Category Archives: Industry

Star Wars VII to Get a Little J.J. Abrams (Lens) Flair

I’m sure by now you’ve all heard that J.J. Abrams has officially signed on to direct the upcoming Star Wars 7. For me, it has taken several days for this news to sink in, and I have mixed emotions about it. But I finally feel that I have something coherent to say.

130127-abramsFirstly: how the frak does this man get so lucky? Not only has he had a more than respectable run in television, most notably with Lost, then he was handed the blessed conch of Star Trek, and now he’s continuing the gorram Star Wars franchise?? If you ask me, this man made some supernatural deal with the lens flair devil–success and the coolest opportunities in exchange for his soul and no less than fourscore lens flairs in every film.

That being said–oozing with unabashed jealousy, might I add–I have been largely impressed with Abrams’ work thus far. Despite the fact that many hardcore Trek fans expressed disappointment and even outrage at the Star Trek reboot, I personally, very much enjoyed it.

To some extent then, I do have hope for Star Wars: Episode VII, especially because after the complete rubbish Lucas tried to pass off as an adequate prequel trilogy, there’s really nowhere to go but up. In particular, as noted on Axolotl Ceviche, at least Abrams has some handle on how to actually direct, while Lucas, despite his aptitude for pre-CG technical innovation, has been a miserable failure as a director of real people instead of puppets.

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But really, at the core, I think the success or failure of Episode 7 will hinge on the writing. Although Abrams has done his fair share of this, there’s no word as to how much involvement he will have with the actual writing of the script, with rumors that Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Little Miss Sunshine, and *gag* Brave) will be heading up the writing department.

The fundamental importance of a good script is exactly what makes me wish that Joss Whedon had been given the job. I may be a bit partial, as, just like the pulchritudinous Jason Segel to my right, Joss Whedon is my master now, but if his massive success with The Avengers has taught us anything, it’s that he knows his shit. I would feel much more comfortable with Star Wars in his hands than any one else’s. Sure he’s been super busy and probably needs a break and taking on the Star Wars franchise would definitely be a super stressful enterprise, but I don’t care. I’m selfish and I want more Jossy goodness.

While Arndt seems mostly competent and Abrams has a decent track record thus far, I’ll remain cautiously skeptical so as not to get my hopes too far up only to be disappointed by Star Wars 7. What are your feelings on the big announcement?

J.J. Abrams Set to Direct Next ‘Star Wars’ Film (Exclusive)
Lucas Shaw @ The Wrap

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Disney on Friday night confirmed TheWrap’s earlier report that J.J. Abrams will direct “Star Wars: Episode VII,” the latest film in the iconic franchise and the first since Disney bought Lucasfilm last October.

“J.J. is the perfect director to helm this,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. “Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the ‘Star Wars’ experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”

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Nathan Fillion: Awards Host Extraordinaire

I’ve never watched the Writers Guild Awards, but I’m definitely going to this year, all because the incomparable Nathan Fillion will be hosting. When watching the Golden Globes and I saw him come up to announce the winner of one category (and oddly got paired up with Glee‘s Lea Michele for the segment), I was eager to see the audience get a taste of his characteristic wit and charm, but apparently his script called for a straight performance as opposed to a humorous one, despite the fact that he is more than capable of getting the room laughing. So hopefully as the host of the Writers Guild Awards he’ll get a chance to do just that.

I, of course, love Fillion for his leading role in Firefly, but I’ve been catching up on Castle lately, too, and it’s wonderful how the role of Rick Castle has given him the opportunity to be even goofier, which is very fitting to his personality. If you want to see some of Fillion at his silly and singing best, make sure to check out Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. It’s a great, 45-minute 3-parter produced independently by Joss Whedon and friends during the writer’s strike. Not only does it star our beloved Nathan Fillion, but also Neal Patrick Harris and Felicia Day. Good times are had by all.


Check out the official announcement Fillion’s selection as host for the awards – he accepts the honor with his usual mix of ironic hubris and self-deprecation.

Castle Star Nathan Fillion Set to Host 2013 Writers Guild Awards West Coast Show
Gregg Mitchell @ WGA, West

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When I first accepted the honor of hosting the Writers Guild Awards, I was confused and actually thought I was receiving one. Since I play a writer on TV, I felt perhaps someone was under the impression I deserved an award and I wasn’t about to correct them. However, now I’m in the perfect position to present myself with whichever award I choose. Who’s going to know? At the very least, I can network with the most talented writers in the business in preparation for my next round of unemployment. It’s a win/win.

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Jodie Foster’s Not-so-shocking Announcement

I was surprised at all of the hullabaloo over Jodie Foster’s veiled coming out speech at the Golden Globes, especially because I was pretty sure everyone already knew that she was gay. What was so strange about her speech, to me, was simply…how strange it was. She almost didn’t sound like herself–this usually composed and demure star who has been in the limelight ever since her childhood would understandably be a little tight-lipped about her personal life, but all of a sudden she has turned into a wacky, rambling woman who’s joke attempts fall flat, making her animated speech even more awkward to watch.


After rewatching her speech, I don’t even really see it as an announcement of her homosexuality at all. I think this article very well articulates how Jodie Foster’s speech was so much more than that. Instead, she is revealing her humanity, showing us that she isn’t that perfect, serious public figure–an image that she has had to maintain her entire life–and now she seems to be ready to let loose. So even though her speech may have seemed a little insane or maybe drunken, the whole point is that she doesn’t care anymore. She’s ready to show the world who she is and not concern herself with the naysayers or the rumors.

What is your reaction to Jodie Foster’s speech at the Golden Globes?

Jodie Foster comes out — as human
Meghan Daum @ The Chicago Tribune

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It’s the news the nation’s been trying to digest all week (at least before Lance Armstrong made everyone lose their lunch): Jodie Foster, one of the industry’s most cool and collected figures, is capable of being a rambling mess.

You’ve heard about it 100 times by now. Accepting the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes on Sunday night, Foster spent seven minutes chipping away at her image as the industry’s most staid and no-nonsense Hollywood power player.

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