Pittsburgh Pirates

What is happening in Pittsburgh!?

Never before have we been so privy to a Christopher Nolan set, especially a Batman set! Yet, it's like we're watching a making of. A documentary on how to make a Batman movie. Literally, we're getting glimpses at characters, locations, vehicles and story in non-shakey, full HD formats, as if this movie was being pirated before it's even done! That's just so strange to me. Even with Nolan's films outside that of the caped crusader we're still kept in secrecy. So as you can see, I'm a littler perplexed, which can really only lead a person two places: confused and crying in a corner, or in a search for answers, and that's just what I found.

Here, Anne Hatheway says something interesting, in regards to her opinion of sneak peeks:

“That’s like a tenth of what the catsuit is. And I’ve got to say, I find it frustrating and I know he finds it frustrating, but I also think that he’s having fun with it, kind of like spooning out secrets. He has a lot more control than you think”.

Source: MTV

Of course "He" is Nolan.

This can only lead one to believe that the marketing ploy on this film is rather different compared to the previous Batman films, and incredibly intriguing at that. In fact, it's ass backwards and forward again! Rather than create buzz and suspense through the wonder of the unknown, with only hints and games to create in our minds what we wishfully long to see, “Just give them what they want!”, seems to be their motto. Which I guess hasn't been that bad, has it? Maybe a little unnerving. I don't want this movie spoiled for me. Can this spoil a movie for me?

A recent study here found the contrary to be true, that in fact spoilers, hints and teasers might actually enhance our viewing experience. And you know what, it makes sense.

So when the reality sets in at the end of this post, and you realize that we've all been idiots this whole time, punching out our best friends because they showed us a spoiler, Warner Brothers will be where they've always been; one step ahead.

My Top 10 Superheroes - Part 2

WARNING: This may be my longest post. So if you need to use the bathroom, or are feeling a bit hungry, take care of it now before you dive in..............................................There, now that you're feeling refreshed, let's begin.

Only one hero is allowed to tell off Cyclops (the leader of the X-Men) and get away with it. Only one hero can get away with rocking the most burly sideburns since Burt in Smokey and the Bandit. Only one hero can be torn apart, and literally put himself back together.

5. Wolverine

Aside from number 1, 2 and 3 (don't scroll down, save the surprise) this was my first real superhero in the sense that I started actually reading comics because of him. When Wolverine came into my life, he was still relatively young compared to most heroes, and that made him fresh, modern, unique. In essence he's Batman. Actually he's Batman and Superman combined. (Pretty tough to mess that up) He's the bad boy. Everyone knows a guy like that, but you'd never admit that you like him for it. With Wolverine you don't have to be ashamed, cause he just doesn't care! Such a force to be reckoned with, and best of all, he's Canadian.

Like other heroes there's been a lot of versions of Wolverine, and though nothing can compare to him when he's at his most original, classic self, my personal favorite is the notoriously animalistic, yet heroically self-sacrificing Age of Apocalypse Wolverine.

It might be because green is my favorite color. It might even be because my first comic that I ever got was of Green Lantern(I still have it), but even at a young age I could understand the sheer depth, and unequivocal creativity that went into this character. That is what puts the emerald warrior so high on my list.

4. Green Lantern

There's been so many Green Lanterns it's hard to keep track, and I'll be the first to admit that I ashamedly haven't read nearly enough of his comics. That being said, I can say that every time I do have an opportunity to read about Hal Jordan and his fight for universal justice, I am always taken back to that nostalgic place where I'm blown away by the gift of our imaginations, and the capacity comics have to encourage it.

There isn't much that needs to be said about our next hero.

3. Spider - Man

The only people I know that don't like our friendly neighborhood Spidey , seem to like number 5 on this list more, and even then it's more of a petty conflict over popularity.

Simply put, The Amazing Spider-Man (not Spectacular, Ultimate or any other spin-off) is every man's superhero. So all that really needs to be said is:

Thank you Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko.

Ladies and Gentlemen;

2. The Batman

You made it okay to be dark, edgy, jaded, obsessive, tortured, and serious to the point of comedy.

You found an audience so large it's unfathomable, and only equalled by numbers 10 and 3 of this list. You've been campy and disturbing. You've been spoofed and you've been idolized. You've had movies, cartoons, books, TV shows, video games, copycats, and a slew of new characters created all because of your existence.

No one can touch you, yet everyone has. You're such a tangible character, yet most of us would hate to be in a position where we could relate. It actually boggles my mind in some ways how you've achieved the success you have. I think we look to you as a refuge. As the guy who's got it way worse than we ever could. Yet maybe, just maybe if things did actually get to Gotham's extremes in our own world, it's not completely unrealistic that you, or someone like you could exist.

We'll keep coming back to you forever.

Commissioner Gordon, played by Gary Oldman in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight, described it best why Batman is who he is, to Gotham, and to his fans. Although this is paraphrased and may come across cheesy, it's just plain true:

"He's the hero Gotham deserves"

You probably didn't see this coming.

1. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

I looked down my fair share of man holes as a kid, but I never found them... I'm not sure what I would have done if i did.

I just absolutely love these guys.

I don't think I've ever even read one of their comics, but it didn't matter because Saturday morning with the turtles in a half shell was more than enough! I still go back and watch that show. I'm a huge fan of all their movies, and the biggest critic of anything that comes out with their name on it. If you had seen my room as a child you wouldn't question my justification in being so. I will, at some point in my career make a film for these heroes which all fans can be proud of.

I'm truly grateful these colorful characters entered my life. Now join with me in singing the most catchy, hyper disorder inducing theme song ever.

Thanks for reading :)

TMNT Theme

My Top 10 Superheroes - Part 1

This was difficult to say the least.

I recently asked one of my best friends and fellow bloggers (Bliz - O - Vision) to make his own version of this very list, but quickly realized that the task at hand is monumental, and it'd only be fair if I did the same.

I've been finding enjoyment in the pages of comics since I was very young, and the obligation felt toward these superheroes and their creators for nurturing my budding imagination is huge. These characters and their stories got me reading, and there just really isn't anything more important than that! So without further ado; Part 1.

10. Superman

I can't say I've read much about Superman. If I read anything, or watch anything he's usually with another character I'm more interested in. He's just not my kinda hero, but he has to make this list simply for the fact that he paved the way for everyone else.

9. Deadpool

I only started reading Deadpool a few years ago. My first encounters with this samurai sword wielding, gun blasting, masked madman were in other comics that he'd periodically pop up in, inevitably creating havoc in the most daring, theatrically awesome ways. As far as I can tell this is the most creatively and comedically insane character out there, while still managing to maintain a place within the mainstream - that's an impressive feat in my books. You can laugh and be scared within the same frame in Deadpool's comics, something I just haven't found anywhere else. At the same time, it's a brave and bold step to go against the boy scout image that many of the first superheroes laid the framework for, and Deadpool has always done it right. He's not necessarily good, but he's not even necessarily bad. He's his own man with his own agenda, though frequently he's just trying to keep his best friend (a talking skull) out of trouble.

8. The Incredible Hulk

"Hulk smash!!"

We've all had those moments, where we lose our tempers, and though we don't turn into 7' (or 20' by Ang Lee's rendition) green monsters, we certainly feel like it on the inside. The Hulk represents something humanity hates about itself, our tempers. I'm sure there has been a number of psychological essays written about this character, and I won't really get into it, the point is that most of us can relate to this character. Bruce Banner is just an average though very intelligent guy, who you just really don't want to get angry. He means well though and because of that he manages to wield his anger into a weapon for good, something I think we all wish we could do in hind sight.

As a side note, I've always wanted to see what would happen between The Hulk and Godzilla.

7. Hellboy

You just can't help but love this guy. I was introduced to him by Guillermo del Toro in the film adaptation, and from what I've been able to get my hands on it was a faithful rendition. Like Jon already noted in his Top Ten, his whole purpose was to annihilate us, but all it took was the affection of one human to turn him into a great defender of the human cause. I also have to add just how refreshing and unique Mike Mignola's design for this character was.

6. Nightwing

Nightwing in my mind is yet to find his potential. I honestly don't think that DC knows what to do with him. He is absolutely, without a doubt one of the coolest characters out there, but needs to find his voice, and a solid team to of writers to give this character what he deserves. Only recently has DC seemed realize the true potential of this character, and they gave him the opportunity to fill the very big role of somebody who will soon be mentioned in Part 2. You could tell DC knew that he was the only one who could do it right, and he has.

Like soap operas, comics have a tendency to recycle stories, with many of these characters now in there eighties they have too. Nightwing however, who's character was first introduced over fifty years ago, I think like no other character has a future which could alter everything in the DC Universe - IF - utilized correctly. It's actually exciting to think of the possibilities.

So there you have it, Part 1. Part 2, coming soon...

Morning

On lilacs and marigolds

Are early morning answers

To daybreak's question

Vanilla, sultry suggestion

Humming tides as clouds collide

Darkness seems an everest

Further still till day

For the sun we long and pray.

Under the Dark

It's like a cloud.

Like a cloud of black, bold tenacity.

It's the lonely blanket that is frayed, and out of season, yet capable of efficacy unimaginable.

On trial for our eternity. Our universe is only our own.

Judging the minute hand as the seconds pass, while trying to remember to look up - it's all been done?

Still we question. Still we search.

Still we wait, for the sun.

I wonder what Oscar thinks?

Yesterday the results for the 2011 Oscar nominations were released, and once again I find myself truly questioning this celebration of the cinematic arts and it's legitimacy - well at least those involved in deciding who gets nominated.

You might notice that below there is a certain prolific filmmaker missing - Christopher Nolan. From a movie that really got people talking, and thinking, not to mention it also made close to a Billion dollars.

I'm in no way doubting, or judging the talent of the directors below, I admire all of them. I could rant and rave like I'm sure lots of people on the internet are doing, but I'd rather just leave you with a question...

Is the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences basically saying that it took less skill as a director to make Inception than it did to make the movies below?

Darren Aronofsky "Black Swan"

David O. Russell "The Fighter"

Tom Hooper "The King's Speech"

David Fincher "The Social Network"

Joel and Ethen Coen "True Grit"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66TuSJo4dZM

The Grand Illusion

So I'm sitting in the Harriet Irving Library on campus at UNB. This is my 2nd semester in what is technically my 2nd year. I'm waiting to see a screening of Renoir's "The Grand Illusion", which I'm really looking forward to actually.

Life is about as busy as it gets right now with school and trying to keep the films rolling through. Oddly enough, despite all the distractions I've never felt more focused.

The biggest distraction right now would probably be the -20 degree weather, hate the cold! Other than that, life is grand.

Location:Pacey Dr,Fredericton,Canada