A few months back, Sylvester Stallone teased Dolph Lundgren’s return to the Rocky universe as Ivan Drago in the upcoming Creed 2. It sounded like a cheap idea at the time, just a nostalgia ploy, and it appears said cheap idea is going to actually happen.
Yesterday, Lundgren posted this video to his Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYD5iihAWlz/
Those hashtags don’t mince words. Obviously, Dolph Lundgren is getting back in shape to play the Russian boxer who was responsible for the death of Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Adonis’s (Michael B. Jordan) dad.
Stallone is writing the screenplay for Creed 2, which is disconcerting because one of the best parts about Creed was the fact Stallone didn’t write the screenplay. The first Creed was a genuinely great film, full of real human emotion and directed by the great Ryan Coogler. Rocky IV, the last time we saw Drago, was a series of montages patched together with threadbare dialogue. Don’t try and tell me Rocky IV was the best sequel in the original series, it has nothing on Rocky III.
Anyway, Creed 2 doesn’t have an official release date as of yet. Michael B. Jordan is back, and apparently he has some sort of confrontation with Ivan Drago. Eye roll.
We are about six weeks away from Blade Runner 2049, the long-gap sequel to Ridley Scott’s seminal 1982 sci-fi noir classic. We have another awesome trailer to enjoy, and hopefully it will be the last.
Check it:
Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society in chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
We definitely don’t need to see any more of Blade Runner 2049, right. At least I don’t I am sold. These trailers are showing a lot and thankfully telling little. We get the gist of the plot, but this will certainly be more than the action.
Everything about this movie is promising. There’s the cast: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Dave Bautista in some weird, tiny spectacles. There’s the director, Denis Villeneuve, one of the greatest new filmmakers in Hollywood. And there’s the secret weapon, cinematographer Roger Deakins, who is one of the best of the craft.
Ah the 80s. What a simple time. Hair was big, jobs actually paid and everyone…was nostalgic for the 50s and 60s? Maybe not everyone, but there were plenty of movies about the “simpler times”. Dirty Dancing was one such film, a nostalgic look back at summer when families still vacationed together at quaint little lodges, learning to crochet and backstroke and box step. Everything was wireless back then except, ironically, the phones. No one spent the day staring at a screen or thinking about AIDS. What a perfect time to be alive.
Thirty years after it debuted, Dirty Dancing is still perfect the way it is. Last year’s ill-fated television adaptation and the short lived musical both discovered this the hard way. Dirty Dancing is one of those movies we’ve all seen at least once. It’s one of those movies we don’t turn off if it’s on cable (does anyone still have cable?). It’s also a strange mix of nostalgia, and social commentary, the likes of which are difficult to replicate.
Where Are the Dirty Dancing Cast Now?
Thirty years is a good chunk of time, as any 29 year old can tell you. So in the interest of nostalgia, let’s take a look at the cast then and now.
Jerry Orbach
Baby’s dad is the surprising complex character of Dirty Dancing. Jerry Orbach’s portrayal of Daddy Hodgeman is at times stuffy, understanding, progressive, closed-minded, traditional, and on and on. The layers never seem to stop unfolding as he navigates the changing world at the turn of the decade. Orbach already had an illustrious career pre-Dancing, consisting of Broadway and off-Broadway roles which earned him multiple Tony nominations and one win for his role in Promises, Promises. Post Dancing, Orbach played a handful of smaller parts in films including voiceover work in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. His role as Detective Lenny Briscoe in Law & Order, a character he played until his death in 2004, brought him world-wide fame.
Kelly Bishop
Mama Hodgeman also arrived on the scene with a Tony award to her name, for originating the role of Sheila in A Chorus Line. Kelly Bishop has continued working on stage, most recently in 2011’s revival of Anything Goes.
Bishop’s most popular role since Dirty Dancing, however, is as a matriarch of a different kind. Her role as Emily Gilmore, grandmother to Rory and mother to Lorelai on Gilmore Girls is much more terrifying than the soft, one note woman she portrays in Dancing.
Jennifer Grey
In 1987, Jennifer Grey was still “Joel Grey’s little girl”. She had awfully big shoes to fill. Instead, she set out on a path of her own in Hollywood. Dirty Dancing was Grey’s second critically acclaimed role following the jealous sister Jeanie in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Since her Golden Globe nominated role in Dirty Dancing, Grey is now working on the Amazon series Red Oaks.
The fame Jennifer Grey earned from her role as Frances “Baby” Hodgemen was unfortunately stymied by two nose jobs which left her virtually unrecognizable. However, since then, she has steadily returned to the spotlight with her new profile, working in television and film as well as competing in Dancing With the Stars season eleven. Grey also guest-starred on Lip Sync Battle when her husband Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson) competed against Hayley Atwell (Agent Peggy Carter).
(Skip to 1:05 for Grey’s cameo)
Patrick Swayze
About a year ago, one of my best friends sat me down and forced me to watch Road House, which was Swayze’s next film after Dirty Dancing. Are you watching Road House right now? Why not? Go do the thing.Swayze’s post-Dancing career often allowed him to call upon his impressive physical skills (yes, he really dead-lifts Jennifer Grey in that closing number) and dancer’s grace. Some roles, such as his Romantic lead opposite Demi Moore in Ghost, took advantage of his status as a heartthrob, without really requiring other skills.
Unfortunately, Patrick Swayze lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2009. He and his wife Lisa Niemi penned a memoir about their relationship which they finished shortly before he died and released several months after. The book, titled Time of Our Lives recieved critical praise for both authors.
The Time Of My Life
One of the iconic songs from Dirty Dancing also enjoyed a post-film career. “Time of My Life” went on to represent Sandals, Jamaica for decades after the movie was done breaking records. Perhaps more importantly, the song became something of a recurring joke on Fox’s New Girl.
Are you still enjoying the “Time of Your Life”? Let us know if the comments below.
Morality Questioning Has Never Been As Fun As Death Note
Every incarnation of Death Note dives into themes of good vs. evil, but Adam Wingard’s Netflix Original Film is truly unique. From the first manga to the iconic anime, the story follows a young boy named Light stumbling upon a book that allows him to kill. This movie version is that same plot but told through an 80’s teen horror filter. If 1988’s Heathers had demons, you’d get 2017’s Death Note.
In this re-imagining of the Japanese source material, director Adam Wingard tells the story of Light Turner (Nat Wolff), a young high school student who finds a mysterious book called a Death Note. Along with the book comes a strange set of rules and a Death God named Ryuk (Willem Dafoe). If you place a name in the book, that person will die. Light quickly sets out to begin his dark journey. Joining Light is fellow high school oddity Mia (Margaret Qualley), an apparent psycho Bonnie to his pretentious Clyde. They start a murderous spree in an attempt to rid the world of evil, and it soon leads to them gaining a cult-like following. Many welcome this “God” they named Kira that kills some of the Most Wanted terrorists, but there is one man that doesn’t appreciate it. That man is L (Lakeith Stanfield), a quirky but genius investigator.
“Rule 1. The human whose name is written in this note shall die… Rule 2. This note will not take effect unless the writers have the person’s face in their mind when writing his or her name.”
Adam Wingard’s Death Note standouts not only for the director’s stylistic choices but his overall craftsmanship. If the script falters or budget limitations feel apparent, Wingard pushes the cast and crew through it. Shout out to cinematographer David Tattersall and editor Louis Cioffi. Their work excels. In particular, the scene where L chases Light through the city showcases fabulous choreography with smooth camera work and a great editing style. The editing is stunning throughout but stands out in this chase scene.
In front of the camera, the talent pulls their weight as well. Nat Wolff can go from the campier moments to the darker moments quickly. The character of Light is different from his anime counterpart. In that Light is very clean-cut and put together, no matter how dark things are on the inside. This Light is still book-smart but is more of an outsider. Personally, it explains his quick leap to the dark side better when he’s this rebel than a preppy Straight-A student. Nat Wolff’s performance and Light’s character do rely on perfect supporting roles. Margaret Qualley’s Mia Sutton plays a sidekick role until things get messy. Who’s causing that mess? Willem Dafoe’s Ryuk! Dafoe turns in one of his best performances in a long time. Ryuk is just as much of a troublemaker as Light is, but he plays a much smarter game.
Lakeith Stanfield chews up every scene. The character of L is interesting since he’s eccentric, but add someone like Stanfield, and the role transforms. After seeing him in work like FX’s Atlanta and another horror film Get Out, I thought I saw all of his range. That was until this incredible turn as L. Fans of the character will enjoy seeing his quirks, but might struggle with seeing him go so dark.
“You’re the one who flew into the sun; I’m just here to make sure you burn!”
-L [to Light]
Many fans of the Death Note source material will be disappointed to see this is not a direct adaption, but as someone who enjoys the anime: it’s equally as good. There is no replacing what any of the work before Adam Wingard’s version did and this never tries. To say the movie takes liberties is being easy. Other than a few ideas and the names, there is almost nothing similar. That’s okay as it works entirely as on its own. Instead of focusing on a purely bleak narrative, this rendition balances a camp sensibility with its nihilism. Don’t worry, nothing is cheerful and the lines between “good guy”/”bad guy” blur. That’s where comparisons to cult films like Heathers and Drop Dead Fred come into play. You can tell a dark story with a smile on your face; sometimes that’s even scarier!
This movie also creates its iconic moments. From some very gory deaths to beautiful camera shots, some scenes blow you away. There is a rewatch quality to this Death Note because of things like its practical effects and innovate style.
Final Thoughts:
The world of Death Note is excellent and can translate to so many different visions; Netflix can easily turn this into the first of many from this one project. Keep Adam Wingard on board as well; his style of filmmaking is what Netflix needs.
One of the only complaints is this movie needs fleshing out. Everything escalates so quickly, and you don’t get time to catch your breath. Going in this film seeing a similar story at a slower pace makes this look weaker in comparison. Not very often does a critic say a movie could use another 20 minutes, but this could’ve.
I rate this film a 3.5 out of 5. Highly recommend this!
Death Note premieres as a Netflix Original Film on August 25th. Adam Wingard is the director, with Charley Parlapanides & Vlas Parlapanides and Jeremy Slater as writers.
The film stars Nat Wolff, Margaret Qualley, Lakeith Stanfield, Shea Whigham, Paul Nakauchi, with Willem Dafoe.
Will you watch this? Let me know in the comments below!
This renewal, which was announced on Monday, was a bit of a shock, considering that reception of the series was almost universally poor. Alan Sepinwall of Hitfix, for example, wrote of the series: “Though its title and its cast suggest a hangout comedy in the vein of Happy Endings, the actuality of Friends From College is a shrill and unpleasant dramedy about the dangers of maintaining youthful friendships deep into adulthood.”
More eloquently, Maureen Ryan of Variety wrote: “Once in a while, members of the cast are able to lend a poignant or bittersweet note to the proceedings. But far more often, they are asked to pitch their performances in gratingly large and loud ways. Everything is oversized in ‘Friends From College’: Characters scream, shout and gesture wildly, to the point that other people on screen repeatedly ask them to rein in their sweaty hyperactivity.
Sepinwall and Ryan clearly were not the only critics to express distaste with the series, considering its volatile 24% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
As Sepinwall mentions, the show boasts a stellar cast. Cobie Smulders, Keegan-Michael Key, Annie Parisse, Fred Savage, Nat Faxon, Jae Suh Park, and Billy Eichner all are featured prominently in the series as a group of Harvard alumni who make up the titular friends from college. These performances were by far the least criticized element of the show, however.
Friends from College is only the most recent in a stream of Netflix renewals. Ozark, Netflix’s diet-Breaking Bad crime drama, was renewed last week, and GLOW, a comedy about women’s wrestling in the 80’s, was renewed the week before. The Naomi Watts drama Gypsy was not so lucky, however, joining the ranks of Bloodline, Sense8, and The Get Down in the cancellation pile. Perhaps with a second season, however, the show will have the opportunity to improve itself.
What do you think of this news? Do you think the critics were wrong about this one?
Paul Greengrass is hopping aboard the Netflix train for his next film, the story of Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in Norway back in 2011. Should be hysterical.
Here’s the Cliffs Notes version of the atrocities Breivik committed, from the Deadline report:
The horrific violence was inflicted by Anders Behring Breivik, a self described right-wing Christian extremist with a hatred for Muslims. He started the carnage by detonating a fertilizer bomb outside the headquarters of the prime minister that killed eight people. After that, Breivik dressed in a police uniform, took a short ferry ride to Utoya Island outside of Oslo, and methodically murdered teens attending a Labor Party Youth Camp as they tried to escape. The madman, who wrote a 1500 page manifesto critical of Muslim immigration and European liberalism that he was not permitted to read at trial, was sentenced to 21 years. That was the maximum possible sentence in a country that doesn’t have the death penalty.
So… holy shit.
Paul Greengrass has never shied from heavy material, and he tends to tell horrific stories with some class and appropriate tone. United 93 was especially tasteful given its harrowing subject matter.
As for this one, well, I’m not entirely sure who the audience is supposed to be here. Greengrass needs a comeback after the Jason Bourne misfire, and this could be it, but good lord who is eagerly anticipating sitting down for movie night with this one?
Steve Carell, suprise candidate for “Silver Fox of the year”, turned a very handsome 55 last week. In his honor, I’ve been rewatching The Office on Netflix (I mean, I’m always rewatching The Office but this week it felt special.) and thinking about all Carell’s other work. Even before he was the boss everyone loves to hate, Carell had a career in comedy. From his bit role in Bruce Almighty to his loving depiction of The 40 Year Old Virgin, his talent showed every time he was on screen. Here are five performances proving Steve Carell really can do it all.
Early on, it seemed Carell was stuck behind a news desk. His aforementioned appearance in Bruce Almighty was followed just one year later by his role as Brick Tamland in Anchorman. At this point, much of his appeal was in physical comedy and inappropriate yelling. And in case you’ve forgotten (who could forget??) it’s Brick that brought us the now meme-worthy “I love lamp”. Soon after Anchorman, Carell became a more nuanced actor, and began showing his range.
4. Crazy Stupid Love
Imagine if you will: a sex symbol, America’s latest sweetheart, and a middle-aged man who once waxed a clown’s face into his chest hair for a punchline. Which of these three would you imagine the runaway star, should they all appear on screen together? Unless you guessed the hairiest man alive, you would be wrong.
Crazy Stupid Love is one on Steve Carell’s best dramatic performances. He plays Cal Weaver, average American white guy, as he navigates life after his wife leaves him. Ryan Gosling’s reaction to a velcro wallet? Iconic. But Carell carries the movie while keeping his character from toppling into a repeat of any number of other hapless husbands he’s played before.
3. Despicable Me (and 2 and 3)
The Minions. Depending on who you ask, they’re either a scourge on the world, or the best thing since sliced bread. Personally, their appeal waivers on me about every six months or so. What never changes, however, is how much I love Despicable Me. All three of these movies have trailers that made me laugh so hard I cried, and that’s largely the fault of Steve Carell.
Alright, to be fair, it’s got a lot to do with the animators, since much of the trailers are silent or lack dialogue. I’m digressing. The point I’m trying to make here is that while the Minions wax and wane in and out of my good graces, Gru is always a delight. Once again, Carell brings a complexity to a character who could have become a hyperbole. His voice work shows that he’s come a long way from the slapstick performance in Bruce, considering he can no longer pull faces or lay on the floor for a laugh. Gru is the best part of the Despicable Me empire.
2. Little Miss Sunshine
One of Carell’s most serious roles came out of the early 2000’s obsession with indie movies. Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Into The Wild, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist,Adventureland… all movies that focus more on character development than plot, and all with acoustic guitar playlists to keep you appropriately gloomy until you’re offered a glimmer of hope at the end.
Carell plays Frank Ginsburg, a man who has failed at killing himself. He’s released from the hospital into the (overly?) concerned hands of his family, and then joins them on an old-fashioned, pile-in-the-van road trip. While he has performed dramatic roles since Sunshine, it’s easily his darkest project. Ginsburg is nearly the polar opposite of Michael Scott: no smiles, no self-esteem, and no love for those around him. It’s a fascinating study into Carell’s full range.
1. The Definition of “Aging Gracefully”
No matter what, Steve Carell has always been a goofball, and he looks the part. Even in tuxedos and on red carpets, Carell has a consistent air of “friendly uncle” to him that he’s never been able to shake. Recently, however, Carell seems to have undergone some full-body transformation that took him from “yeah okay” to “holy crap WHAT?”. Does he deserve to be appreciated for more than his looks? Yes, all humans do. But does he also deserve to catch up on a lifetime of being ogled? I think yes also. Steve Carell is the ultimate Silver Fox because NO ONE SAW IT COMING, and his magical silver hair seems to truly have powers no mortal can understand.
That’s literally what she said. Happy belated birthday, Steve Carell, from all of us here at Monkeys Fighting Robots. All of us, but especially me.
Netflix released the official high definition version of ‘Marvel’s The Punisher’ trailer – titled ‘Demolition,’ Monday morning.
Coming to Collect. It’s the Devil you’ve sold your soul to. He’s coming.
About ‘Marvel’s The Punisher’ After exacting revenge on those responsible for the death of his wife and children, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) uncovers a conspiracy that runs far deeper than New York’s criminal underworld. Now known throughout the city as The Punisher, he must discover the truth about injustices that affect more than his family alone.
Steve Lightfoot is the showrunner, with the cast comprised of Jon Bernthal, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ben Barnes, Jason R. Moore, Daniel Webber, and Deborah Ann Woll.
‘The Punisher’ hits Netflix this Fall.
Are you looking forward to ‘The Punisher?’ Sound off in the comments below.
Before DragCon Snatches New York, RuCall These Episodes!
Preparing for something like RuPaul’s DragCon is exciting. After packing (or during packing if you wait till the last-minute), you need something to hold you over. What better way to kill time by watching the very best of RuPaul’s Drag Race!
Honorable Mentions:
– “The Fabulous Bitch Ball” Season 4 Episode 11
– “Dynamic Drag Duos” All-Stars Season 1 Episode 5
– “Divine Inspiration” Season 7 Episode 9
“Drag-On A Dime” Season 1 Episode 1
So let’s start at the very beginning. Looking back at the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race is a trip down memory-lane, but it’s rough around the edges. Walking into a massive pop-culture convention like DragCon is crazy when you look at these humble beginnings. Stop by and say hello to the Season 1 winner Bebe Zahara Benet when you are there!
“The Snatch Game” Season 2 Episode 4
The first isn’t always the best, but the inaugural “Snatch Game” is still noteworthy. Many of the queens hilariously didn’t understand the challenge and the ones who did (Pandora Boxx and Tatianna) stole the show. Can’t forget to mention the sickening lip-sync battle between Sonique and Morgan Michaels! That is an endlessly rewatchable clip.
“Keeping It 100” Season 8 Episode 1
What makes the Season 8 premiere feel so special is the nostalgia. Something like this is perfect for your DragCon preparations. This premiere showcases the past, present, and a look towards the future of drag. The mini-challenge photo shoot is now iconic with previous winners returning. Nothing beats a runway and challenge about past Drag Race challenges!
“Make Dat Money” Season 3 Episode 13
Seeing queens rock multiple looks in one night is something normal by now, but this Season 3 challenge was no joke. The “Ballroom culture” of showcasing different looks is expertly on display with this money-theme runway. Raja’s final look stands out as a signature fashion moment in Drag Race. There’s also a dramatic lip sync between friends.
“Shade: The Rusical” Season 6 Episode 4
This soundtrack needs to be on a playlist for anyone going to DragCon! “Shade: The Rusical” is unique as the live singing works. The highlights are obviously Courtney Act and Adore Delano, but the Rusical is solid as a whole. All you have to do is ignore that mini-challenge, which sparked massive controversy.
“RuPaul Roast” Season 5 Episode 7
Comedy roasts are standard on Drag Race now. The first Roast occurred during the fifth season and became an instant favorite. So many famous sayings start here! It also helps that the iconic Roxxxy Andrews vs. Alyssa Edwards lip-sync is from this episode. The Roxxyy wig reveal isn’t the only reason this places so high, but that moment sure helps.
“Snatch Game” Season 4 Episode 5
Name a more iconic Snatch Game? Sure, it gets a little messy at times, but there is nothing better. Chad Michaels does a transcendent performance as Cher. Latrice Royale provides some of the best quotes. And of course, Willam is there existing wonderfully. Season 4 is a standout season, and this is its standout episode.
“Oh. My. Gaga!” Season 9 Episode 1
Questioning why this is so high? Season 9 is new and slightly polarizing, but this Gaga-themed event is perfection. The format of this premiere breaks the mold for the series and features an extended guest judging from Lady Gaga. No wonder this episode is Emmy-nominated and record-breaking for its ratings! How can Season 10 top this?
“Black Swan: Why It Gotta Be Black?” Season 5 Episode 4
There is no greater rivalry in Drag Race history than Alyssa Edwards and Coco Montrese. The two queens walked into the competition with baggage, and this performance allowed them to let it all out. They carried this entire ballet number to untouchable heights. Other seasons still struggle to top what the Season 5 queens did here.
“Revenge of the Queens” All-Star Season 2 Episode 5
From top to bottom, there is no better episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race than this. If you live for drama and love seeing hilarious comedy, then this is the episode for you. All-Stars 2 is an insane season, and this episode is at the epicenter of it all. “Revenge of the Queens” gives viewers a jaw-dropping opening, fun challenge, and an iconic lip-sync battle!
What do you think of this list? What will you watch to prep for RuPaul’s DragCon?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Monkeys Fighting Robots for exclusive press coverage of RuPaul’s DragCon. The event is September 9th and 10th in New York.
Stories about heroes need villains and stories about superheroes need super-villains. But beyond simply being somebody to punch out, a memorable super-villain should stand in stark contrast to the superhero. If the public responds favourably to the hero/villain match-up, an arch-enemy or nemesis is born. Batman has the Joker. Superman has Lex Luthor. Spider-Man has the Green Goblin. Captain America has the Red Skull, and the list goes on.
The first iteration of the Flash, Jay Garrick, despite being a super-efficient crime-fighter never really earned the obsessive ire of a specific villain. Instead, his lineup of Golden Age villains was fluid, peppered throughout with Nazis and villainous speedsters.
Unlike his predecessor who went 11 years without a super-villain, the second incarnation of the Flash, Barry Allen, found his villainous counterpart in the second comic he appeared in. Showcase #8, cover date June 1957, introduced the dreaded Captain Cold, and, just like a bad cold, he stuck around. Recently featured in a DC Rebirth story, it’s been sixty years and he’s still causing problems in Central City.
The Frosty Origin of Captain Cold – Bad to the Bone
Although some super-villains have honest origins, only turning to crime once circumstances force their hands, Captain Cold was always a crook, just not a very good one. Captain Cold started out as a low-level crook named Len Snart.
Sadly, though he made it through this encounter with Captain Cold, Jerry Lewis passed away recently
Snart, presumably concerned that the Flash might apprehend him at some point, reads the newspaper hoping to find a way to defeat the scarlet speedster. In his search, Snart finds a story about a scientific magazine that recently wrote a comprehensive article on the Flash. Wasting no time, Snart breaks into the magazine offices and learns that a cyclotron could potentially interfere with the Flash’s abilities. Although his exact plan isn’t clear, Snart figures that he can somehow imbue a gun with the cyclotron’s power.
Snart makes a stealthy trip to the local cyclotron and, finding that he can’t control it after turning it on, gives up on his harebrained scheme. On his way out the door, though, Snart runs into the night watchman and, accidentally squeezing the trigger on his gun, flash freezes the unlucky rent-a-cop on the spot. Apparently the gun’s brief interaction with the cyclotron gave it freezing powers. If this sounds strange, you should keep in mind that the Golden Age Flash got his powers from hard water, so the level of scientific realism in Flash comics is historically low.
The Frosty Origin of Captain Cold – What’s in A Name?
After mulling over a few name options, all better than Len Snart, that include Mr. Arctic and Human Icicle, Snart eventually picks the alliterative Captain Cold. As a new reader of the Flash, I had assumed that the honorific “Captain” would relate to Captain Cold’s backstory but not so.
After settling on an appropriately goofy name, the good “Captain” experiments with liquid helium and finds that when it is used in combination with his gun it brings ambient temperature down to absolute zero. This extreme cold causes hallucinations in anyone exposed to it, giving Captain Cold the idea he thinks he needs to defeat the Flash.
The Frosty Origin of Captain Cold – What You Can See Can’t Hit You
Meeting the Flash on a frozen lake in the middle of July, Captain Cold fires his liquid helium at the scarlet speedster. The Flash battles illusion after seemingly deadly illusion until he realizes that everything he sees gives off extreme cold. Realizing that Captain Cold must be at work, the Flash passes through a mirage of giant spinning blades and creates an illusion of his own. Using his super speed to make it look as if there are hundreds of him, the Flash tricks Captain Cold and brings him to the police. Back in his laboratory, a nonchalant — some might even say “cool” — Barry Allen listens to his assistant Stan recount the tale of the Flash’s heroics as Barry warms his hands over a Bunsen burner.
The Frosty Origin of Captain Cold – Final Thoughts
Although Captain Cold eventually grew into his role as the Flash’s archenemy, his first appearance in Showcase #8‘s “The Coldest Man on Earth” is a bit clunky in places. It doesn’t make a lot of sense that a low-level crook is familiar enough with a cyclotron to know what it does and how to use it. Plus, Snart’s apparent familiarity with refrigeration and sub-zero temperatures is a bit of a non-sequitur for a run-of-the-mill mobster.
And even though the Flash’s hallucinations caused by exposure to absolute zero provided some interesting opportunities for Carmine Infantino to go wild with his art, the mirage sequence was pretty tame aside from a carousel of mystical creatures — during the illusion sequence the Flash is also waylaid by a ring of spinning saw blades and a bunch of escalators(?).
That said, based on the year it was published this isn’t a bad comic. Considering that contemporary stories include such inane subjects as “The 100 Batarangs of Batman” and “The Girl from Superman’s Past,” the Flash’s creative team certainly shouldn’t be singled out for being corny or providing a less than airtight backstory for its villain.
Orbach already had an illustrious career pre-
