Going into a Broken Lizard comedy team movie was a completely new experience for this reviewer. Still trying to recover from the jolt to my senses, my noggin is reverberating like a gong and my eyes are continuously spinning. This is not the usual effect a movie has on me, but attending Super Troopers 2 was like an out-of-body experience run amok and supervised by someone with not one oar in the water but none at all.
The Broken Lizard comedy team originated at Colgate College in 1990 by (then) students Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske. After graduating college, the Beta Theta Pi fraternity members performed at small clubs in Greenwich Village. They achieved fame with their first film, Super Troopers, in 2001. The follow-up film was Club Dread, a spoof on slasher films, in 2004. After Chandrasekhar directed The Dukes of Hazard in 2005, the comedy group reunited to film Beerfest in 2006. Then they made The Slammin’ Salmon in 2010. This led to a contract with 20th Century Fox’s division Fox Searchlight in 2015 to make the sequel, Super Troopers 2.
When the governor of Vermont (a still-lovely Lynda Carter) figures out a border line between the United States and Canada has been tampered with and the markers have been moved, a whacky set of State Troopers are sent to the area to occupy the land. They set up a border station to which the Canadians greatly protest. They are not people to mess with, and they don’t take kindly to becoming American citizens by default.
The troopers, who are a combination of the Three Stooges, The Keystone Kops, and Laurel and Hardy, are completely inept at upholding United Nations International Relations. They roar into town like gangbusters and alienate everyone. Our good relations with our neighbor that have been peaceful since the founding of the USA are destroyed within a matter of minutes. Fistfights break out, barrooms are destroyed, faces are bloodied. The troopers are not winning any friends.
Rob Lowe, who must have been between pictures and television shows, looks as though he just stopped by for an afternoon to film some scenes and to pick up some easy money. He plays an outstanding citizen who owns a bordello flop house and dips his hands into other nefarious and unlawful pursuits. Shame, Mr. Lowe. You are better than this. Plus, he probably has the worst fake French-Canadian accent ever recorded. It’s painful to hear him attempting to impersonate that unique cadence. Just awful. This will put a rusted tin spike into the coffin of his career.
Just as a caution to the unsuspecting moviegoer, this is perhaps the crudest, rudest, dirtiest film ever made and borders on trash. However, that is not to say there aren’t many funny scenes that transcend the sophomoric script. This film fits into the classic Porky’s type of humor, with schoolboys who are grown up but haven’t moved on to more sophisticated humor. Bodily functions top the list of subjects for ridicule, of course, swear words are used where perfectly good English words could substitute, and slurs of all types make up the bulk of offenses. If silly, dopey, stupid humor is your cup of tea, then this is a film for you. It is not one for me.
GRADE: D-
Who Should Go: Fans of crude, stupid humor
MPAA Rating: R for crude sexual content and language throughout, drug material and some graphic nudity
Running Time: 100 minutes
Director: Jay Chandrasekhar
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Adventure
Cast: Lynda Carter, Rob Lowe, Brian Cox, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Seann William Scott, Damon Wayans, Jr., Broken Lizard Comedy Team
The cast of ‘Super Troopers 2.’ (Photo Courtesy of Fox Searchlight)
Denzel Washington reprises his role as Robert McCall, a man with a very special skill set, in The Equalizer 2. The first official trailer shows Washington learning devastating news and then feeling compelled to exact revenge.
The Equalizer 2 was directed by Antoine Fuqua from a script by Richard Wenk. Fuqua and Wenk also collaborated on the first The Equalizer film, released in 2014. The first The Equalizer action film starred Denzel Washington, Chloe Grace Moretz (If I Stay, Neighbors 2: Sorority Uprising), Melissa Leo (I’m Dying Up Here), Bill Pullman (The Ballad of Lefty Brown), and Marton Csokas (Into the Badlands). Washington, Leo, and Pullman return for the sequel. Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, Narcos) and Ashton Sanders join them for The Equalizer 2.
Jason Blumenthal, Todd Black, Denzel Washington, Alex Siskin, Steve Tisch, Mace Neufeld, Tony Eldridge, and Michael Sloan served as producers. Molly Allen and David J. Bloomfield executive produced the sequel.
The Equalizer films are based on the popular 1980s TV series starring Edward Woodward. The first movie opened in theaters on September 26, 2014 and grossed $34 million domestically over its opening weekend. The Equalizer went on to ring up $192 million worldwide before exiting theaters.
Columbia Pictures has set a Friday, July 20, 2018 theatrical release date for The Equalizer 2. The first film was rated R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, including some sexual references. The Equalizer 2 is not yet rated.
The Plot: Denzel Washington returns to one of his signature roles in the first sequel of his career. Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed – but how far will he go when that is someone he loves.
Fox’s Lucifer season three episode 20 had Lucifans worried about the mental state of the sexy Devil after Chloe and Pierce’s relationship really heated up. Lucifer was not only experiencing a severe case of jealousy over Pierce taking over the top spot on Chloe’s favorite partner list, he also had to deal with reports of an angel doing good all over Los Angeles. Lucifer was so unnerved by the thought that he could be the angelic do-gooder that he did everything in his power to stay awake all night, including participating in a fight club and binge-watching every season of Bones.
The episode ended with a twist that caught nearly everyone by surprise. Cain’s mark disappeared after he chose the right path and didn’t betray Chloe.
Up next, season three episode 21 titled “Anything Pierce Can Do I Can Do Better” and airing on April 23, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT. The episode’s guest stars include Robert Curtis Brown as William Sterling and Greg Ellis as Myles Drunker.
Season three stars Tom Ellis as Lucifer, Lauren German as Chloe, DB Woodside as Amenadiel, Lesley-Ann Brandt as Maze, Kevin Alejandro as Dan, Scarlett Estevez as Trixie, Rachael Harris as Linda Martin, Tricia Helfer as Charlotte, Aimee Garcia as Ella, and Tom Welling as Marcus Pierce/Cain.
The “Anything Pierce Can Do I Can Do Better” Plot: When a prima ballerina is brutally murdered, Lucifer helps Chloe solve the case and attempts to keep her focus away from Pierce. Amenadiel begs Charlotte to help him with an important plan, and Maze remains devoted to a task from which Pierce asked her to back away. Then, Chloe confronts Lucifer about his meddling in her life, but as he’s about to make a huge confession, he finds out something that changes everything.
Lauren German and Tom Ellis in ‘Lucifer’ season 3 episode 21 (Photo Credit: Fox)Tom Welling in the “Anything Pierce Can Do I Can Do Better” episode of ‘Lucifer’ (Photo Credit: Fox)D.B. Woodside as Amenadiel (Photo Credit: Fox)Tricia Helfer as Charlotte in ‘Lucifer’ season 3 episode 21 (Photo Credit: Fox)Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar (Photo Credit: Fox)
The CW and WaterTower Music have released a special Riverdale CD featuring the songs performed during the “Carrie The Musical” episode. The second season’s 18th episode aired on April 18, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT and featured the majority of the main cast showing off their singing skills as the characters participated in the school’s production of “Carrie The Musical.”
The CD features the full soundtrack to the episode. Among the cast members lending their voices to the musical episode were KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Madelaine Petsch, Vanessa Morgan, Shannon Purser, Casey Cott, Ashleigh Murray, Mädchen Amick, Jordan Callaway, and Emilija Baranac. Madelaine Petsch played Carrie, KJ Apa was Tommy Ross, Lili Reinhart took on the role of Sue Snell, Camila Mendes was mean girl Chris Hargensen, Jordan Callaway played Billy Nolan, Mädchen Amick was Margaret White, Ashleigh Murray played Miss Gardner, Vanessa Morgan was Norma, and Shannon Purser played Helen. Casey Cott handled the role of “Carrie The Musical” director.
Riverdale “Carrie The Musical” Soundtrack Track List:
The “Carrie The Musical” episode is based on Lawrence D. Cohen’s adaptation of the classic Stephen King horror novel. The music-filled Riverdale was directed by Jason Stone from a script by Arabella Anderson and Tessa Leigh Williams.
The Riverdale “Carrie The Musical” Episode Plot: As Riverdale High begins rehearsals for its upcoming production of “Carrie The Musical,” the arrival of an ominous letter forces director Kevin (Casey Cott) to make a difficult decision about the show. Jughead (Cole Sprouse) uses his cover as the musical’s documentarian to solve the mystery behind the letter. Meanwhile, tensions between Betty (Lili Reinhart) and Veronica (Camila Mendes) continue to escalate just as Alice (Mädchen Amick) announces she is joining the musical to spend more time with Betty.
Elsewhere, Hiram (Mark Consuelos) enacts a devious plan to further drive a wedge between Fred (Luke Perry) and Archie (KJ Apa), while Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) channels Carrie White during a showdown with her mother. The episode is directed by Jason Stone and written by Arabella Anderson & Tessa Leigh Williams.
Netflix just released a new full trailer for the thriller Anon, written and directed by Andrew Niccol. The sci-fi drama’s official trailer sets up the story of a man who can’t be sure what he’s seeing is actually there. After determining he’s been hacked, he calls in a woman with unparalleled hacking skills to try and figure out who’s behind the attack.
The cast is led by Amanda Seyfried and Clive Owen. Colm Feore (House of Cards), Mark O’Brien (Halt and Catch Fire), Sonya Walger (The Catch), Joe Pingue (Godless), and Iddo Goldberg (Salem, The Last Tycoon) co-star in the Netflix original film. Writer/director Niccol produced Anon with Oliver Simon, Daniel Baur, and Oda Schaefer.
Anon will be released on Netflix on May 4, 2018.
Writer/director Andrew Niccol and Amanda Seyfried previously worked together on 2011’s In Time. Niccol’s credits also include Gattaca, Lord of War, The Host, S1m0ne, and Good Kill.
Amanda Seyfried will next be seen in the romantic musical Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again with Dominic Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep, and Cher. Clive Owen recently finished up work on the crime drama Three Seconds alongside Rosamund Pike, Joel Kinnaman, and Common. He’s currently busy working on Gemini Man co-starring Will Smith and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and directed by Ang Lee.
The Plot: Sal Frieland (Owen) is a detective in a world with no privacy, ignorance, or anonymity; where everyone’s lives are transparent, traceable, and recorded by the authorities; where crime almost ceases to exist. But in trying to solve a series of unsolved murders, Frieland stumbles on a young woman known only as the Girl (Seyfried). She has no identity, no history and is invisible to the cops. Sal realizes this may not be the end of crime, but the beginning.
Amanda Seyfried stars in ‘Anon’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)Clive Owen stars in Netflix’s sci-fi thriller, ‘Anon.’
First poster for 2018’s ‘Halloween’ starring Jamie Lee Curtis (Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures)
He’s back… Universal Pictures has released the first official poster for the 2018 horror/thriller, Halloween. The first poster reveals a close-up of Michael Myers face which is definitely showing signs of age. (The serial killer’s in his 60s but apparently still going strong.)
The 2018 sequel finds Jamie Lee Curtis returning as Laurie Strode. The cast also includes Judy Greer (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Will Patton (Falling Skies), Nick Castle (The Boy Who Could Fly), Andi Matichak (Underground), and Omar J. Dorsey (Thank You For Your Service). David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, Vice Principals) directs from a script he co-wrote with Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down) and Jeff Fradley (Vice Principals).
Halloween is a Trancas International Films, Blumhouse Productions, and Miramax production. Jason Blum, Malek Akkad (veteran producer of the Halloween film franchise), and Bill Block produced, and John Carpenter, Jamie Lee Curtis, David Gordon Green, and Danny McBride executive produced. Carpenter, writer and director of the original 1978 film, also serves as a creative consultant.
John Carpenter’s 1978 horror film was made for a budget of $325,000 and grossed $47 million over its theatrical run. It also launched one of the most successful horror franchises in movie history.
Universal Pictures has set an October 19, 2018 theatrical release date. Horror fans will definitely realize the significance of the release date. For those who need a refresher, Michael Myers was born on October 19, 1957.
The Plot: Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode, who comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago. Inspired by Carpenter’s classic film, filmmakers David Gordon Green and Danny McBride crafted a story that carves a new path from the events in the landmark 1978 film.
Michael J Fox and Kiefer Sutherland in ‘Designated Survivor’ season 2 episode 18 (ABC/Ben Mark Holzberg)
“What’s going on?” asks President Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland). “A coup, sir,” answers Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) who’s joined the President’s staff in the Oval Office to inform Kirkman his presidency is in jeopardy in season two episode 18 of ABC’s Designated Survivor.
The episode picks up right where season two episode 17 left off with the reveal that the President’s private and confidential therapy sessions have been leaked. Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) and Agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) tell the senior staff they’ll be investigated because only a handful of people knew Kirkman was seeing a psychiatrist. The senior staff is forced to hand over their cell phones so Chuck Russink (Jake Epstein) can rule them out as the leak. A few are hesitant but all ultimately comply.
It soon becomes obvious that this latest problem is going to escalate as senators and other politicians refuse to do business with Kirkman as long as his mental stability is in question. Lyor Boone (Paulo Costanzo) meets with Kirkman’s psychiatrist (Timothy Busfield) to convince him to release a statement that the President is doing better now than when he first started therapy and that his words in his audio notes are being taken out of context.
Damian Rennett (Ben Lawson) meets with his former Russian handler to try to get information on Gamine – the hacker causing all the trouble for Kirkman. She gives him a lead and suggests he should do what he needs to keep himself alive. He can still be useful to the Russians with everything he has learned about America.
Kirkman’s informed that a total of seven hours of therapy sessions have been leaked. One of the tapes from the sessions suggests a special closeness between Kirkman and Andrea Frost (Kim Raver). Seth Wright (Kal Penn) handles the overly aggressive press and their questions about the President’s mental state.
Chuck finishes checking the White House senior staff phones and clears them. Chuck tells Wells he’s going to check the White House visitors during the timeline of the leaks, hoping to come up with a few suspects.
Boone discovers the cabinet is meeting with the Vice President to try to invoke the 25th Amendment deeming President Kirkman mentally unfit to hold the office of Commander in Chief. Kirkman meets with his VP and is furious she didn’t tell him. She reminds him the process is supposed to be secret and that she wants to give him a chance to prove that he’s mentally competent. There will be an impartial fact-finding mission led by legal expert Ethan West (Michael J. Fox).
Ethan arrives at the White House and introduces himself to the President and his staff. Ethan demands documentation on everything he feels is relevant, access to all the staff, and has plans to interrogate the President as well as his staff.
Boone meets with West for lunch to tell him he has evidence of all his professional failures and shady deals. West counters with information on Boone’s shady past actions that could destroy him as well if the public knew about them. The meeting ends up being nothing more than a stalemate.
Back at the White House, Emily is worried that her request to Chuck to find the leak in the White House using any means (including illegal methods) and his subsequent discovery of the leaker will come back to ruin both her and Kirkman. Emily talks to Chuck who reveals he didn’t break the law to get the information, even though she told him to. Chuck did some old-fashioned legal digging and called in a favor to get the information to catch Moss. Emily thanks him and as he’s about to leave, Chuck informs her he’s more than just the computer guy who works in the basement. He says he can do more to help the White House.
President Kirkman gives an interview and admits to the therapy sessions, assuring the American people he’s serving their interests. Emily and Boone think the interview went okay, but it needed to be stronger. They are far from out of the woods.
Meanwhile, Chuck has narrowed down the list of suspects with Gamine, and Wells and Rennett follow his new lead to investigate an art gallery. They pose as a married couple looking for information on the person who bought a vintage art piece.
Kirkman visits Boone in his office and asks what he would suggest. Boone fears there’s no good, solid way to recover from the therapy sessions leak. He reminds the President that he was never a true politician, that he was a teacher originally. Kirkman picks up on what Boone is suggesting and asks if he’s suggesting he should walk away. Boone says yes so that his legacy of being the man who stepped in and took over the Oval Office after the Capitol bombing will remain intact.
Next, Kirkman meets with Frost and admits he wonders if he was ever the man for the job of president. She assures him he is. Kirkman confesses he’s not sure if he can handle the job of being president anymore.
At the next press briefing, Seth gets fed up and scolds the media. He claims history will judge them on how they cover and treat President Kirkman who only sought out help after losing the love of his life, his wife.
Chuck shortens the list even more and it looks as though the hacker might be Dr. Frost who was at the White House visiting on those dates. He calls Wells to let her know. As Wells is trying to make calls to alert the President, a car speeds by and shots are fired from it. Rennett gets in front of Wells and is shot multiple times.
Back at the White House, Kirkman decides to ignore his staff’s advice and attend the science fair with Frost. While admiring the students’ accomplishments, Kirkman tells Frost more will come out from his sessions about how he feels about her. However, the memory of his wife is still such a big part of his life. Frost assures Kirkman she’s honored to be his friend.
Later, Kirkman meets with his staff and thanks them for all their hard work. He believes they’re the best staff he could ever ask for. Kirkman sits down with West who warns the President that he’s not going to “pull any punches.”
The episode ends with Kirkman visiting his daughter and telling her what’s going on. She interrupts him and says she knows he’s not crazy. He asks her where she heard that and she tells him some kids at school. She told them her daddy is sad sometimes and misses her mommy but isn’t crazy. Kirkman smiles and hugs his daughter.
Designated Survivor Season 2 Episode 18 Review:
Dramatic and at times forced, episode 18 titled “Kirkman Agonistes” moves the political thriller once again into the zone of political drama/soap opera with the leak of Kirkman’s therapy sessions tapes and the rushed overreaction by the cabinet to try to have him removed. What should have been perhaps the beginning of a two-part story arc is crammed into one episode.
The true surprise (although it’s not really that shocking) is the shooting and possible death of Rennett. He might be faking his death to return to working for the Russians or maybe to get out from both the Russians and Americans altogether.
With West about to try to take down the President and Kirkman and his staff getting ready to defend themselves from claims about the President’s mental state, it should be interesting to see who comes out on top.
The final trailer for Deadpool 2 pokes fun at DC Comics and references Goonies. “You’re no f**king hero. You’re just a clown dressed up as a sex toy,” says Cable (Josh Brolin). “So dark…you sure you’re not from the DC universe?” replies Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds). Later in the two and a half minute trailer, Deadpool tosses Goonies fans a cookie when he taunts Cable with, “Bring it on, One-Eyed Willie.”
The final trailer for the Deadpool sequel also provides a few clips of the new superhero team assembling as well as new clips of action scenes.
In addition to Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin, the cast includes Morena Baccarin as Vanessa, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, TJ Miller as Weasel, Zazie Beetz is Domino, Leslie Uggams is back as Blind Al, and Karan Soni returns as Dopinder. Deadpool 2 was directed by David Leitch (Atomic Blonde) and Stan Lee, Jonathon Komack Martin, Kelly McCormick, Rhett Reese, Ethan Smith, Aditya Sood, and Paul Wernick served as executive producers.
The original Deadpool film starring Ryan Reynolds opened in theaters on February 12, 2016 and collected more than $783 million worldwide during its theatrical run. 20th Century Fox is set to release Deadpool 2 in theaters on May 18, 2018.
The Official But Not Actually Truth Plot Description: After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry’s hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor – finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World’s Best Lover.
Ryan Reynolds stars in 20th Century Fox’s ‘Deadpool 2.’
E!’s The Royals season four episode six found the Royal Family airing their differences during what was supposed to have been a celebratory birthday dinner for Queen Helena. King Robert announced his engagement, Prince Liam brought Katherine as his date, and Jasper spent the dinner trying to convince his father (who was masquerading as a Duke) to leave. And, Princess Eleanor shared her secret night-time excursions to help those in need with Jasper. However, by the end of the episode, it appeared the Royal siblings were prepared to forgive and if not forget, at least move on.
Up next, season four episode seven titled “Forgive Me This My Virtue” airing on April 22, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT.
Season four consists of 10 one-hour episodes starring Elizabeth Hurley as Queen Helena, Max Brown as King Robert, Jake Maskall as Cyrus, Tom Austen as Jasper, Alexandra Park as Princess Eleanor, William Moseley as Prince Liam, and Genevieve Gaunt as Wilhelmina. Brian Robbins, Joe Davola (One Tree Hill, Smallville), and Shauna Phela are the executive producers.
The “Forgive Me This My Virtue” Plot: Eleanor enlists Jasper’s help for one of her covert missions; Helena begins a new chapter at a royal event where the press attacks Willow; Cyrus meets an unlikely ally.
The Royals Season 4 Plot: Drama about a fictional British Royal family, who inhabit a world of luxury and regal tradition, but one that also involves intrigue and unexpected twists revealing the complexities faced by royals trying to maintain high-profile relationships under scrutiny, and continuing to shine a light on the anarchy in the monarchy.
The fourth season of The Royals picks up after the charming, potentially duplicitous, Prince Robert (Brown) is crowned King of England. Prince Liam (Moseley) and his recently dethroned uncle Cyrus (Maskall) form an unlikely alliance, Queen Helena (Hurley) struggles to control her unruly brood as she figures out her role in the palace. And, after a heated on again-off again relationship, bodyguard Jasper (Austen) tries to capture Princess Eleanor’s (Park) heart one more time just as they are about to face their biggest obstacle yet.
National Geographic just announced the subject of the third season of Genius. Season one focused on Albert Einstein and season two delves into the life of Pablo Picasso. Season three will explore the author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley.
Fox 21 Television Studios produces the series and Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment, Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane’s MWM Studios, Sam Sokolow and Jeff Cooney’s EUE/Sokolow, and Francie Calfo executive produce. Executive producer Ken Biller will return for season three as the writer and showrunner.
Season two starring Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso will premiere on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT. Season three is targeting a 2019 premiere in 172 countries.
“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein left an indelible mark on generations of imaginations,” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president, global development and production for National Geographic Global Networks. “Equally inspiring is the story of Shelley’s relentless innovation, coupled with her desire to live on her own unconventional terms despite immense societal and cultural obstacles. I can’t wait for our talented team to bring her remarkable, relevant and timely story to life for season three of GENIUS and do justice to her literary legacy.”
“Mary Shelley has inspired countless filmmakers with her tale of the wretch brought to life by science gone wrong, but very few have fully captured her insightful reflections on society in the myth she left behind,” added executive producer Ron Howard. “Few know of her struggles due to gender inequities, her additional writings, her influence on other historically significant individuals and society at large. Showcasing someone like Mary Shelley and her amazing intellect, compassion and fortitude is exactly what this series is for, and we are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership with National Geographic and Fox 21 Television Studios.”
“Our experience with Courteney, Carolyn and the Nat Geo team has been phenomenal, and our award-winning first season exceeded even our own high expectations,” said Bert Salke, president of Fox 21 Television Studios. “Audiences are in for a treat with our follow-up, featuring a transformative performance by Antonio Banderas as our Picasso, and a compelling story created by Ken Biller. The choice of Mary Shelley as the subject of our third season speaks to the incredible depth of the franchise. How fitting at this moment in time to pivot to one of the many female geniuses in human history, and Mary’s story is both stranger than fiction and incredibly dramatic. We can’t wait to get started.”
Details on Genius Season 3 and Mary Shelley, Courtesy of National Geographic:
“A brilliant thinker, radical intellectual and proto-feminist, Mary Shelley (1797-1851) brought to life one of the most enduring stories of the modern age while still a teenager. Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus is a cautionary tale of unchecked scientific ambition and a sophisticated meditation on social institutions, personal freedom and compassion that has captured imaginations and continues to be relevant since it was first published 200 years ago. Shelley masterfully invented the Science Fiction/Horror genre with her tale of a creature brought to life, subsequently going on to create the Post-Apocalyptic genre with her later novel, The Last Man.
An intellectual prodigy who was inspired from an early age by the writing of her unconventional mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley was determined to prove that women were the intellectual and creative equals of men. One of few women to support herself as an author during the early 18th century, Shelley wrote short stories, reviews, travelogues, and made prolific contributions to the world’s first encyclopedia, she also wrote six novels. Shelley’s inner circle included countless literary and scientific luminaries of the day including Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Mary and Charles Lamb, Humphry Davy and Leigh Hunt.
Shelley met the love of her life, Romantic poet, amateur scientist and still-married Percy Bysshe Shelley, at the age of 16. After losing her virginity to Shelley at her mother’s gravesite, the pair eloped and were cast out by her father, the radical intellectual William Godwin. Shelley was to endure a lifetime of tragic misfortune, watching three of her four children die, losing multiple friends and family members to suicide, and outliving her husband, who drowned at sea. In true gothic style, Shelley elected to keep her late husband’s heart after his death.
Shelley’s writing was heavily influenced by the great scientific innovation and experimentation of the early 19th century. Scientists like Luigi Galvani, Giovanni Aldini and Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles, figured prominently in her life. The story of Frankenstein was inspired in part by one of the most important scientific theories of the time, Galvanism, the study of the effect of electricity on the dead bodies of animals and humans.
Mary Shelley spent the last few years of her life being looked after by her only surviving child, Percy Florence Shelley, before dying of a brain tumor at the age of 53.”
