SDCC 2013 -- Marvel Rules (Part 2): Captain America Winter Soldier; Thor Dark World; Tom Hiddleston Wins Cosplay as Loki; Avengers Age of Ultron

Earlier on Marvel took the stage at Hall H and revealed more than I am hoping for. I was secretly hoping Marvel to announce the cast of Avengers 2 (aka Avengers: Age of Ultron), but seeing they have a few things to release before they wrap phase II with Avengers, I completely understand and still in love with Marvel. Don't announce anything else until I get to SDCC next year!

I cannot think of a better way to start this. Marvel has a history of blowing Hall H's roof off the planet -- the announcement of the cast of Avengers, RDJ danced his way in to Hall H with the Iron Man hand, and now Tom Hiddleston's appearance in character. There is something different and something to talk about every year!

Tom Hiddleston has shown us THIS IS HOW YOU DO COSPLAY! I thought Andrew Garfield's in full Spidey costume yesterday was admirable, but Tom took this to the next level! Can anyone top that? No! The crowd went nuts! LOKI LOKI LOKI LOKI!!!!!! 



I didn't want to have dinner and chant all night! He's turned me! LOKI LOKI LOKI LOKI LOKI LOKI!!!!!! Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman weren't there, which to me was disappointing. But Tom Hiddleston's introduction as Loki was more than enough for me to forgive the cast for not being there! I know Thor the Dark World will be good. It can't go wrong! 

Then, it was the Captain America Winter Soldier panel. While there weren't any major spoilers that I didn't know about, I am impressed by the cast's commitment for being there. I make no apology when I say I need more Chris Evans and Scarlett Johannson now! They are so adorable and pretty. It isn't the first time they work together. Happiness!!! 

Tom is like.. what's wrong with you people? You came unprepared?

I NEED THIS!

There are a number of [SPOILER] photos from the set. I NEED TO WATCH THIS MOVIE NOW!!! More wrap up can be read at ComicBookMovie.

And of course, the next big news is the announcement of the title of the next Avengers movie! it's not Avengers 2, technically it is, but it has been named AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON. IGN has this really good reaction piece with a bit of history of Ultron. The guys always talk about Cap, Thor and Guardians. 



There is no announcement of cast for AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, but I think with Thor and Cap are waiting in the wing to take off, to announce the cast will be a bit premature.  

 

SDCC 2013 -- Marvel Rules (Part 1)

Fans have completely lost it! I know I would if I was in the audience. I would loose my voice, my soul, my integrity, my shit.  

Marvel knows what they are doing and how to do it. There are many things I want to cover, but let's do this chronologically and start with Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Agent Carter and Guardians of the Galaxy. I'll have the Thor and Cap stuff in Part 2. 

The S.H.I.E.L.D panel took place on Friday. Seeing all the tweets is enough to get my to cloud eleven, I can't imagine what I'd do if I was in the audience. Joss Whedon announced to the audience during the panel that they were to see the entire pilot of the TV series. Why wouldn't anyone loose their shit?

The TV series premieres on September 24 on ABC. As expected, no one was allowed to film anything during the panel, or a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent would take them out. Here are a few reactions from Twitter. 

Buzzfeed has a comprehensive analysis on the pilot. If you don't want spoilers, don't read it. My reaction from watching the TV promo alone is that the show looks expansive to produce. If Marvel does this right, this can go on for years! We will see familiar faces -- Coulson and Hill. With How I Met Your Mother coming to an end, I hope Cobie Smulders (Agent Maria Hill) will become a regular on S.H.I.E.L.D. She is a familiar face on TV and Hill was pretty good in Avengers and convincing as an S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Put Samuel L Jackson on and I will kneel before the TV every week!

It is a Marvel thing, we can expect characters and stories integration. It's only logical and it's a smart move. I think it is a big challenge to have RDJ, Chris Evens and Chris Hemsworth or Scarlett Johannson to guest star on the TV series, but they aren't the only heroes, there are so many superheros in the Marvel universe, why wouldn't you want to expand and build the future of pop culture?

Marvel isn't falling into the trap of writing only a few characters, like Superman and Batman to DC, otherwise things will eventually grow tired and will be done to death. What I am saying is, you won't see two Supermans running separately on the big screen and on TV at the same time, you won't see disintegration in the franchise. I hope they will somehow integrate Spiderman into Avengers. Everything is being as well planned as possible. Marvel has the same guy heading the whole initiative -- Joss Whedon. Enough said!

I am even more excited Channel Seven -- an Australian TV network -- is fast-tracking the TV series in September!!

When I got home last night, Batman Forever was on TV. I used to love the Batman franchise, but as I become more and more aware of characters and stories in pop culture, the more I grow tired of characters who are the cliche love interests in superheroes or James Bond movies. I hate them. Oh save me. Oh shut up! I was watching Chase Meridian in Batman Forever and I couldn't stand her! I guess it wasn't forever after all!

Female as love interests are so poorly written in pop culture sometimes and it reflects how our society operates. But if you look at strong female characters like Peggy Carter, Black Widow, Sarah Walker (Chuck), Dana Scully, Buffy and Hillary Clinton (wait.. what?)... I immediately look at the world differently. You don't have to fit in and do what everyone else does. Kick it in the ass babes!

What was I going say? Oh yes, Agent Carter is not gone, in fact she is still very much integrated into the story of Captain America. The Marvel One Shot: Agent Carter will focus on the tracking down the mysterious 'Zodiac'. You will see Dominic Cooper (aka Howard Stark) reprising his role. This can be seen in the Iron Man III DVD and Blu-ray. I think Hayley Atwell should reprise her role in a Peggy Carter spin-off. There's at least 70 years of material there! Will we finally get to see Howard and Peggy have fondue? There should totally be a spin off on THAT!

Guardians of the Galaxy is not something I think about all the time. In fact, this is the first time I talk about it. I know zero about this team of interstellar heroes that protect the galaxy. That's pretty big, right? I think the idea sounds so big, I need to make this as a side project. Cast include Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Benicio del Toro, John C. Reilly and Glenn Close. You can read more about the panel at IGN. The cast flew in from London just for this panel. 

With Thor The Dark World, Captain America: Winter Soldier and Avengers: Age of Ultron coming up, my blogging schedule is pretty full on, but I am still very interested in seeing Guardians and where the story goes. It looks like pretty bad ass!

Updated: SDCC 2013 -- Program Schedule Released

Can you feel it? SDCC 2013 is happening TODAY! This is going to be another insane year, one that I hope no one stabs anybody anywhere with a pencil.

I love these shows but I am also glad I am not there to queue up and be squashed. Not only I have to get my mind in the right place, if I am going, I also need to be physically fit and dress up. Too much work! If you are going, have fun and may the force be with you!

Below is my schedule. I have set my alarm to get up nice and early in the morning to follow all the tweets and excitement. For a completely insane schedule, go to the official site for details.  

May the force be with you all. Live long and prosper. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17  
6:00pm -- 10:00pm Ballroom 20

Pilot screenings:
Almost Human (stars Karl Urban)
The Tomorrow People (stars Mark Pellegrino, Robbie Amell)
The 100 (stars Henry Ian Cusick)
The Originals will have a special screening including unseen footage.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

The X-Files 20th Anniversary (3:30pm -- 4:30pm, Ballroom 20)
Panellists: Chris Carter, David Amann, Vince Gilligan, Howard Gordon, Darin Morgan, Glen Morgan, John Shiban and Jim Wong joined by Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny.

FRIDAY, JULY 19
 
The World's End: Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost Reunited (10:00am -- 11:00am, Hall H)
Panellists: Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost

The Walking Dead (1:35pm -- 2:30pm, Hall H)
Panelists: EPs -- Scott Gimple, EPs Gale Anne Hurd, Robert Kirkman, Dave Alpert and Greg Nicotero. Cast -- Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, David Morrissey, Chad Coleman and Scott Wilson.

The 100 (12:45pm -- 1:45pm, Room 6BCF)
Panelists: Eliza Taylor, Thomas McDonell, Marie Avgeropoulos, Henry Ian Cusick, Matthew Miller, Jason Rothenberg

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (1:45pm -- 3:00pm, Ballroom 20)
Panelists: Joss Whedon, Jeph Loeb

The X-Files with Creator Chris Carter (1:45pm -- 2:45pm, Room 5AB)
Panelists: Chris Carter, Chris Ryall and Denton Tipton, Joe Harris, plus a surprise guest or two!

A Game of Thrones (2:50pm -- 3:45pm, Hall H)
Panelists: David Benioff and D. B. Weiss with Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harington, John Bradley, Rose Leslie and Richard Madden. 

Almost Human (4:00pm -- 5:00pm, Ballroom 20)
Panelists: Karl Urban, Michael Ealy, J.H. Wyman

Dark Horse: Joss Whedon (6:15pm -- 7:15pm, Ballroom 20)
Panelist: Joss Whedon

SATURDAY, JULY 20

A Conversation with Joss Whedon (10am, Nerd HQ)
This is an off site panel organised by Nerd HQ. Ticket details here.

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (10:15am -- 11:00am, Ballroom 20) 
Panelists: Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz

The Tick 25th Anniversary (1:00pm -- 2:00pm, Room 23ABC)
Panelists: Ben Edlund, Chris McCulloch, Bob Polio 

Once Upon a Time (1:00am -- 1:45am, Ballroom 20) 
Panelists: Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz with Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, Robert Carlyle, Josh Dallas, Emilie de Ravin, Colin O'Donoghue and Michael Raymond James.

The Originals (1:00pm -- 2:00pm Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront)
Panelists: Joseph Morgan, Claire Holt, Phoebe Tonkin, Charles Michael Davis, Julie Plec 

Being Human (4:00pm -- 5:00pm Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront)
Panelists: Sam Witwer, Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntington, Kristen Hager and EP Anna Fricke will be on the panel.

Revolution (4:50pm -- 5:50pm, Room 6BCF)
Panelists: Eric Kripke (hopefully he is not flying solo, otherwise it will be awkward)

The Tomorrow People (5:55pm -- 6:55pm, Room 6BCF)
Panelists: Robbie Amell, Mark Pellegrino, Peyton List, Greg Berlanti, Phil Klemmer, Danny Cannon

Arrow (5:15pm -- 6:00pm, Ballroom 20)
Panelists: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Emily Bett Rickards, Colton Haynes, Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg

Marvel Studios: Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier 6:00pm -- 7:00pm, Hall H)
Panelists: Kevin Feige and many surprise guests

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Supernatural (10:00am -- 11:00am, Hall H)
Panelists: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, Mark A. Sheppard, Jeremy Carver, Robert Singer

Note: The official program indicates fans will be treated to an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights, and a portion of the special features from the upcoming DVD. I am guessing the gag reel?

A Conversation with Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles (July 21, 2013, 2pm, Nerd HQ) 
Panelists: Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki

George R. R. Martin Discusses the Skin Trade Adaptation (12:00pm -- 1:00pm, Room 25ABC) 
Panelist: G.R.R.M 

Captain America: Winter Soldier - Marvel Reveals Teaser Poster

Marvel has revealed this teaser poster for Captain America: Winter Soldier. The movie is scheduled to release on April 4th, 2014. It is ONLY less than a year away. I am really having fun waiting!

Holy sugar! The teaser poster is simple, some may say boring. But to me, this is all we need for now. Apart from his good look, eight packs and charm, it is really about the Cap's shield, isn't it? I don't care what you say, I love it! Source: Splash Page MTV.

If you miss the earlier teaser and press release about the movie, go to Splash Page MTV for details.

I want this shield. It's so beautiful. Precious! Precious!

Robert Downey Jr Returns as Iron Man/ Tony Stark in Avengers 2 and 3

I was excited to see the closing title card of Iron Man 3 -- "Tony Stark will return." Yay, right? But then I thought, hold on a damn second, this sounds a bit strange and causes a slight confusion in my head. Four words, four simple words! 

The studio could've gone for the 'Iron Man will return" but they opted for "Tony Stark will return" instead. I guess no deal was made at the time of the completion of the production, but Marvel Studios certainly keep all options open with phase 2 and 3 in mind. What is going to happen with our favourite Genius Billionaire Playboy Philanthropist?

There are reports about whether RDJ or the Studios will make more standalone Iron Man movies and/or Avengers 2. There are reports about deal negotiation with cast members, which I chose to ignore because I hate speculation reports that add fuel to the fire and I don't care who the source or angle or agenda is. May be there is some truth in this but I honestly don't care until the official words come out. It's not like the press has made it so OMG THEY ARE DOMED. It's their job and we're all very passionate and eager to know about the future involvement of RDJ as Iron Man/Tony Stark.

Another thing to consider is that, RDJ is approaching to the very good side of life, he may not want to do a Harrison Ford and make Indiana Jones 4. But damn! RDJ is still in good shape, this guy practices Wing Chun! Then Joss Whedon came out and said he basically won't make the Avengers 2 without RDJ -- "He is Iron Man in the way that Sean Connery was James Bond. I have no intention of making Avengers 2 without him, nor do I think I'll be called upon to do that. I don't think it's in my interest, Marvel's interest, or his interest, and I think everything will be fine."

So, where am I going with this? I couldn't sleep last night and I checked Twitter at like 2am. And I get what I wanted. It's confirmed that Robert Downey Jr has signed a new deal with Marvel Studios to play Iron Man/ Tony Stark in Avengers 2 and Avengers 3. No Iron Man 4, but I'll take it! I think we have established the fact that Tony Stark and Iron Man is one, with or without his armors, he is still that son of a guy we know. 

I wasn't really worried about his return to be honest. I mean, I don't see Marvel recasting Iron Man now. Marvel is very strategic about different phases and initiatives, pun intended. The Studios started something the industry has never seen before and they are carrying it through to the end. With Joss Whedon taking the helm to develop multiple projects for Marvel Studios including a TV series focusing on S.H.I.E.L.D, I honestly think the next few years are going to be so epic, no one will be able to recover from its awesomeness. I honestly don't see how DC/ WB, or anyone in any franchise, can top that with whatever they have in mind.

I recently read a brilliant analysis from SplashPageMTV in which writer Brett White talked about how the Avengers has possibly ruined other superhero movies such as Man of Steel. I agree with the angles and the supporting points about saving people and hero's duties with reference to the Avengers. I have not watched MoS but I intent to do so eventually and write my views on this movie. Check out the article and make up your own mind.

Back to Tony Stark...he is prominently features in all the Avengers comic stories. For example, he eventually will get involved as a financier in Marvel Ultimates. Also, in The Death of Captain America he becomes the Executive Director and oversees Bucky as the new Cap. Speaking of Winter Solder, I cannot friggin wait!

To wrap up my thoughts, there are certainly unlimited materials -- characters, stories and their relationships -- which the Marvel Studios can put on screen and TV. Great things are happening to pop culture, you and I are going to explode with joy. In the mean time, revisit the DVDs, read the comics and play the games.... oh and don't forget the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, which should give fans the life support while waiting to see the big guns in cinema. I think it will be such a treat if RDJ, or any Avengers cast members, makes a guest appearance on the TV series.

In order of release dates in USA:

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (TV series) -- premiers sometime in September on ABC
Thor: The Dark World -- November 8, 2013
Captain America: Winter Solder -- April 4, 2014
Avengers 2 -- May 1, 2015

Sometime before or after Avengers 2, we will have Star Wars VIII. Tell me, why is life so good?I honestly Star Wars VII should get the May 4th release date, which would be epic!

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D - First Trailer

I think we are all pretty excited about Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The first promo trailer was aired during Once Upon A Time. Like..you've never been so excited for TV ads.

Coulson indeed lives! 

My first impression is that, from what I can see on the promo, it looks completely like a movie! I am really impressed with the quality and also there were enough Coulson stuff in it. And he is totally adorable! 

The highly anticipated series by Joss Whedon, is coming to fans on ABC Tuesdays at 8pm this fall! There were speculations on whether ABC will put this show on Wednesday night. But seeing a DC based TV show, Arrow, is on Wednesday on the CW at 8pm, guess we won't be seeing a DC/Marvel showdown. Though, that'll be pretty funny and impressive!


 
I really hope Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D will be really impressive, it knocks our socks off the planet!

My Two Cents -- Marvel's Iron Man III; Captain America Winter Solder

Since The Avengers took the world by storm, the movie landscape has been a bit flat to me. I am a fangirl who loves my superhero action movies. And you know how excited I am about Marvel's Phase II. I have already lined up my Iron Man III weekend, and I am super excited to see news about Captain America: Winter Solder.

I went to watch G.I Joe a few weeks ago because I have freebie. I don't get the movie, except it was crap. The best thing about the movie was the Iron Man III trailer. Yay!

What's more exciting is that Captain America: Winter Solder has began its production and it's been confirmed Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) will be heavily involved in the plot. You know I love her with Captain America! I can't get over how funny this duo is, because I watched and loved The Nanny Diaries. More on Captain America: Winter Solder, check out here. 

Marvel's Phase II aside, I am also excited about Star Trek: To the Darkness. I have officially caught up with all previous interviews by Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto. They are funny, did you know that? 

Thank goodness exciting movies are just around the corner!

Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D - The Pilot, Setting & Cast

"I live, bitches"

Joss Whedon is one of the busiest and in-demand geniuses in showbiz, not only now, but for the next few years. Not many writers/ directors/ producers are in demand in both movie and TV land, J.J Abram is one, and Joss is the other. One thing that separates them? Joss has directed musical projects before.

Anyway, I am a busy TV fan and blogger. I know I have heaps to watch and blog. But I do not forget what I need to watch. S.H.I.E.L.D is happening and it's gonna happen real fast! according to The Hollywood Reporter, The Pilot is likely to begin filming in March and ABC Boss, Paul Lee, is optimistic that the Pilot will land a series order. If The Pilot is picked up, we could see S.H.I.E.L.D this fall. AH!!!! If, and I stress IF, the TV series is a huge success, there is no reason why Iron Man and friends won't make a guest appearance. Just saying!

It's been reported that the story of S.H.I.E.L.D will take place after The Avengers. No major characters from The Avengers will be in the TV series except Agent Coulson. Coulson lives! How? Who cares! As long as he is back! He is awesome! 

Joss has cast his team for the ABC series -- Clark Gregg (as Coulson); Brett Dalton (as Agent Grant Ward); Iain De Caestecker (as Agent Leo Fitz); Elizabeth Henstridge (as Agent Gemma Simmons); Ming-Na Wen (as Agent Melinda May); and Chloe Bennet (Skye). 

This is the one show I will definitely be blogging about! 

Thank You 2012, I Was Entertained This Year

If you are reading this feature, it means the world didn't end on the 21st December and I have recovered from the family Christmas madness. I know some of you are disappointed about the end of the world -- especially one super X-Files fan who believes in Chris Carter for the past 20 years. The truth is most of us are happier to see other people saving the world from the apocalypse or living in one or killing zombies on TV shows and movies. I don't know about you, but my entertainment is set for the next few years! The world is not perfect, but at least we are giving the opportunity to escape into another dimension the moment we turn on our entertainment devices.

An affogato isn't the same without ice cream. When it's Supernatural, if there is no angst no drama, it isn't fun. 

One of the biggest changes that we saw this year was the changing of the guard from previous showrunner Sera Gamble to Jeremy Carver. I was very sad and worried to see Sera go but the announcement of the return of Jeremy Carver at the same time was comforting. Apart from Ben Edlund, I cannot think of anyone else but Jeremy Carver to helm the show I love so much.

I am very happy with the direction of season eight. The core of the show still remains the same -- it is about the brothers saving people hunting things, the family business! But Jeremy and the writing team are putting details under the microscope. We are digging deeper into details within details, just like when we write academic papers -- we dig, we research, we focus on different aspects, but the paper is still the same subject matter. On Supernatural, we are seeing our heroes -- Dean, Sam and Castiel -- gaining different perspectives about each other, family, life, friendship, hunting and monsters. These new perspectives are hovering over the core theme of the show -- the brother relationship. 

Off the set, the cast has a very busy and fun year too -- Jensen's Angeles is like one of the best songs I've heard all year; Jared and Gen became first time parents; Misha, Vicky and West welcomed a new family to the family; Supernatural was in Hall H once again at Comic Con; and I am proud to be an attendee at one of the conventions this year in Chicago. The magnitude and charisma of Supernatural is unbelievable. As Eric Kripke said, Supernatural is like seeing his kids growing up and going to colleague. We are proud to be fans of Supernatural. 

In terms of other shows, I was really sad to see the end of Lost, 24 and Smallville. I asked myself: what am I going to watch and blog about now? I was desperately looking for good new shows to watch and I was concerned that I won't find any. But time has changed! We live in the beginning of the golden era of the genre shows!

We are seeing a wave of awesome genre shows in recent years and most of them are worthy to stick around -- Arrow, A Game of Thrones, Once Upon A Time, The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diary, Grimm, True Blood, Revolution, Dr Who, Falling Skies, Being Human and Warehouse 13. With S.H.I.E.L.D is in development, television is going to be better! And I hope we will see medical dramas and procedural cop shows to die down a little, because I think TV viewers have enough of them! They are all the friggin same! And if anyone is looking for a new reality show idea, STOP! JUST STOP! Unless it involves the Ghost Facers or Derren Brown, I don't want to know! 

Eric Kripke's new show, Revolution, is kicking ass! Comparing the show with Lost and Supernatural is not unheard of, but Revolution is the new Lost in terms of the scale and epicness. I told myself, this show cannot fail! Kripke's work deserves to be seen by more people and people need to know he is very good at what he does! Now we have to wait until March to see the second half of season one of Revolution.

Apart from Revolution, I most look forward to the return of A Game of Thrones. I love a HBO show and I hate a HBO show. The hiatus of A Game of Thrones is as long as a season of Supernatural being on air. How is that NOT insanity? I am currently reading A Dance With Dragons, I probably will revisit A Storm of Swords soon to get ready for season three of A Game of Thrones. The TV series is known that the TV series will not follow the book chapter by chapter, in fact I am a little disappointed how little Dany's prophecies were covered in season two, but it is still more than acceptable for television. A Game of Thrones is a great show! The book series is much bigger than Lord of the Rings. It is the most epic thing I've read. I hope season three will be really epic. Mr GRRM, please hurry up and finish writing The Wind of Winter and A Dream of Spring.

Once Upon A Time is becoming a favorite show of mine. I really look forward to the arrival of Hook and Cora, and how things will develop with Emma. I hope we get to see Baelfire. Please! Please let Nail be Baelfire! I am rewatching season one now, and I want to get up to speed so that I can blog about theories and my wishlist.

2012 has been a game-changing year for Joss Whedon and Marvel going forward. The battle between DC and Marvel intensifies in 2013 as Superman, Iron Man III and Thor 2, and more to follow in 2014 and 2015 with Captain America II, The Avengers II and (hopefully) Justice League. Marvel's phase II is in place, and DC is playing catch up. But this battle will set the trend and define the entertainment business for the next decade. It will also be the decade that belongs to the geeks!

But who will come out as the winner? Let's not kid ourselves, it is war! Fans love Whedon, it was the best decision from Marvel to involve him for The Avengers and other projects such as S.H.I.E.L.D. What would the complacent DC do to compete? We will compare them, we will criticize them, we will see Comic Con as the main PR battle ground for the studios. This is exciting for fans! I cannot wait to see Twilight to get out of the way (and I wish the 50 Shades movie will never see the living daylight). I want more superheroes movies.

What do you most look forward to in 2013 and beyond? 

As this is the last post of the year, I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for sharing and caring this year. I wish you all a wondering New Year and a very awesome 2013.

Arrow -- The Series Premiere Review

This Week in TV -- ARROW: The Series Premiere 

Every now and then, the press and TV critics will come to an agreement that a great show is born. From what I can see, the press and TV critics are unanimous about ARROW. I have been told by those who have seen the Pilot that I am going to love it! The CW and DC have been doing a great job in promoting the show. In recent weeks, I see nothing but positive feedback from the media. There is so much love for this show already. On Twitter, EW calls ARROW not only it is "the network’s best new show, it’s also one of the the best freshman fall shows." When the series premiere aired on Wednesday and it was the number one trending topic on Twitter.

ARROW is a show that I have been dying to watch because I like Justin Hartley's Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen (Smallville) enough to check out this show. I think ARROW has an existing fanbase, and The CW has been keen to hold on to Smallville…I mean, hold on to audience who are comic book fans, males and females! I mean, Stephen Amell is a hottie. The show has the 'the girls are gonna love him and the guys will want to have a Amell six-pack' vibe to it. It is a VERY COOL SHOW! If there must be a comparison, ARROW is closer to Batman Begin than Smallville.

The Pilot was directed by David Nutter. It is written by Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim (story), and Andrew Kreisberg and Marc Guggenheim (teleplay). David Nutter is a legend, he has directed many awesome shows including Smallville, Dark Angel, Roswell, Supernatural and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. You may know Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern) and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe). A few familiar names are also attached to the show in some capacity. Guy Bee (Supernatural) has directed an episode and Geoff Johns has also written for an episode already.

Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer of DC -- who penned a number of mind-blowing episodes for Smallville including Absolute Justice (season nine) -- has written episode seven for ARROW. This episode will feature Huntress, I have no idea who she is. This is great news, right? Geoff Johns is the king of geeks, and he knows his stuff.  He always known for reviving/ re-introducing characters such as Hawkman, Dr Fate, Blue Beetle and Booster Gold. So I'd be interested to find out more about Huntress. I don't know too much about comics, as I have mentioned it on a number of occasion, but whenever I see his name attached to Smallville, he made headlines. I see how exciting the fans and the press were. So it is a big deal to see Geoff Johns writing for ARROW. In fact, I'd be surprised if the producers didn't ask him to collaborate for ARROW. His contribution is a sign that the show has tremendous support from DC. It's a great thing!

Another thing I am looking forward to is Katie Cassidy. I always like her portrayal as the Original Ruby in Supernatural, I have seen a bit of her in Gossip Girl, 90210 and New Girl, I think while these roles are not great, but her performance is always sharp. I think ARROW is her best role to date and I can't wait to see her shine as Laurel Lance/ Black Canary. Laurel totally has the Rachel Dawes vibe. But she'd kick Katie Holmes' ass. She is Black Canary and I hope we will get to see that on the show. At the end of the episode, when Laurel has this smirk on her face, I was kinda half-expecting to get a hint of her being a superhero too. But I don't think we will see that just yet.

What about the new Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen, Stephen Amell? I admit, I have not heard of him before and I certainly not seen Hung or Private Practice, and I was one of those people who think Justin Hartley should carry on as Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen. But it is what is it. I was actually very reserved about the casting. But boy, am I wrong?! I am sold! Stephen Amell is brilliant as Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen in ARROW. It's amazing to see how convincing he is as Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen. The acting, the action, the look, the bow and arrow skills, the whole package. When he came on my screen, I nodded and said, "YUP! HE IS GREEN ARROW!!" Hey, I like Hawkeye/Barton, but I think Green Arrow/ Queen will kick his ass if they get into a fight.

Other few quick thoughts on the Pilot:

-- Paul Blackthorne (The Dresden Files) as Quentin Lance -- I knew he looked familiar!

-- Random Docter -- He is Hiro Kanagawa aka Mr Nuttercracker Game Show Host from Supernatural's Changing Channels

-- Oliver's mother, Moira (Susanna Thompson) -- She totally has the Angela Petrelli or Lionel Luther vibe.

-- The Island as Purgatory -- I love that, especially when Purgatory is a prominent location on Supernatural.

-- The cast has good chemistry. However, Thomas and Speedy are not working for me yet. And I LIKED Speedy in Smallville. Not sure if it's the same Speedy.

-- The Queen's Housekeeping -- Will she become 'Alfred' one day for Oliver?

-- I like the fact that everyone is treating Oliver like an idiot, but he is kicking ass when they don't see it.

-- The soundtrack -- I hope they stick to this soundtrack, which I like very much. It took me awhile to get used to the pop songs as featured on Smallville, especially in the earlier seasons. There isn't anything wrong with using pop songs, but let's not make it too 90210.

-- The Queen Mansion -- I swear that's like the Luthor Mansion. The show is shot in Vancouver, so perhaps they use the Smallville's old set. Source: GreenArrowTV.

My first impression of ARROW is that this show GOT IT. Stephen Amell GOT IT. Katie Cassidy GOT IT! The dialogues, story and action GOT IT! This show has it all. ARROW is a lot darker than Lois and Clark, and Smallville. It looks very mature from the get-go. It has the Batman Begin vibe. Stephen Amell is as cool as Christian Bale, but there is something very warm about Amell. May be because I am following him on Twitter? The Pilot was brilliant! Very smooth! It sets up the story nicely. It almost looks like a movie. And this Pilot should've been a two-hour premiere if it was up to me!

I think Oliver Queen is very well established in the Pilot. There is not confusion about his character, he has a plan, he knows what he wants. He is very cool headed and he is very similar to Batman/ Bruce Wayne in a way. Unlike Superman/ Clark Kent or Chuck Bartowski, Green Arrow has no problem in killing bad guys. I hope ARROW's Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen won't go through the same angst and depression as Justin Hartley's character on Smallville. I would rather not see this again. I get the whole hero's complex thing, but I guess we will see if and when that happens on ARROW. Stephen Amell's Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen is a lot cooler than I expect. He has this look on his face and it's stone cold sometimes when he is in his Green Arrow mode. And his interpretation is A LOT cooler than Justin Hartley's Green Arrow/ Oliver Queen, who was a lot more relax and very upfront with his playboy, smartass personality the first time he appeared on Smallville. Amell's performance is what ARROW needs. I wonder if his contract say he has to go topless in every episode like Captain Awesome and Justin Hartley?

Superhero movies are no strangers to the theatres, audience love them, but their chance of survival is very slim on the small screen. Smallville was the only long standing television drama in recent years. Didn't somebody try to do Wonder Woman? Other popular superheroes such as Superman, Spiderman and Batman are all off limit for TV creators, unless they are animation. The CW's decision to do ARROW is a smart move. The network has the fanbase and ARROW can bring back those who stuck with Smallville all these years. The show can attract fans who appreciate a good superhero story, regardless whether it be on a big screen or small screen. I think ARROW marks another fresh era of live action superhero shows on TV. And don't forget, Joss Whedon is also working his magic for Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. These shows will set the trend for the next few years! As DC and Marvel go head-to-head and bring the fight from the big screen to the small screen, the entertainment only get bigger and better and fans will benefit from it the most. Both DC and Marvel will continue to dominate the big and small screen, and tell others to suck it! The next decade belongs to the fans.

In summary, I will go as far as saying, I love the ARROW Pilot slightly more than Revolution. I am glad ARROW happens. I love it already! It's a winner!

Here is the promo for next week's episode 1.02 Honor Thy Father.

S.H.I.E.L.D - The Television Series

Joss as Hawkeye.. no.. wait..what?

This is so exciting, right? How long have fans been waiting for Joss to return to television to tell us good stories? How far have we come as a fandom to see good things happen to this great creative man who is called Joss Whedon? 

Over the past few days, we have read about the Whedon-created-Marvel-related ABC television series. Looks like it has been named S.H.I.E.L.D. For those who are not familiar with S.H.I.E.L.D. it stands for Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistic Directorate. It is a long standing organisation in the Marvel universe and it has been mentioned in the recent Marvel movies -- Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers. Did you know, the fictional location of the Avengers HQ is on 890, 5th Avenue, New York. Why do I know these things? Because I am Chloe Sullivan. Oh wait.. wrong franchise! But hey, I have done my research, check out the Ultimate Nerd Guide to New York City which has a map of many fictional locations as depicted in Marvel comics. 

Back to S.H.I.E.L.D. According to multiple reports, the TV pilot has been green lit by ABC. Don't expect to see RDJ or Chris Evans in it. But if they are on the show I am your very friendly Stay Puft Marshmallow man. Over the past few days, fans and blogs have been naming their dream cast. As you would have expected from die-hard Joss Whedon fans, we want the entire cast of Buffy, Angel, Horrible and Firefly to be on the show. And I have a feeling that we might see a few to be cast. As long as Adam Baldwin is in it, I am good! 

Joss also talked about some of the deleted scenes in the newly released The Avengers DVD and also the S.H.I.E.L.D. series. Check out his interview with Vulture.

So, who is your dream cast? What do you want to see in this excited television series? Let's hear it!

Source: LATimes.

Release Dates for Phase II Marvel Movies

So, here are the release dates of the up-coming Marvel movies.. I like!

Iron Man 3 -- May 3, 2013
Thor: The Dark World -- November 8, 2013
Captain America: The Winter Soldier -- April 4, 2014
Guardians of the Galaxy -- August 1, 2014
Untitled Avengers Sequel -- May 1, 2015

For more details, check out the Examiner.

More movies, means more LEGO games. Oh yay.

Joss Whedon Returns For More Marvel Stuff

This is the news fans, including myself, have been waiting for. It has been confirmed last week by Marvel Studios that Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with the studios for film and television for the next 3 year. He will write and direct The Avengers 2, and will help develop a new live television series for Marvel TV at ABC.

We know Joss was thinking about it and wasn't sure. But news about his involvement in The Avengers 2 is welcoming, I am so happy I am going to cry. Quality is ensured. Happiness is guaranteed!

It's no secret that Marvel's next phase is to extend their presence in television. Joss' creative contribute will possibly set television history for the next decade or more. Imgaine if a Marvel television series is picked up and do a 'Smallville' (i.e. run 10 years), it will make fans very happy and entertainment is endless! It is also interesting to note that ABC is having success with Once Upon A Time, so they definitely have an existing audienceship of family viewers and they will have no trouble attracting other fans to watch Joss' creation.The CW is capturing that superhero fanbase of WB/ DC as Arrow takes the center stage in Fall. Healthy competition is good and it's the fans who will benefit from the superhero genre. Move over cop and medical dramas!

It's been awhile since Joss has a television project, so whatever Joss is doing, it will excite fans in ways we have not been excited before. Yeah.. I said it.

Read all about the announcement here.