Transformers The Movie – A Review 29 Years Later

One Of My Fave Childhood Films

Ok for my new series of blog posts. I have decided to do film reviews of my fave 5 films in the next 5 days. Why would I do that I hear you ask? Well the answer is easy, it gives me a chance to rewatch some of my favourite films from yesteryear and today and share them with you!. What are these films you may ask? Well the first one is one of my childhood faves ‘Transformers The Movie’.

If you don’t know what Transformers are they are autonomous robotic lifeforms from space who can transform into handy useful household objects, not things such as an egg whisk or dildo but rather things like a boombox (you have to remember it is the 80’s people!) and cars. There are two kinds of Transformers the goody goody Autobots who are here to protect the earth and it’s natural resources. They are named Autobots because most of their forms are cars and the evil Decepticons who are able to transform from anything such as a pistol to plane.

The movie is set in the previously distant future of 2005. Where the Autobots and Decepticons have now both settled on earth and are constantly waging their war. The movie originally came out in 1986 and as I would have been 2 when this came out the first time I was treated to this many years later and it became one of my fave films and I can still almost quote it word for word to this day. But why choose this as my first film the answer was simple whilst surfing YouTube on Sunday trying to find stuff for my son to watch, he rejected Elmo and such but he was drawn into the Transformers , which we stumbled on accidently. Yeah my 10 month old son likes Transformers, go Skatronixxx Jr he has good taste like his daddy. This got me thinking why not chose this for my first review so here we are!

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The film opens with a shot in space with a giant robotic planet that will later be revealed as Unicron traveling through space set to a backdrop of eeiree emotive music. If you didn’t know who Unicron was before, you could tell by this music alone that he was bad news. You are then transported to a planet full with other autonomous robotic life forms who are not the transformers. They are blissfully unaware living their life before you see them scurry and flee in a panic as Unicron descends on the planet. His pincers grapple the robots home planet and pulls it towards his almost octopus mouth devouring everything. The lack of speech other than ‘Get to the ships, it’s our only chance’ set against the continually eeiree emotive almost mechanical music adds to the element of this intro. You see the lifeforms try to flee before being sucked into his giant robotic mouth parts. You are then transported into the belly of the beast as you see him devouring the planet and it’s inhabitants before setting course for Cybertron (The home planet of the Transformers).

The film then immediately cuts into an 80’s revamped version of the Transformers theme tune and title sequence. Now if anyone reading this remembers the G1 into they will know it was amazing, however the movie theme tune was a perfect fusion of 80’s metal shredding guitars and drums and the original lyrics. This Transformers film would be PG and it would kick ass. As a kid watching this movie when you’ve seen a giant badass robot already eat a planet in the first few minutes you ask yourself what could come next? It is also IMPOSSIBLE not to sing along to this theme tune. TRANSFORMERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE!!!

The Intro To The Movie I DARE You Not To Sing You Failed Right???

After the title sequence you are then transported to a view of Cybertron where the voiceover tells you that the Decepticons have vanquished the Autobots from their home planet. Laserbeak comes into play as he fly’s over to the Autobots secret bases on Cybertrons moons. Now it’s not quite a secret base if Laserbeak the chief spy has been sent on a secret mission to scout them, plus they are moons! Come on Megatron couldn’t you have taken over the moons too? You then see what Laserbeak see’s and it’s the Autobots led by their heroic leader Optimus Prime plotting to take back Cybertron from the Decepticons where Optimus ultimately says the immortal words ‘All we need is a little energon and a lot of luck’. This plan is heavily reliant on Ironhide (second in command of the Autobots) piloting a mission to to Autobot City on Earth to gather enough energon to launch a full scale assault on Cybertron to reclaim their home planet. You see Ironhide leading the other Autobots such as joint second in command Prowl, chief medic Ratchet and grumpy grizzly war veteran Brawn on the mission to Autobot City.

Now that Laserbeak has gathered his intel on the Autobot mission it is automatically replayed to an eagerly anticipated Megatron who utters the immortal like ‘More than you can imagine Optimus Prime’ as he conjurors up his master plan.

The Autobot ship is show flying through space before a heavy metal music score kicks in an the Autobots who had been the main characters are brutally killed not just killed but annihilated by the Decepticons. As a kid I was like WOW as an adult it still amazes me at the brutality of this scene and the death of so many beloved characters especially Ironhide getting shot in the head pointblank range by Megatron. Savage just savage but AWESOME!!!

Most BRUTAL Death Scenes In Any Film EVER

We are then treated to a scene of Hot Rod and Daniel fishing, I never really got this scene other than setting the peaceful mood on earth. Daniel’s tablet (yes he had a tablet!) kicks in notifying him that the ship is about to land and him and Hot Rod set off to meet the ship to a cheesey upbeat 80’s song. I gotta add at this point that all the songs and cartoons have meshed perfectly, films of today could learn something from this.

The Perfect Fusion Of Cartoon And Music

Upon reaching the aptly named ‘Lookout Mountain’ they quickly notice there is a hole in the ship, upon closer inspection it is revealed to be the Decepticons looking to sneak into Autobot City in their own ship, ala Trojan Horse. When the Decepticons realise the rue is up the entire Decepticon fleet pour out the ship attacking Hot Rod and the other Autobots nearby such as grizzly war veteran Kup. Kup ends up saving Hot Rod from Blitzwing’s fire before they exchange words showing an uneasy alliance between the grizzly war veteran and cocky brash and up and comer as they head back to Autobot city as the attack ensues.

The action then transfers back to Autobot City where we see Perceptor, Ultra Magnus and co coming under heavy artillery. Ultra Magnus is seen taking command ordering the various Autobots to do their various roles in Optimus Primes absence. Again there is more metal music playing in the background as we see Springer and Arcee transform Autobot City to war mode. My favourite scene kicks in where Starscream who is shooting at Springer gets his foot caught in the transforming city before uttering the word F*** as he blasts his own foot to free himself. This is cut out in 99% of the films but it is real, trust me on this one and if you don’t google it!

Megatron then unleashes his Insecticons into the fray who eat the wall allowing the Decepticons to gain access to the city. Just as it looks like they are about to gain access Hot Rod and Kup come down and basically well roadkill the Insecticons to gain entry. Mmm squished Insecticons.

We then cut to my favourite Autobot of all Blaster, who is tasked with the mission of contacting Optimus Prime for reinforcements, just a she gets the message out Blasters nemesis Soundwave set’s his cassette tape minions on Blaster who responds in kind. Another immortal word is uttered here by Frenzy who says ‘ First we crack the shell then we crack the nuts inside’. Blaster and Soundwave wouldn’t work in today’s age, you couldn’t have MP3 players with robotic songs downloaded from Pirate Bay kicking ass. When questioned as to whether the message gets through to Prime, Blaster responds by saying ‘I hope so otherwise we will all look like burnt out toaster ovens’. The script writers were on fire in this one.

Burnt Out Toaster Ovens

We then see Megatron and his army descending about to break through the barriers are Springer and Arcee are almost there to complete the final transformation of Autobot City, upon arriving they see the fallen bodies of Windcharger and Wheeljack both of who have been mercilessly killed by the Decepticons. First Ironhide and Prowl, now Wheeljack, why do they keep killing all my fave old school transformers who next Optimus Prime??? Just as it looks like all hope is lost Hot Rod, Kup and the annoying Daniel turn up and help them turn round the giant robotic crossbow???

Daniel peers over a ledge to see the Constructicons merge into Devastator (seriously is this kid a bad luck charm or what???) We then cut to a shot of time passing by before Megatron informs us their defenses are broken and the slaughter is about to begin. As Devastator pulls the barriers apart. Oh no, the Autobots are really in for it this time! Wait a minute there’s a ship piloted by Prime. YAY Optimus. Optimus orders the Dinobots into the fray to destroy Devastator. Now this is hardly fair one giant robot against 5 small dinosaurs? I know who my moneys on.

Just when we think the tide had turned the Decepticons way, we see Optimus roll into battle with more cheesey emotive 80’s music playing. The Decepticons are shooting at him but wait it’s just bouncing off, remember these are the same guns that killed poor old Ironhide and co, he is truly a badass old Prime. I like that fact that Optimus swiftly transformers to robot mode mid air and shoots all the Decepticons down in one guy. I heard an interview that Optimus was based on a heroic cowboy and I can see it in this scene. Once the Decepticons are shot down , Optimus and Megatron come face to face and the immortal line is uttered ‘One shall stand and one shall fall’.

The battle to end battle ensues as Hot Rod tried to get in on the action but is told to stay back by Kup as it’s Primes fight. WHAT? NO????? OPTIMUS has been hit by shrapnel in the chest, he will be ok won’t he? That doesn’t scare Prime instead he retaliates with an axehandle uppercut and Megatron goes down losing his plasma cannon. But Megs has another weapon his energy sword and thrusts it into the already injured midsection of Prime. This isn’t looking good for Prime 😥 but wait he’s come back again, man this is the fight to end all fights. Why watch UFC or WWE when you can watch the two hardest robots of all time knock lumps out of each other? Optimus has Megatron begging for mercy , but alas it’s a rue Megatron has spotted an unused gun and just about as he is about to use it Hot Rod (yes Hot Rod again!) jumps into the fray and is swiftly hold hostage by Megatron who proceeds to shoot Optimus in his already injured midsection. DAMN YOU HOT ROD!!! With Optimus’s last ounce of strength the double axehandle comes into play again as he knocks Megatron flying over a wall and down 3 storeys before ultimately collapsing.

Best Fight Scene EVER

The Decepticons retreat in Astrotrain (yes a train that can travel in space) as we switch to Prime hooked up on a life support system as Perceptor advises us that Optimus is about to die. Before passing on he hands over the matrix to Ultra Magnus as he ultimately turns grey, and dies. Now as a kid watching the scene was horrific, now I know Optimus Prime ALWAYS dies in the movies but this was the first time and the most harrowing of all the transformer death scenes. It’s a little bit confusing as to how Optimus turns grey when all the others didn’t, was it because he was older and made of a cheaper metal? Hmmm the mind boggles

What Kid Didn’t Cry To This Bit?

We then pan back to Unicron who is watching Optimus die on his optic circuits before letting out an almighty scream in disgust, how can he possibly see that? Has he got super super zoom in lenses or something? We then go back to Astrotrain who informs him defacto leader that he is carrying too much wait and cannot make it back to Cybertron. The time for dumping deadweight has come and Megatron and the other bots are mercilessly tossed out into space like yesterdays trash. Shortly after a battle ensues as to who the new leader of the Decepticons should be, the Constructicons swiftly form Bruticus, which is amusing as it makes you think just how big is the ship Astrotrain is. Is it the tardis???

Megatron’s almost lifeless body comes into sight as him and the other battered Decepticons float into Unicrons orbit. Now know as how Unicron dismantled other robots Megatron doesn’t stand a chance right? WRONG! It turns out that Megatron was summoned by none other than Unicron himself. Hmm this just got interesting!! What does Unicron have in place for Megatron? A hilarious back and forth ensues between the two where Unicron states that he will give Megatron a new body and troops in exchange for the promise that he will destroy the Autobot matrix as it is the one thing than can stop Unicron. Remember that people!! Megatron is swiftly transformed into the new Decepticon swiftly named Galvatron, with the other bots making up his new army of Scourge, Cyclonus and Co.

Starscream comes back into the play as his coronation of Decepticon leader is taking place before being swiftly destroyed by Galvatron in one shot. Now why didn’t Megatron do that years ago? Needless to say Galvatron is the new Decepticon leader. Unicron happy with this is seen descending onto Cybertron and Cybertrons moons. Cybertron Moon Base 1 is first to go with Jazz and Cliffjumper trying to escape before ultimately being sucked inside. NO, JUST NO!! FIRST IRONHIDE THEN WHEELJACK, THEN PRIME AND MEGATRON, THEN STARSCREAM, THEN JAZZ??? Stop killing all my favourite characters. * SULKS * Bumblebee and Spike are seen radioing the remaining Autobots on Moon Base Two as they both try to escape. Spike then utters the cult classic line of ‘Oh shit what are we gunna do now’, yes he swore, the Ned Flanders of the transformers cartoon swore, now you know you’re in trouble. Finally it ends with Bumblebee and Spike being sucked into Unicron. Ok I get the killing of the transformers, but Spike really? This is a kids film people!

BYE BYE Starscream

Galvatron swiftly then takes his troops and departs for Earth, we pan back to Magnus and co who make the decision to stop Unicron as it is more dangerous then all the Decepticons combined. Springer chips in saying how are they gunna stop it before Hot Rod says the matrix can do it and when questioned why, he responds with he just has a feeling. Hmm I don’t trust your judgment so far Hot Rod why should I trust you with this? Wait it’s Galvatron already, how quickly are their ships, maybe if Optimus ship was that quick, he’d still be alive. The Autobots attempt to retreat but are slowed down by the Dinobots. There’s a funny clip where Galvatron gets spaceship rage and shakes his fist at Grimlock before the Autobots depart. The annoying thing is how they turned Grimlock from a badass T-Rex to a metallic version of Barney the dinosaur.

Kup then recalls various war stories to the Dinobots as the pace slows down. Wait a minute it’s Galvatron again, does this guy never give up? Before Kup’s ship is shot down and forced to crash on a nearby planet. Magnus shows little concern as he is still being trailed by the Decepticons but he as an idea. Separate the ship so from the back it looks like the Autobots have been terminated, whilst they get away. Galvatron is happy before he is ultimately summoned back to Unicron. Don’t you think you should have checked the wreckage first Galvatron? Rookie mistake.

Magnus and co then depart for the nearby ‘Planet of Junk’. We then pan to a planet with metallic looking fish, fish really what’s the point of metallic fish and metallic seaweed where Hot Rod is found tangled in this weed. He then pulls out his go go gadget hand saw before dispatching the fish and weeds. Now why didn’t he do that straight away before crying like a baby. Pfft Hot Rod. We then hear Kup cry out in pain as he is being attacked by a giant robotic squid, yes a squid. What planet have they landed on, Sea World?? Hot Rod defeats the squid before we see Kup’s tangled remains. I found it kinda sad how a war veteran such as Kup was defeated by a robotic squid, couldn’t they have sent him out a better way? Hot Rod being the hero he is picks up Kup’s remains and retreats out the water.

Perhaps The Only Squid Grumpier Than Squidward

We then see the other Autobots crash land on the ‘Planet Of Junk’. Wait a minute how can Daniel a human breath on another planet that doesn’t have oxygen without his head exploding like mentos put into coca cola. They happen to have one of Spike’s exo-suits lying around so the Scrappy Doo of Transformers is now a Transformer. Great As they depart the ship they are greeted by an army of robots who speak solely in the language of TV. Now this is my main pet peeve of the modern day movies, Bumblebee should be Bumblebee and speak properly and be a plucky underdog not a rip off of the awesome Junkions (sorry spoiler alert) with the name there.

Wreck Gar Speaks Better TV than Bumblebee From The Michael Bay Era

We then go back to Hot Rod who is repairing Kup. Once Kup is operational again a friendship is formed and they set off before being stopped by a weird army of robots. Kup steps in with his knowledge of other planets and uses the universal greeting of Bah-Weep-Graaaaagnah wheep ni ni bong. Now this is handy to know especially if you’re stranded on the metallic planet version of Sea World. Alas this race is not familiar with the saying and subsequently capture them. Whilst in their holding pen, they run into one of the scientists from the first planet who informs them about Galvatron. Two ships both crashing into the same planet now what are the odds? Do those guys have giant magnets or something? We then see the robot taken off for his trail and despite being declared innocent he ends up getting fed to the Sharkticons. Hmm I think the jury might not be fair, what do you think?

INNOCENT

It then goes back to the Dinobots who are looking for Hot Rod and Kup before long Grimlock and Slag have an argument and compare each other to metallic sausages. Priceless!! Then the anonymous Autobot who has been stalking Hot Rod and Kup introduces himself to the Dinobots. Great as if a human version of Scrappy Doo wasn’t enough we then get an Autobot one too in Wheelie, he has a slingshot too, who is he Bart Simpson?

I HATE Wheelie

Galvatron meets up with Unicron who informs him that Galvatron has failed in his quest to destroy Ultra Magnus. We then go back to the ‘Planet Of Junk’ and just as the Junkions are about to attack the Autobots the Decepticons come into tow and attack the Autobots. Galvatron and his army descends on Ultra Magnus, as Magnus attempts to open the Matrix he is blown to smithereens by Galvatron and the matrix is captured. Magnus, Optimus told you the Matrix would light OUR darkest hour, not yours, you fool. No wonder you got blown up.

Bye Bye Magnus

We then go back to the planet where Hot Rod and Kup are on trial and are sentenced to death by the Sharkticons. Hot Rod and Kup versus a million Sharkticons who’s your money on? If the plucky heavy metal soundtrack is anything to go by my moneys on Hot Rod and Kup. They created a vortex in their car forms and quickly escape. Now why hasn’t any other robot done that before? The Sharkticons follow them out of the pit and surround them before Hot Rod ushers the line ‘We can’t hold out forever but we can give them one humungous repair bill’. As it looks like the two Autobots are about to be defeated, the Dinobots save the day. As the Quintessons try to get the Dinobots executed Grimlock suggest why not execute them. The Sharkticons agree and overthrow their rulers.

This Film Needed The Humour Of The Dinobots

We go back to Junkion as the dejected Autobots are attacked by the Junkions, a battle between the two takes place, before the ship that Hot Rod and co have stolen from the other plant lands on Junkion. How did Hot Rod, Kup and co know that Springer and the other Autobots would be on that planet. Of all the planets in all the world. Luckily for them all Hot Rod remembers the universal greeting of Bah-Weep-Graaaaagnah wheep ni ni bong and new friendships are formed before they all dance around in a circle. Yes a circle. I never realised how much Wreck Gar leader of the Junkions cannon nipples looked like a bad Madonna bra. Wreck Gar then orders his army to repair Magnus and are recruit to help stop Unicron.

Bah-Weep-Graaaaagnah wheep ni ni bong

Galvatron is then shown standing on Unicron taunting him. Just as Galvatron pisses off Megatron (trust me you really do NOT want to do that). Unicron transforms into his robotic form and sets course to destroy Cybertron. Unicron looks a lot like a robotic version of Satan which is perhaps another one of the reasons why he scared me as a child. Unicron is shown tearing the Deceptions and Cybertron to shreds before eating Galvatron. Mmmm Galvatron * drools*

Mmm Galvatron *drools*

The now combined force of the Autobots and Junkions descend on Unicron but in the battle the Autobot ship crash through Unicrons eye OUCH and into his body. Hot Rod is separated from the rest falls into the same part of Unicron as Galvatron. Of all the odds. Just as it looks like Galvatron and Hot Rod are about to join forces, Unicron commands Galvatron to take him out ‘permanently’ and Hot Rod subsequently retreats. Meanwhile outside Unicron the Dinobots descend on Unicrons bottom as Grimlock informs us that he is about to kick butt and he does so literally.

Me Grimlock Me Kick Butt

Back in Unicron the remaining Autobots are chased by Unicrons internal robotic antibodies and Daniel is separated before coming to a vat of acid where robots are being dropped in. At the front of the que about to be dropped in is Spike and co, wait Spike is alive? Spike is about to be dropped into a vat of acid in front of his son? Now this film has had some sick moments for a childs film so far but that would take the biscuit. Spike informs Daniel to save the day by shooting down the cover to the vat of acid. Daniel fires up his suit and shoots the cover. Has his dad been fried to a crisp in a vat of acid? Will Bumblebee be next? No he’s saved the day!

Will Daniel Save The Day?

We are then taken back to the battle between Hot Rod and Galvatron. Just as it looks like Hot Rod is about to be stangled we pan back to Unicron crushing the Junkions then back to Hot Rod and Galvatron. Just as Hot Rod is about to die, he grabs the matrix that Galvatron is wearing around his neck like a badass Mr T Chain and opens it, WHAT??? As he grabs it Optimus Prime utters the word ‘Arise Rodimus Prime’ and the best feel good song for any movie kicks in as Galvatron is thrown out through Unicrons leg. Now that’s what I calla gorilla press slam or power slam wrestling fans. Hot Rod opens the matrix. Hot Rod opens the matrix. HOT ROD OPENS THE MATRIX!!! Or should I say Rodimus Prime 😉 With the matrix open Unicron is shown exploding internally, things look bleak for the remaining Autobots as Rodimus Prime tells them to roll out and they do so through Unicrons other eye OUCH AGAIN.

Arise Rodimus Prime

We are then taken to a shot of Unicrons head exploding off his body, ok we get it, he’s dead now. As the Autobots stand victorious.

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There we go that was Transformers The Movie as it should be done, not the Michael Bay monstrosity that todays kids are treated too. I say make any kid who loves Transformers watch this film and he’ll be converted to a G1 fan like me. Heck make any kid between the age of 6 and 10 watch it and they’ll be a G1 fan.

If you’re after a film that has everything from giant killer robots getting blown up to witty one liners and metallic dinosaurs arguing over sausages Transformers The Movie is a must for anyone.

My Thoughts And What We Know On The Upcoming ‘Batman V Superman’ Film

The logo for the upcoming ‘Batman V Superman’ film

Ok there’s been a lot of talk and I mean A LOT of talk about the upcoming Batman v Superman film and I thought I’d chip in with my thoughts on what we know so far. First of all how do I feel about it? I’m not sure, I was curious at first when the idea came about but then they kept on adding more characters and more and more. It’s less ‘Batman v Superman’ and more a cheap attempt, or not so cheap when you look at the cast assembled attempt at a Justice League film, both Superman and Batman are well established characters, why add people such as Robin, Aquaman and Wonder Woman to the mix?

Is it because they are worried that a stand alone film featuring just Batman and Superman story wise wouldn’t be up to the mark? Also is it their attempt to try and steal some of the hype away from the new Avengers film? Are the studios already worried that a potentially wooden Batman in #Batfleck and Henry Cavill may not be up to the task? If I was Affleck and Cavill who I’ll call Affvil for time saving alone in this article, I’d be equally excited and dismayed. Why excited and dismayed I hear you cry?

Well the answer is simple, I’d be excited that DC are attempting to take on Marvel in the movie stakes and in a big way with a BANG! Up until now DC have excelled where Marvel have kinda become stagnant and that’s in the TV market, so far DC have already well established shows such as ‘The Arrow’ and ‘The Flash’ whereas Marvel have ’Agents of Shield’. Now don’t get me wrong I’m actually team Marvel but my ex was always team DC and when I asked her why, she’d respond by saying that DC was more gritty and realistic and for this reason they held up as better long standing TV show. To a certain extent I did kinda understand her logic I mean Marvel was better for the action but DC was better for the character development, that’s why Marvel shows and DC films never seemed to really work. In the same breath tho if I was Affvil I’d be dismayed that the studios aren’t 100% committed to them as the main characters and have had to bring in such a strong supporting cast.

Where else could I start other than with Batfleck? Who’s Batfleck well it’s the new actor playing Batman and that’s none other than Ben Affleck. Ben Affleck? Isn’t he the guy that sucked as Daredevil? Yes that’s him ladies and gentleman. Anyone who knows me, knows that my fave Batman is and will ALWAYS be the one and only Adam West. Yeah I grew up watching the reruns on TV but who didn’t? Now don’t get me wrong I don’t mind Batfleck as a person but I just don’t think he’s capable of pulling off such a strong character as Batman. I picture him being a mix between the George Clooney Batman and Val Kilmer Batman. I for one think that such was the studio worrying that peoples initial outcry to the casting of Batlfeck they had no choice but to make it a versus film and introduce a mryiad of other characters, rather than have him do a standalone film. Now I know then Batfleck will do ok,  but how about someone such as Ryan Gosling, Michael C Hall or Jake Gyllenhall trying their hand and cape as Batman?

Ladies and gentleman I give you, the one, the only BATFLECK!!!

As for Henry Cavill I’m not gunna comment on him as he’s already proved himself to me as an awesome Superman, granted I actually preferred Brandon Routh (yes I’m serious) but hopefully people who are reading this article will have also watched ‘Man Of Steel’ so they’ll agree with me on this one.

Who is the supporting cast you may ask? Try Gal Gadot, Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons and OH YEAH Jason Momoa. To be honest that sounds less like a supporting cast and more like a who’s who of the acting world.

Let’s go a little into the supporting cast and what characters they’ll be playing. First up is Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. When I first heard of this choice I was interested for a couple of reasons. The first is to be honest she doesn’t really have a strong pedigree acting wise her arguably most notable role to date is as Giselse in the ‘Fast & Furious‘ franchise. Other names considered for the role, ranged from Kate Beckinsale (Underworld), Jamie Alexander (Thor), Gemma Arterton (Hansel and Gretel) to Lucy Griffiths (True Blood) and Bridget Regan (Legend Of The Seeker). Personally out of the names considered but not chosen I would have gone with either Jemma Alexander or Bridget Regan, so when Gal was announced I was immediately intrigued. I remained neutral on her casting choice until the publicity photo’s were released. When I first laid eyes on Gal as Wonder Woman she reminded me of someone it was Xena!! Gal looked quite intimidating stood in her leather and metal outfit superimposed onto a volcanic background and I was sold. When  heard Wonder Woman was going to be in the new film, my problem was my mind was flashing back to the 1970’s TV show. However upon seeing these pics, I remembered what my ex said in that DC do gritty better than Marvel and this looks like this is what it is intended to be a gritty realistic Wonder Woman as an amazon warrior princess who is here to kick some serious ass.

I wouldn’t want to run into her in a dark alleyway

Now on to Amy Adams, as Lois Lane. Everyone who knows me personally knows I’m a sucker for a redhead, 99% of the women that I may have a crush on are redheads and I’ll happily admit that. SO ladies if you wonna win em over, get that hair dye out 😛 Anywho I digress, I personally think that Amy Adams as Lois Lane is an inspired choice. Amy is well known for playing characters with the pardon the 1950’s expression but moxy. That spunky, firey woman who won’t take no for an answer. When you consider that’s he plays those roles and plays those roles well, it seems like she’s a perfect fit. Plus she’s a redhead so I’m gunna be biased anyway. Anyone who’s seen ‘Man of Steel’ know’s she’s already a perfect fit.

Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, is an interesting one. I remember the outcry various websites were saying that this is inexcusable, how could they have an African-American playing Perry, what next a British Superman? Oh wait a minute …. Lol the internet makes me laugh sometimes. I for one can see this happening. Anyone who’s seen Laurence’s work in CSI and his previous work in ‘Man Of Steel’ knows that he’ll be able to play this role well and I can’t wait.

Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor? Really? REALLY??? Was my initial outcry. That’s like having the other guy who was in the ‘Social Network’ with him play Spiderman. Oh B**** ! When I first found out about this I wasn’t happy especially when you consider that Lex is meant to be Supe’s arch nemesis and roughly the same age. Henry Cavill is 31 and Jesse is 31, what their the same age? Yeah that surprised me too, I thought Henry was a lot older and I mean A LOT. I find it depressing that Henry Cavill is only two years older than me too, perhaps if I applied myself harder in drama I could have been Superman, oh well there’s always Captain Britain I suppose. The more I considered the casting of Jesse as Lex the more I was actually pleasantly surprised. Anyone who’s seen his work as Mark Zuckerbeg in the ‘Social Network’ knows that he played this role to a ‘t’ and I hate to say it I see elements of this being transferred over to Lex. Mark Zuckerberg as evil overload Lex Luthor? Hmm it’s not a million miles away from the truth I suppose, but hey that’s me and my anti Facebook stance, sorry if you love Facebook but you should know by know that I’m team Twitter. So yeah I wasn’t onboard with Jesse as Lex at first but the more I hear the more I’m impressed with this inspired casting choice and I reckon he’ll banish the rest of the doubters away with a stellar performance.

Jesse looks like a mean Lex what do you think?

Jeremy Irons as Alfred? Now don’t get me wrong I love Jeremy Irons, he is a Brit like me, but this is where DC annoys the hell out of me. They already have an established Alfred in Gotham currently as Sean Pertwee, why couldn’t they have used him? Now I know that Gotham is set in a different timeline with a young Bruce Wayne but it still doesn’t mean you couldn’t have Sean or why not even Michael Caine? It’s like the talking about having Arrow in this film and not using Stephen Amell, it’s wrong just wrong! Now I know that Jeremy Irons will be great in this role and banish any lingering thoughts I’ll have but all I’ll say is if you were going to go with someone else why not Alfred Molina? I’d love to see Alfred Molina as Alfred, go ahead and try to tell me that wouldn’t be a great fit? You can’t can you, because you know I’m right 😛

Now we’re saving the best till last, Jason Momoa as Aquaman. I like Jason Momoa, I liked him way back when he was playing dreadlocked Ronon Dex in Stargate Atlantis. I’ve even seen him in person where I was 3 feet away from him and let me tell you this people he was HUGE! He’s literally the biggest, most jacked up famous person I have met and I would not wonna annoy him. I first heard rumours of Jason being cast months ago and discussed it with my good work friend Nick he‘ll vouch for me on this one. I like Jason but I was curious to see how he would portray Aquaman. As time went on I heard differing rumours that he would be playing a surfer hippy Hawaiian to a badass sea god/king . I had completely forgot about this until I saw the promotion pictures released and then it hit me in the same way that Gal’s picture did. He was going to be a gritty realistic badass. Yes he may be a part character however I don’t remember any of the Affvill promo pictures trending in a positive manner as much as his did. So I’m gunna be bold and say that he’ll get a bigger role than that was first envisioned and will steal the film. I know he’s getting a spin off but you heard if here first that Jason WILL be the star of Batman v Superman by far.

Now we’ve covered the cast it’s time to move onto the plot. To be honest not much has been confirmed other than it’s the sequel to ‘Man Of Steel’. Christopher Nolan (The Dark Night Trilogy) has been drafted in as an advisory role as executive producer and this excites me. I like Chris’s work and he along with Christian Bale was responsible for the reboot of the Batman franchise, so it seems only fair he gets a chance to be involved in the next step of Batman’s character arc and evolution. I know there is already a Batman v Superman comic book but screenwriter David Goyer has confirmed that it will not follow this storyline, instead it’ll be more of a crossover or injection of Batman into Superman’s universe. Chris Terrio has also been brought into the fold. Chris worked with Batfleck on Argo so if anyone can help bring the best of him in this role it’ll be Chris. As for the title ‘ Batman V Superman’ and why not ‘Batman Vs Superman’? Quite simply it’s been confirmed by Kirk Synder, the films executive producer that by having ‘v’ instead of ‘vs.’ was to keep it away from being a straight versus movie, in a way encompassing the other characters and bigger plot at hand. Other than that very little is actually known about the film, it seems to be keeping it under wraps almost as much as the Marvel Fantastic Four reboot was, so it’s actually hard for me to comment on this. But based on the promotional pictures I’ve seen I envision the film to be a hard hitting, gritty, realistic superhero and villan mash up that’ll be as good as ‘The Avengers’ but geared more towards an older, edgier market.

As for what’s next after ‘Batman v Superman’ various things have been announced such as a solo Aquaman film, a Justice League film and many more. I think that the studios have big things line dup cinematic wise for the DC universe and although I’m team Marvel I for one can’t wait because after all I’m a comic book lover first and team marvel second.

An Interview With Walking Dead Actress Amber Dawn Fox

Another day, another interview and this time it’s the turn of Amber Dawn Fox. I met Amber on Twitter and we got speaking as we both share the love for many of the same fandoms. I was kinda surprised that Amber was speaking to me as she is a well known and upcoming actress, but I’m glad she did to be honest as she’s one of the coolest people out there. Amber has agreed to do an interview for skatronixxx.com

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1) How did you get into acting?

I started out doing some background acting in 2009. I saw an ad online for a casting company needing people to work as background in One Tree Hill. So, I responded and sent in my info to them. But, I didn’t take acting classes or start auditioning for speaking roles until the beginning of 2014.

2) What’s it like being in ‘The Walking Dead’ and how would you describe your character Officer Bello to someone who has not watched it before?  

Being on The Walking Dead is surreal. It is such a huge deal and the fans are incredible.  I would describe Officer Bello as a member of the most recent group of survivors that could be considered villainous to someone who has not watched the show before.

There’s Amber on the bottom left as Officer Bello

3) If I remember right you had appeared in ‘Vampire Diaries’ what was that like and are you Team-Stefan or Team-Damon?

I loved working on The Vampire Diaries as well! I really enjoy going to work on shows that I already watch, it is fun to get thrown into a world you watch on TV. I am totally Team-Damon!

Let’s face it ‘The Vampire Diaries’ is all about Damon, like Amber are you Team Damon?

4) I saw online that you were a fangirl before you got into acting other than ‘The Walking Dead’ what are your other fandoms?

Yes I was, very much so! I am a fan of most of the supernatural and sci fi shows, along with The Walking Dead. I love The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and The 100.

5) I heard you have a role in the upcoming TV movie ‘Realm’, can you tell us a little about this?

Yes, Realm is actually going to be a TV series. It fits into my genre of shows I enjoy. It is very much a supernatural drama/horror. At the same time, it will be very different from what is out there now. I will be playing a witch from the immortal realm named Agnes. Realm is set to premiere this fall.

6) If you could be in one existing film, what film and character would you choose and why?

I would have loved to play the lead in The Notebook. I love romance movies, and it is something that I haven’t gotten to do a lot of yet. I seem to keep getting casted as the “bad guy” which is fun though! The Notebook would be the ultimate romance movie to be a part of.

7) Can we expect to see you at any conventions this year in the US or UK?

Yes, I will be at several in the US. Some of the dates are still being finalized. But, so far I have dates in NC, SC, TN, and FL announced here in the US. If you like my facebook page  www.facebook.com/amberdawnfox , I am keeping a list of appearances pinned to the top for reference.

8) What can we expect to see from you in 2015?

Realm will be premiering in the fall, so look out for that. Also, as many conventions as I can do..I really love to get out there and meet the fans as much as I can.

9) Tell our readers one fun fact about yourself that they may not already know? Oh good question!

I am terrified of almost any type of bug. I usually have to get someone else to kill one if I see one in the house. It is pretty bad!

10) Finally what advice would you have any advice for an upcoming actress or actor?

Never give up if it is truly what you want. It is a lot of hard work, and a lot of building your resume up with little to no pay. In the end, however, it will all be worth it. It may not be easy to see, and everyone’s journey will take a different amount of time, but if you give up, then you will never know how close you were to seeing your dreams come true.

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There you go readers Amber Dawn Fox! Look out for Amber i got a feeling 2015 is going to be a big year for her and I wish her all the best 🙂

Be sure to follow Amber on twitter she’s https://twitter.com/amberfox86

 and on facebook www.facebook.com/amberdawnfox , don’t be shy go say hi and tell her ‘Skatronixxx Sent Me!’

My Thoughts On Spiderman And Andrew Garfield’s Possible Replacements

OK for my next feature I decided to do a story on Spiderman and more so the decision to drop Andrew Garfield as Spiderman. Why did I choose this I hear you ask? Well the answer is simple other than Adam West’s incarnation of Batman, Spiderman has been my fave superhero. The retro Spiderman cartoons were some of the first cartoons I ever watched on my old childhood VHS tape. VH-what??? Yes I’m old I know it lol. I used to love Spidey and what’s more HE HAS MY NAME!!! Well not exactly but he has my first name, now to a lot of people that’ll be a shock as I skatronixxx do not reveal my secret identity to only but a few of my closest friends. Any who I digress, back to my Spidey love lol.

Who doesnt love retro Spidey???

I still remember where I was the day they announced who would be playing Spiderman. I was in a newsagents not far from my school, and they had the radio on. The fact I had watched ‘Pleasantville’ the previous night was a thought still fresh in my head. So when they announced Tobey Maguire as Spiderman I was like ‘what are the odds’. For those of you who haven’t seen ‘Pleasantville’  it’s a film where Tobey Maguire plays a nerd who loves a fictional 50’s sitcom before being transported into it via a freak weather storm. It’s a comedy but also has thought provoking ideas about racism I’d definitely recommend it. I thought Tobey Maguire would be a good Spiderman if his character in ‘Pleasantville’ was anything to go by. He was a shy slightly reclusive nerd these were all qualities that were echoed in Peter Parker.

A young Tobey in ‘Pleasantville’

I waited eagerly being a comic nerd at thought of a Spiderman film being released and my thoughts flashed back to the reruns of the 1960’s retro cartoons and the more edgy cartoons of the mid 1990’s. Which Spidey would we get, which theme tune, what outfit? Then when the film came out it had a Kirsten Dunst portraying a redheaded Mary Jane Watson. I still believe that part of my love for a feisty redhead comes from this film. As for Tobey I believe he played the part perfect he was just the right edge of nerd, humour and heroism. Luckily for me the film was a huge box office success and two further films were made. Unluckily the third film was made, this flopped and thus Tobey’s reign as Spiderman was over.

There was a couple of years before talk of a ‘Spiderman’ reboot surfaced, quite a few famous people were up for the role and hot favourite was local lad Aaron Taylor Johnson. Yes the same one from the Kickass franchise. I for one was psyched at this prospect I thought he fitted the part perfectly like Tobey had done so before. Then Spidey was announced it was ‘Andrew Garfield’ I’m sorry but Andrew WHO-field??? Prior to this his biggest role was in the film  ‘The Social Network’ based on the real life story of Facebook. Straight away I was disappointed, no gutted that ATJ had not been cast.

Seriously Andrew what’s going on with the hair?

When the film came out I decided to give it a chance and to be fair it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be but I still didn’t like it. Why I hear you ask the answer was simple, he was too cocky, too full of himself, too good looking, gone was the humble nerdy Maguire replaced by a brash cocky Garfield who looked more like the kid who would have picked on you at school rather than the other way around. Some may argue that he was more true to the comic Spiderman than Tobey Maguire but for me it just didn’t work. So when the news came out that Garfield had been dropped I was curious as to who might replace him. Some old names cropped up, some new so let’s go through the candidates.

DYLAN O’BRIEN

 

Dylan ‘Stiles Stilinksi’ as Spidey??? I could see it work

Dylan is a good actor in my eyes and those of you who watch Teen Wolf will know that he portrays the hapless yet nerdy sidekick hero Stiles. Arguably Dylan other than the actor who plays Derek who’s name has escaped me right now are the stars of the show, more so than Tyler Posey. Fans love his combination of sarcasm, wit, gritty determination and quest to do what’s right quite often at his own expense and for that reason I think he would make a perfect Spiderman. When you throw into consideration that he has already done an action film in ‘Maze Runner’ he for me would bring us back to the believable nerdiness of Tobey Maguire mixed with Andrew Garfields brash and cocky Spidey I for one would like to see this. Also if you are able to cast Holland Roden who is also in Teen Wolf as Mary Jane YES!!!

Holland Roden as Mary Jane??? Yes please *drools*

LOGAN LERMAN

Logan Lerman as Spidey??? Hmm I’m not sure

Logan, Logan, Logan. Where to start to be honest I’m a little conflicted on this one. For me I love and I mean LOVE the Percy Jackson series more so than the Harry Potter series. I was thrilled about the films and I do rate them highly and for me Logan is perfect as Percy but when I think back and remember that the series was put on hold so Logan could do the ‘Four Musketeers’ I’m kinda like MEH. Part of that is me sad that they left it too long between the Percy Jackson films to make anymore but part of it is also down to his performance in the ‘Four Musketeers’. In Percy Jackson, Logan was great as the nerdy helpless loner turned hero and saviour and these are qualities I think he could bring to the role but in the Four Musketeers his performance was just well kinda flat. I don’t know if that was the script writing or not but I think Logan would be a good choice if they decided to continue with the Andrew Garfield kinda Spidey, but if they are after a return to the Tobey Maguire Spidey I’m sorry I just don’t see it. Interestingly enough I do see him as a good fit for Robin or Nightwing!

JOSH HUTCHERSON

Josh as Spidey??? Hell Yes!!!

I like Josh and I could see this fit to be honest. Josh has a good background in films that have die hard followings for example ‘Bridge To Terabitha’, ‘The Vampires Assistant’ and of course ‘The Hunger Games’. His acting résumé contains the necessary experience in action films and comedy films alike. I like the way that Josh gets you rooting for the characters he plays, the lovable underdog who you want to see come good. What’s more he’s one of us he’s a fandomer, maybe I’m biased but he’s the one I want to see get the role other than Dylan. He also auditioned for the role last time so we know he wants it! I think he’d be great as a return to the Tobey Maguire nerdy Spidey role.

Josh’s Spiderman audition from 4 years ago

SHAMEIK MOORE

Who I hear you cry? Well he’s my rank outsider. To be honest not many people will have heard of him and if you say you have I reckon 90% of you are lying. Why would I say that well to be honest his only major acting credit to part is in this year’s Sundance breakout  film ‘Dope’. This is a film that follows a normal honours kid like you and me but hes also kinda geeky who gets caught up in a crazy life changing adventure. I mean who else does that sound like to you?

There we go that’s my four picks for a new Spiderman, personally I’d go with the order of Dylan, Josh, Shameik then Logan but I know everyone has their own opinions and views if you can think of a good one let me know!

 

A Guide To The Doctors In Doctor Who From A Whovian

All of the Doctor Who intro’s from start to finish

So what is a Whovian I hear you cry? The answer is simple it’s a fan of Doctor Who! What’s Doctor Who? Well put quite simply it’s a television show (although some would argue it’s real) about an alien timelord who travels through time and space, saving aliens, fighting baddies and what’s more he does it in an English Victorian police phonebox? Why a phonebox isn’t that a bit Bill and Ted=ish or Superman-ish? Well that’s to do with the ships chameleon chip breaking but that’s a story for another day. Oh yeah one more thing, he can’t die! What???? Yes he can’t die, just as our Doctor is about to meet his timely demise BOOM he regenerates into another Doctor, that’s a pretty cool way to outsmart the bad guys eh? Why is he called Doctor Who though? Well that’s easy no one knows his name and as he has a knack for saving the day he’s called quite simply the Doctor. So just to summarise, he’s a timetravelling timelord alien who travels round the universe fighting baddies in a Victorian English police box who can’t die. If you weren’t interested or a Whovian before reading this you gotta admit you’re at least a little bit interested now.

Every Whovian can remember where they were when they first watched Dr Who, who their first Doctor was and so on. My first Doctor was Sylvester MccCoy in the early 90’s. I used to remember being little seeing these crazy looking aliens trying to take over the world and hiding behind the sofa in terror but ultimately they were thwarted by a guy who could only be described as a mad school science teacher and I was hooked.  I was quite lucky as I live close to a big regal house called Longleat House and for years it was home to the ‘Doctor Who’ exhibition. This was a collection of props from the tv series that Longleat had acquired as a tourist attraction. One day I went to the exhibition when I was about 5 or 6 and when we got to the tardis console (the interior of the ship) my mum said to me ‘You know Grandad helped build this’. What??? My granddad helped build the tardis? Was he one of the Doctors assistants? Am I an alien timelord too? In reality my granddad was the head electrician at Longleat House and it was his job to get the props repaired and moving but as a young kid I was awestruck at my granddad the Doctor’s assistant! That helped explain where my family’s love for Doctor Who came from and how it was ultimately passed on to myself to pass on and pass on. What do I mean by pass on and pass on? Oh yeah I sould have mentioned this Doctor Who is the longest running sci-fi program of ALL TIME, yes ALL TIME!!! 51 years and still going strong.

Ok now you know what Doctor Who is about and how I got into it I think probably the best way for me to explain Doctor Who to you is to go through each one of the versions of the Doctor and offer my thoughts on them.

1.Wlliam Hartnell

How would I describe William Hartnell as the Doctor? Terrifying, crazy,and an exasperated genius. William Hartnell was the first Doctor and as such he had by far the most creative control and scope to play with. The best way to describe him would be as your great granddad, crazy and fun one moment but terrifying and authorotive the next. You knew there was a line with this Doctor but you didn’t know when you had crossed it but once you had you certainly wouldn’t do it again. I never liked the first two Doctors much growing up but as I’ve got older I’ve come to see the first Doctor for what he was and appreciate it in a different light.

2. Patrick Troughton

How would I describe Patrick Troughton as the Doctor? Well his nickname was ‘The Cosmic Hobo’ for his often scruffy appearance, however I would describe him more like the grumpy elf from Snow White! Often clever but he frequently played the bumbling fool to get his enemies to under estimate him and more often that not it worked. He was one of the first Doctors to have a catchphrase such as ‘When I say Run, Run’ and ‘Oh my giddy aunt’. How would I sum up the second Doctor? Well quite simply he was an enigma wrapped in a cocoon inside a rubix cube. You never knew what kinda Doctor you were going to get and that’s what made it exciting.

3. Jon Pertwee

How would I describe Jon Pertwee as the Doctor? Well quite arguably he wasone of the ones I grew up with and that makes him one of my favourites. He was a kung fu master and had a dashing sense of style. He very nearly didn’t get the role as Ron Moody, yes ‘Fagin’ from Oliver Twist was the first choice but was unavailable. Jon re-invigorated the program with his fast packed action scenes quite simply the best way to describe his run would be like if James Bond met aliens!

4. Tom Baker

How would I describe Tom Baker as the Doctor? He was and forever will be the Doctor like Adam West is Batman (sorry Batfleck fans) Tom Baker will forever and always be the Doctor. He was quickly well known for his trademark outfit, his long flowing rainbow coloured scarf, hat and trench coat This was about as far away from any of the previous Doctors we had seen so far and tbh where you could imagine the previous Doctors as Doctors, Tom was different he reminded you more of that eccentric uncle. What’s more he would often offer his companions jelly babies when they were in moments of dire peril, who wouldn’t want a jelly baby to calm your neveres whilst being chased by a dalek I know I would!

5. Peter Davidson

How would I describe Peter Davidson as the Doctor? Hmm he’s kinda like that character Matthew from Downton Abbey.  He was well known for his female companions thinking he was well rather dashing and sporting a cricket jumper that made him seem even more like the upper class incarnation of the Doctor. What’s more he was a radical step in a new direction with this Doctor being the youngest by far yet at only 29.

6. Colin Baker

How would I describe Colin Baker as the Doctor? Well put quite simply he is no relation to Tom Baker and that’s where the similarities stopped. Colin was only the Doctor for 2 years and unfortunately it did not give me enough time to warm up to him. Alas Colin’s run was trimmed down by the then BBC director advising the problem was too violent and demanded the show took an 18 month hiatus. What was the most memorable thing Colins run other than the lack thereof it? It had to be his pre-Justin Timberlake era noodle hair and his technicolour dreamcoat that only rivalled Jason’s. A note aside I have met Colin Baker the most out of all the Doctors and he is by far with the exception of Tom Baker the nicest and most passionate Whovian Doctor.

7. Slyvester McCoy

How would I describe Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor? Well he was my first, the Doctor that popped my Doctor Who cherry. I have to admit when I was first watching Doctor Who I was more drawn to the monsters rather than the Doctor. Sylvester McCoy was more known as being a comedy actor rather than a serious actor and that’s how he portrayed the role, injecting the humour element that had been missing since Tom Baker. However as the series progressed he moved further and further away from this comedy element and more into a sinister and manipulative Doctor using people for his own gains and goals. Again he was a victim of circumstance like the previous Doctor Colin Baker and unfortunately due to internal politics at the BBC his run was ultimately cut short just as he was discovering himself within the role.

8. Paul McGann

How would I describe Paul McGann as the Doctor? Well this is a hard one it had been several years since Doctor Who was last on our screen and BBC decided they wanted to reboot it and reboot it in style. Unfortunately for Paul this was in the form of a Hollywood style made for tv movie. With Fox and Universal studios contributing toward the film, it was Doctor Who but Doctor Who on a big budget. Gone were the tacky homemade monsters made of loo roll tubes and bubble wrapped replaced by CGI but alas it did not work and Doctor Who was shelved AGAIN! As for Paul McGann? He played the role to the best of his abilities however his clothing attire was terrible he looked like a cross between Beethoven, Mozart and something from ‘Interview With The Vampire’. As for his personality it just did not stand a chance due to the politics behind the scenes.

8.B John Hurt

Why have I put 8B for the role of John Hurt? Well to explain this you’ll have to read on that’s all I can say for now.

9. Christopher Eccleston

How would I describe Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor? He was a conundrum he looked like your dad who had just split from your mum and was having a midlife crisis, he sported a leather jacket, clean shaven look and was very serious with a dry witted sense of humour. This was an attempt at rebooting Doctor Who again as we had not seen the show for 9 years due to BBC waiting that long to pick up the contractual rights to produce it again from Fox. He was often very serious and very scary but he had a humourus side. Imagine Jack Dee as Doctor Who and you would get Christophers version of the Doctor.

10. David Tennant

How would I describe David Tennant as the Doctor? Well he was my favourite since Tom Baker. I initially had my doubts as he was an actor who was most famous role to date was as ‘Casanova’. He was also another young Doctor.  But why did I like him so much? The answer was simple he was the Doctor who was most like myself, quirky, eccentric, caring and charismatic. He was a runaway success the ladies loved his good looks, the guys like his character. For me other than Tom Baker, David Tennant is THE Doctor.  What’s more he got into acting to play the Doctor for that he earned many Whovian title as the best of the best because he was one of us.

11. Matt Smith

How would I describe Matt Smith as the Doctor? Well to be honest I was unhappy with his casting for a variety of reasons he was 26 years old when he got the part, I’m sorry but Doctor Who should not be younger than me. Also the other reason was I was unhappy was due to the actors who got turned down for the role who could have been far better, imagine any one of the following actors as Doctor Who (Paterson Joseph, David Morrissey, Sean Pertwee, James Nesbitt, Russell Tovey Robert Carlyle).  So you can now understand that when he was cast like many other Whovians I was left thinking Doctor Who???? Matt was an ok Doctor I argued that he was only cast to save money and reintroduce Doctor Who to a younger audience and it worked however it did kinda alienate myself a bit.

12. Peter Capaldi

How would I describe Peter Capaldi as the Doctor? Well I was happy he was a Whovian like us he had been in previous episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood and he brought back what we needed, age. True when Peter’s promotional photo’s came out he looked like a magician with a suit and cape but he was more like the Doctors of old. Think a mix of Patrick Troughton, Tom Baker and Christopher Eccleston and you got Peter’s version of the Doctor.

NOW FOR JOHN HURT!

I bet you thought I forgot about John hadn’t you? Well no I hadn’t the reason why is because he technically didn’t have a run as the Doctor. It was a well-known story that between Paul McGann and Christopher Eccleston there was a mysterious Doctor. One that was filled with pain and misery and tasked with having to make a difficult choice. Enter John Hurt, to be honest John Hurt is one of my favourite actors and I was psyched at the prospect of him being the Doctor but alas it was a one-time deal to bridge the gaps between Paul and Chris. As for his character he would best be described as a broken man, a man who had to make a choice to destroy his home planet and race of people to save the universe.

There we go that’s the Doctors all of them from start to finish, I know I’ve left some of the ones out who had played various incarnations of the Doctors in one time episodes or spin offs or spoofs or tv movies ala Count Who (Peter Cushing). I hope after reading this if you weren’t a Whovian before you will at least give it a try now and open your mind to one of the longest running and successful science fiction shows of all time.

New Fantastic Four Teaser Trailer Launched

 

Well the new ‘Fantastic Four’ teaser trailer has been released so I thought why not make this the first official post on Skatronixxx.com. Those of you who know me know that I’m a massive comic book fan, I’ve been into comics and superheroes since before they were cool and tbh one of my faves was the ‘Fantastic Four’. Why I hear you cry? Well the answer was easy it had a stretchy man, a man who could turn to fire and a man made of rock, what 10 year old boy wouldn’t like that?? The answer no one.

So as you can imagine I was psyched when the first ‘Fantastic Four’ film came out all those years ago the casting seemed perfect if you ask me, plus it had Jessica Alba in a tight fitting outfit 😉 The only one I wasn’t sure on was Julian McMahon as Doctor Doom. Up until then I had only seen him in Charmed playing a Darth Maul lookalike. I watched the film and tbh I didn’t mind it, but it flopped and flopped BADLY!! When people talk about the original they immediately say it sucked but can provide a logical enough agreement, I think the problem was it was before it’s time if you had the same cast now the film would probably be received a lot differently now. I mean it can’t be worse than Spiderman 3, am I right people? Or even David Hasslehoff as Nick Fury 😛

 

I for one was curious when I heard about the Fantastic Four reboot all those months ago and tbh I was even more curious when I head of the casting. For one it had Jamie Bell a.k.a Billy Elliot as ‘The Thing’ how would that work?? I mean could you imagine this guy made of stone?

 

 

I decided to give him a chance after all he was pretty good in ‘Jumper’ another vastly underrated film if you want my opinion but hey that’s a story for another day! As for the controversy surrounding the human torch, at first I was like hmmm but we are in the 21st century after all so I decided to give it a chance.  The things I was dead against was the casting of Miles Teller who had only previously been in Whiplash and Divergent and the change of name from ‘Dr Doom’ to ‘Victor Domashev’ I mean come on people!!!

 

So I watched the trailer nervously to see what the months of anticipation regarding this film had been about and here’s my opinion…..

 

It looked dark and gritty not like previous films we’ve seen, perhaps to appeal to a wider market we are slowly seeing the films move further away from what we know and love and more towards a gritty realistic approach to appeal to the casual viewer. Hardcore fans will watch it for it being the film it is but I’ve noticed this approach on the last couple of films. It could have been worse it could have been ‘Disney-fied’ ala Iron Man 3 with an annoying child sidekick.

 

Kate Mara ‘WOW’ she looked perfect as Sue Storm and my doubts were immediately blown away , again ‘WOW’ is all I can say *think I found a new candidate for Woman Crush Wednesday*.

 

It’s going to be more science than science fiction, as the originals were created in the 60’s alot of the original aspects would seem more farfetched in today’s society so look for a modern approach as highlighted in my first point.

 

The new Thing looks more like he should then in years, gone are the previous orange blocky versions of Thing

And in is the more earthy elemental Thing

 

 

I’m curious to see how this plans out.

 

All in all I think that the new film unfortunately will not be a success for one thing, the stigma still associated with it from the previous movie. People seem like they want to slate this film from the onset and want it to be gritty and realistic but still be a classic superhero move. That will take a lot to live up to and I for one will be there to see it, when it comes out and cheer it on. Plus if it has this song in it, it’ll be a hit in my eyes 😉