My Top 5 Harold Ramis Films

Last night all of Hollywood celebrated the biggest night of the year; The Academy Awards.  This event marks the end of awards season in the land of make-believe with thespians who have had so many plastic surgeries they look like their own wax standees.  Meanwhile, those of us who love movies were also busy for at least four hours watching as 12 Years A Slave ended up winning the Best Picture award; suck it Gravity!  So because I was watching the Oscars last night I didn't get a chance to put out this entry on time, so for those of you who actually read this silly little blog (Mom) I do apologize for the delay.  I had several topics I thought about doing for this week's entry, but the one I felt would be most appropriate would be to talk about the passing of Harold Ramis.  I always thought of Harold Ramis as just Eagon from Ghostbusters.  I knew he directed a few things, but never considered his impact in film until last Monday when I heard of his passing.  I was surprised to find out that Ramis practically invented the Ghostbusters.  He helped write both of the feature films, the video game, and any TV series that had the brand name on it.  Word has it he was in development of Ghostbusters III, but that's supposedly been in the works for over two decades.  

When I ran down the list of films Ramis wrote, or helped write, I realized Ramis had a hand in some of the greatest comedies spanning over three decades.  Also, Bill Murray pretty much owes his career to Ramis, seeing how his most famous films were all written by Ramis.  Murray gave a nod to Ramis last night at The Academy Awards while presenting the award for Best Cinematography. I counted about a dozen of Ramis's films I've thoroughly enjoyed, but I figured I'd narrow it down to just my top five he wrote.

5) Animal House (1978)

Along with Douglas Kenney and Chris Miller, Harold Ramis penned this story about a bunch of frats boys, and will go down in history as one of the ultimate college movies ever.  This film set the bar for many films to come with it's raunchy comedy style, and perhaps showing college students for the idiotic jokesters most of them are.  

After knowing Ramis helped write this film I realizes the style matched up with other films like Stripes and Ghostbusters.  It was a little more rough than Ramis's later works, but a classic none the less.  John Belushi doing his zit gag makes me laugh every time.   

4) Groundhog Day (1993)

Ramis not only co-wrote Groundhog Day with Danny Rubin, but also directed this film, starring his long-time-partner-in-crime; Bill Murray.  Minus a few small Ghostbuster-themed projects this would be the last time Murray and Ramis would work together; a professional relationship that started back in 1979 with Meatballs.  In this film Murray is a cynical weatherman who ends up reliving February 2nd over and over again.  In time, Murray does everything from trying to kill himself in the bathtub with a toaster, stealing the groundhog, and romancing his co-worker, played by Andie MacDowell.  A funny movie that is always good to watch whenever you might be feeling a little blue and realize "it could be worse."

 3) Caddyshack (1980)

Every time I think of this film I can't help but think of all the classic quotes and the Kenny Loggins theme song.  This is another Bill Murray classic that only sees him as a supporting character, but memorable.  To be honest though I love Chevy Chase in this film the most.   

Ramis wrote this little ditty with Brian Doyle-Murray and Douglas Kenney as well has it's 1988 sequel.  Due to the time frame in which I grew up I seemed to watch more of Caddyshack II then the original, but as I grew older I realized how fantastic Caddyshack is, even though I still do appreciate the goofy follow-up.

2) Stripes (1981)

If you haven't seen this film then you should not be allowed to watch another comedy until you do.  Harold Ramis not only wrote this film with Daniel Goldberg and Len Blum, but co-starred with Bill Murray in this hilarious story about two guys who joined the army and the knuckle heads that enlisted with them, including the late John Candy and Judge Reinhold.

This film was directed by Ivan Reitman, who directed Meatballs and both Ghostbuster films, which Murray and Ramis were also involved in.  It doesn't get much better than this folks, but sadly newer generations haven't even seen this well-crafted film that Ramis helped bring to theaters and homes everywhere.

1) Ghostbusters (1984)

Remember when I wrote above "it doesn't get MUCH better?" Well this is that little exception to Stripes. Ramis wrote this imaginative film along with co-star Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray also starring.  The three of them are comedy at it's best.  They played their parts perfectly, especially Murray.  This film started a franchise that audiences still can't seem to get enough of.  From this film came a sequel, several cartoons, video games, board games, toys, lunch boxes, and a brand name everyone around the world knows and loves.

Every time I watch this movie I bust up laughing; every time.  This last weekend I went back and re-watched both Ghostbuster films after I heard of Ramis's passing, and I while I was laughing constantly Ramis seemed to deliver some of the best lines.  His character, Eagon, is a serious scientist, and Ramis's delivery of the material he helped write was perfect.  Eagon has a dry sense of humor and a weird view that was hilarious when played against Murray's constant joking and Aykroyd's constant fear.

I love this movie and it makes me so sad that the person who basically created the Ghostbusters is gone.  I think the world is little less funny now that Ramis is gone, but the legacy of laughs he left behind will always be in our thoughts. When I need I laugh, I know who I'm gonna call.

5 Films I'd Like To See A Sequel Too

The other day I was listening to AMC Movie Talk on the way to work, like I always do, and a viewer asked 'what films would like to see sequels too.'  This question sat with me for a bit. With all the sequels and remakes coming out this year, from Robocop to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I started thinking about what films I would like to see sequels too.  At first I could only think of a few off the top of my head so I looked at my vast DVD collection for inspiration.  Afterwards, I thought of about a dozen films I would like to see a sequel be made.  I widdled it down and came up with five films I feel the original helped set-up a great sequel.

THE INCREDIBLES

I'll admit, when I went to see this film in theaters I just wanted to go to see the Star Wars: Episode III teaser trailer, but my friends and I were blown away by how good it was.  To this day it's still one of my top Pixar films.  The Incredibles are Disney's Fantastic Four, a family of superheroes.  With the variety of characters the first film introduced there is plenty of source material to expand upon.  I know there have also been several comic books continuing the adventures of The Incredibles.  

Fans still cry-out for a sequel to this 2004 film.  As kids grow-up families change, so there is much to work with in a sequel. Violet could be in college, Dash in high school, and Bob could be starting to feel the effects of getting older.  Like I said, a lot of different places to take this family.  For god sakes Pixar made a Cars 2, but not an Incredibles 2?

THE LAST STARFIGHTER

I'm a huge fan of this film.  Along with Tron, The Last Starfighter helped pioneer computer special effects in film making during the 1980's.  It was also every young boys dream to think that all those hours of playing video games weren't just 'a waste of time' like our mothers said. This film had all of it; the reluctant hero, the epic space battles, and a decent love story/chemistry in actors Lance Guest and Catherine Mary Stewart.  Some have said to just re-make The Last Starfighter, but I say we should take a page from Tron and make the sequel feel like a re-make. Granted, I give Tron: Legacy more credit than most, but I know a story that would work nicely.

The Last Starfighter ended with Alex's brother, Lewis, looking up as Alex and Maggie headed off into outer space.  Now Lewis is all grown up with a teenage-video game-hotshot-son of his own.  Alex returns from space running from a new threat.  He reconciles with his brother who he hasn't seen him in years and his nephew becomes the new Starfighter.  With today's updated graphic I think it would blow people away visually like Tron: Legacy did.

THE LOSERS

I quite enjoyed this underrated comic book movie.  Granted, to this day I've never actually read the source material, but the film itself was an awesome ride.  It was full of great characters and relationships.  I think the hard part would be getting all the actor back together because they're all so busy.

The film ended with the Losers never getting Max, still on the run from the law, and Aisha still wanting to kill Clay for murdering her father, even though they're kind of into each other.  This film was set-up for a sequel that never got made because of disappointing box office numbers. However, now that the cast are all known actors, I think a sequel could draw in more of an audience.  Now that I think of it, I may see if my local library has any Loser graphic novels to read.

WILLOW

Before Lord of the Rings brought sword and sorcery films to the forefront, Willow made them fun.  I always wondered who would win in a fight; Madmartigan or Aragorn?  George Lucas wrote this film back in the 1970's before Star Wars was released, but didn't get Willow made and released till 1988.  

The sequel for this film has already been written.  George Lucas outlined a trilogy that took place fifteen years later with Elora Danan, now a teenager, at the center of the tale.  Famous comic book writer, Chris Claremont, wrote the book trilogy and even though I've never read it I know the story outline and it seems pretty cool.  Willow was light-hearted, fun to watch, and was directed by one of my favorite directors; Ron Howard. The 9-year-old in me is begging for a Willow sequel.

THE PUNISHER

Some fan boys saw this film starring Thomas Jane as the worst interpretation of the comic book character.  Then they saw the next Punisher film, Punisher: War Zone.  I liked the Thomas Jane version because although the tone of the film wasn't dark I thought Jane portrayed the character perfectly dark.  He was kind of an ass, but likable.  Plus you saw what happened to Frank Castle to make him that mean and vengeful.

In 2012 a short film was made, Punisher: Dirty Laundry, that again starred Thomas Jane as Frank Castle and it sparked an interest in Jane playing the character again.  Last year the rights to The Punisher, along with Daredevil and Blade, reverted back to Marvel from 20th Century Fox.  While I know Marvel Studios has immediate plans for Daredevil, via Netflix, I haven't heard about them moving on The Punisher property.  I say give Thomas Jane another shot.  It can't be an worse than the Dolph Lundgren version.

Why I'm Excited For Guardians of the Galaxy

If you ask the average person to list Marvel heroes they'll probably tell you about Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, and Thor.  I doubt anywhere on their list will be Star-Lord.  Well, he's only one of the coolest heroes in the Marvel Universe and is the center of Marvel Studios 2014 summer blockbuster.....next to Captain America: Winter Soldier.  I'll have to admit that not so long ago I too was clueless as to who the Guardians of the Galaxy (GotG) were.  The only character I knew was Rocket Raccoon.  After I heard a movie was in the works I sought out to discover why Marvel thought this relatively unknown comic book would make a good movie before characters like Black Panther or Ms. Marvel.

Luckily my local library had the 2008 series on file so I could get acquainted with the Guardians.  To my joy, I ended up loving these characters!  Star-Lord reminded me so much of Chris Pine's portrayal of James T. Kirk in the current Star Trek films.  He's got a boyish charm, he means well, but usually is pulling his plans out of his ass as he goes along.  Ask my wife who that reminds her of.  In the series, Star-Lord recruits a team of lone-wolves and outcasts to fight impending intergalactic catastrophes.  He has to lie to them a little to get them to play along, and of course it comes back to bite him in the ass, but you knew that was coming.  The series was cancelled in 2010 after twenty-five issues.  

Last year Brian Michael Bendis brought back the GotG for a new on-going series.  Bendis re-told Star-Lord's origin and had Tony Stark tag-along as familiarity for readers.  This comic is going strong and I hope people read the first graphic novel "Cosmic Avengers" before seeing the film, which comes out in August.  After rumors that we may FINALLY get a trailer for the film this week I wanted to give you a brief rundown as to who the Guardians of the Galaxy are.

Peter Quill/Star-Lord

His father fell from the sky and fell in love with his human mother.  When Peter was a child aliens came looking for him and ended up killing his mother.  Peter ran away and made a vow to avenge his mother's death by going into space and seeking justice.  There he met his biological father, who is Prince of the Spartoi Empire, and kind of an asshole.  So Peter did what all normal kids do; he formed a gang and caused his dad a lot of trouble.

After the success of The LEGO Movie, I think this going to be Chris Pratt's break-out year.  I've always loved him in Parks and Recreations and I think the charm he exhibits as Andy will come across great as Star-Lord.

Gamora

Remember that purple guy at the end of Avengers?  Well he's a daddy.  Thanos trains his adopted daughter to become a great killer/assassin, but when she sees him for the villain he is she takes off and joins Star-Lord in taking back the galaxy from their tyrannical parents.

I think this film cements Zoe Saldana as the Queen of Sci-Fi.  She's played Uhura in Star Trek and the lead female in James Cameron's Avatar.  Adding another alien hottie to her resume just makes me want to say, "all hail the Queen."

Arthur Sampson Douglas/ Drax the Destroyer

Arthur was with his family when Thanos killed them all and left him for dead.  The being Kronos found Arthur and transformed him into a superhuman weapon to unleash and defeat Thanos.  His lust for vengeance has made Drax a powerful killer as he rampaged through the galaxy till he received justice.  I'm sure you can see why he teamed-up with Star-Lord and Gamora.

Of all the actors in this film Dave Bautista has me the most worried.  He's got the look and build to pull off Drax, but I've never been impressed with wrestlers branching out to film.  But I do trust Kevin Feige and director James Gunn that they got the right guy for the part. "All hail Feige."

Groot

This alien is strong enough to go toe-to-toe with the Hulk, but all he says is, "I am Groot."  In his native language he is saying something, but in English every sentence he says is "I am Groot."  Groot's the last of his race, the Floral Colossus,  and some would like to finish the genocide by taking out Groot.  However it's a little hard to do when the being can grow in size and hangs out with a genius raccoon with lots of big guns.

Remember The Iron Giant?  It was a great film and Vin Diesel voiced the Giant before he ever stepped into the Fast and Furious franchise.  I highly recommend watching the film, and then you'll see why Diesel is going to say more with three words than most do with a hundred.

Rocket Raccoon

As a guardian of an outcast planet full of 'Loonies' Rocket is out to keep the galaxy at peace and use his high level IQ, and bad attitude, to keep it that way.  This is the most-well-known character of the GotG, and the one most are excited to see.  

Bradley Cooper is lending his voice to this classic character and though he wasn't my first choice I have more than enough faith in Cooper.  I've been watching his career since he was on the WB show Jack and Bobby with Logan Lerman.  I just really hope he never actually is cast as the Flash like some fan boys want.

So this is just a brief history of the characters origins.  I'm not sure what spin the film will put on the characters but given that Thanos has a history with several characters we can be guess that the galactic Titan will at least appear in the film, hopefully for more than just an over-the-shoulder smile.  This film could open up the Marvel cinematic universe like the Grand Canyon.  Just the idea of the Nova Corps appearing is enough to make me giggle.  A look at the GotG toyline was just released and it just makes me crave a trailer even more.  With this relatively unknown property I feel like Marvel Studios is going to have to market the hell out of it.  I think Marvel is about to face it's toughest challenge yet in GotG, but I have every faith that it'll be awesome.  A sequel is already planned, and if GotG is a success I can see 20th Century Fox putting out a Starjammers movie at some point.
 Finally, just to paint you a funny visual, in one issue of Bendis's current run, Tony Stark sleeps with Gamora and has an awkward-after moment.  When I read that scene all I could think of was Robert Downey Jr. and Zoe Saldana.  Plus, Tony got a lecture from a raccoon afterwards.

The Butler and The Billionaire Join The Bat and The Boy Scout

Over a week ago it was announced that Jeremy Irons and Jesse Eisenberg will join the untitled Man of Steel sequel as Alfred Pennyworth and Lex Luthor. Months ago Ben Affleck was announced to play Batman/ Bruce Wayne in this film as nerds and geeks everywhere exploded in one way or another.  These recent casting choices haven't stirred quite the forum that Affleck did but has added fuel to the fire to a film that is being called the "Batman vs Superman" movie.

It was announced at the San Diego Comic Con that the sequel of Man of Steel would feature Batman as Warner Bros and DC Entertainment try and get their own cinematic movie universe started.  The first piece of big news came when it was announced that Ben Affleck would be playing a "seasoned and tired" Batman.  Most bloggers and tweeters first reaction was anger due to Affleck's last try as a superhero, Daredevil, which was not well received.  I always tell those people to watch the director's cut to see a better version of the film, and that Ben Affleck is a good actor and director.  I was thrilled to see Affleck was being added to this film, although I don't quite yet understand the benefit for his career at this point, having just won Best Picture at the Academy Awards for a film he directed, Argo.  Why play a superhero that could tie him up for the next decade?

 Not too long ago it was announced that actress Gal Gadot of the Fast and Furious franchise was cast as Wonder Woman.  This again sent nerds and geeks into a frenzy, many questioning if Gadot can carry a Wonder Woman franchise.  Then, it was reported that the film, which was set to be released in summer 2015, is being pushed back to 2016.  The studio said they want to make the best picture possible and needed more time, some say the film makers dropped the ball somewhere, and some believe Warner Bros has no idea what they're doing when it comes to copying what Marvel Studios has seemed to perfected.  Finally, this film has created more to discuss with these two new casting choices.  For me, it all depends on what story and version of these characters Zach Snyder and David Goyer decide to tell.  Unfortunately, Man of Steel disappointed me so much I question everything about this sequel, Warner Bros handling of DC property, and DC Comics all together.

No one can deny that Jeremy Irons is a phenomenal actor.  Most of us who grew up in the 1990's will always remember him as the voice of Scar from The Lion King, and he's also a multi-Oscar winner.  I remember him best from films like Die Hard: With a Vengeance and The Man in the Iron Mask opposite Leonardo Dicaprio.  I've always thought of him as a hard-ass.  Which doesn't make me picture him slipping into a role similar to what Michael Caine just did in the Dark Knight trilogy.  But then I thought of a recent re-telling of Batman's origin, Batman: Earth One.  In this graphic novel, written by Geoff Johns, Alfred Pennyworth was an ex-military bad ass who saved Thomas Wayne's life at one point.  When the Wayne's are murdered Alfred raises Bruce and teaches him how to fight and essentially what he needs to become Batman.  This is the kind of Alfred I see Jeremy Irons being.  Don't get me wrong, I have enough faith in Irons to pull off any part, given that his director doesn't lead him astray.  This is just the version of Alfred I picture when I think of Jeremy Irons as Alfred the butler.

The casting of Lex Luthor has been a subject of much debate.  The top 3 names I heard most frequent were Michael C. Hall, Mark Strong, and Brian Cranston.  And I was comfortable with any of those actors portraying Superman's arch-nemesis.  I first saw Jesse Eisenberg in a little film called The Squid and the Whale opposite Jeff Daniels.  I continued to watch him throughout the years and enjoyed The Social Network and Zombieland.  That being said, I can see why he was cast as a young Lex.  He has played cold and distant characters, which most would call neurotic.  I have no doubt seeing him pull off a diabolical plan to take down the Last Son of Krypton, but it's his screen presence I question.  

Hall, Strong, and Cranston all have an incredible presence in any scene they do.  That's what Lex Luthor should be.  He's evil, egotistical, and really does believe he's going to save to the planet from an alien threat; Superman.  Former Lex Luthor's include Gene Hackman, Michael Rosenbaum, Kevin Spacey, and all have stolen the spotlight from their own Superman while the camera is rolling.  I just don't see Eisenberg having that commanding, sinister, presence with his high pitched voice.  He just doesn't scare me like a good villain should.  Now I may be wrong, and maybe Eisenberg will show me something of his I haven't seen yet, and he'll be a great Lex Luthor.  I was surprised by Heath Ledger as the Joker and Chris Evans as Captain America; so it's possible.

 I really want to like this movie.  I really hope all these casting choices turn out well. And I really want to get this DC cinematic universe going and thriving, but if Man of Steel is a representation as to how it will proceed then I may have to start carrying a box of tissues with me to see DC films, or a bag full of tomatoes.  For god sakes Snyder, not killing is the core to who Superman is, how could you screw that up!

1 Year As A Father

Today is my baby girl's first birthday.  It's hard to think just a year ago Lisa and I were smitten with joy to welcome Nora Theresa McGaughey into this world.  I remember that first night in the hospital as I slept on the uncomfortable futon while Lisa got the reclinable bed.  Of course, it could have been worse, I could have been sleeping on a cold sheet in a plastic box like Nora was.  Whoever thought of putting a newborn baby who is used to a tight, warm, uterus in one of those things is stupid.  Of course the child will cry uncontrollably thus ushering her parents into a new form a sleep depravation they didn't know existed.  Thankfully we've been lucky that Nora has slept pretty good her first year, minus the times when she has been sick.  Then it seems like we're back in that cold hospital room all over again!

It's a been a wild year.  You can prepare for parenthood and the changes it brings to your life, but it's like most people I know think about the NFL.  You can watch the game every Sunday coach from your couch and say how much better you would call the plays, but if you were in the middle of the action you'd suck worse than James Franco hosting the Oscars.  One thing Nora has taught me is how little patience I thought I had.  I thought I could run on little amounts of sleep, I thought I knew how to calm my child when she cries, I though I knew how to get her to like She-Ra and thus presenting her with a strong female role model (It's still in progress), but I learned that I don't know jack!  There were times I was alone with Nora and she was crying and I could not get her to stop crying.  I got so tense and angry I had to put her down, collect myself, breath, etc, and then pick her up and keep trying.  Even today, when Nora wakes up in the middle of the night and I can't calm her right away my tension level goes up so I have to collect myself, breath, and skip the 'etc' part because I want to go back to sleep! 

This year I learned their is no other way to make a fool out of man then to have him watch a baby.  Every time Nora did the slightest thing it was amazing.  She lifted her head up; I cheered.  She smiled at me; I cheered. Her poop started to be a normal shade of brown; I cheered.  Ok, I made that last one up but you get the picture.  I just keep seeing her do new things every day and I try to think about how amazing that is in her mind.  She's learning not only about the world around her, but all these things she can do as she gets stronger.  

Then come the smiles.  She can literally do anything, smile, and make it ok.  She's in Marcie's food, she smiles; it's ok.  She tares apart my blu-ray collection; she smiles, and it's ok.  Yes, she's already got both Lisa and I wrapped around her finger.  I think one of the top moments for me was last month, on a Sunday, Nora was waking up and calling out "mamamamama" since Lisa is the one who usually gets her out of her crib, but the weekends are my turn.  So I get up, walk into her room, she sees me, and says "dadadadadada".  It was pretty cool.  Nora has just got a hold of the walking thing and when she walks toward me with a big smile and I know she's smiling because she see me, and in that moment, I get it.  I get why people love their children so much, and all that joy it's supposed to bring.  Nora cries and she calls to me because she knows I'm only one of a few people in this world who can make her feel better just by holding her.  It's a great feeling.  Sure I hate the poopy diapers, the 3am wake-up calls, and her constant need to touch everything she's not supposed to touch, but the good stuff is what it's all about.  Plus it's an excuse to buy really cute clothes of your favorite sports teams.  The way I figure it once I get her walking good and potty trained she can just stop growing.  Then the worst is behind me.......right?

One of my old friends is about to welcome his first child into this world soon so here are some helpful hints I've learned in the last year I hope helps out him or anyone who needs it.

1) Get a TV and DVD player in the nursery.  When it was 3am feeding time for Nora I'd get up and change her diaper.  Then I'd hand her off to Lisa, turn on Netflix, and then go back to bed because there wasn't much more I could do.  Estimated time awake : 10 minutes.

2) Always ask, "what do you need."  It's kind of like asking "how was your day," 90% of the time you'll get a short answer and be off the hook, and the other 10% of the time it'll be a long answer or you'll have to actually do something.  Better change that 10% to 50% too.

3)  Don't be frustrated if she doesn't drink a bottle well at first. Remembering, who would prefer a plastic nipple when they're used to a real one?

4) Learn the theme songs to PBS shows, they help during a crisis.  

5) Find a comfortable spot on the couch you can sleep while holding the baby who is sleeping.  Corners are great, and you can get quite a bit of "your TV time" in that way.

6) As she gets older, keep her feeding and nap schedules around the same time every day.  Everyone wins there!

7) The one cabinet you didn't child-proof is the one she will be obsessed with.

8) Get used to the floor.  Sitting with her is a good way to keep her from crawling away, and if you lay down on the floor with her pacifier in your mouth she'll charge at you like a bull.

9) Embrace toys being everywhere.  At some point you just don't bother picking them up, you just push them to one corner at the end of each night.

10) Keep Momma fed and rested and she will do the same for baby.  Seriously, do not piss off a hormonal new mom.  

Barry Allen's TV 'Rebirth' I Hope Will Spark More!

For months now I have been anticipating the return of Barry Allen to television.  The character last appeared on the small screen in 1991, played by John Wesley Shipp, in the short-run TV series The Flash.  The reviews of Grant Gustin's portrayal of the character have been so good that Arrow creators, and Warner Bros executives, are moving forward with another Flash TV series.  If you saw last night's, or last week's, episode of Arrow you're probably just as excited as I am for this series to getting running. Running; get it?  So how did I feel Gustin played one of my top 5 comic book characters?  Well, I'm glad you asked.

Last night's episode of Arrow titled 'Three Ghosts' left me jolting with excitement.  And yes, I'm going to continue the puns through this whole entry. WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!  At the end of the episode Barry leaves Starling City after helping Oliver and his crew take down their villain of the week.  Barry also leaves Oliver with a parting gift; a green mask.  This takes the place of his green eye make-up and also takes Oliver one step closer to looking like the hero from the comics.  Personally I can't wait for the goatee! But more importantly, at the end, we saw Barry in the Central City crime lab.  He was watching the coverage of the new particle accelerator when lighting strikes him, and some chemicals, just as the accelerator was activated.  We're left with Barry unconscious on the floor, and looking a little electric.

 When Gustin was cast as Barry Allen it was said that he would guest star in three episodes this season on Arrow, with the third episode possibly leading to his own Flash TV spin-off.  Later it was reported that everyone loved Gustin's performance so much that they're skipping the third episode and putting Flash on the fast track.  Hence, the mid-season ending we all geeked-out over and I will probably watch a few more times just for kicks.

As far as Gustin's performance I was very pleased with it.  I could go through and nit-pick it, like how he seemed a little more upbeat and talkative while 'pre-Flash' Barry Allen was more quiet and reserved.  But the core of the character was there.  Barry was a morale-do-gooder who thinks the world needs more heroes.  He was young and wore Chuck Taylors, and that made the character seem more endearing to me.  It shows that Barry has a long marathon ahead of learning about himself, his powers, and how to be a hero; and in a television show we should all be in it for the long-haul.  My favorite part of the 2-part Barry Allen episodes has been the treatment of Nora Allen's death.  It has been exactly like it is in the comic books.  Proving his father's innocence is what drove Barry to be in that exact lab, at that exact time, and I hope somewhere down the line, say season 5 of the Flash TV series, we get that mystery solved just like in the comic books!

 Meanwhile, a casting call went out last week for Iris West and her father, a police officer.  This struck some worries for me, not because it called for African-American actors, but that it said Iris and her dad take in Allen after his mother's murder and grew-up with Iris.  Iris is the love of Barry's life.  This should not be a Dawson/Joey relationship!  That should be Barry and Patty.  Iris should be someone introduced in the first episode and slowly progress.  I don't like the way that looks, but I'll wait till I hear more to totally freak out.

So by next year we will have Barry and Oliver on TV. So who's missing from this trio; Hal Jordan.  In the comics, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are known as the 'Trinity'.  They work together the most, they're the most powerful, and trust each other the most.  I've always thought of Green Arrow, The Flash, and Green Lantern as DC's '2nd Trinity'.  Although I know a Green Lantern TV series would be waaaaaaaaay to expensive to make maybe they can tone GL down a bit.  Hal has a ring, alien's show up from time-to-time, and not so much with Hal going into outer space.  This is just wishful thinking on my part.  But how awesome would be a Hal Jordan, 2-part crossover, from Arrow to the Flash TV series, be?

 So there you have kids.  My thoughts on Barry Allen's return to television.  I hope several things come from this.  I hope we get to see John Wesley Shipp guest star in the new Flash TV series, maybe as Barry's dad?  I hope they bring in Wally West at some point like Arrow has brought in Roy Harper.    I hope the Rogue's are awesome and I can't wait to see Professor Zoom.  I hope Barry's costume looks as bad ass as Shipp's was. And I really hope DC/Warner Bros leaves the '2nd Trinity' on the small screen because I'm loving this a lot more than how they are f%cking up on the big screen!

My Little Rugrats

Yesterday Nora was officially 10 months old.  Every month seems to be a different adjustment as she learns new things.  She is crawling now, and for the life of me I can't seem to keep her out of the kitchen or keep track of her.  Soon she'll be walking then I'll really be in trouble.  The other day I thought about how the parents on Rugrats had trouble keeping track of their kids.  Rugrats used to be one of my favorite cartoons when I was a kid, but by the time the movies and the "All Grown Up" series came out I too was too grown up.  

With having a hard time wrangling Nora I see her curiosity, bravery, and her bald head, and it makes me think of Tommy Pickles. 

If Nora is Tommy then that puts my favorite big guy as Tommy's cousin; Angelica.  For several years Logan was the first and only child, with five adults waiting on his every need.  This made him a little spoiled and gave him a little temper when he doesn't get his way.  He sometimes is jealous of the babies, but somehow always tries to find a way to bring the attention back to him.

 Of course this all makes Amelia Tommy's best pal, Chucky.  Chucky always seems to be tense and always gives a disapproving look to whatever Tommy is about to do.  Amelia isn't as big and loud as her cousin and being a few months behind sometimes can be over-shadowed.  I have a feeling Nora is going to be leading Amelia into trouble her whole childhood.

These are my little rugrats and I love them all to death.  I love wrestling with Logan, I love making Amelia smile, and I love every different expression Nora makes.  I may not be a toy inventor but sometimes I feel just as unprepared as Stew about his child growing up.  But I'd like to thank Rugrats for helping me understand what is going on in their little baby minds!