2008-07-26
2008-07-25
Top Five Friday: The Rogues Gallery
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight yet, go away.
Not because I don't want to spoil anything for you [but I'll be doing that too] but honestly, if you haven't seen TDK yet, I may just not want to know you anymore! It is, without a doubt, the best film I've seen this year. Period. Not superhero flick. Not summer flick. Not action flick.
The best movie I've seen this year.
With that in mind, with the death of Heath Ledger and the... well, with Two-Face apparently out of the picture, the talk of all Bat-flick fans over the past week has been just who could step in for a third film and not embarrass themselves after the amazing double performance we just saw.
THE TOP FIVE VILLAINS WHO SHOULD STEP FRONT AND CENTER IN BAT 3!
Some groundrules.
1. We will not use any villain who was already in Begins or TDK. No Scarecrow, No Ra's, No Joker, No Two-Face. Unfortunately, this also takes Mr. Zsasz out of the equation.
2. We will attempt to keep the villains grounded in the very real world that Christopher Nolan has created for our Batman. This prevents "quirky" characters like Clayface or Killer Croc. I'm of the opinion this also removes Mr. Freeze as an option.
The candidates:
5. Talia al Ghul
The daughter of Ra's. If we operate under the theory that Ra's actually died in Begins, Talia would have plenty of reasons for coming after Bruce and Batman. She can bring the League of Shadows with her or she could bring her own group of evil henchmen - maybe using some of the Bat second tier villains like Firefly. Of course, you could also play off the story used in the comics where Talia and Bruce fall in love. And if Ra's is actually alive? Batten down the hatches!
4. Catwoman
The big strike against this one is that the Halle Berry flick is probably too fresh in people's minds. Also, there seems to be a reluctance to make Catwoman a true villain - in both the comics and the movies these days. Both could cause a problem. But I think a story where Bats falls for her but she's still evil as fuck would be fun to see. Oh, and the rumors that the studio thinks Jolie as Catwoman is the answer better be false. Despite how scorching hot she'd be in costume, I don't think she has the acting chops to hang with that cast.
3. The Riddler
The Riddler is a tough one because no one wants to see a "funny" villain in this Bat universe and I'm just not sure how dark you can make the Riddler. Even in the comics, he's always kinda treated as a joke. But he is a "big name" recognizable Bat villain which is something that always is useful. It would be a very fine line to walk though to make him not just appear as a Joker ripoff. I'd suggest giving him the goal of figuring out who Batman is and then holding that information over his head - yep, kinda like Forever but not as cartoon-like. Trying to make him a homicidal maniac just won't work.
2. Bane
The first two Bat flicks have been very clear about the problem of organized crime and drugs in Gotham City. So, why not bring in a Latin America crime boss who is a bit too hooked on his own product - a super-steroid called Venom? We've seen Batman battle people who were on his level psychologically but we haven't seen someone dominate him physically yet. While I'd love to see the Knightfall story play out on the big screen, I don't think it'll ever happen so I'd settle for Bane kicking the crap out of Bats early and Batman having to struggle his way back to full strength. Maybe a Talia/Bane combo movie where Bats goes to Talia for help in getting back in shape to fight Bane? Maybe have Bruce indulge in a little Venom of his own to get to even footing and have to fight the addiction? Lots of options here.
1. The Penguin
The Penguin is generally written as a major crime boss so he could be the guy to come in and fill the power vacuum after the Joker has ruined all the crime families in Gotham. No nefarious motives here. He doesn't want to rule the world. He doesn't want to own Batman's mind. He just wants money and lots of it. Hrrm. I really can't think of a captivating story for Penguin right now. He just seemed like the obvious #1 to slot in here.
Not because I don't want to spoil anything for you [but I'll be doing that too] but honestly, if you haven't seen TDK yet, I may just not want to know you anymore! It is, without a doubt, the best film I've seen this year. Period. Not superhero flick. Not summer flick. Not action flick.
The best movie I've seen this year.
With that in mind, with the death of Heath Ledger and the... well, with Two-Face apparently out of the picture, the talk of all Bat-flick fans over the past week has been just who could step in for a third film and not embarrass themselves after the amazing double performance we just saw.
THE TOP FIVE VILLAINS WHO SHOULD STEP FRONT AND CENTER IN BAT 3!
Some groundrules.
1. We will not use any villain who was already in Begins or TDK. No Scarecrow, No Ra's, No Joker, No Two-Face. Unfortunately, this also takes Mr. Zsasz out of the equation.
2. We will attempt to keep the villains grounded in the very real world that Christopher Nolan has created for our Batman. This prevents "quirky" characters like Clayface or Killer Croc. I'm of the opinion this also removes Mr. Freeze as an option.
The candidates:
5. Talia al Ghul
The daughter of Ra's. If we operate under the theory that Ra's actually died in Begins, Talia would have plenty of reasons for coming after Bruce and Batman. She can bring the League of Shadows with her or she could bring her own group of evil henchmen - maybe using some of the Bat second tier villains like Firefly. Of course, you could also play off the story used in the comics where Talia and Bruce fall in love. And if Ra's is actually alive? Batten down the hatches!
4. Catwoman
The big strike against this one is that the Halle Berry flick is probably too fresh in people's minds. Also, there seems to be a reluctance to make Catwoman a true villain - in both the comics and the movies these days. Both could cause a problem. But I think a story where Bats falls for her but she's still evil as fuck would be fun to see. Oh, and the rumors that the studio thinks Jolie as Catwoman is the answer better be false. Despite how scorching hot she'd be in costume, I don't think she has the acting chops to hang with that cast.
3. The Riddler
The Riddler is a tough one because no one wants to see a "funny" villain in this Bat universe and I'm just not sure how dark you can make the Riddler. Even in the comics, he's always kinda treated as a joke. But he is a "big name" recognizable Bat villain which is something that always is useful. It would be a very fine line to walk though to make him not just appear as a Joker ripoff. I'd suggest giving him the goal of figuring out who Batman is and then holding that information over his head - yep, kinda like Forever but not as cartoon-like. Trying to make him a homicidal maniac just won't work.
2. Bane
The first two Bat flicks have been very clear about the problem of organized crime and drugs in Gotham City. So, why not bring in a Latin America crime boss who is a bit too hooked on his own product - a super-steroid called Venom? We've seen Batman battle people who were on his level psychologically but we haven't seen someone dominate him physically yet. While I'd love to see the Knightfall story play out on the big screen, I don't think it'll ever happen so I'd settle for Bane kicking the crap out of Bats early and Batman having to struggle his way back to full strength. Maybe a Talia/Bane combo movie where Bats goes to Talia for help in getting back in shape to fight Bane? Maybe have Bruce indulge in a little Venom of his own to get to even footing and have to fight the addiction? Lots of options here.
1. The Penguin
The Penguin is generally written as a major crime boss so he could be the guy to come in and fill the power vacuum after the Joker has ruined all the crime families in Gotham. No nefarious motives here. He doesn't want to rule the world. He doesn't want to own Batman's mind. He just wants money and lots of it. Hrrm. I really can't think of a captivating story for Penguin right now. He just seemed like the obvious #1 to slot in here.
2008-07-24
I Don't Know If I Should Laugh Or Cry
I've always had a fondness for amusement parks. In recent years, it has pretty much been limited to the Disney parks but from my youth, I have many fond memories of Universal, Sea World, Knotts, and Magic Mountain. I always find to be sad news when a park struggles or even worse, actually shuts down.
So, I found this site to be especially disappointing. Take a look.
Here's a sneak peek...
So, I found this site to be especially disappointing. Take a look.
Here's a sneak peek...
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
This may be well-known news to everyone else but I just discovered it and it made me feel pretty sick.
Apparently, AC/DC is releasing a new studio album in the fall. Hoo rah, right?
Wrong.
Said album is going to be released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores.
Wal-Mart.
The evil Satan of corporate retail itself. The store that makes me feel dirty when I walk into it. The store that ran out countless mom and pop stores nationwide to homogenize retail in every suburban shopping center. You know all that jazz that people say when they demonize Wal-Mart - insert that shit right here.
But seriously, Wal-Mart?
How does a band widely considered a pioneer in hard rock and heavy metal end up being owned like that?
How does a band who had their first lead singer drop dead after a night of heavy alcohol drinking end up in the stores that censor every album that comes onto their shelves?
Now THIS is the definitive example of a band selling out - and I absolutely abhor that term but I can't think of any better description of this story.
Shed a tear today, loyal readers, because rock and roll just died a little bit.
Apparently, AC/DC is releasing a new studio album in the fall. Hoo rah, right?
Wrong.
Said album is going to be released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores.
Wal-Mart.
The evil Satan of corporate retail itself. The store that makes me feel dirty when I walk into it. The store that ran out countless mom and pop stores nationwide to homogenize retail in every suburban shopping center. You know all that jazz that people say when they demonize Wal-Mart - insert that shit right here.
But seriously, Wal-Mart?
How does a band widely considered a pioneer in hard rock and heavy metal end up being owned like that?
How does a band who had their first lead singer drop dead after a night of heavy alcohol drinking end up in the stores that censor every album that comes onto their shelves?
Now THIS is the definitive example of a band selling out - and I absolutely abhor that term but I can't think of any better description of this story.
Shed a tear today, loyal readers, because rock and roll just died a little bit.
2008-07-23
The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow
Even on a far too early morning when I'm getting ready to go open the store after a far too late night when I closed [and went in on my day off no less which prompted endless Clerks "I'm not even supposed to be here today!" moments]... there are things that can brighten my spirits.
This would be one of them.
Seth Green is making a sequel to his Emmy-nominated “Robot Chicken: Star Wars,” and it hits the Cartoon Network Nov. 16.
As for the creative direction in the sequel, "we decided to focus on the bounty hunters a bit and explore their stories," "Robot Chicken" co-creator Matt Senreich said.
As the far superior winner of last year's Family Guy/Robot Chicken Star Wars parody shows, I'm looking forward to Seth Green and company beating the everloving fuck out of those Family Guy people again.
And on a side note, as a non-Family Guy watcher, don't you hate all those people who run around quoting Family Guy and praising it as the greatest thing since the invention of the iPod.
Yeah, me too.
Oh, Comic-Con Preview Night is tonight - and I won't be there.
just rub it in, world! Rub it in!
Oh well. At least I didn't hit my head on a glass wall, right?
This would be one of them.
Seth Green is making a sequel to his Emmy-nominated “Robot Chicken: Star Wars,” and it hits the Cartoon Network Nov. 16.
As for the creative direction in the sequel, "we decided to focus on the bounty hunters a bit and explore their stories," "Robot Chicken" co-creator Matt Senreich said.
As the far superior winner of last year's Family Guy/Robot Chicken Star Wars parody shows, I'm looking forward to Seth Green and company beating the everloving fuck out of those Family Guy people again.
And on a side note, as a non-Family Guy watcher, don't you hate all those people who run around quoting Family Guy and praising it as the greatest thing since the invention of the iPod.
Yeah, me too.
Oh, Comic-Con Preview Night is tonight - and I won't be there.
just rub it in, world! Rub it in!
Oh well. At least I didn't hit my head on a glass wall, right?
2008-07-22
I'd Buy That For A Dollar
This little tidbit snuck by the radar a few days ago.
Here are the highlights for those who don't care to click the link:
-- The hotly-rumored Robocop "relaunch" is actually a sequel set twenty years following the termination of the original Robocop program.
-- Darren Aronofsky is set to direct
-- The series would move in setting from Detroit to Los Angeles.
I don't know about all y'all but I'm pretty excited about this idea. I think it's got loads of potential and is much better than the rumored relaunch. Everyone's got too fond of memories of the original Robocop for someone to fuck with it so a "relaunch" is the best option for everyone.
In other words, this went from a "Ugh, fuck me in the ear" to a "Hey, that might be fun" on my list of upcoming motion pictures.
Think it over, creep.
Here are the highlights for those who don't care to click the link:
-- The hotly-rumored Robocop "relaunch" is actually a sequel set twenty years following the termination of the original Robocop program.
-- Darren Aronofsky is set to direct
-- The series would move in setting from Detroit to Los Angeles.
I don't know about all y'all but I'm pretty excited about this idea. I think it's got loads of potential and is much better than the rumored relaunch. Everyone's got too fond of memories of the original Robocop for someone to fuck with it so a "relaunch" is the best option for everyone.
In other words, this went from a "Ugh, fuck me in the ear" to a "Hey, that might be fun" on my list of upcoming motion pictures.
Think it over, creep.
2008-07-21
Holy Bat Artwork!
I love finding stuff like this on days when I'm exhausted and can't think straight to post. Beautiful artwork is here!
2008-07-20
These Words Are My Own
I saw The Dark Knight last night. I plan on doing a full review in a few days but until then, there's only three words needed to describe it.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Easily my favorite movie of the year and I can't wait to see it in IMAX.
I saw the Anderson Silva fight last night.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is so much fun to watch. Now I know what Tyson fans during his streak of quick KOs felt like. Easily my favorite MMA fighter to watch right now.
The Dodgers are back in a tie for first place after scoring five runs in the ninth to win today. Wait. The Dodgers scored 5 in the ninth? My Dodgers? The ones who've been 0 for infinity with RISP most of the year?
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Taking 2 of 3 from the first place team is an awesome way to start the second half. Let's hope they can keep things going.
Fedor puts his name back in the debate of the best fighter in the world with a 36 second demolition of former two-time UFC champ Tim Sylvia.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is no mere mortal. He was sent back in time by John Conner to dominate the world of MMA with his cybernetic strength and Skynet-influenced mind and skillz.
Shannon Doherty's back for the new 90210!
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Well, okay, that's not as exciting as the rest but I wanted a nice even five. And it IS pretty exciting, right? Oh, come on. You know you're gonna watch it. Even if it's because it has the chance to be so bad it's good.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Easily my favorite movie of the year and I can't wait to see it in IMAX.
I saw the Anderson Silva fight last night.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is so much fun to watch. Now I know what Tyson fans during his streak of quick KOs felt like. Easily my favorite MMA fighter to watch right now.
The Dodgers are back in a tie for first place after scoring five runs in the ninth to win today. Wait. The Dodgers scored 5 in the ninth? My Dodgers? The ones who've been 0 for infinity with RISP most of the year?
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Taking 2 of 3 from the first place team is an awesome way to start the second half. Let's hope they can keep things going.
Fedor puts his name back in the debate of the best fighter in the world with a 36 second demolition of former two-time UFC champ Tim Sylvia.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is no mere mortal. He was sent back in time by John Conner to dominate the world of MMA with his cybernetic strength and Skynet-influenced mind and skillz.
Shannon Doherty's back for the new 90210!
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Well, okay, that's not as exciting as the rest but I wanted a nice even five. And it IS pretty exciting, right? Oh, come on. You know you're gonna watch it. Even if it's because it has the chance to be so bad it's good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
