CanGeek's Fandom Friday!

Everyone remembers their first...

For me I was six years old, it was a cold winter day, we were snowed in so my Mom and Dad slept late that morning. I had woke up at my normal time, half expecting to be rushed off to school but when that didn't happen I turned on the television to watch the very first movie to air on Canada's new home movie network - First Choice!

And as I watched the adventure unfold in front of me, the heroic sacrifice a mentor was prepared to make for his student, the epic fight between good and evil, a new hope was born within me and my life long love of Star Wars was born.

As I type out this blog It's Friday June 1st, and on the CanGeek Community Page we're inviting our members to post about their personal favorite fandom, and from gaming to comics and movies I have a lot to talk about....but I suspect I will be posting about Star Wars more then anything else today.

If you've read some of my other blogs then you know I can be more then a little outspoken about the current state of a galaxy far, far away, I'm not a major supporter of what Disney has done to the Star Wars universe, however I'm grateful that this franchise still has some life left in it and we still have much to discuss.

Like many others fans, those who support the Star Wars franchise are both fiercely loyal and aggressively protective of this fandom. Like me there are many out their who find comfort in this series because it invokes memories of simpler times, memories of their childhood.

We aren't born as fans, we develop our fandom as we grow.

Everyone remembers their first game, their first film or television show, the first comic book that made them an instant fan of a specific superhero or publisher, that's what we're talking about today.

Please consider this an open invitation to join the CanGeek Games and Collectibles Fandom Friday on Facebook and share the passion you have for your fandom of choice with us.

Thanks for reading.

Keeping It In Focus Part Two - 12 MUST SEE films in 2018!

As a followup to my previous blog Keeping It In Focus Part One, here are the remaining six films that I just can't wait to see in 2018!

7. The Incredables 2:

Some films get bogged down with multiple unnecessary sequels, which is why it's so hard to believe that a film like The Incredables which was truly deserving of a sequel hasn't had one yet - After all its only been fourteen years since The Incredables first arrived in theaters!

But as my mother kept telling me as a child "Good things come to those who wait" and after fourteen years of waiting we're finally set to see the release of The Increadbles 2 on June 15th!

Although the trailer doesn't give much away, it does seem like this film will focus mainly on Jack Jack and his newly acquired powers. However regardless of the story-line The Incredables 2 is sure to be worth the wait as rumors have circulated for years that Craig T. Nelson refused to sign on for a second film unless the script did the first film justice!

8. Ant-Man and The Wasp:

When I first saw Ant-Man I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the film - I was wrong!  

Where other Marvel films have focused on a dramatic story with small amounts of comedy to move the film forward, Ant-Man was much more lighthearted and comedic in its portrayal of Scott Lang - the would-be criminal who inherits the the Ant-Man suit from Hank Pym. 

An-Man solidified his place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when he joined Team Cap in Captain America: Civil War - Now it's time for Ant-Man to return alongside The Wasp on July 6th.

In this new film we'll find Scott Lang seeking balance as a new father while still living up to his responsibilities as one of Marvels greatest heroes.

Check out the teaser trailer for Ant-Man and The Wasp.

9. X-Men: Dark Phoenix 

I recently re-watched X2: X-Men United and as much as I like the film I can't help but reflect on all the missed opportunities that came after its release.

For those who have't seen the film I will say that the films conclusion set up what could have been an epic finale to the trilogy with X-Men: The Last Stand - except it was anything but epic!

Fortunately for fans FOX hit the reset button with both the release of X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days Of Future Past, now we might finally get the Phoenix saga we've been waiting for with the release of X-Men: Dark Phoenix which is due to release on November 2nd.

In this newest film Jean Grey develops Incredibly powerful psionic abilities that corrupt her and threaten to destroy the universe.  The X-men will be forced to decide whether one life is worth more then that of all the other living beings.

With the recent deal between Disney and 20th Century Fox it is all to possible that this could be the final film in the X-Men series, at least until Disney once again resets the franchise - Here's hoping Dark Phoenix goes out with a bang!

10. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald

When Warner Bros. released Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in 2011, I like many others believed that this final film signaled the end of our adventures in J. K. Rowlings Wizarding World - fortunately we were wrong!

With the release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in 2016 it became clear that fans the world over had many more adventures to look forward too.

Not only did this new series changes locations from the Highlands of Scotland to the bustling metropolis that is New York, but it also took us back in time seventy years to the roaring '20's as it told the story of a wizard determined to protect some truly misunderstood Fantastic Beasts.

And as much as it is true that I couldn't help but point that Newt Scamanders suitcase reminded me of a TARDIS, I did generally enjoyed this new film.

With the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald on November 16th, we can look forward to once again returning to Rowlings Wizarding World, and to the return of a young Albus Dumbledore as portrayed by Jude Law.

Now all we need is for someone to adapt Harry Potter And The Cursed Child into a film and all will be right with the world!

11. Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck It Ralph 2

I am both eagerly looking forward & dreading the release of this sequel at the same time.  On one hand I really enjoyed the first film, it was a well thought out story that used classic video games to tell the story of a arcade character who simply wanted acceptance from those around him.

Something we can ALL relate too.

On the other hand, unlike The previously mentioned Incredables 2, I'm not sure that this film warranted a followup, at least not so soon.

My fingers are crossed that this follow up will do justice to its 2012 predecessor when it releases on November 21st.


12. Aquaman:

I've been fairly outspoken in the past regarding Warner Bros. and their efforts to build the DC Extended Universe, that it to say that excluding Wonder Woman (and to a lesser extent Justice League) their films have been nothing short of awful!

So why is Aquaman on this list you might ask, it's either because I still have hope for the future OR like so many others I just like a good train wreck - I'm not quite sure which one it is yet myself. 

Regardless of which it might be, I'll be one of the many DC fans in line to see this movie when it releases on December 21st. Although not much is known about this new film, other then it seems like an origin story, with any luck it will represent a much needed turning point for both Warner Bros. and DC Comic fans the world over.

We Need A Win Here!

Once again this list represents the twelve films I'm eagerly waiting for in 2018, let me know in the comments below which films you can't wait to see this year....

As always thanks for reading, please remember to follow us on social media via CanGeek.com.

A Batman Beyond movie? Yes Please!

So much can change in so little time!

Just over a week ago we were talking about the on-going rumors that Ben Affleck was looking to separate himself from the DC Extended Universe, now Comicbookmovie.com is reporting that together with Matt Reeves, Affleck has signed on for three more movies INCLUDING the transition of Batman: Beyond to the big screen!

The sight has reported that:

"According to a Warner Bros. source Ben Affleck has signed on to appear as the Batman in Matt Reeves Trilogy.  Affleck will play the Dark Knight for three more films, with the last leading into a Batman Beyond film, which will also lead to the next phase of the DC Extended Universe."

With this being an unconfirmed rumor all we can do is hope, well that and try to figure out who the best person to play Terry McGinnis might be.

Let us know what you think in the comments below and remember to follow us at cangeek.com, thanks for reading. 

Ben is STILL the Batman!

Actor Ben Affleck took time to address rumors of his immanent departure while promoting the upcoming Justice League movie this past weekend at San Diego Comic-Con.

"Let me be very clear. I am the luckiest guy in the world, Batman in the coolest part of any universe -- DC, Marvel. It's incredible... I'm so thrilled to do it.  I know that there was a misconception that because I didn't direct it that I wasn't enthusiastic about it, but its fucking amazing, and I still can't believe I've done two films and have this great history with this studio"

Addressing his decision to vacate the directors chair and working with War For The Planet Of The Apes director Matt Reeves, Affleck told moderator Chris Hardwick:

"I would be an ape on the ground for Matt Reeves -- never-mind being Batman, so I'm really blown away and excited, and it's a great time time in the DC Universe."

With "The Batman" script going through a literal re-write there is no official release date for the stand-alone film, but all eyes will be on Affleck's Batman when he returns as part of the Justice League on November the 16th.

Is Ben Affleck out as The Batman?

Here we go again.

Rumors have once again begun to circulate that actor Ben Affleck wants out of the Warner Brothers "stand-alone" Batman film.

Although Warner Bros. studio chief Toby Emmerich was quoted as saying: 

"Ben is our Batman. We love him as Batman. We want to keep him in the cowl as long as we can"   

The Hollywood Reporter has stated that a source close to the films production has confirmed that the studio is working on plans to usher Affleck's Batman out gracefully, and will address the change in one of the upcoming DC films.

This has been a year of uncertainty for the films production, with Affleck first stepping aside as its director in January, and the rumors of his departure beginning to circulate shortly thereafter. It was also confirmed earlier this month that director Matt Reeves would not be using Affleck's script for The Batman, choosing to have a complete re-write take place instead.

Reeves told MTV's Happy, Sad, Confused podcast:

"No (we won't be using that), it's a new story. It's just starting again. I'm excited about it. I think it's going to be really cool."

With Affleck scheduled to make a promotional appearance at Comic-Con international in San Diego this weekend as part of the Justice League promotional event, could this be one of the last times we see the actor as part of the DC Extended Universe?

Seven facts you may not know about Adam West

The world of fandom suffered a true loss when it was announced last weekend that William West Anderson, better known as Adam West had passed away at the age of 88 after a short battle with Leukemia. 

Although his career spanned seven decades, West was best known for his role as the caped crusader in ABC's campy Batman television series which ran from 1966 through 1968 and the feature length film that would follow.

Sighting rising production costs and declining ratings, ABC would cancel the series mid-way through the production of season three and West would ultimately fall victim to Hollywood typecasting - proving that sometimes you can be too good at your job.

Although he would pick up supporting roles over the next several years, Mr. West would not truly become a household name again until the revival of the Batman film franchise by Tim Burton in 1989.

So what did Adam West do post Batman?  Here are seven facts you may not know:

1. The end that almost wasn't: When ABC made the decision to cancel the Batman television series in 1968, NBC was approached to take over production.  However by the time NBC executives were ready to do so the sets had already been destroyed, West and his fellow actors were released from their contracts and the rest is history.

2. From Batman to Bond:  West would state in his autobiography that he was approached by producer Albert Broccoli and offered the role of agent 007, James Bond in the film Diamonds Are Forever. However he would choose to decline the role stating that the role should always be portrayed by a British actor.

3. The Caped Crusader seeks justice in the squared-circle: West was involved with the Memphis based United States Wrestling Association for a short period of time.  He appeared wearing a tracksuit and Batman's signature cowl and was engaged in a heated exchange with Jerry "The King" Lawler. 

4. West almost rejoins the Wayne family:  Although he would either appear in or lend his voice to 16 feature films and  22 television series between 1968 and 1989, Adam West would not see his career truly take off again until the release of Tim Burton's Batman film.  

West was approached to take on the role of Thomas Wayne, but the actor had his eyes set on the role of Batman which was to be portrayed by Michael keaton.  Not being able to secure the lead West would not attach himself to the project and Thomas Wayne would be played by David Baxt.

5. The Return of The Dark Knight: Although he was not personally attached to the success of the feature length Batman film, West would see his own career once again take off like the Batmobile! From 1990 to 2017 west would either appear in or lend his voice to over 30 movies and 40 television series including nine guest appearances on Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher - Batman truly is Politically Incorrect! 

6. "Bat" Man of the people: Adam West was an avid comic book and movie fan, having gone so far as to having his creative dentist imprint the Batman logo on one of his molars. Between 2007 and 2016 West would also make an an appearance at every San Diego Comic-Con. 

7. Wild Wild West: In an industry were your employ-ability is as much determined by your good looks as your skills as an actor, Adam West is one of a select group of actors who lived into their 80's and or 90's without retiring from acting or being unable to secure continued work.

How many of these facts did you know about Adam West?  Leave us a comment below and remember to follow us via cangeek.com.

Thanks for reading.

Welcome To Earth - Leave Your Bias At Home

I have said it time and again,  DC should stop wasting their time with feature length films and focus on prime time television, because at this point DC truly owns that time slot!

Thus far this season of the CW's Supergirl has just continued to prove my point.  From the introduction of Tyler Hoechlin as Superman, to this past Monday when Lynda Carter was introduced as President Oliva Marsdin, the casting for this series has been fantastic!

But my opinion goes far beyond casting, through the writers this show has been willing to tackle some tough topics and has done so in an thought provoking manner.

Welcome To Earth which is the third episode of season two began the character development of Mon-EL after his arrival in the season one finale.  Mon-EL is the last survivor of the plant Daxam, a sister moon to Krypton which was turned into a wasteland following Krypton's destruction.

Mon-EL had been in a comatose state up until now but upon waking up he fleas the DEO, most likely out of fear,  and becomes the subject of a city wide manhunt having been labeled "Dangerous" by the powers that be.  Meanwhile the President of the United States arrives in National City to sign the "Alien Amnesty" act, a law intended to give all illegal aliens the same rights as any other American citizen.  Unfortunately not ever alien views this new law in a positive light, with some viewing it as an attempt to expose and track the alien population.

One such alien sets out to eliminate the President before such a law can be set in motion.

After the first attempt on the Presidents life, J'onn goes on record as disagreeing with this bold act, he states that having lived both as a black man and an alien among humans that humanity is not ready to accept the differences of others.

Meanwhile Kara is so blinded by her distrust of the now absent Mon-EL that she immediately assumes he is responsible for the attempts on the President and enlists Winn to help track down and imprison Mon-EL once and for all.

While Kara is searching for her rogue Daxamite Alex takes another approach with the help of National City Police Detective Maggie Sawyer, another new character played by Floriana Lima. Together they investigate a private drinking hole known to be frequented by aliens, at least according to Maggie.  Maggie admits to having known of the alien presence and the existence of the DEO for quite some time and states that for a Lesbian from a small town she has always felt like she could relate more to aliens then to humans.  Alex holds a different opinion, she states that beyond her sister, Superman and J'onn J'onzz there are few trustworthy aliens to be found.

Kara and Winn are eventually successful in finding Mon-EL who is at the National City observatory desperately trying to send a distress call to Daxam.  After a physical altercation Kara is able to return Mon-EL to a DEO holding cell were he states his innocence and ultimately the shared bias of to former enemy races began to come to light.

Kara is now convinced that with Mon-EL imprisoned that all is right with the world again, that is until another attack takes place against the President.  Now having to accept that Mon-EL was not involved, Maggie, Alex, and Kara set out to find the real perpetrator and are once again exposed to the prejudices of an alien who, like J'onn, believes mankind while never accept that which they do not understand.

In the end Kara must set aside her personal bias, she  releases Mon-EL and break the news of Daxam's fate to him.  Meanwhile J'onn J'onzz, the last Martian goes to investigate  an alien refuge, the private bar Maggie introduced Alex too, and comes face to face with another alien in hiding - M'gann M'orzz the last daughter of Mars.

This most recent episode of Supergirl was ripe with the unfortunate bias that seems to be inherent in humanity as a species.  The shows writers did a impressive job of communicating this through the narrative and in the end gave us all something to think about.

This is the type of storytelling that will continue to bring me back week after week,

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