WonderCon 2010: Part 2

It's no secret that Nicolas Cage is one of those actors who always seems a little cooler than everyone else. However, at WonderCon he entered a new level of cool with two highly anticipated movies coming out.

First up is "Kick Ass" which is based on the comic book of the same name and also stars Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Clark Duke.

Cage plays Big Daddy, a real crime-fighter who works with his butt kicking daughter Hit Girl. The buzz on this film started at last year's Comic-Con, but really ramped up during WonderCon where all the stars appeared.

The movie's panel was standing room only and its booth on the exhibit hall floor had a constant stream of visitors.

Cage, a self professed nerd seemed to love the spirited response he got from the fans. He was also promoting the upcoming Jerry Bruckheimer produced, Disney film "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."

The movie is based on the sequence from "Fantasia" and stars Cage as Balthazar, a wizard with a rock star personality. Jay Baruchel co-stars as his apprentice Dave who must help him fight an evil wizard and save the world.

Balthazar is in the same vein as Jack Sparrow and has a certain level of madness that is tailor made for Cage. He freely admitted that all his characters are tinged with madness.

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice" is directed by Jon Turteltaub who has previously worked with Bruckheimer and Cage on the "National Treasure" films. By the way they're working on a script for part three, which makes me very happy since I love those movies.

I wasn't overly excited about either of these movies but after being struck by the overwhelming power of Nicolas Cage's coolness, I can honestly say I'm a lot more interested than I was before.

'24' is back

Apparently the idea of having a firm ending is all it takes to re-energize a show. It worked on "Lost" and now "24" seems to be back on track.

The announcement that this would be the last season of "24" didn't come as a surprise to anyone, however, that guarantee has freed the show of expectations and allowed it to return to its former glory.

In last night's two hour installment Jack had to rescue President Hassan, elegantly portrayed by Anil Kapoor, from the terrorists who he gave himself up to. As Jack raced through the city chasing Hassan and his kidnapper, President Taylor was dealing with the revelation that two of her trusted aides had betrayed her and committed treason.

Cherry Jones has been spectacular in the last couple of episodes and should be a lock for an Emmy nomination. The showdown scene between Taylor and Rob Weiss should go on her Emmy reel with last week's stirring speech.

And of course back at CTU the walls were closing in on Katee Sackhoff's Dana Walsh. Dana has been working with the terrorists for quite some time and it was finally time for her to be found out. After Dana went all Starbuck on some guards and shot her way out, she was captured by her fiancee Cole Ortiz (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and said she would only speak with Jack.

Once Dana negotiated her deal, Jack went to the building where Hassan was being held, while the audience was shown the terrorists internet trial of Hassan. And just when you think Jack will burst in in the nick of time, it turns out the video was pre-recorded and Hassan was already dead.

The look of failure on Jack's face resonated so heavily that I remembered what a good actor Kiefer Sutherland is. The show ended with Hassan's family being informed of his death by President Taylor and the requisite silent countdown.

Last night "24" returned to the adrenaline fueled, breathless TV that it became famous for. I can only hope that it keeps the momentum going and finishes on a high.

WonderCon 2010: Part 1

I've just gotten back from WonderCon in San Francisco and I'm full of juicy spoilers.

First up was the Geoff Johns panel where he revealed that there would be a major announcement about DC movies at Comic Con in San Diego. This was in response to a question about DC following in Marvel's footsteps and linking all their superhero movies together.

When I asked about a Wonder Woman movie, he said that he couldn't reveal anything right now. So it looks like DC will be breaking a lot of major news at Comic Con.

The next evening there was a "Brightest Day" panel where everyone who is anyone at DC appeared to discuss where the series was headed following "Blackest Night."

A few of the announcements included Gail Simone relaunching "Birds of Prey" which now features Hawk and Dove, Judd Winick doing "Justice League International" and my personal favorite a Larfleeze Christmas special.

When I pointed out to Tim that the only person missing was Grant Morrison, Tim said that he was in an undisclosed location like when the president delivers the State of the Union.

A few other interesting notes from the weekend:

• The "Kick Ass" panel was packed so it will be interesting to see if the buzz translates to box office.
• Daniel Logan from "Star Wars: Episode 2" is voicing Boba Fett in "The Clone Wars."
• I had to sit through two straight panels for horror movies and that new "Nightmare on Elm Street" is scary.
• IDW is releasing a "True Blood" comic in July at Comic-Con.

In Part two, the power of Jake Gyllenhaal's dreaminess and Nicolas Cage's overpowering coolness.

'Clash of the Titans': ...I liked Mads Mikkelsen

Yes, I did spend the 13 dollars to go see it in 3D...but it was so unnecessary. Honestly, there was nothing about the 3D that made this movie better. It would have been just fine in 2D. Watching this movie, I have in fact discovered something I don't like about any 3D movie, and that's the glasses.

Maybe it's just the ones I was wearing, but it dulled down the colors, and made it look way too dark. There were multiple times I took the 3D glasses off to see if the shot was in fact that dark, and it wasn't. That will definitely keep me from going to see a movie in 3D for a while.

With that said, I did enjoy the movie. I was actually surprised how much I did really enjoy it. Though, going into that film prepared to be disappointed I'm sure played into it. I may also be slightly bias towards Mads Mikkelsen being in the cast. I always love it when he's in an American movie. Being a Danish actor, he is not in many.

When it comes to the story, it has been immensely simplified from the original, which I think was a good choice. Although I felt the screenwriters tried a little too hard to rewrite Greek mythology and the director tired too hard to simply make it look cool. But, I was happy the story was shorter and to the point, even if they did make the Kraken the child of the wrong God. Where as Hades had little, to nothing to do in the original, here, played by Ralph Fiennes, was thrown in aimlessly. In an almost desperate attempt to create epic tension between Zeus, played by Liam Neeson, and Hades, their story feels a bit thrown in and all over the place. If the focus was kept more on Perseus, played by Sam Worthington, perhaps, it would have turned away from the "cheesy" side towards becoming a true epic fantasy.

The simple fact is, this story was never a great fantasy epic. Even the original had that "cheesy" quality too it, which is a reason it remains a classic. Although this remake is not terrible, it is entertaining and an enjoyable movie to watch, as long as you can get passed Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes trying way too hard to be "cool". And I'm not sure who made the decision for Fiennes to sound like he had an immortal cold, but it wasn't a good one. It added to the "cheesy" quality.

As for what I did like. I thought the story of Perseus, a son of Zeus who was thrown into the sea with his dead mother by the past King of Argos as revenge against the King of the Gods, is actually an improvement from the original. Basic and to the point. It has a better structure for the mythical quest of the epic hero, which gives this remake, its good and entertaining sequences.

After the fisherman's family that adopts Perseus is killed in the aftermath of an attack on soldiers of Argos led by Hades, he wishes to seek revenge. When Hades gets permission from Zeus to release his precious Kraken (who is actually a pet of Poseidon in mythology) on the city of Argos, Perseus gets his chance. Upon Hades' departure from Argos, he reveals that Perseus is a son of Zeus, a demi-god. He alone, can survive a quest in search of how to kill the Kraken and return before the Princess is sacrificed.

Eager for the quest to avenge his mortal family, Perseus leaves Argos in company of a small group of soldiers led by Draco, played by Mads Mikkelsen. It is this quest, stretching over the entire middle section of the film, that is the most well done. Draco, an experienced warrior and a man ready to rival the power of the Gods because of the early death of his daughter, is used as a mentor to Perseus. Draco teaches him not only how to fight and survive, but also, how to have faith. No matter their hatred with the Gods, Draco cannot deny Perseus' power, nor his belief in the Gods. Perseus however, refuses to use the gifts he has been born with, and continues to deny those put in his path by Zeus to make his quest easier. But through the courage and faith of Draco, Perseus finally accepts his gifts, and is able to defeat Medusa and the Kraken.

Draco's character is the really the only true quality character this film possesses, who has a clear path, progression and conclusion. He is also provided with the best dialogue in the movie. Although, most of that credit has to be passed to Mads Mikkelsen, who has always been a fine actor. And in the case of this film, is the finest among his co-stars. I know that may be surprising to say with Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes beside him, but their characters were too overwhelming and too dramatic. The writers and director tried too much to make the Gods look "too cool" that they were not given any depth or personality, and therefore, their dialogue was far too dramatic, even leaning towards melodramatic. But with Draco, he was given extra levels of dynamic personality and emotional depth because of the death of his daughter and his faith in the Gods. There is a great irony in his character that he hates the Gods but can't deny his faith in them. Because of these deeper qualities, his dialogue can be more dramatic and deep without being overwhelming and overdone with the audience.

As a side note, there was a funny homage to the original. Preparing to leave on thier quest, Perseus finds a mechanical owl on a stick. He asks Draco what it is, and is given the reply, "Don't ask." I thought it was a cute little nod to Bubo, a replica of Athena's owl companion made by Hephaestus.

Overall, it's a film that tried to live up to it's classic predecessor. Though it's no better and no worse, like the original, it has taken on that still "cheesy" quality, but will still make money, still sell, and still become a classic.

And yes, the Kraken did look EXTREMELY cool. And I'm sure my dreams tonight will be full of giant scorpions, but that's okay if Mads Mikkelsen is in it too.

FAVORITE SCENE:

Draco teaches Perseus to fight.

FAVORITE ACTION SCENE:

Fighting Medusa

FAVORITE LINES:

"If there is god in you, make sure to bring it with you. End of lesson." --Draco
"Let them say that men did this." --Draco
"If I do this, I do it as a man." --Perseus "But you are not just a man." --Draco

New episode up...

'Vampire Diaries': 'There Goes the Neighborhood'

Here goes the Vampire expert again:

With another great episode this week, episode 16 "There Goes the Neighborhood" is serving as a set up for what I assume, will be the story of the next set of episodes. Maybe for the rest of the month.

Taking a break from Elena's vampire mother storyline and Damon's grief, the triplet instead decided to try and lead a normal day. No vampires, no magic, just normal. This is the only question I have for Stefan and Elena....when are they gonna learn that their relationship is never going to be normal?

Setting up a double date with Matt and Caroline, Elena and Stefan try for a night of normalcy...but it turns out to be anything but. Meanwhile, Damon is confronted by Pearl and Anna and given a proposition: help them take over Mystic Falls, or else. With all the 1864 vampires now escaped from the tomb, most have joined Pearl in her plan. Demanding Damon to assist, he refuses, even when Pearl offers to help him find Katherine. However, after learning that Katherine was never trapped in the tomb, and could care less about Damon's obsessive love for her, he no longer wants any thing to do with her. At least, that is what he has led us, both the characters and the audience to believe. Somehow, I don't think that is going to be the case...

After almost literally getting his "ass" handed to him by Pearl, a vampire 400 years his senior, yet again Damon was being Damon, deciding to drown is sorrows in alcohol. And with only one place to do that, Damon, Jenna and Kelly start their own drinking party in the middle of Elena, Stefan, Caroline and Matt's double date. However, they are the not the only ones that are crashing the party. Two vampires from Pearl's brood disobey her wishes and travel into the Mystic Falls night.

But still...this is not the only story brewing in Mystic Falls. Researching his beliefs, Jeremy sets a trap for Anna, and finally learns the truth: Vampires exist.

On the double date, while things continue to sink between Caroline and Elena, Matt and Stefan find some common ground. Matt finally is able to tell Stefan that he approves of him being with Elena. I also have a feeling Matt is going to find out all about vampires by the end of the season. I'm feeling that with this change in his and Stefan's relationship. However, when Elena is mistaken as Katherine by one of the escaped vampires, Stefan is quick to end the date at the Mystic Grill to get her to safety. As the two couples arrive back at the boardinghouse, their party is crashed once again, by Damon and Kelly. Poor Matt, is all I have to say. After a date that went well between Matt and Stefan, and not so much between Elena and Caroline, the young man continues to be disappointed by his mother.

In a very impressive scene with his mother, Matt sets down the ground rules of what has become his house, not hers. "Do know what I was doing tonight, mom? I was having fun. Trying to forget about the crap that I deal with everyday and just enjoy a night with my friends. And then, there you are, wasted at the bar, where I work by the way to pay the bills that you don't pay. And then you're off acting like a freaking kid, hooking up with a guy half your age. I'm the kid, mom. You're supposed to be responsible for me." Wow. Zach Roerig is quite the little actor. Just another great example of the ELITE writing and directing on this series.

But the real doozies of the episode...came in the last few minutes...as we always expect. After Stefan and Damon are left alone at the boardinghouse, they are attacked by two of the rogue 1864 vampires. Stefan is stabbed, and surprisingly, Damon doesn't hesitate to jump in and fight beside him. Finally, after all this business with Katherine has been put to rest, Damon is trumped by how right Stefan was about her: that their love for her was never real. Perhaps his pain over the betrayal of Katherine is the one thing that will bring them closer? It certainly seems like that's the effect it's having. It was a moment of triumph for them, fighting for each other. They are gonna have quite a fight coming up.

Once the 1864 rogue vampire returns with the news of the death of one of their friends, killed by Stefan, Pearl allows him to keep his life. She only stabs him with the blunt end of a cooking spoon! LOL

But the BIG ONE tonight...the REAL DOOZY that has already put twitter in an uproar...Jeremy wants Anna to turn him into a vampire...DUN DUN DUN...

NEXT WEEK in Episode 17 "Let the Right One In" Pearl's vampires begin to take their revenge against the Salvatore brothers. Taking Stefan hostage, they plan endless amounts of torture, to show both him and Damon, the madness that they all suffered trapped in a tomb for 145 years. Will Damon be able to save him in time?

PREDICTIONS:

As I have already said, with Katherine's betrayal, a change has occurred between Damon and Stefan. For the first time, they have an understanding. And although they have worked together before, a true partnership has been struck. Damon not only jumps into to help his brother in a fight to just help protect him, but even asks him for help: "Can you help me with this?" as they moved the body of the vamp that Stefan killed. It may be a small and simple gesture, but one none the less. When has Damon EVER asked Stefan for help when it didn't benefit him?

With a story like next week, this partnership between them will only begin to grow. Damon goes to save Stefan, but what he be willing to do to protect his life? I guess we'll find out...

'Blackest Night' leads to "Brightest Day'

Editor's note: This is not an April Fool's joke post. I loathe any Web site or "reporter" who uses fake posts or news as a way to trick people. It goes against many journalistic standards and is just tacky.

This week saw the release of the final issue in the "Blackest Night" saga in DC Comics and holy crap was it good.

Spoilers ahead.

The assembled heroes are still trying to take down Nekron, when Sinestro as the White Lantern just rips his heart out.

But in a Agent Smith like move, Nekron just takes over the body of a different zombie.

With the help of Deadman they figure out they need to bring Black Hand back to life in order to stop Nekron. Hal Jordan jumps into the white light entity (represents all living things in the universe), brings back the living heroes turned Black Lanterns and together they resurrect Black Hand.

In a mirror image from earlier in the series where black rings came out of gross vomit, white rings appear from Black Hand and start flying around.

And this is the awesome part.

"Arthur Curry of Earth..."

"J'onn J'onzz of Mars..."

"Ronnie Raymond of Earth..."

"LIVE!"

Just like that, long dead heroes and villains are brought back to life in a jaw-dropping four page pull-out spread.

Why these people were chosen isn't known. Flash looks around to see if Ralph and Sue Dibney were brought back, but they weren't. I think it was as simple as proximity to where the white rings came from.

In the end Black Hand is a prisoner of the Indigo Tribe of compassion and everything is looking a bit brighter.

There is the issue of a white lantern appearing in the middle of a road on the last page.

It all leads into the new bi-weekly series "Brightest Day."

Merlin Season 2 Premieres on SyFy Channel

I believe it's safe to say that all American Merlin fans are very excited for tomorrow night. One of the best, and most popular British series is returning to the United States with it's anticipated 2nd season that aired in the United Kingdom months ago. After the first season aired on NBC in the US in 2008, because of the low numbers and poor airing partners, NBC decided not to sign a new contract for the second season the 2009. However, SyFy Channel has graciously stepped up to the plate, planning to air the entire season with Stargate Universe starting Friday night at 10pm.

I was one of the few lucky and outraged Merlin fans that caused an uproar on the internet after the premature decisions of NBC. And if it wasn't for one fantastic friend that I made over the internet that actually lives in London, I would have been waiting in vien for an American studio to pick up one of my favorite shows. This friend, that I will keep secret for her sake, was kind enough to download the episodes of the second season as they aired in England beginning last summer.

So today, I feel like a real and professional critic, having previewed the season before everyone else. So let me warn every fan of this show right now: if you liked the first season, then Season 2 will pleasantly blow your minds!

Season 1 of Merlin did an excellent job of setting up a new mythology for characters that we have known for centuries. Having been a King Arthur fanatic foor most of my life, this show still remains one of my current favorites, along side Bones and now, The Vampire Diaries.

So let me begin: Season 2 begins much the same as Season 1 left off. One of the greatest things about this show is the relationship between Arthur and Merlin, and the chemistry between Bradley James, Prince Arthur, and Colin Morgan, Merlin. I would even go as far to say that their chemistry competes with that of David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel on Bones. Merlin not only once again saves Camelot, but saves Arthur more than once. And finally, throughout this season, Merlin begins to get frustrated with all the secrets he is required to keep. This storyline gives us some great new insight to all the duties that Merlin holds and how he is effected by those secrets.

Another relationship that was touched on briefly at the end of Season 1 and picks up speed throughout Season 2 is between Arthur and Guinevere. Now, I won't spoil anything until after the episodes air, because I want people to be giddy and surprised just like me...but, I will say, it couldn't have been done better. Bradley and Angel (Gwen) play so well opposite each other. Their tragic romance that begins early in the season is, I think, the most believeable Arthur and Guinevere romance I have yet to see in film or TV. And considering she is a servant, gives an entirely new emotional level to this story arch that begins with the season, and will surely move into season 3.

The drama in this series increases in it's sophomore season, but not without a great deal of humor. The greatest acculumation of that humor is with the two episode arch in the middle of the season "The Beauty and the Beast", when Uther is stuck under a love spell with an orge. Just the sheer thought of where this could lead to is hilarious.

However, the greatest drama and one of the best storylines we will see in these next 13 episodes, is the growing tension between Prince Arthur and King Uther, that peaks in episode 8 "Sins of the Father". Arthur is determined to find the truth about what happened to his mother. What he finds could lead to end of this father.

There are so many great stories and progressions of characters that happen in Merlin's 2nd season, that they are too many to discuss in one post. Stay tuned for my reviews every week, as more and more layers are added to one of the most legendary and beloved story's of all time.

Episodes to look out for:

Episode 2: "The Once and Future Queen"
Episode 4: "Lancelot and Guinevere" <----one of the best scenes of the season between Arthur and Merlin is in this episode. Remember the River Scene, and you will know exactly what I'm talking about. Really shows how close of a friendship these two have.

Episode 8: "Sins of the Father"

Episode 13: "The Last Dragonlord" <----Merlin has an unexpected guest after making a terrible mistake that could destroy Camelot and Arthur forever. GREAT finale episode.

Richard Castle gets more research time

Variety is reporting that "Castle" has been renewed for a full season three!

Heck yeah!

This news comes after yet another week of record high ratings for the Monday night drama.

In fact, the show helped ABC to its best ratings in that time period for a scripted show since 1996!

Add that to the new Castle book coming out in August and the writer "himself" posting on Twitter and Facebook, "Castle" fans have a lot to be happy for right now.

Time to celebrate.

Check out the next episode of "Inscaped." I actually do a happy dance regarding this news.

'Hot Tub Time Machine' touched me

Not like that.

Sicko.

The headline refers to the film striking a cord with me and actually made me feel something. And just ask Stephanie, I am a combination of a Terminator and Grinch. A small, robot heart.

But, this weekend I kept thinking about "Hot Tub Time Machine." Stephanie and I saw it again opening night (we had to see the first 30 minutes!) so I had a complete view of the movie.

Oh, and thar be spoilers in these waters from here on in.

OK, we've talked enough about the plot and no one is/was expecting "Gone with the Wind" type excellence.

But, the non-nudity, gross out parts of the film are just as good.

The film is really about three longtime friends who have just kind of drifted apart. For anyone older than 25 this might be something to relate to. Do you still talk to and/or hang out with friends from high school?

Back then friends like that were the most important parts of your life. You're indestructible with your friends. I always thought we would hang out, go to movies etc. But, through many things life has a way of pushing people apart.

It never falls solely on one person. One friend might be really busy, one might move away, one might be a jerk (like Lou in the movie). What the heck happened?

I haven't seen my school friends Andrew Newberg or Jared Faria in more than a decade. I did get to spend a few days with John and Ben in Japan two years ago, but there was no time machine involved.

Another part of the movie is once the friends get back together and go to 1986, they figure out that the past that they all loved so much and can't stop talking about is the main cause of their present day issues.

John Cusack's character dumps a girl by mistake and spends the rest of his life regretting it, Craig Robinson fails on stage in front of hundreds of people and loses who he really is and Rob Corddry gets beat up and decades later never recovers from the trauma.

It's funny that in the movies no one ever goes back in time just to have some fun. Time travel is all about changing horrible events to make your present time better.

I thought about it and there were so many things I would change in the past. Like the girl who got away, or how I should have stood up for myself and even not letting that one English professor make me almost give up my journalism dream.

That then brings up thoughts on how much better life would be if you could just change all of that.

Sure, "Hot Tub Time Machine" is silly. It's gross and some parts don't make any logical sense at all, but the point is still the point.

And people can relate to that.

I know I can.

"The Tournament": Best Action Movie of 2009

"The Tournament" is a movie that has flown under the radar, playing only at a handful of film festivals during the summer of 2009. After it was well recieved at Cannes, it followed to play in festivals in Germany, Finland and finally, in the US at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival in October, and was released on DVD a few days later.

A rather genius story written and directing by virtual unknowns in Hollywood, is about a tournament that takes place in a different city around the world every seven years. Gathering 30 of the world's best assassins, the Bookmaker pits them against each other and watches every moment, as rich businessmen bet on the winner. Tracking devices are inserted into their bodies so the betters can track them, and they can track each other. With only 24 hours to kill the other 29 gamers, it's kill or die for an enormous cash prize.

With a story that can be seen as a typical shoot' em up action film, it is anything but. Joshua Harlow, played by Ving Rhymes(Mission Impossible), is already a Tournament champion, but returns to avenge the death of his wife, whose killer is another player. Lai Lai Zhen, played by Kelly Hu (X2), fights for redemption and the right to disappear forever. And in it for the joy of the kill is Miles Slade, played by Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), and is probably the craziest of them all. However, in the wrong place at the wrong time is Father MacAvoy, played by Robert Carlyle (Stargate Universe), a priest who accidentally requires a tracking device and is suspected a player. Taken under Lai Lai's wing, she is determined to protect him in a deadly game of all or nothing.

A combination of great dialogue, great and terribly cringing death scenes, and strong acting on Carlyle and Somerhalder's parts, this film is definitely not for the faint of heart...literally. However, if you don't mind some blood on the walls, and a Texan who snaps off fingers with his cigar cutter as prizes, then you'll love it. As an aspiring writer who sometimes struggles creating original action scenes, it's clear that these three writers did not have that problem. A fly on a bus windshield, a slaughter in a strip club, and imploding from a charged tracking device, "The Tournament" is ingenious not only in story, but just plain cool action.

As a person that loves action movies for the sheer entertainment of seeing how writers come up with different ways to kill people, this film fascinated me from start to finish. It's a non-stop action thrill ride created for an audience to simply enjoy watching a few familiar faces and being in your seat for an 90 minutes.

There are few films today that give an audience the simple love of going to the movies. "The Tournament" is definitely one of these.

I enjoyed every minute of this film. From Robert Carlyle's priest with a drinking problem, and Ian Somerhalder's completely and utterly insane and unhinged Texan that kills anyone and anything in his way, "The Tournament" will make you laugh, cringe, gasp, and even cheer.

Caprica finale: 'All of this has happened before...'

Like many people, I was a very big and very loyal fan of the new "Battlestar Galactica" series.

I was also very sad when it ended.

The best friday nights in my life was for that short time when "Stargate SG-1," "Stargate Atlantis" and "Battlestar Galactica" all ran together on Sci-Fi Channel back when sci-fi was spelled correctly.

And one by one, my three favorite shows either ended, or were canceled.

Then "Caprica" began. Now, having went to the "Caprica" panel at Comic Con last year, I was hopeful that this series would live up to the shock and awe that BSG was and created in the science fiction world. BSG blurred the lines between drama and science fiction. It become a scifi show for people that generally didn't watch scifi. I can't remember how many people that I have introduced to science fiction through that show.

I really wanted "Caprica" to be good.

But with the first six or seven episodes, I was left flat and disappointed. I wasn't feeling the love that the critics were, which is a first. When the critics love something, I usually love it even more. Not in this case.

I don't find myself caring about these characters like I did Helo, Starbuck or Athena in BSG. In fact, I found myself disliking most of them. Especially Zoe, who I'm supposed to be rooting for. Surprisingly, in the beginning, the only character that I was interested in was Sam Adama, played by Sasha Roiz, the brother of Joseph Adama and deeply connected in the mafia. The Adama's was also, one of the most interesting parts of the story. Mainly for reasons I still can't get over that I'm watching a young Admiral Adama character. And the fact that the Adama's have a history in the Tauron mafia is fascinating.

It wasn't until Tamara, the virtual avatar of Joseph Adama's dead daughter, got lost in V-World that I was captured by the plot at all. For the first time, I couldn't take my eyes of the screen.

I enjoyed the finale tonight. Finally, the plot has become intense and characters are becoming aware of consequences that they have created. Their humanities are being tested, finally. Something that Ron Moore was so good at doing in "BSG." The characters were put in a position where they had to make a difficult decision, and no matter which way they picked, there would be consequences. That's what I've been looking for in "Caprica." The audience was not given that, until only two episodes ago.

Tonight, I had high expectations for the finale. Some of them were accomplished, and others weren't. There were only two moments of surprise for me, one of them I guessed, and the other I didn't see coming. I was shocked that Tamara would actual kill her father from V-World, so that he may never enter again. It should live up to an interesting future for Joseph Adama. As for what didn't surprise me, I knew his V-World companion, Manuel, would be Teryl Rothery's character in the real world. I just got excited that I was right.

The best thing about tonight's finale is Lacy's story. Now, after joining STO, she is shown the consequences. Set up into putting a bomb in Clarice's possession, she has to detonate or die. I wasn't so excited that Clarice may die because she is played by Polly Walker, one of the only things that kept me watching the show in the beginning. But of course, Clarice's curiosity saves her life from the ever vile Barnabus, played by the ever fabulous James Marsters, a fellow STO member and Clarice's rival. (Barnabus is so hard to hate because of James Marsters).

Overall, it was a fairly entertaining episode, keeping my fancy long enough that I might be able to survive this ridiculous hiatus...which is making nobody happy.

You would think that SyFy Channel learned their lesson after dooming "Stargate SG-1," "Stargate Atlantis" and "BSG" with such long hiatuses. Sometimes as long as six months or more, it was unbearable for a die hard fan to handle. Especially when there were a few times that the new episodes would be airing in other countries three months ahead of the US airing dates. That causes a show to lose fans and viewers. Considering the hype that "Caprica" has received so far, SyFy Channel may have signed it's death warrant by scheduling this long hiatus.

The network executives need to understand that fans of their shows, don't watch all their shows. I loved "Stargate," but I didn't watch "Eureka" or "Warehouse 13." So, when "Stargate" went into a hiatus, and then air an entire season of "Eureka" before "Stargate" returned, I wasn't too happy. I'm not sure how many more upset fans they need to understand that?

Three months we can survive, but six or more...that's unforgivable.

New episode up...

Taking a Bite out of 'The Vampire Diaries'

I have officially become the vampire expert for this wonderful blog. With that...let's begin.

Well, as I finally succumbed to reading "Twilight" a couple years ago, I have now done the same with "The Vampire Diaries." I came out of Borders not only with the "New Moon" DVD, but also the first four books of the first series in "The Vampire Diaries." I'm full of vampires this week.

Wow, was I glad that someone finally convinced me to read this series. I may be crossing a line onto sacred ground that millions of teenage girls will want to murder me for, but I think it's official: "The Vampire Diaries" is better than "Twilight."

Written by L. J. Smith, not only was I impressed with the originality of the story, but where "Twilight" can leave you flat, "Vampire Diaries" lifts you up with intensity, great characters, and shocking reveals. The story of two brothers who were turned to vampires during the Italian Renaissance by the one woman that they both loved, and 5oo years later, find another woman to fight over. Elena is caught in the middle of a supernatural war in her small rural hometown when Stefan Salvatore arrives, searching for a new start.

Only, that never happens.

Followed to Fell's Church by Damon, his older brother searching for revenge, he plans to torture Stefan every way he can. When they are once again caught in the middle of a love triangle with Elena, they find that they are not the only powerful beings in Fell's Church.

The best thing that "The Vampire Diaries" has over "Twilight," other than not making their vampires sparkle, is the change that we see in all the characters, where as the main characters in "Twilight," never change across the entire series.

The best visible character arc is that of the main protagonist, Elena Gilbert. I'm sure I'm not the only reader that began really hating her. There were very few good qualities about her. However, with the arrival of Stefan and Damon, and being pulled into a very adult and mature situation, the 17-year-old is forced to grow up fast.

Even Damon and Stefan, who seeming unchanged for 500 years, have their own character arcs. The part of the story that captured me the most was the relationship between the two vampire brothers. How decayed and destroyed it was in the beginning, from 500 years of hatred between them, and how it changed and eventually began to grow being forced together in dire circumstances against powers greater than themselves. And having Elena between them is a big part of that.

There are no "cookie cutter" characters like we find in many young adult fantasy series today. Each has their own voice and story to progress. And unlike "Twilight," it has the formula of true fantasy with a tragic romance. And where I thought "Twilight" was an original story just written poorly, the further I got into the "Vampire Diaries" series, the more I believe Meyer was inspired by it's brilliance.

Frankly, I could talk for hours on the great things about this series. But I'll wrap up with a few words on the TV series, and let you discover the mystery and magnificence of the books on your own.

Now, even though the story of the CW TV series "The Vampire Diaries" is greatly deviated from the books, it has a great story all it's own. Once again, the best part of its story being the relationship between Damon and Stefan, played by Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.

In tonight's episode, "A Few Good Men", after Damon discovers his search for Katherine (the vampire that turned the brothers and they fought over) has been in vain for the last 140 years, he begins a path of self destruction. Elena digs deeper into the past of her birth mother, Isobel, and discovers some devastating news. Not only, did she later become the wife of Alaric, a new history teacher at the high school, but was murdered by none other than Damon, whom Elena was finally warming up to.

Not only will this completely deter the progress of his relationships with Stefan and Elena, but his path to redemption is halted when he murders again. Stefan, helpless about his brother's situation once more, is at loss at how to help him. Damon is obsessed, and it seems, nothing will stop him. More mystery and surprise tonight, leading into a new story arch that could very well continue until the end of the season. Another great acting performance for Ian Somerhalder, who channels Damon's emotions better than anyone. I have no doubt that this show will be renewed.

Oh, as for the cliffhanger, which this show has been so great at over the last 14 episodes...you will have to find out for yourself.

I always hated reading spoilers.

What's on deck for 'Inscaped'

Going to try out a new feature this week previewing the topics we are going to discuss on this week's episode.

The way it normally works is Stephanie and I usually start thinking about topics the day after we film. Then, usually, on Wednesdays we get together and come up with a list.

Sometimes we just throw any and all ideas out there, most times 90 percent of the ideas make it on the show.

The other cases? Well, sometimes Stephanie or I haven't seen a show that the other has. This week is a great example. I watched this week's "Castle," but Stephanie decided to watch the two-parter together. Depending on if she has time tonight, we may or may not talk about it tomorrow.

If not, I LOVED it.

So, what's on tap for this week's show?

In "Wanna See It?" we have our early reviews of "Hot Tub Time Machine" along with Stephanie's adventures in Lake Tahoe interviewing the cast of the film.

Want in on a cool secret? She has a great story that involves her new boyfriend Craig Robinson and an impromptu performance.

I'll also have a review of the No. 2 movie in America, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."

In television, we have a lot of "Lost" to talk about. That Richard Alpert episode brought out some strong feelings in both of us. And Emile might even have a new flow chart.

I'm also going to talk about triumphant return of "Flash Forward" and how, unlike "Lost," it actually answers questions the audience has.

News will be extra exciting this week because after weeks (months?) of speculation the world finally has its Capt. America for the upcoming movie.

And even though it seems that every week we talk about a new Tim Burton project, we have a brand new one to discuss. Maybe next week they'll announce he's going to direct "The Avengers."

'Castle' fans can celebrate

No, it hasn't been renewed... yet.

But "Castle" hit a very important ratings mark with the first part of the two part "Castle" event.

It beat "CSI: Miami" for the first time, ever.

And in the world of television ratings, it wasn't very close.

"CSI: Miami" had 10.795 million viewers and "Castle" had 12.207 million. 1.412 million might seem razor thin, but that is a good chunk. Especially considering that "CSI: Miami" has been a ratings powerhouse for years.

Months ago I called on ABC to renew "Castle" for next season because of it's consistant ratings. Now that it has beaten the once No. 1 scripted drama on Mondays, renew it now.

Just do it.

New episode up...

'Remember Me' is a film for the soul

Life lessons are always the toughest to learn, and accept. But they constantly force you to remember what truly matters. Acceptance is hard for all of us and the one of the only things in life, that we can never change. There are not many films that can convey this. "Remember Me" does it with ease.

Now, in a blog that respects great entertainment, you somehow wouldn't expect Robert Pattinson to be in that category. But today, I will have to make an exception. I have been excited to see "Remember Me" for months now, looking forward to seeing what Pattinson can do outside of "Twilight". Although, I'm sure most audience members bought tickets just to see Edward Cullen in another movie, "Remember Me" can stand alone without members of Team Edward supporting it.

In a movie where the trailers deceive the audience about the true story, "Remember Me" delivers an emotional roller coaster of subtle proportions. Tyler Hawkins (Pattinson) is a young college student about to turn 22, who hates his emotionally distant father (Pierce Brosnan) and fights endlessly for his 11 year old sister, Caroline, played by the fantastic Ruby Jerins. Hounded by the fear of an uncertain future because of the suicide of his brother, Michael, on his 22nd birthday, Tyler is at loss of what to do with life except to simply live it. And he does, with the only thing that matters to him, his sister. But when he is given a dare to date the daughter (Emilie de Ravin) of the Detective (Chris Cooper) that arrested him a few days earlier, everything changes. Life becomes something more than he expected as he slowly falls for Ally.

Of course, there is a love story. However, this movie is anything but a chick flick. Written by first time writer Will Fetters, you also wrote Summit Entertainment's upcoming "Letters to Juliet", the story however subtle, finds a way to creep in and unleash a roaring amount of emotion from the audience. It is a story about seeking forgiveness and learning how to live with grief. As an aspiring screenwriter myself, I was truly impressed with Fetters abilities to connect with movie goers. In the film, Tyler keeps a journal, that we eventually learn are letters to his dead brother. At the beginning, he begins an entry with a quote from Gandhi: "Whatever you do in life will be insignificant. But it's very important that you do it." This is what the story is all about. All the characters must come to a realization that you may not be significant to the world, but you can be a significant part in the lives of others. And the life of Tyler Hawkins is just an example of that. It's authentic and poignant in its subtlety, especially with the twist at the end.

The last few moments are the most powerful, reminding the audience that life isn't full of happy endings, but rather, is a long string of good and tragic ones. And somehow, we are able to unite and move forward.

I always knew Robert Pattinson was a great actor. And if you ever doubt it, watch this movie. When he finds a way to match up to the acting brilliance that is Pierce Brosnan in what is I think, the best scene of the movie, there can be no doubts. He truly does shine in this film. Now, I wouldn't say it is award winning by any means, but everything about this film is heart-wrenching and real. At the end, the writer found a way to make the life of Tyler Hawkins matter to everyone. That above everything else, is what truly impressed me.

Although the critics do not quite agree with me and the majority of those that have loved the movie, I highly recommend it. There is quite a lot of controversy about the major twist at the end, that it cheats you as an audience member. Here, you have spent the last 90 minutes falling in love with the character for it to end the way it does. Now, I would usually spoil the ending, but this one...you will have to see and experience for yourself. It is so shocking, I wouldn't dare ruin it. But, I firmly believe this uproar from critics and many others leaving the theater angry with the ending is the point of the film. That's the way you are supposed to feel. In fact, without this ending, it would leave you feeling empty. There are no secret intentions from the writer or director. This story is significant to everyone, and all of us have to find our own way to accept it and move on...just as we did after the real event. Life isn't perfect and full of cookie cutter endings. There is no formula or structure. It never ends the way we want it to. That is what this ending was trying to convey, and does so with flying colors.

"Remember Me" may just become one of the most underrated movies of the year.

I will never have a problem remembering this film. I am looking forward not only to the future work of Robert Pattinson after "Twilight", but also the future films of screenwriter Will Fetters. And I have to give major kudos to Summit Entertainment to taking a chance on this script.

There are very few films that follow you home, and resonate with you for days or maybe years to come. This will definitely be one you remember.

The first Comic-Con adventure of the year

Thursday morning Comic-Con hotel reservations opened and to say it was chaos would be an understatement.

Instead of doing reservations the usual way, they decided to use this new fangled ridiculous system where everyone had to pick their top 12 hotels and then wait for an e-mail to tell them what hotel they received.

Unfortunately, what really happened was that everyone waited around all day, only to find out that they were put in a hotel that they had never requested that was miles away from the convention center.

For example all the places I requested were in the downtown area very close to the convention center, so naturally I was put five miles away in hotel circle. And apparently I wasn't the only one this happened to. Nearly everyone who registered Thursday morning had issues.

With the Anaheim convention center breathing down San Diego's neck this is the last thing they needed right now. The real problem is that with all the massive problems and three days straight of complaining attendees there has been no statement from comic-con on what happened.

A show like this is kept alive by the fans, so when you screw them over like this with no apologies it seems counterproductive. There's also the idea that there was no need to change the system in the first place. We all know going in that it will be difficult to get rooms for comic-con and we prepare for that but this new system added new headaches that were unnecessary.

With three and a half months to go Comic-Con has already alienated a majority of its audience. I can't wait to see what they do as the convention gets closer.

'Justified:' Love at first sight

While I've always been a fan of Timothy Olyphant and have had a crush on him since "The Broken Hearts Club," I was about two minutes into the premiere episode of "Justified" when I fell completely crazy in love.


Olyphant is one of those actors who has been in a lot of great things and has had some fantastic supporting roles, but hasn't really had a breakthrough, until now.

"Justified" is the rare show that links the actor with the perfect role. As US Marshal Raylan Givens, Olyphant is the perfect blend of cool, charm and badass tough guy. I immediately thought of Steve McQueen while watching.

The show is based on a series of Elmore Leonard stories featuring Givens. Olyphant is tailor made to be the hero of a Leonard story.

In the first episode Givens is transferred from Miami back to his hometown in Kentucky after he shoots a ruthless drug dealer. His response to the inquiry is that the bad guy drew first so it was justified.

The show also features a stellar supporting cast that includes "The Shield's" Walton Goggins as an old friend of Raylan's who is now a crazy white supremacist terrorizing Givens's hometown.

Goggins is able to use all the intensity he developed on "The Shield" while also stretching his previously unknown comedy skills.

In its first episode "Justified" used its outstanding leading man, action packed story, dark humor and fantastic supporting cast to establish itself as FX's newest can't miss show and perhaps heir to "The Shield's" unclaimed title as the toughest show on TV.