Comic-Con 2012 Hall H madness

Stephanie at Comic-Con 2012 'Firefly' reunion panel

Stephanie at the Comic-Con 'Community' panel

Dick Clark was America's favorite teenager

Long before MTV, VH-1, iTunes and You Tube, “American Bandstand” was where young people went for the latest popular music. As the host of

“Bandstand” Dick Clark was the man responsible for introducing America to everyone from Elvis Presley to Madonna.

For over 30 years Clark, often called “America’s oldest living teenager,” brought the latest music, dances and fashion into homes around the country like an old friend who always seemed to know what everyone wanted to see and hear before they even knew it.

Clark passed away from a heart attack at the age 82 on April 18.

Clark began on “Bandstand” in 1956, taking it national in 1957. From that point on every major music act appeared on the show.

Clark’s chemistry with the dancers and his non-threatening image helped rock and roll music reach a wider audience at a time when it was considered immoral. He also had African-American artists on mainstream television and had integrated dancing with black and white teenagers when segregation was still the accepted practice. As such he is often credited with changing the course of popular music.

Following his success on “American Bandstand” Clark branched out and began to build a TV empire that included “The $10,000 Pyramid,” “The American Music Awards,” “TV’s Bloopers and Practical Jokes” and of course “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve.”

Since 1972, Clark’s annual countdown from Times Square has been the benchmark of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Following his stroke in 2004 Clark missed that year’s show but returned in 2005 and has co-hosted every year since with Ryan Seacrest.

Seacrest has often been compared to Clark and remembered his mentor in a statement.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend Dick Clark. He has truly been one of the greatest influences in my life,” Seacrest said. “I idolized him from the start, and I was graced early on in my career with his generous advice and counsel.”

As word of his passing hit the Internet, many fans responded via Twitter that New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be the same without Clark.

Clark’s loss and iconic status was commented on in a statement by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

“With ‘American Bandstand,’ he introduced decades’ worth of viewers to the music of our times. He reshaped the television landscape forever as a creative and innovative producer. And, of course, for 40 years, we welcomed him into our homes to ring in the New Year,” Obama said. “But more important than his groundbreaking achievements was the way he made us feel – as young and vibrant and optimistic as he was. As we say a final ‘so long’ to Dick Clark, America’s oldest teenager, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends – which number far more than he knew.”

For nearly 60 years Dick Clark has been a television staple. He kept America dancing and laughing through some of its hardest times. The legacy of his contributions simply cannot be measured, however they can be seen in the success of programs like “American Idol,” “The Voice,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” none of which would have been possible without Clark paving the way.

'Hunger Games' is more than just a phenomenon

For months movie fans have been hearing about the coming phenomenon of "The Hunger Games." Like another well known literature franchise, it has a rabidly loyal fanbase, had stacked the film with attractive young actors, and was based around an independent heroine and a dramatic romance.

However, unlike those other movies, "The Hunger Games" is a fascinating story filled with interesting characters who are heroes without trying hard or shouting it from the mountaintops.

It is the story of a future America called Panem, where children between the ages of 12-18 are sent to the Capitol as tribute to compete in The Hunger Games.

Katniss Everdeen volunteers to save her sister and Peeta Mallark is chosen from District 12, which is a poor coal mining village.

From the first moments the film encompasses viewers in the tension of the world these children live in, where any one of them could be sent off to die. In fact Katniss' best friend Gale seems resigned to his fate as his name is in the bowl 42 times so the odds are against him.

This instantaneous connection with the characters is one of the biggest draws of the movie. Even with its unique plot and characters, at its core "Hunger Games" is basically a hero's origin story starring Katniss.

Once the story moves to the Capitol, viewers are introduced to the support cast that must play along with the games or find themselves on the outside looking in.

Woody Harrelson is funny and heartbreakingly honest as Haymitch, Katniss and Peeta's mentor and the last winner from District 12.

Wes Bentley is a more cruel, yet still somehow realistic Nigel Lythgoe/Mark Burnett clone as Seneca Crane, the gamesmaker.

Lenny Kravitz is impossibly attractive and touchingly earnest as Katniss' stylist and only true friend Cinna.

Donald Sutherland is appropriately mustache twirling as President Snow, but he seems like less of threat here than he will be in the future.

However, as usual the real revelation is Stanley Tucci as host of the games Caesar Flickerman. He's part Ryan Seacrest, part Bob Costas and part P.T. Barnum; yet all these pieces come together to create an over the top portrayal that steals every scene he's in.

If the film receives any awards attention it will be in supporting categories for Tucci and Harrelson.

Like any good origin story it is the journey to becoming the hero that really counts and that is seen most in the arena. Jennifer Lawrence is captivating as Katniss, but more importantly she's real.

She's not perfect, she's not the smartest and she's not always right, but at the end of the day she's authentic and that makes her likable. This also make her relationship with Peeta more interesting, as these are mythical supernatural beings in an unreal world falling in love. These are real people in a life or death situation who must depend on and trust each other for survival.

While the movie left out Katniss' indifference about her feelings for Peeta, Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson still communicated the unrequited and somewhat one-sided nature of their romance.

With the film's record-breaking $155 million opening weekend a lot will be made of new star Lawrence, but the revelatory performance really comes from Hutcherson as Peeta.

Peeta is the smartest player in the game, as he figures out early on that he must win the crowd to compensate for any physical weaknesses. He is also certain of his imminent death, but just wants to assure that he remains true to his self.

While Katniss is obviously the hero, Peeta is the audience's window into this strange world.

"The Hunger Games" will be the center of a lot of attention for a while and the "Twilight" comparisons will no doubt be unstoppable, but it's important to note that despite all the hoopla and noise, at its core "The Hunger Games" is a solidly made film with impeccable pacing, fantastic performances and fascinating storytelling.

These qualities make it more than just a phenomenon.

WonderCon 2012: DC storytelling continues to evolve

Unlike Comic Con, WonderCon is about actual comics more than TV and movie stars. With that in mind the two major publishers were on hand to announce what's coming up for some of their most popular titles.

The big news for DC is that "Batman: Earth One" will be out in July and has Batman as he's still figuring things out and learning how to be the famed hero. Eddie Berganza, executive editor, said the story will also take Alfred in a different direction, with the character resembling Liam Neeson in "Taken."

"Batman: Earth One" is fresh off the success of "Superman: Earth One" of which volume two will be released in November.

Writer Bryan Q. Miller announced that the digital first comic "Smallville: Season 11" will be released weekly on Fridays beginning April 13. The story will pick up six months after the series ended with Clark embracing his destiny and defeating Apokolips.

All the series characters will return and continue to face various threats as they take the "next mid 20s step in life."

Also launching digitally first are "Batman Beyond" and "Justice League Beyond." Many of the writers and artists on the panel discussed how the rise of digital comics on computers and tablets has forced creators to rework how they write and draw.

There was also talk of new additions to the new 52 including the return of Grant Morrison's "Batman Incorporated," which involves Bruce Wayne travelling the globe and recruiting new crime fighters to carry the Batman banner.

Two of the most intriguing titles were "Earth 2" and "World's Finest."

"Earth 2" harkens back to the Justice Society of America story of alternate Earth versions of classic heroes. "World's Finest" features Huntress and Power Girl being marooned on our Earth and trying to navigate a new existence.

Other additions include "Dial H," a mythology heavy story and the newest entry in the Dark group, "G.I. Combat," a book with dinosaurs and superheroes and "The Ravagers" a "Teen Titans" spin-off starring Superboy.

Other Highlights:

"Animal Man" and "Swamp Thing" crossover
"I, Vampire" and "Justice League Dark crossover
Amanda Waller's appearance in "Teen Titans"
Suicide Squad vs. Resurrection Man
Free Comic Book Day teases for Captain Marvel and Green Lantern

Finally the truth about spoilers is out

It takes a group of real heroes to tackle the big issue of spoilers. In this hilarious video, a group of nerd genre actors, including Nelsan Ellis, Masi Oka, Julie Benz and Michael Trucco get together to educate fans about the dangers of spoilers.

FOX cancels 'Terra Nova' but is it dead?

Though it's not really a surprise that FOX canceled "Terra Nova," it is surprising that they made the announcement without seeing what happens with "Alcatraz," "The Finder" or "Touch."

While there were some fundamental problems with the quality of the show, it was improving by the end of the series and there were some interesting questions set for next season.

20th Century Fox is now shopping the series to other networks and I would suggest BBC America as the top choice. They've shown a preference for sci-fi programming and have a lot of experience producing quality supernatural shows on a budget, which is "Terra Nova's" main problem.

For the mediocre ratings it produced, it was an extremely expensive show to produce (which is hilarious considering how few dinosaurs we saw.)

If they get the budget under control and find the right path storyline-wise, this could be an enjoyable show.

If BBC America, Syfy and the other obvious networks pass, producers may want to consider Tim's suggestion of taking the story to a comic book. No worries of budgets there, and series like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" have continued in comics to great success.

Best of 2011: Steph's No. 1 movie

By now it's probably not a big secret what my best movie of 2011 is, however first let's recap the list.

10. "Larry Crowne"
9. "Paul"
8. "In Time"
7. "Bridesmaids"
6. "The Muppets"
5. "Captain America: The First Avenger"
4. "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol"
3. "The Artist"
2. "The Descendants"

1. "The Help" - No movie touched me more and effected me on a personal level more than "The Help." I remember seeing this film on its opening day and telling Tim that the film, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer would all get Oscar nominations. In actuality I think I was already engraving Davis' name on her statue.

Her performance was so raw and real, you felt Abilene's pain and pride. It was a role that you could imagine no one else in. Davis gave us everything.

Spencer was equally powerful in what will no doubt become the role of a lifetime for her. Minnie could have easily been a caricature, but Spencer gave her such depth that she became much more than the showiness of the character.

In a cast that included Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain, Alison Janney, Sissy Spacek and Cecily Tyson there was not a single misstep.

The actors and directors had to walk such a cultural tightrope to tell this story and they did so respectfully and beautifully.

For black women, this is a part of our history that's always there, but never talked about. "The Help" not only told that story, it told it with class.

Best of 2011: 3 and 2 (Steph)

We're almost at the finish line of the best movies of 2011. Today it's Nos. 3 and 2.

3. "The Artist" - As a fan of the classics, this film was such a revelation. From the amazing score to the sensational performances, watching "The Artist" was like going back in time to when movies were just meant to be a fun time at the theater. Jean Dujardin's classic leading man looks helped sell him as the fading star, while Berenice Bejo was charming as the star on the rise. It's hard to come up with something new nowadays, so the decision to go back to the classic was really inspired.

2. "The Descendants" - Tim described very eloquently how George Clooney put on a masterclass of acting in this film. What he does here is create a character that instantly draws the audience in and keeps them 100 percent invested until the minute the credits roll. While the movie is absolutely great, it's hard to imagine anyone else picking this film up on his shoulders and making every second work the way he does.

As fantastic as Clooney is, he would have nothing without the beautifully balanced script. It moves so perfectly from heartbreak to hilarity, that it is also a masterclass in storytelling. Sometimes it just takes the right marriage of actor and script to create a one of a kind special movie.

And now it's on to No. 1...

Best of 2011: 6, 5 & 4 (Steph)

After a few days off I'm back with Nos. 6-4 of my top 10 movies of 2011 list.


6. "The Muppets" - America had long been waiting for The Muppets to return to the big screen. Luckily Jason Segal gave our childhood heroes the movie they so richly deserved. In an art imitates reality twist, The Muppets have disbanded because they're not that popular anymore. However, superfan (and new Muppet) Walter helps get the gang back together for a telethon and it's everything fans had been waiting a lifetime for.

While the film is a funny, family friendly musical, it is also extremely poignant in places. None more so than Kermit singing "Pictures in my Head." What helped this movie more than anything else was Segal and all the other human participants clear love and respect for the history of The Muppets and how that translated to the screen. I dare you not to tear up during "Rainbow Connection."

5. "Captain America: The First Avenger" - Captain America has always been one of the most popular heroes ever, but his sincerity and the time period of his adventures made a movie adaptation a question mark. The most obvious problem, who could exude Cap's patriotism and earnestness. Chris Evans, who was previously Johnny Storm, turned out to be perfect casting. It was his longing to serve his country when everyone kept telling him no that made him a real hero.

Outside of Evans' great performance, the film was beautifully shot. It somehow blended modern effects with a classic style and look. Add in Hugo Weaving as Red Skull and a fantastic ending that set up "The Avengers" perfectly and this was far and away the best comic book movie of the year.

4. "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" - Tim already discussed how truly spectacular the Dubai high rise sequence was, but what got this movie into the top five was how top to bottom good the film was. Everything worked from Tom Cruise's return as Ethan Hunt to Jeremy Renner's introduction to Simon Pegg in the field. Every second of the movie something good was happening. And in IMAX, wow, it was breathtaking.

Up next Nos. 2 and 3.

Best of 2011: Nos. 8 & 7 (Stephanie)

My countdown of the best movies of 2011 continues with Nos. 8 and 7.


8. "In Time" - I know I'm going to get a lot of flak for this choice, but I really enjoyed this movie. The original story of time being the new currency and the idea that the rich lived forever, while the poor had no way out of their circumstances really resonated. Justin Timberlake was great as the leading man hero and it was a genuinely interesting movie. I would also add that every person I recommended this film to, loved it.

7. "Bridesmaids" - Plenty has been said about Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig (all deserved by the way) but what makes the movie work so well is the chemistry when all the ladies are on screen together. Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Wiig and McCarthy let the world in on the secret torture and ridiculous fun that goes along with being a bridesmaid. The really scary thing is how much of this movie is 100 percent true.

Best movies of 2011: Nos. 10 & 9 (Stephanie)

Editor's note: To coincide with the Oscars on Sunday the Inscaped staff are posting their lists of the best movies of 2011.

Unlike other best of lists you won't see a bunch of pretentious movies you've never heard of. We like to focus on films that the general public actually sees. With that in mind get ready for some unconventional surprises.


10. "Larry Crowne" - Both Tim and I enjoyed this fun comedy about a man starting over from scratch after he is laid off from his retail management job. Tom Hanks plays the title character, bringing the everyman charm that has made him so popular. Julia Roberts is one of his college professors who of course becomes his love interest.

What made the movie so fun was the eccentric cast of supporting characters including Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wilmer Valderrama and George Takei. The film had a real life quality that made the story more believable. This movie was endlessly charming and genuinely fun to watch.

9. "Paul" - My love for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost is well documented, so it's no surprise that their alien comedy made the list. What really drew me into this movie was the idea of two nerds leaving Comic-Con and discovering an alien on their road trip across America. Because Pegg and Frost are real life nerds, the film was a love letter to nerd culture with appearances from Sigourney Weaver and Steven Spielberg and jokes about Comic-Con, "X-Files," and "ET." The ridiculously funny supporting cast of Kristen Wiig, Jason Bateman and Seth Rogen didn't hurt either.

Grammys crown new stars and salute lost ones

There was no getting around it, last night's 54th Annual Grammys Awards would be held with a heavy heart. Host LL Cool J set the tone beautifully when he opened the show with a prayer declaring "we've had a death in the family."

However, it was when he said that music would help everyone through the tragedy of Whitney Houston's passing and decided we should all celebrate music, that he made it ok to relax and enjoy the rest of the show.

While it was no secret that Adele would win everything, it was still great to see it happen. It's rare that the best album of the year actually wins album of the year.

What everyone was waiting for was her return to the stage following career threatening vocal surgery. However, she stole the show with a spectacular rendition of her still awesome hit "Rolling in the Deep."



Adele ended up going six for six, including album, song and record of the year. As popular as she was before, last night's triumph has launched her into superstar status.

The night's other big winners were the Foo Fighters, who walked away with five of the six awards they were nominated for. Their only loss came in the album of the year category.

Other highlights included a fun, gold lame and pompadoured Bruno Mars trying to get the audience off their "rich asses," a very classy and understated Tony Bennett/Carrie Underwood duet and an extremely moving tribute to Etta James by Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt.

However, the only moment that mattered was Jennifer Hudson's emotional rendition of "I Will Always Love You" to celebrate and remember Whitney Houston.



Hudson delivered a perfect simple version of the Whitney classic, allowing fans and friends alike to engage in a cathartic relief of their grief.

It was a moment that won't soon be forgotten as Whitney took over the Grammy stage one final time.

Whitney Houston dead at age 48

On the eve of music's biggest night the industry has suffered one of it's biggest losses with the death of Whitney Houston at just 48 years old.

Houston became an international superstar in the 1980s following hits like "The Greatest Love of All," "How Will I Know" and "Saving All My Love For You." Her powerhouse vocals and girl next door appeal made her an instant success.

From the mid 80s to the late 90s Houston was the queen of R&B and pop radio with hits like "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," "Didn't We Almost Have It All," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," "He's All the Man I Need" and "I'm Your Baby Tonight."



However, it was the film "The Bodyguard" and its accompanying soundtrack that made her a legend. The opening 45 seconds of "I Will Always Love You" display a level of tone and control that no singer can match. Couple that with the breathtaking belt of "I Have Nothing" and the album was destined to be huge.

Perhaps her greatest moment came in 1991 at Super Bowl 25 when she performed what is widely considered as the best version of "The Star Spangled Banner" just when the US had entered into the first Gulf War. The rendition was so beloved that it was released as a single and became a No. 1 hit and is still talked about to this day.



In recent years Houston became more well known for her personal struggles with drugs and alcohol, and her tumultuous marriage with Bobby Brown, but she was attempting a comeback that will sadly never come to fruition

In the coming days there will be a lot of discussion about Houston's legacy, however, those answers can be found in the voices of Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Charice, Celine Dion and every "American Idol" or "The Voice" contestant who tries to conquer a Whitney song.

"I Will Always Love You" indeed.

Best of the Super Bowl ads

At this point the big game has become as much about the commercials as the actual game being played. With that un mind here are my choices for the best of a mediocre bunch.

1. Clint Eastwood for Chrysler



2. Samsung brings back The Darkness




3. Doritos Man's Best Friend



4. Metlife with every cartoon character



5. "The Voice" with a surprise guest

NBC shows that it's still fun in Super Bowl ad

Here's proof that NBC still loves "Community" in its all-star Super Bowl commercial.



Judging by this fun video you wouldn't guess NBC was in fourth place.

'Smash' is NBC's last hope

If you've turned on a television or been to the movies in the past month or so, you've seen ads for NBC's new musical-drama "Smash." The show follows the production of a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.

With an all star cast that includes Anjelica Huston, Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Brian d'Arcy James, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty and Katherine McPhee, the network is swinging for the fences with this one.

They previewed the pilot on several media platforms and while it's a really great show, it's not as mainstream as it needs to be to attract the audience NBC is hoping for.

Huston is perfect as a successful producer using the show to stay prominent during a messy divorce, Messing and Borle are fun as a composing team who are drawn out of vacation for the show, and Davenport is fantastic as the show's brilliant a-hole director. However, the real stars are McPhee and Hilty as the two actresses fighting to be Marilyn.

McPhee is the young newcomer with a spark, while Hilty is the experienced chorus girl looking to finally be a lead. They both nail their respective parts, though McPhee's character seems a touch more likable.

The series has stellar behind the scenes talent as well with executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (the guys behind "Chicago" and "Hairspray"), original music by Tony winner Marc Shaiman and executive producer Steven Spielberg.

With all those heavy hitters it's no surprise the show is great. It's one of the best new shows to come along in some time. Acting, writing, production, it's all there.

Unfortunately, the theater storyline may turn off mainstream audiences after the curiosity of the pilot wears off. Viewers don't have to be lifelong theater geeks to like the show, but, it helps.

For non-theater fans like Tim, it may be hard to invest in the show each week to keep tabs on the progress the Marilyn show is making.

With that in mind, NBC should have pulled back on the promotion and been a little less desperate for attention.

I sincerely hope the show is a hit, but if it's not a blockbuster out of the gate, NBC has left themselves no place to go.

Don Cornelius' 'Soul Train' legacy

The passing of famed “Soul Train” host/executive producer Don Cornelius of an alleged self-inflicted gunshot wound may overshadow his contributions to pop culture; however his influence on black culture and music should never be forgotten.

It’s impossible to overstate the impact Don Cornelius had on the music industry. Before MTV and You Tube, there was “Soul Train,” “the hippest trip in America.”

Everyone from The Jackson 5 to Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder to Aretha Franklin appeared on the show in the early years. It was the place for black artists to go to reach a national audience.

Cornelius began “Soul Train” in 1970 as a weekday afternoon dance party on Chicago TV. The show’s popularity attracted bigger sponsors which allowed it to become nationally syndicated.

For 35 years and 1,117 episodes “Soul Train” showed black audiences who the hottest acts were, what the latest fashion was and what the newest dance moves were.

For many black families the weekend didn’t start until “Soul Train” went off on Saturday mornings. Missing an episode meant being out of the loop and considered uncool.

Beyond giving a voice and face to black culture, “Soul Train” also bridged the gap between white pop artists and black audiences with early appearances from Elton John and David Bowie.

Changing music trends and declining ratings led to the show’s demise in the late ‘90s, however its influence lives on at every house party, prom and wedding that features a “Soul Train” line.

Cornelius’ influence lives on in networks like BET and Centric, and the inclusion and domination that black artists have on mainstream music.

In the words of the great Don Cornelius, “as always in parting we wish you love, peace and soul.”

Super Bowl commercial preview: Ferris is back!

Tim and I are products of the 1980s. e love the music, TV and movies. One 80s classic that has stood the test of time is "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

Matthew Broderick is the quintessential high school smart ass who cuts class with his best friend and girlfriend, and ends up having the best day ever.

Though he's never confirmed it you know Broderick has been offered giant paychecks over the years for a sequel. Well now the wishes of 80s babies everywhere have come true in the form of a Honda Super Bowl commercial.