Henry Cavill (Formerly) The unluckiest man in Hollywood

It may seem hard to believe now, but there was a time when Henry Cavill was widely regarded as the unluckiest man in Hollywood. He often made it to the final rounds of consideration, for major franchises. He was so infamous, that I knew about him before I even knew his name.

With the news that Man of Steel 2 has been put on hold until WB get their next slate of movies out. I thought I would take a look back at the five roles Henry Cavill almost had before he represented the house of El.

  1. James Bond-Casino Royale(2006)

After die another day received a critical mauling, Pierce Brosnan was forced to retire his Walther PPK. Which meant Bond had to be rebooted.

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli managed to whittle down a list to two suave actors to play 007. Those actors were Daniel Craig and Henry Cavill.

Cavill has said in interviews:

“I came very close.”

Ultimately at 22, they decided Cavill was just a bit too young for the role and they instead went with Daniel Craig.



  1. Batman – Batman Begins (2005)

Whilst Cavill states that he didn’t actually test for this, he has confirmed that his name was on a shortlist of actors which included; Joshua Jackson, Eion Bailey, Hugh Dancy, Billy Crudup, Cillian Murphy, Jake Gyllenhaal and, of course, Christian Bale.

  1. Superman – Superman Returns(2006).

You may remember that before Brian Singer helmed Superman Returns, it was set to be directed by McG.

When McG left the project Brian Singer gave Henry Cavill the old tin-tac and he was replaced with Brandon Routh.

  1. Green Lantern/Hal Jordan – Green Lantern (2011)

Cavill’s third unlucky attempt at a superhero movie happened in 2011, with Green Lantern. When casting began in 2009, his name was listed alongside Bradley Cooper, Justin Timberlake, and of course, Ryan Reynolds.

 

  1. Edward Cullen – Twilight (2008)

Twilight creator, Stephanie Meyer has previously stated that she based the Vampire on Henry Cavill, she even tried to get him cast in the role. Ironically, two short years after he was told he was too young to play Bond, he was told he was too old to play a 200+-year-old vampire and the role went to Robert Pattinson.

Times have sure changed for Henry Cavill. He now has multiple franchises under his belt.

Check out our interview with Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer.



Big Finish Review-Doctor Who: The Warehouse

Online shopping is a goldmine for satirical material, it’s surprising the main show hasn’t done it yet. However, “The Warehouse” takes this concept to a new level with its depiction of a massive warehouse in the sky staffed by clones, while a catastrophe on the planet reduces the populace to primitive religion, worshipping those who reside in the warehouse. The idea for the story may not be entirely original, but it is true to the era in which it is set – the Seventh Doctor and Mel era.

The story takes a while to gain momentum, with the first two episodes featuring a lot of running around the aisles of the Great Warehouse In The Sky, but not much else. However, Dillie Keane and Sylvester McCoy deliver standout performances, with Keane bringing nuance to her role as High Priestess of the Catalogue, and McCoy excelling in his portrayal of the Doctor.

As the truth of the situation on the planet is revealed, the story gains momentum, culminating in a gripping coup de grace that subverts the latest planned delivery methods of a leading online retailer. Keane’s performance once again shines in the story’s final act, lending it solid gravitas.

Overall, “The Warehouse” delivers exactly what it promises – a stolid, eighties-era Doctor Who story. While it may not be the most imaginative or memorable entry in the franchise, fans of the era will likely find it enjoyable.

Film review-Paddington

I have a confession to make, my dear reader. When I was first invited to the premiere of Paddington, I turned down the tickets. I mean, who wants to see a movie about a talking bear who wears a duffel coat and carries a suitcase? Plus, the early images of Paddington made him look creepy, like he was about to go on a killing spree. And when Colin Firth dropped out of the film just before its release, I thought, “Well, that’s the final nail in the coffin.”

But then something unexpected happened. Word of mouth started spreading after that first screening. People were raving about the film, calling it “the best film in a decade”. I couldn’t ignore the buzz any longer. So I took my kids to see it on opening night. And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Paddington is a delightful movie that had me grinning from ear to ear.

Based on Michael Bond’s beloved children’s book series, Paddington follows the adventures of a lovable brown bear who travels from Peru to London in search of a new home. The film strikes the perfect balance between playful slapstick and heartfelt warmth, thanks to director Paul King’s clever and imaginative storytelling. The scenes that humanise the story and characters are particularly touching, as we see Paddington adjusting to life with the Brown family in London.

Sure, the subplot featuring Nicole Kidman’s villainous character feels a bit forced and out of place. But overall, the film is a joy to watch, thanks to its excellent performances, seamless mix of CGI and live-action, and the stunning visual flair brought to the film by King.

In short, if you’re looking for a smart and entertaining family movie, look no further than Paddington. It’s a modern classic that towers above most of the other PG-rated films out there. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this charming little bear a chance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to survive a London comic con

With MCM Expo around the corner, it’s time to prepare for a day of excitement and fun. Here’s a handy guide to help you survive a London comic con:

  1. Arrive Early

Parking fills up quickly and public transport can be hectic, so arriving early is key. Aim to get there by 8:30 AM and grab breakfast at a nearby restaurant. This will give you enough time to queue up before the doors open at 10 AM. Don’t forget to check out the schedule and plan your day.

  1. Virtual Queues

If you’re planning to meet big-name stars, be prepared to join a virtual queue. You can hit them up first, and then come back at your allocated time.

  1. Dress for Comfort

Comic cons require a lot of walking, standing, and sweating, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Shorts are a good idea even in the winter since venues can get hot. Bring extra deodorant to stay fresh and consider carrying a backpack to store your snacks and memorabilia.

  1. Pack Essentials

Along with snacks and memorabilia, bring water and a portable charger for your phone. Con prices for food and drink can be exorbitant, so it’s best to bring your own.

  1. Plan for Breaks

If you need a break, there are tables to sit at, but they fill up quickly. Consider finding a nearby pub to relax and recharge.

  1. Plan Your Day

To make the most of your time, plan out a strategy for the day. Check out the timetable online beforehand and mark what you want to attend. Make an alternate list in case you can’t get in or don’t want to wait in long lines. If you’re only attending for one day, prioritize the booths/celebrities you’re most interested in and then explore the rest.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle MCM Expo and have a great time.

Film Review-The Amazing Spider-Man 2

In “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” director Marc Webb demonstrates skill in crafting drama and romance, particularly in the chemistry between Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). However, the film’s action elements suffer due to a crowded plot with too many villains to juggle.

Jamie Foxx’s Electro is the primary antagonist, but his character lacks depth and fails to engage audiences. Foxx does his best to bring life to the role, but his efforts are hampered by the film’s attempts to balance multiple storylines.

The addition of Dane Dehaan as Harry Osborn falls short of expectations, with Dehaan’s performance lacking the charisma and charm that James Franco brought to the role in the previous trilogy. The Green Goblin’s appearance is also disappointing, with poorly executed makeup and design.

The film attempts to address the mystery surrounding Peter’s father, but this plot thread only adds to the cluttered narrative. The focus on Peter’s personal relationships with Gwen and Harry is more compelling and could have been developed further.

While the script and direction of the film may have left something to be desired, Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man is a standout performance that shouldn’t be missed. Garfield expertly captures the character’s wit, courage, and vulnerability, delivering a nuanced and multi-layered performance that elevates the film.

One particularly memorable moment is a montage of Spider-Man swinging through New York, showcasing the hero in action across all seasons of the year. This sequence stands out as some of the best Spider-Man action ever captured on film, a testament to Garfield’s ability to fully embody the character and bring him to life in a thrilling and engaging way.

The film’s most effective sequence occurs in the third act, but the subsequent final battle with Rhino feels tacked on and undercuts the emotional impact of the previous scene.

Overall, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” suffers from an overloaded plot and a lack of focus, leaving little hope for the future of the franchise. If there is an Amazing Spider-Man 3, it won’t be directed by Marc Webb.

⭐️⭐️

Listen to our review of the first film here.

Friends conspiracy theory

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Now, I am currently suffering the flu and am whacked out on flu medication so, this may be crazy talk. But, something hit me like a bolt of lightning earlier today. The entire 10-year run of Friends was a social experiment set up by Doctor’s Niles and Frasier Crane. I haven’t quite figured out what that social experiment is, but I’m assuming it’s something to do with memory loss and post-traumatic stress.
First off, none of the friends really know anything about their own life’s.

In one of the early episodes, Joey and Chandler offer to take Ross to a hockey game for his birthday, and the date in that is said to be October 20th. He says, “my birthday was 7 months ago,” which would place his birthday in March, yet in the episode where Ross tries to punch Joey and breaks his thumb, they fill out his details, Ross says “you know my birthday!?” And Joey says “May-tem-ber???” And Ross says “OCTOBER 18”!
Ross’ age is a bone of contention across the whole series. He stays 29 for three whole series whilst the other friend’s age.

In the episode where Ross and his girlfriend Julie are getting a cat, Monica talks fondly of their childhood cat and even has his old toys. In the very next episode, when Monica is tasting the Fistachio product she says she’s allergic to cats and is for the rest of the shows run.

Phoebe often talks about her hard life living homeless on the streets, yet lived with her loving grandmother. She is fluent in French, yet in a later episode doesn’t speak a word of it.

The spelling of Rachel’s last name changes every year sometimes it’s ‘Green’ then ‘Greene’ then back to ‘Green’.
Chandler and Rachel met 4 times before the first episode is set and they don’t remember each other, she saw him get his toe cut off, you remember seeing someone get their toe cut off.
In the first episode it’s established that Ross and Carol split up a year prior to the episode, yet later that series Carol turns up 8-months pregnant. We’re also told that Carol was the only woman Ross slept with, but it later turns out he slept with an older woman in college.



Joey and Chandler’s apartment number changes from 4 to 19, whilst Monica’s changes from 5 to 20 without any of them realising. A whole episode set up the fact that Chandler has never cried, yet the previous series showed Phoebe make him cry.
Phoebe claims her dad left before she was born, yet later he walked out when she was 7.

Along with “get a life!” I hear you say “but Frasier and Niles were never in friends”.
No, they were never in friends. But, they did exist in the same universe. Phoebe’s twin sister, Ursula was a character in Mad about you, the characters from mad about you appeared in Friends. Chandler appeared in an episode of Caroline in the city. Caroline appeared in an episode of Friends, who else appeared in Caroline in the city?
Joey’s intelligence also takes a drastic knock over the years. He started out as an average guy then got dumber and dumber as the years went by.

What do you think? Does my theory hold any weight?
I’m likely to add more to this as further inconsistencies pop into my head.
I also think there’s something to the same people popping up with a new identity. Phoebe and Monica’s old Friend Amanda was later Joey’s agent, Bobby and Chandler’s psycho roommate Eddie, was Joey’s sister’s childhood boyfriend, Jimmy.

Big Finish review-Eldrad must die!

The drama is a follow-up to every Doctor Who story aired between 1974 and 1977 that featured an original antagonist, except for three. The story resurrects Eldrad, played by Stephen Thorne, and is the opener for the latest trilogy of audio dramas featuring the Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Turlough, and Nyssa.

While I’m not a big fan of Big Finish’s tendency to exhaust Doctor Who’s past, particularly the Hinchecliffe/Holmes era, I keep an open mind. The Five Companions was enjoyable, The First Sontarans was surprisingly effective, and The Curse of Davros provided a fresh perspective on its titular character. Unfortunately, Eldrad Must Die! falls short of expectations.

Marc Platt, who has delivered some inventive stuff in the past, presents a generic storyline with thin characters that fail to engage. The characters run back and forth, talking about crystals, but nothing seems to go anywhere. While there are some intriguing crystalline images, they are communicated clumsily.

Although the story follows up on some elements of Mawdryn Undead and Turlough’s exile from Trion, they don’t add much to the character. The characters lack the spark that makes the best stories of this companion team work. Most of the drama appears to bide its time until Eldrad shows up, which results in Stephen Thorne shouting a lot. The story then comes to an abrupt end.

Eldrad Must Die! is another audio drama that brings back an old foe and assumes it will be sufficient to pique our interest. Unlike The First Sontarans, this is yet another story that fails to deliver.

Wilfredo Acosta’s incidental music is generic orchestral warbling, but he does a great job with the Kastrian crystals. The sound designer is highlighted on the CD Extras, which is unusual.

However, it is worth noting that while Eldrad Must Die! may have its shortcomings, Mark Strickson’s performance as Turlough is outstanding. He brings depth and nuance to the character, elevating the material and making it more engaging. Strickson is one of the best actors to have portrayed a companion in Doctor Who, and his work on audio is no exception. His performance is a highlight of the drama and a testament to his talent as an actor.

In addition to Mark Strickson’s standout performance, the rest of the cast also do a commendable job with their roles. Peter Davison delivers a solid performance as the Fifth Doctor, balancing the character’s intelligence, wit, and compassion in a way that fans have come to expect. Janet Fielding, Sarah Sutton, and Mark Strickson also slip back into their roles as Tegan and Nyssa effortlessly, capturing the essence of their characters from the television series.

The supporting cast, including Julie Graham as Dr. Carter and Matthew Cottle as Rossiter, also contribute strong performances, bringing energy and personality to their roles.

Overall, the cast of Eldrad Must Die! brings a sense of familiarity and comfort to Doctor Who fans, making the audio drama a worthwhile listen for those who want to spend more time with these beloved characters.

TV REVIEW-DEREK

Before people had even seen this, they were lampooning Gervais for “playing disabled”. Yes, Derek isn’t smarter than the average bear, but neither was Baldrick, Mr Bean, Homer, Trigger or Father Dougal, were any of these characters mocking disabled people? Derek’s innocence isn’t the subject of ridicule.

Derek is a sweet caring and kind man.
To say this isn’t the funniest thing Ricky Gervais has produced would in no way be a criticism. What we get instead is a touching heartfelt drama about Britain’s forgotten.

The only moments the script fails are when it tries too hard to be funny. The script actually works best during its tender moments. Yes, the show wasn’t perfect, but aside from Being Human, what pilots have been?