Hero Inc.

With Iron Man 2 out of the way, Thor and Captain America on the way, it is time to begin with eager anticipation for AVENGERS ASSEMBLE…or to the regular people The Avengers movie.

The move is roughly two years away and currently only has a director and many rumors. After seeing Iron Man 2, I wanted to discuss the subtle hints that the film provided that could (or could not) lead into The Avengers movie. For those that don’t know and didn’t click on any of my links above, The Avengers is a superhero team in the same way that the Justice League is for DC. The Avengers have been formed with many different heroes, but which group will be selected for the feature film? Well my assumptions are going to be based off small rumors and everything I saw in Iron Man 2. Therefore, STOP NOW if you want to avoid even the mildest of SPOILERS.

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Ok, now that we have those that don’t want to know out of the way, we can continue. In Iron Man 2, Nick Fury and Tony Stark are discussing his review for possible team involvement thanks to the Black Widow’s report. The report states that Iron Man is in, but Tony is out. Interesting, but my real focus of the scene was the monitor behind them with several points being tracked around the world. I was only able to remember the following subset of locations.

• New York
• New Mexico
• Los Angeles
• Atlantic Ocean
• Africa
• South Atlantic Ocean / Antartica
• Central Europe

Well, if I’m doing what most other fanboys are doing out there in fandom, I’m matching a location to a member of the Avengers.

• New York – Most might jump to Spider-Man here. I certainly did. However, the Spider-Man franchise is not currently in Marvel’s possession. However, the Hulk is and he just happened to star in a recent reboot of the franchise and it took place in…yes…say it…New York. I’m all for The Hulk as a member of the Avengers but I like him even more as the villain. A hero that can’t control his powers, I believe, might provide more drama and story than some alien beings being sent to destroy/take over the earth. Apparently Iron Man 2 is already helping out in continuity because in the background of the scene between Tony and Nick, a news report is being given of the attack at the university that appeared in The Incredible Hulk.
• New Mexico – If you stayed through the credits of Iron Man 2, you already know the answer to this one. The scene showed that S.H.I.E.L.D. had found Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. Thor, a norse god, is one, if not, the strongest heroes on earth. If Thor isn’t happy, no one is happy. I’m pumped for this one as Thor is a very intriguing character and his movie is lining up to be something special as well.
• Los Angeles – Easy one, Iron Man. I mean, the man lives in Malibu. Let’s just take Nick’s comments as more of a way to push Tony forward as a hero and not the fact that Marvel can’t pay for all of these heroes together.
• Atlantic Ocean – This must be the one and only “first avenger,” Captain America. Iron Man 2 gave us his first shield as well as the possibility of Iron Man creating the element for creating his new shield. In the comics, Cap’s frozen body was found somewhere in the North Pole or northern Atlantic ocean. Marvel’s ultimate goal was to do Iron Man 2, Captain America, Thor and then The Avengers. Therefore, we have to have Cap to lead the team. Time to see what a real boy scout can do.
• Africa – Another no brainer of sorts. We will stay away from Storm or the X-Men due to a separate franchise and Marvel wanting to build on their “less known” characters. This choice also gives us a more diverse group with the inclusion of Black Panther. Many in Hollywood (Tyrese Gibson and Wesley Snipes) have been trying to get a Black Panther film off the ground for years. I’ll support the inclusion here.
• South Atlantic Ocean / Antartica – Here’s the stretch because I gaurantee most people don’t know who he is and when I describe him, I’ll get the usual response of “That’s just an Aquaman rip off.” We are talking about the prince of Atlantis, Namor. Namor is one of the first mutants/heroes from Marvel. He is often depicted as a villain as he chooses his people of Atlantis over those on land every day of the week if he can. Just think of him as good cop/bad cop, but the good cop always calls in sick.
• Central Europe – For this one I had to turn to the internet. Some are pointing to the Red Skull, but I’m not thrilled with that idea. Why spend a whole Captain America move on Red Skull only to bring him back so quickly to face the Avengers? No. This one needs to be something new. A female? We have the Black Widow, but her background is Russia not Central Europe and why would S.H.I.E.L.D. need to track her? Then again, I listed Iron Man on this list and they are tracking him. Then I guess I have to go after my final long shot with two “originals,” Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Both can be linked back to Central Europe in some form or fashion so they will have to do.

Well that’s it. Not the best team I could pick but then again I don’t have to do the picking. I’d really like to see a team of maybe 5 (Iron Man, Thor, Cap, Hawkeye, Black Widow) so that each can be built in his/her own right. I don’t want characters lost and thrown in just for the purpose of being there, but I would really love to see Hawkeye being portrayed by Jeremy Renner.

Much like one of my close counterparts, I too have been away from posting for far too long. I’m not promising anything life changing here, but at least it is more than a heartbeat to let people know I’m here. So like many posts where I try not to say too much, here are the fast facts.

• I upgraded my old phone and am now enjoying life with my Android powered device. Sure it has its cons, but doesn’t every phone? Next path will be to attempt to build my own app for it and see if anyone is willing to download and/or buy it. I doubt the second part of that. Here’s hoping I can put together a better future post talking about apps and how this phone really measures up.
• My newest side project will move any of my future movie posts to The AC Guild or Amateur Critics Guild. I’m hoping to push this really hard because it has been a thrill to create so far. If you don’t believe me, just head over to the About page and enjoy the most random ramblings you will find as well as a good picture or two.
• I’ve just picked up the new The Rocket Summer album. I’m not enjoying as much as the past ones, but it still has a few fun tunes. Check out Nothing Matters.
• In keeping up with my Falcons from my new west coast location, I’m pumped with the new addition of the Falcons family, Daunta Robinson. Now we just need a fearsome pass rusher and other teams will fear the days they have to face us. Saints, we will knock you down first.
• I just enjoyed a wonderful weekend snowboarding in Mammoth. I’m no Shaun White, but I think I’m doing quite well for only having been two times now. The new board, bindings, and boots worked out great. Anyone ready for a fall trip now? Possible picture and video to come later depending on when the one who took the pictures and video lets me get my hands on them.
• I’m a little behind the times, but thanks to a great deal, I just picked up the God of War collection pack. Sure I’ll be stuck playing God of War while everyone else is enjoying God of War 3. That’s fine. I enjoying playing games on the cheap.
• The greatest candy time of the year as arrived once again. I’ve already begun stock piling as many as I can. I will note that the bunny shaped Reese’s are quite good as well so please don’t write them off. You still can write off the smaller easter eggs though. They just aren’t the same as the big ones.

Possible future posts?

• NFL Draft Preview – Sorry Mike.
• All things Android
• My Music History – Have had this one in the works for a long time so we know that it will probably wait longer as well.

Here’s the next set of reviews from my Netflix queue.

Lost Season 5 Thanks to Watch Instantly I was able to quickly remind myself why season 6 will be amazing Rating:	Serenity I didn’t watch Firefly, but I think I might have enjoyed it after the movie. Rating:
The Protector Twitter Movie Review text… Rating:	Sliders Seasons 1 & 2 The visuals are pure 90′s, but I still enjoy the story for some reason. Rating:
Seaquest DSV A boat hasn’t been this entertaining since the Red October Rating:	Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Just another way to make Men in Tights funnier and Morgan Freeman is present Rating:

Now that I have settled into my new city and been placed on a new project at work, it is time to deal with the commute.  Please understand that this commute is by no means terrible even if it is about an hour and forty minutes each way (morning and afternoon).  The trip is a straight shot based on the MUNI (if it is running correctly that day) and BART.  I am able to have a internet connection for about 90-95% of the trip so if I need to do work I have that option.  Some may say the BART is terrible, but I am provided an easy laugh twice a day as I read the “Committed to Excellence” Oakland Raiders sign that rests on the stadium.

However, there are those days where I don’t need to do any work and I can just sit back and enjoy the ride.  Now my sister will tell me that I should pick up a book to read.  Well I have picked up a book, which is just a book I started while at the beach this summer but never finished.  It’s just that I can’t force myself to read along this trip because I’m very picky about my reading spots.  That and I’m of the generation who doesn’t know what reading is.  We won’t laugh about that in the future, but we can laugh now.

Anyway, I decided to get back into listening to podcasts on my Creative Zen Vision W, or the Betamax player as it is known on my project team.  I have been away from podcasting in general for several years so I wasn’t sure what was still out there or what new good ones were available.  Here’s a quick list of the ones I have found that I have enjoyed so far.

Podcast Name	Description
	DiggNation is pretty much where my world of podcasting started out. DiggNation, hosted by Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, discusses the week’s top stories from the social news site, Digg.com. I truly enjoy the way the two hosts play off of each other and the topics can range from tech, news, sports, etc. It is usually a random assortment of “news” selected by those that post to Digg. I have listened to this podcast since it was first started as just audio. Now with video, so much more is added to the experience.
	I’m not a huge fan of the news, mainly because it is usually so depressing and only certain stories are stressed in the political realm. NPR’s 7AM news report provides me a fast and effective update for the day’s news stories. The report is offered in the audio clarity that only NPR can offer and usually is not much longer than 5 minutes in length. Perfect for a quick update.
	Pardon The Interruption has become my true DVR pleasure. Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser are always entertaining and provide a quick shot of all the latest sports news. I love watching this show daily but I ran into an issue recently where I didn’t have time to watch the show each day. Thanks to the podcast, I don’t miss a beat. The audio only version of the show is not as good as the real thing but it is as close as you are going to get if you just don’t have the time to sit in front of a TV to enjoy. This one is not a push (Wilbon’s trademark).
	If DiggNation was my first podcast, then This Week In Tech is my tied first. A weekly discussion of the week’s tech stories is hosted by Leo Laporte. This is truely a geek’s show but I still find my chance ot laugh and enjoy another dose of tech talk.
	Provided by the same group that produces This Week In Tech and Security Now, TWIG (as it is known) follows the top stories related to Google or cloud computing. I’ve only had a chance to enjoy a single episode, but I did find it interesting enough to give it another shot. I’m just wondering if too much Leo Laporte in one week is good for me.
	Not long after I was listening to TWIT and DiggNation while in college, Security Now! began. I gave it a listen a few times in order to find out more within the security industry (might need this for work), but I just haven’t been able to consistently enjoy it. That basically means I’ll drop it soon, but for those that are concerned with their computer security, then give the show a chance. The show does find itself able to explain even the high level security issues so that normal users can understand them and how they could be affected.
	DiggNation was the first of many shows to come for the Revision3 online network. For those familiar with the days of TechTV, you’ll notice many old faces. AppJudgement provides a simple review of applications or “apps” for smartphones. These reviews are for both iPhone and Android phones. Since I’m close to purchasing a smartphone (NOT AN IPHONE), I thought it’d be a great idea to begin finding some apps that I’d find useful. The show runs between 5-10 minutes so it is easy to get in, learn, and get out.
	With my enjoyment of Alex Albrecht from DiggNation (that’s too many plugs for that show), I thought I would try his second Revision3 show, The Totally Rad Show. TRS discusses movies, video games, and comic books. I tried a single episode and enjoyed it but not sure if I will continue thanks to a few of the other shows below.
	Need a review of current and future video games? Well, CO-OP is a well produced show that does just that. My introduction to the show was an older episode that discussed Uncharted 2 and Super Mario Bros. Wii since I had just played both of them recently. My time to spend playing games is not what it used to be but I might follow this show every now and then if I’m looking to find a new game to try.
	InstMsgs had the most interesting concept in that they dramatize all things web. From instant messages to craigslist ads, they do it all. I first heard of this show from the first podcast listed above (I can’t name it again or I might have to start paying fees) and thought “Why not?” Well I jumped on for episode 8(Mad Men?) and that’s about as far as I’m going to get. The show was good and interesting but I don’t know if it is enough for me to keep going with it. Those who find lolcats funny might want to try episode 10.
	A podcast about comics? I’m so there! The discussion is sporadic in the episode (I’m only one in as of posting), but that’s the only way to describe comic book stories. Finding new comics, diving deeper into stories, or providing interviews, this is a great stop to keep up or find out more about the world of comics.
	Since moving to Linux, I wanted a chance to learn more on a more consistent basis. When I found Linux Outlaws, I thought that a podcast could be the perfect place if it was done correctly. Well I’m only one show in (Simple Doesn’t Equal Shit) and I have a few thoughts. First, I will not continue with this one if the running time is around 2 hours for each show. I need shows that are an hour or under to truly enjoy a show during the commute. Two hours is just way too much for me. Second, the content is there in this one. They discuss different flavors/distros, new application updates, and news within the Linux world. As long as the time is shortened for future episodes, I’ll continue listening along.

Anyone have any others I should try? I am interested in checking out others that are not only tech based but I do like what I like.

Here’s the next set of reviews from my Netflix queue.

The Spirit This is not Sin City. Rating:	The Magnificent Seven My bromance with Steve McQueen continues. Rating:
The Hangover Maybe not as funny as everyone made it out to be (over hyped) but still truly funny Rating:	The Ugly Truth An ugly movie that I wish I had not finished Rating:
Sudden Death This is no Bloodsport, but man I still enjoy it. Rating:	IT Crowd: Season 2 Decent British comedy, but not as good as season 1 Rating:

I don’t really know why this movie looked interesting to me. I already knew how it would end. I hate fake southern accents. And it is filled with coaches I didn’t like from teams I hate. Well, it looks like it was a good move to see this movie.

The Blind Side tells the story of Michael Oher, who was a homeless African American kid that was taken in by a well off white family.  Due to Oher’s large size, he was a perfect fit for football and the rest of the movie sells itself.

Now let me start by saying that I could have done without the first few minutes of the movie even though I didn’t see it because my eyes were closed.  I just didn’t need to see the Theismann leg break.  Sure I was told they didn’t show it, but I didn’t want to make the mistake because it is just scary to watch.

Also, it is sad to see great coaches perform so badly in acting.  I mean, how hard can it be to portray yourself?  You are acting as yourself and you fail?  That is just epic failure.

Other than those negatives, the movie was funny, heartfelt, and provided me a great message that I need to start timing all homeless people to see their 40 yard time.  If you have nothing else to see, check it out.  Oh yeah, I knew I was in California watching this movie when no one understood the Bear Bryant joke.

Rating:

Here’s the next set of reviews from my Netflix queue.

Borat Funny but not my style and therefore did not finish. Rating:	Dan in Real Life I really don’t like Dane Cook, but I loved this movie. Yay, another Romantic Comedy that I enjoyed. Rating:
I.O.USA It is time to “Wake Up America” and fix this national debt issue or someone’s kids will need to pay (and pay big). Rating:	The Dirty Dozen If I’m going to war, I’m bringing Lee Marvin and possibly Jim Brown, Donald Sutherland, Charles Bronson, and Telly Savalas. Rating:
Tron Quite cheesy even for me, but at least I’m ready for the sequel. Rating:	Twilight Not really a Netflix movie (someone lent it to me). As bad as I thought it was going to be, but “you shine like diamonds.” Rating:

Zombies, Van Halen, Humor, Killing Zombies, Pop Culture. What else does one actually need?

The Earth has been overcome with a plague that turns all who receive the bite to become a zombie.  You have now entered Zombieland.  There are only a few humans left and those humans must fight to survive.  Simple enough story.

Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenber, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin all bring something different to the film. Woody is your off his rocker man just wanting to kill zombies. Emma is your love interest. Abigail is the little sister to bring a “family” element. Jesse……well…..Jesse is your poor man’s Michael Cera. Michael probably turned down the role and Jesse was just enough to fool the average movie watcher.

Now I knew the movie would be funny based on the trailer, but I never expected how funny it could be.  You’ll need a vast array of pop culture knowledge to truly enjoy this movie but you will still laugh until it hurts.  The banter between Woody and Jesse will get you started.  Enter the two female leads and your sides will hurt.  Break out an ultra A list celebrity and you will be on the floor gasping for air.  Bless you celebrity.  Bless you.  (FYI, don’t go looking at IMDB or other sites to see who it is.  It’s worth it to be surprised.)

Great soundtrack that keeps the movie rocking.  Filmed in Georgia (congrats Coweta).  Instantly quotable (a must).  I’m still laughing.  If only Jesse wasn’t a wannabe Michael Cera, I’d be able to give this movie 5 out of 5.  Oh well.  close enough.

Rating:

It’s about time that Quentin Tarantino’s war epic made its appearance. I remember reading about his possible script a few years ago. Nearly double the size of a normal script and filled with every ounce of talent he had. Well, I’m hear to say that he probably produced one of his best movies yet.

I’d love to state that this movie centers on the Inglorious Basterds (a group of no-holds bar Jewish soldiers), but I just can’t.  Quentin weaves a story with many players (as always) but is able to easily make you remember and connect with each one.  Maybe not all of the Nazis, but you get the idea.

Christoph Waltz, or as I term him the Merovingian’s older brother, was perfect. As the creepy Col. Hans Landa, Waltz is able to make you hate and laugh in sometimes the same scenes.  If it wasn’t for his character, I’d have to say that Brad Pitt shined with his hard Tennessee accent.

Overall, I came into the film expecting more gore and basterds but was given less on both fronts.less gore than I thought.  Normally this may leave me wanting more, but Quentin was able to satisfy everything I needed in this movie with one exception.  I really wasn’t big on the ending even if it reminded me of the old war movies (Dirty Dozen, Kelly’s Heroes, etc.)

Rating:

I’ll leave this review short since I’m so late to seeing this movie (over a month old).

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was probably one of my least favorite books so I was skeptical of how I would receive the movie.  However, I think the Potter movies are continuing to get better.  This could be due to the acting skills getting better for the kids that have grown up on screen for us or that the subject of each book/movie has allowed the presentation to age for the better.

David Yates is the man at the helm for the final chapters of the Potter saga and I believe he gets it.  He allows a good collection of the elements that made the books so entertaining:  humor, awkward situations as the kids grow, fear, action, etc.  Here’s hoping that he can also make the final chapter (my true least favorite book) come alive on the big screen.

The one drawback to this movie for me was that I felt more emotional connection during the chase scene within the fields than I did at the final climax of the movie.  This is odd for those that know what happened.  It should have been the reverse but I just didn’t feel it like I should have.

Rating:

As a side note, I was able to see this movie at the Chinese Mann Theater in LA.  Sure, it wasn’t the main screen where all of the premiers take place, but it was still cool to attend.  It’s amazing how great a screen can look and sound with the right technology behind it.  This theater also had the new D-BOX seats.  I didn’t try them (not for $20 at least), but my seats were close enough to “feel” the experience.  I’d say overall it seems more like a novelty than a great way to see a movie.