Movie Review: Iron Man 2

Last night, to celebrate my birthday, some friends and I went to watch Iron Man 2 at the IMAX Theater.

Now, without trying to give away any spoilers, I loved it. Overall, the first movie is better, but this is a solid sequel. With comic book movies, sequels should be made to build on the mythologies and expand the universe, and this movie definitely did that well. The introductions of Black Widow and War Machine were well-written and organic. Sometimes, when new characters are introduced, they can feel forced; almost like filmmakers felt they needed to introduce more characters just to keep the story going. Not the case with IM2.

As far as the story itself goes, there were a lot of cheesy, unbelievable moments - even for a superhero film. I'm wont go into details, but there were at least 3 moments where I thought to myself, "Really?!" That aside, the story was solid and the acting fantastic. I really did buy into the characters and felt the actors were those characters.

All in all, the film is great and a worthy sequel. I can't wait to see what comes next, both in future sequels and other Marvel Universe films (Thor, Captain America: First Avenger, and The Avengers). Speaking of which, make sure you stick around after the credits; especially if you're a fellow fanboy.

Family Crest

I've joked around about doing this before, but I think now I've finally decided that I'm going to design a family crest. There really is no need for me to design one, but I think having a family crest would be rather awesome.

There are really three reasons that have lead up to me wanting to design one.

#1: As a huge comic book fan, I love superhero symbols; Superman's "S Shield", Batman's "Bat-Symbol", etc. I love the iconography and childhood wonder they represent. There's no reason a family crest couldn't do the same, right?


#2: A friend of mine has his family's crest tattooed on his forearm, and I have to admit that I'm a little jealous over the fact that his family has one. I don't handle jealously well.

#3: Recent Superman mythos have revealed that Superman's "S Shield" is in fact the family crest of the House of El, and that are many other Kryptonian crests.

That last point was what really sold it for me, "You mean I can have a family crest AND have it be like a superhero symbol?!" You don't need to tell me twice.

Thus, I am on my quest to find a family crest; and I'm serious about it. I have a lot of research to do on my family history, but I'm confident it'll end with me designing a great crest.

However, whether or not anyone else in my family adopts it, or if it lives on beyond my death, is a whole other story.

Smallville: Absolute Justice, Post-Show Analysis

Epic.

That's the only way I can describe tonight's episode of Smallville. I was so worried that I would be let down, but I was not; not in any way. It was amazing.

The first reassurance I had that this would be a great episode was the fact that it was written by Geoff Johns, possibly my favorite comic book writer. Johns has the amazing ability to tie in completely different storylines and strands of continuity, and make it appear like it's all been made to come together; like that's been the plan for decades. He understands comic book legacies and uses them to create new stories and new characters that instantly draw you in.

The same applies to tonight's episode. Smallville has always been very clear in that it takes place in a universe separate from the mainstream DC Universe, but tonight's episode was different. I really did feel I was watching a story straight out of DC Comics. The names, the costumes, the character dynamics; I was literally watching a comic book unfold before my very eyes; and it was good. Sure, some of the costumes were a little cheesy, as was some of the acting, but it was a good cheesiness. You can't have a story about superheroes and not be just a bit cheesy.

So many new characters, storylines, plot points, etc. were introduced, and every single one of them was not only straight out of the comic books, but each fit in perfectly within Smallville's continuity. This episode blew the doors of the Smallville universe wide open, and I for one can't wait to see what walks through in the future.

Smallville: Absolute Justice, Pre-Show Warm Up

In less than three hours, the most awesomest TV event in the history of awesome will take place; the two-hour movie event, Smallville: Absolute Justice!


OK, that's more than a bit of an overstatement, but it is still going to be awesome! We don't need to get into how big a fan of Smallville I am, and I won't write about why I'm so excited about tonight, because, frankly, I already have! So, instead, let me just repost that for any of you that didn't read it the first time:



"This is huge. Debuting in 1940, the Justice Society of America, or JSA, was the first team of superheroes in comic book history, and indeed the first time readers realized all their favorite superheroes existed in the same universe. They were the all-star team of DC Comics, if you will. No longer did readers have to buy separate comic book titles to catch the adventures of their favorite superheroes; they were now all together in one comic.

But enough of the history lesson. Although Smallville has introduced many guest characters from the pages of DC Comics before, this is the first time an entire team will be introduced, as well as the first hint at a larger superhero world outside of Smallville. Every prior introduction has been within the mythology of the show, but the introduction of the JSA is going to blow the doors wide open. We will know that there is an entire world of heroes, and that this is no longer a show set within Smallville or Metropolis, but indeed the entire DC Universe. I can't wait!"

..........

I can't wait, indeed! I'll check back in again after the show and write about what I thought. I really hope this episode matches my level of excitement.

If I Had a Time Machine...

...there would be exactly four things I would use it to do.

#1: Go back to June of 1938, and buy two copies of Action Comics #1. One to read, one to collect.

#2: Go back to May of 1939, and buy two copies of Detective Comics #1. One to read, one to collect.

#3: Go back and live in the 1950s for a few months, because I want to experience living in a time when people actually cared how they dressed; when wearing suits and ties was not only the norm, it was expected.

#4: Go back to the 1980s every few weekends or so and party it up at the clubs. This goes back to the fact that I love 80s music.

And that's it; those are the things I would do if I had a time machine. At least for now. I wouldn't use it to become rich. I wouldn't go back and change some regret I have. Simply put, I wouldn't use it to change the course my life took into what I wish it was. That would be cheating.

What would you do if you had a time machine?

Absolute Justice

YES!!! My nerd dial just went to 11. Hundred. I saw this and absolute-ly (bad pun intended) had to share.


And if that wasn't enough, check out this video with hints to the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl & Wildcat.



The Justice Society of America. It's going to be epic. I can't wait.

Spider-Man Film Reboot?

Whenever I want the latest scoop on upcoming superhero/comic book-based films, the first place I go to is SuperHeroHype.com. However, for every big scoop that gets my inner fanboy excited, there is always another that just leaves me in anger and/or disappointment. Here is a segment of one such story:


Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012.

Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.

The new chapter in the "Spider-Man" franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.

..........

Why?!

I'm all for rebooting a series for a new generation, or even rebooting a series if the first attempt was a failure, but the first Spider-Man film was great and came out only eight years ago! The second film was just as good, if not better; the third, while not as good as the previous two, wasn't bad enough to disregard the first two and warrant an entire reboot. Superhero/comic book stories are episodic by nature, so fans expect to see future storylines. Because of that, each storyline is its own reboot of sorts. New writers bring in new villains, new characters and new problems to make it their own, yet still continue the series. There is no reason film series can not do the same thing.

I am not a huge fan of Spider-Man, but I liked what has been done with him in the film series, and I know I'm not the only one that wants to see it continued. If the studio wants to "fix" it, then get a solid script, solid villains and solid actors, don't just hit the redo button. That seems like a cop out to me.

The Society Cometh...

I was originally going to wait a few weeks before I wrote this post, but my excitement has gotten the better of me. If you've been reading my blog, you know I'm a fan of the TV show Smallville. I've had a few posts dedicated to it, and now you can now add another to the list.

However, this post is like none before, because my nerd excitement level is through the roof. The Justice Society of America is coming to Smallville...


This is huge. Debuting in 1940, the Justice Society of America, or JSA, was the first team of superheroes in comic book history, and indeed the first time readers realized all their favorite superheroes existed in the same universe. They were the all-star team of DC Comics, if you will. No longer did readers have to buy separate comic book titles to catch the adventures of their favorite superheroes; they were now all together in one comic.

But enough of the history lesson. Although Smallville has introduced many guest characters from the pages of DC Comics before, this is the first time an entire team will be introduced, as well as the first hint at a larger superhero world outside of Smallville. Every prior introduction has been within the mythology of the show, but the introduction of the JSA is going to blow the doors wide open. We will know that there is an entire world of heroes, and that this is no longer a show set within Smallville or Metropolis, but indeed the entire DC Universe. I can't wait!

So, without further ado, here are some photos from the upcoming two-hour movie event airing the beginning of next year, as well as some screen caps from the promo; featuring Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Sandman, and a Green Lantern ring!







And for a look at the promo itself...

Work from Superhero-themed Show

PWNED!

Rocketeer

Birdie

Death of America

Wonder Twin powers, activate!

Sometimes, it's good to be a nerd.

We get excited over the little things. And tonight is one of those times, because tonight's episode of Smallville introduces us to Zan and Jayna, the Wonder Twins.

Yes, those Wonder Twins.

From the Super-Friends.

The ones with the pet monkey.

Why, you might ask, is Smallville introducing characters from a 70s cartoon show that never really had a presence in the comic books? Who cares?! Smallville is a reality in and of itself that doesn't need any connections to the comic books. As such, it is able to introduce any character with a fresh take - free from convoluted continuity - to be reintroduced into the Superman mythos.

So, let's learn a little bit more about Smallville's newest residents:

Together with their pet monkey, Gleek, Zan and Jayna are siblings from the planet Exxor, able to activate their powers by fist bumping and speaking the words, "Wonder Twin powers, activate!" Zan is able to transform into water at any state (liquid, solid, gas), as well as weather patterns involving water, such as a blizzard, a monsoon, or a typhoon. Jayna can transform into any animal, real or mythological, native to Earth or extraterrestrial.

So, there we go, a little info on the Wonder Twins. Who's next, Apache Chief and Silver Samurai? With Smallville, you never know.

Speedy

I love the TV show, Smallville. I'll admit it. A lot of people have given up on it, and I completely understand why, but as a huge comic book fan, I can't stop watching.

I wish I could quit you...

One of my fave things the show has been doing quite a bit in recent years in the introduction of several characters from DC Comics. In the last 3 seasons alone, we've seen the introductions of Bizarro, Supergirl, Black Canary, Plastique, Maxima, Doomsday, the Legion of Superheroes, Toyman, Zatanna, General Zod, Metallo, and the latest addition, Roulette.

However, tonight's episode gives up our latest introduction, Speedy. For those unfamiliar with the character, here's a little bio on her:

Once a teenage runaway involved with child prostitution, Mia Dearden was rescued by Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow, and became his sidekick, Speedy; an accomplished archer and hand-to-hand combatant.

I'm particularly excited about this character's introduction because a) it has the potential to be a recurring character, and b) a sidekick on Smallville would be awesome. Sidekicks have always been a staple in DC Comics. It would be nice if if there was one on one of its TV shows.

Movie Review: Watchmen

I just got home about 20 minutes ago from the theatre, and I have to say, this film was amazing. I really enjoyed it. I believe it was an amazingly faithful adaption of the graphic novel. For those whom have read the comic, you will recognize perfectly recreated panels from the comic. You won't just see an adaption, you'll see the graphic novel played out before your eyes. This was definitely a film made for the fans. Because of that, non-fans will probably feel it is too much. I went with a group of friends, and all of them said it was too long. No surprise there; I was the only one there who had actually read the comic. Length was not an issue with me. Snyder's attempt to bring as much of the comic to life is remarkable, but in doing so he failed to do what most adaptions do - cut down to only the core story. Don't get me wrong, there were definitely things that were omitted and/or changed, and I'm not one of those supernerds that gets in a rage over them. In fact, often times I agree with them, but this film seemed to have no logic to the cuts/changes. Some things that I thought need not be changed were, while there were aspects left in the film, which while amazing, could have been omitted to cut the film down to a length which would please fans and non-fans alike. Aside from the complaints about the length, my fellow moviegoers all agreed that the visuals were breathtaking, the characters were well-developed, and I completely agree. On top of that, it had an awesome soundtrack. You'll know what I'm talking about when you see it. This truly was a great film. Then again, what do I know? I'm just some comic book nerd.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know what you thought.

Watchmen

I finally gave in and decided to create my own blog since all the "cool" kids seem to have one. Since I am new to this, it'll probably be pretty random at first and posts will be few and far between, but I'll eventually get the hang of it and create more consistent & coherent posts. So, without further ado, here I go...

I cannot begin to describe to you all how excited I am about this movie. As a HUGE comic book fan, the graphic novel is practically the Holy Bible of graphic novels. At first, I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant about seeing it made into a movie, but after seeing previews, trailers, interviews, etc., I am very optimistic Zack Snyder will do it justice. Will it be anywhere near as great as the novel? Of course not. There's no way. I have yet to see any movie that is equal to its source material. Anyway, I'll be going to see it later tonight, so I'll be sure to post a review. For those of you who haven't read the graphic novel, I definitely encourage you to check it out. It really is a such a great work of literature, regardless of genre.


Well, that does it for now. Thanks for checking out my new blog. I'll do my best to update it often with all sorts of random goodies - movies, videos, music, art, comic books, fashion, shows, etc. Make sure you come back.