Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Nothing Personal


After leaving Coulson (Clark Gregg) and his team, but still not prepared to abandon them completely, May (Ming-Na Wen) seeks out help in the form of former Deputy Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) who has moved into the private sector and gone to work for Tony Stark. May also retrieves and encrypted flash drive from Coulson's grave which, after the other events of the episode have been dealt with, will finally give the agent a few answers about Project T.A.H.I.T.I. and the reason why so much effort was spent to hide the truth from him.

The Blacklist - The Kingmaker


While sending the FBI after The Kingmaker (Linus Roache), the latest name on The Blacklist with an unique skill-set who offers select clients the ability to arrange their ascendance in public life by helping clear obstacles (often by murderous methods). Knowing the man has been working for Reddington's mysterious adversary, Red hopes the FBI's capture of The Kingmaker can give him a solid lead on his opposition. Reddington (James Spader) also attempts to enlist the help of Alan Fitch (Alan Alda) and his alliance for help in his quest to uncover and defeat a threat systematically attacking Red's organization from the shadows.

Daredevil #2

After the last issue offered readers a glimpse of things to come in Matt Murdock's life down the line, Daredevil #2 returns to the present and the newly-relocated hero/lawyer to San Fransisco alongside his new law partner Kristen McDuffie. We don't get any more information on Foggy Nelson (other than the fact the world appears to believe he is dead), but the new version of the title does offer Daredevil with an opportunity to do something rather unusual - go up against another blind vigilante.

Pulling the Shroud out of half-forgotten Marvel mothballs, writer Mark Waid and Chris Samnee dust the vigilante off first as a rival for Daredevil, but later the character is be revealed as the new (sorta ridiculous) kingpin of crime in the city.

A poor man's Daredevil in several respects, the Shroud is an interesting first choice to pit against the hero, although it does make me wonder how far Waid and Samnee will have to scrape the bottom of the Marvel barrel for West Coast threats going forward. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Diablo III Crusader by Tasha Spcats

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Castle - Law & Boarder


Beckett (Stana Katic) and Castle (Nathan Fillion) investigate the murder of a professional skateboard artist in town for New York Street Sports Festival who friends and rivals both say was acting very odd in the 24-hours leading up to his death. Seeing as the victim was favored to win, the investigation begins with his main competition (Yani Gellman) but soon takes some unusual twist and turns involving the purchase of a 10 year-old camcorder, borrowing money from his mother's (Claudia Christian) Albanian mob boyfriend (Eric Etebari) now out on parole (after doing time for a crime the victim put him behind bars for), and using the cash to hire another skateboarder (Jesse Luken) for his expertise at breaking and entering.

The Flash #30

Time travel and the character's relationship with the passage of the time have long bee staples of the Flash comic storylines over the years. Beginning with something as innocuous as a new watch, The Flash's new writers Robert Venditti and Van Jensen begin to examine the idea for the first time in the New 52.

For those, like me, who have totally ignored DC's Forever Evil event the beginning of the issue, jumping us into a wrecked Central City, is more than a little confusing. The amount of damage to the city is extensive which leaves the Flash constantly needed. Although putting too much emphasis on those awful yellow streaks in the character's costume, new artist Brett Booth proves up to the task in showing off the Scarlet Speedster, particularly in a sequence where Barry uses his super-speed to keep cutting out of his psychological evaluation to save people.

Those expecting the first appearance of a blue-clad Wally West are going to be disappointed. Although the comic does end with a scene of a future Flash, it's Barry Allen not Wally who is consumed with past mistakes and obsessed with the passage of time.

Batman: Assault on Arkham trailer


Following Son of Batman (available for download now, and on DVD and Blu-ray next week), DC Animation turns to Batman: Assault on Arkham for its next project. Returning Kevin Conroy as Batman, the film is obviously inspired by the popular video game franchise whose design I've never really care much for (although the gameplay is at times quite a bit of fun), in a storyline centering around the Joker (Troy Baker), Arkham Asylum, and a New 52-ish version of the Suicide Squad (Neal McDonough, Eliza Dushku, Hynden Walch, Kevin Grevioux). Batman: Assault on Arkham should hit the direct-to-video market sometime later this summer.

The Mentalist - Brown Eyed Girls


After leading the FBI to a young woman dying of a gunshot wound in the home of what Jane (Simon Baker) refers to as a "sketchy individual" (Nick von Esmarch), the Mentalist works to prove the man wasn't responsible for the aspiring model's death and that the mentally-deficient suspect simply found her bleeding on the side of the highway just as he told Abbot (Rockmond Dunbar). After helping the man retrace his steps with the help of a cold beer, Wiley (Joe Adler), and a couple memory tricks, Jane leads Lisbon (Robin Tunney) and Cho (Harry Groener) out to the middle of nowhere where they find another kidnap victim (Zuleyka Silver) who was taken in by the same modeling scam.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #2

After helping Buffy and friends turn the tide against the enhanced vampires, neither Faith not Kennedy will stay long although Scoobies do welcome back a pint-sized Watcher, the adolescent Giles, back into the fold (even if it looks like it will take some time for everyone to adapt to his new circumstances and demeanor).

Laying the groundwork for the next several issues, Giles discovers that the Vampyr tome has begun to fill-in with new information. Understanding that the new seed was rushed into the world, what the Watcher finds troubling is not knowing who is responsible for writing the new laws of magic (and gifting the vampires with an improved power set).

Still haunted by visions of Anya (which appear to be her rather than simple hallucinations or The First toying with the one-eyed Scooby) and wrestling with the his strained relationship to Dawn, Xander heads off to talk with Dracula to see if he can shed any light on the situation (setting up what should be yet another amusing reunion). Best of the Week.

[Dark Horse, $3.50]

Monday, April 28, 2014

Once Upon a Time - A Curious Thing


Realizing Henry (Jared Gilmore) remembering and believing in magic may hold the key to restoring their memories and breaking the curse, Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) reluctantly agrees to help her parents and Regina (Lana Parrilla) search for the book which began stimulating his imagination and sent him after his birth mother in the first episode of the series. With Henry increasingly frustrated with the secrets everyone is keeping from him the show finally does the right thing by restoring his memories, and through him those of everyone else.

Larfleeze #10

After destroying the citadel of the Otherworldy Gods of the House of Tuath-Dan, Larfleeze's search for his missing butler continues as Dyrge has taken Pulsar Stargrave from Sena the Wanderer (whose advances to Larfleeze fall on deaf ears) in an attempt to lay a trap for the Orange Lantern. What Dirge and her siblings don't count on, however, is the arrival of a second equally absurd ring slinger.

Although G'nort and Larfleeze have very little direct contact here, the sector-less Green Lantern does get plenty of time with both Laord of the Hunt and Sena (who takes out her mixed emotions concerning Larfleeze on the Green Lantern).

Although I think artist Scot Kolins does fine with the other characters here, I would have preferred a more over-the-top cartoonish take on G'Nort. That said, it's still good to have the Green Lantern Corps most absurd member back in action. Of course, I'm the guy who wanted to pitch a team-up book starring G'nort and Dex-Starr so I might be slightly biased. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

Double Indemnity (70th Anniversary Limited Edition)

It wasn't the first film in the genre that would come to be known as film moir, but it's one of the best. Directed by Billy Wilder, who co-wrote the film with Raymond Chandler (The Big Sleep, The Long Goodbye), Double Indemnity is often referred to as "the paradigmatic film noir," raising the bar and setting the standard for all others that followed.

Our story begins with Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray), a cocky insurance salesman bleeding out in his boss' office of a gunshot wound while recording his confession on Dictaphone. Through Neff's narration the events which led him to this gruesome end are slowly revealed. A simple house call to get his client to renew his auto insurance becomes anything but when Neff falls hard for the man's younger wife (Barbara Stanwyck) who, at their first meeting, suggests procuring accidental life insurance for her husband (Tom Powers), without his knowledge.

Guardians of the Galaxy #14

To celebrate the 101st issue of the various Guardians of the Galaxy titles over the years, Guardians of the Galaxy #14 offers a new-reader friendly oversized issue. The comic's main tale involves the Spartoi Empire finally catching up with Peter Quill and his various companions, each of whom run into a spot of trouble. As Quill and Rocket Raccoon are taken prisoner by a Spartoi warship, Gamora is taken down by a bounty hunter and sold to the Badoon, and Drax is similarly captured on Knowhere while better equipping the team's newest member Venom.

It's surprising we don't see the fates of Angela or Groot shown or even referred to here, but not half as surprising as the choice of Venom as the team's newest member. Although putting Flash Thompson in space means there's a very real possibility to get answers about just where the symbiote came from, the choice of choosing a Marvel character who could never join the cinematic version of the group, and doesn't really bring anything new to the comic team, is a bit of a head-scratcher. I'm also not sold on Carol Danvers involvement being teased.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Happy Birthday with Jenna-Louise

Continuum - A Minute Changes Everything


The friction between Kiera (Rachel Nichols) and Carlos (Victor Webster) only gets worse while the pair argue over college disturbances caused by students embracing Liber8's anti-corporate message. Campus security is attacked while trying to disband one rally (which Carlos brushes off as nothing more than campus kids fighting authority), but when a campus officer opens fire killing three members of another rally including Rebecca Barton (Tanaya Beatty) Kiera and Carlos jobs won't get any easier.

Happy Birthday with Stana

The Alluring Olivia Munn


Olivia Munn is the cover girl for the May issue of Allure. In an interview with the magazine the actress discusses beauty secrets, her favorite cosmetics, her worst hair mistake, and why she would never let her boyfriend she her shave. Inside you can find the pics from her cover shoot.

Hawaii Five-0 - Pe'epe'e Kanaka


The investigation into the murder of a pool boy gets far more interesting when Five-0 uncovers an Al-Qaeda connection to the home where the young man was found shot and a plot involving the recruitment of local college kids to bomb an Air Force base on the island. Calling in Grover (Chi McBride), Five-0 takes down two members of the cell and captures a third uncooperative member (Pretty Little Liars' Sasha Pieterse) who is too busy spouting her philosophy to offer any remorse for her actions or clues to the higher-ranking members of the cell bankrolling the kids' efforts.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Elementary - The Man with the Twisted Lip


While investigating a disappearance of an acquaintance from AA and the murder of a drone designer, Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) is distracted by the unannounced return of his brother Mycroft (Rhys Ifans) who has plans to remain in New York for the foreseeable future and begin seeing Watson (Lucy Liu) socially again. Given that the audience knows Mycroft needs Holmes to return to London, although not why, every aspect of his interaction with Joan (and what happens to her later in the episode) must be viewed with a suspicious eye.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #33

The Turtles exile ends as Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello return to New York. Still hiding in the shadows the brothers work to hone their skills at get the new lay of the land now that the Shredder and The Foot control the city.

Much of the rest of the comic deals with April and Casey readjusting to life back in the city. As April worries about what path Casey's life will take, Casey searches out Hun, who has just learned Shredder was responsible for his son's injuries, for a long overdue conversation. Although the Turtles family appears to finally be healed, Casey's is anything but as any enemy of the Shredder is an enemy of Hun. Unable to convince his son to leave the city, it's likely that the next time the pair meet it will be as enemies.

I'm glad to see the Turtles back in NYC, but would have preferred they brougth Alopex with them. Mateus Santolouco returns to do the art for this issue providing some cool Hun/Shredder and Hun/Casey panels. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

Saturday with Emma

The Big Bang Theory - The Anything Can Happen Recurrence


In an effort to break Sheldon (Jim Parsons) out of his rut Leonard (Johnny Galecki) reinstates "Anything Can Happen Thursday" which has unforeseen circumstances for nearly every member of the group. Heading out onto the town without any destination in mind, the threesome run into Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) who both lied to their friends and significant others about their availability needing a break from Penny whining about her horror movie and Sheldon obsessing with finding a new scientific branch of study.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Justice League United #0

Although there are certainly some oddities here, Justice League United launches with a zero issue rather than a #1, the timing of the book is a bit nebulous (taking place sometime after DC's still running Forever Evil crossover event and with a non-Red Lantern Supergirl), I've got to say DC's grouping of a Canadian-based Justice League team written by Jeff Lemire with art by Mike McKone is better (and funnier) than expected and could be the New 52's best new title since Worlds' Finest.

Offering an Adam Strange (apparently) before his time on Rann, Lemire and McKone populate the team with a nice collection of B-list and C-list heroes which one would assume would allow the creative team a little more leeway in terms of storylines compared to the major Justice League title. The comic puts together Stargirl, Martian Manhunter, Strange, Supergirl (who only appears on the cover), Green Arrow, and Hawkman (who apparently with take on pseudo-Lobo next month) for a first issue that delivers some fun interactions and plenty of action. I'm interested to see where things go from here. Worth a look.

[DC, $3.99]

Teen Titans Go! - Dreams


The latest episode of Teen Titans Go! focuses on the dreams of the various teammates as Silkie strolls from one Titan's bed to the next trying to find the perfect place to cuddle up and enjoy his own sweet dreams. Not surprisingly, in the end Silkie ends up sleeping alone.

Stephanie Brown by Breathless-Ness

Re-Released on Home Video: Rock Star

Based loosely on the real life of Tim "Ripper" Owens, a Judas Priest tribute band member who was chosen to replace the real band's lead singer, 2001's Rock Star centers around a similar journey for Chris Cole (Mark Wahlberg). Shortly after being kicked off the tribute band he started, the Steel Dragon obsessed singer gets a chance to live his dream by replacing the Dragons's lead singer (Jason Flemyng).

The script is hardly original as the dream life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll eventually destroys Cole's relationship with his girlfriend (Jennifer Aniston) and makes the singer stop to reexamine what is truly important in his life. That said, the Steel Dragon world, complete wit over-the-top antics and odd characters such as the tour's road manager (Timothy Spall) and a public relations manager (Dagmara Dominczyk) packing more than just a love of the music, provides some entertaining moments.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Arrow - Seeing Red


With Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. riding high with the HYDRA fallout from the Captain America: The Winter Soldier I thought this might be the week that Marvel's show might out-perform its rival DC's weekly super-hero action-drama. Nope. Arrow's strong Second Season continues with an episode with lasting fallout not only for the season's remaining three episodes but well beyond. This, as they say, is one of those episodes that changes everything.

Amazing X-Men #6

With Nightcrawler recently returned to living (although at a great cost he continues to hide from Wolverine and the other X-Men), Amazing X-Men begins its second arc with a party celebrating Kurt's return that, even if it is only for a couple of hours, manages to unite two different X-Teams under a single roof without bloodshed.

I'm going to be interested to see just how Nightcrawler reacts to Cyclops and the events which led to Charles Xavier's death, but the comic sidesteps the issue at least for now. What writer Jason Aaron and artist Cameron Stewart do deliver with Amazing X-Men #6 is the set-up for the comic's second arc which will not only center around Nightcrawler's father Azazel but also his mother Mystique who shows up to Kurt's party looking for answers.

Despite Mystique's plans to kill Kurt's father the pair form an uneasy truce which can't spell good things for any of the X-Men going forward. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

DC Nation - Batman Beyond


As part of the ongoing celebration of Batman turning 75, DC Comics commissioned Darwyn Cooke to write a DC Nation short in the Batman Beyond Universe. Returning both Will Friedle and Kevin Conroy to voice two generations of Batman, the short features the Batcave infiltrated by a robotic Batman (H.A.R.D.A.C.?) in The New Adventures design taking on both Terry McGinnis (Friedle) and Bruce Wayne (Conroy).

Glee - Opening Night


Opening night of Funny Girl finally arrives for Rachel (Lea Michele). Kurt (Chris Colfer) takes away the cell phone of his panicking roommate to create a "bubble of love" in the hours leading up to her Broadway debut with the help of several other former members of New Directions. After Tina's (Jenna Ushkowitz) comments spiral Rachel's anxiety attack even further down the rabbit hole, Kurt calls on Blaine, (Darren Criss), Sam (Chord Overstreet), and Mercedes (Amber Riley) to try and rebuild her confidence. But it's Santana (Naya Rivera) who ends up having just the right words to get her out of bed, forget the negative gossip blogs, and take her rightful place on stage.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - The Only Light in the Darkness


After Agent Eric Koenig (Patton Oswalt) puts all the members of Coulson's (Clark Gregg) team through a rigorous lie-detector test to confirm their loyalties, one which Ward (Brett Dalton) only passes thanks to the constant pain of his injuries and masking his real intentions of rejoining the team by admitting his feelings for Skye (Chloe Bennet), Coulson heads out with a team to stop Blackout (Patrick Brennan). After being freed from The Fridge the villain who has the ability to absorb all light and energy into himself heads to Portland to resume his stalking of a very important cellist (Amy Acker) who just so happens to be Coulson's ex-girlfriend.

Lucy trailer


Scarlett Johansson is certainly getting more adventurous in her film roles. Following up Under the Skin and her return as the Black Widow in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (both still in theaters), Johansson stars as a woman forced into the role of drug mule whose cargo gives her super-powers allowing Lucy to turn the tables on her oppressors. Written and directed by Luc Besson, Lucy also stars Morgan Freeman, Amr Waked, Min-sik Choi, and Pilou Asbæk. The action-thriller opens in theaters on August 8th.

The Shadow #24

The series' two-issue finale begins here with a string of unexplained deaths in Chinatown and the coordinated rise of the recent undead by an unknown force planning on taking control of New York City. The unexpected horror-element is a surprise as The Shadow dismisses reports of the walking dead only to be attacked by a mob of zombies.

Although The Shadow learns why some in Chinatown believe the dead are rising from the grave, I'm betting the answer is far more nefarious and complicated than simple ceremonial burial practices. Given all that the unusual adventure has to reveal in a single issue, however, I wonder if we'll be given the full story or if part will be left untold.

With Howard Chaykin on deck to write and illustrate a six-issue mini-series taking place in the late 50s following up the conclusion of this ongoing title, it's a little unclear where the character goes from here, but I'd be surprised if Dynamite didn't have future plans for the vigilante who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men. Worth a look.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

Selena Gomez's Signature style for Summer


Here's Selena Gomez showing off a bit of the Adidas Neo Selena Gomez Signature Summer 2014 Collection. You can find more pics from the photo shoot inside.

The Blacklist - The Pavlovich Brothers


After Tom (Ryan Eggold) discovers Lizzie (Megan Boone) is on to him and disappears, Reddington (James Spader) enlists the services of the very members of The Blacklist he's sent the FBI after, a foursome of brothers known for their skill in abduction and extraction, to find Lizzie's wayward husband and bring her home.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Castle - That '70s Show


The stars align to deliver one of the wackiest episodes of Castle in the show's six seasons. With Captain Gates' (Penny Johnson) out of town on business and Beckett (Stana Katic) in charge, the police uncover the remains of a former head of a New York crime family killed and buried in cement way back in 1978. When the only reliable witness still living turns out to be the victim's closest friend (Jon Polito) who is perpetually stuck in the 1970s due to "pathological grieving," Castle (Nathan Fillion) convinces Beckett to bring the 70s back to life to get the man's story.

Nova #16

Wrapping up Sam's adventure in space and his team-up with Beta Ray Bill, Nova #16 pits the young hero against Skaarn who is now in control of a former Herald's weapon imbued with the Power Cosmic.

I was actually surprised to see David Baldeon credited as the issue's only artist as I thought stylistically the final chapter of the arc's look varied quite a bit. Not that the art is bad, but on a first read through I would have guessed more than one artist was responsible. The final battle may have been a little anti-climactic given last issue's push to super-size the threat of the villain who took advantage of Sam several issues ago, but Sam proves up to the challenge and earns the respect of both Bill and Cosmo (who I hope we haven't seen the last of).

Emotionally the comic makes a big shift its final pages as Sam's victory is space means nothing to the troubles awaiting him at home and a new problems for the young hero and his family to deal with beginning next month. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

The Mentalist - Forest Green


Investigating the murder of a young woman (Natalie Padilla) found in the middle of nowhere leads Jane (Simon Baker) and Lisbon (Robin Tunney) to an exclusive men's club just outside the national forest where they learn the woman was working as a prostitute for some of the club's wealthy and influential members. Suspects in the crime include the club's owner and manager (Mark Harelik), the club's pimp (Jon Abrahams), and a married professional athlete (James Ryen) who had an appointment with the escort the night she was murdered.

Morning Glories #38

While Abraham awakens halfway around the world in a snake-filled room, safe but still pursued by agents of the Morning Glories Academy, his son faces his own troubles when Gribbs awakes from his coma caused by Ike shooting the teacher in the head.

Still obsessed with finding Abraham, and carving a pound of flesh out of his son, Gribbs wastes no time in drugging Ike with mysterious cocktail in the dungeon cell from where his father disappeared and beating the shit out of the boy forcing a connection between the pair and information about where Abraham has gone and what he is currently up to.

Artist Joe Eisma doesn't skimp on the violence of Gribbs' brutal attack on the campus' smart ass (which is more than a little difficult to watch), but he and writer Nick Spencer do offer a surprise with the unexpected return of one of Abraham's new companions. How exactly she survived the events of Wood Run (or is this a version of Zoe before those events?) has yet to be established, but obviously she still has a role to play. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.50]

Monday, April 21, 2014

Once Upon a Time - Bleeding Through


Realizing she knows very little about Zelena (Rebecca Mader) or what motivates her, Regina (Lana Parrilla) organizes a magical seance to bring forth the spirit of her mother and finally get some answers. At first the night appears to be a bust, but when the ghost of Cora appears to attack Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) it falls on Regina to save her former foe. Before the end of the night Regina will have her answers and both she and Snow will realize their family trees were woven together well before either of them were born.

Smallville Season Eleven: Lantern #1

The return of Kryptonians to their sector in space on the new Argo colony (as seen in the Ninth Season finale) has awoken the Green Lantern ring of Space Sector 2813, to seek out a new host. Unable to find anyone acceptable on the colony made up of Kryptonian clones, the ring continues its search until it reaches Earth and finds Superman.

Although Kal-El has no intention of leaving Earth to defend a space sector half way around the universe, he finds it impossible to turn down his new calling as even chucking the ring into deep space only eventually returns it to his finger.

Along with offering a cameo from John Stewart, who as the Earths' current GL appears to have been tapped to showing Superman the ropes, and a brief history of Green Lanterns in the Smallville Universe, the opening issue to the latest Smallville mini-series also foreshadows looming problems with the Manhunters who are awoken as well on discovering a new Lantern has been chosen. Worth a look.

[DC, $3.99]

Wander Over Yonder - The Ball


Taking some time off at a luxurious relaxatorium on Balzaria 9, Wander (Jack McBrayer) and Sylvia's (April Winchell) vacation is cut short by the return of the dreaded Buster. Eight times previously the giant space dog has appeared to destroy the terraformed worlds of the fleas which, from his perspective, look like tennis balls.

Uncanny X-Men #20

After the latest Sentinel attack on his team, Cyclops pays Maria Hill and S.H.I.E.L.D. a visit to find out if they are directly responsible. With the help of the Cuckoos and Magik, the X-Men perform a telepathic attack on Hill aboard the Helicarrier with no one else the wiser.

Although Cyclops doesn't get the answers he seeks, he does have another avenue to explore as whoever planted the last fake new mutant sighting obviously not only knows about the existence of Cerebro but how to effect it. As the issue comes to a close Cyclops heads to the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning to confront one of the few on the planet capable of turning Charles Xavier's invention against his former students - Hank McCoy.

With Cyclops basically declaring war on S.H.I.E.L.D. and antaganozing the other branch of X-Men he makes no friends here. Keeping the true identity of those causing the attacks under wraps, it's unclear whether Mystique is directly involved or just using the situation to her own advantage. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Continuum - Minute to Win It


After breaking Lucas (Omari Newton) out of his psychiatric prison ward, Liber8 puts him to work creating a series of bank heists using mind-controlled suicide bombers gathering confidential information, blackmail material, advanced technology, and secret patents on companies who will shape the world to come. As Carlos (Victor Webster) continues to struggle with the latest implications of time travel, he and Kiera (Rachel Nichols) attempt to stop the latest robbery.

The Crazy Ones - The Lighthouse


The First Season finale pits partner against partner when Gordon (Brad Garrett) finalizes a deal to sell the company to foreign investors for $47 million. With Simon (Robin Williams) unwilling to give up creative control of the business he founded, Gordon calls for a vote of the board of directors which brings Simon's ex-wife (Marilu Henner), and Sydney's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) mother, back to town.

Scandal - The Price of Free and Fair Election


Picking up only moments after the close of the previous episode when Cyrus (Jeff Perry) chose to not tell the President (Tony Goldwyn) about the bombing planned at the funeral which he hoped would take care of the Fitz's rivals, Scandal closes its Third Season with an emotional roller-coaster of a season finale full of twists, turns, and an ending that leaves the future of multiple characters in serious doubt. Immeadiately backfiring, and apparently handing the election to Sally Langston (Kate Burton) who survives the attack in heroic fashion pulling well ahead in all polling, both Cyrus and Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) are forced to admit defeat as election day looms.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Friends?


Batman doesn't need friends.

G.I. JOE: Special Missions #14

The Special Missions series comes to close with this finale one-issue story involving Scarlett and her Special Missions team ambushed by Cobra while transporting a prisoner near the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. With both Roadblock and Mainframe injured, and a squad of Vipers descending on the position of their destroyed transport, the small squad splits up as Scarlett leads most of the team away from the action.

Staying with the injured Mainframe, the JOE's sniper Low-Light takes center stage here providing the cover for his teammates to reach safety and take out a Cobra sniper whose skills nearly match his own.

Following the cancellation of G.I. JOE: Cobra Files and the nearing end of IDW's main title as well it appears the company is set once again for a soft reboot of their various JOE titles. Special Missions may not have always been great, but it was consistently solid and goes out on a high note here. Worth a look.

[IDW, $3.99]

The Crazy Ones - The Monster


While Sydney (Sarah Michelle Gellar) dates a neighbor who everyone but her realizes is gay and Zach (James Wolk), while also unknowingly spends time with a single gay man with the hots for him, becomes increasingly jealous with all the time Andrew (Hamish Linklater) is spending with Allie (Tiya Sircar) instead of him, Simon (Robin Williams) rallies the troops for a pro bono assignment to save a small town library in Illinois from closing.

Transcendence


The question about Transcendence isn't if its eventual flaws will eventually cause you to lose interest but when. I'll admit I was surprised, despite the ridiculous nature of what screenwriter Jack Paglen's script considers science, that by relying on some intriguing ideas and a solid cast the film kept me interested far longer than I expected. Of course that was before the movie went completely off the rails and crashed in a hideous and head-scratching mess.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Community - Basic Sandwich


Concluding the show's Fifth Season, "Basic Sandwich" finds the Save Greendale Committee searching the campus for the hidden computer lab of the college's founder (Chris Elliott) who disappeared in the 1970s (along with an entire wing of the school) while doing research on computer intelligence capable of emotion. Realizing that the circuitry of this creation was made almost entirely out of gold, the group searches frantically for treasure which they could use to stop Subway from buying the campus.

Re-Released on Home Video: Mallrats

I know some who believe Mallrats is Kevin Smith's best film. I don't. Although I think you can enjoy the slacker young adult comedy for what it is, Mallrats hasn't aged all that well. The film stars Jeremy London and Jason Lee as best friends hanging out at the mall attempting to win back their girlfriends, one of whom (Shannen Doherty) is now dating Ben Affleck and another who (Claire Forlani) is a contestant on a dating game show taking place that night in the mall.

Filling out the cast with an assortment of odd characters the likes of slacker drug dealers Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith) as well as Stan Lee (playing himself), Michael Rooker (as the overprotective father of Forlani's character who ropes her into performing on the dating show causing the break-up), Priscilla Barnes (as a low-rent psychic), and Renée Humphrey (as a sexually experienced minor whose sexual adventures play a major role in the final sequence of events).