12 Films I'm Excited To See In 2012

As the New Year approaches so does the awards ceremony season, but also the anticipation of what 2012 will bring us in the form of exciting films. I'm not much of a theater goer these days, mainly because I think most of what comes out of Hollywood is crap, or recycled material because no one seems to have an original story in their head unless their an independent film maker. I still go see the summer blockbusters, but even those disappoint me sometimes. However, I have high hopes for the class of 2012. If you'll notice, all the films on the list below are either sequels, prequels, or based on books. But don't fret, I still plan on seeing Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace in February when it comes out in 3-D. I'm a fan boy, sue me. Here are the 2012 films I'm psyched to see, in chronological order.

Underworld: Awakening (January 20)

Kate Beckinsale is back the way we all like her; in black leather. She is reprising her role as Selene, the vampire death dealer. She wakes up after being asleep for 12 years in a world she doesn't know. The humans are now hunting vampires and lycans and Selene must find a hybrid child before the humans do. Scott Speedman is rumored to return as Michael, the first vampire/lycan hybrid. I find it rather suspicious that Selene was asleep for 12 years, there is a hybrid child who is about 12 years-old, and that in the last film we saw Selene and Michael in they "got busy". This is just my guess/hope.

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVPDjHE9UTs

The Hunger Games (March 23)

This is the most anticipated film based on a book since that last Harry Potter film. My wife is a huge fan of this book series and is always trying to get me to read them. I may have buckled on Harry Potter, and liked them, but I'm standing strong on this one; unless of course I like the film when I see it.

Director Gary Ross, who has brought us such classic films as Big, Pleasantville, and Dave, brings a future to the big screen where twelve districts choose two young people, a girl and a boy, and they compete to the death for their districts abundance of necessities. Katniss Everdeen, played by X-Men: First Class’s Jennifer Lawrence, volunteers to take her little sister's place and must kill all her competitors on live television in order to see her sister and friends again.

This film has a star-pact cast such as Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, and Lenny Kravitz. The trailer for this film makes it seem exciting, and with Harry Potter now over and Twilight about to end the book worms need something new to look forward too. I just hope the love story is better than Twilight. Bella Swan has my vote for most annoying fictional character ever, even more than Jar-Jar Binks!

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-5ANq4sAL0

American Reunion (April 6)

I was a freshman in high school when American Pie came out, so I was in the right age where I found it both heart-warming and hilarious. The sequel was just as enjoyable for me, but when American Wedding came out half the cast was gone so I found it lacking compared to its predecessors. But in American Reunion the entire cast from the first two films are back for their high school reunion. What will follow I'm assuming is embarrassing moments for Jim(Jason Biggs), Stifler(Sean William Scott) will be annoying, and Finch(Eddie Kaye Thomas) will sleep with Stifler's mom.

The film is directed and written by the same pair that brought as all three Harold and Kumar films. Even Tara Reid is coming out of rehab to play Vicky. Wait, is she in or out of rehab this month? Oh well, bring out the pie and let's get this filth fest going!

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7qq0iJGSu0

The Avengers (May 4)

I don't know how Marvel Studios has done it but they've turned the film industry into something people never thought it could be; a comic book publisher. Like Marvel comics, four separate titles and characters will all come together in one title as the Avengers must defend Earth from Loki, the god of mischief. Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and the Incredible Hulk will all play a role in this film that is bound to spawn several sequels not only for the individual characters but the Avengers franchise as well. This is movie history here and with Joss Whedon directing it all I guarantee a good show. Just make sure you see the first five films leading up to it. I can let you borrow them if you want. Avengers Assemble!

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOrNdBpGMv8

Men in Black III (May 25)

It's been a while since we saw Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones take on the scum of the universe, but I must say they were sorely missed. This time around Agent J, played by Smith, must travel back in time to the 1960's in order to stop an alien from killing a young Agent K and destroying Earth's future. Josh Brolin looks like he'll do a good job of imitating a young Tommy Lee Jones, and Barry Sonnenfeld, the man who directed the first two MIB films, is back to lead this one. They've got my ticket money already, but like most movies, I'm not seeing it in 3-D.

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOrNdBpGMv8

Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1)

Freshman film director Rupert Sanders puts a dark slant on this fairy tale classic. Twilight alumni, Kristen Stewart plays Snow White and Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, is the Huntsman who was sent by the queen to kill her. However the two join forces instead against the queen, played by Charlize Theron. Along with the dwarves, this group is out to take down the evil queen and her mirror.

The film looks a lot more interesting than just the classic tale, and even better than the Julia Roberts comedy coming out that is also about Snow White. I'm not a fan of Kristen Stewart by a long shot, but the film does look good enough to provide a worth-while movie experience. Now if I can just remember all the dwarf’s names.

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY67V0wOlz8

Prometheus (June 8)

Ridley Scott returns to space in this film that is said to be a prequel, or similar, to the Aliens anthology. Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, and X-Men: First Class's Michael Fassbender are part of the team put together to find the origins of mankind, but what they find may be much more terrifying. Scott directed the first Aliens film, along with Blade Runner, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down so anything he makes usually entertains me. If this film does have a connection to Alien then I can't wait to see how the stomach bugs got their start.

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MHAm9LUDpA

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 22)

From the director of Wanted comes a fictional tale about an American hero. When young Lincoln's mother is killed by supernatural creatures he goes on a killing spree to crush the undead. This is based on a book and stars Benjamin Walker as honest Abe himself. Scott Pilgrim's Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Serenity's Alan Tudyk also star in this tale that would give the Winchester brothers run for their money. It may not be serious but I think it'll be fun.

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (June 29)

I wasn't a big fan of G.I. Joe in the 1980's, but I loved the 1987 G.I. Joe film starring Sgt. Slaughter and Don Johnson as Lt. Falcon. The first G.I. Joe film, The Rise of Cobra, wasn't too bad, just so long as you weren't expecting a true adaptation to the animated series. Plus Channing Tatum and Marlon Waynes as the lead roles didn't help my interest level. This time around the Joes have been named fugitives and Dwayne Johnson stars as one of my favorite Joes, Roadblock. Roadblock, along with an all-new team that includes Flint, Lady Jaye, and Snake Eyes, have to take down Cobra. At the end of the last film Zartan now looks like the President of the United States and this means good news for Cobra, but bad news for the Joes.

Based on the trailer I'm hoping Channing Tatum isn't in most of the film, but I'm hoping Snake Eyes is. Bruce Willis makes an appearance and Friday Nights Light alumni Adrianne Palicki is the film’s eye candy as Lady Jaye. I'm also psyched to see two characters that were introduced in the 1987 film, Jinx and Tunnel Rat. From the looks of it Jinx seems to help Snake Eyes take down some Cobra ninjas. I am a little worried that the director's most famous film so far has been Step Up 2: The Streets. Oh well, Yo Joe!

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSX2oxLdcWA

The Amazing Spider-Man (July 3)

The third Spider-Man film left a bad taste in everyone's mouth and although I feel it was a nice, complete, trilogy Sony Pictures decided to start over and I can't say I blame them. Director Sam Raimi, Tobey Maguire, and Kirsten Dunst are out and it's a Brand New Day. Actual Spider-Man fans will get that last pun. The Social Network's Andrew Garfield takes over as Peter Parker, who lives with his aunt and uncle, played by Martin Sheen and Sally Fields. This take on the web slinger by director Marc Webb seems a little darker than Raimi's and from the trailer it looks like it may include the past of Peter's parents, who were spies in the comic books. Rhys Ifans will play Peter's mentor-turned-villian as Dr. Kurt Connor's, a.k.a., the Lizard. Rounding out this outstanding ensemble is Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, Peter's first girlfriend before Mary Jane in the comic books.

I wasn't thrilled about this re-boot until I was the trailer. It appears Webb and Sony are going nowhere near what Raimi did, which I think will make it seem new and fresh. I was a senior in high school when the first Spider-Man film came out so while it may seem like ten years is too soon for another Spider-Man I think I speak for Sony Pictures when I say, shut up and just watch it.

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XayxMPrUP4

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)

Christopher Nolan completes his trilogy of the Gotham City protector next year, and I'm sure he has a few surprises for all of us. It's been eight years since the event of The Dark Knight and a new terrorist, Bane, is causing problems for a Gotham City that has been silent for a while. Bruce Wayne, still played by Christian Bale, must come out of the shadows to take down this villain whose intelligence is just as fit as his muscles. Being thrown into the mix is Anne Hathaway playing Selena Kyle, more famously known as Catwoman. Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, and Liam Neeson all return in their supporting roles.

All I'm saying is that with it being eight years later that means Gordon's daughter is at least a teenager; hello Batgirl! Nolan and Bale both say this will be their last Batman film and that this film truly completes the trilogy. In any event, The Dark Knight Rises is bound to be one of the most anticipated films of the summer, and the one of the most talked about. If you're interested in knowing more about the character known as Bane check out Batman: Knightfall.

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yh6SriAjdE

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (December 14)

After a lot of heartache and debate over this film Peter Jackson was swayed back into the director's seat for this return to Middle Earth. This classic prequel to the Lord of the Rings finds a younger Bilbo Baggins accompanying a fellowship of dwarves to Lonely Mountain to retrieve their treasure from the dragon, Smaug. They are led by none other than Gandalf; still played by Ian McKellen. Other returning LOTR cast members include Orlando Bloom as Legolas, Christopher Lee as Saruman, and Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins.

Before their adventure is over Bilbo will run into Gollum, take possession of the ring, and set-up one of the most beloved tales of all-time. With Jackson back at the helm you can be sure this film be just as exciting and breathtaking as the films that came before it; my precious.

TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0k3kHtyoqc

My Avengers vs. X-Men Smack Down

This week Marvel comics announced this summer’s big event, Avengers vs. X-Men. And in that moment every fan boy soiled themselves. It’s been a while since the two teams have had any kind of throw down, and never to this level of nastiness. From what I can gather the prelude to this event will be Avengers: X-Sanction, in which Cable comes back from the dead, again, and has 24 hours to take down the Avengers. I’m not sure why but I'm pretty sure it has to do with Cable’s adoptive daughter, Hope. Whatever the outcome, it’s a precursor to the arrival of the most powerful force in the universe, The Phoenix. The last time the Phoenix inhabited a human body it almost destroyed the whole universe, and with the Phoenix flare showing up in Hope’s eyes all the way back at the end of Second Coming I’m guessing it found its new host.

But the X-Men are now divided after Schism. Wolverine is trying to keep the kiddies out of trouble with his school in Westchester, and Cyclops is leading his superhero Extinction Team to fight back the ugliness that threatens not only mutants, but the world. Let’s not forget that Wolverine, Beast, and Storm, who are X-Men, are also Avengers now. So it looks like we’ll have the Avengers vs. the X-Men for the fate of Hope Summers, mutant kind, and possibly the galaxy. Before Marvel’s most all-star writing team maps out this epic I’ve broken down what I think would make some good fights between the two teams, but I’m not saying who’ll win because I honestly don’t know. Since Hope is part of Cyclop’s Extinction Team I’m guessing they’ll be the ones trying to protect her. I’m also going to leave Wolverine and his team on the sidelines for now.

Warpath vs. Spider-Man

One likes to talk too much, and the other likes to gut things with his knife. No, it’s not a new sitcom, but a rumble in the Bronx. Spider-Man has tangled with Kraven the Hunter quite a few times, whose animal instincts aren’t too far away from James Proudstar’s killer qualities. Picture a game of cat and mouse, or cat and spider if you will. To be honest I just had no idea what other X-Man to put Spider-Man against who wouldn’t kick the crap out of him.

Psylocke vs. Hawkeye

It’s ninja’s versus assassin’s when these two go at it. They’re both well trained in hand-to-hand combat so I think the fight would be interesting. Sure Psylocke has badass telepathic abilities but I’d be guessing Hawkeye would have some way of blocking it to make it a fair fight. Plus they’ve both got a little bit of an edge to take this fight to the next level.

Hope Summers vs. the Black Widow

Natalia Romanoff may have stolen the show away from Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 2 just by looking like Scarlett J., but she’ll need more than that when she goes up against the so-called “mutant messiah.” Hope spent the first sixteen years of her life traveling from one apocalyptic future to another, being trained in the art of survival by her father, Nathan Summers a.k.a. Cable. The Widow has some moves and is very resourceful, but can she take the heat when Hope starts pulling out her bag of unlimited mimicking powers? I’d pay to watch that red-headed cat fight any day.

Colossus vs. Red Hulk

For years General “Thunderbolt” Ross fought against the incredible Hulk and tried so many times to beat him. And he found the best way to beat ‘em was to join ‘em. Ross became the Red Hulk, and has more control over his alter-ego than Bruce Banner ever did. But that could be a bad thing when you’re going up against Peter Rasputin, a steel-skinned mutant who just inherited the powers of the unstoppable Juggernaut. The two would shake the Earth and make cities crumble, but who would be left standing would be anyone’s guess.

X-Man vs. Thor

I had to think about who would be able to handle the God of Thunder. His strength and power rival that of Superman so who could Cyclops pull out of his dugout to face this giant? Why Nathan Summers of course. No, not Cable; the other Nathan Summers. Nathan grew up in an alternate reality known as the Age of Apocalypse. He was genetically brewed to be the ultimate mutant by Mr. Sinister, with the DNA of Cyclops and Jean Grey. Nathan found his way to our reality and ever since people from Norman Osborn to Apocalypse himself have tried to sway the boy to their side. X-Man’s powers include telepathy, telekinesis, and cross-dimensional travel. He may not have the muscle, but he has so much more. If his power were unleashed on Thor I’d be the clash of the titans.

Iron Man vs. Magneto

Tony Stark has a suit made of metal, so you’d think that would be nothing for the master of magnetism, but Mr. Stark would be too smart for that. I’m sure Tony has some plastic suit prototype he’s been dying to use for years on Magneto and now he can. Tony would shoot some missiles at Erik; Erik would throws some cars and buildings at Tony. It’d be fun for the whole family. But let’s not forget that Magneto once reversed the Earth’s magnetic pull. Your move, Iron Man.

Cyclops vs. Captain America

This would be the main event! The two captains/quarterbacks going at it. Scott Summers has been threw the ringer in his life with dead wives, best friend betrayals, and trying to lead his people out of extinction. Steve Rogers was frozen for decades and woke up in world he didn’t understand, and not sure what he was still fighting for. He just lost his best friend, again, and he’s back from the dead leading a country that wanted to see him in jail at one point.

Both of these guys have issues and a lot of tactical skills. They’re both soldiers and leaders who have been fighting since before they had chest hair. It all comes down to who is willing to get their hands dirty and make sacrifices that will win it for their team. Cyclops has already shown he’s not the professor’s protégé anymore, and Steve just brought Earth back from a war with the gods. Oh, I can’t wait till April!

How Smallville Should Have Ended

So this Tuesday as I was walking into my local Best Buy to see what new dvd’s I shouldn’t buy I spotted the most glorious site, a giant display of Smallville the complete series. Now seeing how I consider myself not only a Smallville fan, but a Superman fan as well, I probably drooled a little. I have the first seven seasons of Smallville on dvd, and more on that soon. I saw that the complete series has an additional 5 hours of bonus features and the Justin Hartley Aquaman pilot, which I bought on ITunes. It’s awesome, check it out. I guess I was just in aww of it. Unfortunately the BB media worker, who I can’t remember is name, but it’s the one in the Southpark Meadows plaza in Austin, TX, said he’d call me when it came down so I could have the display. He didn’t and this morning I went in and another worker said it had been crushed. I’m a little hurt because I was going to do some little artsy project with it but hey, thanks for the heartbreak Best Buy!
Anyway, getting back to my point. For seven seasons I loved Smallville, but when creators Miles Millar and Alfred Gough left at the end of the 7th season, along with Michael Rosenbaum and Kristin Kreuk, the show started to suck and did so till the end of its 10th and final season. Sure I still watched it but it became one of those shows that went on for way too long, and was ruined for me. So as a fan and comic book enthusiast I thought of how I would have ended Smallville. I know the show's over so I feel comfortable in sharing my outline with the world.
When last we left our characters at the end of season 7 Clark had just killed Brainiac, but not before he imprisoned Kara in the Phantom Zone. Jimmy proposed to Chloe right before she got arrested. Lana had left Clark and Lois was there to comfort him. Then Lex found Clark’s Fortress of Solitude and the whole thing came down on top of them.



Fade in, Lex awakens in the Kawachi caves, and can not remember how he got there. He is convinced this was part of the Travelers plan and that he must stop the Traveler and protect Earth. Chloe is released from prison with the help of Oliver. Jimmy is eager to hear the answer to his proposal but Chloe is more concerned with finding Clark. Lois comes in saying that Lex is about to blow-up the Kawachi caves. Chloe, Lois, and Jimmy head to the caves to confront Lex. Lex asks where Clark is, admitting he doesn't remember seeing him in weeks. This puts Chloe's mind at ease that Lex has not done anything to Clark. Lex then proceeds to blow up the caves.

Clark awakens in the Phantom Zone, not sure how he go there, but he is imprisoned with Kara . Zod appears before them. He plans to use the house of El to finally escape from the Phantom Zone and make Earth his new Krypton.

As Chloe and the rest of the JLA try to figure out where Clark is Martha Kent shows up wondering the same thing. She warns that Lex has gone to Congress and commissioned for the creation of man-powered armored suits to help fight the alien and superhuman threat that is growing in the world. Major John Corbin has volunteered to be the first test subject when these kryptonite-powered suits are ready, which just happen to be green (of course real Superman fans get that reference).

Back in the Phantom Zone the Martian Manhunter, J’onn J’onzz (that’s right it’s J’onn, not John) appears to spring Clark and Kara free. He tells Clark that Jor-El sent him here as punishment for disobeying him again. The three of them escape the Zone and return to Earth. Since time moves so much slower in the Phantom Zone they come to find out that Lex's armored prototype is ready and Corbin has already been out rounding up vigilante outlaws for weeks now. Clark tells Kara and J’onn to return to the farm. Clark is on his way to ask Oliver for help when he sees Oliver running from Corbin. Clark has a small squabble with Corbin and feels weak due to the kryptonite powering Corbin. He is barely able to get Oliver and himself out of that situation.

The two return to the farm where Clark is filled in on everything that has been happening since he was away. Lex and Corbin have captured Victor, Dinah, and A.C. Clark goes to Lex to try and reason with him, but Lex will have none of it. He says he is sorry he wasted so many years thinking Clark was more than he appeared to be, and that every time he tried to prove it he was wrong. He sees Clark as a simple, small, man. One who is too small for Lex to even acknowledge anymore. Lex has decided to erase Smallville from his past, and he and Clark are no more. Clark leaves, now realizing that the person he once called a friend is completely gone.

Clark feels like he must seek guidance from Jor-El. He firsts goes to the caves, but sees they are completely destroyed. Then he goes to the Arctic, hollering for Jor-El's help. In the snow he finds a crystal. Clark throws it and the Fortress rises. When he enters the Fortress Jor-El lets his disappointment in Clark be known and that he can not help Clark, but if Clark does not act soon Earth will suffer the same fate a Krypton.

Back on the farm Jimmy and Lois show up with a hot tip as to where Lex is producing more armored suits. Chloe also gives Jimmy her answer saying that yes, she will marry him. Martha Kent comes to talk to her son and brings a gift with her. Clark talks about all those that have left him; Ryan, Pete, Raya, Jonathan, Lionel, and Lana. Clark feels responsible for all of them leaving him and doubts if he can be the hero, and man, everyone thinks he can be. Martha says that he doesn't need them anymore. All of them left a mark on his soul, but they ultimately left because they knew the decision had to be his. Every person has to make their own choice about who they will become. Destiny is always a choice. "And this will help you when you decide to be that man", Martha says to Clark. Martha hands Clark her gift and Clark opens it. Martha says she made it with part of the blanket they found in his spaceship. "It will help you hide when you want to be the man the world needs you to be." "A cape?" asks Clark. "You'll need it when you finally fly." Kara interrupts. Clark and Martha lookup to find Kara, Oliver, Chloe, and J'onn all standing in the barn like troops waiting for an order. Oliver let’s Clark know about Lois’s lead and that he had Bart go scout it out. However when Oliver tries to contact Bart he does not answer fearing Bart has been captured.  Clark knows the time for hiding is over.

Chloe is in Watchtower looking over everyone while Kara, Oilver, and J'onn infiltrate the compound. Inside, Lex recounts his run-ins with each of his captives and wants to know, where is Green Arrow? The lights go out and Dinah says, “Looks like he just showed up." Lex leaves the room calling on his armored soldier to gear up. J'onn appears from his invisible state to free Dinah and the rest of the JLA. Outside Oliver is setting explosives while Kara covers him. Corbin soon finds them and are no match for the kryptonite-powered suit. Just as Corbin is about to give Kara a final blow Clark hollers from the roof. Corbin looks up to see Clark in full Superman gear. Clark takes a deep breath and leaps into the air, flying right into Corbin. Their battle begins.

Meanwhile, Lois and Jimmy have made it into the compound and are snooping around. Oliver picks Kara off the ground and urges her to go. Kara wants to help Clark but Oliver says Clark can take care of himself, and reminds her that the place will to blow in a matter of minutes. With each punch Clark gets weaker and weaker. He tries to tell Corbin that the kryptonite is affecting him like it has so many, but Corbin doesn’t listen. They run into Lois and Jimmy. Jimmy snaps a few pictures and is then knocked unconscious. Corbin throws a huge piece of metal at Lois and Clark catches it just in time. All Lois sees is the outfit. Clark’s face is covered in shadows. He tells Lois to get Jimmy out of here and fights on.

Lex finds Green Arrow escaping and they both decide it’s time to end their rivalry. Oliver agrees just as he blows the charges to level the compound. Oliver knocks Lex out and after thinking about it for a moment, carries him to safety. Clark and Corbin are almost both worn out when the explosions start to go off around them. Clark delivers one last blow to the kryptonite and it shatters. Both of them fall to the ground. Kara comes in time just to grab Clark before the building goes down, with Corbin still in it. Kara meets up with the rest of JLA outside the compound. Kara says Clark is not breathing. Lex wakes up, with no one else outside, but arises to see his plant in flames.

Back at Watchtower the JLA bring Clark back and lay him down, Chloe bends over him in shock. She then asks if she has the power to bring him back, like she did with Lois and Lex. J'onn tells her that the amount of energy to bring Clark back would not just drain her, but kill her completely. Oliver orders her not to do it; that Clark would not want her to sacrifice herself for him. She agrees and with Lex's compound destroyed he won't be making any armored suits any time soon.  Hours later, Chloe sneaks back in to see Clark when no one is around. She says that she knows how much the world needs hope, and that Clark is that hope. She says to tell Jimmy and Lois that she is sorry. She then uses her abilities to recharge him. Clark slowly opens his eyes to see Chloe smile, but just as he smiles back Chloe drops to floor. Clark kneels beside her in a panic. The rest of the JLA rush in, shocked by Chloe's decision. Clark holds his friend and cries.

The JLA, Lois, Jimmy, Clark, and many others are at Chloe's funeral. As Clark looks up he sees Lana come. They give each other a look, but don't say anything. Clark looks up even more to see Lex in the distance. Clark pours dirt in the grave. Later that night Clark is still standing by Chloe’s grave. J’onn walks up saying that she isn’t coming back, not this time. Clark asks if he is 100% sure. J’onn replies, "no."

Clark goes to talk to Jor-El. Jor-El thinks Clark is there to ask for a do-over to try and save Chloe, but Clark isn’t. He knows what Chloe did was what she thought was best for the world, not just Clark. And that every day he will make sure that her sacrifice, and the sacrifice of everyone in his life, was not in vain. Although Jor-El disagrees with Clark's decision to lead two separate lives he is pleased he has chosen to protect Earth.

Back at the The Daily Planet Lois is staring at her first front page headline, 'Who Is Superman?' Jimmy comments on the name Superman from behind her. They both agree that Chloe loved the Daily Planet, and that serving truth and justice is the best way to honor her. “I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Clark replies. He is wearing a suit, glasses, and his hair is in his eyes. Lois comments on how she barely recognizes him. Clark tells Jimmy and Lois that he now works there. Lois is stunned because there is no way Lex would allow it, but Clark says he made a call and Lex is no longer in control of the Daily Planet. He points to the door and Perry White walks in barking orders at Jimmy as Jimmy follows him away. Lois bets Clark that she can get the full scoop on Superman. Clark takes that bet and thinks Superman won’t reveal himself completely until the time is right, but can tell Lois is little smitten by his alter-ego.

Lex is in the lab, staring through the glass. He found Corbin, alive, but at a price. The metal was fused into his body that the only way to save him, and the suit, was to join the two. Corbin is now a man stuck in a machine’s body, powered by kryptonite, and Lex’s best chance of destroying this....Superman.

Lana is at the Kent farm looking around. Clark flies down to greet her. The two talk about her decision to leave and why they both think it’s for the best. Clark mentions that he works at the Daily Planet, knowing it's not only what Chloe would want, but it's what he wants. Clark begins to fly away and Lana says, "Will I see you around?" "I'm always around," Superman replies. He flies out, smiles for the camera, and fade out.

Casting Call: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

I woke up this morning in a very weird mood. One that I had never been in my life; a Zelda mood. Maybe it’s because I played the new game, Skyward Sword, at Best Buy and it was awesome, or maybe I am just that bored on my days off. Either way it’s all that’s been on my mind today, but more importantly was the idea that nobody has made a Legend of Zelda movie yet.

It’s been 25 years since Link and Zelda first came to game consoles and was created one of the original quest games. In 25 years we’ve seen all the other popular video games on the big screen. Super Mario Bros., Double Dragon, Mortal Kombat, Doom, Street Figher, and even Prince of Persia have all been made into major motion pictures and all have been complete disasters. But in this age where Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings reign supreme I feel like a Zelda movie would be awesome if done properly.

There have been many Zelda video games throughout the years, all with different stories and none of them in chronological order. The nearest to my heart was the last one I ever really played, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This also seems like the Zelda game with the most complicated and complex storyline. This game originally came out on the Nintendo 64, back when I still had no idea what a woman’s breast felt like. Needless to say after that experience I didn’t see the point of video games anymore. With the right cast and budget I feel this movie could be huge and break the video game curse.

SAM HUNTINGTON AS LINK

In every Legend of Zelda game the hero has always been Link. In Ocarina of Time Link is a simple man who lives in a small village in the kingdom of Hyrule. Link gets a nightmare one day that sets his journey in motion. Along the way he meets Princess Zelda, the evil Ganondorf, and wields the Master Sword. He is the every-man, which is a great character to center a film around.

Sam Huntington is the every-man. He’s played Jimmy Olsen in Superman Returns, and had the lead in the small film Fanboys. Now he’s a werewolf in ScyFy’s Being Human. Huntington has a charming quality about him for being the underdog and someone the audience can empathize with. The intense action sequences might be something new for the actor but I think he could pull it off.

ASHLEY GREENE AS PRINCESS ZELDA

In Ocarina of Time Zelda must seek Links help to stop Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce, which can be a little difficult after Ganondorf kidnaps her and obtains the Triforce of Power. Zelda disguises herself as an aid to Link named Sheik, and reveals her true self when the final battle between Link and Ganondorf is upon them. At the end of the video game Zelda sends Link back in time to meet, well, her.

Zelda is smart, beautiful, and can teach Link a thing or two from what I gather. Ashley Greene is best known for her role as Alice in the Twilight films, but I loved her as the girl-next-door in Skateland. She’s got the beauty and brains to bring this legendary game character to life. Just try not to fall in love with her, I dare ya.

SELENA GOMEZ AS NAVI

Peter Pan had Tinkerbell and Link has Navi. Navi appears to him after his nightmare about Ganondorf and stays by his side the entire game. She helps out when Link is in trouble and is the best companion Link could ask for, aside from his horse. Selena Gomez has made a name for herself as a teen idol, and to play a fairy you need someone who seems innocent and non-threating. This role could give Gomez the break-out she needs into more serious films while bringing in the tweeners who may not have ever played Ocarina of Time. If Julia Roberts can play a fairy I think it’s safe to say anyone can.

CLANCY BROWN AS GANONDORF

Ganondorf is the Gerudo King of Thieves and is looking to seize the Triforce so that he can rule Hyrule. He succeeds, for a while, until Link appears seven years later with the Master Sword in hand and the itchin to kick some ass! The Triforce is split into three, Ganondorf gaining the Triforce of Power, while Link and Zelda have the Triforces of Courage and Wisdom. To play a villain in an epic film you need an epic actor. Clancy Brown is most known for his role as The Kurgan in Highlander, but since then he’s done a lot of small roles as well as a lot of voice acting; one of which being Lex Luthor in Superman: The Animated Series. He’s big, he’s mean, and he can make you quiver with a grin.

ANTHONY HOPKINS AS THE GREAT DEKU TREE

The Great Deku Tree is a mentor to many and the guardian of Link’s village in Hyrule, but Ganondorf has cursed the tree and is slowly dying. Before his death though he is able to pass on to Link the Kokiri’s Emerald and sends him to Hyrule Castle to find Princess Zelda. The emerald turns out to be one of three that Link needs to enter the Sacred Realm and retrieve the Triforce before Ganondorf. Of course the Great Deku Tree will be computer generated but with Sir Anthony Hopkins as his voice it will sooth Link’s worries about his upcoming quest as well as the audience. I rest my case on this one.

Happy Slapsgiving!

You know when you were a kid the holidays meant that you would get time off of school and lots of preseents from your relatives.  But a weird thing happened on the way to getting older.  I stopped caring less about what I got for the holidays and started caring more about who I'm with.  Maybe it's because I have a great family, or maybe it's because I think my parents did a pretty good job of raising me, but the thing I look forward to most during the holidays now is the company of my friends, family, and the overall holiday cheer.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are two days out of the year when we all forget about the crap we having going on and just be thankful for the people we have in our lives. 

Living in Austin does means I am hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away from the people I care about, Like my family and friends in Indiana, and my friends in California, but I am thankful for them being in my life. 

I guess what I'm most thankful for is my wife, Lisa.  At our wedding Albert said, "Shawn, I've known you for a while and I have to say, marrying Lisa is the smartest thing I've seen you do."  I'd have to agree with him on that.  Anyone who knows us knows it was rocky start, but the fact that Lisa chose to spend her life with a schmuck like me makes me the luckiest man in the world.  Something I tell myself every day.

So this year I hope you're spending time with people you care about most, and if your not, at least shoot them a text or Facebook message to let them know you're glad to know them.  Now if you'll excuse me I have a dinner to get to that I've been fasting for all day, and a little boy who I'm sure wants to be read some books.

 

Angel & Faith Come Out Stakes Swinging

This year at the San Diego Comic-Cong Joss Whedon pleased his fans with news that we’ll get more from the world of Dr. Horrible and the crew of Serenity sometime in the future. But for now we’ll all have to cozy up and slumber back into Whedon’s first creation, the Buffyverse. Last year we saw Buffy season 8 in comic book form and Dark Horse regained the rights to Angel comic books from IDW. Now the two characters are back under one house, which means I’m sure you’ll see the characters jump from book to book just like the television shows. My mouth is watering already.

At the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 8 we saw Angel and Buffy get super powers just in time to stop the mystical force known as Twilight. But Angel, under the influence of Twilight, fought Buffy in another epic battle; one that ended with Angel killing Giles and Buffy ending all magic on Earth. Now it’s months later and Angel is finally ready to quit sulking and get back to helping the helpless. He’s crashing at Giles’s place, which is now owned by Faith. The two are digging through the Watcher’s files and continuing the work Giles was doing. But Angel has more in store than just saving people. He’s going to bring Giles back to life. Meanwhile Angel’s old mentor, Whistler, is out to change the world as well, but he doesn’t seem to have the same plan as Angel because he’s got a gang of blood thirsty vampires to help him.

The reappearance of Whistler was a great surprise, one that I can’t wait to see play out. In Buffy season 2 we saw that Whistler was the one who got Angel out of the gutter and out into the world to help Buffy. I’m not sure what his game is, but I can’t wait for him and Angel to reunite. I’m also looking forward to bringing some of the Angel cast back like Connor or Gunn. It’d be a good idea to read Angel: After the Fall before you read Angel & Faith, but not essential. The team-up of Angel and Faith is great. They both have a lot to atone for, and Angel feels that now more than ever. There is no finer Angel than a brooding one.

I’m not familiar with the writing of Christos Gage. Supposedly he has done a few miniseries comics for Marvel, and written a few episodes of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. So far, with this first issue, he’s got my full attention. I just hope we get to see more characters thrown into the mix, ones that some of us haven’t thought about in years. Buffy season 9 comes out in two weeks to complete this duo of delightful comics. I know Joss is busy finishing The Avengers for next summer’s release but as long as he checks in with these two comics every once and a while I think I’ll be five by five.

DC Has Changed In the Blink of Flashpoint

WARNING THIS CONTAIN SPOILERS TO THE END OF DC’S FLASHPOINT.

Everything you know will change in a flash. That’s what Geoff Johns promised his readers with summer’s blockbuster event from DC Comics. Not other words spoken were ever truer. Soon after the start of Flashpoint DC announced that they were revamping almost all of their titles. After years of reading comic books I knew they weren’t just going to hit the reboot button. The New 52 was going to be the aftermath of Flashpoint.

In 1986 Barry Allen sacrificed himself to save the world in Crisis on Infinite Earths. Barry was lost to a whole generation of comic readers until he appeared once again in 2009’s Final Crisis. It was like readers were getting a brand new Flash, but one that already knew how to be a hero. Little did everyone know Barry’s return would signify the end of the DC Universe as we know it.

Barry wakes up one day in his office and is no longer the Flash. His mother is alive, Aquaman and Wonder Woman are battling for control of the Earth, and Cyborg is the only hero interested in saving it. Barry is stumped as to what has happened so he turns to the world’s greatest detective for answers. Only Bruce isn’t the man behind the cowl anymore, his father Thomas Wayne is Batman. The two soon embark on a mission to gather the world’s superheroes together to try and put things back the way they were. Along the way they find out Superman has become a government lab rat, Captain Marvel is a gang of teenagers, and Lois Lane is helping lead the resistance to stop the coming war.

Barry finally gets his powers back and catches up with his arch-enemy, Professor Zoom. Barry demands he tell him what moment in time he changed so that Barry can go back and fix it. It was then that Zoom revealed that he did nothing, Barry did. Barry went back in time to save his mother and in returned he killed Bruce Wayne and his mother, made sure Kal-El was never found by the Kents, and turned Aquaman and Wonder Woman into bitter ex’s. Barry had to make a choice. It was either the life of his mother, or the life of billions of people. Since the Flash is a super-HERO I think we all know what option he went with.

The pay-off of this miniseries really didn’t come till the last issue. I have never questioned Johns genius, and even though the story lagged most issues, he stayed true to his abilities in the end. Flashpoint was an alternate reality story, but it was the details that made it enjoyable. I didn’t read any of the many spin-off miniseries of Flashpoint so I can only tell you what I like about the main series. Changing Batman from Bruce to Thomas Wayne was a nice touch. It gave a us a whole new Batman to learn about, and a whole new way he does things. His and Barry’s relationship was really the meat of Flashpoint I thought.

Thomas Wayne had been living in his own personal hell until Barry showed up and gave him a way to bring his son back. Barry is so hopeful while Batman is so bitter. It was great for the ying-and-yang to play off each other. Barry Allen’s decision at the end of issue #5 was also a great moment for the Flash. Barry said one goodbye to his mother before he technically killed her. It showed that it’s not hard being a hero. This whole story Barry was worried about when he went back to change the past other things would change. Well he got his wish because when he went back in time to stop himself from saving his mother he brought several parallel universes together, creating the New 52. He also brought back something for Bruce as well; A note from his father.

Overall Flashpoint wasn’t anything too special. It had a few good moment, but most of them being in the last issue. I guess I enjoyed most knowing that the New 52 isn’t a reboot, it’s the next chapter in the DC Universe, one that all fans can enjoy. I don’t know what will become of DC, but as a long time reader I’m willing to give it a shot. If it will help rejuvenate comic books in main stream media while giving us fresh stories with the same characters I think I may like it. But something also occurred to me after I was done reading Flashpoint and I thought about the new comics to come. Where the hell is Wally West? If you don’t mind I’m going to go take some deep breaths, remember that I trust Geoff Johns, and read Justice Leaguer #1.

My Top 5 TV Shows Returning This Fall

I remember when I was a kid, I would go back to school at the end of summer and I was excited to see my friends. I would learn what they had been up too all summer and what adventures they had been on when I wasn’t watching. Well the same can be said about the Fall TV line-up. After almost four months of being away I’m always anxious to see what has happened to my favorite TV characters, how they’ll escape the troubling events of last year’s season finale, and what romances will bloom in the Fall and wither come Spring. WARNING! If you haven’t watched the season finale of these five shows you should not read any further. That means you Lisa! We will watch all of Chuck, season 4, before the new season starts, so don’t spoil it for yourself.

5) The Big Bang Theory

The fourth season of BBT ended with all kinds of drama. Leonard’s relationship with Priya is on the rocks after he learns that she is moving back to India and decided not to tell him. Howard and Bernadette are engaged, a wedding that Howard’s best friend, Raj, is not looking forward too since he is in love with Bernadette. This drives Raj to go drinking with Penny, who is also saddened by the Leonard/Priya relationship. The next morning the two wake-up in bed together and walk out of the room to find everyone eye-balling them.

This last season was better than ever with the new additions of Melissa Rauch as Bernadette and Blossom star Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Folwer, the female version of Sheldon. But as the season progressed we saw that Amy is not like Sheldon. She wants to have human connections such as friendship and romance. This was evident when she got drunk and gave Sheldon his first kiss, in which Sheldon replied, “fascinating.” Penny now has her own entourage of girls to hang out with and is no longer dependent on her four nerdy male friends. This has brought a whole new aspect to the BBT and made it that much more entertaining. Sheldon and Penny’s interactions were some of the funniest part of the the show, and now with the addition of Amy Farrah Fowler it only gets better.

I know nothing will come of Penny and Raj’s one night stand, but I’m curious if Priya leaving will make way for a Leonard/Penny reunion. And if Howard and Bernadette actually make it down the isle I can only imagine what that wedding party will be like. Although I do look forward to a hilarious dissection of cultural wedding traditions by Sheldon and Amy.

4) Parks and Recreations

As a young man who grew-up in the cornfields of Indiana I look forward to seeing how the state is surviving without me. Thanks to this NBC show I’m able to remember just how weird life in the crossroads of America can be. Leslie has great political ambition beyond Assistant Parks Manager of Pawnee, IN. But her secret relationship with Ben may get in the way of that. Meanwhile her officemate Tom is leaving P&R to help start a multi-media group with his friend, Jean-Ralphio. Of course the best part of the season finale was the mention of Ron’s first wife, whose name sent his second wife screaming in horror. Seeing how horrible Tammy II is, played by the actor’s real-life wife, Megan Mullally, I can only imagine what Tammy I is like.

Ron Swanson is quickly becoming one of the great philosophers of the 21st century. The man loves his meat, believes in hard work, and laughs when the government he works for collapses. Just look at his Pyramid of Greatness and you’ll see that Ron has an answer for everything. Throw in a quirky cast, lead by Amy Poehler, and guest starring Rob Lowe, and you’ve got a show that will keeping you laughing for thirty minutes straight.

3) Supernatural

Over the years Sam and Dean have seen it all. They found and killed the demon that murdered their parents, only to later find out he chose Sam and Dean for a purpose. Sam was to be the vessel of Lucifer come Armageddon, and Dean was to be the vessel of Michael, the angel who would kill Lucifer. With a little help from the fallen angel, Castiel, the two prevented the slaughter of billions, and pissed off heaven and hell in the process. At the beginning of last season Dean was living in suburban bliss when his supposedly dead brother showed up at his doorstep. Eventually we find out how Sam escaped hell and how Dean needed to get Sam’s soul back so he’d stop being a prick. Once Sam was soulful again the two moved on to the bigger picture, the civil war in heaven. The Winchester Bros. had to help Castiel win the battle against Raphael for control of heaven. Castiel then became strong by absorbing millions of souls from Purgatory and now this moody angel has named himself the new God. Oh dear Lord.

With every season this show just keeps getting better and better. It took me almost to the end of season 2 to really get sucked in, but once I found out heaven and hell had big plans for these brother it’s been a great ride ever since. They drive around in their classic muscle car, listen to classic rock, and kill monsters. The show first started focusing on Sam, but now I feel like the focus is on Dean. Dean had a shot at a normal life, and in the end he had to make his new family forget him if they were going to stay safe. It’s tragic, but in the end all the Winchester Bros. need are each other, and maybe their suito-father figure, Bobby.

2) Hawaii Five-0

Lt. Steve McGarret spent the whole season trying to unlock the mystery his dead father left him. McGarrett found a trail that linked Hawaii crime boss, Wo Fat, to the Hawaiian governor, the woman who told McGarrett to put together a special team to fight criminals like Wo Fat. Now the governor is dead and McGarrett is being blamed for it. Meanwhile his partner, Danny, has got his family back and has to choose whether to return to New York with them or stay and help his colleagues. The rest of the Five-0 team isn’t doing to hot either.

This remake has more style and sex appeal than an Usher music video. The people in bathing suits, the beautiful scenery that makes you want to move to Hawaii, and Alex O’Loughlin’s ability to kicking ass, are just a few of the many reason this show is a hit. I personally enjoy the banter between McGarrett and Danny, played by Scott Caan. Hawaii Five-0 has to perfect blend of action, drama, and comedy. I’d stop watching it, but it’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to a vacation to Hawaii.

1) Chuck

If you’ve ever had a normal job and a normal life you probably thought about what it would be like to do something more; something extraordinary. Well Chuck Bartowski is living that dream for all of us. He has this computer program in his head that knows government secrets, intel, and moves for kicking ass. Last season Chuck lost this Intersect and thought his spy girlfriend, Sarah, wouldn’t be with him without it. Lucky for him he got it back, but only to lose it again. Chuck and Sarah are married now, and are no longer working for the government. Along with their friends, Casey and Morgan, they’re starting their own spy agency, and they’ll able to handle anything, especially since Morgan accidentally got the Intersect stuck in his head. “Guys, I know kung-fu.”

This show is a hidden gem of television. Ask any good critic and they’ll tell you how much this show rocks. It’s every young man’s fantasy and Yvonne Strahovski as Sarah is every young man’s fantasy hottie. This season will be the last for Chuck with only 13 episodes left till we say goodbye to the crew at the Buy More, Agent Carmichael, and Captain Awesome. Chuck has struggled each season to stay alive, but now it’s is going out on its own terms. It’s full of great characters that are funny, lovable, and highly relatable. Most of the credit I think goes to the show’s star, Zachary Levi. He makes us all believe the dorky, average, guy can get the hot, badass, spy into bed. Check out the first season of this show on dvd and if you’re not hooked by the end I’ll pay you $10.  Or I’ll give you season 2 to watch and tell you that you have bad taste.

My Top 5 TV Shows to Watch this Fall

My people, I have returned. Sure I haven’t written a blog in almost a month, but like the little child on summer vacation I got lazy, ate a lot of cheese balls, and probably gained ten pounds. But my passion for writing has returned with excitement for this year’s Fall TV schedule. In the last few weeks I almost lost my TV due to “cut-backs” but both parties were able to reach a compromise and still trim some spending off the budget. I think I should run for president after the debates I’ve had. I lost my HD channels and a few I never really watched, but on plus side I also lost the stupid Time Warner Cable DVR and brought back my old friend, TiVo! I missed the sounds it makes most of all.

Everyone knows I love TV; way more than I like movies. Each year you get a new sequel every week.  The characters change, evolve, grow-up, and are always there waiting for you after a long day. Sadly enough my top 5 new shows to watch from 2010 were all cancelled, and half of them for good reason. Let’s hope this year’s freshman class has better luck.

5) Once Upon A Time (ABC) Sundays 8/7c:

From the executive producers of Lost comes a weird and kind of creative story on ABC. Jennifer Morrison (House) is Emma, an independent woman who years ago gave up a baby. Now that child, Henry, has sought her out and tells her she comes from a different world, one where she is actually the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. Emma is all set to return Henry to his home town of Storybrooke, a town full of magic. This town has legendary characters like Sleeping Beauty and Jiminy Cricket, only they don’t remember who they are. Is Emma going to stick around long enough to figure out if she’s fairytale royalty?  Some of you may think this sounds lame, but it also sounds pretty creative. It’s been a while since I watched a show on ABC so I figured I’d give it a whirl. Knowing a little bit about Lost I imagine it’ll have a few good twist and turns in it. I just hope there is no smoke monster.

Preview:

http://abc.go.com/shows/once-upon-a-time

4) Unforgettable (CBS) Tuesdays 10/9c:

Carrie Wells has an air-tight memory. She can remember every moment of her life, except the day her sister was killed. When a neighbor is murdered Carrie gives up using her gifts for gambling and starts helping the police solve some cases, maybe even her sisters. Carrie is played by Poppy Montgomery who recently starred as J.K. Rowling in a TV movie called Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story.  I’m a little unsure about this one but I had a spot in my line-up on Tuesday nights. Plus Dylan Walsh from Nip/Tuck stars in the lead male role, and I can’t say no to Sean MacNamara. CBS has been putting out some pretty good crime shows lately like The Mentalist and Hawaii Five-O, so why not give them the benefit of the doubt.

Preview:

http://www.cbs.com/shows/unforgettable/video/?pid=JdV9yiOvfuBok5bcaD759QXQ041VKd_x&vs=Default&play=true

3) Whitney (NBC) Thursdays 9:30/8:30c:

Comedian Whitney Cummings stars in her own show based on her stand-up routine. She’s a sassy, single, girl living with her boyfriend, Alex. They’ve been together for a while, but she refuses to get married. This is about how her ways get her into trouble and hopefully make us all keeping laughing after The Office is over.  I first saw Whitney Cummings on Chelsea Lately, and then caught her comedy special, now on Netflix. She’s got that jaded personality that is pretty hilarious and pretty true. She doesn’t sugar code life, but we’ll see how her comedy does when it gets put on prime time and it’s under the FCC microscope. Good luck Whitney!

Preview:

http://www.nbc.com/whitney/video/get-a-little-too-comfortable/1327544/

2) Up All Night (NBC) Wednesdays 10/9c:

TV veterans Will Arnett (Arrested Development) and Christina Applegate (Married with Children) both had shows this last year that failed to take off, but now they’re back teaming up together to show you what parenthood: year 1 is like. Applegate plays Reagan, a career driven woman with a crazy boss, played by Bridesmaids star Maya Rudolph. Reagan is trying to adjust to motherhood with her new child and her stay at home husband Chris, play by Arnett. The two quickly learn that their lives have changed and, as much as they fight it, they’ll never be the same people they were.  I like all three of these actors, especially Will Arnett. My wife said if she had one new show she was going to watch this Fall this will be it. What could me more funny than all the mistakes first-time parents make, right?

Preview:

http://www.nbc.com/up-all-night/video/new-up-all-night-parenting-tips/1348151/

1) Grimm (NBC) Fridays 9/8c starting Oct. 21st:

The executive producers of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel step back into the world of monsters with a character named Nick Burkhardt. Nick is a detective and soon discovers that he is a descendant of the famous Grimm Brothers. Nick begins seeing hidden monsters everywhere he goes, and it’s up to him to stop them from making stories like Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, repeat themselves. Grimm will start later in the season, just in time for Halloween.  It also follows a show I’m already planning to watch, Chuck. No need to even touch that dial.  This show seems like it has the right people behind it, decent graphics, and could lead to some storylines I’d usually see on Supernatural. I just hope Nick doesn’t start blasting classic rock because that might lead to copyright infringement.

Preview:

http://www.nbc.com/grimm/video/once-upon-a-crime/1327541/

Captain America Ends This Summer's Battle, But Leads Us To Next Summer's As Well

Next summer, Marvel Studios will attempt something no other studio has done. They will take four film franchises and merge them into one film under the direction of Comic-Con god, Joss Whedon. The Avengers will be a massive film, one that is highly anticipated, but before we see the team assemble we have to get to know the first Avenger, Captain America. Joe Johnston had the difficult task of not only making the all-American-hero relatable to modern audiences, but also re-creating the world of the 1940’s, but with a believable sci-fi slant.

 Chris Evans plays his sixth comic book related role as Steve Rogers. Steve is too small to be accepted into the army during World War II, but he is the perfect candidate for Project: Rebirth. Steve is to be the first in a line of super soldiers that are made to take down Hitler and the Nazis. But soon after Steve’s metamorphosis his mentor and Project: Rebirth creator, Dr. Erskine, is killed thanks to a secret Nazi science division called Hydra. Steve is left as the only one of his kind, and must decide whether he is up to the role of being Captain America. Steve has to choose fast because Hyrda’s leader, Johann Schmidt, is in possession of a cosmic cube that can turn the tide of the war, and would mean disaster for the allied forces and the world.

I was very reluctant to accept Evans in this role. He’s always played the ‘funny guy’ in most of his films, so playing the always serious Captain America didn’t seem like his cup of tea. However, it was Evans charm and humbleness that made this movie work. Captain America has a commanding presence in the comic books, but in this film he’s just starting out, so he has fears, doubts, and a personality that any decent person can relate too. This makes him accessible to the audience and makes the rest of the film a nice ride. However there are a few shots where he looks ridiculous as 'skinny Steve.'

 The Matrix and LOTR’s alumni Hugo Weaving plays Evans rival, Johann Schmidt, or the Red Skull has the world will come to know him. Weaving face spends most of the film red, and computer-generated, which makes his acting abilities limited as far as performance, but still terrify as Captain America’s polar opposite. The other major supporting cast members include Tommy Lee Jones as Colonel Chester Phillips and Hayley Atwell as Cap’s love interest, Peggy Carter. Atwell plays Carter perfectly as a woman who is tough as nails, but also has a sensitive side that woos not only Steve, but the audience as well. I don’t need to tell you that Jones does what he always does; which is be awesome. Has Colonel Phillips he is Steve’s biggest opponent, but soon becomes his biggest ally. Classic Jones.

The person in this film I was watched closely was Sebastian Stan as Buchanan ‘Bucky’ Barnes. In the comics he is Captain America’s teenage sidekick with an important future. In other interpretations, such as this, he is the guy who fights Steve’s battles before he could win his own. Stan did a perfect job for what he had to be, and possibly become in later films. Another member of Cap’s team, included Neal McDonough as the classic Marvel character, ‘Dum Dum’ Dugan.

Joe Johnston has directed such period pieces as The Rocketeer and October Sky, so I knew he was the right man to bring this 1940’s icon into the 21st Century. To me, the film seemed to go by fast, which means leaving out time for character development, but it was such a great ride it didn’t seem to matter much. Captain America isn’t anything deep or complicated, but just a simple film about a simple hero. Marvel has really hit gold creating their own film studio and the films they create.  Mainly because they listen to writers like Ed Brubaker and Mark Millar who have kept the character thriving for so long. If only other studios would do the same with their comic book properties. I, however, did find it a bit odd that Stan “The Man” Lee made an appearance in this film. Even though his is the creator of most Marvel characters like Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four he had nothing to do with Captain America except being the head of Marvel. But “The Man” is still awesome in my book so he can make an appearance in the next Batman film for all I care.

Captain America: The First Avenger closes out a summer full of superhero films, with another batch due out next summer. Johnston and co. was able to bring out why this character has lasted for over 70 years, and has continued the cinematic journey that Marvel has been taking us on for the past few years. I look forward to Whedon’s The Avengers next summer not because it’s a comic book film, but because it’s full of great characters we already know. Now let’s see how they all work together. If you’ve seen any Marvel film you know to stay after the ending credits, and this one no different. Someone get Cap Netflix so he can catch-up with the rest of the world, but don’t show him Jersey Shore!

Rating:  B