This Blog Has Been Glanced at This Many Times:

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

(Late) REVIEW - "The Dark Knight" (2008) (Extended Spoiler Version)



As I write this review the effects of “The Dark Knight” have already spread across the globe. It is the second highest grossing film in the domestic box office and it has nearly hit $1 billion worldwide. It’s been highly acclaimed by general audiences, Bat-fans and critics alike. As its anticipated DVD release looms, Warner Brothers is piling on the big guns to promote the film for a best picture nomination and a supporting actor nod for Heath Ledger.

“The Dark Knight” is clearly no small success, but does it live up to the hype? Is it really that good? A simple “yes” isn’t quite the justice the film deserves on its own. I don’t normally write spoiler reviews, and I will edit this review and create a “spoiler-free” version for those who like me to keep it that way. But at this point it’s highly unlikely you haven’t seen the movie. And to talk about it without covering the more revealing elements of the film is like talking about the essence of Tyler Durden without spoiling “Fight Club.” Anyone want to take a stab at that?

The movie begins with the now epic bank robbery scene where The Joker (Heath Ledger) tricks his men to kill each other so he doesn’t have to share the loot. Following the film’s stunning introduction is the closure of Scarecrow from the previous flick. This a very interesting piece in the movie because over a year has passed and we see Batman (Christian Bale) has yet to capture Dr. Crane. Furthermore, we see the introduction of the “copycat” batmen who feel they can do Batman’s job by blazing firearms at the Scarecrow and the people he’s dealing drugs with. Batman quickly puts a stop to both sides, relieved he’s finally caught Scarcrow and rather annoyed at the appearance of the copycats.

Indeed things have changed in Gotham since the audience left “Batman Begins.” The Falcone family now has a new boss, Salvatore Maroni, criminals scurry the streets in fear, and Gotham has a “White Knight” in the form of district attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart). Determined to clean up the town and do away with Maroni’s crime spree, Bruce Wayne sees Dent as his out—As the man who can take up his mantle and save the city properly.

Escalation is a huge theme in this movie however, and despite Batman’s efforts and hopes of stopping Maroni with Dent and Lt. Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), The Joker is on the rise. “He’s just one man,” Batman underestimates, “he can wait.” The fantastic thing about Heath Ledger’s Joker is that he, like Batman, is a character written as a symbol. He has nothing to lose and therefore cannot be battered in to fear or contempt. He is perhaps film’s greatest on screen attempt at a pure anarchist. He has no rules. No attachments. No ambitions. He is Batman’s exact opposite.

With still high hopes of Dent taking over his job and spending the rest of his mangled life with Rachel Dawes, (Maggie Gyllanhaal) Bruce Wayne continues to fight fire with fire against a man bent on torturing the souls of an entire city. Ledger plays a character who seems to borderline both sense and madness in pursuit of showing us how horrifying the battle against nihilism really is.

I suppose we could say the same of Batman considering he looks like a giant bat who runs over police cars with a jet powered tank. I found it very interesting that this movie had more to do with Batman’s character rather than Bruce Wayne. “… I am convinced you will always need Batman.” Rachel writes to Bruce. How very true to the character. In this film we see the power of Batman tested. In one of, if not the, very best scenes in the movie, Batman faces off with The Joker in an interrogation room. It starts innocently enough—Batman is as still as a stone. His eyes could stare a hole through The Joker. But his gazing control is tested as The Joker reveals his true character: Battling Batman is fun! Why should he take down a whole city without a little confrontation after all?

The interrogation scene ends in mayhem, however; The Joker’s antics prove successful as Batman crosses the line and beats him mercilessly. This is character acting at its finest. You have Heath Ledger, decked out in the most grotesque make-up, giving a performance so eerie that it begs for years of constant dissection. Then you have Christian Bale, a man who is able to transcend the fact he’s wearing a bat-suit and utilize his physical acting and monstrous voice to show a fear Batman knows all too well: The fear of loss.

In one of the films most intense sequences revolving around The Joker’s escape, and the rescue of Harvey Dent, Batman’s hope of becoming Bruce Wayne again dwindles with the death of Rachel. Yet Batman isn’t the only one affected…

I’m going to take a quick detour and praise the advent of Harvey Dent. Aaron Eckhart, a fantastic actor that has only shown the most devoted talent in each of his films, plays one of the most tragic characters I’ve seen in a comic book/superhero film. His character represents the light of Gotham City. He is the hope of not only the people, but of Batman as well. It’s interesting watching this side of him as opposed to his more popular alter ego, Two-Face. Throughout most of the movie Eckhart’s hopeful performance leads the audience on to believe he can succeed. However, when the love of his life, Rachel, bites the dust, The Joker makes an appeal to his… “uglier side.” Thus is the fall of the “White Knight.” The fall of hope.

The metaphoric and physical mayhem that plays in the lives of these characters is further emphasized by the film’s visuals. I don’t simply mean the special effects that incorporate a much-applauded lack of CGI and heavy use of practical effects. No, I mean the talent director Christopher Nolan displays with his shots. Skylines have never looked so majestic as Batman swoops around or stands atop them as the fading sunlight illuminates the dim sky. The cleaner look of Gotham is a testament to Batman and Dent’s work over the year—And it makes it all the more stunning to watch The Joker burn it down.

For this sequel Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan’s brother, took a stab at the script. The two had worked together on “The Prestige” and “Memento,” a movie I can only proclaim as one of the very best of the last two decades. Nolan’s brother creates lines that run like poetry. Rather than having a high stock of action-cliché one liners, “The Dark Knight” is quotable simply because the lines mean something. While the line “You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain,” is obviously a reference to Harvey Dent’s fate, no one could have guessed what it meant for the movie’s hero.

In a twist of events, that leaves Batman alone in the world, Harvey Dent dies after murdering five people. He allowed anarchy in his life at the flip of a coin and traded his favored justice system for chance. Some fans have complained that the death of Two-Face was a waste, but I disagree. He set out to take revenge for himself and his character came full circle by hitting rock bottom. Furthermore, without his death, a very powerful moment in the film could not be realized: The intervention of Batman’s selflessness.

After quoting Jonathan Nolan’s famous “die a hero” line, Batman takes the mantle of blame from Dent and runs. Wanting to help him, Gordon can do nothing but watch as Batman is chased down. This is not simply the sight of a single man taking the sins of another—This is a man selling his life away so that a city of people can continue to have hope. Converting himself into some Christ-like figure, Batman now has nothing. Rachel is gone. Dent cannot take his mantle from him. He cannot even reveal himself to the city because Gotham needs time to heal; after all, the escalation needs to end. This leaves Bruce a lone, trouble man. A person who can’t maintain his much needed alter ego and no longer has a future. He has sacrificed everything in his life, even those he’s cared for, to save the people of Gotham City.

It’s almost tear jerking watching such an absorbent amount of selflessness displayed on screen. Any real man probably wouldn’t be able to take it. On the other hand, in reality, the criminals on the ferry would have blown the other one sky high. But do we want to believe that? Is it scary to think that the bleak world displayed in “The Dark Knight” is better off than ours?

In a time where the economy is hurting people, war is rampant and uncertainty runs amok, Nolan’s film introduces a faint spark of hope. “The Dark Knight” has faith that people are, in fact, good. Hope can do amazing things, but at what cost?

It amazes me that a film like “The Dark Knight” turned out as well as it is. In some sense this the movie I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I’ve always been a Batman fan, but I also enjoy fun movies too. Why is it that summer blockbusters are always considered “good-for-the-summer,” but have no chance against the high-class, “artsy” movies that invade the autumn? Is it possible for a summer blockbuster, a movie based on a comic book no less, to step up with Oscar ranks? I’ve wanted to think so, and I think “The Dark Knight” has done just that. It is a powerful and engrossing crime thriller that should be hailed next to “The Departed,” “Heat” and… Dare I say it? “Chinatown?”

It isn’t that “The Dark Knight” is a flawless movie, or the best movie ever made. People will continue to nit-pick due to its popularity no doubt, but that’s all too easy with any film. It doesn’t negate the fact that Nolan’s most mature film to date bears an unmistakably strong message of hope. Strong characters, messages, cinematography and writing abound this movie that I believe may be the best film of 2008. It’s at the very least cinema’s finest comic book-based film. And if Nolan’s Batman story ends there, it couldn’t have left on a better note.

**** out of ****

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Hollywood Decides to Basterdize "The Host"

Paint me skeptical and label me angry, because this is just too absurd. "The Host," a film that was only released last year in America and was originally released in 2006, will be remade for American audiences. Gore Verbinski ("Pirates of the Caribbean") will be producing with a couple of nobodys set to write (Mark Poirer) and direct (Frederik Bond).

Fredrik Bond has been praised as one of "The World's Hottest New Directors" by Campaign Magazine and has received extreme praise for his work in advertisements and a music video for "Moby." They're still not quite the credentials I'm looking for to direct-- Sorry, to remake a movie as fine as "The Host." I'm not convinced.

At this point I don't care who's directing it. "The Host" is a powerful satire and a beautiful movie about a dysfunctional family come together. Never mind the simple fact it is also one of the greatest modern monster movies out there.

This isn't the first time this has happened. It's been a popular thing to remake recent, successful Asian cinema and dumb it down for American audiences. Don't believe me? Think this comment is a cliche? Watch "The Grudge" and then watch the original version, "Ju-on." The scares may be the same, but one is far more complex than the other-- Guess which? I'm not bitter. I'm just right. Leave "The Host" alone.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

TRAILER - Star Trek (Trailer 2)

A lot of really fantastic trailers have been released recently... But this takes the cake. At first, I had no idea what it was, and when I found out (and it's cool when you find out) my mind had already been blown in to overdrive. It what might be the coolest, most exciting trailer since "The Dark Knight," we watch the origins of Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise herself unfold in one of the most satisfying "teaser" trailers I've ever seen.

So far, I'd like to shake J.J. Abrams' hand. The movie looks stunning. Lets hope the actual product will be just as satisfying.


Watch star trek trailer 2 in Entertainment Videos  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

May can't get here fast enough. Is it more is 2009 looking a lot more fun as of recent?

Poll - What's Your Favorite 007 Film?

I knew this poll would be a bad idea, but I made it anyway. Not too surprising, "Casino Royale" won the poll in an insane landslide-- With second place being "Other." And I thought I had put up what many consider to be some of the best Bonds flicks...

Here's the results:






Casino Royale - 59% - 13 Votes

Goldfinger - 9% - 2 Votes

From Russia With Love - 9% - 2 Votes

The Spy Who Loved Me - 0% - 0 Votes

The Living Daylights - 0% - 0 Votes

Thunderball - 0% - 0 Votes

Golden Eye - 4% - 1 Vote

Dr. No - 0% - 0 Votes

Live and Let Die - 0% - 0 Votes

You Only Live Twice - 0% - 0 Votes

Other - 18% - 4 Votes

Looks like "Casino Royale" still has the most amount of love. The poll was worth a shot though...

Friday, November 14, 2008

TRAILER - Watchman (Trailer 2)

The next, highly anticipated, trailer to "Watchmen" has finally been released. It's been unveiled to mixed opinions, but most seem blown away by it-- Particularly the fans of the graphic novel who feel the characters have been kept close to their roots.

I wasn't blown away with it at first, but then again the initial trailer took awhile to grow on me as well. The new trailer gives off a different vibe and I think that's the point. A song from Muse triumphs throughout the trailer and it imposes an awkwardly sad and hopeless atmosphere on the characters. (Which is, in the end, the impression we're suppose to get.) Pretty cool, but I'm cautiously enthusiastic. I doubt it will be the "Citizen Kane" of superhero films as some have proclaimed it, but it should make for an engaging character study.

TRAILER - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Trailer 3)

Although I'm not a fan of the bit with Ron and Rupert Grint's painful overacting, the trailer recovers far too well. Even if Warner Brother's can't salvage "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," it's still convinced me of buying a ticket.

I might actually like the international trailer more, but this one is quite epic in its own right. Once again, the advertising team behind Harry Potter has proved they can put together some of the best movie trailers out there.



July will sneak up on us all faster than we think. I hope that movie delivers.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Revealed



And here it is. J.J. Abrams' update of the legendary starship Enterprise. I must admit I was a little taken back at how different it looked from the original series' version, but overall I'm okay with the update. Some of the alterations are a little bothersome. But I find it interesting how it's something of a cross between the original series design and the redesign seen in the first few movies.

I'm sure some fans will throw a fit at the alterations, but there is no mistaken what ship this is. It's basic. Not too fancy. And it certainly matches the "war room" bridge that was previously revealed.

I'm going to have to let it grow on me, but, more or less, I like the update. Click the image above to enlarge.

"Arrested Development" Going in Development?

The Collider hit the nail on the head: It feels like every time an actor or actress from the since canceled television comedy "Arrested Development" is interviewed we hype on a possible movie. Is it or is it not in development?

According to Jeffrey Tambor (George Bluth Sr. and Hank Kingsley), at an event promoting the "Hellboy II" DVD release, the Arrested Development movie, "is a go!"

Wait. It is? It really is? Hold your horses.

When asked about a start date the actor said he had no idea. But he spoke with series creator Mitch Hurwitz recently and said it was a "good sign."

Good signs are great, but I'm ready for an official announcement. Bring on the "Arrested Development" movie!

Watching the "Watchman" Posters?

Six new character posters were recently released for Warner Brother's upcoming adaptation of "Watchmen." Is it me or are these character posters far cooler than the majority of character-centric one sheets we see today?

The posters are of the characters that follow: Patrick Wilson as Nite Owl, Matthew Goode as Ozymandias, Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhattan, Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as The Comedian, and Malin Akerman as The Silk Spectre. Click to enlarge:








Of the "vigilantes" Nite Owl is probably my favorite. Although I know for fact that's the Batman fan talking inside of me. Billy Crudup's Dr. Manhattan is visually appealing too. There's just something about that character that seems to set the tone for the film in the ads. Watch the "Watchmen" this coming March.

Monday, November 10, 2008

New Trek Posters

Nothing extravagant, but there's certainly a charm to them. From two previously released photos comes two new black and white posters for "Star Trek." I'm hoping for better when it gets closer to the film's release, but the anything is good. Click to enlarge:



Once again, I'm very optimistic about this movie. Looks kickass so far. May 8.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

TRAILER - The Day The Earth Stood Still (5-Minute Trailer)

If you saw the 5 minute trailer, then there's probably not a huge reason to watch this... Unless you want to see Gort-- Which I have to admit looks pretty cool. Other than that I want to thank Fox for raping yet another fine movie. This thing looks more like a bad sequel to "War of the Worlds" than it does its predecessor of the same title.

Voices Rise to Defend "S. Darko"

The blasphemous sequel to the cult masterpiece, "Donnie Darko," is underway and we've heard little about it. Probably because no one cares, but at least one actor wants to put his foot down and defend the project.

Jackson Rathbone ("Twilight"), who plays Jeremy in the upcoming "S. Darko" fights back at the fan backlash:

"Look at the original Donnie Darko. When it was first released, did anybody like it? No, it was a year later," he says. "Through people talking, people got it. We're in an opposite boat, because people loved the first one after a while. Maybe they'll warm up to this, too. Or, they'll hate the idea of it, but once they see it, I think they're going to turn around."

"It takes the idea of the film and it goes beyond, answering and delving into more questions than Donnie Darko did. A lot of people are pissed that Richard Kelly is not involved, but he did sell the idea. He did give the license to do it. So it's not like he's opposed to it."


Oh, aren't we just full of such hormones? Rathbone's example of the original film's negative reviews is a pretty lame comparison. "Donnie Darko" was original. It was made from scratch and it was different enough to be flaunted. That was its risk and it eventually got praise for it. "S. Darko" is riding on the success of the original film and hoping to cash a fat check because of it. The originality is absent. The thoughtfulness? There is none.

And Richard Kelly isn't oppose to it? Lets see:

“Over the last couple of days, a few people have asked me what’s up with “this Donnie Darko sequel.” said Kelly. So to set the record straight, here’s a few facts I’d like to share with you all - I haven’t read this script. I have absolutely no involvement with this production, nor will I ever be involved. I have no control over the rights from our original film, and neither I nor my producing partner Sean McKittrick stand to make any money from this film.”

Take what you will from that last quote. In the meantime, Rathbone dropped some ideas as to what to expect from his character in "S. Darko."

"I play this crazy character and it has to be one of the best character developments I've seen," Rathbone says of the new Darko. "I just jumped at the chance to play it. Chris Fisher is an amazing director. [Makeup artist] Christel Edwards did this amazing prosthetic effect on me, it was so much fun. It was a month in Utah and we just had a blast [shooting] up there."

Well you heard it from "Twilight" hunk/dimwit Jackson Rathbone himself. It's "one of the best character developments" he's seen.

Fox's milking of the Darko "franchise" arrives sometime 2009.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

And Comes "The Avengers"

Even before we hear from "Captain America" or "Thor," news on the horizon comes for the upcoming "Avengers" movie. I think it's a little ridiculous considering we've yet to hear who's cast for the "Captain America" or "Thor" movies. But I guess the prospect of seeing many superheroes together is more exciting to some fans than seeing them individually.

In any case both Robert Downey Jr. and Don Cheadle have signed on for "The Avengers." Both will be appearing in "Iron Man 2," and Cheadle will be replacing Terrance Howard as James Rhodes/War Machine.

Jon Favreau, director of the "Iron Man" films, is being brought on as an executive producer. As far as we know, however, he will not be directing the film.

"The Avengers" will bring together Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor to face the greatest foe yet... but who will it be?

Now lets just get Edward Norton and William Hurt to sign on and we'll be set with the current list of actors! That's when I'll start getting really excited.

"The Avengers" arrive in theaters, July 15th, 2011.

Yet More "Star Trek"

The time is growing closer. As "Star Trek's" original December release date looms, it's no surprise that there's plenty of publicity shots for the upcoming Trek. Click the images to enlarge:








Notice how the new view screen is actually a window now and a holographic grid seems to go over it for different views, ala "Minority Report." I love how you can see the forward saucer of the Enterprise outside the window.

May 8, 2009.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Nolan Speaks on "Batman 3"

Bat-fans, film-geeks and Jedi Knights have been wondering what director Christopher Nolan has in store for a third Batman ever since the "The Dark Knight" exploded multiplexes in July. Frankly, I've been too caught up in the majestic sequel to really care too much. But the man behind the masterpiece has finally broken the silence.

When asked about the possibility of a sequel, Nolan chose his words carefully:

Well ... let me think how to put this. There are two things to be said. One is the emphasis on story. What’s the story? Is there a story that’s going to keep me emotionally invested for the couple of years that it will take to make another one? That’s the overriding question. On a more superficial level, I have to ask the question: How many good third movies in a franchise can people name? [Laughs.] At the same time, in taking on the second one, we had the challenge of trying to make a great second movie, and there haven't been too many of those either. It’s all about the story really. If the story is there, everything is possible. I hope that was a suitably slippery answer.

Can't you just hear his terrific English accent while reading that? I thought his reply was a very responsible answer.

Nolan has also expressed desire to make something on a "smaller scale." Aaron Eckhart said in an interview, not too long ago, that Nolan is an "independent filmmaker at heart," and that he "has a lot of wonderful ideas." I believe that. I can understand if Nolan wants to do other things-- Who would want to direct sequels for the rest of their career?

I myself have even questioned: Should there be a third Batman? The second film was so majestic and beyond any film of that particular genre I've ever seen that it almost feels like the only way to go is down. I'm not saying a third Batman would be a bad movie, but would it hit the bar "The Dark Knight" topped? Tough call.

And as I type this, Warner Brothers is sacrificing more and more virgins in Nolan's name.

"Ninja Scroll" Goes to Live Action

Warner Brothers has picked up the rights for a "Ninja Scroll" movie based on one of anime's finest films of the same name. Alex Tse ("Watchmen") is set to pin the script for the film.

The original "Ninja Scroll" was released in 1993 and follows a lone swordsman, Jubei, who inadvertently walks in to a secret war against demons and sorcery that ties in with his past and locks him in with his destiny. The animation was quite brilliant and the characters were rich with excellent dialogue and development. It's also one of the most violent movies I've ever seen and it borderlines NC-17 in the States with its graphic sex and violence.

My concern comes with how Tse intends to pursue the film. Will it be Americanized to fit with our own culture? Or will it reflect the samurai days as depicted in the anime film? What actors will be called on for such a project? Will it adhere to the must-have R rating? (Lets face it... NC-17 isn't marketable.)

It will be a difficult film to pull off properly. It's in the best hands it could possibly be with Warner Brothers-- But can any studio truly do "Ninja Scroll" justice? Too early to say, but until then I look forward to seeing more on its development.

Abrams' "Star Trek" Photos

Yeah, I'm a bit late with this, but it's too cool not to post. Several new photos from J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" reboot has been released. There's a lot of things that look familiar, and there are other things that are quite new. Take a look, and as always, click to enlarge:

The crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise.


The new bridge.


Captain Kirk flees an Enterprise escape pod.


Commander Spock gets a tad emotional.

Sulu

Dr. McCoy

Eric Bana as the Romulan villain Nero


An older class starship, the U.S.S. Kelvin, on a very, very poor day of boldly going...


So far I love everything I've seen. The uniforms look fantastic, I can very much buy the character looks, and if the U.S.S. Kelvin is any factor, the Enterprise should look fabulous.

The bridge is clearly altered, but I rather like the update. It looks like something different. We've been force-fed such standard looking control stations in past films that this set really does feel like a breath of fresh air.

I've had a lot of faith in J.J. Abrams since this movie was announced, and I hope my faith and patience pays off. I like what I see. I hope this is the film to put the magic back in Star Trek.

TRAILER - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (International)

Though I'm pretty sure the trailer was cut before the release date was moved, this trailer for the sixth Harry Potter film is nothing short of incredible. Next to "Quantum of Solace," and "The Dark Knight," this trailer is one of the best I've seen this year.

The last trailer left me a bit dry. Many of the fans were gasping over it, but those of us who had not read the books weren't too enthralled. This trailer, unlike the last one, is made to appeal to more than just the fans and it works beautifully. The voice over, the camera angles, the special effects-- Everything is simply astounding. Here's to hoping that the next installment will be as powerful as this trailer.



Let me know if the link goes dead. This is one not to miss!

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" hits theaters July 17th, 2009.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Teaser Poster for "Watchmen"

The promotion for "Watchman" has been really impressive. First the mind blowing trailer that has everyone listening to the featured song by The Smashing Pumpkins, and now this: No main characters. No heroes. No villains. Just speculation. I'm very excited to see this movie. Click the poster to enlarge:

"Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day" Begins Production!

Back in July it was reported that "The Boondock Saints 2: All Saints Day" would begin production in August. Well that didn't quite happen, but filming did begin in Toronto last week. So yes ladies, gents and Saint fans, the movie is happening!

If you'd like to follow the production a bit you can go to director Troy Duffy's youtube page. Click here.

More "Saints" news as it comes.

Norton Still With "Hulk"

Ouch. Long time, no update. I'm aware of my absence here, but lets be honest... how much has really been interesting in the movie world lately? Okay, I guess I could still post some boring news. In any case, the latest comes from the Marvel front.

"The Incredible Hulk's" producer, Gale Anne Hurd, has stated that Edward Norton will reappear as the Hulk's alter-ego in the future-- But the next time we see him may not be a direct sequel:

"It's all going to depend on the screenplay and where his character goes in any sequel, because he does have a multiple-picture deal," she said. "[Norton's situation] is the same with every franchise like this, when you have one of the top actors of his generation.

Next, he's likely to appear in an 'Avengers' movie, but that's completely up to Marvel. It's wonderful that Marvel now controls so many of their own characters, and they can create a Marvel universe in film and populate it with so many of their characters who naturally exist together. I think an 'Avengers' film is a very exciting prospect."


I think it's exciting too. But if a "Hulk 2" does get put in to production, who would be the next villain? What's the answer Ms. Hurd?

"The Leader," she said when asked what [Tim Blake] Nelson's [character] was transforming into when last we saw him. "It would be a blast [to put the Leader in the sequel], and Tim Blake Nelson is tremendous and a very talented filmmaker in his own right."

In the comics, The Leader is a scientist who is infected by gamma radiation and becomes a super intelligent being with an absurdly over sized cranium. We see this character's transformation begin in "The Incredible Hulk."

I was a pretty big fan of the recent Hulk adaptation. I thought Norton was fantastic and the characterization of the Hulk was beautiful. I hope to see more from both Norton and the Hulk franchise.

Friday, October 3, 2008

TRAILER - Dragon Ball

Okay, that's not the title of this movie. But in order to keep it up as long as possible, I've retitled the video. For those who don't get it, your answer is below.

As a fan of the show I'm not sure what to think of it. Some parts are kind of cool, others scream "cheese." I hate the line, "I'm not ready for this." Very out of character. I doubt the movie will be a "good film" by any close definition, but my fanboy curiosity will plow me in theaters just to make sure. (And probably have a lot of fun while I'm there.) One thing is for sure: The source material has definitively been Americanized...


Watch Dargon Round Things Feature in Entertainment Videos  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

TRAILER - Appaloosa

Ed Harris stars in his second film in the director's chair. Being a western, a genre I find very little enjoyment in, I wouldn't normally post anything about it. But because Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen and Jermey Irons have their names stapled to the poster of this film, I felt the need to advertise it.

The storyline is you're standard western tale: A small town is at the mercy of a villain. Two vigilant gun fighters arrive to reinstate order by gunfire. Western showdowns ensue. Have we been here before? Yes. Was I disappointed by last year's Western? Yes. Am I gullible enough to give this a chance? You bet your testicles.



Impressive enough trailer. This Friday, October 3rd.

TRAILER - Blindness

I can't believe I've overlooked this. I've been seeing trailers for it over the last several weeks everywhere and it's certainly caught my attention. "Blindness,"staring Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo, and directed by Fernando Meirelles. ("City of God," "The Constant Gardener.")

An epidemic of mass blindness attacks a city and the only person who is able to see is a character titled simply, "The Doctor's Wife." (Julianne Moore) The city's population is quarantined and the rest... Well, lets not spoil everything. Based on a Nobel Prize Winning novel by Jose Saramago, "Blindness" arrives in theaters this Friday, October 3rd. Take a look:

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

"Transformers 2" to Have Imax Footage

As bad as the first "Transformers" was, it did have some effects shots that were so big that a regular multiplex screen had a difficult time keeping it epic. For some of its action sequences alone, putting "Transformers" in Imax was a good choice. But it looks like Bay wants to catch up with Christopher Nolan on his idea.

Like "The Dark Knight," "Transformers 2" will have a few of its action sequences filmed in Imax, thus engulfing the entire screen with its picture. Good move. The movie now has my attention. Watching a movie on Imax is worth its price, even if only a few shots are truly giving you the "Imax Experience." I do hope more filmmakers follow this idea rather than the 3D crap.

"The Dark Knight" Crashes to DVD/Blueray Dec. 9th!

If there's any movie worth owning from this year, it is, without a doubt, "The Dark Knight." Speculation on the DVD release has been in the air for awhile now,but at least there's a date and some box art to ease some people.

"The Dark Knight" will be released on DVD and Blueray this December 9th. As of right now pictures are available of a 2-Disc Edition and Limited Edition with a model of the Batpod. Both are Blueray, but one could assume that the Batpod edition will be available on DVD as well. Nothing is confirmed yet. Click to enlarge:

2-Disc Edition:





Limited "Batpod" Edition:





Specs are obviously on the back of each package, but there's yet to be an official word on all that's included on these discs. Rumor has it there may not be an audio commentary on it (Noooo!), but it's not yet been confirmed. There may also be a one disc DVD edition available as well. More to come, but December 9th the best of us know we will be grabbing that Batpod!

Alice in Burton's "Wonderland"

The first flight of pictures of Tim Burton's upcoming "Alice in Wonderland" has arrived. I'm not as familiar with the book as... well, admittedly, as well as I should be, but I rather the costume.

Mia Wasikowska stars as Alice in Tim Burton's interpretation of her adventures. The film is due in theaters 2010. Click the images to enlarge them:




Bill Murray on "Ghostbuster 3"

Though I'm aware I stand in the minority, I'm one of those who hasn't enjoyed Bill Murray in a long time. He's so dead set on making these Oscar bait, "look at me I'm in an indie movie" flicks that are more of an insult to, ahem, real indie flicks than respectable work. That's right, I'll take "Groundhog Day" before I watch the over-hyped "Lost in Translation" or overwrought "Broken Flowers." The man plays the same character in every one of these movies and the fact he was nominated for doing one of them just shows how asinine the old farts at the Academy Awards really are. [/rant]

That said, it doesn't surprise me that he's the most apprehensive toward another Ghostbusters movie. On the other hand, I'm rather surprised to hear he's not opposed to it either:

“I think the wounds from Ghostbusters 2 have healed," said Murray. “And supposedly they have hired two guys from The Office to write a script. So that could work. I think that’s a good idea to get a fresh look at… I always liked the characters. The characters are fun. And we did have a lot of fun making the movie. The first one was really a lot of fun to make. And I think the first 45 minutes of Ghostbusters is about as fun as a movie gets. [But] We didn’t have a lot of special effects in it. There were just a couple. It was just the funny characters in that world, and I like that movie because of it. The first movie had like 60 plate shots. The second movie had like hundreds. Those guys got their hands on the script early, and it was GONE. It went away. It was hard to wrangle because it was tied all around the effects without the story or the characters coming first. So, they are hard movies to write, and Dan really caught it with that first one.”

He makes a good point about the special effects, but with fresh writers and a long absence in, you know, comedies that are actually funny, I think he should jump head first in to this. Time to have fun again Bill. It's what you were good at and it's what you should have stuck too!

"Lethal Weapon 5" Waiting on Gibson?

You'd think after "The Passion of the Christ" Mel Gibson wouldn't be making movies like these anymore. In fact I recall him saying something along those lines when it first came out. Ah well. Despite all the flack he's received from the media I still like the guy. (I won't get in to things he has or has not said, but I will say I still like him-- If even just for his talent in both acting and directing.)

"Lethal Weapon 5" is on the plate and director Shane Black and Joel Silver are waiting on Gibson to okay the script Black has come up with.

The story sounds like a passing of the torch film with new NYPD officers coming in to play. All guesses point to Gibson's and Danny Glover's characters training the new kids.

Don't know what to think of this currently. I liked the earlier Lethal Weapon movies. The second was especially fantastic. After the fourth one, however, you gotta wonder why Glover and Gibson would do this? It's not like Gibson is in need of any money after "Apocalypto" and "The Passion." More when it comes.