Lynda Carter Gives Gal Gadot The Wonder Woman Stamp Of Approval

Originally published on PopWrapped.  27 December 2013.

Gal Gadot has received Lynda Carter’s stamp of approval for the role of Wonder Woman. Carter recently spoke about her most iconic role as well as seeing Gadot, who was recently cast in the forthcoming Superman vs. Batman film, step into the Amazonian’s boots.

Responding to whether it will be strange for her to see someone else in the role, Carter told Metro, “I don’t think so. It was a long time ago. I care more about the character continuing than holding on to my piece of it. I hope she has fun with it.”

Carter even agreed that having Wonder Woman as a part of an ensemble, rather than her own standalone film may work best. “She won’t have to carry the whole film. It takes the pressure off. I wish her well. I’m just glad she’s going to be out there again. Maybe she’ll get her own show again.”

Gadot is certainly doing her part to make sure she represents the Amazonian princess well. The NY Daily News reported Gadot as saying, “It’s the physical preparations that I’m starting now.” Her training regimen is said to include Kung Fu, kickboxing, swords and jujitsu.

As for doubters who say that Gadot’s slim body doesn’t match with the superheroine’s curvy figure, the Israeli actress isn’t worried. “I represent the Wonder Woman of the new world,” she said. Specifically addressing comments about her flat chest, Gadot pointed out that “historically accurate Amazonian women actually had only one breast. So, if I’d really go ‘by the book,’ it’d be problematic.”

Warner Bros.’ still untitled Superman/Batman film is scheduled for release on July 17, 2015.

Martin Freeman Almost Missed Out On Being Our Dr. Watson

Originally published on PopWrapped.  27 December 2013.

With the highly anticipated return of BBC’s Sherlock coming in January, the idea of anyone besides Martin Freeman playing Dr. John Watson to Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes seems laughable. But the star of The Hobbit, who has been the perfect partner for the consulting detective, nearly missed out on the role.

During his audition, Freeman was reportedly “grumpy” according to series co-creator Mark Gatiss. The actor had a good reason: his wallet had been stolen on his way to the audition. Without knowing this though, Gatiss and the Sherlock creative team thought Freeman wasn’t interested in the role of Dr. Watson. When Freeman learned this via his agent, he was quick to correct the error.

“And I said, ‘Oh… I am really interested. Please call them and let them know that I am interested.’ I wasn’t being blasé about it at all. I just wasn’t on my best day.”

Thankfully the actor got a second chance and was even paired with Cumberbatch to read for the part again.

“It instantly worked, it seemed to me,” Freeman said about working with Cumberbatch. “I thought he was a fantastic actor and there was something about our rhythms, similarities and differences that meant that it just happened.”

Sherlock returns to BBC One on New Year’s Day at 9 p.m. Freeman and Cumberbatch are also both currently starring in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, which is in theaters now.

Gran Turismo 6 Adds Sebastian Vettel To Game Experience In New Update

Originally published on PopWrapped.  19 December 2013.

If you have ever wanted to learn how to drive a racecar from one the greatest drivers of all time, the new update for Gran Turismo 6 is your chance. Available now, the update introduces Sebastian Vettel as one of the racing game’s mentors.

For those of us not as up to date on the world of Formula One racing, Vettel is the reigning world champion four years running. Only 26-years-old, he is one of the most dominant and successful Formula One drivers ever.

“To be taught how to drive downforce cars by the best racing driver in the world is very special,” said Kazunori Yamauchi, president of game developer Polyphony Digital.
Gran Turismo 6 was released just two weeks ago for PS3 and hit number eight on the all-format games chart. Along with Vettel, who drives for Red Bull Racing, the update for the game includes new Red Bull cars and the Red Bull X Challenge though commentators were quick to point out that these additions simply supplement Vettel’s inclusion.

The update, which comes so soon after the game’s release, may be an attempt to boost game sales, which have been significantly lower than Gran Turismo 5’s. In their review of Gran Turismo 6, Digital Spy remarks that there is little difference between the game and its predecessor. With the additional of Vettel and his Red Bull challenge and cars, Gran Turismo 6 could be looking to quiet those criticisms and bring in some new players.

Evangeline Lilly Wants Nothing To Do With A Hobbit Love Triangle

Originally published on PopWrapped.  19 December 2013.

No one ever wants a love triangle, at least, no one besides movie studios. Hobbit actress Evangeline Lilly has come out to say she was strongly opposed to a triangle involving her character, Tauriel, in Peter Jackson’s sequel.

During an interview with Yahoo Movies, Lilly recalled telling the filmmakers, “You have to promise me I will not be in a love triangle.” This was something Lilly had had plenty of experience with in the past. We all remember the Jack/Kate/Sawyer saga on Lost, right? So The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug filmmakers promised her it wouldn’t happen again.

But during postproduction, the studio came back asking for more emphasis (SPOILERS!) on the growing affection between Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Tauriel as well as her fondness for the dwarf Kili (Aiden Turner). And just like that, a love triangle was formed. Lilly told Access Hollywood that she was surprised but not angry.

“For a year of shooting there was no love triangle… And then, I came back for re-shoots in 2012 and they were like, ‘Well, we made a couple of alterations to some scenes and we added a couple more scenes,’” she joked. “And all of a sudden manifested a love triangle before my very eyes and the film was shot, and I’m in and there’s no getting out and there was no escaping it.”

U2 Team Up With Paul Epworth For A Remix Of “Ordinary Love”

Originally published on PopWrapped.  18 December 2013.

Pairing up with music producer Paul Epworth is always a solid move even if your song has already been nominated for a Golden Globe. That’s exactly what U2 have done for a new version of their current song, “Ordinary Love.”

The mix, which you can hear below, brings in a great new beat to punch up U2’s signature ethereal pop-rock sound. “We think Paul Epworth’s mix is a very soulful, uplifting one and we hope our audience will agree,” said U2’s frontman, Bono, in a Facebook post on their official page.

The original version of “Ordinary Love,” produced by Danger Mouse, is featured on the soundtrack of upcoming biopic Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom, starring Idris Elba. Epworth, who is best known for his collaborations with Adele, has won an Academy Award and four Grammys.

Check out his mix of “Ordinary Love” right here.

Debate Continues Over The Development Of A Twitter Edit Function

Originally published on PopWrapped.  18 December 2013.

Users have been calling for it almost since the beginning of Twitter and now it looks like our prayers have finally been answered. In a long overdue update, Twitter is rumored to be working on an “Edit” button. This would allow users to edit their tweets after sending thus helping us all avoid deleting and rewriting tweets that had typos.

The Desk cites Twitter employees close to the project as saying that the button is a “top priority.” Users would only be able to edit their tweet once and only minimally, such as removing or adding a word or correcting a typo. The option will also only be available for a “limited amount of time” though how long the time period will be has yet to be determined. This policy is said to help prevent users from changing a breaking news tweet that has accumulated a large amount of retweets into an advertisement or promo.

However, The Wire, in straight contradiction to The Desk’s Matthew Keys’ post, is reporting that several other tech blogs are stating the Twitter “edit” feature will not be available any time soon. In fact, CNETstates that “an edit option is not something Twitter is paying attention to right now.”

With no official word from Twitter itself, users will just have to wait and see if an edit button magically appears someday.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 311: ‘Go Home’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  16 December 2013.

It has been a very long and exhausting(ly boring) half a season of Once Upon a Time, Oncers. But we made it! We braved the Neverland forest of perpetual setbacks and sides stories. We survived the onslaught of emotional baggage from everyone from the unusual suspects (Snow & Charming) to we-expect-better-from-you characters (Rumple).

We even managed to stay tuned in while a slew of new faces joined this entirely too large cast and enjoyed some (Ariel) while questioning the purpose of others (Tink). So now, Peter Pan’s twisted tale comes to a close, Rumple finds his courage and Emma gets to change her mind about a life-altering decision. Time for us all to go home…

Felix and fake Pan drop random vials of magic from Regina’s vault into Storybrooke’s well. But as we all recall, in order for the curse to work you have to supply the heart of the thing you love most. For Pan it’s not Rumple but Felix (a friendship/loyalty kind of love, just so we’re clear). The Lost Boy isn’t so sure about this plan and can’t we talk about this…Nope. He heart is ripped out and crushed into the well.

This is all while Gold is explaining to the main cast that the new curse will follow Pan’s evil machinations, just like the old curse did Regina’s. The solution is twofold: First, switch Pan and Henry back to their bodies, which requires the Black Fairy’s wand. Second, get the scroll back and Regina can cancel the new curse. A plan in place the team breaks their huddle while green smoke billows up from the well. Credits.

In the first of far too many flashbacks this evening, Blue reassures Charming and Snow that their daughter will be the Savior and everything will be peachy. For two people who also spout this kind of gushy optimism, they are unfairly grouchy about the fairy’s blanket optimism. However it does give Charming the chance to speak the episode’s tagline: Happy endings aren’t always what we expect.

In Gold’s shop, Snow reminisces with Emma over her old mobile. The two bond further over having both tried to do what was best for their kid by sending them away. In more important news, Rumple is nearly ready to perform the switchback spell as soon as he gets the Black Fairy’s wand. Tink, Neal, Hook and Charming are working on that at the church, where the Blue Fairy’s body is laid out for mourners. Looking to pay his respects, the Shadow swoops in upon the Wand Retrieval Unit. Commercial.

Let’s Go “Home” This Week On Once Upon A Time In Wonderland

Originally published on PopWrapped.  13 December 2013.

We’ve reached the end Wonderers, at least for 2013. In Once Upon a Time in Wonderland’s winter finale, Cyrus and Alice’s quest for one another also, mercifully, concludes. Plus, we’re reminded yet again that Will and the Red Queen are more compelling as characters and as a pair than the doe-eyed lovers. But more on that later because right now it’s time to go “Home”… 

As we like to do, we begin with a flashback. Alice and Cyrus watch falling stars and do a little cute flirting. I admit, as much as this romance irritates me, they do have some sweet chemistry together. Alice harshes on their make-out session by asking Cyrus about the compass he always has with him. Like Jack Sparrow’s it doesn’t point North, or in any direction really, except toward something you’re trying to find. Cyrus’ mother gave it to him long ago and far away when he was a human. So the compass is basically his blankie.

Before the pair can return to snogging, a group of marauders attack to capture Cyrus. Alice proves to be much more than a pretty girl in the frilly dress (again) by whipping out a sword and kicking some butt. And for her trouble she gets a nice stomach wound and collapses into her beloved’s arms. Credits.

In the present, Alice and Will are en route to the place she knows Cyrus must be heading. That might be a bit difficult for him considering he’s just stepped into a snare. Tweedle hears Cyrus’ attempts to free himself through the grapevine (literally) in the Queen’s garden and also spots his brother having a secret rendezvous with Jafar. When Tweedle reports the genie’s capture and his brother’s betrayal to the Queen, she is ecstatic and pissed all at once. Cyrus’ bottle is missing. Commercial.

Stomping their way towards the Outlands in the hope of meeting Cyrus there, Alice and Will first need to make a pit stop at the White Rabbit’s house. They’ll need him to dig them a tunnel somewhere safe to escape from the Queen and Jafar once they’ve gotten Alice’s lover with them.

Jason Momoa Joins Superman Vs Batman Movie In Secret Role

Originally published on PopWrapped.  11 December 2013.

Superman vs. Batman may be adding a Khal to their ensemble. Game of Thrones’s Jason Momoa is in talks for a role in DC’s superhero mash up film.

The actor, best known for playing the late Khal Drogo on the HBO series, could be cast as the villain Doomsday or as fellow Justice League member, Martian Manhunter, The Hollywood Reporter has said. If he were cast as Martian Manhunter, that would bring the total count of Justice League members in this film to four, with Henry Cavill’s Superman, Ben Affleck’s Batman and the recently announced Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. Including J’onn J’onnz would also pretty much confirm what we all suspect: this Zack Snyder project is actually a Justice League film.

However, Nerdist News is speculating that Momoa could actually be playing Metallo, a supervillain cyborg who uses kryptonite as a power source. This seems like a likely scenario, or at least as likely as Momoa being Martian Manhunter. Callan Mulvey was previously reported to be up for the Doomsday role, which would take that casting option off the table. But if Momoa is going to be Metallo, just how many villains will this film include?

In addition to Game of Thrones, Momoa played the titular role in last year’s Conan the Barbarian remake.

Peter Jackson To Direct Doctor Who Down Under?

Originally published on PopWrapped.  10 December 2013.

Whovians, maybe it’s about time that our beloved Doctor Who got The Lord of the Rings treatment. Director Peter Jackson is reportedly in “serious” talks to direct an episode of the beloved and wildly popular British show.

“I would be very happy to,” Jackson said on Digital Spy. “I’d love to try my hand at television, because I’ve never had the discipline of having to shoot for those impossibly tiny schedules. I think I could do it okay now.”

The Oscar-winner is a die-hard fan of the show and hopes to bring it to his native New Zealand for an episode. This would certainly work for Doctor Who executive producer Caroline Skinner, who said previously, “Of course at some point we’d love to bring Doctor Who down under.” She then quickly added that this wouldn’t be possible until at least a year after the 50th anniversary episode because the majority of series seven has already been filmed.

About Jackson, Skinner specifically said, “I’m absolutely sure that we couldn’t afford him but, you know, we can always negotiate. His enthusiasm is just fantastic of course.”

It sounds like The Hobbit director is more than willing to negotiate. Screen Rant reports that Jackson even told showrunner Steven Moffat that he’d do it for free! Plus, Jackson has a story idea in mind. “I did suggest that they did a New Zealand story – something to do with the [rugby union] All Blacks versus the Daleks. There’s a good story in there, although obviously the All Blacks would have to win!” he joked.

While we wait to hear if these serious talks turn into a seriously awesome reality, Jackson will be busy withThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, which premieres this Friday, December 13.

Macaulay Culkin Forms Tribute Band To The Late Lou Reed

Originally published on PopWrapped.  10 December 2013.

In one of the best and most creative tributes to the late Lou Reed, actor Macaulay Culkin has formed a tribute band, The Pizza Underground. With Culkin on percussion, kazoo and vocals, the five person band has put together a nine track demo that is available for download on bandcamp. 

As you might expect, The Pizza Underground’s songs are all about our favorite cheesy pie. The tracks even have deliciously punny titles that play off of Reed and Velvet Underground’s own hit songs, such as “I’m Beginning to Eat the Slice” aka “I’m Beginning to See The Light.” Yes, the lyrics are a bit corny (alright, fine! They’re cheesy!) but that seems to be the point. The demo has such a nice mellow sound to it that if you weren’t listening closely you’d forget you were hearing all about pizza.

Culkin’s band mates are: Matt Colbourn (guitar/vocals), Phoebe Kreutz (glockenspiel/vocals), Deenah Vollmer (pizza box/vocals) and Austin Kilham (tambourine/vocals). The Pizza Underground, which formed in February 2012 prior to Reed’s death, recorded their demo live at Culkin’s house on November 11, 2013

The full track listing is:

1. ’Papa John Says’ (‘Stephanie Says’/ ‘Caroline Says (II)’)

2. ’I'm Beginning to Eat the Slice’ (‘I’m Beginning To See The Light’)

3. ’Pizza’ (‘Sweet Jane’)

4. ’I'm Waiting for Delivery Man’ (‘I’m Waiting For The Man’)

5. ’Cheese Days’ (‘These Days’)

6. ’Pizza Day’ (‘Perfect Day’)

7. ’All the Pizza Parties’ (‘All Tomorrow’s Parties’)

8. ’Pizza Gal’ (‘Femme Fatale’)

9. ’Take a Bite of the Wild Slice’ (‘Take A Walk On The Wild Side’)

You can listen to the demo here:

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 310: ‘The New Neverland’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  9 December 2013.

We are nearly at the end of this incredibly long (for us anyway) Neverland journey Oncers. Our heroes and some villains have returned to Storybrooke to reunite with all of the secondary character we know, love and miss. But of course, that wily Peter Pan keeps up his scheming even while trapped in Henry baby faced, yet suddenly much taller, body.

The episode opens on the quaint town of Storybrooke where nothing strange happens as long as everyone important is away. Belle takes Ariel to the docks where the mermaid instantly locks lips with hunky fisherman Eric. It feels appropriate to again point out that these two knew each for literally three minutes. But this is all just set up for the Jolly Roger to appear in the sky and swoop toward the dock. Credits.

The whole town has instantly gathered to applaud the arrival of the people they earlier said they didn’t actually miss. While everyone else gets hugs and kisses, Regina stands all alone. Snow throws her a well-deserved bone by saying for all to hear that they made it back because of the Queen.

Flashback to Regina interrupting the Charming wedding from the Pilot episode. After the ceremony, Snow is angry as hell about her big day being disturbed. Charming says the real way to stick it to Regina is to enjoy their honeymoon as soon as possible and I think we all know what’s really on his mind. The newlyweds share a genuinely cute scene together where Charming steals a kiss and I’m reminded that sometimes these two actually have on screen chemistry. Snow chooses the Summer Palace as their destination, later revealing privately to Grumpy that there’s something there that can help them defeat Regina.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Full Length Trailer Released

Originally published on PopWrapped.  5 December 2013.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s full length trailer is here and it is packed with action, intrigue and villains.

In the follow-up to the hit 2012 film, Andrew Garfield’s Spidey is showing his more melancholy side as he struggles with protecting those he loves and the city when evil is all around. “It’s just a matter of time before I face those with more power than I can overcome,” he says in the trailer. Well, he’ll certainly have no shortage of bad guys to contend with.

The trailer reveals not only Electro (Jaime Foxx, looking incredible in CGI) and Rhino (Paul Giamatti), who we already knew about, but also Green Goblin. Yes, this is not much of a surprise since we knew Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) would be appearing in the sequel. But announcing such a major Spider-Man villain so casually has Forbes and fans questioning how Osborn, his father, and their shared signature alter ego will feature in to the film series’ arc.

Still, the trailer delivers plenty in the anticipation department. The full-on battle between Electro and Spider-Man looks as thrilling (or even moreso) than anything we saw in the first installment. Also, did you catch the glimpse of Doctor Octopus’ arms and Vulture’s wings? Amazing Spider-Man 3 anyone?

Just in case you haven’t seen the trailer or you just want to watch it again, check it out here:

Watch Out Pongo! Lost Star Finds Her Way To Storybrooke As Cruella De Vil

Originally published on PopWrapped.  5 December 2013.

Look out Oncers! There’s a new big bad in Storybrooke. Lost alum Rebecca Mader has been cast as a major villain for the second half of Once Upon a Time’s third season.

Best remembered for her role as Charlotte on Lost, which was also written by Once series creators Adam Horowitz and Eddy Kitsis, Mader is set for multiple episodes on the fairytale show. There’s no word yet on just which mythical or Disney villain she’ll be playing or her ties to the Storybrooke regulars. However, we do know that our first glimpse of Mader’s character will be in the promo immediately following Once’s December 15 mid-season finale.

The series’ writers may be playing coy with Mader’s role but Hollywood Life (along with plenty of fans) speculates that she could be the puppy-snatching witch, Cruella De Vil. This would send everyone in Storybrooke, especially Archie’s precious Pongo, into a frenzy. Lest we forget, “If she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will…”

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 309: ‘Save Henry’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  2 December 2013.

It’s been two weeks since the last episode of Once Upon a Time but, just like this entire half season, it’s felt much longer. Just in case you forgot, last time on Once, Henry stopped using his brain and gave Pan his heart. The little snot is now on the path to immortality and phenomenal cosmic power! (Itty bitty living space to come later.)

Oh and because the Once family tree wasn’t weird enough, Pan is Rumple’s crappy father and also trapped him in Pandora’s Box. This week, Henry’s heart-lessness is resolved rather speedily, Regina remembers her maternal roots and out mothers both Emma and Snow, and Pan proves his much more than a one trick pony.

We start with a flashback to the Enchanted Forest. The curse is billowing toward the castle and Regina poofs into the dungeon where Rumple’s being held. She’s come to gloat about having cast the curse, which really makes no sense because he egged her on to do it. He just wants to pour salt in the open wound that is Regina killing her father to cast the curse.

As always, the Queen is masking her pain with swagger, saying she feels invincible even in the face of Rumple’s revelation about the Charmings’ savoir baby. He gets in one last dig before she skips off to gloat over Snow. “There’s a hole in your heart and someday you will come to me to fill it,” he sneers. Credits.

Henry’s mixed up family is trying to revive the boy, which is proving difficult because his heart is soaring off with Pan right about now.

Eleven years ago, Regina was facing a different tumultuous situation. She reveals to therapist Archie that she’s “feeling nothing.” Even a cricket turned psychiatrist can figure out it’s because the Queen Mayor is lonely. When Regina mentions she didn’t feel that aching emptiness when little boy Owen was around, Archie suggests she look into adopting a child.

Logically this means going to speak with Mr. Gold. Upon being asked to help Regina get a child: “Well I’m flattered but uninterested.” I love these two so much.

Gold agrees to help her find a child but cautions her that just because she wants a child, doesn’t mean she’s ready to have one. Nice PSA Once! Parents have to put their kids first, he reminds her, and selflessness has never been Regina’s strong suit.