Month: July 2015

July 24, 2015

Ant-Man: A New Hope

*Warning: This post contains spoilers to Ant-Man*

I was wary about Ant-Man, when it was announced that Edgar Wright had left the production. What piqued my interest with the film again was announcement of Evangeline Lilly being in the film. A part of my problem was I never really pictured any of the actors in a Marvel film, but I should have learned by now Marvel generally excels at casting. Michael Peña definitely gets the MVP for the film (as well as Paul Rudd’s face which never ages). His character made this film feel like a mix between a heist and superhero film. The whole knowing a guy scenes were a delight with him telling the story.

The film also didn’t hurt with Sam Wilson’s (Falcon) appearance. It joined the movie to modern day Marvel Cinematic Universe. The world needs more Falcon. I would also like to applaud the film with Scott Lang suggesting they call the Avengers to help out. The thing about watching single character films after the first Avengers movie is they generally leave me asking why the character didn’t call up their new buddies to help out?

The one thing that caught my main focus is some Marvel movies can actually give more than one origin story in a film. Captain America had two origin stories. The forefront story was Steve Rogers, but then we also learned about Bucky Barnes who became the Winter Soldier between the first film and Captain America: Winter Soldier.  Ant-Man dealt with Scott Lang’s origin, but it also showed Hope van Dyne’s story. I fell for Hope and believe there was not enough screen time with her character. The mid credits scene appealed to me because Hank Pym was finally giving Hope her own suit. It shows potential with her character.

Sebastian Stan who plays Bucky has a 9 picture deal with Marvel. If Marvel has this deal with him, why can’t they make Hope’s character a bigger player? Yes, Bucky is big in the universe, but so is The Wasp. If Marvel is going with a new direction with her then let Hope become a bigger part. We need more ladies in these films. Captain Marvel is eventually going to come out in theaters, but what about the other characters? Marvel needs to give more screen time for Hope, and they could easily. They don’t need to worry about an origin story. We already got it with Ant-Man.

The film altogether was enjoyable. I don’t think it was absolutely necessary for Scott and Hope to be caught kissing in the end, but it was still an enjoyable film.

*Other observations*

*I was absolutely surprised and excited to see a Hayley Atwell appearance as Peggy Carter, at the beginning of the film.

*Major kudos to giving the girl a train set. It showed a girl does not have to have a room full of dolls.

*I think Kevin Feige is starting to walk a thin line by not exactly including Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Grant Ward is taking over Hydra so it makes me wonder how Mitchell Carson is tied into Hydra with no association with Ward. Yes, I know there can be different subsets, but it is still becoming a fine line.

July 19, 2015

What to Watch: iZombie

This is a little bit different than my regular binge post due to the fact only the first five episodes are available on Hulu or the CW website. I’m recommending iZombie because after Tuesday, the first episode will no longer be available to watch. CW is re-airing the first season right now on Tuesdays at 9/8 C. So take some time to spend on this “ZomComRomDram.”

1.) The Many Personalities Liv Moore Takes On.

Rose McIver is a talented actress. She takes on a new personality with every brain she eats, and it is fun to see the different character traits she is able to portray.

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2.) Opposite Gender Formula

The show has reversed genders with the normal formula many shows take on. The lead is a female zombie. They also have the ex-fiance, Major Lilywhite, who knows nothing about Liv being a zombie. Another thing that separates this show from other shows is Major gets his own story. One of the main problems with certain TV shows is the love or former love interest only being the background to support the main character. They do not get fleshed out. Major does get to be his own person.

3.) The Dialogue

Generally when a show has wit with a dash of pop culture I’m sold.

4.) Girl Friendship

TV is hardly ever without some epic bromance, but it is harder to find a good, solid girl friendship. Marvel TV generally has DC TV beat on this front. DC has gotten a bit better, but it still needs to take a step or more up. Peyton and Liv’s friendship is an excellent example of where DC/Vertigo is getting it right. The best part is they have not been involved in a love triangle.

5.) Guy/Girl Friendships

As much as I cheer on girl friendships, I cheer on guys and girls being friends just as hard. I love it when I get a sense of equality between a guy and girl. Where they don’t have to have a crush or unrequited love on the other character in order for them to interact. There needs to be a good representation of these friendships, and this show has them.

6.) Ravi and Major

While the other two types of friendships are important to me, I cannot ignore this friendship. I don’t know if this friendship was always planned, but the chemistry between Rahul Kohli and Robert Buckley is terrific.

7.) Veronica Mars Cameos

Because you know it is going to be a party anywhere Ree-shard Casablancas shows up.

8.) Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti

Ravi probably gets the MVP award. The man is a delight and the optimism he shows throughout the series is great. He is Liv’s personal cheerleader, and a Major lover. This is a friend you will always want in your corner, and wish nothing but happiness for him.

July 11, 2015

Comic Con 2015: Best of Friday

“Oh what a day. What a lovely day!” Friday was a great day, and will probably be my favorite day of Comic Con. It was full of my favorite casts being happy with their internet accounts. The panels yesterday were perfection (minus the whole Agent Carter and Agents of SHIELD having to share a panel)!

Agent Carter already wins with Hayley Atwell alone, but it becomes even better with James D’Arcy added to the mix.

What makes the Dubsmash even better is what Luke Mitchell tweeted earlier.

With this Con where Agent Carter is Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is close by.

Now if they would have only told me Jemma will be ok, the day would have been perfection.

Then there was iZombie with one of the best announcements of the day.

This made me happy because the show lacks with number of girls.

The winner of the day would have to be Star Wars with the surprise concert and free lightsabers. It proves that Comic Con is indeed a magical place where just about anything can happen.

July 10, 2015

Comic Con 2015: Best of Thursday

This year, it felt like Thursday was the calm before the storm. Right now my twitter feed is exploding with Agent Carter love because Hayley Atwell will win at Comic Con this year. There were some epic moments yesterday.

The first epic moment was Bill Murray making an appearance. This man deserves all the love. He checks off at least one surprise guest at the Con.

Marvel is livestreaming the Con, and a couple of my favorites were Lyndie Greenwood (Jenny Mills is my girl) and Will Friedle.

Marvel also interviewed Nicole Perlman, co-writer of Guardians of the Galaxy and writer for Captain Marvel.

There was also a interview with Kris Anka. I know he is an artist for Marvel, but I mention him because he is the one who recreated Jessica Drew’s (Spider-Woman) outfit. It is the reason why I started reading and fell in love with the series. He is also the artist for the new Captain Marvel comic series written by the Agent Carter show runners, Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas.

io9 came out with a review on Blindspot, Supergirl, Containment, and Lucifer. It made my Tom Ellis heart smile. They talk about funny Ellis is in Lucifer, and I will repeat what I have said before, watch Miranda.

http://io9.com/which-fall-tv-show-will-rock-your-world-our-spoiler-fr-1716703519

Con Man!!! It is a beautiful thing when nerds come together with especially when is Alan Tudyk is at the head.

The winners for Thursday had to be the iZombie cast.

Rahul Kohli is the winner of the day

*Bonus* Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

July 9, 2015

Pre-Comic Con Highlights 2015

San Diego Comic Con officially started today, but you could already feel it in the air last night.

Last night, Conan had his first Comic Con episode and it dd not disappoint. The episode was nerd heaven with all the references, and the the art department should get major kudos for their geeky creations.

The Mad Max: Fury Road introduction was glorious. Conan has had some great introductions in the past, but this may be my all time favorite. The credits were also amazing with the comic style, and you end up playing guess the reference all throughout.

The show then hit the ground running with the new Wolverine auditions.

Personally I would watch a new Wolverine movie with Nick Offerman or Betty White. I also think Kristen Schaal should be in a Ghostbusters film.

Then there was Gollum coming out and stealing Elijah Wood’s The One Ring.

The best part of the night for me was the Seth Green appearance and him and Conan having a lightsaber battle.

Another highlight of the night was the Lucifer writers tweeting this pic.

I fell in love with the pic first and foremost for the Tom Ellis, but then I noticed how many writers are women. While it is not an equal amount (my true wish for a writer’s room) there is still a good representation.

Finally, the cherry on top is of course Hayley Atwell. I’m counting it because she is Peggy Carter. This lady is going to steal Comic Con this year with her awesomeness and Dubsmash videos.

July 7, 2015

It’s Almost Here!

San Diego Comic Con starts this week, and the internet will come alive. My Tumblr and Twitter feed will fill up so fast, it will be hard to stay on top of it. The internet has made it easier for people who are not able to attend the Con. News of panels and interviews arrives seconds after announcements are made (some sources even livestream). Then there is my favorite part of this coming weekend, NERD HQ. Where some of my favorite people do panels with fans for charity. While I may not be there in person, I made a list of randomness to find while living on the internet for the next few days.

1. Surprise Guests

2. Hayley Atwell doing at least 3 Dubsmash videos

3. Someone giving the finger (probably a cast member from The Walking Dead)

4. hearing the word “Awesome”

5. mention of a Chuck movie

6. seeing former cast mates meet up

7. mention of Stephen Amell’s upper body (bonus points for visual)

8. Firefly reference (there should be many this year with Con Man being at SDCC)

9. obscene amount of PDA between casts

10. cosplayers from canceled shows

Have a fun weekend, and may it be full of epicness! Always remember you can have fun on SDCC weekend thanks to the internet. Yell at your friends at how rude your favorite people are being and bond.

July 2, 2015

What to Binge: Miranda

One beautiful thing about this summer is people discovering Miranda Hart. I was excited to see her cast in Spy because I knew it would lead to people falling in love with her. Before this movie, the chances of someone from the U.S.A. knowing her would have been through Call the Midwife. They would have not known she is this amazing comedian, or she had her own show, Miranda. This week’s binge watch choice is Miranda, which can be found on Hulu . This is me telling you, “WATCH IT!!!” If me telling you to watch it is not enough reason, then here five more reasons to watch this glorious show.

 

1. Relating to Miranda

In less than three episodes you will find yourself agreeing to something Miranda does or says. Her belief in never giving up childish fun is what relates to me the most. I hope I never grow up and become a serious adult, if it means giving up on the things I find fun.

 

2. Tom Ellis

The man is fine. The chemistry him and Miranda have is great. You will want Miranda and Gary to end up together. There will be a need for them to be happy, and kiss (then kiss again and again). It doesn’t hurt that Tom Ellis is tall like Miranda. When they are in a scene together, you forget how incredibly tall they are.

*If you are planning on watching Lucifer of Fox this winter, now is a chance to get your first taste of Tom Ellis (if you haven’t already).

 

3. Her Mother

Another way you may find yourself relating to Miranda is with her mother, Penny. She is constantly wanting Miranda to marry and have a grown up job. However, the relationship is still a delight to watch. The bottle episode where Miranda and Penny are in a psychiatrist’s office is one of the strongest episodes of the series.

 

4. Miranda’s and Stevie’s Friendship

While the series had the will they or won’t they relationship with Miranda and Gary, it also focused on  her friendship with Stevie. At first glance, it seems like they have nothing in common both physically and personality wise. However, these two had some of the best moments on the show, and I would be lost without them.

 

5. Learning to Accept Yourself

One of the themes about Miranda is her finding self-actualization. It also taught the audience members how to accept themselves on who they are. It is important to love and accept yourself for who you are, and this show is a perfect example of this life lesson.

 

Bonus: The hotel episodes are two of the best episodes.