Movies To Watch: Summer 2014 Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!  No, it’s not Christmas.  It’s almost time for the summer blockbuster season!  Every summer Hollywood fills our theaters with high budget, high action, films that make us all get out of the pool and sit in a cold theater for several hours.  Ever since I was a boy I’ve loved going to see these types of films.  In fact, they’re the only ones I see nowadays. 

I don’t really go see a lot of movies in the theater anymore.  Somewhat do to my availability, but mainly due to the fact that it’s just so damn expensive.  I mean, $15 for an evening show, another $10 for snacks at least, and this is if I go myself and not bring my wife.  Also, when I watch a movie I want to sit and enjoy it.  I don’t want some dumb teenagers making jokes the whole time, or have to sit all the way in the back, or front, just because everyone else thinks their uber-fans even though they haven’t ever seen or read the original source material.  In my old age it’s just becoming a pain to go to the theaters.

I save my money for the action and fantasy films.  The films that are meant to be seen on a big screen.  A drama or comedy will be just as good watching it in my quiet living room, maybe even better because I can watch it while drinking a beer and wearing my pajamas.  Sure I have to wait a little longer to get from Redbox or the library, but I don’t mind waiting a few extra months for movies I’m only mildly interested in. 

With that being said, listed below are the films I’m thinking about going to see this summer.  All of them should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me, or anyone who knows what the most anticipated films are being released between May and August.  I don’t know if I’ll have the time to see them all, but these are all ones I would recommend checking out just based on what I've seen from trailers, word of mouth, etc.  I’m either MAYBE going to see a film, I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT, or it’s A MUST-SEE.

Captain America: The Winter Solider (April 4)

Early screenings of this film have created even more of a buzz that it already had.  I have a feeling an April release date gives Marvel Studios the advantage seeing how no other big contender will open till May.  Or perhaps, like Christmas, the summer blockbusters just get released earlier and earlier every year.

In this sequel to 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger, and I guess technically The Avengers, Steve Rogers is fighting crime by working with S.H.I.E.L.D. to take down bad guys in a modern world he doesn’t quite understand.  When the mysterious Winter Soldier comes out to cause chaos Captain America must step up to take down this global threat alongside Black Widow, Nick Fury, and Falcon.

This is probably my #1 movie to see this year; and I’m a much bigger X-Men fan than Captain America fan.  Marvel Studios has just blown me away at how they are treating their heroes.  They know what works, they know what loyal readers love about the characters, and then they apply that to a mass audience, and it makes billions of dollars!  I love the cast, I love the original story, and everything I’ve seen or heard about this film leaves me drooling to see it.  It’s being called the best Marvel movie yet.  If Scarlet Johansson gets naked it’s got my vote for best movie of the decade!

STATUS:  MUST-SEE

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (May 2)

I’ve never been a big Spider-Man fan.  That title I left to my brother.  I’ve always been X-Men & Superman, and he’s always been Spider-Man & Batman.  I like the character, I see his appeal, and I think the first 2 Spider-Man films by Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire are still some of the best comic book/superhero films ever made.  When I heard Sony was rebooting the franchise less than 10 years since the original Spider-Man movie came out I thought it was a big mistake. 

As I sat in the theater watching The Amazing Spider-Man I was bored because I had already seen all the origin stuff done, and recently.  Plus Andrew Garfield looked no different than his bully; Flash Thompson.  But the action was cool, they got some of Spider-Man’s quirks right, and Kristen Dunst was no where to be seen.  So it was ok I guess. 

This film is kicking off Sony’s attempt to do a Spider-Man Cinematic Universe like Warner Bros and Fox are attempting to do with their properties because they’ve seen how well its worked for Marvel.  Since the Spider-Man properties are mainly villains they’ll be villain films, maybe even a Blackcat film, and definitely a Venom.  But Blackcat and Venom may be the only two I think will work, especially if they go with the current Venom; Flash Thompson.  Check it out.

Anyway, this sequel sees Garfield spinning webs again with Emma Stone has his leading lady.  There are heavy rumors that Stone’s character, Gwen, dies in this film like she does in the comics and makes way for Mary Jane in the 3^rd film.  I think I speak for everyone when I say, who cares.  Just shows us some bad ass villains like Electro, Rhino, and Green Goblin.  Meanwhile tease to us all the other villains you’ll do later.  I do think the action in this film will look great on the big screen and in 3-D.

STATUS:  I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT

Godzilla (May 16)

I still remember seeing the Matthew Broderick version in theaters when I was twelve.  At the time I thought it was cool, just like at one time I thought Batman and Robin was cool.  Boy, was I a dumb kid.  It looked more like a bad offspring of Jurassic Park than the classic Godzilla movies my dad watched. 

The giant reptile is back and accompanied by a great cast that includes Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Olsen; the good Olsen actress.  I’ve never been a big fan of Godzilla but the hint that Godzilla may face not 1, but 2 other monsters in the film has definitely peaked my interest.  The trailer makes it look cool and I love watching me some cities being destroyed digitally.  Unless it’s over excessive and pointless.  Yes, I’m talking to you Zach Snyder!

STATUS: MAYBE

X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23)

I remember when I was young my brother and I would watch the X-Men animated series on Saturday mornings and then my dad would take us to the comic book store where I would buy the latest issue of X-Men.  To this day I would say I’m a big of X-Men fan over anything else, except maybe Star Wars.  That’s why I have been so pissed and disappointed about how Fox has treated the X-Men property.  Aside from the first 2 X-Men films and The Wolverine I have found them all to be atrocious.  Though, 3 out of 6 ain’t bad I guess.

I could not be more happy that Bryan Singer has returned to the world of mutant to direct one of the greatest X-Men story lines ever told.  I know it won’t be much like the original Days of Future Past story but I’m just happy to see cast members that I love return after years of being gone and maybe correcting some of the mistake Brett Ratner made in X3: The Last Stand; namely trying to end this franchise by killing every important character in the X-Men universe.

In the original plot Kitty Pryde gets sent back to her younger body to stop an assassination that will hurt not only the mutant community but the rest of the world as well.  Of course the X-film star, Wolverine, goes back instead of Kitty, but, I expected this so I’ll let it slide.  This is also technically a sequel to X-Men: First Class so most of that cast is back, the good ones at least, minus Havok.  Don’t get me started on how the Summers family has been screwed over with their live-action interpretations.

With a sequel, X-Men:Apocalypse, already planned I think this franchise may be heading back in the right direction, especially with Singer back at the helm.  Now the question is how long before Hugh Jackman stops playing Wolverine?  If only he had a healing factor like Logan so he could play this character forever.

STATUS: MUST-SEE

Maleficent (May 30)

Angelina Jolie stars in this highly anticipated film based off of the classic Disney film; Sleeping Beauty.  Jolie stars as the villain of the original story, but something tells me like Wicked and the Star Wars prequels, their used to be a good person inside of her and a good story has to how that good person turned bad. 

My wife is a big Sleeping Beauty fan so she’s excited to see this film, and I think it looks like Jolie will give a good performance.  So if my wife wants to see it bad enough I guess I’ll go.  If not, I can wait for Redbox.

STATUS: MAYBE

Transformers: Age of Extinction (June 27)

When the first Transfomers film came out I walked out of the theater hoping my 1990 Jeep Wrangler would turn into a giant robot in front of my eyes.  It didn’t happen, but it was one hell of a film!  It recaptured the fun of the 1980’s cartoon series and re-spawned the toy franchise. Shia LeBeouf was a great lead and Megan Fox was so hot.  Then the sequel came out it sucked!  They tried take everything good about the first film and intensified it 10x and it sucked.  Transformers: Dark of the Moon was also not as good as the 1^st film, but leagues above the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.  Now Michael Bay is back at it to satisfy all those Paramount executives who want to squeeze more milk out of a dry cow.

It’s a whole new cast in this film as Mark Wahlberg finds the remains of what appears to be Optimus Prime.  The government shows up at his door, who appear to be sour on all Cybertronians after the battle in Chicago.  Lucky for the humans the Autobots are still around because the Decepticons are also back, and well, I’m sure you can imagine the rest.

This is all just what we know based in the first trailer released.  Optimus Prime looks more bad ass than ever and I’m still waiting for my favorite Autobot, Hot Rod, to make his live-action debut.  If you don’t know who Hot Rod is watch the 1986 animated movie, then come ask me for the soundtrack; it’s awesome.

STATUS: I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (July 11)

A re-vamp of this franchise has worked out great.  I never got my dad’s obsession with these "damn dirty apes" but after all the buzz I heard about Rise of the Planet of the Apes I had to check it out, and it was sweet!  It also freaked the hell out of me.  The apes looked so real and Andy Serkis should have got some kind of Oscar nomination for bringing Caesar to live so wonderfully.  I actually didn’t feel bad when the apes started attacking people.

I don’t know much about the sequel.  It seems that it takes place years later and a plague has threatened mankind.  Now it’s all-out-war between the remaining humans and Caesar’s growing ape army.  Given the high caliber of the first film I have high hopes for this one.  But if I see it in theater I may need my mommy there to hold my hand.  Seriously, those apes really freaked me out.

STATUS: MAYBE

Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1)

These last few months I keep getting the same question, “who are the Guardians of the Galaxy?”  Up until last year I didn’t even really know who they were, except that Marvel Studios was making their next film about the GotG.  So I went and read up on the Guardians and what I found was great!  The 2008 comics series was full of action, laughs, and great characters.  I can see why Kevin Feige wanted to make the film and now I've spent my time trying to educate everyone I know about GotG. 

Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, and his band of criminal misfits roam the galaxy causing trouble for an intergalactic tyrant named Ronan.  Quill is in possession of an orb that Ronan plans in use to harm everyone so it’s up to Star-Lord and his crew to keep it safe and do something good…for once.

I was hoping this film would be good, and after seeing the trailer my hopes are now even higher.  This looks like it’ll be a great story, with a great cast lead by Chris Pratt.  This film is full of well-known actors and soon-to-be well known characters.  If Marvel strikes gold again with this unknown property I think they should send Warner Bros a special copy labeled 'Suck It.'  At least that’s what I would do if I was Kevin Feige.

STATUS: MUST-SEE

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (August 8)

It’s no secret that I have watched a lot of TV and movies in my time.  I mean A LOT! And in my childhood there are two cartoons that I hold as 'sacred.'  Thundercats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hold a special place in my heart and anyone who f*cks them up, like maybe director Jonathan Liebesman, will fall under the same disdain that I have for Brett Ratner and now Zach Snyder.

I remember going on opening night to see the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie.  We had to sit all the way in the back, the theater was crowded, and it was "radical."  I own that movie on blu-ray, despite my wife’s curiosity as to why.  The Turtles represent some of my best childhood memories; Halloween costumes, birthday parties, Christmas toys.  All of these things the Turtles played a huge part of.

We have yet to see a trailer from this new film but set pictures and the designs for the toys have been released and so far I am unimpressed.  I know things have to be updated to change with the times, but these Turtles look like crap!  Read the IDW comic series, see how the Turtles are still relevant while being classic, and then get back to me.  Come on Mr. Liebsman, pull your head out of your ass!

STATUS:  MAYBE

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (August 22)

I’ve never read a Sin City comic, and I didn’t even see the first film in theaters.  But once I did see it I was blown away by the style and story of it all.  I forgot who Mickey Rourke was, and forget The Wrestler, his role as Marv is his best ever.  It was a unique film with cool guys and hot dames.  I for one am looking forward to seeing what Mr. Rodriguez has brought us this time because the trailer looks pretty sweet.

Speaking of Robert Rodriguez, he occasionally comes into my place of business in Austin and last time I was lucky enough to help him and his son.  He was on the phone talking about a pre-screening.  My mind immediately thought it was Sin City to which he spoke of.  I played it cool and acted like he was just another customer.  I should have asked if I could be on set the next time Jessica Alba is in her Nancy costume; damn.

STATUS:  I WOULD LIKE TO CHECK IT OUT

5 Questions, 3 Seasons, and 1 Iron Throne!

I didn't sleep much last night.  I kept thinking about this morning and how excited I was to wake-up at 7am on a Sunday.  Today was the day I waited months for.  It was the day I finally sat on the Iron Throne of Westeros!  The Game of Thrones Exhibition has traveled to several cities throughout the world and I am lucky enough to live in one of those cities.  I must really credit the South by Southwest Film Festival; because without it being such a big deal no one would ever have thought to bring it to Austin, TX.  We don't even have a professional sports team.  

I walked up to the Austin Music Hall this morning with a giant 'Game of Thrones' banner hanging on the side of it.  I was immediately thrilled, and also shocked to see that about fifty people or more were already in line before the doors even opened on a chilly Sunday morning.  Once inside we were all immersed in our wildest fantasies.  We saw costumes, props, and a memoriam to all those already killed during the first three seasons of the show. There was a virtual experience where you rode to the top of The Wall as cold air blew at your belly.  And of course, the Iron Throne was for everyone to sit on if you had the time to wait in line.  Once I sat my buttock down it felt more like plastic than iron to me, and with other people anxiously waiting there turn it was hard to fully enjoy the moment.  But it still makes a good damn picture. 

 All this did was get me more excited to watch season 4 next month when it premieres.  I'm not the type of person to read all the books.  I like to be surprised and be held in suspense while watching the show.  So after each book has been aired in the TV series I then read the book.  Unfortunately the third book is broken up into the 3rd and 4th season so I'm going to have to wait a bit before reading A Storms of Swords.  In any event, I'm psyched for the new season to begin.  And as the interactive viewer that I am I've come up with 5 questions I hope get answered with this season, or before the series is done.

#1) Where is Arya's direwolf, Nymeria?

At the beginning of the series all the Stark children were given direwolves by their father.  The direwolf is the sigil of the Stark House and was seen as a good omen. When Robb Stark died his direwolf, Grey Wind, was killed.  Sansa Stark's direwolf, Lady, was killed by her father; a sacrifice made for Nymeria biting Joffrey and then running off, or chased off, by Arya.  

I love these direwolves.  They are faithful, lovable, killer, best friends for the Starks.  Every one of the direwolves have come in handy and I refuse to believe that the last we see of Nymeria is her running off. I believe Nymeria will return at some point to save Arya, or one of the other Starks.  The ones that are left at least. 

 

#2) Will Cersei actually marry Sir Loras?

In season 3, Tywin Lannister saw the Tyrells make a play of power which he gladly answered back with by trying to wed his son, Tyrion, and his daughter, Cersei.  Tyrion is now married to Sansa Stark with Tywin's hope that it will secure the North for them.  The widow of Robert Baratheon , Cersei, is now set to wed Laros Tyrell just as his sister is set to marry Joffrey and become Queen.  Cersei has stated her displeasure with this decision and believes she can get out of.  Given what I've seen of her character so far I believe her.

My theory is that she is going to have him killed.  This of course will upset the Tyrells and then Kings Landing will all start to fall apart.  Plus, Cersei's brother, and lover, Jaime, is back home now.  So is he just going to let his sister/love marry some boy for his father's political gain?  Plus we all know Loras plays for the other team; if you know what I mean.  I think he'd be happier wedding Jaime than Cersei.

#3) Will Jaime keep his promise and free Sansa?

Something weird happened in season 3 of Game of Thrones; I actually started to like Jaime Lannister.  In fact, in season 3 I started to not hate all the Lannisters, except Joffrey of course.  I saw things from their point of view.  Tywin is trying to secure his families power and legacy and Cersei is just trying to protect her children and herself in this man's world.  

When Catelyn Stark released Jaime she did so on the condition that the Lannister's free her daughters.  Before Jaime left Brienne for Kings Landing, but later came back for her, he promised to help Sansa.  Now that Jaime is back will he make good on his word?  From the season 4 trailers it looks like Jaime Lannister might not be the asshole he was when he left Kings Landing.  This could put him at odds with his sister, father, and everyone he is supposed to be loyal too.

#4)  When will we see Jon Snow's mother?

As Ned Stark was about to part ways with his bastard son, Jon Snow, he vowed he would tell him about his mother next time they met.  Ned Stark was beheaded at Kings Landing before Jon or we found out the origin of Jon's mother.  The reason I'm so interested in her is because this is a woman who made the most noble man in the Realm, Ned Stark, break his marriage vows to Catelyn.  This must have been one hell of a woman!  I think at some point Jon's mother will play a role, just as Jon's part in the story gets bigger and bigger.

#5) When will Daenerys Targaryen reach Westeros?

This 'War of Kings' seems to be coming to an end.  Robb Stark and Renly Baratheon are dead.  Stannis Baratheon has lost a major battle and is trying to regroup.  Meanwhile, Balon Greyjoy is just trying to keep a hold on the North.  It seems Joffrey, or rather Tywin, has almost won.  But we all know it's meaningless.  The Wildlings and White Walkers are coming from the North.  Daenerys Targaryen, along with her army and dragons, are coming from the east; but when?  Will she arrive before the war is over?  She's been heading that way for over two years now. Will she arrive just as the White Walkers do?  Will we have several wars going on at the same time? Who will Daenerys spare when her dragons unleash their fire? 

There is a lot that could come to head at the same time, and if it does it'll be chaos in Westeros.  I am looking forward to it!  It's what keeps the show exciting and what has created legions of fans around the world.  Fans who line-up at 8am on a Sunday morning when it's 30 degrees outside.  

Of course my favorite family is the Starks; mainly because I can relate to them.  They come from a land of honor and civility towards your neighbor; basically describes growing up in the Midwest.  I also have a father who tries to do the right thing so much it can get him into sticky situations.  And also, there are people who live farther north than I grew-up that laugh at how much I think I can withstand the cold.  I feel the same way about people in Texas.  Just remember: The North Will Never Forget!  

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.