Supernatural Review – “Thin Lizzie” S11E5

It’s no secret that the writers of Supernatural may have totally doomed themselves by bringing in a villain like The Darkness, with it being the biggest baddest of all bads and like nothing they’ve ever faced before. For one, how the hell do you top that next season? Not to mention, the writers seem to be floundering a little bit from episode to episode, almost as if they too are still unsure of exactly they’ve unleased upon the world. At least that was certainly the case with episode 5, “Thin Lizzie.” It started in one place, and then ended up all the way across the room from where it began and I don’t think the twist they intended quite paid off.

Pros:

Len: That guy ruled. He was funny and quirky, while also being the one and only element that brought depth to this episode. He was an unlikely hero, and even after losing his soul he made a great sacrifice in order to do the right thing. He was well written and well-acted, and I thank him for making this episode that much better.

It wasn’t the owners of the bed and breakfast: I’m not saying I’m thrilled with the episode ending up being about Amara (and some sad soulless girl) but I sure I am relieved that I was wrong when I thought I had the whole plot figured out in the first five minutes. To elaborate, I was pretty sure that the murders in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast were either being committed by the son of the proprietor or by some ghoulie they summoned up in an attempt to increase business. To be fair, you know that sounds like a legit episode of Supernatural. Either way, it’s always nice to see that something was not as predictable as I thought.

Cons:

Amara: She sucks. I know that we are unaware of how powerful and awesome she may become, and with that I know that she may become an incredible foe. However, in this in between stage she’s just a poorly acted little brat who doesn’t succeed at being fearsome, evil or creepy.

The completely missed opportunity with Lizzie Borden: WHY would you start an episode and make it seem like it was based on an infamous serial killer and then completely drop the idea 20 minutes in? And WHY would you then title said episode “Thin Lizzie” when in reality it will have nothing to do with her? On one hand, I’m glad they didn’t pursue the storyline out of fear they would “butcher” her history to meet their own needs. On the other hand, however, it just feels a lot more like they came up with an idea to base something on Lizzie, realized it wasn’t going to pan out, so they ditched it and went with an easy and not well thought out conclusion.

Predictions:

Time will keep on slipping, slipping, slipping…: As in I don’t think they are going to get to the point with Amara/The Darkness anytime soon. This season feels reminiscent of season 6, when they unleashed The Mother and had no idea what to do with her so they wasted time until she came and went with barely a spark. I’m sure The Darkness will be a bigger deal than that, but until they figure out that they’re doing I think we all need to sit tight and enjoy a lot of anticlimactic encounters.

Random Musings and Questions Best Not Asked:

So what is this now about Sam’s never before mentioned serial killer fetish? You mean to tell me in eleven seasons and countless dark encounters it’s never once come up that Sammy has affection for serial killers?

Cas was binge watching The Wire. Ha! Nice shout out guys.

So when Sam and Dean were discussing who they debunked the haunting at the Bed and Breakfast did it really not seem appropriate to mention the creeper Dean saw outside taking old timey photos? How is that not noteworthy?

Sam finds a kid bound and gagged in a closet, in a house where clearly something nasty is afoot. So naturally he sets down his gun and leaves it behind himself, in someone else’s reach so it can be easily grabbed and used to hit him in the head. Is he new at this?

Where the hell is Crowley? Isn’t he Amara’s adoptive father or creepy uncle? Where the hell is he while she’s wandering around earth in her Bat Mitzvah dress sucking souls outside of haunted B&Bs and dive bars?

DID YOU GUYS SEE CONSTANTINE ON ARROW? THAT WAS SO FREAKING AMAZING!!

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Hush gives “Thin Lizzie” a C for making a point, then missing said point and then not doing much else.

All images belong to The CW.

 

 

Supernatural Review – “The Bad Seed” S11E3

Last night’s episode of Supernatural…happened. It wasn’t necessarily a bad episode, but I don’t think I can quite say it was a good one either. Maybe it’ll make more sense once we break it down.

Pros:

Castiel is cured: Well that sure is a relief. Especially considering in the tenth season finale I had no idea the whole curse on Cas thing would stick around and become such a big deal. I’m glad it’s over with now for his sake, and for mine, because that issue had the makings to get really old, really fast.

The Mega-Coven: This isn’t an actual pro, really, but watching Rowena say Mega-Coven and then be so crestfallen when everyone else thought it was a dumb name was funny and endearing. In an evil sort of way.

Rowena: I’ve got to hand it to her, she brings lively dialogue and drama to every scene she’s in. Of course she’s evil, and yet still not even that terrifying of a big bad but she adds layers to what she’s involved in and I think Supernatural benefits from her presence.

Ya know, we’re not so different after all: The best scene in last night’s episode was hands down the demon and angel sharing a drink. It was such a charming moment. The dialogue was well written and witty, and while the scene added comedic relief and a touch of lightheartedness the overall driving point landed hard. The Darkness is such a fearsome foe that the forces of heaven and hell are left terrified and confused, and maybe even considering a team up?

Cons:

Nothing really happened: Sam and Dean found Rowena, she lifted the curse on Cas and then escaped – episode over. I just don’t feel like there was any story development whatsoever in “The Bad Seed”. The Winchester’s are no closer to find Amara, even though Dean called Crowley’s cell – about an unrelated matter. Don’t be dumb guys, you know Crowley ran off with her. But hey, on the plus side it was at least mentioned that the hunters three will need Metatron’s insight on fighting the Darkness – because ya know, he’s been so helpful and not full of lies before.

And Crowley is an idiot: Despite his best efforts, I’ve never thought Crowley was all that cunning in the first place. If he really thinks he has the upper hand with Amara he’s even dumber than I thought. She has no loyalty to him and it is so obvious! She liked her nanny more than Crowley and she still ate her! He has to know that no mere King of Hell can control something like the Darkness and there is no way she will ever follow his lead.

And Amara kind of sucks: Seriously though, fuck her. At this point she is a pretty piss poor big bad. I’m not afraid of her, even though the show is totally trying to do the creepy evil little girl thing with her (flashback to season three when we did that already with Lilith) and it’s not landing at all. I don’t believe anything about her, she doesn’t seem powerful, fearsome, compassionate or tragic. She honestly just seems like a dumb/confused little brat. And I’m so not into it.

Predictions:

Stuff will happen: I’m sorry guys, I’m not trying to be shitty but last night’s episode really didn’t give me much to draw from. Amara will continue to grow up whilst eating souls, Rowena is on the loose and a steady secondary evil and that’s about it. Oh, and Sam, Dean and Castiel will track down Metatron so he can deceive them while they think he’s giving them a solid lead on how to stop the Darkness. Frankly I don’t want to have to think about that writer’s conundrum anymore than I have to so I’m just going to leave it at that.

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Hush Comics gives “The Bad Seed” a C for spending a whole lot of time doing nothing, devoting no time to good characters and for zero story development.

Supernatural Review – “Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire” S11E1

Guys! GUYS! Supernatural is back! Last night’s season premiere, “Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire” hit audiences hard with a few answers, even more questions and a healthy serving of fear.

Pros:

Supernatural is back!: It may not seem like a legitimate pro simply that this episode aired on television, but trust me, it is. It’s been a long summer and Supernatural is finally back. Count it.

And off to such a strong start!: Sometimes Supernatural season premieres move a little slower, mostly because of whatever amount of time was supposed to have passed since the finale. But not this time. The premiere picked up maybe 5-10 minutes from where we left off and kept a steady pace throughout. “Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire” is one of the best premieres I’ve seen from Supernatural because while it acknowledged the grief and turmoil between Sam and Dean considering all they’d just been through it wasted no time throwing them back into terrifying action and getting the audience ready for another hell of a season.

Supernatural — “Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire” — Image SN1102B_0221.jpg — Pictured (L-R): Jensen Ackles as Dean, Jared Padalecki as Sam and Laci J. Mailey as Jenna Nickerson — Photo: Diyah Pera/The CW — © 2015 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The season long storyline seems like it’ll be really good: We were all left shocked and confused when season 10 came to a close – what is the Darkness? What happens when you kill Death? Did Cas just kill Crowley?! Where the hell is Rowena going and what is she up to? Not all of our questions were answered, but what was established in this first episode has the makings of an incredible season. I don’t understand the Darkness yet, as I’m not supposed to, but the havoc it wreaked so far makes it look like one of the scariest season long monsters we’ve ever seen. The idea of the Darkness infecting people and turning them into 28 Days Later-esque rage zombies is something completely new for the series, and the fact that the rage is a communicable disease makes it all the better.

And let’s not forget that Sam has already been infected which means a cure has to be coming soon. Sam is special, so he’ll probably be able to fight the transformation longer than other people, but either way the sense of urgency will add some great drama and conflict to his relationship with Dean.

Oh, and the Darkness has already taken a reincarnated form, in the shape of the newborn baby girl Amara that Sam and Dean were so determined to save.

Not to mention that Castiel is still under Rowena’s spell, which is likely trying to kill him from the inside out and the last we saw him his angel (dicks) brethren were putting a black bag over his head and taking him away to god knows what.

Holy strong season premiere, Batman!

The return of Lucifer?: I don’t know if this will really happen, but I sure am excited that it was at least mentioned. Lucifer and Michael are still trapped in the cage, and barely anyone acknowledges that anymore. Crowley is only in charge because Lucifer is absent and something tells me Satan himself will not be too happy what what the little old King of the Crossroads has done to his Kingdom.

 

Cons:

The Darkness, herself: Or at least the dialogue between her and Dean. It felt unnatural and oddly sexual in a way that didn’t work for me.

Predictions:

More angel bullshit (those guys are dicks): Man I hate those guys, but as long as there is no resolution in Heaven we can’t do away with the angels. Also Cas did pray to them for help so naturally he just invited them back into the plot in the worst possible way. Metatron (that ass) will be back since he ran off with the tablet, but I hope that doesn’t happen for awhile as I’m way more into what’s currently happening. Maybe, maybe God will show back up since the Darkness is free and then the angels will have to answer for all the shit they’ve pulled the last few years. And it will be awesome.

Amara will be the most heartbreaking villain yet: Oh man, please don’t let them kill a baby. I mean, I know they won’t, Amara will probably grow at an accelerated rate if there is to be a showdown between her and the Winchester’s but still. I really don’t know where things are going to go with Amara, all I know is she has the same Mark of Cain that the adult Darkness had and that in the preview for next week’s episode Crowley said she eats souls. For now though she is just a newborn baby, and chances are her journey will be a sad one.

 

Hush Comics gives “Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire” an A+ for wasting no time getting a very well written story going and reminding the fans why we love this show so freaking much.

Netflix’s 10 Best Movies to Get You in the Mood for Halloween

Fall is a very magical time of year if you ask me. The weather starts to get chilly, the skies are overcast, everything that was once green begins to die in the most beautiful fashion, and you can get pumpkin spice literally everything. I have always loved fall because I can feel a spark in the crisp air – a spark of something different, creepy and maybe even a little menacing. That spark is the impending joy that is Halloween. October is finally here and before we know it, we’ll be paying decent money to get the shit scared out of us at haunted houses and the trick-or-treaters will be at our doors. Halloween is a mind set, one that takes over most people for the entirety of the 10^th month of the year and there is no better way to get yourself in the spirit than cuddling up with a good scary movie to excite and spook you.

There’s no time like the present to start gearing up for Halloween, so why not take this weekend off, stay home, and binge watch until you’re too scared to turn the lights off. Without further adieu, here I are the 10 best movies to watch on Netflix to get yourself in the Halloween spirit: (In no particular order)

Banshee Chapter (2013)

1. Banshee Chapter (2013)

This is one of the best horror movies I’ve seen in years. It is based on H.P. Lovecraft’s story From Beyond and bases that premise on the chemical experiments the government performed on American soldiers in the 1960’s. Banshee Chapter has genuinely terrifying jump out scare moments, a truly disturbing story, minimal gore and violence, and one of the creepiest songs I’ve ever heard in my life. This movie will stick with you after you’ve watched it, you won’t want to sleep alone and especially not in the dark.

Creep (2014)

2. Creep (2014)

Creep is not your typical horror movie, and it continues to dodge your expectations all the way to the very end. This one won’t leave you sleepless, but it will hold your attention and make you uncomfortable while your watching it because it preys on the part of you that wants to trust people and give them the benefit of the doubt. Creep should absolutely be added to your list of things to watch; it’s very well written and like no other movie I’ve seen. Not to mention it’s just plain Creep-y (you see what I did there?)

Mr. Jones (2013)

3. Mr. Jones (2013)

This is another “Not-your-typical-horror-movie” movie. It will captivate you even though at first glance it kind of just seems like another found footage movie. In fact, the director utilizes several different techniques, including handicam, interviews, and separated wide shots. Mr. Jones is thoughtful, and introduces you to very real characters that are impossible not to care about. There are moments of suspense, very creepy artwork imagery, and a plot culmination that is not only scary but sweet and dances on the lines of the fantastical.

You’re Next (2011)

4. You’re Next (2011)

Oh this movie is so much fun. It’s gory, but there’s nothing too outlandish and the writing is clever and at moments very cynical towards the human race. You’re Next felt like watching The Strangers, but with so much more character and a way better plot base and story arc. I didn’t have very high expectations going into this movie and I was blown away – I laughed, I screamed, I jumped and then I watched it again. You’re Next won’t keep you up at night, but it will leave you exhilarated.

V/H/S (2012)

5. V/H/S (2012) and V/H/S 2 (2013)

These movies are perfect for getting in the mood for Halloween. Each film is a combination of short films with the longest being around 20 minutes. The stories are fun – some are ridiculously cheesy and others have some real merit to them. Each story is unique and the subjects range from ghosts to monsters to doomsday cults and there’s even one about what it would look like if you were wearing a GoPro while getting attacked by/becoming a zombie. Each anthology goes by quick, and after I watched the first V/H/S I immediately put on the second one because I wanted more. There is a third movie in this series and I have to suggest that you avoid it at all costs. It was such a disappointment, and there wasn’t a single moment in it worth watching.

We Are What We Are (2013)

6. We Are What We Are (2013)

We Are What We Are made it’s way quietly through the indie circuit, receiving more and more critical praise and making it one of the most buzzed about horror movies of the last few years. It moves a little slow and spends a lot of time really developing the story and characters so if you are expecting to jump into 90 minutes of non-stop hack and slash action this is not the movie for you. Instead, We Are What We Are almost feels like the intellect’s horror movie as it focuses on a family that believe they are normal even though they do horrible things in the name of tradition. There is a twist at the end of this one that left most viewers stunned and disturbed, so be forewarned. It didn’t bother me at all, but I’m a weirdo.

Hellraiser (1987)

7. Hellraiser (1987) and Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)

I know these movies came out 28 years ago (good god that makes me feel old) but I really believe they’ve held up over time. The Hellraiser movies are similar to the demonic possession movies that were all the rage a few years ago, but they take that fear to the darkest place possible. Full disclosure: these movies still scare the shit out of me. The gates of hell can be opened and what comes out is way scarier than whatever possessed Emily Rose. The Cenobites are still, hands down, some of the scariest and most compelling monsters in cinema history and they are at their best in the first two Hellraiser films. Even after all these years the plot holds up, the effects hold up, and these movies will leave you disturbed and frightened.

Scream (1996)

8. The Scream Movies

These movies are classics. I’m pretty sure I still know the words to every single phone call from the first and second movies, not to mention basically all the lines. The Scream series has style and was incredible in its time, the first film single handedly reinvented the slasher flick genre and gave it validity again. I never thought the Scream movies were scary, just freaking amazing, so watching the series won’t give you nightmares, but it will probably make you giddy with nostalgia and joy.

Deep in the Darkness (2014)

9. Deep in the Darkness (2014)

This movie is kind of like The Village, if the monsters were real and not just dumb people in dumb costumes. Deep in the Darkness has some pretty freaky looking creatures that live in the woods and down in a series of caves around a small town and if the residents don’t keep them happy they basically go berserk. The monster people things are really scary, the acting is good, and the plot has enough action to keep things going while never really landing in cheesy territory. This movie may leave you more uncomfortable than you expected once it’s over, and wondering who or what could be outside your window or underneath your floor boards.

The House at the End of Time (2013)

10: The House at the End of Time (2013)

The House at the End of Time, or La Casa del fin de los Tiempos is easily one of the best horror movies on Netflix right now. It’s about a haunted/possessed house that a woman returns to once she is elderly to finally figure out the curse it holds that has ruined her entire life. This movie has excellent pace between the dramatic and terrifying moments and more than anything you’ll want Dulce to survive, succeed and find her peace. The House at the End of Time is scary and full of heart, which in this case will only make you more invested in it and more terrified as it unfolds.

This Weekend in the Nerdverse – August 15th-16th

This weekend at the box office the N.W.A. biopic proved to be a hot commodity, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. made a decent while perhaps surprising showing, and Fantastic Four was almost entirely erased from the hearts and minds of the human race.

1. Straight Outta Compton with $56.1 million
2. Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation with $17 million
3. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. with $13.5 million
4. Fantastic Four with $8 million
5. The Gift with $6.5 million

Also, the D23 expo happened over the weekend. You may have heard of it, or you may not have to be honest. It is an expo for Disney super fans and has really taken off now that Disney owns Marvel and Star Wars. While Star Wars was allowed to be at SDCC 2015, many fans noticed an unbelievable lack of a Marvel presence. Disney wanted them to save all of their big announcements and stars for their own convention. And that they did over the weekend.

Benedict Cumberbatch appeared via video at the Doctor Strange panel to talk about what he plans to bring to the role and then he oozed enigmatic charm all over the damn place. God dammit I love that man. The panel also revealed and talked about plans for the film as well as concept art. Comicbook.com

Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie flew all the way from Germany to attend the Captain America: Civil War presentation and panel, where the first ever footage from the highly anticipated film was released. Comicbook.com

Kingdom Hearts will be teaming up with Disney Infinity in the third version of them game where you will have the chance to use none other than The Keyblade during combat. Comicbook.com

The Star Wars presentation is where it was really at for D23. The cast of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens was there, including Harrison Ford, and the cast of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was announced as well as the news that Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) will be directing Star Wars Episode IX. Boom. Comicbook.com

In other news, Donald Trump, that lying sack of racist misogynistic psychotic shit, claimed he was Batman. I get it, if a little boy asks you if you’re Batman you say yes because it’s cute and all but Trump really sullied the name of a good man and hero by keeping that kid’s dreams alive. Twitter

BREAKING: Constantine to Join ‘Arrow’ Cast

So…much…awesome…

IT’S REALLY HAPPENING GUYS!! CONSTANTINE LIVES!!

The CW announced today that there will indeed be an Arrow/Constantine crossover in season 4. As of right now Matt Ryan (John Constantine) is only set for a one shot episode, but with any luck he could become a returning character. Hell, they brought Cupid back right?

The Trench Coat is being dusted off. #Constantine #Arrow @CW_Arrow @amellywood looking forward to it. #thisfall pic.twitter.com/fROWx4RJ9o

— Matt Ryan (@mattryanreal) August 11, 2015

Season 4 will explore more of the mysticism and magic that surfaced in Season 3 of Arrow, so Constantine should fit right in. If he proves a strong ally, hopefully we’ll get to see a whole lot more of him.

I’d like to personally thank Stephen Amell for this one. He was such a vocal part of the Save Our Show effort on Twitter and he really got people talking about a future for the super underrated cult TV show.

This Weekend in the Nerd Verse… August 8th-9th, 2015

For those of you wondering who will return for Pacific Rim 2 the answer is everyone who didn’t die. Charlie Day will be back (YES!) and will play a bigger role, and so will his German scientist buddy Burn Gorman. Charlie Hunnam will be back of course, and I can only imagine Ron Perlman will pop up too. Source: Slash Films

Bill Murray will indeed make an appearance in Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters reboot, but he will not be playing Peter Venkman. What the what? Source: Birth Movies Death

Jeff Pinkner (The Amazin Spider-Man 2, Lost, Fringe) will reportedly be writing Universal Studios remake of The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the lead role has been offered to Scarlett Johansson. Creature is one of the best monsters and movies of all time, don’t you ruin this for me Pinkner! Source: Tracking Board

23 Jump Street is happening. And this time they’re going to med school. And Chris Miller and Phil Lord will only be producing. Source: Slash Films

It was another quiet weekend at the box office. Mission Impossible held on to the top spot, Fantastic Four was a Fantastic Fail, and The Gift made a descent showing for a film of it’s genre.

1. Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation           $29.4 million
2. Fantastic Four                                                  $26.2 million
3. The Gift                                                               $12 million
4. Vacation                                                             $9.1 million
5. Ant-Man                                                             $7.8 million

Mark Hamill will Reportedly Voice The Joker in ‘The Killing Joke’

Image of The Joker from The Killing Joke, image courtesy and property of DC Comics.

Everything you’ve ever dreamed of is now a reality: Mark Hamill will play The Joker in the upcoming animated movie, The Killing Joke. Reportedly.

I must try not to get too carried away with this story since the confirmation available is a little sketchy. After the story broke last week that Mark Hamill would love to come out of Joker retirement to voice the villain in The Killing Joke, apparently “sources reached out” to confirm that Hamill already recorded his voice work for the film. Hamill hasn’t publicly confirmed his role, and neither has Warner Bros.

The Killing Joke is the quintessential tale of The Joker for many Batman fans, and the same goes for how many people feel about Hamill’s voicing of the character. The two things coming together would likely be one of the best animated features of the year and within the Batman Universe.

Source:  Collider

This Weekend in the Nerd Verse – July 25th-26th, 2015

First thing’s first, it was a quiet and, in some cases, sad weekend at the box office. Nothing too fantastic happened, and none of the new releases managed to grab the number one spot.

1. Ant-Man                 $24.7 Million
2. Pixels                     $24 Million
3. Minions                  $22.1 Million
4. Trainwreck             $17.3 Million
5. Southpaw               $16.5 Million

 

Tyrese Gibson revealed that he has indeed met with Warner Bros to discuss the possibility of playing Jhon Stewart/Green Lantern in the newly announced Green Lantern Corps movie. And Gibson thinks he’s the best guy for the job. Source: Collider

The writer’s room for Arrested Development season 5 has been established. No word on how many episodes there will be though. I know it’s one of the best TV shows ever, but are people still holding out for more Arrested Development? Source: CNN

The Deadpool trailer is officially classified, meaning we are one step closer to being able to see it in non Comic Con leaked footage format. However, as the trailer is classified and will likely be attached to Fantastic Four to continue building hype around Marvel’s other Cinematic Universe this means that the soon to be released version will be PG. No word on if the complete red band version from SDCC will ever hit the interwebs. Source: Alberta Film Ratings 

Rachel McAdams confirmed that she has been in talks to play opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange, but that it is still too early to say that anything will or won’t happen with that. Source: LA Times
On the subject of Doctor Strange, it came out that Tilda Swinton’s The Ancient One could be male or female. Source: The Guardian 

Backstreet Boys and N’SYNC to Team Up for Zombie Western!

Oh how the mighty have fallen, and then hit rock bottom. Back in the late 90’s, when boy bands ruled the Earth, I don’t think any of us could have predicted that the Backstreet Boys and N’SYNC would ever team up. They were arch enemies! But time makes fools of us all, and members of the two bands will be teaming up for a new Asylum movie calledDead 7, written by none other than Nick Carter (he was the youngest in BSB, and “the cute one”).

The producer of Sharknado is the person we can all blame/thank for the upcoming Dead 7. The movie will be a futuristic western, with zombies! It will star Carter as the hero of the day, as well as his fellow Backstreet Boys A.J. McLean and Howie Dorough and N’SYNC-er Joey Fatone. Because what won’t Joey Fatone do, amiright?

Carter is intending to reach out to The New Kids on the Block in hopes of getting Jordan Knight to sign on and there is no word on whether or not any other members of N’SYNC will accept his invitation.

So…that’s a thing we can look forward to.

Source: Rolling Stone