Is The Flash DC’s Most Valuable Asset?

As tiresome as the debate between who is ‘winning’ between Marvel and DC and their property’s transition to forms of media other than comic books is, the differing approach that they have is an interesting one. For a long time DC owned the big screen. Richard Donner’s Superman films were met with applause and Christopher Reeve, to this day, is recognised as the true on-screen Superman. The late eighties brought about Tim Burton’s Batman and regardless of personal opinions on the film, it created a wave in comic book movies. It was in the nineties and early 00s that Marvel ushered in a world of film adaptations, and though most fell short of audience’s vision, they brought us a step closer. A step closer to today; Marvel Studios’ shared universe of billionaires, monsters and patriots. DC however put their foot on the brakes for a while, seemingly testing the waters with Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Nolan gave audiences excellent films that broke the misconceptions of what a comic book film could be. But fans wanted more, as always, and that led to the cries for further heroes and a similarly shared film-verse as Marvel’s. Man of Steel kick-started it and the Batman/Superman sequel, due for release in 2016, looks to further that. The question on everyone’s mind though, is what of their other characters? Marvel’s assault on cinema goers with countless films already under their belt and many more due for release, leaves audiences debating what exactly can DC do that separates them from Marvel and if they have an original formula to stop copycat comparisons?

I’m not here to suggest how DC can do all of that and I’m not attempting to coach someone on how to do as good a job as Kevin Feige has at Marvel Studios. It isn’t something I think one man with a laptop can do and to be honest, something I don’t want to tackle… But if there is one thing DC does have, and that I feel the need to talk about, it is that they have a character unlike any of Marvel’s: The Flash.

It is rare that in close to a century both companies have characters incredibly unique to each other. There are similarities between a lot of their heroes and villains but each have certain characters that define their company. The Flash is one those characters. A hero with, on paper, a basic ability; super speed. He is most likely, though up for debate, the fastest character in almost every form of media but the imagination of many writers have brought about genius uses for that ability. From phasing through walls due to vibrating at incredible speeds, creating miniature tornadoes and even time travelling; I am only touching upon a minute set of skills. With today’s technology and advancement in CGI, those abilities can be displayed on the big screen in magnificent glory. Of course film should not always be about special effects but these are important to making audiences believe that a man can break the sound barrier, much like the effects in Donner’s Superman made audiences believe that a man could fly.

A special aspect of The Flash is that his character is quite light when compared to others. Yes there have been some dark moments in the character’s past and he is by no means devoid of death and heartbreak, but it has never consumed him. He is a character that has been a grand phoenix in how the bleak moments always bring about a brighter rise. The Flash, in my opinion, remains one of the only characters that if you were to kill off the first incarnation on film, then allowing his successor to then carry the torch would be immensely successful towards a mainstream audience. Many factors from the comics are changed for the big screen but this is one that ultimately has to remain. Whether it be Barry or Wally, The Flash is all about fun and that is predominantly what comic book movies should be.

Grant Gustin as The Flash for the new 2014 show.

What, though, is it that makes The Flash truly important to DC’s cause? As already mentioned, his power of simply running fast. DC has Batman and Superman, and younger audiences love them but how relatable are they? For many young audiences they are just cool and quite often that is enough but in some instances you need a character that can bring another dimension. Marvel have Spider-Man who has a side to him that audiences can connect. The Flash is exactly that. He may run faster than the speed of light, but he still simply runs. Imagine a young audiences reaction to seeing a guy save the day all because he could run. And that is without introducing a young Kid Flash sidekick. This is why The Flash remains DC’s most valuable asset and one that they really must capitalise on.

The advantageous aspect of film and TV that they currently possess is that come next fall, The Flash TV show will be launching and it will grant insight into how audiences will react to such a character. The real test however, is how much do DC want to be involved in capitalising on a younger market much like Marvel have done with the Avengers.

True Detective: A Fancast for Season Two

The evolution of television is not particularly a surprising one, especially where technology is concerned, but in terms of progression of quality and admiration, the televised format of entertainment is right now at a level never seen before. Awards for film remain a distinct honour, but the attention that sways the way of television is somewhere that most audiences would not have predicted less than a decade ago. Quality is perhaps not the defining factor as it has always been present, budget aside, but the amount of actors and actresses willing to engage in both Hollywood and televised material has taken a monumental leap. The term ‘tv actor’ remains but as opposed to previous ideals where television was looked down upon from A-list perspectives, many have transitioned to the weekly schedule of episodic viewing.
HBO’s True Detective is but yet another step towards blurring the lines between what is classified as ‘Hollywood’. With the first season coming to an end on Sunday, sure questions and debates have arisen as to who should and could be cast for the second season. It is not to be considered a spoiler to recognise that cast members Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey are not returning, as the show is an anthology format. So with what looks to be a probable Emmy-award winning show, just who might be interested in appearing for the second season? Here are my dream castings (within reason).

Casey Affleck and Ray Liotta
There are those who likely still tag Casey Affleck as Ben Affleck’s brother. They would be silly to, of course, as he is a standout actor with an Academy Award nomination to his name. Whereas not much needs to be said regarding Ray Liotta; a handful of police/detective roles to his name already stand him in good stead. What could bring about a great chemistry between both actors is seeing someone like Liotta play a straight-laced detective rather than the rule bending cop that some know him as. With Liotta handling a veteran by the book detective, Casey Affleck’s character can fully embrace the role that the actor portrayed in Gone Baby Gone. As opposed to the private investigator from said film, Affleck can bring forth those maverick detective skills and natural instincts but driven within the confines of the law. All you need then is for the two men to bounce their ideals off of each other.

Don Cheadle and Jeff Goldblum
Something about this partnership doesn’t seem right, but at the same time, the feeling of it being perfect overwhelms that doubt. Okay, so technically I just wanted to drop a Goldblomb on proceedings with his zany bravado stinking out the crime scenes and Cheadle’s detective showing understanding but disdain for his partner’s fake lackadaisical outlook. With both characters acting in such a way, on the outside, it allows both to grow in an interesting direction. Have them work a case that brings out their inner demons and true beliefs. Reveal the mechanics of why they work together and then shape that to the story’s focus and case. Though Cheadle could be a difficult catch as he is busy filming his role for the next Avengers film, but he would be a goldmine if cast.

Maggie Gyllenhaal and John Leguizamo
Basically, if I could cast any female actress for the next season, regardless of cost or schedules, Maggie Gyllenhaal would be my number one choice. She is an outstanding actress who has still not been fully realised by the mainstream audiences. Outside of Gyllenhaal I struggled with who to place her with based on three other candidates; Sam Rockwell, Jeff Bridges and, as listed, John Leguizamo. Rockwell had a stellar 2013 and should have received more recognition for The Way Way Back, and I think he could be a difficult casting. Jeff Bridges would form tv brilliance with Maggie Gyllenhaal, acting as a mentor of sorts but even with the flop of R.I.P.D. his switch to tv is unlikely. It is hard to imagine Jeff Bridges ever having a clean schedule. That is not to say Leguizamo is not in demand, but the dynamic of this pairing could work so well. It is an unlikely pairing, yes, but nevertheless, the thought of it is intriguing.

I didn’t want to cram this post with full descriptive pairings, so instead here is a list of other partnerships and castings that I feel could work for season two:

Aaron Eckhart and Guy Pearce

Michael Shannon and Hillary Swank

Kate Winslet and Jessica Chastain (unrealistic but holy cow would that be thrilling television)

Idris Elba and a cardboard cut out of himself (Just kidding)

Anyway, it would be great to hear some other potential partnerships from anyone reading this. I know for certain I have missed, forgotten or not even recognised a host of great selections. Hit me up on wherever we chat, or publicly insult me on the twitters, whatever makes you tick.
@JakeUtd

Transformers: Age of Extinction – What can we expect?

 

 

 A few years back, many were of the thought that Michael Bay was about to complete filming on his latest and final Transformers movie. Dark of the Moon was an end to a trilogy that had both gained and lost fans a long its Bot-crammed journey to Splosionville. There was hollow celebrations throughout the internet, fans thankful that their childhood was no longer being destroyed. Dramatisation aside, the box office numbers suggested otherwise and it was clear that the franchise would carry on without Bay. Skip forward to 2014 and we now have a new entry in the film franchise,  and Michael Bay once again helming the latest sequel to which excitement appears half-muted.

The lines between excitement and disdain are as black and white as Decepticons are to Autobots, but what can we really expect from Transformers: Age of Extinction?

A Different World

Age of Extinction continues the Earthly presence of the previous films but whilst watching the trailer, you cannot help but feel that the Earth we are returning to is far different from the one we left in Dark of the Moon. In one of the opening shots we get a glimpse of a billboard message mentioning the events in Chicago… it is only a short shot but for a series like the Transformer films, it is a more subdued touch. The films are more known for heavy handed approaches to heartfelt moments and even heavier attempts at comedy. Bay doesn’t do subtle, so this was an eye catcher in terms of how much Chicago’s destruction may come in to play. Judging from the rest of the trailer, the world is a bit more than hesitant towards Cybertronians, Autobots included. Though that could also be a form of misdirection as we only receive this knowledge from the two antagonistic human characters featured; Stanley Tucci’s Joshua and Kelsey Grammar’s Attinger. The main worry is that we are encroaching on known territory.

Autobot Exile

The first glimpse of an Autobot in the trailer came from what appears to be a broken down Optimus Prime. Whether Optimus’ situation comes about from voluntary exile or a simple detriment of being an organic mechanical being remains to be seen. As can be heard in the trailer, the world no longer feels a need to have the Autobots parading around on Earth anymore, however the trailer provides more questions than answers. Optimus is seemingly rebooted by Mark Wahlberg’s character which could be the result of Optimus shutting down due to a lack of Energon to keep his systems working. It is uncharted territory for the films and could add an interesting element that the franchise needs to keep it fresh. Of course this element would be gone within a short amount of time but it could highlight the sacrifices that the Autobots have made in order to stay and protect us. The more likely explanation though is that Optimus has simply ‘died’. Death is an absolute term but, in truth, used rather loosely in Transformers lore… Most recently in IDW’s comic book series, titled ‘Death of Optimus Prime’, Optimus left Cybertron as the planet no longer needed him. The situation for Optimus coinciding with humanity’s treatment of the Autobots, seems likely a similar reason for his current predicament.

Chinese Influences

Evident in the trailer is the use of a new locale. China, the new location, being just another foreign landscape for the Transformers to battle on, is also an influence in the new robotic style for the Autobots. Human cast members have already been touted as members of the ‘Chinese Transformers’ which begs the question, are they now working under new political allegiances? With a new look to the Autobots, it makes most sense for it to be a type of new ID. Bumblebee is clearly a prominent member of the Autobots and known throughout the world, so with him being on the end of an American hate campaign, a new design allows him to appear as, almost, someone new. It’s a reach and not entirely believable, but Transformers has always been about suspension of disbelief and just having a rollicking good time.

Enemies

One of the story aspects that the previous three films have done well is the Decepticon threat. Not without faults, the films have always brought about a bigger threat and sometimes a more deceiving threat. These are Decepticons after all, so deception is perfectly in their nature. Dark of the Moon did tremendously well at killing off almost every Decepticon (sigh) and most attribute that to Bay wanting to tie everything up thinking he may not return to the franchise, but if there is one thing that Transformers lore has always given the fans, it’s a large stable of villainy. Galvatron looks to be rearing his head this time… a remade Megatron who carries out the monstrous Unicron in the original series, however it would not be a surprise if Galvatron turns out to be a product of humans meddling with Cybertronian tech in this iteration. Tucci’s Joshua is quoted as being interested in building his own Transformers and the small look at Galvatron from the trailer (identified from the toy release) looks far too clean and sleak for a Decepticon design. Decepticons have an almost dirty look to them, which matches with their rebellion role in Cybertron’s demise. As well as Galvatron, it appears that Lockdown, a more recent addition to Transformer-verse is making his mark, a mark that going by the trailer, is right through Optimus’ chest. Although I am not clued in on Lockdown all that much (he debuted in 2007’s Transformers: Animated) and acts as a rogue bounty hunter. Shots of Lockdown from the trailer are probably the most exciting; his face transforming into a gun? The homage to Megatron’s original gun transformation is so prevalent (and appreciated).

Crosshairs. Latest addition to the Autobot team.

Dinobots

Fans finally have their wish granted. The Dinobots are making an appearance and while some may say it is too late, their inclusion could galvanise a franchise that core fans might just be close to giving up on. Grimlock is a fan favourite, and for good reason. His penchant for battle keyed with his caveman like dialogue is always entertaining (“Me Grimlock. Me no like you *proceeds to bash enemy*). Though the trailer reveals a larger looking Grimmy than what is normally known, which in some corners of the internet is sure to be cooking up a storm but I guess we can’t have everything? The other Dinobots are also announced as taking part in the latest outing, but unfortunately, Slag continues the more politically correct name of Slug. One important aspect of the Dinobots’ inclusion is as to how they first appear… In original G1 canon, they are created by the Autobots to combat the Decepticons, however it does not look likely for that to be the case here. What with Wheeljack killed off in the third film (sad face) the Autobots are left without a scientist, and the idea of Joshua again creating them seems like a bit of an “everything on red” situation. It would be a fascinating idea for them to be long dormant after arriving billions of years prior and taking that form after scanning real dinosaurs.

Also, let’s just quit with the whole Grimlock as a bad guy idea. Right now. Please? Optimus battling Grimlock will most likely be about a challenge for superiority, and as previously known, Grimlock at first underestimates the true strength of Optimus. Eventually respecting his Autobot leader and becoming a valuable member for his allies.

No Seekers

Yep. I know… It is a sad state of affairs. Unfortunately the film franchise never seemed to care for aerial battles. Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp, I’ll always love you.

“Some might say killing me off was good for my career”

So as per the course, got anything to contribute? Hit me up on the comments section, the post that directed you here or more personally, on the twitters: @JakeUtd.

Roll out!

(Always wanted to say that with relevancy).

The Oscars: Home of the One Eighty

Each year as the Oscars draw ever closer, the talk of the town more often than not centres on the actors and actresses who are up for the highest honours that any one individual involved in Hollywood can receive. Commonly it might be how Meryl Streep is nominated for the umpteenth time, how the latest biopic brought audiences to tears or how DiCaprio still waits in the wings for that golden statue. However in the last few years, one angle that appears to be an occurrence at each annual event has stood out for me, most especially in the lead up to this year’s Academy Awards.

Actors and actresses alike are always grouped in to ‘categories’. You have the funny men, the action stars, the leading ladies who demand the audience’s attention, and even the Lotharios whose sole goal is to woo anything with a matching pair of X chromosomes. Some stick to those categories and largely form a fan base that demands the same approach with every film, but while it might be appealing for an actor or an actress to stay confined to their strongest genre, seeing one branch out and transform both critic and cinema going public’s perception is always a fascinating change-up. The career one-eighty. And with this year’s outstanding one-eighty deployed by Matthew McConaughey, here are a couple more who became something more than what audiences originally viewed them as.

Back in 2011, the Academy awarded Colin Firth with ‘Best Actor’ for his role as King George VI in The King’s Speech. In fact the Academy awarded almost everything to the film directed by Tom Hooper, but most remarkable that year was Firth’s performance. While Colin Firth has never been a bad actor or someone who the critics have been unfavourable towards, he always appeared as, very much, a British actor; one who stuck within the confines of what makes a film ‘British’. Charm offered in abundance but minus the glitz that most Hollywood flicks dish out on a silver platter. Firth was sort of the middle class rogue. His roles for the most part were lacking in relatable instances for a general male going audience but all the while appealing because of his offhand demeanour. You only need to watch Fever Pitch, a personal favourite, to be astounded by the career propulsion that Colin Firth has undergone.

Nominated the previous year for A Single Man, it was perhaps not until he stuttered the words of King George VI that audiences saw his true potential, myself included. Film watchers would not be far wrong to view Colin Firth as a current standout of British cinema and one that should be treasured.

Moving forward to 2013 and the 85th Academy Awards, there was a lot of hype surrounding a film based on true events; Argo. Some of the talk surrounded the decision to nominate it for ‘Best Picture’ but snub Ben Affleck for ‘Best Director’ while others could only speak of how Affleck had somewhat turned his career around. The early to mid 00s were a bit of a bad point for Ben Affleck, what with Gigli summing up an already torrid run of form for his films. The strange dip in his career, however, did not compliment his earlier work. The 90s were chock full of memorable roles and entertaining films. Most not Oscar-worthy but film isn’t always about that. Affleck’s role as O’Bannion in Dazed and Confused was an integral part to the story of Mitch and his friends journeying through a small coming of age tale. Afterwards he went on to become famous by way of a host of Kevin Smith films and then later receiving an Academy Award for ‘Best Original Screenplay’ for Good Will Hunting. It all sounds like he should be held in higher regard, alas 2000 brought upon lacklustre films and prying eyes where his personal life was concerned.

Nevertheless, his reinvention started in 2007 with Gone Baby Gone and then furthermore with The Town in 2010. Despite the Academy’s inability to recognise Affleck’s directorial achievement with Argo, it still managed to turn a few heads and as he accepted the award for ‘Best Picture’. The A-list room and those watching at home could feel a real sense of redemption and with the new found direction there is every chance that he will crop up again on the Academy’s stage. Let’s also not forget the man is now Batman.

As already mentioned, the inspiration for this particular blog post was the achievements of one Matthew McConaughey who essentially made the world look up and take note this past year. McConaughey is quite the puzzler, always appearing on screen as someone just trying to have a good time. His iconic lines in Dazed and Confused pretty much froze his growth as an actor for several years as he began to either be type-cast or take the roles as they came. Interestingly enough, you can still see glimpses of McConaughey’s past in his present performances but that only serves to show the untapped talent that lay in wait all those years. His presence on screen has always been a delight, but the films lacked serious conviction. His hilarious role in Tropic Thunder was bookended by roles in Fool’s Gold and Failure to Launch, typical fare that he had become famous for. Move forward to 2013 where he was portraying a runaway convict in Mud, a film harshly snubbed for a screenplay nomination, and McConaughey is almost a different actor. His approach remaining intact but the direction more focused. The award for ‘Best Actor’ as Ron Woodroof in Dallas Buyers Club is perhaps certification as to his final transition. McConaughey is now a serious player in Hollywood and with the likes of True Detective still ongoing and Interstellar from Christopher Nolan yet to be released, you can be sure that his Oscar will not be the last of his awards residing in his cabinet.

Want to discuss? Post a comment or you know, send something via pigeon mail. Or by that little blue bird on the Twitters: @JakeUtd.

Cheers for reading.

Don’t just stare at it. Read it!

Welcome. Welcome.

It has been a fairly long time since I did any blogging of note. In fact, I had a look back at my old blog and just by chance, the last time I wrote a blog it was March 2nd 2013. So yeah… basically a year. Anyway, the whole ‘scope’ of this here blog is to spurt out my opinions on the stuff that I love most, such as films and comic books. I know, I know. It is a very broad spectrum of stuff (read as sarcasm. Not a form of pompousness).

I don’t really have a whole lot to say here. It’s the mandatory first post that I am certain we all dread. Though I  figured I would drop by to say “Hey! You. Yeah you! Read this because I’m important. Look how coordinated my socks are and how that reflects how alphabetised my movie and book collection is.”

Anyhow, it would be greatly appreciated, and cool, to hear from any readers that be wandering on to here in the near or distant future to discuss subjects and the like that I post about. In the meantime, I shall leave you all with a video that aptly describes the thought process that some readers who have no idea who I am are thinking right now: