25 May 2012

Review: Supernatural Season Seven Finale -- 7.23 Survival of the Fittest




Time flies when the Leviathans have fun. But time stops when Supernatural goes into a hiatus.

First of all, I'd like to congratulate Sera Gamble for her contribution in the past seven seasons of Supernatural. Sera is one of the brightest and most creative minds who's ever worked on the show. She is one of the most vocal writers when Eric Kripke was around, and her work is always impressive. There is no doubt in my mind she was the best candidate to run the show after Kripke decided to take the back seat. From the bottom of my heart, thank you once again for being so awesome Sera. I'll miss your passion and your voice. I look forward to seeing your future projects.

Moving on to my immediately reactions and thoughts after watching the season finale.



7.23 Survival of the Fittest was written by Sera Gamble and directed by Robert Singer. The episode wrapped up all the loose ends brilliantly and set the direction for season eight. With an ending like that, it's gotta be a winner! I think Survival of the Fittest was forward-thinking. It was more than wrapping things up, killing Dick, bringing Baby back, mending a broken friendship, sending Dean and Cas to Purgatory, leaving Sam all by himself… it's almost the perfect box of toys for Jeremy Carver to play with.

The cliff-hanger was definitely THE highlight of the episode and it's the kind of epic ending I was expecting. I wholeheartedly believe season eight is going to be brilliant. I think this cliff-hanger was a winner, because it was a Winchester cliff-hanger. Survival of the Fittest and its ending definitely reminded me of season three/four/ five -- when Dean went to hell for selling his soul to save Sam; and when Sam went to Hell for sacrificing himself to take down Lucifer. There is no supernatural dimension the Winchesters have not been before. With Dean in Purgatory, he is now the only known human being who'd ever traveled to Heaven, Hell and Purgatory and back! I am worried, I am scared, but you know what? Dean is a survivor, and he is one half of the show. Of course he will be back. Damn right he will be back in style! He should be on the GQ cover of October.



On one hand, I hope Dean's trip to the Purgatory will be a short one. The brothers can't be apart for too long, right? On the other hand, rather than not being able to see Dean's journey and all the action in Purgatory, I'd love to see a good portion of an episode or two to take place in Purgatory. Rather than having Dean telling us about Purgatory, I think it will be refreshing to actually SEE some actions to take place in this supernatural landscape. Dean's tale in hell was told throughout season four/ five, and for whatever reasons (it could be budget) we never get to SEE Dean in hell. Sam's tale in hell with Lucifer and Michael was also told in a smiliar fashion, we never get to see Sam in the cage with Lucifer and Michael. So, I think for a change, I'd like to see Dean in action in Purgatory.

Each time when the brothers were pulled apart, it presented a challenge or created an obstacle in their relationship. Keeping secrets from each other have always been a bit of a recurring them for the brothers. But I think the show has moved forward, we've gone way past the keeping secret theme. I think their relationship is so mature, they can do synchronise swimming. Time After Time is a perfect example, Dean knows Sam, and Sam knows Dean. They know what each other is thinking, they know what each other would do. I think Dean and Sam in season seven have been working together as a team brilliantly. For however long the brothers are going to be separated, I think Dean's 'WWSD' and Sam's 'WWDD' may play a role in getting Dean and Cas out from Purgatory. Wouldn't it be awesome if they brothers can pull this off all by themselves without any supernatural assistance?

And you know what this mean right? THERE WILL BE ANOTHER WINCHESTER HUG!



I am so losing sleep over Dean -- How will he survive? How will he escape from Purgatory? It's been awhile since I went nuts about theories. Contrary to what I've just said about supernatural assistance, Death could come to the rescue. He does have a soft spot for Dean. I still think about that conversation between Dean and Death about souls in Appointment in Samarra. I still think restoring balance will become a theme moving forward. It's been a mess -- the apocalypse didn't happen according to plan; the Leviathans were let loose; there are still people out there who are too stoned to do anything because they can't stop eating Turducken sandwiches; and who knows how many leftover Levis are out there? The nature order has turned up-side down. Death has been giving Dean the opportunity to clean it up the mess. I think Dean's soul is the one soul Death would love to collect personally when his time's up in the most non-supernatural kind of way. Just saying..



The next highlight from was the clash of kings. Crowley is the real winner here, he is the fittest. The Leviathans are one of the smartest evils the Winchesters have ever encountered. But Crowley has outsmarted everyone including Dick. Crowley has always been an opportunist. He always executed his plan with so little effort. Crowley appeared to be taken the step back in the fight against the Leviathans in season seven. But he knew everyone so well -- everything from their personality, their approach, their game -- he let everyone to play their part, and when the right moment arrived, he made his move. One stone, three birds plus a prophet. Well played!

I think there are things we still don't know about Crowley. I have mentioned this before, we have never seen Crowley's eyes turned black or red. May be it's just me thinking too much? I am not saying he is not a demon, but I won't be surprised. Hehe.. I think what he is after is more than survival or being the King of Hell or marking territory. Taking the prophet just made me wonder more!! Unlike Chuck, Kevin doesn't seem to have the power to see the future, he isn't suffering from headache which 'helped' him to write the Gospel. He can only read existing text. At least for now anyway. May be he is too young? I don't know. But even if and when he eventually has the power to see the future, what good will this do to Crowley? Crowley is a bit of a know-it-all (PS: I think he just pretended that he didn't know Cas was alive. He wanted to focus on the bigger game plan, the Winchesters and Meg can have Cas for now.) So, anyway, back to the prophet, why didn't Crowley grab Chuck instead (may be because he is indeed God and he is nowhere to be found?) or may be Crowley possess more Metatron's stuff and require Kevin to translate? I am sure we will see this Crowley/ Kevin story developed further in season eight.




Castiel is next on my list to talk about. I am so glad the reason behind Cas's random craziness was finally revealed. Thank you! And it all made sense. He was more powerful than we know, but he didn't want to get involved or fight because he would destroy things. He'd rather play, cook, wash and watch bees, gardens and flowers than fight, which I find adorable. I think Misha's range is really good.

I think the Dean and Cas relationship had been well paced this season, considering Cas only just returned to the show a few episodes ago. Cas really reminded me of Sheldon Cooper sometimes. Dean was like Leonard, he was the only one who knew how to talk and deal with Cas. And I like how everything looked to Dean when they had a little Cas problem, including Crowley!



I think Don McLean's Vincent is a great song to illustrate Cas' state of mind. Cas' people and communication skills were never good, so for him to express how he felt was difficult. I think he was hoping Dean to understand. But Cas finally told them he didn't want to fight because he was scared he would destroy things again. And if they lost, Dean and Sam would die heroically, only Cas would be brought back. I like Cas' struggle, and all he needed was Dean's forgiveness. Dean might not realised, but he had just saved a friend from his own darkness. And this is one of Dean's quality as a human being and it's a big theme in Supernatural.



This is one of Jensen's best performances in season seven. Seeing Dean yelling at Cas in this episode really reminded me of the season four finale when Dean told Cas what was important, and he just wanted Cas to see it and fight with them. This was the turning point of their friendship and I think the garage scene in Survival of the Fittest was a very nice call-back to season four.

Speaking of relationship, is it weird for me to admit I finally care about Meg? Meg and Cas are developing this really strange relationship. OK so, the argument is Meg could be doing a Ruby. But I kinda don't see it. I think Cas thought about why he was brought back from death on more than one occasion. Apart from fixing the mess he created and to continue to help others, I think perhaps the idea of changing Meg from bad to good comforted him. It's like he is helping humanity by changing one demon from bad to good.



Next up, Bobby. I am glad Bobby got the ending we all wanted. I am sad to see Bobby go, but he had to go. And I am really glad the whole angry ghost Bobby thing was resolved. It broke my heart to see angry ghost Bobby attacking Sam. While he ghost Bobby story arc was working to a certain degree but once he started to loose it and possessed a body, that's when it had to end. Whenever I saw Bobby seeing the reflection of himself, I was like NO BOBBY NO. Don't do it. Don't do it because you hate something. Do it for your loved ones. And for them, he decided to leave this place.



And BABY!!! BABY IS BACK! But I think she was on way too short! And she was smashed after a minute air time! WTF!? She was really shinny!!! I wish I get to see the look on Dean's face when he was behind the wheels. I hope Sam remembered to pick her up and fix her! Working on the Impala would give Sam because he always knew his brother would come back and he would be happy to see Sam and Baby. No doubt, Sam will keep looking for Dean and find a way to save him. I think it's interesting to send Dean and Cas to Purgatory together because we could potentially have Team Sam/Meg working together, providing she escapes from Crowley. Meg's motivation is clear, he wants Cas as insurance, and Crowley fears Cas (to a certain degree). Sam of course will do anything to find and save Dean, just don't drink demon blood or make another demon deal, ok? And no singing All By Myself… no singing at all!


The pace of the Leviathans story arc has been a bit slow. But it was still good. I like how arrogant they were, they were powerful enough to destroy everything including the angels. That was why God locked them away. So now, the angels are close to extinction. What would God say about that? Angels are all dead or hiding because of the Leviathan, which explains no archangel showed when the Leviathans took Kevin. I still think God/ Chuck may appear on the show. 


So.. looks like Purgatory will continue to play a role in season eight. This certainly keeps the boys very busy.. Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. Well.. Dean and Sam are the best hunters in the business, that's why they have their own show!

Oh wait… I didn't really mention Dick Roman. Oh well… R.I.P.

What's on your wish list for season eight after watching the season seven finale? Do share it with the rest of the class. Here…have a Turducken sandwich.

Jeremy Carver... dude... welcome back! May the force be with you.

19 May 2012

Jensen Ackles is the man!

Mountain Man or Porn Star... are you f-king kidding me? This man can do so much better!

Jensen Ackles as Tony Stark: "I successfully privatized hottest."


Jensen Ackles as the new Corleone. 

 
Jensen Ackles -- Showmanship! 


Jensen Ackles kicks Green Arrow's ass! 


18 May 2012

More Thoughts on Supernatural Season Eight & Beyond; and J2 Photos from The CW Up Fronts

Photo credit: BuzzFocus
It's been awhile since Supernatural goes into the hiatus with an extremely positive vibe. Moving to Wednesday is a big move, it's obvious the CW thinks the show deserves to be in a good prime time slot, but the CW boss Mark Pedowitz also told the press yesterday at the Up Fronts some very positive news going forward: “I’m not looking at season 8 as the final year in any way, shape or form.”

Photo credit: BuzzFocus
Photo credit: Eric Goldman of IGN. We love Eric!
This helps new co-showrunner, Jeremy Carver and his team to plan two seasons ahead. I think once a show goes to five and then gets one more season, and then it goes on for two seasons, it should get a full ride to ten. But that's me talking, right? Fans? Smallville didn't get my full attention and my love until season eight because of Brian and Kelly and some brilliant writings, and Erica Durance stepping into the leading lady role.. the mytho just gets stronger. Smallville is a great example of with a great formula going forward to its tenth season. YOU CAN DO IT! There is no reason why Supernatural can't keep up. I have faith in the writers and the cast. We want it. We want it. We want it!

PS, Jensen looks like a movie star! Him in a grey suit, light blue shirt with a champagne gold tie is a winner. Like "Thank you for the academy" kinda winner! OMG!

Photo credit: BuzzFocus
Photo credit: BuzzFocus
There are a few spoilers from the cast about the season finale.. I tried not to read it, but Jensen made me!!! I won't tell you, go find it yourself. I am on finale lockdown!
But you can watch it on E!Online.

OK, I stayed up pretty late last night and I collected a few photos from Twitter. I can't keep up who posted what, however, thank you for those who posted photos, we love them, we love you, we appreciate all the tweeting. They are yours, not mine.

Photo credit: Unknown, but whoever took this photo, I love you and the man in the photo.
Photo via Yvonne Villarreal, LA Times. J2 are at the back, coz they are so tall.
OK.. BRING IT SEASON SEVEN FINALE!!! Who is ready for Kansas's Carry on Wayward Son?

J2 at The CW Up Fronts Green Carpet; Supernatural Moves to Wednesdays With a New Partner in Crime (Fighting), Arrow

Supernatural is finally out of purgatory!  

Photo credit: Eric Goldman of IGN
When Smallville and Supernatural were on the same nights, that was pretty epic for a TV schedule -- whether it was a way to attract more male audience or not, and not that I tuned in in real time (because I don't live in the States.. And don't ask me where I live, I'd probably tell you I live in a shoebox in the middle of the road with high speed internet access). Jensen Ackles + Jarpad + Tom Welling = radioactive hottest!

Photo credit: Sandra Gonzalez of EW
So, hot off the press.. The CW has announced their Fall TV schedule, they are pairing up Arrow (8pm) and Supernatural (9pm) for Wednesdays! I don't know about you, but that's a very good night of entertainment for fans who love superhero and supernatural stuff! Supernatural was on Tuesdays, then Thursdays and Fridays...now on Wednesdays...Supernatural season nine will probably be on Mondays? Oh wait...what...season nine? (You never know!)

Photo credit: Robyn Ross of TVGuide
Arrow is one of those shows I am kind of excited about. It could turn out like Smallville or the other way, The Cape. But I hope it sticks around, because I think TV needs superheroes. So when is Marvel making the Avenger TV series.. or something? The thing I am excited about Arrow is Katie Cassidy, (Ruby 1.0 in Supernatural.) AWESOME!

Friday nights are usually a dead spot for TV shows, it's purgatory. I think when the CW (cough cough Dawn Ostroff) moved Supernatural to Friday nights, a lot of fans were scared. I don't know about you, but I think the CW new boss Mark Pedowitz shows a lot of support to Supernatural. The show laughed in the face of death, they have defied gravity and KICKED IT IN THE ASS! Anyhoo, Supernatural will return in October instead of September. And in October, I will be in the States!!! WOOT WOOT

Want to see the season eight description, which they won't tell you much! Go to Winchester Daily for details. It is basically a summary of season one to seven.

Source Hollywood Reporter and LATimes and TVGuide

Watch this space for more photos and news in Part 2. The CW Up Fronts has just begun with Flo Rida doing the opening. Peace out!! V_V

15 May 2012

Preview: Kripke/ Abrams / Favreau's REVOLUTION

I watched the newly released clips of NBC's new show Revolution. Long time visitors know that I've been covering the story from the moment Kripke and Abrams started working on the story. I think Jon Favreau is brilliant choice to direct the Pilot.. You go big or you go home.

You can watch all the clips here. Revolution is certain looking very big, very epic and very Lost/ I Am Legend/ Supernatural/ Jericho. (But no zombies.) I am really looking forward to this show and there will be reviews, news etc.. While I don't know the cast too well, I'm in for Kripke, Abrams and Favreau. I am a huge fan!

Kripke being the master of writing and ideas, Abrams being the seasoned producer and Favreau being the director of the first Iron Man movies, and producer for The Avengers and the up-coming Iron Man. This formula has success and epic written all over it!

In an interview at yesterday's Up-Front, Favreau gave us some insights into his involvement and how the team dynamic going to work this season:
"I’m going to be involved. I’m going to be a producer on the show, and I’m as soon as I’m done out here, I’m going to go back and hit the writers room and Eric is going to be breaking stories for the new season with J.J. and myself, and then hopefully either direct or be involved some way for future episodes." -- Jon Favreau. Full interview is on The Hollywood Reporter.
Revolution is coming this Fall on Monday nights on NBC. Glad the show is not on FOX!

The Revolution website is up, you can also follow the show on Twitter @NBCRevolution 

14 May 2012

Review: Supernatural 7.22 There Will Be Blood

The Winchester's Food Revolution
In the penultimate episode leading into the season seven finale of Supernatural, a few things progressed -- the Winchesters have collected the blood sample of the three Fallen; Edgar was killed by the boys (thank the lord!); GhostBobby possessed his first body; no more warrior food for Dean (for now anyway); everything about Dick was creepier than the Alpha drinking off blood of the virgins, starting from the interview to his signature smirk.

Good talk!


7.22 There Will Be Blood was directed by Guy Bee and written by Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin. Seeing this is the penultimate episode leading into the finale, I think this episode was ok. I liked it, but not loved it. But I should love it because I always love the penultimate episode. Something was not quite right and I couldn't put my fingers on it.

I mean…if I looked at the episode and its impact in the coming finale, it's simple -- There Will Be Blood was exactly what the official description told us. Dean and Sam got what they wanted, and as long as Crowley gave them his blood, they'd have everything they needed to kill Dick. But the LeviathanBoss needed a little chat with the King of Hell at the end of the episode, which had trouble written all over it. Ooohhh…

OK, here is the thing. I've said it before and I really don't want to repeat myself. But Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin are writers for the fun filler episodes that have little or no connection with the mythos. Don't even try! Every writer has their special skill sets to write different types of episodes -- Ben Edlund and Jeremy Carver can write friggin anything; characters' emotions shined particular in Sera's episodes; Robbie Thompson is the king of pop-culture reference; even Eugene Ross-Leming and Brad Buckner found a voice with Shut Up! Dr Phil and the more serious Of Grave Importance was a great episode.

"What can I say? i am awesome, no matter what."
But Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin have performance issues. I don't mean to sound harsh but their episodes always created a bit of controversies. In Yellow Fever, the whole 'Dean's a dick' just came out wrong; Jump The Shark was supposed to be good because of the whole Winchester family thing, but it didn't; Dark Side Of the Moon was one of my least favorite episodes; the Amy Pond thing from The Girl Next Door was something we don't want to talk about; and It's Time For A Wedding was a little bit painful to watch. The only good episodes by Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin were really Frontierland and Plucky, which were one of my favorite episodes because they were pure fun and laugh! Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin should really stick to this kind of episodes and leave the epic serious stuff to other star writers.
But who's doing the cooking?
I don't think Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin did justice to the story. This episode was ok, but like I said, pretty much everything was told in the official description. Don't get me wrong, I still like some of their episodes, but they just love to toy with fans such as myself and I find that annoying. If I have a good duck, I'd like to do justice and make an awesome Duck à L'Orange. If I have a good bottle of wine, I'd share with my dearest friends. I don't waste the fine ingredients. If the 67 Chevy Impala is my baby, I make sure there is no single scratch on her. That's all I'm saying. I think Dabb & Loflin have the tendency of scratching things.

Why did he get to put his hands on Sam's lap?
Having said that, There Will Be Blood wasn't a failure. I like it to a certain degree. This episode has its moments. The episode shined when there was comedy -- I love the scene where Dean and Sam were posting as Red Cross staff; I love the fact that it was now personal that Dean couldn't eat his warrior food and Sam enjoyed this a little more that he should. There were a few references that made me laughed out loud.

AND HELLO!!!!!! Dean's new jacket made its first appearance, and I couldn't help but to drool over my iPad! The whole time I was like.. this is GOLD! OMG he is so hot. I gotta find something I love about this episode, and the award goes to Dean's new jacket. I can watch this episode just to look at Dean and his new sexy jacket. Don't judge me.

"Now it's personal! You don't touch my Baby and my food!"
The other thing I wanted to touch on was GhostBobby. This was probably the only non-comedic thing in the episode I like. While I want the best for Bobby (and I've mentioned previously that he deserved a good hunter funeral), I think it was inevitable that Bobby's condition was only going to get more explosive, which clearly got Dean and Sam worried a lot. GhostBobby had definitely crossed the line when he possessed his first human. Did we see that coming? Can we forgive him? Poor Bobby, I just wanted this to be over for him. It'll only get darker for Bobby if this continues.

What about Dick? He is a dick! Like other big bads, he is going to be destroyed by Dean and Sam. There is no doubt about it. But will we see that resolved in the finale or will it be carried out to season eight? The Leviathan story arc has been ok to me, some moments I like, some moments I don't care so much, because I know Dean and Sam will destroy them eventually -- Leviathans, die die die hurry up and die!

I find myself enjoying James Patrick Stuart's performance as Dick Roman more and more. Yes, there are flaws in the pace of the story this season, but I think James Patrick Stuart had really stepped up and his performance saved a lot of dull Leviathan moments. I really like his 'let's shake hands and hug before I eat you' attitude is awesome! Creepy but Dick is pure evil and James Patrick Stuart had done a fantastic job.

The winner is... Dean's new tailor-made jacket.
And yay for the return of Mark Sheppard, who was as awesome as usual; and Rick Worthy's Alpha gave me the goosebumps every time there was a close up of his long nails. Just don't scratch the blackboard!

So where to from here? JUST KILL DICK AND GET BABY BACK! And she will be back! I know it!

The finale...we have come this far...our excitement level will continue to rise... Here is the description once again for the season finale -- 7.23 Survival of the Fittest

SAM AND DEAN STORM SUCROCORP TO TAKE DOWN DICK ROMAN — Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) prepare for battle with Dick Roman (guest star James Patrick Stuart). Dick’s in the final phase of his plan and the Winchesters must team up with Castiel (guest star Misha Collins), Bobby (guest star Jim Beaver), Meg (guest star Rachel Miner) and Kevin (guest star Osric Chau), the prophet, to stop him. However, Dick is one of the smartest enemies they’ve ever faced so it’s a mind game to see who can keep the upper hand. Robert Singer directed the episode written by Sera Gamble.





A few special announcements:

As season seven draws its curtain, I will be doing another editorial piece with my good Twitter friends Kara and Amy, we will be collaborating once again to present a number of awards including Best Episode and Best Writer for season seven. For our previous collaborations, please visit season five awards; season six awards; and our season one retro awards. We will also present other retro awards for season two and others.

During the hiatus, I will also be organising a Twitter rewatch focusing on all the awesome episodes written by Jeremy Carver.

Lots will happen to keep ourselves entertained and sane. Watch this space for more details!

10 May 2012

Review: Joss Whedon's The Avengers [Excuse me while I geek out]

The moment has arrived for fans from Earth. The excito-meter isn't going to come down until fans say so. The movie has SMASHED the box office record, I usually don't give a damn about box office and I still don't. But this is a huge victory for Joss Whedon. We are unanimous on Joss' achievement -- The Avengers is close to perfection. Rarely a movie is so awesome I need and want to watch it again straight away. Last time I watched a movie twice in a week was Inception. Great flick but because I didn't understand it the first time, I had to watch it again.
"[Inception] was probably just about the most ambitious film I've ever seen… wait a goddamn second… Marvel Studios is going to take all their top superheroes and put them all in The Avengers? That's the most ambitious movie I've ever seen." -- Robert Downey Jr, Comic Con 2010
2 years ago at Comic Con
It feels like yesterday when the cast of The Avengers was gathered and introduced to fans at San Diego Comic Con. (PS: That was the year when a fan was stabbed by a pencil. I thought I just throw it out there.) It's a plan five years in the making. The studios has been working around the clock to make Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and The Avengers. Marvel certainly knows how to get fans excited, they don't let us wait, they don't forget us. Marvel knows how important it is to make a great superhero movie for fans.

2 years later at the red carpet Premier of The Avengers
I've mentioned previously that Marvel has done this right. Something like the Avengers movies initiative have never been done before by any studios and I doubt anyone would take that leap after what Marvel has achieved. While individual films such as Iron Man, Thor and Captain America were successful, there was no guarantee that The Avengers would deliver. We are not just talking about fans who are devoted to one hero, we are talking about all of them. The pressure was on, and there is no turning back the moment Marvel announced the official go-ahead. If the Academy of Old people could only cast one vote for one superhero movie for the Best Picture and Director and Screenplay in their life time, The Avengers is the winner.

O Captain! My Captain!
Most superhero characters have been done to death, every few years we have a Batman, Superman and Spiderman movie, other superhero films were 'just another superhero movie'. Someone has to raise their hands and say "are we not capable of doing something new?" Iron Man, Captain America and Thor were a little less known to movie-goers unless you're comic book buffs. But finally we have some new superheroes to watch on the big screen! Could this be the decade of Marvel Studios? Could Marvel be the Apple to PC in the film industry? Is it just me or The Avengers is the iPhone fans have been waiting to line-up for?
SHOWMANSHIP
I am not a comic book fan, but I happen to know a few. They know their heroes and they know every story in every timeline and crossover there is. They grew up with this stuff!  On on hand, diehard fans are the one the studios need to please, but on the other hand there are people who aren't comic book fans such as myself. I knew little about Captain America, so I had to rely on Wikipedia to know every fibre of the story. Marvel has put me under influence and I confess -- I Google'd Howard Stark. Don't judge me! I like fondue too.

MY HERO!!
Marvel Studios truly flexes their muscles! The recruitment of crew and cast were flawless. Despite having multiple directors and writers to drive individual movies, everyone involved share the same vision. The connection was never lost. Finding Easter eggs and the bonus scenes in Iron Man, Thor and Captain America were one of the key things I looked forward the most. 

The quest of finding the right writer and director was important, should they have chosen a more seasoned director/ writer -- let's say James Cameron or Tim Burton or JJ Abrams -- the outcome might have been different…not necessarily bad, but just different from what Joss Whedon has achieved with The Avengers. Joss totally brought his A game. This is his win and this is the moment for him to shine and flick Fox the finger!

Joss Whedon is no stranger to fans, his cult status is God-like. The most important thing about Joss is that, he is a fan, he made stuff he'd want to watch. For those who are not familiar with Joss' previous works may not have realise it but The Avengers has his style written all over it. Only writers like Joss can find a place for each character to shine through the snappy dialogues, the awesome one-liners. the humor, the characterisation. The humor, action and dialogues were just perfectly integrated.

"He is my brother!" [He killed 80 people.] "He is adopted."
I think equity itself plays a big part in this movie, Joss was able to give each hero a good amount of quality screen time and it's well integrated into the story. Team dynamic plays a huge role in The Avengers. While each superhero is awesome, they don't necessary play well together as a team. Joss wrote a great story, each character's story was told beautifully. I didn't feel any character was stealing thunders or anything, they all had their moment to shine one way or another. Every character is capable to shine regardless of who they are; every character is capable of standing up and be a hero; every character is capable of having a sense of humor; everyone is capable of having that kick ass moment.
 
When Iron Man the movie first came out, I didn't care so much. I thought it was just another superhero movie. But it has grown on me. Robert Downey Jr was born to play the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist. He totally owns this role. I love the Iron Man armour in The Avengers. The man has style.. like GQ style! SHOWMANSHIP is what RDJ/ Tony Stark/ Iron Man is all about! I totally geeked out when Tony Stark revealed he was a big fan of Bruce Banner. PS: I've been a fan of RDJ since Chaplin.

Just when I thought Tony Stark/Iron Man was taking the lead, Captain America finished strong as a leader and calling points. I love Captain America/ Steve Rogers. [OK time out!! my friends know that Jensen Ackles will always be my Captain America.] But Chris Evens has done a brilliant job, I almost have a girl crush! I can't cheat on Jensen, I did say "almost" didn't I? Chris Evens is growing on me! I watched a few of his movies, but never really paid attention. Being Captain America is the best thing he'd ever done as an actor and I am so glad he didn't turn down the role afterall. I like the Cap, I love the backstory, I love how old fashion he is. I love the fact that the world's first hero was a tiny person, a human with a good heart. And he gets the monkey joke! What's not to love about the man in tights? PS I like his suit in Captain America: The First Avengers better. I hear some girls said "I like him without it."

"I kick Green Arrow's ass!"
Just when I thought Agent Coulson was a minor supporting character, he became a hero. Coulson has appeared in all previous movies except Captain America: The First Avenger. I love characters like Coulson. If there is an Avengers convention, I am so going to pay to hug him. I LOVE the fact that he went all fanboy on Captain America. I just totally LOVE those moments! Oh Coulson, you are so cute! Coulson is us! What about Nick Fury? Can Samuel L Jackson get any cooler than this? He is so cool, I need a jacket whenever I see him on screen. I've loved his acting since Pulp Fiction.

I like Hawkeye/ Clint Barton. Too bad we didn't really get to see a lot of him, but I think he could totally kick Green Arrow's ass. I am interested in knowing his backstory and the story between him and Black Widow. Hawkeye has one of the hottest shots in the movie, when he threw himself off the building, he turned around and shot the arrow to the wall of the building and smashed through the window. HOT! I like Jeremy Renner, I think he is very down to earth and he is a good actor. I've named his biceps -- Jeremy 1 and Jeremy 2. Creative, I know! I name everything.

"I totally see how this is a party.."
Scarlett Johansson said in a recent interview that Joss is gender blind. Aren't we all sick of the whole "why do you write these strong female characters?" thing? "Why don't you ask the other 100 guys who don't?" [Joss Whedon, Equality Now's award acceptance speech.] Only two female characters were featured in the movie, I like them a lot! Black Widow was awesome, I really like Scarlett in this role, while Black Widow may not be as iconic as Catwoman or Wonder Woman, I'll pick Black Widow anyway! She has flaws and a past that haunted her, a past she wanted to wipe clean. To me, she is like Sarah Walker from Chuck, the kind of strong female character who has a dark past but now she is kicking ass and saving people. I dig that. Scarlett has been in many movies, but I see why she is one of the hottest properties in Hollywood, she really tried to do different roles and she is more than just a pretty face. Girl crush!

Black Widow as a Nanny.. I knew it! I knew she was a spy!
My trip to Lexington Candy, NY.
I just can't help it every time I see Scarlett and Chris Evens in same scene together in The Avengers. It's funny to me, because they were in The Nanny Diaries (2007) together, ScarJo was Annie the Nanny, and Chris was Harvard Hottie. Rarely I like a chick flick, but I like The Nanny Diaries for some really strange reasons, may be I just love every movie filmed in New York? I even went to Lexington Candy in Upper East Side to eat pancakes when I went to NY last year. Yummy!

The other guy wants to come out and play..
If I really really really like really have to single out one or two characters that I really dig, I would pick the Hulk and Loki. Because they were a surprise hit for me. I never like the Hulk, I never understand him. To me, it's always like "Banner gets angry...he looses his shit...he goes green and incredibly big...he smashes things...he loses his pants...the end." What's missing in the previous Hulk films is the hero aspect of the green man, and this hero aspect really shined through in The Avengers. He didn't just smash, he was a team player and he was a hero. Kudos to Joss's take on the character and Mark Ruffalo's awesome performance.

I think the Hulk/ Bruce Banner has a LOT of Joss in him. I like the fact that Bruce Banner is not glamorous like Tony Stark, he doesn't want to get involved, he distances himself from the limelight, he doesn't think being hero is his thing. The whole gamma rays experience had put Banner in a very dark place for a very long time. Stark had this conversation with Banner about whether he realised that 'the there guy' actually saved his life. 'The other guy' had a purpose in Banner's life and he could use this for greater good. Once he realised this, he embraced it and be the hero he was born to be. I think this is ultimately the point of the Hulk/ Bruce Banner. And the Hulk is what Joss Whedon is all about. Joss is an atheist and made a point when the Hulk smashed Loki and I think he'd rather believe in humanity and heroes before he believes god.

"I am a god...." SMASH SMASH SMASH... SMASH
I love Loki because of the actor who played him. Tom Hiddleston totally shined in The Avengers, and he certainly improved a lot since Thor. Not that he was not good or anything, he was really good, but Tom was awesome in The Avengers! His good performance stole one or two scenes! I love his acting, his accent and his craft. From what I can see, Tom is one of the most fun actors around. And Loki could be funny. Joss humanised every character, even the villain is entitled to at least one or two funny moments. And that was totally unexpected.

Speaking of Thor, I knew I forgot someone. I totally think he should call Natalie Portman! It's always great to have an Aussie around. I really like Chris Hemsworth, I know every now and then, there is an Aussie in friggin everything. But I like him, and he should stick around more.. afterall, he is a God of Thunder. Can't wait to watch Thor II.

"The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable people, see if they could become something more." They sure did.
To 3D or not to 3D -- that's the question. For the first time in a long time, I am glad I watched the movie in 3D! You know how fuzzy I am when it comes to 3D movies. But The Avengers has done it right!!! The shots were well designed, and those shots were not lazy. Not only I felt like I was standing on the alien turtle, some of the fight scenes were actually very comic-y. I can't wait to watch the special feature on the DVD, not to mention the extra 30 mins footage and the bonus bonus scene Australia didn't get to see!!! SNAP!

"Does this taco taste funny to you?"
The other thing is the music. When I found out Alan Silvestri was doing the scores for the movie, I was excited. Silvestri is one of my favorite movie score composers. Why? Four words -- Back to the Future! Silvestri also composed Captain America: The First Avenger.

"I watched you sleep."
Coulson *fell asleep* believing in superheroes, and I still believe in Joss Whedon. Marvel Studios had announced The Avengers II is already in the works. For pie sake, I hope they get Joss back to write and direct. The world won't be the same without him. In Joss we trust.

Supernatural Season Seven Finale -- Stuff [Spoilers]

Excuse me while I do a very fangirl thing...

OMG DEAN HAS A NEW JACKET!!


After this post, I will be on Supernatural final lockdown. I can do it as I have done this for years.

One must wonder why Castiel is still wearing the patient gown. Hilarious!

7.23 Survival of the Fittest

SAM AND DEAN STORM SUCROCORP TO TAKE DOWN DICK ROMAN — Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) prepare for battle with Dick Roman (guest star James Patrick Stuart). Dick’s in the final phase of his plan and the Winchesters must team up with Castiel (guest star Misha Collins), Bobby (guest star Jim Beaver), Meg (guest star Rachel Miner) and Kevin (guest star Osric Chau), the prophet, to stop him.  However, Dick is one of the smartest enemies they’ve ever faced so it’s a mind game to see who can keep the upper hand. Robert Singer directed the episode written by Sera Gamble. Source: KSiteTV

The Winchesters' new housekeeper. 

"For fuck sake, if you're not coming home for dinner you could've at least called!"