Athletic Women Blog - Entertainment

"My girls are stronger than your boys"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:01:00 -0500

I believe it. Way to go girls!

(Video by Strongman Athletics)

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

Hope Solo is going dancing!

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:30:00 -0400

Dancing with the Stars has wisely given us a good reason to watch this fall.

Natalie Coughlin photo shoot: Natalie as Esther Williams

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:41:00 -0400

Who better to channel Esther Williams than Natalie Coughlin? The connection is so obvious: two fantastically gifted athletes in the same sport, and camera friendly as she is, we should expect that someday Natalie will have a movie career to match Esther's as well.

So, recently Natalie took on the role of Esther Williams with the help of award-winning make-up artist Melanie Mills. The results, needless to say, are stunning. What is more, the photo shoot was itself eventful, as seen in this cleverly edited footage:

Esther Williams

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:52:00 -0500

When Esther Williams was winning national championships in swimming, female athletes rarely achieved fame, much less fortune. They were few in number and generally marginalized. Still, Esther was a preternaturally talented swimmer and likely would have won a gold medal at the 1940 Olympics to be held in Tokyo, perhaps becoming an exception to the times. World War II intervened, however, and stole that singular opportunity from her.

Nevertheless, she had attracted attention anyway. From her official website:

In 1940 newspaper sports reportage, swimmers were frequently lined up for cheesecake photos, flashing big smiles and lots of leg. With her stunning good looks and tall, well-muscled frame, Esther was a standout! It didn't take long for legendary showman Billy Rose to notice the photogenic champion. Rose needed a female lead to star opposite Olympian and screen star Johnny Weismuller in his San Francisco Aquacade review. He invited Williams up for an audition and, so the story goes, Weismuller himself picked her out of a casting call of 75 hopefuls. Her performing career had begun.

Williams went on to make several movies, and for a time was among MGM's biggest stars. She was most famous, of course, for her scenes in the water. There she did most the work herself, which led to many injuries, even breaking her neck once during filming of a 115 ft dive. (Something to keep in mind when watching scenes from her movies, like the clip below.)

Resilient as ever, Esther recently fought back from a stroke; not only that, she is still swimming, as revealed in a GMA interview from 2007.

Want to know where the sport of synchronized swimming came from? Look no further than Esther Williams:

CLAW: Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:48:00 -0400

Theater, arm wrestling, philanthropy—three things that don't often come to mind together. But in toto they do describe CLAW (Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers, or more generally, Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers), as seen in the group's About page:

About

CLAW is a loose (and we do mean loose) affiliation of superbad women arm wrestling each other to raise money for women-initiated causes. We used to hold tournaments once a month at Blue Moon Diner until we got too big. Now we’re aiming for every 2-3 months. We are committed to supporting our community in and around Charlottesville, Virginia.

We have a facebook page, where you can become a fan and get all the latest CLAW news and updates.

Our Official Mission

CLAW exists to empower all women and strengthen communities through theater, arm wrestling, and philanthropy.

I learned about CLAW from Brian Wimer, who is making a documentary about it ("the revolution currently happening in women's arm wrestling"). The project's Kickstarter video gives a sense of the fun and madness that takes place at a CLAW event:

Angela Bassett: 'Strange Days'

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:10:00 -0400

I think it a shame that Angela Bassett hasn't been given more action roles. Truly she is everything you could want in an action star: a great actor with commanding physical presence.

In 1995 Bassett was given one opportunity to flex her muscles, in Strange Days (a sci-fi film that deserves more than the scant attention it has received). Here she tosses co-star Ralph Fiennes into a wall, and the action looks seamless, because you sense that in real life she could:

NBC passes on David E. Kelley's 'Wonder Woman'

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 13 May 2011 08:38:00 -0400

A phrase I'm quite tired of repeating—we'll have to wait to see a live-action Wonder Woman.

Except this time, though I'm pained to say it, it's probably for the best. From casting right through to the writing it was becoming evident that this was going to be a weak, light-headed (the typical Hollywood treatment given to heroines) presentation of the classic superhero.

It is better that Wonder Woman retain some of her majesty and live to fight another day.

Is NBC paying attention to Wonder Woman fans?

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:09:00 -0400

Version 1.0 of the new Wonder Woman outfit didn't go over so well. That being the case, Wonder Woman producers and NBC have made a few tweaks.

Just to refresh your memory, here is the before image:

And now the latest, as seen during filming in LA last week:

I'll let the fashion police judge the design's merits as just that, fashion, since Wonder Woman's fashion sense doesn't rate a high concern with me. But there has been analysis combining both aesthetic and functional issues, like Sequential Tart's, that is worthwhile. And I do think it odd that they put Wonder Woman in pants but didn't bother to put straps on her top. Pants rarely ease movement, and sturdy legs can be a sign of power. Having the additional concern that your top might fall off while fighting the bad guys, however, seems more a problem.

Nor do I think much about whether Adrianne Palicki is "beautiful" enough or whether she compares favorably with Lynda Carter. My only concern regarding imagery is that she be convincing as a formidable heroine and potent as a symbol of physical strength to girls and women, nay, to all of us.

First look at NBC's Wonder Woman (prepare yourself)

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:28:00 -0400

It's not as though in popular culture girls and women have symbols of strength to spare. Perhaps if they did what David E. Kelley and NBC are doing to Wonder Woman wouldn't be quite as hurtful. The new Wonder Woman costume, as it will be worn by the actress playing Wonder Woman, was revealed Friday (in truth, probably floated as a trial balloon). Does this give you the impression of a super-strong heroine?

I suspect it doesn't. Indeed, it seems not to have for hundreds of commenters at EW.com, Facebook, and elsewhere:

Leo: "I agree! I do hate the costume, but I think she should be more toned. She looks frail and way to thin. This looks way too pin up and less Female Empowerment. This costume makes Linda Carter’s look like a pair of military fatigues."

Shaa-chan: "I agree 100%! I don’t ask much, she doesn’t have to look like a bodybuilder or anything, I would just like her to look like she has strength at all!"

Wilhemina: "Holy crap. Cheap Halloween costume-meets XXX parody costuming meets the tranny Kardashian. And those boobs are obviously, distractingly fake. Looks cheap all around. To think that this is comics’ premiere female hero. While Supes and Bats get big-budget films, reboots, and Oscar-winning franchises, the alleged third part of DC’s comic Trinity gets a crappy Ally McBeal Meets Smallville TV Pilot that already looks like a disaster."

Lisa: "I completely agree. I am so disappointed,because Wonder Woman was my favorite growing up. I watched the series religiously and even had a Wonder Woman Barbie. I was excited to be able to introduce my young daughter to an empowering female superhero….guess I’ll have to look elsewhere."

Still, we need to make absolutely certain this great heroine isn't ruined by Hollywood hacks. So, if you think it important that media represent women as athletes and physically capable beings, and I assume readers of this blog do, make your voice heard as well. Join the fight!

Angela Mao: "the world's first major female action film star"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:28:00 -0500

I couldn't resist sharing this wonderfully done tribute to Angela Mao. A star in many 1970s martial arts films, Mao is sometimes regarded as the first world-famous female action star. It may only be the movies, but prodigious martial arts skills are on display here:

NBC has its Wonder Woman

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:40:00 -0500

The rest of us I'm not so sure about. Late yesterday it was announced that Adrianne Palicki will star in NBC's Wonder Woman pilot.

I was right about one thing, Kelley and NBC didn't waste any time. Indeed, now it seems they were in too much of a hurry, "... she was the only actress invited to test for it."

The putative casting sheet gave some hope they would choose someone with heft, that is, not the usual scrawny, not-so-athletic super- or action-heroine that has been Hollywood's staple. It might be too early to say, but that seems not to have happened.

We wish Adrianne luck—she certainly has her work cut out for her.

Wonder Woman wanted: "Long flowing black hair, blue eyes. Amazon-like, muscular, an Olympian"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:05:00 -0500

Things are moving fast on the Wonder Woman pilot. Not only has a director been settled on but the search for the new Wonder Woman is already under way. According to the casting sheet circulating the Internet, Wonder Woman producers are looking for:

WONDER WOMAN / DIANA THEMYSCIRA / DIANA PRINCE] Female, late 20s to 30s. A kick-ass Superhero / Powerful C.E.O. / A vulnerable woman. Long flowing black hair, blue eyes. Amazon-like, muscular, an Olympian. The charismatic stage presence of a rock star. A crime fighter. Also, a real woman who yearns to live a normal life. She is accessible and appealing to all people, men and women alike…SERIES LEAD. ASP.

This is quite encouraging in my view (sans the "vulnerable woman" nonsense). Someone in Hollywood seems to have figured out that a superheroine, just like any superhero, must have a redoubtable presence if she is to be taken seriously. In other words, if the above is to be believed, the producers realize that they are looking for Wonder Woman not Wimpy Woman.

We also have good reason to think that at least two auditions have already taken place—Jill Wagner and Tanit Phoenix. Expect the casting process to continue at a fast pace, considering that the target date to start filming is March 15.

The poll here has been heating up as well. Over the last few days I have received several excellent nominations. I will be mildly shocked if the new Wonder Woman isn't to be found there. Without question a few of the women listed in our poll fit the description to a T!

Amelia Cooke and the ballerina-action heroine nexus

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:08:00 -0500

I have commented before on the apparently easy transition afforded ballerinas when they decide to take up action roles in film or television. The foremost example of this would of course be Jennifer Garner, but there are others too (e.g., Summer Glau). It might be that their specialized, extensive training gives them complete sovereignty over their physical self, and that the camera captures and somehow amplifies this. In any case, whatever the exact cause, one perceives something special when watching the ballerina-turned-action heroine perform—her movement is potent yet seamless and majestic, it has an almost mystical quality to it.

Amelia Cooke spent the better part of her youth as an aspiring ballerina: studying at the National Ballet of Canada for ten years, and touring with the company as well. What's more, in 1997, Amelia was given the "Outstanding Athlete of the Year" award in Toronto. Later she turned to modeling, then to acting. That has led, perhaps inevitably, to action roles. The following scenes from Alien Agent supply further testimony to the unique physicality of a trained ballerina:

Amelia is sometimes mentioned as a possible Wonder Woman, and she is one of the many excellent candidates listed in our poll. It seems to me that they could do much worse, and that Amelia might just be special enough for this special, all-important role.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2011

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:08:00 -0500

Yesterday was the 25th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day. To mark the occasion—better late than never!—I am sharing a nice little salute to women in sports put together by Pretty Tough:

Rebecca Neuenswander Welsh, HALO on CBS Evening News

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:54:00 -0500

This blog's favorite athlete, action heroine, and humanitarian made the CBS Evening News last night for her work with orphaned children. CBS's Cynthia Bowers profiles Rebecca Neuenswander Welsh and her HALO foundation:

Wonder Woman is returning to television after all (Thank you NBC!)

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:08:00 -0500

I should have kept true to my Pollyanna self. Two weeks ago I reported that Wonder Woman would not be returning to television anytime soon. But thanks to NBC's new president of entertainment, Bob Greenblatt, she is. Greenblatt gave the go-ahead for David E. Kelley's Wonder Woman pilot last week, in one of his first moves after taking over the reins at NBC.

We'll have to wait and see if Kelley's version of the superheroine is worthy, but now we at least get to judge that for ourselves.

P.S. — Look for the "Who should be Wonder Woman?" poll to return shortly.

'Wonder Woman' series a no-go for now

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:10:00 -0500

Why it is so difficult to get a Wonder Woman film or television project off the ground I cannot fully explain. Certainly a sexist Hollywood mindset would supply part of the answer. But still...

Friday it was reported that David E. Kelley and DC Entertainment, after shopping around a spec script that Kelley had written, couldn't find a network willing to take on Wonder Woman. CW, which is under the same Warner Bros. parent umbrella as DC Entertainment, turned down the series because the license fees were too demanding. (Huh?) This may not be the final word on Kelley's Wonder Woman, but don't hold your breath.

There is a bit of good news to report, however. Twilight writer Melissa Rosenberg is working with ABC, whose parent company, Disney, now owns Marvel Comics, to bring Jessica Jones to television next fall. Consequently, one superheroine will have her own television series—and before Halley's comet returns (knock on wood).

2010, a remembrance

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:53:00 -0500

The year that just ended was a busy one, too busy even to summarize in one short post. But here are a few of the many noteworthy items from 2010.

The University of Connecticut women's basketball team won 90 games straight, a new record for college basketball.

Kelly Kulick became the first female Professional Bowlers Association champion.

The IAAF, after demonstrating clearly how grotesque is the enterprise of gender testing, cleared track athlete Caster Semenya for return to competition. (Unfortunately, that still left us with some whining.)

Jordanian Farah Malhass became the first Arab woman to compete in an international bodybuilding competition.

Female athletes, not surprisingly, brought their A-game to the 2010 Winter Olympics, particularly Lindsey Vonn.

In entertainment news, Covert Affairs was, in my view, the best thing to come about in 2010; I can hardly wait for its return this summer.

I try to post little amusements throughout the year that perhaps elicit a chuckle while making a point. One from 2010 that I remember
fondly is the Knight and Day stunt rehearsal gone wrong, so good it is worth a repeat. Enjoy and have a Happy New Year!—

Rare boxing video, circa 1910

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:54:00 -0500

Before Title IX was even a pipe dream, Vicki Unus and untold other athletic women managed somehow to give expression to their physicality. Certainly that was the case for the two female boxers seen in this rare video clip, without which they might otherwise be lost to history.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Take a moment to be Santa Claus

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:17:00 -0500

Former taekwondo champion and Rigged star Rebecca Welsh, née Neuenswander, is a rightful contender to be Wonder Woman. In her case, however, a script may not be required—she already plays a wonder woman in real life with her HALO foundation. This year she once again asks that we help out too, by playing Santa Claus to her Wonder Woman:

'Who should be Wonder Woman?' — The early returns

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:33:00 -0500

There seems to be modest interest in the Who should be Wonder Woman? poll, I'm happy to report. And thus far voting has been spread evenly, without a runaway leader; I assume this follows from a superb group of contenders. Continue voting—you can vote more than once—and sending in nominations, or rather, start sending them in, as I haven't received any recently.

Oh, and have a wonderful holiday too!—

Vote for the new Wonder Woman!

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:10:00 -0500

Finally it is time to ask, "Who should be Wonder Woman?" And to your left (also here) you'll see a fancy (garish?) new poll where you can respond with your vote. There are, to begin with, ten candidates from which to make your choice. These women are, in the main, plausible and impeccably qualified; but the list also shuns banality. For example, it includes two world-class athletes (Gina Carano and Natalie Coughlin), the selection of either of whom to don the costume would set in place a grand message for young women.

But there is room for more, so (sensible) nominations are welcome. You can leave a comment here, or send in your suggestion by email.

Ariana Berlin's dance and stunt reel

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:25:00 -0400

Another gymnastics standout making the transition to acting and stunt work. Only Ariana Berlin has a story that could fairly be judged miraculous, and a demo reel more rhythmic than any previously featured here:

One can play action heroine at any age

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:40:00 -0400

As Helen Mirren demonstrates in Red, due in theaters October 15:

David E. Kelley's "Wonder Woman" Must Succeed

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:32:00 -0500

Elizabeth Grunewald explains why, in her view, the new television series must succeed. But also in her post at the Escapist she ably provides a road map for how the series will succeed, namely:

Casting is going to be key. No, I'm underplaying it: casting is going to be crucial. Kelley needs to find an actress (perhaps an unknown, or at least a lesser-known) that can both redefine Wonder Woman for the generation that grew up on Lynda Carter, and introduce Diana Prince to a new generation of impressionable minds.

(Grunewald puts forth Gina Torres for the role, a good choice were this a few years ago. Jodi Lyn O'Keefe still gets my nod.)

Wonder Woman will rise or fall with the new Wonder Woman. The actress who will be Wonder Woman to this generation must embody the strength and dignity of the character, so that she is admired and respected by young and old, male and female alike. We've seen many times over on this blog that Hollywood is replete nowadays with talented athletic actresses. Let's hope that the people in charge of the new series put this bounty to good advantage.

Tess Kielhamer action reel

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:05:00 -0400

Tess Kielhamer proves a maxim of mine: never mess with a ballerina.

Wonder Woman might return to television

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:40:00 -0400

Like many people, I was thinking we'd see her next in a live-action film. But now it is starting to look as if Wonder Woman will be returning to television. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. A high-profile television series—one well-produced, well-written, and with the right star—could be equally worth looking forward to.

Recruits meet their first DI

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:07:00 -0400

A group of young women encounter their first Marine drill instructor. Her job: start preparing these raw recruits to be warriors:

'Avengers' will be a one-heroine show

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:01:00 -0400

I was more than a little disappointed to learn that Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) will be the only female Avenger to appear in the forthcoming movie. Moreover, Whedon's "but she will not be the only female character" is something of a cop-out, since any additional female characters will most likely be nothing more than love interests for the movie's male Avengers.

Nor can the excuse that there aren't enough extant female Avengers be used. The Avengers team has had a number of potent and interesting heroines associated with it over the years, including one of the strongest characters to be found in any superhero team: She-Hulk.

What a missed opportunity.

The action heroine returns to television in force

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:52:00 -0400

Already happily enjoying Covert Affairs, I could almost be convinced that halcyon days have returned to television looking at the fall lineup. Perhaps you are as encouraged as I am:

Kelli Giddish plays Deputy U.S. Marshal Annie Frost in Chase. Right now, I'd have to say that Chase has most piqued my interest:

La Femme Nikita gets a reboot of sorts with Nikita starring Maggie Q:

Not strictly a female action series—think instead Mr. & Mrs. Smith—Undercovers looks somewhat promising as well:

Battle of the sexes: 100 pull-ups for time

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:33:00 -0400

Drags on a little, but worth sticking around to see who wins:

Kaatie Akstinat aerial silks performance

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:10:00 -0400

This isn't the first time that Kaatie Akstinat has appeared on this blog, and I expect it won't be the last. Akstinat weaves a spell when she performs, leaving the viewer (supposing he or she isn't abiotic) dreamy-souled. Bask anew in her artistry and athleticism:

Salt but no beef

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:50:00 -0400

A review of Salt calls attention to it, and Hollywood Life made the very same observation at the Salt premiere in L.A. earlier this week (just ignore the recommended "toning" exercises—weak!). Moreover, both are right. We don't generally see spindly action heroes, with good reason. And those rules do not change, nor should they, for action heroines.

Who is Salt?

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:25:00 -0400

I guess we'll know tomorrow after Angelina Jolie's Salt opens in theaters. But then, you've probably heard about Salt already, for the film and its star have not been without plenty of press lately—some of it better called hype. Not to begrudge Jolie her rightful due, but a company of women—Weaver, Hamilton, Goldstein, Yeoh, et al.—paved the way for today's female action stars, and Jolie is as much a beneficiary of that progress as a contributor to it.

That said, Jolie's performance in Salt has a lot riding on it. The chances that we'll see more female action films will be greatly improved if Salt does well at the box office; let's wish her luck!—

USA Network's new action series: 'Covert Affairs'

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 22:42:00 -0400

If like me you missed its premiere Tuesday night, you might want to set your DVR to record Covert Affairs on USA Network (episodes should re-air throughout the week, and you can also watch online).

The new action series, which stars Piper Perabo, evidently got off to a strong start, and is getting at least some positive press. To be honest, when I first saw the trailer, I immediately thought of Alias—apparently, I wasn't alone.

Television has been drab lately, terribly so, in fact. We can only hope that Covert Affairs will liven things up; and its trailer does supply a glimmer of hope:

And if Covert Affairs steals a little from Alias, throws in a dash of Sydney Bristow here and there, well, my heart won't be broken:

Reminder: 'Covert Affairs' tonight

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

The other day, I brought Covert Affairs to your notice (only shortly after having learned of it myself). Today's post serves as a brief follow-up and a reminder that Covert Affairs continues tonight.

My first impressions of Covert Affairs, now having watched the premiere myself, are good overall. I like this new heroine Annie Walker. She is sharp, gutsy, strong, athletic—everything you expect from an action heroine. And Piper Perabo, the actress who plays her, does it all proficiently. One sees that Perabo has given herself fully to preparation for the role; that is to say, she is putting in the hard work required to be an authentic action star.

Not that I couldn't find something to nitpick. That being I don't care for the romantic backstory. It's tolerable thus far but hackneyed. I fear it will but hope it doesn't come to overwhelm all the good and original stuff.

Still, the good does outweigh the bad, by no little quantity either, and Covert Affairs shows promise to be the best female action piece to air on television in a long while.

Jodi Lyn O'Keefe is Lilith Reborn in 'Soul Fire Rising'

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:10:00 -0400

So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.¹

I'm guessing that some of you, maybe even most of you, don't know that Adam had a wife before Eve. Her name is Lilith. Unlike Eve, though, Lilith was created the same time Adam was, and in the same fashion.

Except there was a problem; matchmaking can be a dicey business, even for a god. Lilith refused to give up equal status, refused to subdue herself to Adam. She said to Adam, "I will not lie below," and he said, "I will not lie beneath you, but only on top. For you are fit only to be in the bottom position, while I am to be the superior one." Lilith responded, "We are equal to each other inasmuch as we were both created from the earth."

They couldn't reach agreement in this, and so Lilith went away to live alone. But as has happened to many a strong woman since then, Lilith was demonized in the press, so to speak, except quite literally in her case. Myth and folklore since that time, often refracted through patriarchal eyes, has made her into an arch-demon responsible for infant deaths. But isn't she in fact the first heroine?

Lilith's story continues to be a cultural presence down to present-day. Now it is re-imagined in a new web series called Soul Fire Rising. My interest in Soul Fire Rising stirred when I learned that Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, often mentioned to play Wonder Woman (practically a no-brainer if you ask me), would be starring. I had been keeping an eye on the series since, but no O'Keefe and it seemed rather aimless at times. But that all changed recently with Episode 5. The star takes the stage, and it now looks as though things will be picking up—if not outright rocking.

¹ From the TNIV Bible; anyone wanting to scrutinize translations should visit here and here.

Wonder Woman gets a new look

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:03:00 -0400

I never thought I'd be saying this, but apparently it is fashion week at the Athletic Women Blog (not by choice or plan, mind you). Today's post is the result of DC Comics' announcement this week that it is giving Wonder Woman a makeover (see right). Reaction to this news, much of it negative, isn't hard to find, naturally. But the timing and the nature of the makeover have also led some to speculate about what might be planned for the forthcoming movie.

I have mixed feelings about the new look myself. The desire to update her look, to do away with the bustier and star-spangled panties, I completely understand. But to my mind this overreaches. The "urban" look for starters. Is there no room left for the simply mythic?

And the jacket. Well, that just has to go. In an effort, I can only guess, to de-sexualize Wonder Woman, they now have her covered too much. Muscle represents power, not masculine power but power alone, and Wonder Woman should be allowed to flex hers once in a while too.

Enough of my opining, though. What do you think of the new look? Leave a comment or a vote.

Jessie Graff stunt reel

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:22:00 -0400

Stuntwomen make frequent appearances here, with good reason for they embody what this blog is about.

And in that spirit we continue. Today our star is Jessie Graff—another female athlete (former pole-vault champion) making a home for her athletic skills in Hollywood:

Rhona Mitra stars in 'The Gates'

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:20:00 -0400

Doomsday didn't win any Oscars—the Academy can stoop only so low—though it did give us a delightful, indelible action heroine: Major Eden Sinclair. But for the most part the credit for Sinclair's convincing aura of strength and grittiness goes to Rhona Mitra. It was her performance in Doomsday that conjured the sturdiest action heroine we've seen in recent memory.

So what is Mitra up to now? It seems we'll find out June 20 when her new series The Gates premieres on ABC:

And the Doomsday trailer again, just because:

Nicolas Winding Refn gives his vision for 'Wonder Woman'

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:37:00 -0400

Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn, perhaps best known for Bronson (which, alas, I haven't seen), wants to make Wonder Woman and isn't shy about saying so. And after reading his Movieline interview, I'm inclined to think that he might be the person for the job. He obviously has a passion for it, no small plus. Moreover, his take on how to approach the movie is different, fascinating—and most important, respectful of the character and what she stands for (and against).

Refn's movie, it seems likely, would be very different from the typical Hollywood slant on female heroes; these tantalizing snippets from his interview, for instance:

At the same time there is [something subliminal], because the real origin of Wonder Woman is: What if women were more powerful than men? What would the world be like? That’s a subliminal theme.

The whole idea of a woman who is basically more powerful than any man — and who will always be that, and comes from a society of women who are more powerful than men — is an interesting theme that I think can be very contemporary.

I do hope someone at Warner Bros. is paying attention.

Jennifer Love Hewitt: "I really want to play Wonder Woman"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:25:00 -0400

I don't know how you feel about a 5'2" Wonder Woman, but Jennifer Love Hewitt, through her publicized entreaty, does lend credence to reporting of late: "I'm fighting so hard. I think Warner Bros. is getting ready to make Wonder Woman and I really want to play Wonder Woman."

Thus we may conclude that something is indeed afoot.

The next (and hopefully final) round of Wonder Woman casting rumors is sure to start soon. We'll have those here, that is, the ones worth commenting on anyway.

A poll is in the works too—consider it the "Official Unofficial Who should be Wonder Woman? Poll"—and suggestions for candidates are now being accepted, so feel free to leave a comment or write in with your nominations. So far there are only two: the first, my nominee, is no surprise, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe. The second, Amelia Cooke, is by request.

It is most likely still a long way off, but the news is exciting nonetheless—a live-action Wonder Woman film is finally on its way to theaters!

Wonder Woman auditions

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:13:00 -0400

We get this update from The Hollywood Reporter. A couple of the women reported to have auditioned might make a passable Wonder Woman, but overall, there is nothing to get too excited about here.

I keep hoping Warner Brothers and JLA director George Miller will focus on getting someone with the physicality the role needs so that Wonder Woman won't be perceived as a pushover compared to the male superheroes. When they were talking to Jessica Biel, it seemed they understood that, but now I'm not so sure.

They want to go with a very young cast (or so the article linked above says), which is fine. But I'm really surprised that they didn't call Missy Peregrym in for this first big round of auditions; outside of Jessica Biel, she is arguably the most athletic young actress currently working in Hollywood. (This photo gives a glimpse of her athletic physique—you can tell that she doesn't have trouble putting on muscle.)

Jennifer Garner to play another superheroine?

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:30:00 -0400

If the reporting is legitimate, this news is the best I've seen in some time. The magic that was Sydney Bristow isn't likely to be repeated anytime soon, but Jennifer Garner has action-star bona fides; we know she can do a formidable superheroine:

Meet Luci Romberg

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:02:00 -0400

During high school and college, gymnastics, soccer, and diving were the outlets for her athleticism. Now, those have been replaced by stunt work and free running. See if you think Luci "Steel" Romberg is incredible (I bet you do):

Cameron Diaz: 'Knight and Day' stunt rehearsal gone awry

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 14 May 2010 09:35:00 -0400

Athletic and statuesque, Cameron Diaz looks right at home in action roles (not many A-list stars do). Diaz returns to her element on June 25, in Knight and Day. And from the look of things, this might be a film worth the costly trip to the theater.

During stunt rehearsals for Knight and Day, Diaz seems to have given her male co-star, Tom Cruise, a new appreciation for the ominous power an athletic woman wields:

Knight and Day trailer:

Scarlett Johansson a.k.a. Black Widow

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 05 May 2010 09:28:00 -0400

Was Scarlett Johansson able to transform herself into a convincing superheroine? Did her hard work, though lamented, pay off?

We'll soon know, Iron Man 2 hits theaters Friday:

Tsianina Joelson at Xena Con 2010

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:10:00 -0400

As a whole, Xena had the strongest female cast of any action series, or film, ever. Xena, throughout its run, consistently staged a universe dominated by strong female characters always portrayed ably by athletic women. The writing may have ebbed at times, but the cast never did that I could tell.

This goes for not only Lucy Lawless and Renée O'Connor but also the supporting cast (indeed, especially even): Tsianina Joelson, Hudson Leick, Victoria Pratt, Gina Torres, among others. Impressive women—some (e.g. Pratt and Joelson) had been accomplished athletes—who made their characters convincingly formidable; in other words, textbook casting for strong female characters.

Xena Con 2010 was held this past February in Los Angeles. The Amazon Varia (er, I mean Tsianina Joelson) showed up. We are lucky enough to have some video:

Stuntwoman Allison Caetano

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:32:00 -0400

Hollywood abounds with talented athletic women nowadays. So many, in fact, that there isn't excuse for our not finding an action heroine on television every night; a superheroine in movie theaters every month.

Allison Caetano, a former nationally ranked gymnast turned to acting and stunt work, for instance. What follows is Allison's action reel. If ever it does anywhere the time-honored warning certainly applies here—don't try any of this at home!

Marawa the Amazing

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:21:00 -0400

That advanced hula hooping might be a revelation of otherworldly athleticism was not something I had considered before discovering Marawa the Amazing. Now, I'm thoroughly convinced of it. Methinks that soon you will be too: