Philomena (2013) Movie Review

Judi Dench and Steve Coogan in Philomena

How far would you go to find a child you had to give up? Would you just bottle up the pain, or try to do something about it? If you did ever become reunited, how would you treat those who separated you in the first place? These are the questions that Philomena, a film by Stephen Frears, asks you as it takes you on a journey of hope, forgiveness, and love. The film puts you into the real world of these people, and reminds you that, despite being in even Bond movie since I've been alive, Judi Dench is a truly remarkable actress, and Steve Coogan is equally as good.

"It allows both characters moments of levity, and also moments of brutal honesty and warmth"

The film centers around Martin Sixsmith (Coogan), a former BBC political reporter who is fired and disgraced despite being misquoted and, ultimately, apparently wrongfully terminated. He's down in the dumps about himself, and figures he'll write about Russian History, because he enjoys it. And everyone tells him that is a shit idea. He then comes across Philomena Lee (Dench) a woman who was a part of the Catholic Church, but became pregnant very young from a fling at the local carnival, breaking her oath of celibacy, and forced to work off the debt of birth for the church, while rarely seeing her child. Much to her, and our, horror, the church allows for the child to be adopted by rich Americans, and taken back with them. After hearing this, Martin decides to help Philomena reunite with her son, who she has not seen in 50 years.

The film does wonders traversing the line between drama and comedy, and this is in large part because of the script written by Coogan. It allows both characters moments of levity, and also moments of brutal honesty and warmth. These characters are actually real people, and the script does a good job of transferring their heart into this story, giving us characters to care about and root for. Along with a stellar job on the script, Coogan puts in the best dramatic performance of his career, and is given moments to really stretch his acting range, which he gamely knocks out of the park. It's the type of performance that reminds you how fucking talented everyone in Britain is. Strong work is also done by Sophie Kennedy Clark, who plays a young Philomena in flashbacks, and Michelle Fairley as Martin's cold blooded editor.

"She will make you laugh, smile, sigh and cry in equal measure, all while you keep hoping for her."

But of course, the star of the show is Dench, who is truly wonderful as Philomena. She is the anchor and heart of the film, and Dench (with a lovely old lady Irish accent), gives her best performance in years. Philomena is a woman of God, and despite all the hardship and pain and sadness life throws at her, she does not let her faith waiver, and believes that everything happens for a reason. She conveys so much torment and anguish over the fact that she was torn away from her son, and whether or not he ever thought about her again. She will make you laugh, smile, sigh and cry in equal measure, all while you keep hoping for her.

Overall, the film is really one of my favourite films of the year, and I wish I had seen it before I made my top ten. It is a movie I was hesitant to see, but one I instantly fell in love with. 

Grade: A-

Nebraska Movie Review

Bruce Dern and Will Forte in Nebraska

Alexander Payne is a filmmaker of great prestige. He's made some of the best dramatic comedies or comedic dramas of the last 15 years. Whether it was the high energy Election, the ascension of aging in About Schmidt, a journey of self discovery and wine tasting in Sideways, or the melancholy heartache of loss in The Descendants, he's been able to traverse the human condition masterfully at every turn. This is what makes Nebraska a fine addition to this stable of films, and also, somewhat, of a disappointment.

Now let me preface this by saying that Nebraska is a wonderful film. It is superbly made, brilliantly acted, and hits all the right notes. But because of his past films, Nebraska comes across, to me, like a retread of past work. It centers on David (Will Forte) who works in an electronics department, and is just living his life one day at a time. His brother Ross (Bob Odenkirk) is a head anchor on the local news, and his mother Kate (June Squibb) is growing tired of the antics of her husband Woody (Bruce Dern), and wants to put him in a home. You see, Woody thinks he's won one million dollars, because he got a letter from a magazine in Nebraska that he might have. So now he wants to go to Nebraska to get that money, with or without his families help. You could have also called this movie "Man, Old People Are Frustrating".

"Dern has some truly wonderful moments with the character, showing why he's a beloved elder statesman in film"

The film centers on David and Woody going to Nebraska, and the details of their relationship that come about because of it. This is where the movie works wonders, because the relationships between all the characters feel authentic and real, never attempting to give you that big Hollywood moment, because those don't actually happen in real life. Forte gives a strong performance as David, a regular guy who loves his father, but clearly harbors some resentment deep down. It's a massive departure from anything he's done previously, and really shows he could have a good acting career. There are misbeats along the way, and part of me wonders if those would have been rectified by Bryan Cranston, who actively sought the part. Dern puts in a brilliant performance as Woody, a man who doesn't realize how much of a pain he is at times, but not why you would think. Woody is a kind, giving soul hidden behind the mask of a weary alcoholic, and Dern has some truly wonderful moments with the character, showing why he's a beloved elder statesman in film.

"The only real problem I have with most of the movie is that it feels like a greatest hits of Payne movies, as opposed to something new and fresh"

The supporting cast is excellent too, particularly Squibb who reminded me so much of the women in my family and gives a lot of heart to the movie, as well as Bob Odenkirk, who is fresh off Breaking Bad, giving a subdued performance, and showing that Saul Goodman isn't a flash in the pan dramatic role. Stacy Keach also does strong work as Ed Pegram, an old friend of Woody's, who knows a little too much about him, and is all too willing to take advantage. Turns out everyone in Woody's life feels they deserve a piece of the pie, and Woody is just oblivious enough to not turn them down. This is where the film lost me at times, as it felt shoehorned in to create conflict among the family. The only real problem I have with most of the movie is that it feels like a greatest hits of Payne movies, as opposed to something new and fresh.

Ultimately, the film is strong, and among the years best. Shot in black and white, it looks gorgeous, and helps the film establish a look of dreariness at the same time. I would like Payne to perhaps step a little outside his comfort zone though, like David O. Russell or Ang Lee. All in all, Nebraska is still a movie you should take the time to see and enjoy.

Grade: B+ 

In Memoriam - My Five Favourite Philip Seymour Hoffman Performances

July 23, 1967 - February 2, 2014

With the passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman happening twelve days ago, I've let the immediate sadness set in, and decided to revisit his extensive filmography. For those of you that know me, you know that Hoffman was one of my favourite actors, and one whose performances I constantly looked forward to. Actors like him and James Gandolfini gave hope to fat talented shlubs like myself. I'd go so far as to say that he was easily in the league of an actor such as Daniel Day-Lewis, because when was the last time Hoffman gave a bad performance? The answer is never, because he was constantly sublime. Tell me another actor with this much talent. Some might say Christian Bale or Joaquin Phoenix, who are both great. But not as great.

I'm also not going with the obvious choices of Capote and Almost Famous, because most people know those. Let's shine a light on other performances. These are by no means what I consider to be his best performances, simply one that I really enjoyed. I realize this intro is far more somber than my usual intros, but I'm currently watching The Social Network and am incredibly engrossed in it. So buckle up, fuckers.

I want to start by giving special notice to performances that didn't make this list, but it was really hard narrowing this to five performances. Every time I thought I had it, I went "Oh fuck, I forgot about that one! He was great in that." So here's some extra love, in the form of five performances that were close, but didn't make the cut:

Jacob Elinsky (25th Hour)

Brandt (The Big Lebowski)

Father Brendan Flynn (Doubt)

Phil Parma (Magnolia)

Andy Hanson (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead)

Paul Zara (The Ides of March)

If there is something that he was great at doing, it was appearing world weary, powerful and smart. His performance as Paul Zara is no exception to that rule, as he goes toe-to-toe with dreamboat Ryan Gosling and dreamyacht George Clooney, and outshines both, giving a nuanced well acted performance. His character has been around the block when it comes to elections, and Hoffman conveys it with every subtlety, from the way he enters a room, to the way he speaks to those around him, and, especially, in the way he reactions to the way he is being spoken to. When a character of his importance is being berated, he does not take it lightly, and Hoffman does a great job at listening and reacting, instead of trying to get his Oscar scene in. It's not a performance that would stir any kind of awards buzz, though it is not one I'd soon forget. 

Warning spoilers ahead in this clip:

Scotty J. (Boogie Nights)

If there's one thing I truly loved about his approach to acting, it's that he was never afraid to look silly or odd in a performance. Often times, actors become obsessed with making sure every shot of them shows off their good side, but it felt like Hoffman intentionally wanted people to see he was just a regular guy. His performance as Scotty J. in Boogie Nights is wonderful because it showcases a softer side to him. I'm not referring to that fantastic midriff he's showing off, but instead to the more emotionally fragile characters he wasn't necessarily known for. Scotty J. can't help but be in love with Dirk Diggler, and when he makes his feelings known, he is crushed, resulting in Hoffman showing off both humour and heartbreak simultaneously. You can't help but feel awful for the guy, but the way he says "I wanna know if you like me? Can I kiss you? Do you like my car?" offers up some great moments. And yes, I know most people who don't know who Paul Thomas Anderson is will remember this movie for Mark Wahlberg wearing a massive fake dong. 

Gust Avrakotos (Charlie Wilson's War)

If you're getting the sense that I like performances where Philip Seymour Hoffman is commanding, you are right. His performance in Charlie Wilson's war is brilliant in it's utter absurdity. He knows how valuable an asset he is. He knows what he does sometimes is wrong, but it has to be done. And he knows he's kind of a piece of shit. But the fact that Hoffman makes you know all this without saying it, and delivers each line with such fantastic conviction, that makes me remember this performance so long after seeing the film. Also, facing off against Tom Hanks and Roger Sterling himself John Slattery, and chewing the living fuck out of the scenery, as they watch, makes me wish we could see another performance like this again. He may not be the biggest guy, but he will be the toughest and meanest son-of-a-bitch you've met.

Lancaster Dodd (The Master)

Any other year, this wins a god damn Oscar. But because he already had one to his name, and Christoph Waltz knows how to speak Tarantino dialogue perfectly, this brilliant performance went unrewarded. There's a great simmering anger and tension underneath the facade of Lancaster Dodd, and this performance runs the gamete of a performers talent. Scene to scene, he can be fatherly, loving, mesmerizing, bitter, stubborn, hateful and unwavering, and perfectly compliments Joaquin Phoenix's Freddy perfectly. While I wasn't overwhelmed with The Master as a film, the performances across the board are amazing, and Hoffman shows a level of performance that justifies why he was one of my true acting inspirations. He also gets a sink handjob from Amy Adams, which is a giant fuck you to Superman, which I'm weirdly okay with. And the way he says "pig fuck!" makes my downstairs tingle.

  Owen Davian (Mission: Impossible III)

You wanna know how awesomely meta his performance in this gets? At one point, he has to play his character, secretly being played by Tom Cruise in disguise. It's a testament to his talent that while you're watching, you forget the technology to make Tom Cruise into him doesn't exist, and instead, he's playing the part perfectly. This was a big risk for Hoffman, being that it was his first role right after his Oscar win for Capote, and most people were probably looking for another Oscar piece. And it's a shame that he wasn't nominated here (yes, I'm totally serious), because he's leaps and bounds the best part of this movie. He's a villain you are actually afraid of. How many times do you see the villain in an action movie and just wait for him to die? Every time. But Hoffman gives such a great scene chewing turn here, that you genuinely wonder how he will lose. And the way he threatens people in here is so great. It's so conversational and calm that it makes it all the more effective. His performance here is so wonderful that it elevates Tom Cruise to give his best performance in the series, and a very strong one for the kind of movie it is. I really love what he does here.

There you have it. I know some people will argue with me about the choices, but I truly don't care. If you made it through the entire article, kudos to you, because I know it's super long. But I do appreciate it. Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of the main reasons my looks have never deterred me when it came to acting, and his passing genuinely leaves me very heartbroken. Hopefully some day, people will give him the due he really deserved. And you know what, since I've already included a ton of videos (which I hope you watched all of), let's include his Oscar win in the mix too, because it really is great. Until next time, kids!

Why Jesse Eisenberg Could Be A Great Lex Luthor

Lex Luthor in the New 52

If you were wondering why the internet suddenly broke yesterday, it's probably because Jesse Eisenberg was cast as Lex Luthor in the upcoming sequel to Man of Steel. Nerds everywhere lost their minds and proceeded to comment how this casting was "worse than Hitler". Why, you ask? Because the internet. But despite all the instant outrage, and sadness over the fact that Joaquin Phoenix passed on the role and that everyone wanted Bryan Cranston because he's great at being a bald villain, Eisenberg is an inspired, original choice that could be great.

He will be ridiculed above all else, because everyone loves a good villain. That's why people are about to overlook problems in films such as The Dark Knight and The Avengers, because Heath Ledger and Tom Hiddleston are fantastic. But when they were cast, there was a sense of "Really? That guy?" to that announcement. The same reaction that people feel right now with Eisenberg. So I figured to help put the nerd community at ease (a community I am unabashedly a member of), we could take a look at why Jesse Eisenberg could be a great Lex. Here's a quick bio on Lex Luthor:

"Lex Luthor typically appears in comic books and other media as a bald business magnate with immense wealth and corporate power. However, Luthor was originally depicted as a mad scientist who, in the vein of pulp novels, wreaks havoc on the world with his futuristic weaponry. The character was later remodeled as a magnate and industrialist. In his earliest appearances, Luthor is shown with a full head of red hair. Despite this, the character later became hairless as the result of an artist's mistake. A 1960 story by Jerry Siegel expanded upon Luthor's origin and motivations, revealing him to be a childhood friend of Superman's who lost his hair when a fire destroyed his laboratory, a fire which Luthor blamed on Superboy, who was attempting to save Luthor from a lifeform Luthor had created in vitro that was threatening to kill Luthor."

His Body of Work

The Social Network

If you decide to base your opinion of Eisenberg solely on how he looks, they you'll easily be disappointed at the fact that he's Lex. But the beauty is that Lex doesn't need to be a physical specimen. He's a cocky genius, who believes that superheroes hinder the progress of humanity, and that he is the savior of mankind. Who better to do that than the guy who played Mark Zuckerberg? Having Eisenberg opposite the physically imposing Henry Cavill will be a nice contrast, because it will show how intelligent Luthor is; he is able to figure out Superman's weakness without the need to fight him. Having Lex be an egotistical CEO of Lexcorp, who is set on proving he is superior is right in Eisenberg's wheelhouse.

"Having Eisenberg opposite the physically imposing Henry Cavill will be a nice contrast, because it will show how intelligent Luthor is; he is able to figure out Superman's weakness without the need to fight him."

His performance in The Social Network is, obviously, going to be referenced the most in conjunction with this role, because why wouldn't it? The parallels between Mark Zuckerberg and where DC could go with Lex are obvious. What people seem to forget when discussing this, however, is just how good Eisenberg was. The fact that you were able to like, empathize, understand, and despise him all at once, is a testament to a multi-layered performance that seems to lay the groundwork for exactly what is needed for Lex. And I know you're gonna say that it was a lot of fast talking and his typical style, but you watch some of those deposition scenes and tell me he doesn't give a great performance. It also doesn't hurt that he's an Oscar nominated actor. They don't just hand out those nominations. Well, they do, but only if your last name is Streep.

But there are other performances that help to enforce my belief that Eisenberg could be the right choice. Films such as The Squid and The Whale, The Hunting Party and Now You See Me showcase a range of performances that really show you that Eisenberg is way more than just that guy you sometimes confuse with Michael Cera. In The Squid and The Whale, Eisenberg plays the son of a self-centered writer (played by the always amazing Jeff Daniels), who develops the same ego and tendencies as his father. It's a supporting performance that shows a level of perversion in his own triumphs, and a seething anger that lies right below the surface. In The Hunting Party, he holds his own opposite Richard Gere and Terrence Howard, as translates his frantic nature to a strong dramatic performance, and is the heart of the film. And in Now You See Me, despite the quality of the film, he plays against type and is believable in his egocentric manner.

The Squid and The Whale

Sometimes Big Names Aren't The Best

Michael Shannon as General Zod in Man of Steel

It seems like a lot of people are torn up about the fact that they think Bryan Cranston would have been the perfect Lex. And you know what? He probably could have been pretty damn good. But even Cranston has said that the only reason people are even talking about him is because of Breaking Bad, and it's something he seems like he doesn't want to get typecast into. Sometimes the most obvious choice isn't the best.

This brings me to the casting of my favourite villains. Characters such as The Joker, Loki, Ras Al Ghul, Scarecrow, and Two-Face have all succeeded because of the actors playing them, and the way they were written. Before Batman Begins, Liam Neeson was not considered an action star, and was certainly considered a surprising choice for Batman's mentor. But then we saw the movie, and he was perfect. The same goes for the Scarecrow, who is a difficult villain to ground into reality. An actor such as Aaron Eckhart is one that would probably make people cringe, as he was typically considered a rom-com lead or average supporting actor, but found the pathos and humanity within Harvey Dent and his fall. 

"The thing that kept Iron Man from being truly great, to me, was the fact that Jeff Bridges just wasn't right for the role. Same with Micky Rourke and Michael Shannon for theirs. Not a knock against the actors, but the fact that they felt miscast, despite being prominent actors, speaks to smartness of picking someone nobody expects."

Then you come to the The Joker and Loki, who are two of the best villains around, but because the casting worked. When you allow an actor to have his or her way with a character, they can do amazing things. There's a reason that guys like Heath Ledger and Tom Hiddleston will be remembered as amazing villains, whereas the obvious and big named choices such as Jeff Bridges, Mickey Rourke, Michael Shannon, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pierce didn't seem to work. Yeah, we can chalk it upto the script not working, since some of the actors were good in their roles, but it's also their job to captivate us, which a lot didn't. Anyone remember, or give a shit, why Red Skull or Whiplash were doing whatever they were doing? No?

The thing that kept Iron Man from being truly great, to me, was the fact that Jeff Bridges just wasn't right for the role. Same with Micky Rourke and Michael Shannon for theirs. Not a knock against the actors, but the fact that they felt miscast, despite being prominent actors, speaks to smartness of picking someone nobody expects. Whether that will work for Ben Affleck as Batman is yet to be seen, but at least let him try. If it isn't good, then so what? You're still gonna pay to see the movie, and the quality of the film doesn't directly or indirectly affect how you continue to live your life. And if it does, please contact a health care professional.

Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight

We Don't Know Anything About the Script

The Hunting Party

"The reason I'm giving this a chance is because, despite how many comics I've read and how big a fan I am, thing casting is exciting."

The main thing that people seem to complain about is that Eisenberg isn't right for Luthor because it's not what they think will work. But lest we forget, none of us have actually seen the script, nor know what is in store for the film. For all we know, Lex could play a minor role, and be set up bigger for later, or perhaps it's a one-off. Who knows? The point is that the only people who know what's currently right for the film are the people making the fucking film. Not the internet, because truthfully, people on the internet can be truly moronic. The reason I'm giving this a chance is because, despite how many comics I've read and how big a fan I am, thing casting is exciting. It's not obvious, and that's what makes me curious and excited about the film. I can't judge it because I have no idea what's in store for me, and until I see some pictures or a trailer, I can't tell you what's in store. All I know is the two year wait till this movie comes out is a long one. Oh, and also Eisenberg does kinda need to be bald.

Doesn't look all that bad being bald

Casting The Justice League Movie - Green Lantern

So with the news that the Justice League movie will be shot back to back with Man of Steel 2, which starts shooting in May, and the recent casting announcement of Jesse Eisenberg playing Lex Luthor, I thought it would be fun to look at which actors would be the best fit for men in tights fighting crime. Though the core heroes of the story are not known, we do know that Henry Cavill, who has the best jawline is recent cinema history, will be back as Superman. Ben Affleck will join him as Batman. "I'M THE DAHK KNIGHT! WE NEED TAH STAWP THE RIDDLAH, HE'S WICKED SMAHT!" And finally, Gal Gadot will bring her fine self to the role of Wonder Woman. Incidentally, I have a boner now. Anyways, I'm going to try to cast The Flash, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow and Martian Manhunter. Since I've already done The Flash (click here), next up we have the Green Lantern. Since there are different beloved iterations, I thought I'd do three candidates for Hal Jordan and three candidates for John Stewart.

Green Lantern

Yes, I know that Ryan Reynolds was the Green Lantern only a couple of years ago, but that movie was so bad that it set comic book movies back to the era of the George Clooney nipple suit. So now more than ever, it's important to make sure that casting this role, whether it's Hal or John, it's very important. All that being said, Reynolds was not actually a bad Hal Jordan, the movie overall was a giant clusterfuck and the blame all went to the handsomest person in the cast. And yes, I know everyone wants Nathan Fillion to play Hal, or Idris Elba to play John Stewart, but it ain't gonna fucking happen okay? Nathan, as much as it truly pains me to say, isn't quite bankable enough, and Idris is in a contract with Marvel, so good luck getting out of that. Here's a quick bio on the Green Lantern, taken right from Wikipedia:

"Green Lantern is the name of several superheroes from the fictional DC Universe, all of whom are characterized by a power ring and the ability to create solid constructs with the ring. Each Green Lantern possesses a power ring and green lantern that gives the user great control over the physical world as long as the wielder has sufficient willpower and strength to wield it. The ring is one of the most powerful weapons in the universe and can be very dangerous. While the ring of the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott) is magically powered, the rings worn by all subsequent Lanterns are technological creations of the Guardians of the Universe, who granted such rings to worthy candidates. These individuals made up the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lantern Corps. Most prominent of these are Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner." 

Hal Jordan

Oscar Isaac

 

If they decide to go with Hal Jordan, then Oscar Isaac is my pick for the role. He's an absolutely fantastic actor (he was completely snubbed for an Oscar nomination for Inside Llewyn Davis), who is slowly coming up on the public radar. He has the look, can pretty easily obtain the physique and is need of a major role to add to his rising stock. Also, did I mention how fucking good he was in Inside Llewyn Davis? Like, he was absolutely fantastic, and has an air about him that makes him instantly believable in whatever role he takes on. For anyone who still doesn't know who he is, he played Standard in Drive. He's one blockbuster away from being a megastar, so DC would be wise to grab him.

James Marsden

Of my choices for Hal, Marsden is probably the weakest actor. That's not to discount the fact that he's still a pretty solid one, and the only one of the choices who has comic book movie experience. Yes, he played Scott Summers like a great big pussy, and totally let Wolverine fuck his girl, but James Marsden is still a strong choice for Hal. He's got the build and the look to be a convincing Hal. The main problem is he might just be too old for the role. At 38, he's already ventured into comic book territory and is probably looking to not be typecast. A role like Hal Jordan could help to bolster his name and give him a career boost that X-Men didn't give him.

Jake Gyllenhaal

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jake Gyllenhaal. He's a supremely talented actor who is incredibly likable and has charisma constantly at the ready. He's the most well known actor on this list, because he's earned it. He has a habit of taking serious, weighty, emotionally taxing roles, but being cast as Hal could help him to showcase some more of that quick wit and humour he possesses. Personally, I think he's itching to get into a big mainstream movie and prove himself as a box-office draw, especially after Prince of Persia didn't do as well as they all hoped. The man has range that would make most actors jealous, and he's still young enough to be involved in these films for a while.

John Stewart

Chiwetel Ejiofor

It's about damn time that Chiwetel Ejiofor is getting some attention for his incredible talent. His performance in 12 Years A Slave is one of the best I've ever seen, and it's no surprise when you look at his body of work. He's been in American Gangster, Serenity, and Children of Men, giving strong performances every time around. Everyone wants Idris Elba for John Stewart, but he's stuck making Thor movies for the foreseeable future, so this is my replacement for him. He commands the screen, and has a power in the way he speaks that seldom actors have. He's got a good report with Joss Whedon, so DC would be wise to be quick in signing him, as I've heard Marvel is looking to cast Black Panther. Also, I have to say it again, he's a really fucking good actor. Like, I cried for a lot of 12 Years A Slave, and he was a lot of the cause. Michael Fassbender was too, but he was a total dick the whole way through. Like a massive dong. Substantial. What I'm saying is Fassbender shows his dong in the movie Shame, and Chiwetel is still a great actor despite it.

Michael B. Jordan

If you know me, you know it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Jordan. He's constantly impressed me, and given me reason to watch his acting. In 2013, he was truly heartbreaking in Fruitvale Station, prompting me to give his IMDb page a further look. Then I realized he was choking me up long before last year. He was fantastic as a child actor on The Wire, playing Wallace, and once again phenomenal playing Vince Howard on Friday Night Lights. He's voiced often that he's a massive comic book fan, and Josh Trank, director of Chronicle (which Jordan was also in) is working hard to cast him as Johnny Storm in the Fantastic Four reboot. Personally, I'd rather see him playing Cyborg if they went that route, as I think he would bring a believability to the character that is much needed. The fact that he voiced Cyborg in The Flashpoint Paradox certainly doesn't hurt either.

 Chadwick Boseman

For those people who don't know who Boseman is, do not fret, for I barely know who he is. But damn, does he look like John Stewart or what? He actually played Jackie Robinson in 42, and is making noise around Hollywood, getting attached to numerous projects. While he was alright as Robinson, word is that he's a strong actor that's poised to break out and John Stewart could be a good springboard into stardom. Of all the actors mentioned, he's clearly the most unproven, but what does that matter? Barely anyone knew who Tom Hiddleston and Chris Hemsworth were before Thor, now look at them. They are attractive men who wear capes and talk in riddles. At least they do in my dreams.

Whoop, there it is. I actually think that's a pretty solid list. Next up, look for thoughts on the casting of Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor. Yes, I know people wanted Bryan Cranston, but he's Commissioner Gordon, so shut it nerds. And if I hear one more "Come on DC, we wanted Heisenberg, not Eisenberg", my level of snark and condescension will reach an all-time high. Also, the next character I'll be taking a casting look at is Aquaman, so stay tuned.