To the West Coast and Not Beyond! Shot in Vancouver: Adventures in Hollywood North Dives Deep Into Pop Culture History in BC!

Shot in Vancouver traces the productions that helped shape British Columbia’s screen industry. Sam Wiebe’s book rewards curiosity with familiar favourites and local discoveries, although its preview copy leaves some gaps.

Shot in Vancouver
Available to order on Amazon USA

The one thing I immediately noticed in Sam Wiebe’s book, Shot in Vancouver: Adventures in Hollywood North, is the lack of an index in the preview copy I received to read. When I’m trying to find out whether a certain movie or television production was filmed in town, at Terminal City, or somewhere else, having an index would come in handy. If that’s intentionally part of this book’s design, I hope the retail copy will be different. That’s because of the way he’s built the chapters, which move back and forth in chronology and purpose.

And along the way, the details he offers can make or break a section. That includes historical anecdotes about when Yvonne De Carlo made this city her home and why some Asian movies were filmed here. When downtown Vancouver was part of the Rumble in the Bronx set and the biggest running joke amongst fans during release was why are there mountains in the background? Even I looked at this chapter rather than to start on page one to see if that concern was ever addressed by the producers. Even today, there’s no official statement. Had this film historian sought an answer, I’d be pleased. But instead, all he wrote about is how this film helped certain talents begin their legacy.

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All Eyes are on Superman & Lois

It’s hard to say where this new series fits in the Arrowverse since the Crisis of Infinite Earths crossover event. I suspect it has to be before the alternative dimensions merged.

Superman and LoisBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Thankfully, Superman & Lois‘ entry into the Arrowverse is a departure from all the other DCEU television shows. When most of these programs are dealing with superheroic adventures of the title character to save the Earth (or someone) from a villain of the week, this take has a different focus. These parents have to teach their values to the next generation!

The world found here continues with Tyler Hoechlin playing Clark Kent. I still have trepidation whenever he’s in Kal-El mode. He’s certainly gained some mass since appearing in Supergirl, but the look doesn’t work. Part of the reason is that his hair is too slicked back. Over the years after Reeve took on the role in cinemas, finding the ideal actor who can fill in the suit (after his passing) has been tough. Brandon Routh’s swagger makes playing Supes easy and he easily channels the awkwardness of being a Clark that Christopher made famous.

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On Where DC’s Stargirl Sparkles

A lot of questions are raised in the premiere episode of Stargirl which had a bit of an Iron Giant vibe.

DC’s Stargirl Promo PosterDC’s Stargirl has the golly gee feel of classic Americana, and I can’t wait to see the mecha S.T.R.I.P.E. in action! In this latest live action superhero treatment, high school student Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) has a lot to learn about her past. Her biological dad went missing and she’s the next in line to carry his badge of honour. Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson) is part of this mystery, and when he becomes her stepdad some time later, that can either lead to problems or he has a secret agenda.

Technically, the story is set in the modern day in Blue Valley, Kansas. It’s as laid back as it can be, more reminiscent of the bygone era when we had radios belting out the tunes than smartphones.

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What to Expect in Part 3 of Crisis on Infinite Earths

nullBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Spoiler Alert

What can viewers of TheCW’s Crisis on Infinite Earths expect in part three? Since this live action take has to respect the comic book series plot outline, just how many more deaths must take place includes Barry Allen. Will he truly die or will another actor take his place?

The following includes references to last night’s airing of Batwoman. Spoilers ho!

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Fast Thoughts on The Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover!

Crisis on Infinite Earth Crossover on theCWBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Disclaimer: Showcase Canada aired the East coast broadcast of TheCW’s Supergirl on Sunday, 5pm PST and is on Free Preview on Telus Optik.

The Crisis on Infinite Earths is beginning tonight, and TheCW’s Supergirl is where it starts! The setup is good enough to resolve a few loose ends never addressed during The Arrow and to make us aware we’re getting a five-act story.  That is, we can expect all the rising action happen in The Flash and see the climax in Arrow. Each segment is basically an episode of one of this network’s superhero based shows.

As Barry is convinced he will die in this Crisis, Oliver argues otherwise–especially concerning the deal he made with the Monitor. Most followers know of the demise of the television show that started it all and it’s not surprising that the hero will go out on a literal bang. Spoilers follow. You have been warned.

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The Vintage Tempest’s Top 5 Favourite News from SDCC 2019

Superman and Lois
By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Attendees go to San Diego Comic Con 2019 for many reasons. For some, it’s all about the networking potential to get their feet in the door of the comic book industry (plenty of panels exist to learn from the best). For the casual fan, there’s the crazy shopping experience or discovering new works they have not heard about.

Others want to hear the latest news then wait for the online recap and then there are the special screenings! After parties goes without saying and just nerding out there is the reason some go. However, I was torn as Fantasia Film Festival and SDCC overlap. Looking at both shows remotely was my choice.

Those people curious in what I’m excited for, here’s my top five geek out moments. Sorry Marvel, but I’m not super excited for your Phase 4 action just yet. Black Widow, Loki, and Doctor Strange 2, yes. Everything else, I just do not know.

The following is what I want: Continue reading “The Vintage Tempest’s Top 5 Favourite News from SDCC 2019”