POSITIVE LOOK AT....GREEN LANTERN (2011)

Transcending and Embracing

Figured best write an article or list on here instead of joining the masses and make Bitstrips all day long (don't usually follow the herd, but come on, comic style statuses, etc?? If your not using the app, it's likely because your making your own comic at the moment. Only acceptable excuse aha joking).

For years in terms of comic book/superhero movies, there was Superman and then there was Batman. There were some others, Captain America, The Punisher, etc., but those 2 were the best known if anything. Enter the 2000's and the floodgates opened. However, we were still left with actors and actresses who either didn't give 100% or bailed after one installment out of fear of type-casting. We have had some greats, and things worked out pretty well, but a lot of that is due to those who are clearly comic book fans and/or people who not just performed well in their roles but seemed to have fully embraced them.

Some of these are very obvious, however they still deserve props for it. There are some however that may surprise you, and at first surprised me when they popped into my head, but seemed to make sense once I thought about it more. And yes, some get extra points for being main characters in multiple genres (all of which are in the nerd world).

Hugh Jackman

Somewhat "The Face" of the comic book/superhero movie explosion. That's a matter of opinion yes, but he was the most notable character in the initial film that was followed by numerous movies. And to make things even better, Hugh Jackman fully embraces the character and admits to the role being what "made" him. Love or hate any installment in the X-Men/Wolverine franchise, hard to knock Jackman for his portrayal in any of them. Even his dedication on the physical aspect of the role deserves recognition.

Tom Hiddleston

Hard to mention Jackman without mentioning Tom Hiddleston, or you may know him by his Asgardian name, Loki. Talented is an understatement, and likely his reason for embracing the role and not fearing type casting. If it hasn't been said before, I am saying it now, as a DC Comics fan, I would love to see Hiddleston as The Riddler. Any role really, but The Riddler would be my top choice.

Patrick Stewart

I remember even as a kid in the early 90's he was top choice to play Prof. X if there was ever a movie. And although he will also forever be Captain Jean Luc Picard, and with James McAvoy receiving the torch so to speak, Stewart will always be Prof. Charles Xavier as well.

Sir Ian McKellen

Magneto. Gandalf. And they don't give the "Sir" title to just anybody. Just saying.

Hugo Weaving

If based on role selection, it would be safe to at least assume Hugo is a fellow nerd. In the Matrix trilogy, he was Neo's top nemesis in Agent Smith. In the Lord Of The Rings saga he is Elrond. V in V For Vendetta. And he was Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger. And like Hiddleston, I want him in my DC Universe. Top of my head, perfect Mr. Freeze. Even just to ensure that role is done well at some point.

Chris Evans

Like them or not, Chris Evans was the Human Torch in the initial Fantastic 4 franchise. Nick a "Mover" (telekinetic) in the movie Push. And more than redeems himself as Captain America both in solo and group ventures a la The Avengers.

 Nicholas Cage

I did say that there would be some shockers. Whether it was a title character Ghost Rider or in a co-starring role as Big Daddy in Kick-Ass, love him or hate him, Nic makes the list for being a fan and at least attempting to bring us our comic book characters to the big screen. Obvious fan, even if he takes it a bit far (see pic).

Robert Downey Jr.

"I am Iron Man." is a Tony Stark quote, but one that if Downey Jr were to use in real life, it would be kind of hard to argue. Of a series of decent to stellar performances, the Iron Man franchise is the crowning jewel in the "Ya, I messed up before, but sit back and have socks blown off" comeback tour for RDJ. Plus, he's Sherlock Holmes and you're not aha

Ben Affleck

Whether you embraced it, or you went Bat-crap crazy against it, or even if you took a complete wait and see approach, the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman in the upcoming Superman Vs Batman (or Man Of Steel 2) has garnered attention from all corners of the globe, and that ladies and gentlemen is a good thing. And if he nails it, there will be a lack of words for how beneficial this will be to the industry. If it fails, then at least Marvel will benefit aha Stay tuned for a positive review of 2003's Daredevil, a role Affleck was also the lead.

Of course there are many more, like Halle Berry having been Catwoman (opinion aside) and Storm, or directors like Bryan Singer, Kevin Smith, Zach Snyder the list goes on really. There are those who, I wouldn't want back in the mix (looking at you Norton), but that's a list for another day.

Stay Nerdy!

CHILL!!!!!! TOP 5 GOOD THINGS ABOUT..."Batman & Robin(1997)"

I honestly try to be positive, key word is try. It's hard at times, but I am sure it is just as hard to make a good movie. We live in a world where people are chomping at the bit to be negative about something before giving it a shot (ie. Batfleck), and then, even when the negativity is almost justified, that is all it becomes, negative.

So, here is an attempt to pick out positive things from movies that were considered failures. Shouldn't be too hard, as most of the movies I plan on covering I actually like (stay tuned for "Green Lantern (2011)").

Batman & Robin (1997)

5) Mr. Freeze's Suit/Armor
Visually it looked pretty badass. Perhaps a touch bulky, but then again that may have been a result of who was wearing it. Which was a result of many other problems, but this suit/armor deserves credit. Props to the costume department on this one (and only this one aha).

4) George Clooney
We almost all agree he made/makes a perfect Bruce Wayne. His attempt at Batman? Well, what if it was a different time? Different Director? Different Script? No Nipples? I think there would be praise for Clooney. And, for his Bruce Wayne, he makes the list.

3) Nightwi...er..Robin's Costume
Nipples aside, the intial costume was spot on, and visually great. Although still playing Robin, it gave a taste of Grayson's future persona, Nightwing. Sans cape of course.

2) Alfred
The late Michael Gough was really the cornerstone of this franchise. Along with Commissioner Gordon, were the only characters to appear in all 4 installments. Unlike Gordon though, Alfred was an intricate part of the stories, or at least revelant, and although the story was weak in "Batman & Robin", Gough made it work.

1) Batman Begins
Hey, if this movie didn't suck so bad, Hollywood wouldn't have known that it was time for a change. Stories and Direction come first. Without it, it doesn't matter who's starring, high failure rate. That change came in form of Batman Begins, and the trilogy it was apart of. And to steal a quote, "For That, We Thank You!".

Stay Nerdy!

Why Nerds And Geeks Should Honor Canada

Perhaps "honor" is the wrong word to use, or maybe I am acting the stereotype of a Canadian and being modest ahaha But, seriously though even as a Canuck Nerd, I find myself thanking my country for some of these people.
Some are iconic, some were part of things that "failed" box-office wise, none the less all these Canadians were/are part of Nerd history on the big and small screens.

Anna Paquin

She is "Rogue" in the X-Men movies, and is "Sookie Stackhouse" on True Blood. Not a fan? Oscar winner at the age of 11, so props must be given.

Stephen Amell

Amell is Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) on The CW's "Arrow". Season 2 premieres this coming Wednesday (Oct. 9th). 

Ryan Reynolds

Despite the reviews or the box-office numbers, Reynolds has portrayed Green Lantern Hal Jordan in 2011's "Green Lantern" and Deadpool aka Wade Wilson in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" in 2009.

Ellen Page

Ellen has been in the X-Men movie saga as Katherine "Kitty" Pryde or Shadowcat for you mutants out there. Plus, she's Ellen Page....you're welcome.

Keanu Reeves

All jokes aside, John Constantine in 2005's "Constantine". Oh, and I guess there was also that other small time role in The Matrix trilogy ahahaha He's Neo *censored*'s!!

Jim Carrey

Known for so many characters and roles from a range of movies, but his roles as Stanley Ipkiss in 1994's "The Mask", The Riddler in "Batman Forever" (1995) and most recently, Col. Stars And Stripes in this years "Kick-Ass 2".

Laura Vandervoort

You may notice that your current drooling pattern is the same as when you watched televisions "Smallville". That is because she was Kara-El/Kara Kent aka Supergirl on the hit series. You're very welcome.

Seth Rogan

Okay, maybe we owe the world an apology for this, but then again he was the Green Hornet and we were not in 2011's "Green Hornet".

Michael J. Fox

Pretty sure he's an American citizen now, but he's Canadian born regardless, oh and he was also Marty McFly in the classic "Back To The Future" trilogy.

Dan Aykroyd

Co-Created, co-wrote and starred as Ray Stantz in both "Ghostbusters" movies and is willing to make more unlike a certain American (we are lookin' at you Bill).

Rick Moranis

Probably not his "biggest" roles but at the same time kind of were. Louis Tully and well The Keymaster (when possessed) in the "Ghostbusters" films. And was great as Dark Helmet in "Spaceballs" (1987).

Kristin Kreuk

Kristin was Lana Lang in televisions hit show "Smallville". As well as Chun-Li in 2009's "Street Fighter: The Legend Of Chun-Li". And would possibly make a good Catwoman if ever cast to play her.

Nathan Fillion

Nathan has voiced the character in DC's animated movies, and is many peoples choice to play the live screen version of Green Lantern Hal Jordan. He also played lead in televisions "Firefly" and the movie "Serenity" (2005) as Capt. Malcolm Reynolds.

Erica Durance

Erica portrayed the iconic character Lois Lane, and some other characters while possessed on televisions "Smallville". And she was Wonder Woman in a television series that was almost given the "green light".

Aaron Ashmore

Another alumni of televisions hit series of yesteryear "Smallville", Aaron played the role of Jimmy Olsen. And is ironically friends with "Superman Returns" (2006) Jimmy Olsen, Sam Huntington. Oh and....

Shawn Ashmore

Aaron's twin brother is Shawn (as you could tell I am sure) who played Eric Summers on a few occasions on "Smallville". Shawn however is better known for portraying Bobby Drake aka Iceman in the X-Men movies.

Cobie Smulders

Best known for her role on televisions "How I Met Your Mother", Cobie however is known for her role as Agent Maria Hill in the blockbuster "The Avengers" (2012) and the characters recurring roles in other movies and television shows related to the film. And yes, I would cast her as Wonder Woman in an instant. Hint hint.

Hayden Christensen

Love or hate him and/or Episodes II and III in the Star Wars saga, bottom line Hayden was/is Anakin Skywalker and Darth frickin' Vader. Even currently in the "upgraded" Ep. IV-VI. Again, Currently.

William Shatner

Like we have done with Star Wars, Canada gets a win in the Star Trek universe with the original Captain James T. Kirk being Canadian born William Shatner.


Honorable mentions include, James Doohan as Scotty in the Star Trek universe and Pamela Anderson (the early years) with the title character in "Barb Wire" (1996).

Although not Nerd-related, we apologize for the likes of Celine Dion and Justin Beiber. Nobody's perfect right?

Stay Nerdy!

AFFLECK CAST AS BATMAN. WORLD ENDS!

Okay, maybe the world hasn't literally ended, but a lot of fellow Bat-Fans out there sure have been acting as though it has. I've heard about death threats (even to those not even connected to the movie) and a petition for the President of the USA to step in and stop this casting. Seriously stupid stuff, that in all honesty, makes it kind of embarrassing to be a fan. I openly admit, my initial reaction was "F*ck!". For me it had absolutely nothing to do with Affleck or his ability to act or make a good movie. Daredevil wasn't the best movie, but I enjoyed it (minus Afflecks hair aha). So much, that I kind of yearned for him to reprise his role in the Elektra spin-off/sequel. My issue with this casting, was that I haven't heard or seen any movies where Ben had "the voice" to play Batman. A combination of his Boston accent and higher toned voice makes it hard for me to see him as The Dark Knight. Now I am not saying everyone has to be like Christian Bale and his grovelling attempt, however a different style of voice work is essential while dawning the cape and cowl. Biggest issue with George Clooney's attempt at being the Batman was that with or without the mask, you knew Bruce Wayne and Batman were the same person.

Now I am sure some of you are thinking, "Oh, working on his voice is easy." and initially you aren't wrong, however, it isn't as easy as you think and takes a lot of dedication. Not only that, there is always the risk of it being cheesy or over the top (Bale went overboard at times).

Again, this is the only thing that worries me. It was the only thing that worried me about Heath playing The Joker in The Dark Knight. I had never heard/seen him without the accent (Aussie I think). And well, clearly, those worries were put to sleep very quickly. And speaking of Heath Ledger as Mr. J, I remember the proverbial crap hitting the fan over that casting choice as well, I dunno, do you think that an Oscar win and the Box-Office numbers made those doubters eat their words? I believe so. And although I was too young to really hear about them, but I do remember my Dad telling me about how nobody wanted Michael Keaton as Batman back in the '89 Tim Burton movie, and I know I am not the only one who thinks of the first two of that franchise as being the best of them.

 So, the next 2 years shall be spent defending this movie and its casting choices. Hopefully this movie is as awesome as I am expecting it to be. Absolutely loved Man Of Steel, and adding my all-time favorite character to that mix, cannot be a bad thing....I hope ahaha Naw, total confidence in Zack Synder and the cast of this movie. Till then if your going to "question" anything about this movie, then let it be about things like "With Affleck only being 41, what direction are they taking after teasing this will be similar to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns", or "When are they announcing Brian Cranston as Lex Luthor?" Okay that last one is purely rumor at the moment, but my choice for the role (if it is even part of the upcoming movie).

Stay nerdy!