Lightyear Flies Us Into The Future

To Infinity and Beyond.  That phrase was etched into pop culture back in 1995, and there isn't a person alive today who doesn't know it's a Toy Story reference.  If you look at the audience ratings, box office, and even merchandise sales, the Toy Story franchise is one of the best in history.  In 2019, it looked like the franchise may be coming to its finale with Toy Story 4, but it seems Pixar was just looking for a new angle to play on this Disney legacy.

Lightyear is supposedly the movie little Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear action figure for his birthday in 1995.  Instead of Tim Allen coming back to voice the Space Ranger, Captain America himself, Chris Evans, takes over the vocal performance for this spin-off.  I will say there were moments in the film I couldn't help but think I was watching an animated Steve Rogers.  Buzz seems so noble and heroic like Evan's Cap it was hard to not see the similarities.  Especially when he meets an older version of himself, or Old Man Steve as he is affectionally called.  But Buzz in the film is different enough from Steve that separation can be achieved. Captain Lightyear is so set on completing his mission and correcting his mistake it blinds him to everything else happening around him. Namely the lives being lived, and the one he isn't living because of his tunnel vision of achieving light speed.

Surrounding Evans in this cast is a voice talent that includes fellow Marvel alumni, Taika Waititi.  This group of misfits helps Buzz in his journey and provides laughs along the way.  Some comedy relief can be distracting in these Disney animated films, but I think the characters in this movie weren't too much.  I even thought Sox the cat was enjoyable; and I hate cats.  Maybe I just need a robotic cat that serves more as an R2-D2 than arrogant pest.  

It was Buzz's relationship with the Hawthrone family that tied this film together.  As Buzz races through time, he saw his friend get older, have a family, and eventually team-up with her granddaughter to stop Zurg.  I thought the moment at the beginning of the film when Buzz walks into an empty office would get me, but it was the end of the film when Izzy says, "I'm finally a Space Ranger, grandma," and then Buzz lingers for a moment to remember is friend, that made me go, "awww."  

From the moment Buzz's first line of dialogue mirrored his first words in the franchise I was looking for the Toy Story Easter Eggs.  Sadly, we don't get a "falling with style" line, but that's because he actually flew in this movie.  As he collected his laser, his wings, and even he space-ship packaging, the 12-year-old in me smiled at every reference.  

The only negatives I have in this film is the cookie-cutter story.  There weren't much as far as surprises, even when Old Man Buzz showed up, their conversation immediately had me thinking of the one between Mr. Frederickson and Charles Muntz from Up, consumed by the mission and not thinking about who it hurts.  Buzz is a man-out-of-time who sees everyone else get older.  Like I said, it's a somewhat familiar Chris Evan's character basis. But I do think this film gives it's self a lot of room for sequel potential.  

The end of the film, and the very last post-credit scene (past the Disney logo), sets up the further adventures off Buzz and his new team of Space Rangers, and one that I wouldn't mind seeing where it goes, if the film performs well. As of right now it seems a lot of critics are torn on how they feel about Lightyear, so it'll be up to the audience and the box office to see if this is a new direction Pixar can take the Toy Story franchise.  I don't really want to see a Woody's Round-Up film, but a serious animated western could be interesting.  To me, Lightyear is not top Pixar, but it's of the quality worthy of the Pixar brand. 

Obi-Wan Kenobi Prep Material

Well people, we have our release date! The Disney+ Obi-Wan Kenobi series will be debuting on May 25 (45th anniversary of Star Wars) on the streaming service.  Aside from Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my favorite Star Wars character.  He has so much tragedy in his life, yet through it all he proceeds with nobility, hope, and snark. From what it seems we'll be getting, I am psyched! On top of the Obi-Wan vs Vader rematch we're being promised I'd love to see some Clone Wars flashbacks.  Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen are back, and both actors have barely aged, so it wouldn't take too much CGI to give us some moments back when they were brothers-in-arms.  

Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse are also coming back as Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru.  Maybe we even get a little Luke Skywalker too?  Concept art shows Obi-Wan could be going off world, some Inquistors, and more!  As I mentioned, I'm super excited for this Deborah Chow directed-series and I can only imagine all the Obi-Wan merch I will be buying when the show premieres (and at Star Wars Celebration). 

With all that in mind, I figured I'd suggest a few Obi-Wan based materials leading up to the timeline of Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Just some things to possibly check out in the next few months to dive deeper into the character.  Obviously, the prequels are a must review, but here are a few novels, comics, and The Clone Wars episodes I think are great to learn more about Obi-Wan Kenobi.  

*I only included current Canon stories*

Master & Apprentice

This novel by Claudia Gray sees Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, years before Episode I. You get to see more of their relationship as they take on a Jedi assignment, more about Qui-Gon's intrigue with "The Prophecy", and the epilogue flashes forward to Obi-Wan's thoughts during Qui-Gon's funeral.

The Phantom Menace

Every Saga has a beginning.  Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, travel to Naboo to settle a trade dispute.  The whole thing turns sideways and before they know it, they're battling the first Sith Lord seen in a millennia.  

Obi-Wan and Anakin

Several years into his training, young Anakin Skywalker is doubting his choice to become a Jedi. He ventures with his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, on a mission that may be their last.  To be honest, the assignment isn't really important. It's the epiphany of Obi-Wan knowing that if Anakin leaves the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan must go with him.

Attack of the Clones

Padme Amidala is in trouble.  On the verge of a Senate vote to create an army for the Republic her life is in danger.  Obi-Wan and Anakin have been tasked to protect her.  Their investigation leads Obi-Wan to Kamino and the creation of a secret clone army. But what are Anakin and Padme doing on Tatooine while he's getting shot at by Jango Fett and his bratty son, Boba?

Brotherhood

This book isn't going to be released till May 10, and I'm sure it will be a great read right before Obi-Wan Kenobi premieres, being that it deals with the relationship of he and Anakin.  From what we know, it takes place right as The Clone Wars are starting.  Anakin is now a Knight, and Obi-Wan a Master.  Their roles have changed, so how will their relationship change?

THE CLONE WARS

Below are various episodes of The Clone Wars animated series where Obi-Wan plays a pivotal role and each is a step in his Star Wars journey.  We learn about his past with a possible former love, as well as see an old foe come back into his life seeking revenge.  In one storyline, Obi-Wan goes undercover as a bounty hunter and tangles with Cad Bane, and in another he, Anakin, and Ahsoka land in the middle of a mystical family squabble that has deep ties to The Force and Anakin's future. 

Season 2: The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, Duchess of Mandalore

         Season 3: Overlords, Altar of Mortis, Ghosts of Mortis

         Season 4: Deception, Friends and Enemies, The Box, Crisis on Naboo, Revenge

         Season 5: Revival, Eminence, Shades of Reason, Lawless

         Season 6: The Lost One 

Revenge of the Sith

The Clone Wars are winding down. Anakin and Obi-Wan's rescue of the Chancellor ended with the death of Count Dooku.  Obi-Wan is off to take down General Grievous and end the war while Anakin starts to make trouble back on Coruscant. Order 66 changes the galaxy and everything Obi-Wan knows.  

                      From the Journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi

From the pages of Marvel's Star Wars title, After Luke Skywalker has blown up the Death Star, he returns to Tatooine and finds the journal of Obi-Wan in hopes it will help him continue his Jedi training. In various tales we see Obi-Wan take on the scum of Tatooine, keep little Luke out of trouble, and even have a run in with the wookie bounty hunter, Black Krrsantan.

Obi-Wan

Another piece of literature set to help ramp up for the Disney+ series, all we know about this miniseries is that is supposed to come out in May and follow Obi-Wan through various parts in his life.  I believe it is supposed to be a 5-issue miniseries so I would recommend youngling, padawan, knight, master, and then hermit.  Either way, I'm in!

My Top 5 Young Han Solo Casting Choices

Yesterday, a huge piece of Star Wars news broke as it was officially announced that Disney and Lucasfilm are indeed making a young Han Solo film that will be released in 2018 as part of their Star Wars Anthology series.  Disney also announced the directors of this film would be none other than the duo behind The LEGO Movie and 21 Jump Street; Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

While I would have preferred an announcement of a solo Obi-Wan film starring Ewan McGregor I am still excited about this news.  Lord and Miller have been on a hot streak ever since 21 Jump Street made me laugh so hard at Channing Tatum.  And it wasn't because of his bad acting for once, it was because he was actually funny.  With these two calling the shots you have to assume the film will have an element of comedy to it.  Han is known for is one liners so I can see this film being a bit light-hearted as Han makes his way in the galaxy with his charm and his smirk.

Not too long ago the debate went on about who would play the new Spider-Man.  Well now that bone has been picked dry and Hollywood has given us something new to chew on.  Who will play the young Han Solo?  I've got my choices narrowed down to five.

5) Richard Madden

Every time Rob Stark was on screen in the HBO series Game of Thrones Madden seemed to have an aura about him that commanded you're presence.  Rob wasn't one of my favorite characters but I thought Madden carried the character very well.  If he can bring that same aura to a Han Solo role I think he'll be well on his to play it the way Harrison Ford did.  On a side note, I also picked Madden to be the next Batman before Ben Affleck was cast. 

4) Ansel Elgort

Yes, I do admit that I watched The Fault In Our Stars because I always try to give each film and television show a fair shake before I dismiss it.  While the film was not good(liked I predicted) Elgort played the bad-boy-of-cancer very well.  He had a charm to him, and that's what we need in Han Solo.  We need an actor who can come off cocky and like him because of it.  That's what Ford did, and that's what I believe Elgort can do.

3) Taron Egerton

Having made a splash in this year's Kingsman: The Secret Service, Egerton has made his presence known in Hollywood and has proved he can carry an action film.  He's got the charm and the chops to pull off a scoundrel.

2) Penn Badgley

I first saw Badgely in the short-lived WB series, The Bedford Diaries, and he later found a home for several years on The CW series Gossip Girl while taking on several films like Easy A and John Tucker Must Die.  While I haven't always been a fan of his choices he has always seemed like a legit actor to me.  An actor who can carry a tough-guy vibe, but turn on some charm when needs be.  Sounds like Han Solo to me.

1) Garrett Hedlund

Once I had my list down I was concerned about several of their ages with them playing a "young" Han Solo.  I looked it up, and Harrison Ford was in his early 30's when started playing Han Solo and everyone on my list is 30 and below.   If Disney won't let Hedlund get another shot at Sam Flynn in a sequel to Tron: Legacy then they should let him play another wise-cracking hero with a chip on his shoulder.  Hedlund can do brooding so I don't see why he wouldn't nail this part.    

Tomorrowland Is A Land of Disappointment

We all want the future to be better than today.  We hope that, as a society, we make a better world for our children.  However, I think we can almost all agree that corporate greed and capitalism is having the opposite effect.  But what if there was a place where the greatest minds could come together to build that better world free of the politics and profit?  That place is Tomorrowland.

Casey is just an average girl with the desire to see her NASA engineering father keep his job.  A desire that lands her in a lot of trouble and ownership of a strange pin that transports her to a world that seems only possible in your imagination.  But this world is real, and to get back there Casey must recruit the help of someone who has been there; Frank Walker.  But when they arrive in Tomorrowland they see that things have gone array, and unless they can fix it, their world may be in peril as well.

Most of the performance in this film were adequate, but given George Clooney's acting past I'd say he has more in him than what we saw.  Hugh Larie was a nice villain, but he wasn't in enough of the film to make an impact.  The best job by an actor in this film goes to someone who isn't even old enough to drive a car; Raffey Cassidy.  As the little girl who hands out the Tommorrowland pins she shows great strength as a thespian who is also so young.  If she can continue to grow her talent I think she has a great career ahead of her.

The biggest weakness in Tomorrowland is the pacing.  By the time the characters arrive in Tomorrowland I think it's the time the film should have ended.  We also never get to see the deeper developments to what brought the downfall of this extraordinary world, or why Hugh Larie wants so desperately for our world to destroy itself.  In short, the build up was too long.  What should have been a majority of the film was only the last twenty minutes.  Plus, this limited one of Tomorrowland's best tools in its belt; Hugh Larie. 

I wasn't really expecting a lot from Tomorrowland as I walked into the theater, and I walked out getting what I expected.  However, I did hope more from Brad Bird, the director of The Incredibles.  I liked the message of the film, but I was just disappointed in the execution.  Disney is planning on making more movies about their theme park attractions, but after seeing this one I'm not sure this is such a good idea.  I mean, for God sakes, stop making Pirates of the Caribbean films!  Nobody likes them anymore!

RATING:  C- 

  

Cinderella Finally Turns Disney Animation Into Live-Action Magic

How do you get a guy like me to watch a movie like Cinderella?  Well, first, you get the director of Thor; Kenneth Branagh.  Then you fill the supporting cast with great actors like Cate Blanchett, Helen Bonham Carter, Stellan Skarsgard, and Game of Thrones star Richard Madden as the prince. Being a big GoT fan I couldn't help but rush at the chance to see Robb Stark at a party his entire family doesn't die at.

Lily James stars as Ella, a young woman who has lost both her parents to tragedy, and is then forced into servitude by her step-sisters and step-mother, played by Blanchett.  When Ella runs into a charming man named Kit she desires to go to the royal ball in hopes of seeing him again, but her step-mother will have none of it.  With some help from her fairy godmother Ella becomes the belle of the ball and meets Kit on the dance floor; still not knowing he is the prince.  However, Ella must depart from Kit at midnight leaving behind only a glass slipper. The prince must find his love before he is forced to marry someone else, but if it's up to Ella's step-mother that day will never come.

Well, now that I've just given you an overview of a story we all know let me try and tell you something new.  Cate Blanchett nails the part of the wicked step-mother.  It's no surprise given her talent, but he helps carry James through a few scenes that make their relationship work on-screen.  Not that Lily James wasn't a delight. She played the lead wonderfully, and seemed to have some actual chemistry with Madden.  The only other actors who I think made a difference in this film were the two girls that played Cinderella's step-sisters; Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger.  They were quite funny; just as their characters are supposed to be.

Kenneth Branagh has always been good at period pieces.  He has a way of making an unfamiliar time and place seem recognizable and comfortable.  However, I felt like the film could have used at least one decent action sequence, and chasing a stag nor fencing practice counts in my book.

The real surprise delight in this film was the music by Chris Doyle.  Doyle worked on Thor with Branagh and has also scored films like Brave and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  I think his music helped elevate the more memorable scenes like when Cinderella arrives at the ball and Ella and Kit meeting at the end of the film.

If I were to give this film any strikes it'd be the constant narrating by Helen Bonham Carter throughout the film.  After a while I just wanted her to shut it and let us see the events unfold without color commentary.  I didn't even mind the CGI mice that Cinderella seemed to communicate with.  If they were wearing clothes like in the 1950 animated film I might have taken issue with it though.

I also enjoyed how well Branagh and company stuck to the original source material.  Other classic Disney animated movies turned live-action like Alice in Wonderland or Maleficent tried to put a modern spin on their tales.  This film was a straight adaptation with a good message.  "Have courage, and be kind."

Overall, when the film was done, I felt like this was the best interpretation of the material I've ever seen.  I only wished my daughter was a little older as I saw girls in princess outfits dancing in the aisles after.  I will buy it when it comes to blu-ray so she can grow up watching it.  Though, for now, I'm sure she'll enjoy the Frozen Fever short more than the actual movie.  Then, one day, when she comes of age to watch Game of Thrones, she'll probably find it even more terrifying when Kit, his wife, his mother, and unborn child all die a horrible, bloody, death. 

RATING:  B

'The Force Awakens' Excitement for Star Wars: Episode VII

If you thought that the biggest thing that happened today was Black Friday shopping then you can just go ahead and un-friend me on the various social networks because I will no longer be talking to you. To any Star Wars fan it was like Christmas came early as we waited patiently this morning for our post-Turkey Day present.  The teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was not only put online today, but is also being show in select theaters throughout the country this weekend.  The overwhelming reception of this trailer has been great with only a few gripes about the 88 seconds we all saw.  

However, there is still no official synopsis released as to the plot of the film.  With this footage speculation is only going to grow as December 2015 can't get here quick enough.  When the cast was first announced for Episode VII I made an entry has to who I thought each character type the actors will play.  The trailer has debunked a few of my theories and replaced them with a whole new batch.  And it only takes four screenshots for me to explain them.

DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE JUST THEORIES I MADE UP.  I HAVE NO INSIDE KNOWLEDGE, NOR DO I KNOW ANYONE HAVING ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS FILM. IF I KNEW ANYONE AT DISNEY OR LUCASFILM SURELY I'D HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO WITH MY TIME THAN WRITE THIS SILLY BLOG.

Most dedicated fans have theorized that Attack the Block star, John Boyega, was going to be the main character in this new trilogy.  I now no longer believe this. In the opening shot of the teaser we see Boyega in a stormtrooper outfit.  He looks scared.  Perhaps he is running from something?  Perhaps he doesn't remember something?  Perhaps he realizes he is in the middle of the f$cking desert?  I think he's either an Alliance spy who has been caught, or a stormtrooper who is trying to defect, and he figures Tatooine is a good place to hide where nothing ever happens.  Guess again.

Enter Daisy Ridley.  This actress was a complete unknown before being put in one of the most anticipated films of the century.  In my casting theories I thought she could be the daughter of Han and Leia, but now, I no longer believe this.  I think Daisy Ridley is the center of this new trilogy.  It's a great change-up to make the main character a female.  

I'm thinking Ridley is a Tatooine native who runs into Boyega trying to hide, and maybe runs into Luke Skywalker as well.  Much like Luke found R2-D2, C-3PO, and then Ben Kenobi.  My other thought bubble is that she is Luke's apprentice.  There have been rumors that Luke never started the new Jedi Order, but instead went into hiding.  Much like Obi-Wan did. What if Ridley has natural Jedi skills and Luke is training her to become a Jedi?  Maybe even starts training Boyega as well.

 Oscar Isaac is starting to make a name for himself in Hollywood by being in films like Sucker Punch and Inside Llewyn Davis, and also he was just cast as the villain in the upcoming film; X-Men:Apocalypse.  Based on his previous work I saw Isaac as the new Han Solo type, with even more of an anti-hero vibe.  Maybe even a bounty hunter.  I no longer believe this.  It looks like he may be a part of Rogue Squadron.  I see him as the X-Wing hot shot who may be like Maverick from Top Gun.  He's the best of the best, but hard to work with.  

The thing I loved and hated about this teaser trailer is that even though we saw X-Wings, Tie Fighters, and the Millennium Falcon we didn't see Luke, Han, or Leia.  They showed us all the new characters/actors.  And I think they focused on these three because they are the main characters in this new trilogy.  

At the beginning of the teaser there was a voice over saying something had "awakened."  Which means something had been sleeping, probably for a long time.  I'm guessing that sleeping beauty is pictured above.  The Sith seem to be all dead after Episode VI.  But what about Sith followers/groupies?  Asajj Ventress was never officially a Sith, but wanted to be one.  Perhaps the wannabe's "awakend" something old, bad, and powerful to take down the Alliance.  Aren't people saying Lupita Nyong'O looks like she would play a good Ventress?  Hmmm.

Whoever this dude is, look at his/her lightsaber.  When the side blades come out it reminds me of a medieval broadsword.  It looks primative.  It's not stylish like the Jedi sabers from the prequel films.  It looks more like the drawings of lightsabers in the Dark Horse comics, Tales of the Jedi.  The various miniseries chronicled the rise and fall of the Sith Empire thousands of years before Luke or Anakin Skywalker were born.

 I was showing this trailer to people all day at work and they were all getting excited.  Even though the film is still over a year from be released it shows the power of The Force.  People want to believe in Star Wars because we've all got happy memories of the original trilogy. Director J.J. Abrams has already promised a call back to what we all love. This was the man who was able to take the nerdiest things ever, Star Trek, and make it cool.  I believe he is going to lead Star Wars out of it's dark days and bring us all a new hope.

P.S. If this movie sucks I'm asking for a lobotomy for Christmas next year.

Big Hero 6, Big Fun

When we are young we are told we can be anything.  Well, being a comic book reader, all I ever wanted to be was a superhero.  But, I'm not an alien who gets juiced up by the sun, a billionaire with a drive for justice, and I was never struck by lightening and developed super speed.  The only was we could ever develop super powers in real life is if we are smart enough to make ourselves super.  With that in mind, I present, Hiro Hamada.

Hiro is young teen who just so happens to be a genius.  He graduated high school before he hit puberty and spends his days betting on robot fights, which he obviously wins.  But his big brother Tadashi has another idea.  He introduces him to his friends at 'nerd school' where young minds are creating tech for the future.  Sadly, Tadashi is suddenly taken from Hiro's life and only leaves behind his health bot; Baymax.  To find out who is responsible for his brother's fate Hiro must turn Baymax and his friends into super powered heroes and save their city; San Fransokyo.  When you walk out of the theater you're going to want your own Baymax, trust me.  

This film is nothing but Disney at it's best.  There are only a few notable voice actors, but it doesn't matter because the film is on a level all other movies should aspire too.  It centers around Hiro, who has to deal with the loss of his brother, who he adored and looked up too.  You can literally see Hiro going through the five stages of grief as he builds weapons to fight a super villain. The other center point of the film is the relationship between Hiro and Baymax.  Baymax is like the loyal dog who you learn to love throughout the film, but you know it can't be all roses and candy by the end of the movie. Old Yeller taught me that lesson a long time ago. 

There are some really sad moments in this film that I feel might be a bit dicey for really young kids.  However,  I think almost every great Disney film has some great loss in it.  Meanwhile, the animation and action are phenomenal.  I'm almost tempted to go see it in 3-D just to get the full experience of Baymax taking flight for the first time.  And I hate 3-D movies. 

Big Hero 6 is why I love going to movies.  Because in less than a two hour period I've felt everything from sadness, to laughter, to fear; all while being entertained and amazed.  The characters are all diverse and gel really well together. If I had to choose one super suit to steal I'd definitely want Go Go's skate armor.  

I only have a few gripes. And even these are small things.  I felt like the set-up was a little long. Like it took too long to get to the meat of the film.  The ending also seemed to wrap up too neatly.  Anything unsolved was resolved.  Maybe I've just become accustomed to sequel teases.  This is a film families should go see together, and then spend dinner, or the car ride home, discussing it.

This weekend I chose to see Big Hero 6 over Interstellar.  So far, I think I made the right call.  Ever since Pixar's John Lasseter took over as chief creative officer for Disney animation they have put out the high quality films that make me feel like I'm back in the early 1990's.  Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, and Big Hero 6 are all terrific films and I can't wait to see what comes next.  But I for one hope it's a sequel!

RATING: A

CASTING CALL: THE DEFENDERS

A few days ago it was announced that Netflix would be creating more original programming. These new series will be based on Marvel comic characters.  This is all part of a multi-corporate deal through Disney.  You see, Disney owns Marvel and has a partnership with Netflix.  So together they’re going to make 4 series, at least 13 episodes each, and then create a miniseries, The Defenders.  While all of the characters they’re using characters have been on The Defenders, it wasn’t at the same time, but I’m gonna let it slide because I’m psyched by this announcement!  Marvel Studios has been doing great with creating their "Marvel cinematic universe" and although I stopped watching Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. after the 3^rd episode I have a feeling these new series will be a little more enjoyable for myself and others.

The four characters they picked aren’t the heroes who go out and fight aliens like The Avengers.  And they don’t fight mega-super villains either.  Mainly they stick to the streets of New York and fight gangs, ninja clans, and other non-universe threats.  I think this whole project could be something really new and interesting for Marvel Studios.  It’s much like when they introduced Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America films and then made an Avengers movie.  They have the same opportunity here to re-create that formula, but only making something a little more edgier. 

This Netflix world can still be a part of the "Marvel cinematic universe" but because of the setting and characters can also have a different feel.  I wanted a Heroes for Hire TV series years ago!  As soon as I heard the announcement my first thought was casting, because, like Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson, these actors may be asked to play these characters in movies or other TV series.  When I think about casting a franchise I always try to think of younger actors who can do the role for the next decade or more.  But I also wanted to get a good fit for it all. I hope you like my choices!

Grey Damon as Daredevil/Matt Murdock

For those of you who did not see Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Daredevil on the big screen you didn’t miss much.  However if you missed the blu-ray Director’s Cut you missed a pretty good film.  Matt Murdock is blinded as a child in a chemical accident that heightens the rest of his senses 10x.  Matt’s father is then murdered by the mob and he goes on to fight crime in Hell’s Kitchen. Check out Frank Miller’s origin story.  It’s my favorite.  And yes rookies, he’s the same guy who wrote 300, Sin City, and The Dark Knight Returns.

I mostly know Damon from his role on Friday Night Light (love it) and since then he’s guest starred in several TV series and movies.  I’m a firm believer in getting someone for a role who looks the part or can be slightly altered to look the part.  Matt Murdock is a redhead so matching that can be tricky.  Affleck just dyed his hair so it looked dark-red, but just never seemed right to me.  Damon’s got a gentle voice and light red hair that I think would fit Matt Murdock perfectly.  He’s young enough to do the physicality of the role, and a good enough actor to make this troubled hero come to life!  Also, since the character is some-what-well-known, like the Superman formula, you can rely on the brand name and bring in a not-so-well-known actor for what I'm sure will be the center of this Netflix world.

   

Morris Chestnut as Power Man/Luke Cage

Cage grew up on the streets of New York, in the hood if you will.  He’s caused trouble, and even ended up in prison.  But after getting out Cage volunteered for an experiment that gave him super strength and impenetrable skin.  Since then he’s become a softer character has matured into a hero, husband, and father.

Face it, Chestnut just looks the part perfectly.  Although he’s a little older that I’d like to cast Cage I can’t deny he’d be perfect for the part. Plus I think him being older could make him more seasoned and wise compared to the younger characters.  Chestnut also has a long history of acting from Boyz in the Hood to Kick-Ass 2.  Also, we needed Cage and Iron Fist to look good together, and I think Chestnut and Hedlund would play off each other well.

   

Garrett Hedlund as Iron Fist/Danny Rand

Danny Rand is the son of a millionaire.  His father was obsessed with finding the mystical city of K’un L’un.  His parents were killed in this quest and Danny was found and raised by the people of K’un L’un.  After years of martial arts training Danny gained the powers of the immortal Iron Fist by defeating a dragon….yes, a dragon.  Danny then returns to New York to reclaim his father’s company and use his new abilities to fight crime.  He soon teams up with Power Man, a.k.a. Luke Cage, and forms Heroes for Hire(yes, it’s just like it sounds) and then much later the two get their own Avengers team.  To me, Iron Fist is like Batman meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I highly recommend the Ed Brubaker and Duane Swierczynski's 5-volume run.  It’s what got me interested in the character.

Hedlund is most known for his role as Sam Flynn in 2010’s Tron: Legacy.  His character had a chip on his shoulder that is only matched by Danny Rand’s. He looks the part and would look great standing next to Chestnut.  My only hesitation is Hedlund’s ability to master the martial art moves. Rand is almost has a self-destructive in his personal life as Matt Murdock, but it’s his relationship with Luke Cage I find most interesting.  Rand is a rich guy who grew up with Kung-Fu monks.  Cage is an ex-con who grew up on the mean streets of New York.  These two guys could not be more opposite and yet they’ve been best friends for years.  I’d like to explore why. 

 

Jessica Biel as Power Woman/Jessica Jones

To be honest I don’t know a lot about Jessica Jones.  I never really knew the character until she married Luke Cage.  In high school she has a crush on Peter Parker and was exposed to the same radiation he was, minus the spider-bite.  This put Jessica in a coma for years, until she woke-up and realized she had super-strength and flight.  Must have been one hell of a nap.

This character is tough, almost has tough as her husband.  We’ve seen Biel kick some vampire butt in Blade:Trinity and also kick Kate Beckinsale’s butt in Total Recall, which is technically the same thing if you think about it.  I think she would compliment this cast perfectly. 

 

Ok Disney.  I did the hard part; now make it happen!