Tank Top Tuesday: Superhero Edition

I like superheroes. I particularly like female superheroes. Sadly, there aren’t too many of them around, particularly on the big screen. Which kind of makes no sense because female superheroes tend to wear skin-tight outfits. And we as a culture love to look at women in skin-tight outfit. So it’s a win-win, really. Of course, the other side is that our culture tends to be scared/dismissive of women with power. And you don’t get much more powerful than a female superhero. So I guess our society’s love of sexy ladies is overridden by its need to subjugate all ladies.* Hm. That was kinda deep for a post featuring a lot of sexy ladies in skin-tight tank tops. My point is, we need more movies with female superheroes. Particulary good ones, because I have sat through too many really bad female superhero movies than I care to acknowledge. And as excited – duh, Joss Whedon and superheroes, of course I’m excited – as I am about “The Avengers” opening this weekend, I’m still bummed that the ladies are fewer and less prominent than the gentlemen. So let’s hear it for the ladies in lycra. Long may they save the world.

*Temporary wording fail. All fixed. Carry on, sisters in spandex.

Scarlett Johansson, Black Widow

Whatever boys, I’m all about Scarlett and her incredible thigh power.

Anna Paquin, Rogue

I kinda miss her as a brunette. But I really miss that white streak.

Jessica Alba, The Invisible Woman

Any movie that casts Jessica Alba and then makes her invisible is missing the point.

Charlize Theron, Aeon Flux

I wish this movie had been better, like a lot.

Halle Berry, Storm and Catwoman

Oh, Halle – you know I love you. But, alas, you’re really not at your best in superhero films.

Cobie Smulders, Agent Maria Hill

I want Cobie and Scarlett to have a lot of screentime together. Because the boy shippers can’t have all the fun at “The Avengers.”

Famke Janssen, Jean Grey/Phoenix

I love her eyebrows. Yes, I realize those aren’t what I should be staring at.

Helen Slater, Supergirl

True story, my dad took me to see Supergirl when I was a kid and afterward on the way out I accidentally hit one of the theater armrests and broke it in half. And my dad said, “Whoa there, looks like I’ve got my own little Supergirl.”

Eartha Kitt, Catwoman

Now that’s how you do Catwoman, Halle.

Which female superheroes are you holding out for – so to speak?

My Weekend Crush

Eartha Kitt may have well been the reason the term “sex kitten” was invented. Slinky, sassy and oh-so seductive, Eartha's magnetic appeal was remarkable for its irrefutability. It's not that Eartha wasn't sexy, because, you know – duh. But in 1953, 11 years before the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 finally outlawed racial segregation in America, she teased us with what is still the sexiest Christmas song around: “Santa Baby.” And everyone, everyone, was powerless against her siren song. An accomplished singer, dancer, actress and all-around diva in the most pure and delicious sense of the word, Eartha succeeded through a a mixture of sheer charisma, raw talent and dogged determination (though, feline determination might be more accurate). That she is so indelibly linked with Catwoman after only appearing in three episodes of “Batman” is a testament to her captivating stage presence.

If it wasn't for her unvarnished voicing of the truth at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson in 1968, she might have been an even bigger star. But instead chastising the government for sending young men to be shot and maimed in a war half-way around the world and sympathizing with those who rebelled in the streets in front of the First Lady and 50 other ladies who lunch got her blacklisted in the States for a decade. Still back she came and triumph she did, again. This woman born on a cotton plantation would not be denied her stardom. How could you deny it? So her passing yesterday on Christmas day, while – of course – terribly sad was also touched with the cosmic kismet of a performer who knows how to make an exit. Thanks for all the purrrfection, Eartha. Happy weekend, all.