Spin-off Blogathon | Agent Mariah Hill and Jor-El

It took some time to figure this out, but my final choice for the spin-off blogathon hosted by Sati is a tie between two comic-book-to-movie characters. Funnily, it's a very fair tie in many ways, representing both genders, both comic book giants (DC and Marvel) as well as two different general opinions on each movie. My choices are Agent Mariah Hill, played by the fabulous Cobie Smulders in The Avengers and Jor-El/ Superman's real dad, played by Russell Crowe in Man of Steel. You can guess which of the above characteristics belongs to which character.

Agent Mariah Hill

As one of the few people that have only seen The Avengers once (despite loving it), my memory of the movie is still very clear - which might have to do with the circumstances under which I saw it (huge crowd, music festival in Denmark). One of the best things about this movie is its cast and the way it's very ironic about the big crew it puts together. However, the first cool thing I remember about the film has to be Cobie Smulders as Agent Mariah Hill. She was the first 'real' star to appear on the big screen and immediately people in the movie tent started shouting ROBYN and SCHERBATSKY. There are many things to like about her in this short appearance - first of all, she's a woman. Yeah, okay, we've talked enough about feminism but truth be told, there are too few female characters in most movies - especially comic book movies. (Let's not mention recent Marvel posters, shall we?). 

It doesn't bother me however - unlike many other, well I wouldn't call myself a feminist, but whatever - that Agent Mariah Hill is rather sexy. After all, most superheroes are (let's leave Hulk out of this, shall we?). At least she wears full clothing, I don't care how tight it is - I wouldn't want Superman to fly about in a sweater and jogging pants either. Furthermore, Agent Mariah Hill is determined, smart and skillful. She knows how to handle a gun and how to make a choice. She's not afraid to speak her mind. All of which convinces me that there should be a movie about her or at least one that features her in a bigger role. It's not that she's your perfect, deeply layered dramatic character, but isn't what I just summed up enough for a cool agent action movie? It would be if she were a male character. So this is really all I want; an easy, entertaining, well-written action movie that bears no traces of 'chick-flick' whatsoever.

Jor-El

As one of the few people that truly enjoyed Man of Steel, I have to admit that there were a few flaws in the movie. One of those was not focussing enough on the pre-story on Krypton and instead flying through a couple too many buildings in the showdown. Unlike some bloggers (not calling any names), I have never had a problem with Russell Crowe's acting (nor singing, he's really not that bad) but rather his characters or movies - think Robin Hood. Crowe has been miscast quite a few times, but he is perfect in the role of Superman's real dad - not a role I would've pictured him in, by the way. The reason I chose him is not because his character in itself is that great though, but mainly because the world he lives in is so damn cool. I mean, those flying droid metal things are reason enough to make a sole Krypton movie, ammiright? And Krypton itself looked mesmerizing, just like you've never pictured it because it doesn't actually play a big role in the comics - not the ones I've read, that is. 

Also, judging from reviews I've read and heard, most people enjoyed the first 20 minutes of Man of Steel much more than the rest of the movie and thought it had a lot of potential, so clearly I'm not alone on this train. So DC, after you're done messing up Batman, please consider returning to Krypton, would you? A few ideas: the movie could include a love story between a Kryptonian and one of those droid things, the journey of one common Kryptonian to become the leading scientist of his generation and young Zod terrifying his parents through all of his childhood and then performing a high school massacre. 

The Spin-off blogathon is hosted by Sati from Cinematic Corner and is about choosing a character with little amount of screen time (thus excluding supporting characters) and explain why you would like to see a spin-off movie with this character.