Fic rec

Jan. 17th, 2012 01:10 am
bennet_7: (Iron Man: Pepper your eyes are red too)
Trust me, you really want to read this fic where Pepper Potts is Iron Woman, Tony Stark is her PA, Peggy Carter is Captain America, Steve Rogers is her WW2 era boyfriend, Gwen Stacy is Spider Woman, etc, etc, etc.
bennet_7: (Iron Man: Pepper your eyes are red too)
I just got back from seeing Captain America: The First Avenger. Hopefully LJ will keep its shit together long enough for me to get down my thoughts.

Overall, I liked it. I didn't think much of the direction as I felt the film lagged at times and I was never quite sure of the plot. Spoilers ) But where the film did succeed was in getting me - someone who has never read a Cap comic - to care about most of the characters.

Chris Evans normally plays smug douchebags, but I thought he was good as the nobler-than-thou Steve. Sincerity isn't easy to portray and he sold me on Steve's good intentions. I really loved Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter, Special Agent and extreme badass. Sadly the film did not pass the Bechdel test - I don't think Peggy even talked to another woman about men - but Peggy herself was one of the best love interests since Pepper Potts. She was brave, intelligent, a crack shot, and damn good at her job. Plus, Hayley Atwell actually had the figure of a woman in the 1940s - curves instead of prominent clavicles - so that was nice to see.

More spoilery thoughts on casting, characters, and relationships )

I adored the costuming. Originally it was supposed to be in the hands of Jeffrey Kurland, whose work I loved in Inception, but Anna B. Sheppard ended up on the job which is great because I'm a fan of hers too (how much do I covet Bridget von Hammersmark's wardrobe in Inglorious Basterds? So much). The various versions of the Captain America uniform were great and I particularly loved Red Skull's leather coat (amazing tailoring), Bucky's last navy ensemble, and Peggy's red dress and leather jacket.

Because of timing, I had to see it in 3D and it looks decent in that format. The effects are great and the CGI work on Chris Evans to make him appear a foot smaller is a bit stunning (my mother thought that they'd gotten different actors). All in all, I enjoyed my time with Captain America and co....but I'm really looking forward to The Avengers.

On Thor

Apr. 27th, 2011 12:39 am
bennet_7: (Iron Man: The weapon you use once)
I saw Thor yesterday and it was good! Really good, actually. I didn't enjoy it as much as Iron Man because the central character/performance isn't as compelling but that's not to say Chris Hemsworth as Thor is bad. He played the role well and made Thor likeable yet seem of another time and place - he isn't a contemporary man.

It's different to all the other superhero origin stories we're getting because it's not about a man discovering or getting powers - Thor was born with them (right?). Thor's journey is about learning humility and maturing to the point where he is worthy of those powers, understanding the responsibility and the consequences of them. Where other men become superheroes, Thor is a superhero becoming a man.

I haven't read the comics and what I know of the character made me fear that his mythical origins and magical powers wouldn't gel with the technology based universe that Marvel set up in Iron Man. But they did a really good job of making Thor's abilities not seem hokey, drawing on Arthur C. Clarke to raise the idea that magic is science they don't understand yet.

I thought it was paced and structured well, though the transitions from Earth to Asgard were occasionally slightly jarring. The CGI for the most part was really impressive, with the ice creatures very convincing. Branagh used a lot of tilted angles and quick cuts during the fight scenes and it would have been nice to see the camera pull back and remain steady so that you could really appreciate them, but you could still tell what was going on - it wasn't all shaky cam a la the later Bourne movies. I'd need to see it again with a more critical eye to really judge the direction but I think Branagh did a good job overall.

I think he certainly pulled good performances from the actors. I've been having trouble with Natalie Portman lately but she was really charming here. Anthony Hopkins does kingly gravitas well and in other news the sky is blue. There was quite a lot of humour in the script to, some of it physical, but mostly good jokes delivered well.

As for the characters, there were so many good ones! Especially the women! The movie passes the Bechdel test in the first two minutes, I promise. In the comics Jane Foster (Portman) is a nurse but here she's an astrophysicist which I think was a really good change because it ties her storyline to Thor's for reasons other than she fancies him. She's shown to be passionate about her career, intelligent, and kind of a dork - I really liked her. She's aided and abetted by her assisstant Darcy (Kat Dennings) and guys, I really love Darcy and want to write fic about her. She's mostly there for comedic relief but she still comes across as a normal person. Spoiler that you've probably seen in the trailer but that I'll cut anyway )

And then there is Sif, who is one of Thor's friends and a badass warrior. There's a moment early in the film that I really like where Dialogue spoiler ) I've learnt that in the comics she's sometimes a love interest of Thor's but they didn't really play on that, just showing them as good friends and her as one of the guys. Sometimes its just nice to have female characters who aren't shown to be in a romantic relationship with one of the gang.

Having said that, on shipping )

Idris Elba as Heimdall was really good, very noble and stoic. I've been a fan of Tom Hiddleston for a while and his Loki was complex. Shame about what they did to his hair, though (black and straight where it's normally blonde and curly. His fan community on LJ is called [livejournal.com profile] magnificenthair for a reason!) Plot spoilers )

Final verdict: fun and entertaining. It may not have a whole lot of depth but it's not shallow and you won't feel stupider for seeing it.
bennet_7: (Chuck: Our fake kisses)
I really need to make some icons for my new fandoms because although I'm using the one for Chuck right now, the latest episode was the most disappointing out of all my returning shows. Spoilers ) I really hope that Chuck and Sarah get married in the season finale. If the show continues after that I won't be watching.

I really enjoyed the third episode of The Killing. Not a lot happened but it was strangely compelling - they're very good at making characters thinking interesting. I wasn't particularly taken with Holder during the first episode (though I don't think we were supposed to be) but I'm liking him more now and I discovered that the actor is actually Swedish so now I'm really impressed with his performance - I certainly couldn't tell from his accent.

Spoilers )

The Chicago Code produced a decent episode plot-wise and a very interesting one in terms of relationships. Spoilers )

One new pairing was intriguing that I had to picspam it a little. I may have found a ship. Spoilery picspam )

Iron Man 2

May. 2nd, 2010 11:55 pm
bennet_7: (Iron Man: The weapon you use once)
Everyone on my flist who has so far seen Iron Man 2 has been so great about not giving even the slightest hint of spoilers in their posts - no 'I'm so happy' nor 'I'm so disappointed' - and I'm going to do the same.

Behind the cut, though, I'm spoiling to hell and back. So don't click if you haven't seen it yet. Instead, go watch Tim Gunn give his considered opinions on comic book super hero fashion through the ages (here and here). That man is a delight. I totally want there to be a 'design a super hero costume' on Project Runway.

Some super spoilery thoughts on Iron Man 2 )
bennet_7: (Iron Man: Oh Virginia)
Previous icon dump here. In this one we've got:

30 Rock: 5
Slings & Arrows: 2
How I Met Your Mother: 5
Rushmore: 5
The Office (US): 2
Aaron Eckhart: 1
Iron Man: 4
Chuck: 1
The Secret Garden: 2
Press Gang: 5
Emma: 12
Kiss kiss, bang bang: 23



67 icons )
bennet_7: (Lynda)
Let's have a list of things that are quite awesome:

1. After approximately a million years, Elizabeth Peters has finally written another Vicky Bliss mystery and it is being published next month. I've always preferred her Amelia Peabody series but that has gotten a bit tired and stale of late, so I'm glad she's returned to the adventures of Vicky and the very swoon worthy Sir John Smythe (my crush on this character is epic). If you have no idea what I'm talking about here are the first five books in the series: Borrower of the Night, Street of Five Moons, Silhouette in Scarlett, Trojan Gold, Night Train to Memphis (1, 2, 4, and 5 are .lit, 3 is .html in a .rar).

I just finished re-reading Night Train to Memphis and it was amazing, partly because it is quite a good book but mostly because I've now been to most of the sites in Egypt mentioned in the book. Never before have I had that experience - of having been to the place that I'm reading about in a novel (well ok, I've read a couple of books that have been set in Sydney but it's not the same). When she described the pyramids and Sakkara and Karnak and King Tut's tomb (I agree, it's a disappointment) I didn't have to imagine what it's like - I know. Now that might not seem so amazing to people who live in places they also read about but it was a new experience for me - and one I rather enjoyed.

2. I was recently overcome with the desire to re-read a book that I had loved in high school but was faced with certain problems. Like that I couldn't remember the title. Or the author. Or the names of any of the characters. I had a vague idea of the plot which is that prince in a fantasy kingdom grows up with half a body and as his faithful companions die, body parts reappear. However, if you try typing that into Google you'll get a bunch of links to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Not helpful. Still, after much searching I discovered that it's called One for the Morning Glory and it's by John Barnes. Have now ordered a copy and am hoping it's as good as I remember (because I do remember it being very good).

3. Of the things that I am watching currently, I just finished re-watching the 2000 version of Wives and Daughters which is just a lovely adaptation of Gaskell's novel. It's one of Andrew Davies more restrained works - only one gratuitous wet shirt scene and it's almost a plot point!

4. Scans of the latest Invincible Iron Man have not yet appeared, which has me gnashing my teeth with impatience. When I fall for something I generally fall hard and I don't do well sitting around and waiting for my obsessions to come to me. Luckily, Comic Book Resources has the first 8 pages up which helps to take the edge off.

5. I started the great Press Gang rewatch of 2008 and am already onto the second season. It's not that I forget that this show is brilliant but I'm always reminded of it on rewatch. While Blink, The Girl in the Fireplace, The Forest of the Dead, and Jekyll are excellent examples of Steven Moffat's genius when it comes to pacing and structure and big stories, it's Press Gang that you really need to look to if you want to know what he's going to do with Doctor Who because Press Gang is all about characters and relationships and finding your way in the world. And it's got obsession and sacrifice and blaming yourself for the actions of others.

Honestly, the main reason I'm so excited about The Moff taking over Who is because I hope that it will give him the clout to bring about a Press Gang reunion special.

Random quote:

Spike: "You don't happen to be jealous of a girl I've never even met, do you?"

Lynda: "Of course I'm jealous, Spike. I wish I was the girl you've never even met."


Oh Lynda. Oh Spike. You're my favourite.
bennet_7: (Iron Man: The weapon you use once)
Top Gear is taking forever to download so I've uploaded my Tony Stark fanmix for your enjoyment.

Normally I have a thing where the music for a fanmix has to be made up of music the character/s actually listen to. Unfortunately, I don't really know what Tony likes - I'd hazard a guess that he likes Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and maybe The Who. He certainly doesn't like bands like Fall Out Boy (if Pete Wentz ever tried to talk to him, Tony wouldn't have a clue who he was). So this mix is more indicative of my musical tastes than Tony's but whatever.



I am a scientist, I seek to understand me, All of my impurities and evils yet unknown )
bennet_7: (Iron Man: Suit reaching out)
Here, for your reading pleasure, is where I'm going to be posting the latest IM e-comics. This post is going to remain public but please don't get me busted guys.

This-a-way )
bennet_7: (Default)
So the past couple of weeks I've gone and gotten myself completely obsessed with all things Iron Man and Robert Downey Jr. And seriously guys, it's unhealthy. I don't think I've fallen this hard for a fandom since Veronica Mars and quite frankly it's a little inconvenient - who has two thumbs, red hair, and had an exam today? *points to self with thumbs*

And yet, the Iron Man fandom/Robert Downey Jr. love is so wonderful that even my extensive Catholic guilt can't make me feel bad about all the loony things I'm doing (ah! If only I had more of my mother's Protestant work ethic. As it is I just feel really, really guilty but do nothing to alter the situation).

Firstly, I'm downloading every single Robert Downey Jr. film I can find - which, considering half the population of the world is currently doing the same thing, really isn't that hard. And I'm not downloading just his good work - I'm downloading the really silly romantic comedies too. I mean, I used to ignore Heart and Souls every single time it came on TV when I was younger, but now, with my Robert Downey Jr.-tinted glasses I'm using up my valuable download limit to acquire it.

Secondly, and a little more disturbingly, is what I did a week ago when I was taking a study break (read: marathoning 30 Rock again, some more): I went through a bunch of Gwyneth Paltrow pics and tinted her hair red so that she'd look more like Pepper Potts. Some actually came out quite well, all things considered.

Still not a valid use of my time though )

Feel free to use in your own fanart - I can't quite decide what to do with them yet (well, other than stare at the couple ones and imagine the married adventures of Tony Stark and Pepper Potts (no way in hell that Pepper's changing her last name)). I kept the files as large as possible and tried to alter the colouring as little as possible aside from her hair. So have fun!

Mini-rant )

I'm trying to hunt down the most recent comics online. So far I've got volume 2 of Invincible Iron Man and volumes 7-10 of The Order where Pepper apparently becomes the leader of a bunch of super heroes (yeah, I don't know what is going on). I am, of course, willing to share if there is interest and if anyone knows of a comm where I can snag the rest, could you shoot me an email please?

Swinging back round to the Robert Downey Jr. love again, [livejournal.com profile] th_esaurus hosted an RDJ fanfic fest and I discovered that people aside from me are interested in the relationship between Joe and Shirley Wershba (Robert Downey Jr. (though you guys should have guessed that one) and Patricia Clarkson) in the film Good Night and Good Luck. I even wrote a short snippet of fic about it. Will the wonders never cease?

And then there were icons! Some random Robert Downey Jr., a fair few Iron Man, and too many Good Night and Good Luck considering the fandom is practically nonexistent. Oh well.



36 in total )
bennet_7: (Iron Man: Pepper your eyes are red too)
Hi, my name is Bennet and I am obsessed with Iron Man. For reals. Especially Tony/Pepper. When I walked out of that cinema the first time (oh yeah, I've seen it twice) I immediately went home and prayed that someone, somewhere had written fic. Someones (yes! plural!) have written fic and it is mostly awesome.

Since then I've Iron Man-ified my layout, made icons, and now that I've finally finished my assignments, I've written fic (pick your jaws up off the floor people!). Everyone and their dog has compared Tony and Pepper to Josh and Donna from The West Wing, so I decided to take a whack at Pepper and Donna's totally awesome friendship that would have definitely happened had they ever met. Hopefully this will be the first of many fics (I have two more planned in my head but that doesn't mean I'll actually write them).

Oh, and I finished writing this at 6:00 AM so it may be crap.

Title: The Long-Suffering Assistants Club
Fandom: Iron Man (movie-verse)/The West Wing
Characters: Pepper Potts, Donna Moss, Sam Seaborn, Tony Stark, mentions of other West Wing staffers
Rating: PG - if that
Word count: 1,292
Warnings: None except for extreme West Wing geekery
Summary: Pepper Potts and Donna Moss meet at a Hollywood fundraiser. It's the start of a beautiful friendship. Pre-movie for Iron Man, mid-season 1 for West Wing

Notes: I am a huge West Wing geek so there's a few references which won't make much sense to non-fans. For those brave enough to try and read this without having seen one, here's a quick breakdown: Pepper Potts is the Personal Assistant to Tony Stark, genius weapons designer and CEO of Stark Industries. Donna Moss is the Senior Assistant to Josh Lyman, Deputy Chief-of-Staff. Both women have to deal with bosses who are sometimes demanding, possessive jackasses and with whom they share rampant UST.

I was originally going to set this during the West Wing episode '20 hours in L.A.' but I decided not to. Still, similar circumstances.

“And then there’s the late nights – ” “The endless meetings – ” “The messy love-life you always get entangled in – ”  )

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