has built a stunning resume that includes outstanding performances in the award winning films The Last King of Scotland and Atonement.

Ian McKellen (as the older Magneto) - Fanboys love him for his work in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as well as the previous X-Men films. I appreciate his work is all of those projects, but his finest performance was his turn as the late director James Whale (Frankenstein) in Gods and Monsters, which is one of my all-time favorite films that I watch at least a couple of times each year.

Nicholas Hoult (as Hank McCoy/Beast) - One of the best young actors in the movie industry today, Hoult initially won me over as Tony Stonem in the British television series Skins and then went on to deliver strong work in the films A Single Man and Warm Bodies.

Patrick Stewart (as the older Professor X) - Stewart is probably best remembered for his work as Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, but he showed considerable range in the 1995 comedy Jeffrey as a gay man who was a member of the "Pink Panthers." Of course, Stewart was born to play Professor X  - his resemblance to the character is striking.

Jennifer Lawrence - The superbly talented young Oscar winner continues to amaze and delight. From her turn in Winter's Bone to Katniss in The Hunger Games to her incredible work in Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence has already cemented herself in movie history and seems to get better with each performance.

Shawn Ashmore (Bobby Drake/Iceman) - The Following actor gets another well deserved movie role, which will hopefully translate to more projects in the future.

Evan Peters (Quicksilver) - Peters has delivered impressive work in the first two seasons of American Horror Story and has earned the chance to showcase his talents on the big screen.

In addition, X-Men: Days of Future Past will feature Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Halle Berry (Storm), Anna Paquin (Rogue) and Michael Fassbender (young Magneto), as well as Ellen Page (Kitty Pryde), Peter Dinklage (Bolivar Trask) and Adam Canto (Sunspot), who appeared with Shawn Ashmore in The Following.

Needless to say, I cannot wait to see X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Hugh Jackman is "The Wolverine"

Hugh Jackman has portrayed Wolverine on screen six times over the past 13 years and is still believable, especially from a physical standpoint, as the tough as nails mutant. Jackman is, without question, the most popular actor to emerge from the X-Men films and if he can maintain his physical prowess, he could portray Logan/Wolverine for many years to come. Jackman headlines his second film as the titular character in the recently released The Wolverine, which is based on the 1982 Wolverine limited series by comic book legends Chris Claremont and Frank Miller.

The Wolverine finds Logan struggling with the loss of Jean Grey (Famke Jannsen), his former lover who he had to kill in X-Men: The Last Stand. He has isolated himself in the Yukon, but is tracked down by a young mutant, Yukio (Rila Fukushima), who possesses the ability to foresee other people's deaths. Yukio came in search of Logan on behalf of Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi), Logan's old friend who is dying (Logan and Yashida's backstory is told via flashbacks throughout the film). Logan reluctantly agrees to accompany the young woman to Japan.

Yashida feels indebted to Logan and offers him the chance to become mortal once again in exchange for his mutant powers, which will be transferred into Yashida's body in an attempt to save his life. Logan refuses, but struggles with wanting to be "normal" again, and the old man dies shortly thereafter. His death eventually sets up a power struggle within the family between Yashida's son, Shingen (Hiroyuki Sanada), and his granddaughter, Mariko (Tao Okamoto). Soon thereafter, the Japanese mob, Yakuza, attempt to kidnap Mariko, who is saved by Logan and an inevitable romance begins to blossom between them. However, after being shot, Logan realizes that his healing power is not working as quickly as it should. As a result, he understands that what he thought was a dream featuring Yashida's doctor actually occurred and the young woman, known as the mutant Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova), placed something inside Logan's body which is now inhibiting his powers.

In addition to Logan's reduced mutant abilities, he continues to be burdened by nightmares of Jean and finds himself in the middle of a family feud, which results in mistrust. Furthermore, the Yakuza are not far away and a large electromagnetic suit of Japanese armor, known as the Silver Samurai, is being built to do battle with Wolverine. With the odds stacked against him and not knowing who to trust, Logan is challenged like never before.

I generally like the talkative sequences in superhero films more than the action sequences and the first part of The Wolverine features many such scenes. So, I should have been pleased, but I was not. The low key tone of the majority of the first half of the film felt boring and was, at times, poorly edited. However, the action sequence aboard the bullet train was terrific. In addition, the second half of the film is an improvement over the first half and is loaded with action, especially during the extended final act. Jackman delivers another solid performances as the beloved Wolverine, complete with a ruthless demeanor towards his enemies which is juxtaposed with just the right amount of sarcastic humor.

The Wolverine is a better film than X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but it still does not live up to the potential of the iconic character or the talent of Hugh Jackman, who has proven himself to be one of the most versatile actors in the movie industry. The source material is rich, but does not translate as well on screen for some reason. Perhaps the behind the scenes changes with screenwriters and directors are to blame, with the lack of cohesion serving to diminish the overall product. In any event, I would bet on another feature film starring Wolverine, with Hugh Jackman leading the way. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

For those who have not yet seen The Wolverine, make sure you stay for the credits, which feature a great teaser for X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Director: James Mangold
Screenplay: Mark Bomback and Scott Frank

"Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" by Daniel Wallace

The recently released film Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill, is the subject of the new book Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman (Insight Editions) by Daniel Wallace. The book is beautifully packaged and boasts nearly 180 pages of full color photographs from the hit film that just happens to be my favorite Superman movie to date. With a Foreward by producer Christopher Nolan and an Introduction by director Zach Snyder, Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman features a thorough behind the scenes look at the making of the film, with special attention paid to the technical aspects, including the special effects, costumes and production design. Chapters are devoted to the initial planning phase of the film, casting the right actors for the various roles, the construction of sets on Krypton and Earth, as well as commentary about the meaning and longevity of the Superman character.

The high quality paper compliments the photography, by Clay Enos, which is stunning, especially in regards to the world of Krypton. The attention to detail that was displayed while making Man of Steel is impressive and the filmmakers clearly wanted to get everything just right. Commentary from the aforementioned Zach Snyder, as well as producers Charles Roven, Wes Collier and Emma Thomas, among others, help shed light on the sometimes difficult, but ultimately rewarding movie making process. Stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams and Michael Shannon also provide their own perspective about the film and their respective characters.  

Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman is a terrific companion piece to the feature film that has resonated with viewers around the world and has reestablished Superman as a force at the box office. The book allows readers to relive the film whenever they please and also provides in-depth information about the step by step process of making a film as complex as Man of Steel. Readers may develop a new appreciation for the considerable efforts that went into making a film that brought new life to Superman, who will be back on the big screen for at least two more films in the not too distant future. A legend has been reborn.

New Series Spotlight: "Beware the Batman"

The latest animated series to feature The Dark Knight, Beware the Batman, premiered this past Saturday on Cartoon Network, as part of the DC Nation block. The new series is a computer animated effort and it certainly looks contemporary and realistic. The focus is on the early days of Batman/Bruce Wayne, so mistakes are made that may startle some viewers, but Bruce is still honing his craft as a crime fighter. In addition, new twists on the legacy of the titular hero, including a different look for Alfred and contemporary villains (many from the Batman comic books), make Beware the Batman stand out from its predecessors. The first episode features relative newcomers Professor Pyg and Mr. Toad, but at least one classic villain, Ra's al Ghul, will be a part of the landscape in future installments. The debut episode was enjoyable and well crafted, although getting used to the updated look and new mythology may take some time for long time fans of Batman. Regardless, I plan to be a regular viewer, at least in the short term.

"Beware the Batman" airs Saturday mornings at 10:00am ET on Cartoon Network.

"The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector'​s Edition" arrives on Blu-ray September 2​4th from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

All Three Films, New Special Features, and Memorabilia

 

Burbank, Calif. – Christopher Nolan’s reimagining of the Batman franchise beginning with 2005’s Batman Begins enjoyed phenomenal critical and box-office success. Now on September 24, Nolan’s three Batman films – Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises – will be released by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment as The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition. The six-disc set will feature all three films with their existing extra content, two new featurettes and exclusive new collectible memorabilia. This must-own collection for fans of DC Comics’ Caped Crusader is available in premium packaging and will sell for $99.97 SRP.

 

About the Ultimate Collector’s Edition (UCE):

  *Disc 1 – Batman Begins Feature and Special Features

  *Disc 2 – The Dark Knight Feature

  *Disc 3 – The Dark Knight Special Features

  *Disc 4 – The Dark Knight Rises Feature                    

  *Disc 5 – The Dark Knight Rises Special Features

  *Disc 6 – Bonus Disc of New Special Features (details follow)

 

NEW Special Features:

• The Fire Rises: The Creation and Impact of The Dark Knight Trilogy - The inside perspective on the fascinating story behind the creation of one of the most celebrated franchises and how it changed the scope of movie making….forever.  Full of never-before-seen footage, rare moments, and exclusive interviews with  Guillermo Del Toro, Damon Lindelof, Michael Mann, Richard Roeper, Zack Snyder and others.

·         Christopher Nolan & Richard Donner: A Conversation - For the first time, Directors Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) and Richard Donner (Superman) sit down to discuss the trials and triumphs involved in bringing the two most iconic superheroes of all time to the big screen, and how Superman influenced Nolan when developing Batman Begins.

 

·         IMAX® Sequences: The Dark Knight; The Dark Knight Rises - See your favorite scenes as they were intended in the original IMAX^© aspect ratio

 

Exclusive NEW Memorabilia:

·         Premium Mattel Hot Wheels Vehicles: Batmobile, Batpod and Tumbler

·         Newly commissioned collectible art cards by Mondo featuring Scarecrow, Joker, Bane, Harvey Dent, and Ra's al Ghul

·         48-page hardcover book featuring production stills and behind the scenes images from all three movies

 

 

About The Films

 

 

Batman Begins (2005)

Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight’s emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents’ murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city.

 

The Dark Knight (2008)

The follow-up to Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in his continuing war on crime. With the help of Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart), Batman sets out to destroy organized crime in Gotham for good. The triumvirate proves effective, but soon find themselves prey to a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker (Heath Ledger), who thrusts Gotham into anarchy and forces Batman closer to crossing the fine line between hero and vigilante. Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast as Rachel Dawes. Returning from Batman Begins are Oldman, Michael Caine as Alfred and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox.

 

Dark Knight Rises (2012)

It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act.

 

But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. Christian Bale stars, along with Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Morgan Freeman.

"Man of Steel" Starring Henry Cavill: Superman is Reborn

Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman/Clark Kent is, perhaps, the most loved and revered, at least in Superman and Superman II. While I have great respect for the late actor, I always found those films to be a throwback to who the man of steel used to be, as opposed to who he was in the present day. The lighthearted nature of those efforts never really resonated with me, even when I watched them as a youngster. Of course, as the Superman series moved on, the quality disintegrated and, for nearly two decades, Superman movie projects failed to get off the ground. However, the character continued to thrive on television, in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and then in the long running Smallville on The CW. I was a fan of both series, but they also depicted more of an "aw shucks" version of Superman. However, during Smallville's ten year run, the tone became more serious, even dark, at times.

The last Superman film, Superman Returns, hearkened back to the original film, directed by Richard Donner, but failed to provide any character development for Kal-El, who was so silent that I thought he may not have learned how to speak fluently. Overall, I liked Superman Returns, but it really did nothing to reignite the legendary character who, frankly, deserved better. The past is gone and the future for Superman films looks more promising now with the recently released Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill. While the film is not perfect, I think Cavill is the best actor to portray Superman to date. I know, many will disagree.

Man of Steel is a contemporary take on Superman and does not follow conventional rules that viewers have come to expect. Cavill's mostly understated performance perfectly captures who the man of steel really is - a soft spoken do-gooder who wants to use his powers and abilities to help the people of Earth. However, Cavill is able to transform appropriately during battle scenes and when tragedy strikes. His calm, secure demeanor in many scenes is juxtaposed by the passion and heartbreak of others.

The film begins as an origin story, as the planet Krypton is in serious trouble due to years of exploitation of its natural resources. Those in charge do not share the doom and gloom viewpoint of Jor-El (Kal-El/Superman's father, played by Russell Crowe) and his nemesis General Zod (Michael Shannon), who overthrows the ruling council and takes control of the faltering planet in the hope of saving it. Jor-El refuses to help Zod and, as a result, pays a hefty price, but not before he and wife Lara (Ayelet Zurer), launch their infant son in a ship that will eventually take him to Earth. In addition, they inject a genetic codex into Kal-El's cells that holds the key building blocks for the Kryptonian race. Before Krypton explodes, Zod and his team are captured and banished to the Phantom Zone.

The film then time travels, as Superman/Clark's story is played out. His younger days on Earth are depicted as a struggle, as Clark begins to learn how to control his powers and is seen as an outcast among his peers. As a young man, he journeys about doing odd jobs, but is always around to save those in need. The relationship between Clark and his Earth parents, Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan (Kevin Costner), is heartwarming and effective despite a limited amount of screen time. The central story begins to unravel when Superman investigates the discovery of a Kryptonian vessel that is currently being examined by scientists and government officials. The ship, which was constructed by Jor-El, also draws the attention of intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams). Before long, Lois runs into Superman, who has to save her from the ship's defenses, and in the process, reveals his superhuman abilities.

When Lois tries to sell her incredible story to editor Perry White (Laurence Fishburne), it is rejected, but she is undeterred until actually meeting with Clark Kent and learning his story. After fully understanding what is going on, Lois shelves the proposed exposé, which is not the only sacrifice that she makes for her new alien friend. However, Superman's problems are far from over. When he entered the ship, a distress signal was picked up by Zod and his people, who have somehow survived, and they make a beeline towards Earth. Zod is intent on finding the codex so that he may recreate Krypton on Earth, even if it means killing the current residents. Of course, Superman disagrees with the madman's approach, which sets up several battle scenes and lays the groundwork for the balance of the film.

One of the reasons why Man of Steel works so well is due to the perfect casting of many integral characters. For instance, Russell Crowe delivers a pitch perfect performance as Jor-El, whose essence sticks around for much of the film and allows him to communicate with his son. In addition, Michael Shannon is mesmerizing as the maniacal Zod and delivers a searing performance. Furthermore, the aforementioned Diane Lane and Kevin Costner are superb in their brief appearances. Finally, even minor roles are populated by talented actors, including Christopher Meloni, Richard Shiff and Harry Lennix.

Amy Adams is well cast as Lois Lane, but she does not have a great deal of screen time. I trust that will be rectified in the next installment. The same goes for Laurence Fishburne as Perry White. The conclusion of the film hints at the Daily Planet playing a more prominent role in the next installment, though. In addition to the performances, I enjoyed the references to other characters in the Superman mythology, including Pete Ross and Dr. Emil Hamilton, which added a degree of continuity to the story.

With that being said, Man of Steel does have a couple of problems. The extended battle scenes seem overdone and unnecessary and there is a noticeable lack of humor that helped to offset the dark tone of the recent Batman trilogy. Viewers have to wait until nearly the end of the film to enjoy a humorous moment. Overall, however, I found Man of Steel to be well acted and entertaining. The tone of the film feels appropriate and contemporary and the new leading man of steel, Henry Cavill, has the talent to make this role his own for the foreseeable future and I look forward to the next installments, if, of course, there are any remnants of Smallville and Metropolis still around to use after the intense battles depicted throughout the film.

"Iron Man 3" - Saving the Best for Last

Yes, my head is bowed in shame for not seeing Iron Man 3 sooner. The film was released about six or seven weeks ago and has been on my radar ever since, but I just did not have the opportunity to see it until this past week. The original film was exceptional and I even enjoyed Iron Man 2, although it suffered from middling reviews. Regardless, the third installment is the best for a number of reasons. First of all, Robert Downey Jr. appears more confident than ever in tackling the dual role of Tony Stark/Iron Man and his chemistry with Gwyneth Paltrow (Pepper Potts) continues to impress. Downey's comic timing and sometimes caustic one liners add a much needed degree of levity to the increasing amount of drama that builds throughout the two plus hour epic.

In addition, the screenplay, by Drew Pearce and Shane Black, is fast moving, intelligent and keeps viewers guessing throughout the film. In fact, there is more than one surprise twist that sets Iron Man 3 apart from other super hero films, which can sometimes feel predictable. Pearce and Black also deserve credit for incorporating characters and story ideas from the comic book series that fan boys (and girls) understand and therefore appreciate, and for managing to add a youngster into the mix who actually elevates the film, instead of dragging it down. Furthermore, the casting is impressive and appropriate. The many returning characters add a necessary degree of continuity, while Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley deliver memorable performances as the villains, and character actors William Sadler, as President Ellis, James Badge Dale, as Eric Savin, and Miguel Ferrer, as the Vice-President, shine. Indeed, there is not a weak link in the large ensemble cast. Finally, the special effects are fantastic and the appearance by Stan Lee is always welcome.

The story is partially told in flashbacks as Tony Stark recalls meeting a disabled scientist, Aldrich Killian, (Guy Pearce) during New Years Eve 1999. The enthusiastic Killian requests a meeting with Stark, who agrees to speak with him, but then leaves him hanging. Mistake number one. Killian has revenge on his mind and with the help of an advanced and dangerous technology, Extremis, and the help of a so-called terrorist, The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), he unleashes hell on earth and on Stark in particular, even destroying his compound in the process. The odds are against Stark, who enlists the help of Rhodey/Iron Patriot (Don Cheadle) and a youngster, Harley (Ty Simpkins), to help formulate a plan to save the kidnapped Pepper, not to mention the world. Yes, the odds are against the passive aggressive billionaire, but that typically brings out the best in him.

Shane Black does double duty, as co-writer and director, and he has crafted an outstanding effort that features a perfect mix of drama and more lighthearted moments. While I understand that there may not be a fourth installment, Robert Downey Jr. has signed on for the next two Avengers films, so Iron Man will return, one way or another. Iron Man 3 is still in theaters and will likely be available at the second run/bargain houses soon, so there is still time to catch it on the big screen. Those who go will want to stick around for the comic book inspired first part of the credits, as well as a bonus scene that airs after all of the credits have rolled.

"Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines" Premieres Tonight, Monday April 15, on PBS's "Independent Lens"

For many years, there has been talk of a Wonder Woman movie, but for some reason it never seems to come to fruition. Perhaps the major studios who have the money to back superhero projects do not think a female lead character will fill seats or lead to a franchise, such as the popular Dark Knight triology or the recent Avengers related films that have performed incredibly well at the box office. There was also a pilot for a Wonder Woman television series that was produced not too long ago that failed to be picked up as a regular series. Yet, the character still seems to thrive in comic books, including the Justice League and in her own titular series. Insight into the character of Wonder Woman is discussed in depth in Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines, which premieres tonight, Monday April 15, on PBS's Independent Lens (check your local listings for time and availability). Other comic book superheroines and also briefly discussed or mentioned, including Catwoman, She-Hulk, Batwoman and Batgirl. Wonder Women! also focuses on television superheroines, including The Bionic Woman, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and features comments from Lynda Carter, who portrayed Wonder Woman in the successful television series, of the same name, in the 1970s, and from feminist icon Gloria Steinem.

While no big screen adaptations of solo superheroines are currently planned, many characters star in their own monthly comic titles, including Batgirl, Catwoman, Batwoman, Captain Marvel, Red She-Hulk, Supergirl and Birds of Prey, which features an all female team. In addition, The Invisible Woman is still an integral part of the Fantastic Four and many female mutants continue to play prominent roles in popular titles, including Storm, Emma Frost, Rogue and the Scarlet Witch.

Filmmakers Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and Kelcey Edwards focus on the popular representations of powerful women since Wonder Woman's debut in 1941 and the impact they have had on society and vice versa. Initially, Wonder Woman was portrayed as a powerful superhero during the second World War, but afterwards was stripped of that power and was written in stereotypical terms for many years. Her fascinating evolution takes center stage as various interviewees explain how the character has positively impacted their lives in the intriguing hour long special that debuts tonight.

Batman and Superman Join Forces in Kevin J. Anderson's "Enemies & Allies"

The first meeting between the world's finest team of Batman and Superman is depicted during the Cold War era in Enemies & Allies (It Books) by Kevin J. Anderson. The paperback edition of the book was recently released and features two parallel storylines centering around Bruce Wayne/Batman's struggle to regain control of Wayne Enterprises and Clark Kent/Superman's struggle to find his humanity and fend off the ongoing threats from Lex Luthor. In fact, Luthor plays a role in both stories, as he has his eye on Wayne Enterprises and is using his vast influence to obtain technological secrets that play into his scheme to control the escalating arms race, with world domination as his end game. 

The initial encounter between The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel does not go well, but the common threat from Lex Luthor, his Soviet allies, and the discovery of kryptonite eventually places them on a collision course and forces them to work together peacefully. In addition, Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen travel to Area 51, where Clark hopes to discover if there are other aliens that may be inhabiting earth. Apparently, Superman is having difficulty fitting in with the human race and wants to find someone more like himself. Meanwhile, Lois Lane and Perry White assume supporting roles, with the intrepid Lane once again throwing caution to the wind, especially where Luthor is concerned. Back in Gotham City, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's majordomo, tackles various roles, as he helps Bruce in his ongoing quest to fight crime, while also using his influence on Wayne board members who may be in league with Luthor. As usual, Alfred helps to keep Bruce/Batman in check by telling him the truth at all times, no matter how unpleasant it may be. 

Enemies & Allies features many references to the Cold War era of the 1950s and drops many familiar historical names along the way. Of course, this is a work of fiction, so liberties are taken with certain events and famous figures. Kevin J. Anderson taps into the "aw-shucks" demeanor of the times, which fits well with Jimmy and Clark's personalities. As readers might expect, Batman is more uptight and serious. Both of the principal characters receive about equal time, but there are more well known characters from Superman's world represented. Much of Batman's time is spent alone, which is appropriate and expected. 

The author captures the feel of the 1950s and appears to have a solid understanding of Superman and Batman. Fans of the iconic heroes and their exploits will likely enjoy reading about their adventures in another time, when some things were simpler, but serious dangers were still in abundance. Of course, without today's 24-hour news cycle, viewers were not subjected to the constant feed, so there was a detachment of sorts. History enthusiasts may be intrigued with Anderson's spin on world affairs and some of the major players of that time period, too. While reading Enemies & Allies, I could not help but remember the old World's Finest comic book, from DC Comics, which featured monthly team-ups between The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel. I suppose that makes this effort a retro treat times two. 

The CW Renews "Arrow" "Supernatural" and "The Vampire Diaries"

Photo Credit(s): The CW

The CW has announced early renewals for three of its most popular series; Arrow, Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries. The trio also happen to be among my favorite television series that I have followed since their debuts. Arrow (pictured above), which is based on the Green Arrow character from DC Comics, debuted last fall and quickly emerged as The CW's highest rated series. Arrow leads into Supernatural on Wednesday night and, as a result, viewership for the long running series has risen above last year.

Supernatural will enter its ninth season this fall and I assume that stars Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki (pictured above) will return as the demon hunting Winchester brothers. It looks like Supernatural may shadow Smallville and enjoy a decade long run on The CW.

The Vampire Diaries remains a popular entry for The CW, but has fallen to second place in overall viewership since the arrival of Arrow. The Vampire Diaries' fourth season has been uneven so far, but the last few episodes appear to signal a return to form for the exciting series that is not afraid to kill off characters on a regular basis, which helps to reset the relationship dynamics among the talented cast. The Vampire Diaries will return for a fifth season in the fall and, if the show can remain consistent and retain its most popular stars, it may have a shot at enjoying a decade long run as well. 

New on DVD - "Young Justice Invasion: Destiny Calling" - Season 2 Part 1

Five years have passed since the end of the first season of Young Justice and the team of former sidekicks are trying to determine what happened to their older counterparts in the Justice League for a period of 16 hours that none of them, including Batman and Martian Manhunter, can account for. Their quest takes the youngsters into space, where they encounter both allies, such as Adam Strange, and enemies, including the alien race known as the Kroloteans. Despite the enormous challenges facing the group of heroes, including an apparent defection by Aqualad, the ever growing Young Justice team is stronger than ever, thanks to the addition of several new members; Blue Beetle, Beast Boy, Wonder Girl, Batgirl, Lagoon Boy, Bumblebee and Mal Duncan. There is also a new Robin on the team, Tim Drake, as the original Robin, Dick Grayson, is now known as Nightwing.

The primary focus of the ten episodes featured on Young Justice Invasion is the infiltration of Earth by the Kroloteans, but there are other potential threats posed by Black Manta, Lex Luthor, Queen Bee and Ra's al Ghul, who all make guest appearances, along with other DC Universe luminaries, including Captain Cold, Lobo, Cheshire and Clayface, as well as heroes Green Arrow, Flash and Black Canary. In fact, the two stand out episodes, "Bloodlines" and "Satisfaction," feature appearances by the extended Flash and Green Arrow families, respectively. "Bloodlines" boasts the debut of Impulse, who time travels from the future to help save the world, and appearances by Wally West (Kid Flash) and Jay Garrick (The Original Flash), while "Satisfaction" features appearances by Red Arrow and the debut of Arsenal. Both episodes mine the history of the DC Comics characters and provide plenty of drama, as well as action.

The special features include three Batman: The Brave and the Bold episodes guest starring the new Blue Beetle, who receives quite a bit of attention overall. Indeed, there is room for both well known heroes and those who have previously played supporting roles to shine throughout the first ten episodes of the second season of Young Justice.

Own Young Justice Invasion: Destiny Calling - Season 2 Part 1 on DVD from the WB Shop.

Watch a clip below:

Marvel Comics Kills Off Peter Parker and Ends "The Amazing Spider-Man"

The Amazing Spider-Man, issue #700, marks the end of the long running and very popular comic book series and also features the death of Peter Parker. The brain surgeons at Marvel Comics somehow believe that Doctor Octopus, who "switched minds" with Parker, is somehow more important and is capable of starring in his own series, The Superior Spider-Man. While I understand that change is sometimes necessary, some characters should never be killed off. Not Bruce Wayne, not Clark Kent and certainly not Peter Parker. 

Of course, killing off major characters and heroes has become the norm in the world of comic books. Sometimes it helps to generate more interest in the book or serves as a publicity stunt, only to have the character return at some point in the future. The door is certainly left open in the final issue of The Amazing Spider-Man for Peter to return, but this long time reader is disappointed, disgusted and done. Yes, after being a lifelong Spidey fan, I refuse to support any effort without Peter Parker. I like Doc Ock, but to have him replace Peter is simply ridiculous. I do not care what the spin is or what Marvel is promising. As far as I am concerned, all Spider-Man titles should just be cancelled. Without Peter Parker, there is no point in continuing. 

Sales for various Spider-Man titles have been consistently solid, so why make such a drastic change? There has already been a backlash against Marvel and I sincerely hope The Superior Spider-Man is a major flop. If Peter Parker does return in the future, as the one and only Spider-Man, I may consider returning as well, providing that this absurd chain of events is either a dream or something happens that wipes out the mess that has been made. I suppose I could sum up my thoughts this way - the marketing strategy for Marvel's new line of books is Marvel Now. For me, it's Marvel, Later. 

Paperback Spotlight: "Wayne of Gotham" by Tracy Hickman

Batman is featured in the book Wayne of Gotham by Tracy Hickman, which is now available in paperback from It Books. Click here to read my review. See below for additional information.


Behind every mask is a real man. 

Two men joined by blood but separated by murder: Thomas, the rebellious doctor and heir to the vast Wayne empire, and Bruce, his son, whose life is forever altered when he witnesses the brutal death of his parents. 

The slaying of Thomas and Martha Wayne is the torturous point on which Bruce turns to become the mysterious crusader Batman—the genesis of a simple mugging gone horribly wrong. The Dark Knight's file on the case has long been closed, the foundations of Bruce Wayne's secret life secure. But these foundations are shaken when an unexpected guest invades the grounds of Wayne Manor, raising questions about the event that ended the lives of the mother he loved and the father he worshipped, and sparked his unquenchable drive to protect and avenge. 

To discover his true family history, Batman must face down old foes, confront his only confidant, invade the evil heart of Arkham Asylum, and shoulder the terrible new burden of a dark legacy.

PopCultureGuy's 2012 Entertainers of the Year: Number 5 - Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth has gone from rising star to superstar over the past two years. The Thor actor has proven that he is the real deal and, as a result, appeared in four movies in 2012. To be fair, two of those films, The Cabin in the Woods and Red Dawn were made a few years ago, but were not released in a timely manner. Regardless, there was little to like about Red Dawn, besides Hemsworth's performance as the leader of a resistance group who are trying to reclaim their country from invaders. The Cabin in the Woods was a much better film, with Hemsworth playing more of a supporting role, but he was effective nonetheless.

Of course, it was Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor that made him a household name and he reprised that role for this year's mega-hit The Avengers. Although Thor was one of many characters in the ensemble cast, Hemsworth made him stand out in several scenes. Another film that allowed Hemsworth to showcase his physical talents was Snow White and the Huntsman, which was released this past summer and became a hit. Looking ahead, Thor 2 will be released in 2013 and another installment of Snow White and the Huntsman is "to be determined." but it appears that Hemsworth will reprise his role if the film becomes a reality.

Obviously, Chris Hemsworth's good looks and physical presence have helped land him roles in major films. However, there is much emotion simmering beneath his brawny exterior and it is on display in many of his performances. He excels at playing the "everyman" hero who can always be looked upon to help those in need. Besides that, Hemsworth appears to be a friendly and down to earth guy who you would want to have a beer with. He has also caught the eye of talented directors, including Ron Howard, who cast Hemsworth in the upcoming film Rush, as race car driver James Hunt. That speaks volumes about his talent and potential. I am certain that Chris Hemworth's star will continue to rise in 2013 and beyond.

The Avengers Pinball Machine

Press Release: 

Stern Pinball Inc., the world’s leading maker of real pinball games, recently announced the release of The Avengers pinball machine. The newest member of the Stern collection memorializes The Avengers, a franchise that has remained a staple in pop culture since it first appeared as a comic book series in 1963. The Avengers will join Stern’s revolutionary line-up of comic inspired machines including X-Men, Spiderman, Iron Man and Batman.

For almost 50 years The Avengers have delighted fans through comic books, television series and movies. Stern is thrilled to bring the franchise to pinball and provide fans with a new medium through which to enjoy The Avengers. The machine features a dynamic setting that incorporates six iconic Avenger heroes: Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Black Widow and Hawkeye. Players help The Avengers assemble to defeat the notorious villain Loki. The Avengers pinball features an animated twisting and pounding custom molded HULK, drop targets and a spinning cube bonus, in addition to plenty of multiball action.

“Throughout the years The Avengers have cultivated a loyal and energetic fan base,” said Gary Stern, founder, CEO and Chairman of Stern Pinball. “Stern is pleased to have the opportunity to give these fans an Avengers pinball game to enjoy for years to come.”

The Avengers game continues both the Stern Pinball and the Stern family tradition of producing quality pinball machines for young and old. The company traces its lineage to Philadelphia in the 1930s when Sam Stern entered the business of operating pinball games. Stern passed his lifelong enthusiasm for the game and the business of pinball to his son Gary Stern who founded Stern Pinball. Today pinball remains one of America’s favorite pastimes.

To learn more about The Avengers pinball machine, including pricing and availability, please visit www.sternpinball.com.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Insight Editions: Batman, Looney Tunes and Johnny Cash

Here are three of my favorite books that I had the pleasure of reading in 2012, from Insight Editions. Click on the title of each book to read my review.

For the Batman and superhero fans on your list, The Dark Knight Manual is a clever and unique gift idea.

For the Looney Tunes fans on your list, The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes Cartoons will bring back cherished memories.

The legendary Johnny Cash is profiled in House of Cash by his son, John Carter Cash.

DVD Round-Up: "Superman vs. The Elite" (2012) and "The Secret World of Arrietty" (2010)

Superman vs. The Elite (2012)

The Basics: Superman faces an unlikely foe - his morals - when the ever changing world demands swifter action and more severe punishments that the Kryptonian is unlikely to agree to. The arrival of a team of super powered individuals, known as The Elite, are willing to do whatever in necessary to stop criminals - even if it means killing them. Their brand of justice seems to be acceptable to the population at large, causing Superman to question whether he is still needed on earth.

Reason to Watch: The animation and use of color is outstanding, the return of George Newbern (Justice League) as the voice of Superman is appreciated and the story, originally written by Joe Kelly in 2001, is certainly topical.

The Bottom Line: An above average installment in DC's animated original movie series that benefits from a short run time and several fresh characters.

The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

The Basics: Based on the award winning book series The Borrowers, The Secret World of Arrietty features a family of little people who have survived for many years in the cracks and crevices of a residence, away from their full sized counterparts. They "borrow" small items from the residents in order to survive. They only take what they need and remain out of sight. However, rumors of their existence have been swirling for many years. Through a series of events, their world is uncovered, but can they survive once their existence is confirmed?

Reasons to Watch: The film is akin to opening up a story book, complete with bright colors and wonderful characters that quickly capture your heart. Even though the Clock family (the little people) face extreme danger, the mood is generally upbeat and hopeful. The message of bonding with those who are different from yourself is timeless and, in this instance, holds a special resonance. In addition, the legendary Carol Burnett lends her voice talents, as Hara.

The Bottom Line: A perfect family film that will entertain viewers of any age and will leave you smiling.

Holiday Gift Ideas from It Books: Archer, Batman, Jeanne Cooper and Heart

The four books featured below are some of my favorites from 2012 and are all published by It Books, a division of Harper Collins. Click on the title of each book to read my review.

For fans of adult oriented humor, How to Archer turns the spy genre of its ear. Based on the FX animated hit series.

For the superhero fan, Wayne of Gotham features an older and weary Dark Knight. 

For fans of The Young and the Restless, Jeanne Cooper (Katherine Chancellor) tells all in Not Young, Still Restless

For the classic rock fan and the Lovemongers in your life, Ann and Nancy Wilson reveal their eye opening story in Kicking & Dreaming.


Also from It Books:

The Burning House
Talking Pictures

Holiday Gift Ideas from Warner Bros. - Scooby-Doo, Pepe Le Pew, Unforgiven, The Lieutenant, The First Christmas and Shazam!

The products below are some of my favorites from 2012. Click on the title of each one to read my review.

For kids of all ages, Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated (Season One, Part 2), the best Scooby-Doo series since the original.

For fans of the classic Looney Tunes, as well as the hopelessly romantic, Pepe Le Pew is a true Super Star.

For the Clint Eastwood fan (and who isn't?) - the Oscar winning Unforgiven Blu-ray Book.

For Gene Roddenberry fans and classic television buffs, The Lieutenant, Parts 1 and 2.

For fans of classic, heartwarming holiday specials, The First Christmas, from Rankin-Bass

For those who remember how cool Saturday morning television was in the 1970s - Shazam!: The Complete Live Action Series.