Who Won The 2011 Super Hero Showdown?

Way back in February I projected that this summer would be a Super Hero Smackdown. There were four films battling it out to be the King of the heroes: "X-Men: First Class," "Green Lantern," "Thor," and "Captain America." Now they've all busted into the multiplex with their assorted powers, let's take a look back to see how they all stack up.


1. "X-Men: First Class" - Michael Fassbender dominates the summer as Magneto, it's that simple. His final kill is the biggest OSM* of the entire summer and he's doing so much badass shit in the movie it's just straight bananas. That being said James McCavoy is great as Professor X and the alternate history plot is effective and the most original of the summer. This film more than any other this summer has the most scenes that I remember and think back on and say "yeah....that was worth my loot."

2. "Captain America: The First Avenger" - While it's cool to see Magneto killing Nazi's with his magnetic mastery, Captain America is my favorite on screen hero this summer, and it's for his non-action related abilities. One of the key themes in the flick is that Cap is a "good man" and Chris Evans really sells this theme. It's great seeing a hero who isn't an asshole like Tony Stark, a psychopath like Batman, or a emo-baby freak like Superman. Also, the shield throwing was as cool as I hoped it would be. Bonus points for having the best romance of any of the flicks.

3. "Thor" - Unlike some of my pals who thought "Thor" was an abomination, I enjoyed the film. Pretty much unknown actor Chris Hemsworth brings the humor, heart, and hammer time to his performance as the Norse God. Out of all the movies this one had the best production design. I mean Asgard has rainbow bridges, galaxies flowing into waterfalls, and Stringer Bell as the gate keeper to an ancient portal involving an cosmic tree. Not for everyone. (Note...my Dad saw Thor twice and loved it)

4. "Green Lantern" - A buddy of mine who possesses the power of Comic-Book knowledge called this movie "The Frat Lantern," and he's right. I like Reynolds and he's trying hard here...but the story which involves rastafari alien cloud monsters, fighter jets, alien fish with British accents, and Blake Lively just doesn't work. Guest blogger Kosher D once said this was one to be taken seriously, and to that I say... c'mon son.

Until next summer (holy shit next summer) have a good one.

10 Good Things About Green Lantern (They're hard to find)

I managed to catch "Green Lantern" in 2D at a drive in Northern California this past weekend. I'll keep this polite and say I didn't care for it.....but I'm all about the power of will/positive energy so here are ten things that I liked about Green Lantern

1. It made me realize how awesome "X-Men First Class" is.
2. Mark Strong plays Sinestro in the film and he's great, the film made me appreciate what a presence this dude is on screen. He was great in "Sherlock Holmes" and  I'm looking forward to seeing him in more roles.
3. It made me realize how much I liked "Thor."
4. Seeing alien landscapes and galaxies on the screen never gets old and I'm pumped that the far out shit I see on "Astronomy Picture of the Day" is closer to becoming a reality (but I guess it's already real).
5. Peter Sarsgaard
6. It made my realize that we are just about a year away from The Dark Knight Rises
7. On some magical business, I really want a green lantern power ring, the possibilites of what you can do with it are endless, however I would mainly stick to conjuring up pizza and free x-box games
8. Reynolds is still pretty funny and likable and the scenes of him flying fighter jets made me wish he starred in the Top Gun Sequel, why cause Top Gun is one of the greatest flicks of all time
9. Seeing Tim Robins on the screen made me think about "Arlington Road" which is in my top 10 movies of all time
10. Captain America comes out soon.

Green Lantern To Be Taken Seriously

What's good everyone? Kosher D here as we continue the This LA Life takeover. I want to just drop some truth bombs about the upcoming WB film GREEN LANTERN. With the release of the new footage, which can be seen above, I'm loading up a fresh batch of coal into the TPG Hype Train.

The footage is so good, I shouldn't even have to write this. After the first trailer, I found myself having to defend it a bit. "Don't worry, it's going to be better." Well, guess what? I WAS RIGHT! But, I shall defend it for those 2% of you who still don't believe me. This movie is going to bring it! I'll be the first to admit that I didn't like Ryan Reynolds being cast (a geek can hold on to the dream of him being The Flash), but after seeing him at Comic Con and this latest footage, I totally buy it. I don't mind that the suit is all CG. It is alien, it is supposed to just appear. Also, it looks like Reynolds' sarcasm is toned down a little and will absolutely work for Hal Jordan.


Sinestro looks incredible. Kilowog jumped off the page. Tomar-Re just helped an Englishman speak. The realistic look of everyone and everything is a true testament to having Geoff Johns on through every step of this process. When you have people that are that deeply invested in the characters and products, you know you're going to get top notch quality. When you don't, well, see FOX and X3, Wolverine, and Fantastic Four. (Dear Fox, Stop Hating Fans.)

The biggest issue with Green Lantern remains, will a major audience go and see a comic book movie that is so engrained with aliens? THE DARK KNIGHT, SPIDER-MAN, X-MEN, and  X2, all have Earth-based characters who come by their powers by either a scientific experiment, a genetic mutation, or Dad's fortune. But I'm telling you, America, World, just trust me. Suspend your disbelief, say the oath, and come to OA with me. Remember, the ring chose you, not the other way around.

Honor Abin-Sur and join the Corps!

Super Hero Fix: Superman, Green Lantern, Dark Knight Rises

Alright comic book movie fans, buckle up I'm about to hit you with so much information you're gonna think I'm a villain. In a span of four days there has been quantum super-nova of information both from Marvel and DC so let's throw on the costumes and kick ass.

The Dark Knight Rises: People are so excited for this film that Nolan has instituted a Bruce Wayne level security system. To read the script, each person needs to be greeted and brought through multiple locked doors, then into the Batcave, I mean, production office. Speaking of the script, it has been printed with no ending, only God, I mean Nolan knows the ending (source).

The Dark Knight Rises After He Has Already Risen: It was announced today by the head of Warner Brothers after Nolan and Bale's run with the caped crusader ends with "The Dark Knight Rises," Nolan will continue to produce the franchise. I'll go on record and say I'd rather have a new director/producer come in and put his vision on the screen. With Nolan producing, that means his vision will probably remain intact  (source)

Justice League: While I'm always been more of an Avengers (2012 son!) fan, there are many people who are fans of the DC super hero Globetrotters.  If you don't know what the Justice League is, check out the photo above. Anyway, there is going to be a Justice League movie in 2013. (source)

Green Lantern: Trailers for "Thor," "X-Men-First Class," and "Captain America" are burning up the internets and theaters but little has been heard about my Dad's favorite super-hero - "Green Lantern." The reason? The special effects in the film, particularly the 3D ones are taking longer to process and delaying the release of the new trailer and the start of the marketing campaign. Don't worry lanterns, you'll be out of the darkest day soon (Source)

Superman: Say what you will about a Brit being cast as Superman, but the supporting cast being put together for this film is looking good. Kevin Costner & Diane Lane play Superman's earthly parents, Michael Shannon is rumored  for the villain, and now Amy Adams is confirmed for Lois Lane. Whether she is singing to birds in "Enchanted" or laying down a Lowell smack down in"The Fighter," I think she's a great fit for the part.

I could hit you with some Marvel news, but I'll wait until something really juicy comes up, in the mean time keep your eyes peeled for the TPG signal in the sky. First person gets a ticket for the TPG500 in the TPG racing league!