Category: Movies

Coffee Talk #608: Your 2013 Movie of the Year

Now that we’ve discussed the 2013 game of the year, it’s time to talk about the 2013 movie of the year. There were a lot of nerd movies released in 2013: The Wolverine, Kick-Ass 2, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, and more. Most of these movies were okay for me; I liked a lot of them, but didn’t really love any of them…except for one. Despite being panned by many longtime fans and despite getting shredded by butt-hurt science fundamentalists, I super-enjoyed…continued

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Anderson Silva’s impersonation of Mr. Fantastic, hoping that Sierra breaks up with Alex, or the best type of donut, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Now that we’ve discussed the 2013 game of the year, it’s time to talk about the 2013 movie of the year. There were a lot of nerd movies released in 2013: The Wolverine, Kick-Ass 2, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, and more. Most of these movies were okay for me; I liked a lot of them, but didn’t really love any of them…except for one. Despite being panned by many longtime fans and despite getting shredded by butt-hurt science fundamentalists, I super-enjoyed Star Trek: Into Darkness. I went over most of the reasons in my review, but since I’ve watched the movie several times since then (and also for the purposes of this column), I’ll fawn over the movie some more.

JJ Abrams’ reinvigorated the Star Trek franchise in his initial reboot and his fun take on the beloved sci-fi universe continues in Stark Trek: Into Darkness. I really love his modern twist on Star Trek; it’s fun, clever, and current. Thanks to some space-time manipulation, the new Star Trek isn’t beholden to the previous works. This has freed the new writers and directors, and I’ve been digging what they’ve come up with.

Star Trek: Into Darkness is fun and fast. It doesn’t confuse the audience with overly complicated science fiction. The cast is great and I could write a paragraph about each of the leads. Naturally, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are the top dogs. Those cats excel as Kirk and Spock (though I will always think less of Chris Pine for sleeping with the dreadful Olivia Munn). Simon Pegg is a wonderfully hilarious Scotty. Newcomer Alice Eve…is one of the sexiest humans that ever existed; she’s beautiful, she’s incredibly smart, and she has that alluring accent — just…wow.

A few of my friends have bagged on the actual science in Star Trek: Into Darkness, especially in the opening scene. To this I say, “Who gives a sh*t?!?” The opening scene was so much fun! The action and humor were fantastic. I don’t care that you can’t stop a volcano from exploding with a cold-fusion bomb and that you shouldn’t submerge a spaceship. That scene rocked and set the tone for the movie.

To sum it all up, Star Trek: Into Darkness was my 2013 movie of the year because of its clever writing, deft directing, strong performances, sweet special effects, and outstanding use Alice Eve.

Now it’s your turn! What was your 2013 movie of the year? Kindly share your feelings in the comments section.

Harry Potter: The Early Years

Fabulously wealthy Harry Potter author JK Rowling has announced that she’ll be involved with a play based on the titular wizard’s early years living with the Dursley family. Rowling will be a co-producer for the Harry Potter play and will consult with the writers, but will not write the script herself. Writers and directors are being considered, with the project moving into development next year. Here’s a clip from the announcement:

What was it like to be the boy in the cupboard under the stairs? This brand new play, which will be developed for the UK theatre, will explore the previously untold story of Harry’s early years as an orphan and outcast. Featuring some of our favourite characters from the Harry Potter books, this new work will offer a unique insight into the heart and mind of the now legendary young wizard. A seemingly ordinary boy, but one for whom Destiny has plans…

Uh…what? This seems like a missed opportunity. It would have been awesome to explore the Harry Potter world when Voldemort was running wilder than Hulkamania. It would have been cool to learn more about the original Order of the Phoenix. The books have so many interesting adult characters and it would have been fantastic to see them in their primes. Instead, we’re getting a tale of Harry Potter’s life in the cupboard. The books already tell enough about that stage of Harry’s life: it was crap.

On the plus side, I imagine that a large chunk of the play will be Harry talking to himself while locked in the cupboard. At least production costs will be cheap.

Hopefully my initial feelings about the play are dead wrong and the writers can work some magic to create a heart-tugging experience. What’s your first reaction to a play based on Harry Potter’s life living under the stairs? Does it have potential? Or does it sound ridiculous? Please leave a comment and let me know.

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Paul Rudd is…Ant-Man

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paul Rudd has been cast as the titular character in the upcoming Ant-Man movie. Rudd is famous for his comedic (and bromantic) performances in Anchorman, The 40-Year Old Virgin, I Love You Man, and more. Ant-Man is famous…well, he’s not really a famous Marvel superhero, is he? The casting is interesting; Ant-Man is an unusual character and it’s surprising that he’s getting his own movie, while it’s equally surprising that Rudd will don some spandex and play a superhero on the big screen. It’s so wacky that it just might work!

For those of you that haven’t been keeping up with news on the movie, Ant-Man will be directed by Edgar Wright. The English director is best known for Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and the big-screen adaptation of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. While many comic-book fanboys expect a healthy dose of comedy, I’m hoping that the quirkiness behind the humor permeates Ant-Man.

So what are the chances of the following exchange happening in a future Avengers movie?

Ant-Man: Do you know how I know you’re gay?

Captain America: How?

Ant-Man: You had a little boy as a sidekick and crashed an airplane into some ice instead of making out with a hot British chick.

(It’s early morning and I have jet lag. I’ll come up with a much better joke later.)

My initial reaction is, “I don’t know about this one.” To me, Ant-Man (the Hank Pym version) is notable for two reasons — being one of the smartest men in the Marvel Universe and being an abusive husband. I can’t see Rudd being a genius or a wife-beater, let alone both.

Anyway, please let me know what you think of Paul Rudd as Ant-Man in the comments section. Are you intrigued by the casting? Or do you see him as too much of a comedian to play a superhero (even a tiny one)?

Ant-Man is slated for a July 2015 release.

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Gal Gadot Cast as Wonder Woman (Superman vs. Batman)

According to Deadline, the search for Wonder Woman is over. The ridiculously lovely Gal Gadot has been cast as Diana of the Amazons in Superman vs. Batman. Many of you are familiar with Gal Gadot from the Fast & Furious movies. She was also Miss Israel 2004 and served two years in the Israeli army. So yeah, she’s a stunning actress/model that kicks all kinds of ass. Gal Gadot makes sense as Wonder Woman, don’t you agree?

Of course some comic-book fanboys will be disappointed with the casting. Jaimie Alexander (Sif in the Thor movies) was rumored to be in the running for the Wonder Woman role. Alexander (not the daughter of Jason Alexander…despite what I tell people IRL) has already shown the ability to kick ass while looking beautiful on the big screen. That said, there are some moviegoers (like RPadholic N8R) that hate when an actor or actress plays multiple superhero roles. It can be disconcerting.

Personally, I’m jazzed about the Gal Gadot casting. She’s gorgeous and can beat me up. That’s just…hot. How about you? What do you think of Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman in Superman vs. Batman? Excited? Disappointed? Ambivalent? Kindly share your thoughts on the Israeli beauty playing the Amazonian princess in the comments section.

Gal Gadot Wonder Woman

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Jackie Chan Police Story Reboot Trailer

Jackie Chan’s Police Story series showed the action-movie legend at his comedic best. The four movies were loved by Jackie Chan fans for their mix of acrobatic stunts and goofy gags. Chan dazzled in these flicks with his inimitable physical comedy. The 2013 Police Story reboot is very different — stunningly so. One of the first things you’ll see in the trailer (embedded below) is Chan plugging someone in the head. This isn’t the cornball Jackie Chan that has entertained moviegoers for decades. This is a darker and grittier version that will surprise many of his fans.

The tone of the Police Story reboot is a really interesting move on Chan’s part. He’s obviously older and can’t do many of the stunts that carried him through dozens of films. Mixing in excellently-choreographed telegenic martial arts with an edgier tone could be a brilliant way of reinventing himself. I’m guessing that it will play well in Asian markets, while the reactions in the West will be mixed. Many American moviegoers aren’t familiar with Chan’s earlier work and will remember movies like Rush Hour and Shanghai Noon. They only know the goofball Jackie Chan and perhaps the Police Story reboot will be too much of a shock for them.

Naturally, I want your take on the Police Story reboot. What do you think of pissed-off, bad-ass Jackie Chan? Do you buy into the character? Or are you waiting for Chris Tucker or Owen Wilson to show up for some juvenile humor?

X-Men Days of Future Past Trailer (Bryan Singer)

Embedded below is the trailer for X-Men Days of Future Past. Somewhat based on the classic Chris Claremont X-Men storyline, the movie blends elements of Bryan Singer’s X-Men films and the more recent X-Men First Class. Singer is back in the director’s chair X-Men Days of Future Past and is joined by actors from all the previous films. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Halle Berry (Storm), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), James McAvoy (young Professor X), and Michael Fassbender (young Magneto) are just some of the actors in the star-studded cast.

If you’re not familiar with the original story, it involves time travel, giant mutant-hunting robots, alternate futures, and timeline manipulation. It sounds confusing, but it boils down to a future X-Man going back into the past in order to avoid a horrific future. While the basic premise of the movie is the same, longtime X-Men fans will be able to spot several differences in the trailer alone. Character roles, team composition, and various interactions are some obvious, but understandable, differences. Naturally, any excuse to give Hugh Jackman more screen time is a good thing for attracting mainstream viewers. While comic-book fanboys will likely take umbrage to the Hollywood-influenced rewrites, general moviegoers aren’t likely to complain (or notice).

My excellent friend and fellow comics nerd Paul Semel is approaching the movie with caution. He loathed X-Men First Class and is afraid that X-Men Days of Future Past will have many of the elements he hated about that movie. I’m way more optimistic than he is on X-Men Days of Future Past’s potential. The source material (though altered) is great, the director is solid, and the cast is outstanding. The danger is that multiple time jumps and a large cast of characters will add up to a Giant-Sized X-Men mess, but I have faith in Bryan Singer.

How about you guys and gals? What do you think of the X-Men Days of Future Past trailer? Are you more excited for or afraid of the movie?

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Trailer

Waking up to the Captain America: The Winter Soldier trailer made this morning excellent. There are several things in the trailer that make my inner fanboy go gaga. Cap’s S.H.I.E.L.D. uniform looks pretty sweet and Falcon’s brief flying sequence is rad (though it’s weird to see Papa Doc from 8-Mile as a superhero). The coolest thing about the Captain America: The Winter Soldier trailer is…The Winter Soldier. He’s a complete bad-ass in the clip! I’m a big fan of the comic-book character and it makes me happy that the trailer shows Bucky Barnes in all of his kick-ass glory.

The only thing disappointing about the trailer is the lack of gratuitous butt shots of Scarlett Johansson. Though I suppose that’s what trailer two is for….

Anyway, check out the Captain America: The Winter Soldier trailer below and let me know what you think of it (please!).

Thor: The Dark World Clip (Loki Rules!)

Here’s a a sweet clip from Thor: The Dark World that shows two things. First, it shows how pissed off Thor has become. In the past, he’s always held back in his fights against Loki because a part of him still loved his adopted brother. Those days are over and the thunder god is no longer putting up with Loki’s trickster ways. Secondly, it cements the awesomeness that is Loki. Tom Hiddleston plays Loki marvelously. He’s evil and conniving, but extremely charming. He’s the kind of bad guy that you want to have a flagon of mead with…while secretly worrying that he’s just getting you drunk in order to sleep with your sister. He’s one of the most entertaining villains in the history of comic-book movies and the clip below shows why.

Aaron Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen as Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch

It looks like Kick-Ass and the “other” Olsen sister will be playing Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Latino Review has posted confirmation that Aaron Johnson will be playing Quicksilver, while the sexy Elizabeth Olsen will be playing the Scarlet Witch. Many of you are familiar with Johnson for his solid work in the Kick-Ass movies, while a few of you are familiar with Olsen for not being Mary-Kate or Ashley.

It will be interesting to see how Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch are portrayed. In the proper Marvel Universe, they have a rich and storied history. The pair have been heroes and villains several times over. The Scarlet Witch is most famous for decimating the world’s mutant population with a single wish. In the Ultimate Marvel Universe, the two have a racy history where they have an incestuous relationship. In both cases, their father is Magneto, a character that’s currently licensed to another company for movie purposes. While I understand the legalities of not having Magneto involved in the characterization of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron, the fanboy in me will be irritated.

I’m curious to see how Johnson handles Quicksilver. The actor was lovable goof in Kick-Ass. Quicksilver, on the other hand, is a lovable prick. I haven’t seen Johnson in anything other than the Kick-Ass movies, so I have no idea if he can pull off that Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver’s real name) arrogance.

As for Olsen, I’m totally being a male by saying that I’m less concerned with her portrayal of the Scarlet Witch and more concerned about seeing her in the character’s famous Medieval swimsuit. In my head, a scantily clad Scarlet Witch played by Elizabeth Olsen will have outstanding scenes with  the skin-tight leather wearing Black Widow played by Scarlett Johansson. It will look something like this.

Anyway, what do you think of Aaron John and Elizabeth Olsen as Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch?

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PaulSemel.com Babe Interviews: Melissa Joan Hart, Pauley Perrette

RPad.TV ally PaulSemel.com has posted a pair of interviews that you should definitely check out. First up is a vintage conversation with Melissa Joan Hart, who is famous for…you know, I’m not really sure what she does or did. I think she was on a sitcom when she was a teenager and did some Lindsay Lohan-type stuff back in the day. What I do know, is the she was a celebrity at a Sega Dreamcast event I went to back in the late ’90s and people are still talking about her, so she must be doing something right.

Paul also interviewed the super-cool Pauley Perrette, one of the stars of NCIS. The first part of a PaulSemel.com exclusive, this is a great interview that touches a wide variety of subjects. Pauley is an interesting person and Paul is a fine interviewer that developed keen investigatory journalism skills from his days working at Gene Simmmons’ Tongue magazine. That formidable combination made for an entertaining interview. Please check it out!