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.

Breaking Bad Creator On Jesse Pinkman’s Fate: “I Hoped For The Best”

Originally published on PopWrapped.  30 November 2013.

Audiences may still be reeling from the Breaking Bad series finale but creator Vince Gilligan has some news that should give fans some peace of mind about Jesse Pinkman…kind of.

“My personal feeling is that he got away,” Gilligan said, referring to Pinkman (Aaron Paul) being rescued from his Neo-Nazi captors in the finale by Walter White (Bryan Cranston). Unfortunately, as always withBreaking Bad, things aren’t that clear-cut.

“But the most likely thing, as negative as this sounds, is that they’re going to find this kid’s fingerprints all over this lab and they’re going to find him within a day or a week or a month. And he’s still going to be on the hook for the murder of two federal agents.”

Gilligan certainly has good reason to keep Pinkman’s fate in mind. The Breaking Bad spin-off, Better Call Saul, is in production and Gilligan has teased that both Paul and Cranston may appear in cameo rolls. “Personally, I’d have a hard time resisting putting all these guys in for a cameo or two every now and then,” he said on Digital Spy.

The creator told GQ that he thinks it’s up to fans to decide what happened to the perennially distraught and luckless Pinkman but, even in the face of logic, he’s still hopefully. “The way I see it is that he got away and got to Alaska, changed his name, and had a new life. You want that for the kid. He deserves it.”

Channing Tatum Talks Burlesque Docuseries Bourbon Street

Originally published on PopWrapped.  30 November 2013.

Channing Tatum is taking his business ventures and his knowledge of stripping and using them to explore the small screen.

The Magic Mike star is in the midst of preparation for an A&E docuseries pilot about the performers at his own Saints and Sinners club. The venue, which is located on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, features live burlesque entertainment.

“Bourbon Street is insane,” Tatum said on Digital Spy. “[It] is one of the most crazy places I’ve ever been in my life, and all the characters you meet there should be on a reality show.”

Though the actor was unsure whether he would be appearing in the series, he is definitely involved in the production, which began in October. Tatum will executive produce the series alongside friend and business partner Keith Kurtz. The pair opened Saints and Sinners last year.

Walking Dead Promises An “Explosive” Showdown Between Rick And The Governor

Originally published on PopWrapped.  30 November 2013.

For fans of The Walking Dead who think Rick and The Governor have been dancing around each other for far too long, the end may be coming this Sunday. Showrunner Scott M. Gimple has promised plenty of blood, guts and one helluva showdown in “Too Far Gone.”

“We’ve seen The Governor (David Morrisey) kill people to ensure the safety of his new family and we see him determined,” Gimple said to The Hollywood Reporter. “We see Rick (Andrew Lincoln) is very much back as someone with a gun on his hip, ready to participate in the brutality of the world to keep his people safe.”

As always with the AMC show, there’s the potential to lose some key characters at any moment especially in dramatic face offs. The Governor showing up with his new troop and a tank to boot in an attempt to take the prison for his own seems to be just that. “It’s a very explosive situation,” Gimple teased, “and it’s entirely possible that everybody doesn’t make it back.”

On top of his on going battle with The Governor, Rick is (again) dealing with turmoil within the prison. The news that Carol (Melissa McBride) has been banished will not sit well with Daryl (Norman Reedus), who is still grappling with his brother’s death in season three. Also, Michonne (Danai Gurira) is itching to get revenge on The Governor for Andrea’s death.

For fans of the comic books, the question of who will die is especially intriguing. In the comics, the assault on the prison claims with lives of Lori and Judith. While Lori is already gone, baby Judith still lives but will the mid-season finale go so far as to take her too?

Tune in Sunday at 9 p.m. on AMC to find out who survives.

What Needs “Repairs” On This Weeks Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D

Originally published on PopWrapped.  27 November 2013.

Greetings Agents! So last week we saw the human side of Ward, the slightly damaged but still awesome side of May and the always adorable and tightlipped side of Coulson. But most importantly we saw that Coulson’s magical place aka Tahiti may be just a dream or a vision implanted in his mind after his “death” at the hand of Loki. Sadly, we get no further development on this storyline but do get more details about May and a great twist on the people with powers set-up of the show.

In Utah a young woman buys some essentials at a gas station and gets harassed by the clerk for being the cause some guy named Jack’s death. When the clerk pushes the woman a little too far she inadvertently uses her psychic powers to throw cans and then a whole shelving unit at him. As he runs out, gasoline and fire create one heck of an explosion, even as the woman prays “not again.”

In May’s room, the Cavalry is getting dressed after a night of fun with, you guessed it, Agent Ward. Lover boy himself saunters out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel McSteamy-style and reminds us all that he has some wonderful, um, assets. No time for ogling though because there’s a mission at hand. As Coulson explains to Skye, they’ll be heading out to check in with the telekinetic. He wants Skye to pay attention to how this is done properly. He’s referring of course to her laughable awful attempt with Mike back in the Pilot episode.

This asset retrieval process can be touchy because their telekinetic, Hannah, is probably in denial, like most of the assets Coulson has encountered. FitzSimmons spout off their trademark science/techy lingo, this time in regards to how they’ll confirm Hannah’s powers. I may have a simple BA but I’m pretty sure if things start flying at you when she’s around, it’s a solid indicator of telekinesis.

Pharrell Williams Shares A 24 Hour Long “Happy” Fest In New Music Video

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Singer Pharrell Williams is having quite the year. On top of partnering with Robin Thicke for the massively popular “Blurred Lines,” Williams has premiered the first ever 24-hour music video. 

“Happy,” which will play on Pharrell’s site 24hoursofhappy.com, was shot in Los Angeles and has clock superimposed over it. In addition to singers and dancers popping up to lip sync to the Despicable Me 2song, Williams is also shown singing to a church. A variety of celebrities show up too.

Steve Carrell, Jimmy Kimmel, Magic Johnson, and more all have a few minutes in the video. Viewers can click through to different times to try to find their favorite celebs and can also share a particular segment of the video. 

Williams has been having a strong 2013. He’s collaborated with Robin Thicke and Daft Punk. Currently, he is now working with Hans Zimmer on the Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.

Check out the shorter version of “Happy” before heading over to see the 24-hour cut.

David Tennant and Matt Smith To Appear On Graham Norton Ahead Of The Day Of The Doctor

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Tonight David Tennant and Matt Smith will appear together on Graham Norton to promote (as if they need to) the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Episode, “The Day of the Doctor.” The two Time Lords spoke about their camaraderie during the episode’s filming as well as comparing the size of their screwdrivers. 

“His is bigger than mine,” Tennant said as reported by Digital Spy. “It has a bit that comes out of the end and lights up.” The much loved Tenth Doctor also touched on the strange expectation many people seemed to have that he and Smith would fight on the set. “It could have been weird,” he said, “but it ended up being good fun.”

For his part, Smith joked that he showed his predecessor a certain amount of deference when on the set. “There was a bit of that, particularly in my TARDIS. I asked David if he would like to fly it. You want to be gracious,” Smith said.

Graham Norton airs tonight on BBC One at 10:35 p.m.

Lana Del Rey’s Short Film, Tropico, Gets Release Date And Trailer

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Singer Lana Del Rey’s passion project, Tropico, finally has a full trailer, a general synopsis, and a release date. The 30-minute short film casts Del Rey a modernized version of the Bible’s Eve in a story about sin and redemption.
Information on Tropico, which is directed by previous Del Rey collaborator Anthony Mandler, has been light ever since the pop star started teasing the film earlier this month. Based on what’s in the trailer though, it’s safe to say there is heavy violence, nudity and some serious sin going on.

Model Shaun Ross plays Del Rey’s love interest (Adam?). Interestingly, there is no hint of Del Rey singing inTropico, although we know that three of her songs from the repackaged album Born to Die – The Paradise Edition will appear in the film.

So Russell Crowe is Noah and now Lana Del Rey is Eve? What Biblical character gets the celebrity treatment next?

Tropico will premiere exclusively on VEVO on December 5th. Click here to watch the trailer.

This Week’s Once Upon A Time In Wonderland Wonders “Who’s Alice”

Originally published on PopWrapped.  22 November 2013.

Previously on Wonderland, Alice was fooled, if only a little bit, by the Red Queen who proved she still has a heart and it still beats, however faintly, for our beloved Knave of Hearts. Also Cyrus escaped and Jafar coerced the Rabbit into digging to London. But most importantly, Will was revived from his stony sleep. Hooray! 

Tonight opens on an Englishman painting in the countryside. He’s suddenly showered with dirt when Jafar and the White Rabbit burst from a hole in the ground. Quite the entrance, I must say. The Englishman, to his credit, is unfazed but curious as to whom the sorcerer and the animated rabbit are. He gives them directions to the Asylum and in return, Jafar takes his suit.

In the Asylum we get the return of Bald Doctor! He’s taking some laudanum when a dapper Jafar, posing as a doctor himself, pops in to have a chat about a certain blond hair, blue-eyed patient. Bald Doctor tries to play dumb but Jafar knows all about him seeing the Rabbit. A quick glimpse of the bunny makes the doc ready to spill all he knows about Alice.

Queenie pays a visit to Cyrus’ empty cage. She’s curious about the genie having fled and Jafar being missing as well. Luckily, or not, the Old Man is still present in his cage to explain that Jafar is gone and Cyrus is on the run. Queenie will never catch him though because the genie has the most powerful magic of all: True Love. Only 5 minutes in and already this show is covered in sap.

Could Justin Timberlake Be Heading To Nashville?

Originally published on PopWrapped.  19 November 2013.

Justin Timberlake is being honored in three categories at the American Music Awards this weekend however there’s one category he still has in his sights 

“I still got my eyes on a ‘Best Country Album’,” he said in an interview with SiriusXM’s The Highway. “There’s time for that.”

As one of the new kings of music, Timberlake has already started showing his country skills with “Drink You Away” on his new album The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2. “It’s a country song to me,” Timberlake said. 

Having successfully transitioned from boy band member to pop star, in the past decade Timberlake has evolved into Hollywood’s Renaissance man. He has a stellar movie career, displaying both dramatic and comedic acting chops, and is one of the most well-loved hosts of Saturday Night Live. In addition to his nominations across three genres at the AMA’s, he is also up for Artist of the Year.

Considering JT has clearly conquered pop, R&B, soul, barbershop quartet, and plenty more, it’s a good guess that mastering country is only a matter of time. How many years before he’s adding Country Music Award to his trophy shelf?

Check out Justin’s foray into the much maligned musical genre of barbershop quartets.

TV RECAP: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Ep. 308: ‘Think Lovely Thoughts’

Originally published on The Flickcast.  18 November 2013.

In an incredibly surprising turn of events, there is once again forward momentum on Once Upon a Time! Henry’s family even finds the kid and we get a nice bit of background for my beloved Rumplestiltskin. Sadly, “Think Lovely Thoughts” is also so packed with contrivances it dulls the otherwise tasty plot developments.

Everything from Pan’s origin story (especially the source of his name) to Henry’s inexplicable stupidity made me cringe, dear Oncers. But still we carry on, so let’s begin with a flashback, shall we?

A card hustler gets beaten up and robbed after swindling one too many customers. His son tries to intervene with the help of his adorable eyes and precious Scottish accent but it’s no use. Dad is a deadbeat for poor baby Rumple.

In Neverland, Pan reminds Henry that saving magic will save Wendy and everyone else. Henry, clearly being driven by hormones and a childish fantasy to be the hero like in his fairytale book, says he’s ready to do his duty.

Thankfully two members of his family still have some sense. Regina and Rumple make their way toward Pan’s camp. The Queen pays her master a compliment, saying, “You know despite our differences I can always count on you to get things done. Which is more than I can say for them.” She means the Charmings of course and dang is she right. Ten minutes with Rumple and they had an artifact to take down Pan.

Seven weeks (for us) with the Charmings and all they got was a very convoluted plan. But back to their conversation. Regina brings up Neal, which Rumple doesn’t want to talk about. Good choice really because once she finds out you rescued her son and then let him get recaptured, your little alliance will be fireballed to hell.

We flashback again to see Rumple’s dad dropping him off with two spinner ladies. The boy doesn’t want to leave his Papa so to cheer him up, Dad gives him the going-to-be-important later-on wicker doll. Then Papa runs out of the cottage before he son’s even given the doll a name.

Neverland. Charmings and Co head towards Pan’s camp and Snow confesses to Emma that she’ll stay on the island with her hubby. Emma is skeptical about how easily Mom gave up on finding a solution to this problem. She fails to mention or even think that her newfound magic powers could be helpful but Emma says she’s giving up. But that’s what we have Regina and Rumple for and luckily the duo stumble upon everyone else.

Neal ruins this happy reunion by spilling the beans about the prophecy. Everyone takes a dramatic step back from Rumple and draws their weapons. The Dark One looks exasperated while different members of his complicated family accuse him of trying to kill the kid. Everyone including Hook is ready to defend Henry. Rumple (and I) rolls his eyes at their stupidity. Commercial.

This Weeks Once Upon A Time In Wonderland Has A “Heart Of Stone”

Originally published on PopWrapped.  15 November 2013.

Previously on Wonderland the best character on the show was turned to stone and Alice made absolutely no progress toward finding her true love. Also the Red Queen did a terrible job hiding her secret past with Will but a good job being divided between evil ex and regretful ex. So this week we see which one Queenie decides to be, Cyrus takes escaping Jafar into his own hands and we get more delicious details about Will and Anastasia.

Flashback to right when Will and Anastasia are getting ready to leap into Wonderland. Her mom bursts in to ruin everything with her disappointed face and verbal abuse. In addition to calling Will a loser, she also labels her own daughter as a failure. She’d had high hopes for Anastasia to be a princess but would have settled for the girl marrying a nobleman. Guess a prince of thieves isn’t good enough. Will promises that he’ll build a life for them in Wonderland and that he’ll always love her. It’s enough for Anastasia and the pair jump.

Present day Wonderland. Alice covers Stone Will with a shawl in case of rain or snow or bird poop. She is feeling guilty for tricking Jafar with her wish thus causing Will’s current state. Still, she clings to the hope that if she can find Cyrus he can help. Queenie can help her there! She’s willing to make a deal with Alice: she’ll trade info about Cyrus’ whereabouts for some hard to find magic dust. Alice stubbornly refuses this offer until she realizes the Queen is right; she has no other options.

In Cyrus’ Pit of Despair, his companion prisoner has been brought back from his day of slave labor. Cyrus promises to free them both today.

Public Tribute To Lou Reed Took Place Today

Originally published on PopWrapped.  14 November 2013.

A public tribute took place in New York today for musician Lou Reed, who passed away last month at age 71. The Velvet Underground singer was honored with a gathering at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Reed’s official Facebook page posted about the tribute earlier this week saying it would be all about Reed’s music. “No speeches. No live performances, just Lou’s voice, guitar music & songs – playing the recordings selected by his family and friends.” This was a gathering that was meant solely for fans.

Known primarily as the frontman for the band Velvet Underground in the 1960s, Reed also had a strong solo career starting in 1972. He passed away in October due to complications from a liver transplant he received in May.

Peter Pan Is Set To Take Flight With Directer Joe Wright

Originally published on PopWrapped.  12 November 2013.

Peter Pan may be getting a period piece re-imagining. Joe Wright, director of Pride and Prejudice, is currently in talks to helm Warner Bros.’ new Pan project.

Also known for Atonement and Anna Karenina, Wright would join producer Greg Berlanti to bring Jason Fuchs’ script to life in the new adaptation of the boy who wouldn’t grow up.

Deadline reports that Fuchs’ script focuses on Peter Pan’s origin story as an orphan who is taken to Neverland. There he leads a rebellion against the pirates, including supposedly Captain Hook, and becomes the savior of the Neverland natives.

Everything is coming up Pan these days, it seems. Warner Bros.’ take on the classic character would certainly have some strong competition in Sony’s Channing Tatum Pan picture. Disney is also working on its own Peter Pan project – a prequel entitled Peter and the Starcatchers, which is adapted from the YA novel of the same name.

Interestingly, Disney’s ABC show Once Upon a Time is currently exploring a new twist on Peter Pan as a villain rather than a hero.

My only question is: What role will Wright’s frequent collaborator Keira Knightly be playing in his Peter Pan project? Is she Wendy Darling worthy?