﻿<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:spout="http://www.spout.com/schemas/rss/core/2006" xmlns:cf="http://www.microsoft.com/schemas/rss/core/2005">
  <channel>
    <cf:treatAs>list</cf:treatAs>
    <cf:listinfo>
      <cf:group element="type" label="Type" ns="http://www.spout.com/schemas/rss/core/2006" data-type="text" />
    </cf:listinfo>
    <title>Elektra's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
    <link>http://www.spout.com/</link>
    <description>Recent community activity around Elektra on Spout</description>
    <copyright>Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC</copyright>
    <generator>Spout RSS</generator>
    <image>
      <url>http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg</url>
      <title>Elektra's Recent Activity - Spout</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/</link>
      <width>136</width>
      <height>30</height>
    </image>
    <item>
      <title>Film:Elektra</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/films/Elektra/230861/default.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<table width='100%' style='font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><tr><td><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' /></td>
<td>
<strong>Title:</strong> Elektra<br/>
<strong>Year:</strong> 2005<br/>
<strong>Director:</strong> Rob Bowman<br/>
<strong>Plot:</strong> Daredevil's main squeeze gets resurrected in her own flick with this spin-off martial arts actioner from director Rob Bowman (<a href=/films/208083/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Reign of Fire</a>, The X-Files: Fight the Future). <a href="/players/P___230436/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Jennifer Garner</a> returns to the role of Elektra Natchios, a hired assassin whose origins are finally revealed after her old ninja clan the Hand brings her back from the dead to serve their evil purposes. Reunited with her old sensei, Stick (<a href="/players/P____67541/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Terence Stamp</a>), Elektra leaves the past behind her and is eventually given an assignment to kill Mark Miller (<a href="/players/P___226539/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Goran Visnjic</a>) and his daughter, Abby (Kristin Prout). When her conscience gets the best of her and she decides to protect them instead, it's up to the Hand's top assassins to track her down and finish the job. Fans of Marvel Comics might recognize <a href="/players/P___424529/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Natassia Malthe</a> as Typhoid Mary, another nemesis of Daredevil that joins in the hunt, along with other masters of the dark mystic arts, Tattoo (Chris Ackerman), Stone (Bob Sapp), and the Hand's fearsome leader, Kirigi (<a href="/players/P___306095/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Will Yun Lee</a>). ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide<br/>
<strong>Times Tagged:</strong> 20<br/>
<strong>Number of Lists:</strong> 24<br/>
<strong>Number of blog posts:</strong> 4<br/>
<strong>Number of discussion threads:</strong> 5<br/>
<strong>SpoutRating:</strong> 2<br/>
</td></tr></table>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 23:35:39 GMT</pubDate><spout:Title>Elektra</spout:Title><spout:Year>2005</spout:Year><spout:Director>Rob Bowman</spout:Director><spout:Plot>Daredevil's main squeeze gets resurrected in her own flick with this spin-off martial arts actioner from director Rob Bowman (&lt;a href=/films/208083/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Reign of Fire&lt;/a&gt;, The X-Files: Fight the Future). &lt;a href="/players/P___230436/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Jennifer Garner&lt;/a&gt; returns to the role of Elektra Natchios, a hired assassin whose origins are finally revealed after her old ninja clan the Hand brings her back from the dead to serve their evil purposes. Reunited with her old sensei, Stick (&lt;a href="/players/P____67541/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Terence Stamp&lt;/a&gt;), Elektra leaves the past behind her and is eventually given an assignment to kill Mark Miller (&lt;a href="/players/P___226539/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Goran Visnjic&lt;/a&gt;) and his daughter, Abby (Kristin Prout). When her conscience gets the best of her and she decides to protect them instead, it's up to the Hand's top assassins to track her down and finish the job. Fans of Marvel Comics might recognize &lt;a href="/players/P___424529/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Natassia Malthe&lt;/a&gt; as Typhoid Mary, another nemesis of Daredevil that joins in the hunt, along with other masters of the dark mystic arts, Tattoo (Chris Ackerman), Stone (Bob Sapp), and the Hand's fearsome leader, Kirigi (&lt;a href="/players/P___306095/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'&gt;Will Yun Lee&lt;/a&gt;). ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide</spout:Plot><spout:TimesTagged>20</spout:TimesTagged><spout:taglevel>Tag Target (&gt;10)</spout:taglevel><spout:Numberoflists>24</spout:Numberoflists><spout:NumberOfBlogPosts>4</spout:NumberOfBlogPosts><spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads>5</spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads><spout:SpoutRating>2</spout:SpoutRating><spout:FilmCoverURL>http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg</spout:FilmCoverURL><spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL>http://www.spout.com/films/Elektra/230861/default.aspx</spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL><spout:type>Film</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Could be more Elektra-fying</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/the_mow/archive/2009/5/1/41967.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/148616/default.aspx'>The_MOW</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/the_mow/default.aspx'>The_MOW Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 5/1/2009 7:35:39 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> "Elektra" (Jennifer Garner) is asked by her martial arts trainer, the blind "Stick" (Terence Stamp), to leave his training facility and becomes lost in the world she inhabits. "Electra" becomes a contract killer working for "McCabe" (Colin Cunningham). When she begins to wear out and requests time off, "McCabe" informs her that she has been hired by somebody who wants to pay double the normal rate, and she reluctantly agrees to taking the job. When she goes to the location for the hit, she is forced to wait for her orders. She then meets "Abby Miller" (Kirsten Prout) and her father "Mark" (Goran Visnjic). The next day, she learns that the father and daughter she has been been befriended by are her targets. As she tries to do her job on the "Millers", she realizes she can't bring herself to do it. When she goes to talk with them, she learns that they are also targets of "The Hand," a shadowy Asian gang of martial artists. "The Hand" is lead by "Kirigi" (Will Yun Lee) and his superpowered henchmen "Typhoid" (Natassia Malthe), "Stone" (Mixed Martial Arts star Bob Sapp), and "Tattoo" (Chris Ackerman). But they now must deal with "Elektra" to kill their targets, one of which is quite special. Now, if you have read the comic books of the same name, you are familiar with the story of "Elektra." Those who don't will see a good performance from Garner and fair performance from a supporting cast with poorly developed characters. There is some unique special effects in this film. Those which are associated with "Tattoo" will stand out more than any other. The fight scenes also stand out in this film. They are fast-paced and are quite exciting. And none of them are bloody at all. Editing and sound effects also are done quite nicely in this film. Nothing stands out at this level however. There are some problems with the script however. One of which is because, like most movies based on comic books or classic television programs, it relies on the fanbase that is already out there. The most character development is of "Electra," mostly because of flashbacks in the film to her childhood. The rest of the characters have little development, or rely on knowledge of the comic book. Despite that the movie mainly targets the comic book's fanbase, "Elektra" is a pretty good movie. Just don't expect any references to "Daredevil".<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 23:35:39 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>The_MOW</spout:postby><spout:postto>The_MOW Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>5/1/2009 7:35:39 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>"Elektra" (Jennifer Garner) is asked by her martial arts trainer, the blind "Stick" (Terence Stamp), to leave his training facility and becomes lost in the world she inhabits. "Electra" becomes a contract killer working for "McCabe" (Colin Cunningham). When she begins to wear out and requests time off, "McCabe" informs her that she has been hired by somebody who wants to pay double the normal rate, and she reluctantly agrees to taking the job. When she goes to the location for the hit, she is forced to wait for her orders. She then meets "Abby Miller" (Kirsten Prout) and her father "Mark" (Goran Visnjic). The next day, she learns that the father and daughter she has been been befriended by are her targets. As she tries to do her job on the "Millers", she realizes she can't bring herself to do it. When she goes to talk with them, she learns that they are also targets of "The Hand," a shadowy Asian gang of martial artists. "The Hand" is lead by "Kirigi" (Will Yun Lee) and his superpowered henchmen "Typhoid" (Natassia Malthe), "Stone" (Mixed Martial Arts star Bob Sapp), and "Tattoo" (Chris Ackerman). But they now must deal with "Elektra" to kill their targets, one of which is quite special. Now, if you have read the comic books of the same name, you are familiar with the story of "Elektra." Those who don't will see a good performance from Garner and fair performance from a supporting cast with poorly developed characters. There is some unique special effects in this film. Those which are associated with "Tattoo" will stand out more than any other. The fight scenes also stand out in this film. They are fast-paced and are quite exciting. And none of them are bloody at all. Editing and sound effects also are done quite nicely in this film. Nothing stands out at this level however. There are some problems with the script however. One of which is because, like most movies based on comic books or classic television programs, it relies on the fanbase that is already out there. The most character development is of "Electra," mostly because of flashbacks in the film to her childhood. The rest of the characters have little development, or rely on knowledge of the comic book. Despite that the movie mainly targets the comic book's fanbase, "Elektra" is a pretty good movie. Just don't expect any references to "Daredevil".</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Worst Comic Book Adaptation Ever?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/Re_Worst_Comic_Book_Adaptation_Ever/104/40553/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/122321/default.aspx'>seely</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/104/discussions.aspx'>Worst Movie Ever</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 2/19/2009 1:10:51 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="rjsprague"] The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it. [/quote] I was convinced that I could stand to watch 2hrs of Jennifer Garner doing just about anything, including blinking, reading a book or possibly knitting, but you're right. Elektra proved that not everything can be made tolerable with a gorgeous brunette and pouty lips.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:10:51 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>seely</spout:postby><spout:postto>Worst Movie Ever</spout:postto><spout:postdate>2/19/2009 1:10:51 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="rjsprague"] The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it. [/quote] I was convinced that I could stand to watch 2hrs of Jennifer Garner doing just about anything, including blinking, reading a book or possibly knitting, but you're right. Elektra proved that not everything can be made tolerable with a gorgeous brunette and pouty lips.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Worst Comic Book Adaptation Ever?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/Re_Worst_Comic_Book_Adaptation_Ever/104/40552/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/122321/default.aspx'>seely</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/104/discussions.aspx'>Worst Movie Ever</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 2/19/2009 1:10:49 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="rjsprague"] The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it. [/quote] I was convinced that I could stand to watch 2hrs of Jennifer Garner doing just about anything, including blinking, reading a book or possibly knitting, but you're right. Elektra proved that not everything can be made tolerable with a gorgeous brunette and pouty lips.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:10:49 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>seely</spout:postby><spout:postto>Worst Movie Ever</spout:postto><spout:postdate>2/19/2009 1:10:49 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="rjsprague"] The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it. [/quote] I was convinced that I could stand to watch 2hrs of Jennifer Garner doing just about anything, including blinking, reading a book or possibly knitting, but you're right. Elektra proved that not everything can be made tolerable with a gorgeous brunette and pouty lips.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Worst Comic Book Adaptation Ever?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/Re_Worst_Comic_Book_Adaptation_Ever/104/40551/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/122321/default.aspx'>seely</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/104/discussions.aspx'>Worst Movie Ever</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 2/19/2009 1:10:47 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="rjsprague"] The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it. [/quote] I was convinced that I could stand to watch 2hrs of Jennifer Garner doing just about anything, including blinking, reading a book or possibly knitting, but you're right. Elektra proved that not everything can be made tolerable with a gorgeous brunette and pouty lips.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:10:47 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>seely</spout:postby><spout:postto>Worst Movie Ever</spout:postto><spout:postdate>2/19/2009 1:10:47 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="rjsprague"] The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it. [/quote] I was convinced that I could stand to watch 2hrs of Jennifer Garner doing just about anything, including blinking, reading a book or possibly knitting, but you're right. Elektra proved that not everything can be made tolerable with a gorgeous brunette and pouty lips.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Worst Comic Book Adaptation Ever?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/Re_Worst_Comic_Book_Adaptation_Ever/104/40509/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/10240/default.aspx'>rjsprague</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/104/discussions.aspx'>Worst Movie Ever</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 2/17/2009 7:38:23 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Fantastic Four was actually a decent film considering the obviously lower budget. I actually have watched this one, and I wasn't rolling my eyes every two seconds, more like every 10. The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:38:23 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>rjsprague</spout:postby><spout:postto>Worst Movie Ever</spout:postto><spout:postdate>2/17/2009 7:38:23 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Fantastic Four was actually a decent film considering the obviously lower budget. I actually have watched this one, and I wasn't rolling my eyes every two seconds, more like every 10. The WORST comic book adaptation to film EVER has to be: Elektra Starring Jennifer Garner, and featuring the word CRAP as one of its' most prominent tags. I actually was never able to watch this entire film because I couldn't stand it.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Top 5 Ass-Kicking Heroine Films</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/Re_Top_5_Ass_Kicking_Heroine_Films/190/39333/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/119628/default.aspx'>mercurial</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Top_5/190/discussions.aspx'>Top 5</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 1/9/2009 5:19:28 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Let's see: Resident Evil BloodRayne Buffy the Vampire Slayer Aeon Flux Charlie's Angels Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc Elektra Freeway Coffy Foxy Brown La Femme Nikita / Point of No Return The Long Kiss Goodnight The Quick and the Dead My Super Ex-Girlfriend Cutthroat Island Red Sonja Supergirl Ultraviolet Catwoman Barb Wire Silver Hawk Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Lady Vengeance   For me, I either loved or hated these films. Kill Bill and Alien are probably my favorite female action protagonists.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:19:28 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mercurial</spout:postby><spout:postto>Top 5</spout:postto><spout:postdate>1/9/2009 5:19:28 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Let's see: Resident Evil BloodRayne Buffy the Vampire Slayer Aeon Flux Charlie's Angels Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc Elektra Freeway Coffy Foxy Brown La Femme Nikita / Point of No Return The Long Kiss Goodnight The Quick and the Dead My Super Ex-Girlfriend Cutthroat Island Red Sonja Supergirl Ultraviolet Catwoman Barb Wire Silver Hawk Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Lady Vengeance   For me, I either loved or hated these films. Kill Bill and Alien are probably my favorite female action protagonists.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Summer of the Actionless Female</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/4/23/27702.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 4/23/2008 2:00:43 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> 
Discussion of this summer’s heroine lack is in full throttle. Last friday, New York’s Vulture blog asked, “Where are the Roles for Superwomen?; Stu at Defamer jumped off from there, ultimately suggesting an X-Men spin-off for Ellen Page; John at The Movie Blog listed reasons “Why Most Female Lead Action Films Don’t Succeed” (shocker: men can’t identify with or believe in strong — and strong — female characters). Now, adding to the conversation in the least noble way possible, USA Weekend presents the appropriately titled “Girls Want to Have Fun, Too”, a cover story (with the least flattering photos I’ve ever seen) from its summer movie preview that spotlights Gwyneth Paltrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Liv Tyler as the “leading ladies” of the season’s three big comic book adaptations.
Of course, each of these three actresses are only secondary figures to their superhero counterparts (in Iron Man, The Dark Knight and The Incredible Hulk, respectively). But that’s not the worst of it: the women are asked what kind of super powers they would like to have in real life (how about in movie life, as in what superheroine they’d like to play?), and when questioned on the subject of women’s roles in superhero movies, each suggests that we’ve seen great progress:

How do you think women have changed in these kind of films over the years?
Gwyneth: There’s a reason why they’re hiring actresses like us. We’re all women, we’re all mothers, and we all normally do different films. There’s a certain understanding of who we are and what we bring and a certain respect for that.
Maggie: Twenty or 30 years ago, the women in these films were vapid and just appeared for extra silliness.
Liv: In all these films, our characters have real jobs and really fall in love and have real dilemmas. When you look at the history of the comic books, the women also have changed.
Well, maybe none of them has to suffer a wet t-shirt scene, ala Kirsten Dunst in Spider-Man, but that doesn’t mean things are truly better. Really, it would be much better if the women in these kinds of movies were the actual leads. And it’s not like we’ve never seen a great action heroine — two of the greatest action films of all time, Aliens and Terminator 2, both directed by James Cameron, feature non-sexualized, kick-ass female leads. Plus, as silly as they come, movies like Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill, Lara Craft: Tomb Raider, Underworld and Resident Evil have shown that sexy female-led action films can be relatively successful, too.
So, why does it still take forever to get a Wonder Woman film off the ground? (The rumored re-cancellation of Warner Bros.’ Justice League movie is another bad sign for that one). Why are there no female spin-offs from the X-Men movies? Is Hollywood really dumb enough to think the disappointments of Catwoman, Aeon Flux, Elektra, Supergirl, Barb Wire, etc. can be blamed on the gender of their stars? Just as many male-led superhero movies have been terrible, right?
OK, so let’s compromise, at least. Give us a movie were there’s at least a male-female superduo, like Cloak and Dagger or even The Wonder Twins. Or give Wolverine a sidekick, either Kitty Pryde or Jubilee, in his next solo outing. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:00:43 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>4/23/2008 2:00:43 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>
Discussion of this summer’s heroine lack is in full throttle. Last friday, New York’s Vulture blog asked, “Where are the Roles for Superwomen?; Stu at Defamer jumped off from there, ultimately suggesting an X-Men spin-off for Ellen Page; John at The Movie Blog listed reasons “Why Most Female Lead Action Films Don’t Succeed” (shocker: men can’t identify with or believe in strong — and strong — female characters). Now, adding to the conversation in the least noble way possible, USA Weekend presents the appropriately titled “Girls Want to Have Fun, Too”, a cover story (with the least flattering photos I’ve ever seen) from its summer movie preview that spotlights Gwyneth Paltrow, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Liv Tyler as the “leading ladies” of the season’s three big comic book adaptations.
Of course, each of these three actresses are only secondary figures to their superhero counterparts (in Iron Man, The Dark Knight and The Incredible Hulk, respectively). But that’s not the worst of it: the women are asked what kind of super powers they would like to have in real life (how about in movie life, as in what superheroine they’d like to play?), and when questioned on the subject of women’s roles in superhero movies, each suggests that we’ve seen great progress:

How do you think women have changed in these kind of films over the years?
Gwyneth: There’s a reason why they’re hiring actresses like us. We’re all women, we’re all mothers, and we all normally do different films. There’s a certain understanding of who we are and what we bring and a certain respect for that.
Maggie: Twenty or 30 years ago, the women in these films were vapid and just appeared for extra silliness.
Liv: In all these films, our characters have real jobs and really fall in love and have real dilemmas. When you look at the history of the comic books, the women also have changed.
Well, maybe none of them has to suffer a wet t-shirt scene, ala Kirsten Dunst in Spider-Man, but that doesn’t mean things are truly better. Really, it would be much better if the women in these kinds of movies were the actual leads. And it’s not like we’ve never seen a great action heroine — two of the greatest action films of all time, Aliens and Terminator 2, both directed by James Cameron, feature non-sexualized, kick-ass female leads. Plus, as silly as they come, movies like Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill, Lara Craft: Tomb Raider, Underworld and Resident Evil have shown that sexy female-led action films can be relatively successful, too.
So, why does it still take forever to get a Wonder Woman film off the ground? (The rumored re-cancellation of Warner Bros.’ Justice League movie is another bad sign for that one). Why are there no female spin-offs from the X-Men movies? Is Hollywood really dumb enough to think the disappointments of Catwoman, Aeon Flux, Elektra, Supergirl, Barb Wire, etc. can be blamed on the gender of their stars? Just as many male-led superhero movies have been terrible, right?
OK, so let’s compromise, at least. Give us a movie were there’s at least a male-female superduo, like Cloak and Dagger or even The Wonder Twins. Or give Wolverine a sidekick, either Kitty Pryde or Jubilee, in his next solo outing. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Bummer</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/jaymo/archive/2008/2/7/24835.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/118902/default.aspx'>JayMo</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/jaymo/default.aspx'>JayMo Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 2/7/2008 4:12:47 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> I really wanted to like this.  I thought Daredevil was a great movie.  Throw in Jennifer Garner kissing some other hot chick...sounds great.  Yah...if I hadn&#39;t had 3 or 4 gin &amp; tonics before the movie, I probably wouldn&#39;t have enjoyed it at all.  Well...except for the part with the hot chicks kissing...<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:12:47 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>JayMo</spout:postby><spout:postto>JayMo Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>2/7/2008 4:12:47 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>I really wanted to like this.  I thought Daredevil was a great movie.  Throw in Jennifer Garner kissing some other hot chick...sounds great.  Yah...if I hadn&amp;#39;t had 3 or 4 gin &amp;amp; tonics before the movie, I probably wouldn&amp;#39;t have enjoyed it at all.  Well...except for the part with the hot chicks kissing...</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: elektra</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/paul6969/archive/2007/5/12/8645.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t69968crunu.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/14753/default.aspx'>paul6969</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/paul6969/default.aspx'>paul6969 Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 5/12/2007 4:42:01 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> could hardly see the trailer on here but what i did see did not like it much would not pay to see it im not into this movie at all so keep your money and go look 4 a diff movie <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2007 20:42:01 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>paul6969</spout:postby><spout:postto>paul6969 Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>5/12/2007 4:42:01 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>could hardly see the trailer on here but what i did see did not like it much would not pay to see it im not into this movie at all so keep your money and go look 4 a diff movie </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:love</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/love/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/love/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>love</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 12478</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 338</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1480</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:28:29 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>12478</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>338</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1480</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:family</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/family/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/family/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>family</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 6288</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 226</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1138</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:09:21 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>6288</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>226</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1138</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:death</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/death/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/death/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>death</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 4306</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 140</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 526</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:27:13 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>4306</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>140</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>526</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:superhero</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/superhero/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/superhero/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>superhero</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 864</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 50</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 127</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:49:48 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>864</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>50</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>127</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:assassination</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/assassination/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/assassination/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>assassination</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1052</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 44</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 90</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:55:14 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1052</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>44</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>90</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:lost</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/lost/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/lost/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>lost</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 316</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 32</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 54</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:36:46 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>316</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>32</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>54</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:courage</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/courage/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/courage/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>courage</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1054</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 28</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 80</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:24:48 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1054</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>28</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>80</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:crap</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/crap/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/crap/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>crap</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 35</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 25</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 45</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:00:17 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>35</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>25</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>45</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:ninja</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/ninja/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/ninja/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>ninja</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 218</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 20</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 73</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:02:48 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>218</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>20</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>73</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:mentor</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/mentor/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/mentor/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>mentor</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 242</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 10</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 14</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:23:54 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>242</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>10</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>14</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:lessons</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/lessons/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/lessons/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>lessons</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 963</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 6</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 10</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:03:28 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>963</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>6</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>10</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:arts</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/arts/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/arts/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>arts</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 6</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 5</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 7</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:08:24 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>6</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>5</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>7</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:comicbookmovie</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/comicbookmovie/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/comicbookmovie/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>comicbookmovie</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 27</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 5</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 36</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2008 00:06:44 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>27</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>5</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>36</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:daredevil</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/daredevil/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/daredevil/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>daredevil</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 171</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 5</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 5</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:03:13 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>171</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>5</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>5</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:heroine</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/heroine/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/heroine/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>heroine</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 12</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 5</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 12</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:46:37 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>12</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>5</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>12</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
  </channel>
</rss>