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Ten minutes of BATMAN BEGINS screens + info on PUNISHER 2 & AMITYVILLE HORROR from WizardWorld LA!!

Ahoy, squirts! Quint here with a nice report from Wizard World L.A. that contains all sorts of info on BATMAN BEGINS, PUNISHER 2 and a bit on THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, with some extra info on THE FLASH and Avi's production slate for Marvel flicks. This report is actually getting me excited for ComiCon, which I've been going to for the last 5 or 6 years now. This feels like ComiCon with all the panels and cool movie shit and chats with people like the awesomely talented Tim Bradstreet (the dude responsible for all those cool HELLBLAZER covers and the cool PUNISHER covers and one-sheets). Bradstreet's a cool guy... maybe has some sticky fingers when it comes to poor fat geeks' prized sketch books, but hey... It's all good. hehe Enjoy the report, squirts!

hey harry.  I just got back from the awesome Wizard World L.A. 2005.  So far I havent seen any reports on all the juicy stuff (except for that FF panel), so I thought you might want to know what happened.

At the Amityville panel Ryan Reynolds (no relation to Burt, glad that is cleared up) disclosed the fact that he talked to David Goyer recently and that the deal is good to go that if Warners green lights a Flash movie, that Ryan will be playing the roll.   Also when asked about Deadpool, Ryan said that Avi Arad still wants him for the part and that Avi just got a call from Fox about picking up the rights.  He said he would love to play the part and that it was "the reason I walked out of my mother"    Also Melissa George said that she filmed a scene where her character from Alias is shown to be alive, so she hopes that someday soon she can go back to that role.  Regarding Amityville, not much was said that hasn’t been said elsewhere.  Ryan did point out that they found a dead body in the lake their first week of filming.

I also got a chance to talk to Tim Bradstreet (the punisher cover artist, and the guy who did all the movie posters for the movie).  He was full of info on the Punisher movie, and it's sequel.  Apparently there is work being done right now on a director's cut DVD.  This was the first time I had heard anything about this.  The DVD will add a few subplots that were cut out.  One of these includes Stuff of Frank Castle in the war.  I guess none of the footage was shot for this (there wasn’t time) so they are filming the actors on a green screen and are going to come up with some sort of animation / live action hybrid or something like that.  The footage is supposed to blend in with the opening credits.  Also Tim was showing off the early Punisher 2 poster, the poster was just a torso shot of the Punisher holding guns in each hand, with a 2 at the bottom of the page.  Very simple and very effective.  Tom Jane was supposed to show up for one of Tim's signings but both of them go too drunk the night before so Tom just went home.  Tim also said that work should get started on the sequel soon, and that the director of the first one is working hard on the script for the second one right now.

A 10 minute clip of Batman Begins was shown to a packed crowd.  There were tons of security everywhere watching people for cameras.  Before the show I was just checking some of the photos I took earlier in the day, and I was told to put my camera away or it would be taken away from me.   So they took this footage very seriously, and after seeing it, I can see why.   The footage is mainly showing us how Bruce gets to be Batman.  It starts with Bruce playing in the garden with a girl when they are both kids.  Bruce accidently falls down into a cave where bats swarm him.  Bruce's father comes to the rescue and explains to Bruce that the bats were actually scared of him.  Later at a show, some of the performers remind Bruce of his incident with the bats.  Bruce pleads with his father to leave.  Of course as they are leaving we all now what happens.  This scene is very violent looking and hard to watch.  It's much better than the original movie's version.  At the funeral Rutger Haugher tells Bruce he will keep an eye on the empire until he is old enough.  This then leads us to a very angry looking Christian Bale.  He is talking to someone that says he would have to go a thousand miles to find someone who wouldn’t recognize him.  It then cuts to Bruce walking in on the temple of Ra's al Ghual.  He asks for the means to fight injustice.  He is almost attacked before Liam Neeson steps in.  Bruce tries to attack him but gets his ass handed to him.  This scene was great, I've never seen Liam look so cool.  A little training montage happens and we then get a bunch of quick cuts showing Bruce getting his suit and gear ready, and then we see several iconic shots of Batman brought to life.  Then a lot of quick cuts showing off gordon, the batmobile, morgan freeman, katie holmes and some great looking action.  The clip ends with Batman getting sprayed by the Scarecrow.  The shot of the Scarecrow looks the same as the Super bowl spot, but after he sprays Batman, he looks up and the Scarecrow's mask is all cut with maggots and insects crawling out of the cuts.  The Scarecrow then lights Batman on fire and Batman leaps off the building while on fire.   Everything looks incredible and this should be the Blockbuster movie of the year.

there was also some stuff with Joss Whedon and Serenity, If your interested ill be sure to send it in later.  I just got home from driving 14 hours straight, so its time for some sleep. if you use this go ahead and call me ash97470


Readers Talkback
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  • March 21, 2005, 9:08 p.m. CST

    FIRST!!!

    by RedEaglez

    Sounds good so far......hopefully this isn't getting overhyped

  • March 21, 2005, 9:10 p.m. CST

    sounds cool

    by fried samurai

    cant wait for batman

  • March 21, 2005, 9:22 p.m. CST

    I just have one question.

    by Dead Megatron

    Is Liam Neeson playing the Demon's Head? Was it not that japanese dude from The Last Samurai?

  • March 21, 2005, 9:38 p.m. CST

    Ryan Reynolds is playing Flash AND Deadpool? Uh, WTF.

    by IAmJacksUserID

    Where is the outcry? And who are the ad wizards than came up with this one?

  • March 21, 2005, 9:47 p.m. CST

    Whatever.

    by DAS JANKE

    director's a hack. memento was mildly amusing the first time you watch it--but it was a complete gimmick film. insomnia was awful. goyer is a little hack bitch. I'd rather they give this film to aronofsky--whatever happened with batman year one??? And why isn't anyone as pissed off as me about the suit?

  • March 21, 2005, 10:04 p.m. CST

    Two unecessary remakes and an unnecessary sequel

    by I Dunno

    Thank you, Hollywood. Yeah, I'll see them all like the good movie geek I am. At least give The Punisher some balls this time around.

  • March 21, 2005, 10:36 p.m. CST

    Will Punisher 2 have a skull made out of cars?

    by Osmosis Jones

  • March 21, 2005, 10:46 p.m. CST

    Tom Jane said recently....

    by boomstick81

    ... that now that the Punisher origin is done, they can get to what the Punisher does best, and that's killing a lot of people. Hey, sequels are normally better.... or they have been recently for comic movies.

  • March 21, 2005, 10:57 p.m. CST

    blasphemy

    by Right Bastard

    the Batman stuff sounds cool. Still, The Flash. Deadpool. Punisher 2. This may be blasphemy on this site, but am I alone in thinking that they need to ease off on the Comic Book movies? I think it's getting a bit like Star Trek, where there's too much of a good thing, and it's not really focused and not really all good. I mean, I have faith in Sin City and Watchmen sounds like it's in good hands. But DD, Electra, and Catwoman were drek. Hulk, Hellboy, and Constantine were just o.k. I just wish they'd hold off and let these projects breath a little, instead of trying to cash in on the comic movie fad as fast as they can. That's my $.02, at least.

  • March 21, 2005, 11:10 p.m. CST

    Sounds good.

    by DarkBastion

    Anyone that things Nolan is a hack is just amusingly stupid. If you come away from Memento thinking it was a gimmick film, and you don't give it the multiple viewings it demands, well, just shut up. You probably think Star Wars is the best film ever made and that anything in black and white is "too old." That said, I'm confident Nolan will guide this thing with a sure hand, and I know Bale can do Bruce Wayne service (if, after seeing him in American Psycho, that dragon flick, and Equilibrium, you question his ability to pull of Batman, well ...). Only thing I'm worried about is Katie Holmes (hasn't really proven she can act, and I really don't think Batman really needs another love interest) and enough quality screen time being given to Wayne (sorely lacking in previous Batmans).

  • March 21, 2005, 11:14 p.m. CST

    I just don't understand the minds of Marketing Execs

    by FrankDrebin

    Instead of stopping people from filming the Batman clip, they should have been begging them to. "Film it! Upload it! E-mail it! Share it with your friends! Tell everybody!" If the clip was bad, they wouldn't have shown it. >>> Since they showed it, obviously they don't want it kept secret. >>> Since it's not secret, why not get the clip out there to as many people as possible? QED

  • March 21, 2005, 11:23 p.m. CST

    Another news item on BATMAN BEGINS, and moviemack rises to the o

    by Dark Knight Lite

    As a 40 year collector of Batman comics (you read that right), I am very optimistic about this film. Just as the character has seen different interpretations in print, a new interpretation in film is upon us, one that should be judged on its own merits. Look at the Kane and Finger, Robinson, Sprang, O'Neill and Adams, Miller, Moore, and Lee versions of the Dark Knight. Each different, each valid. Based on what I've read on the web, Goyer and Nolan have taken the material, and put their own spin on it. Let's sit back, take an objective look, and then make a judgement. If we were truly purists, Batman should be brandishing a .45, no? It seems our friend, moviemack, has an axe to grind. No amount of his incessant croaking will keep me out of line for opening day.

  • March 21, 2005, 11:55 p.m. CST

    Melissa George on Alias....

    by kdoc13

    I have never in my entire life wanted to see a character dead in any program ever, as bad as I wanted them to get rid of her. Sure she is eye candy. But I hope she never returns to Alias. The scene they shot where she was lying dead in the morgue, good! That's what I want to see, that character dead! An ex-agent, not pining for the fijords! Besides, now that I have Mia Maestro, I have all the eye candy I need!

  • March 21, 2005, 11:57 p.m. CST

    How about "unecessary prequels"?

    by Right Bastard

    tee-hee

  • March 22, 2005, 1:30 a.m. CST

    I hate it when people call sequels/remakes "unnecessary" even wh

    by Duck of Death

    I mean really, what more appropriate time is there to reboot a franchise than when the previous films sucked so badly as to virtually destroy the franchise?

  • March 22, 2005, 1:42 a.m. CST

    samurai champloo is done.

    by SirBiatchReturns

    i guess i feel now like SW geeks will feel after May 19th. That feeling of: 'oh man... its all over'. Samurai Champloo, an amazing end to an exceptional series. as for Star Wars being amazing... well.. thats up for debate. but good luck, all the same. The director of Champloo totally satisfied me and thousands of other people out there. Lucas has hundred thousands riding on his back.

  • March 22, 2005, 1:46 a.m. CST

    I dont understand calling Batman an unnescessary remake?

    by Ridge

    With that logic in mind, surely Tim Burtons was an unnescessary remake of the 1960's Batman movie? Just... without the anti-shark spray? Fact of the matter is, that although entertaining, Nolans Batman looks far superior, right down to the costume, which looks much better than the lizard like effort of Burton. And after all remember... A.)Batmans parents WERENT killed by the Joker, they were killed by Joe Chill, whos in this movie. B.)Batman DOES NOT kill people unlike in Burtons version where he appears to be americas worst bloody serial killer, throwing people off bell towers, down shafts, burning them alive with a jet turbine... C.)In this one, the cape isnt just for show. Its actually USED.

  • March 22, 2005, 1:55 a.m. CST

    Actually Ive read the script.

    by Ridge

    The cape is made from a shape memorising rubber like compound, which is infact used as a form of glider and one or two other things. The suit? Looks a hell of a lot more poseable than Burtons ones ever did. The suit in the movie, is an ex military bodysuit, modified so Wayne can use it in his endeavour to fight crime. So, again, to piss over your narcissism, eat shit. Read the script and get back to me.

  • March 22, 2005, 2:09 a.m. CST

    By mor quality Wayne time...

    by Ridge

    Unless you're incapable of realising this... in the other movies, it was always a fact that Wayne was 'filler time' until you got to see Batman on screen. Short of parts of part 1, Waynes characteristics, his persona, they were NEVER explored fully. Hinted at but never explored. All I have seen from you so far Mack, is an inability to converse either ethically or maturely on the topic, a full inability to display consideration for others points of view and mayhaps the possibly worst thing of all... criticising people on a personal level for no apparent reason other than you're probably just afflicted with a major bout of self loathing. Nolan IS a very accomplished director, Memento, you might think only needs one viewing, but watch it a couple more times, you'll be amazed by the subtleness of certain things, the sheer wonder of the movie itself..

  • March 22, 2005, 2:10 a.m. CST

    Moviemack.... months?

    by Ridge

    Shit man, look back in the archives for Latauros AICN DOwnunder... I did a review of it what... near 18 months ago? Farkin hell man if we want to play the numbers game I just beat ya.

  • March 22, 2005, 2:11 a.m. CST

    Actually Moviemack

    by Ridge

    Memory-plastic is very much a real thing. Granted its been expanded on in the movie, elaborated a little and fantasised a bit, but shape memorising compounds, memory plastic and memory rubber are a very real thing.

  • March 22, 2005, 2:14 a.m. CST

    Jesus moviemack

    by Ridge

    Who jacked off into your coffee this morning?

  • March 22, 2005, 2:18 a.m. CST

    Spandex also rides in the crotch...

    by Ridge

    Spiderman told us that remember lol

  • March 22, 2005, 2:26 a.m. CST

    jesus how far back in the column did you have to go?

    by Ridge

    And I use mayhaps all the time when writing or talking? Just because of the fact that some of us don't forever find ourselves relying on slang or abbreviation, or using more eloquent words, does not mean we aren't in fact credible or whatnot. i.e. No I'm not shakespeare fucktard, he died a couple hundred years back. Kinda like your appeal.

  • March 22, 2005, 2:46 a.m. CST

    Errrrr....

    by Ridge

    You realise that being a comic book movie, they still want it accessable to kids and teens right? So they'll probably never do a 'seven-esque' Batman...

  • March 22, 2005, 2:51 a.m. CST

    About the costume....

    by Shaz_bot80

    The Point is that it has function over style, and Batman can move his neck now.

  • March 22, 2005, 3:28 a.m. CST

    I dont have much to say here

    by MaulRat

    Just wanted to break up the debate of a couple of very passionate individuals... Okay.. you can continue now, this is good.

  • March 22, 2005, 3:57 a.m. CST

    Why are people wet...

    by Phloton

    ...over Aronofsky? Pi seemed like a film student's senior project. Requiem was good, but he's produced nothing else. The same goes for Donnie Dark guy. He's only made one film. These guys need a track record before giving them the keys to the candy store. Remember when people thought John Singleton was the 2nd coming after Boyz N'the Hood? Well, I never liked Boyz because it felt like a studio hack job with every cliche thrown in for good measure, and Singleton's proven time and again he never had any ability. His accolades and nominations were purely political. These are just my opinions. Like I said, I like Requiem and Darko, but I need to see more before giving them multi-million dollar franchises.

  • March 22, 2005, 4:14 a.m. CST

    Jesus Titty-fucking Christ, moviemack, post your opinion ONCE an

    by Spacker Dave

    I appriciate that you have convinced yourself that BB will suck BEFORE you have viewed it but fucking hell, SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT IT! What the fuck makes you think your opinion is gospel truth? All this "I'm right, you're wrong" bullshit immature and quite pathetic. So please take your head out of your arse and realise that other people are entitled to be optimistic about a film without having their views slammed by some pinhead naysayer.

  • March 22, 2005, 5:27 a.m. CST

    BATMAN BEGINS will ROCK yer ARSE

    by Spacesheik

    Looks good; dark, gritty, violent and entertaining.

  • March 22, 2005, 5:43 a.m. CST

    Sounds Great!

    by Bcphil

    Everything about his movie has been cool and extra cool. This movie will no doubt rock hard! Want to know where all the crazy ideas from Hollywood come from... http://queryletters.blogspot.com/

  • March 22, 2005, 6:44 a.m. CST

    yawn...

    by Mr Chuff

    Moviemack is pointless. Not his opinions - just him. May be a plant too...lol

  • March 22, 2005, 7:43 a.m. CST

    lol

    by ScaryJim

    moviemack posts read - hilarity ensues . I'm sure this will be the best batman movie so far but even then the animated series pisses all over them for staying with the mood of the comics and that was a fucking cartoon - i say do a new anime and whack on a 15 certificate and get frank miller involved .

  • March 22, 2005, 7:59 a.m. CST

    Hey Moviemack ya whiney liddle biatch!!!!!

    by Big_Bubbaloola

    Just checking to see if I could get a rise outta ya for no reason, just like you've been doing in this TB to other people.

  • March 22, 2005, 8:02 a.m. CST

    Oh and this year's films seem to be pretty good....

    by Big_Bubbaloola

    Batman, Sin City, HHGTTG, WoW and (dare I say it) FF as well. Oh and Ryan Reynolds would be killer in both roles (especially Deadpool, my fave wisecrackin merc).

  • March 22, 2005, 8:03 a.m. CST

    ScaryJim

    by Ridge

    Id love to see KnightFall done as a dark Anime, I think that'd be insane. Then Dark Knight Returns, but not its sequel which was worse than every Halloween sequel...

  • March 22, 2005, 8:21 a.m. CST

    Saying what everyone is thinking...

    by tango fett

    SHUT THE FUCK UP MOVIEMACK. You don't like the new Batman movie. Great. Don't fucking see it. But there are many who will, so don't shit all over our parade. BTW, Begins sounds pretty damn cool, except does anyone else think the Scarecrow looks kind of goofy?

  • March 22, 2005, 8:46 a.m. CST

    Nah Scarecrow looks just right to me

    by Ridge

    I mean, Cillian is lanky, thin and goofy looking, which Johnathan Crane is, plus the mask is just a hesshian bag (burlap for the yanks) fashioned into a gasmask to use to avoid his own gas...

  • March 22, 2005, noon CST

    Moviemack

    by Mafu

    Moviemack, you wrote, "If Batman can move his neck in this suit any better than he could in the other rubber suits, well, then BEGINS will be a surprise after all." I've seen photos of the new Batman where he's looking sideways, so apparently he can move his head quite well, which means you've made my point for me. Thank you. By the way, in your attempt to crush people's hopes that "Batman Begins" will be a good movie, you're pushing more and more people to see it. Keep up the good work.

  • March 22, 2005, 3:48 p.m. CST

    A note to our good friend, moviemack

    by Dark Knight Lite

    Last night after I posted my thoughts on this talkback, I shut my computer down, went to sleep with my wife, woke up in the morning, went to the university where I teach, taught my morning class, had lunch and now am surfing the web. What did moviemack do? Continued to post his ravings. Sorry to have to go again, but my life is calling, and you have an entire evening to hover over this talkback. Dark Knight out.

  • March 22, 2005, 3:52 p.m. CST

    Batman Suit

    by Lukecash

    I was there, I saw the suit. On film it looks great. He moves his head and everything. The stills do NOT do the costume justice.

  • March 22, 2005, 6:12 p.m. CST

    The suit

    by Aetius450

    If it allows for more mobility, as is claimed, then that more than makes up for its similarity in appearance to the previous and awful films.

  • March 22, 2005, 8:33 p.m. CST

    I reserve judgment about this film until I've actually SEEN it.

    by Voice O. Reason

    Because, unlike some people, I'm not a self-absorbed dickhead.

  • March 22, 2005, 8:35 p.m. CST

    Moviemack, one thing you forgot...

    by ComputerGuy68

    Spider-Man was a lousy movie! I know S2 is suppose to be better, but have not got around to it yet. And don't get me started on Jackson!

  • March 22, 2005, 8:38 p.m. CST

    A matter of opinion?

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    Long time listener, first time caller here. Just thought I'd chime in on this debate. I'm really kind of surprised that someone's opinion has sparked so much negativity in the talk back (actually, I'm not, but it sounded good). It's true that moviemack comments when something regarding "Batman Begins" gets posted, but I think a lot of you don't get what he's saying. I get the impression that everyone, Mack included, are fans of the Dark Knight...I know for one that I am and was looking forward to this movie more than any other this year...still am. I'm hoping that it performs like the WB movie machine promises it will, but is that because I have faith in the movie and crew behind it, the script or am I just a little biased because of my history with the source material. It's probably a little of both. Sadly, I was a little duped by "The Punisher", btw (although some of you if not most will say I should've seen it coming and am currently going to counceling to cope). The point I think Mack's making is that don't let your obsession for the source material make you jaded against someone who isn't as rabid for the movie and "leaked" info as you are. Sit back, agree to disagree and wait for June 17...I know I am. Oh, and c'mon guys, a Seven-type, macabre thriller would so mirror Batman's psyche...that's the world he would be relevent in if that's the "realistic" angle Nolan and co. were wanting.

  • March 22, 2005, 8:47 p.m. CST

    Moviemack, shut the fuck up and move on...

    by Nivek666

    ... you dont like it. ...now go play in Traffic...

  • March 22, 2005, 8:57 p.m. CST

    Principles/standards in film?

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    Mack, I understand your side of things especially on "movies" in general that get churned out to the public...we accept a lot of crap as "genious". But I digress, in a perfect world, your version would be doable and be on its way to the movie theater this summer. I've had the same general idea for a Batman movie which combines the elements your discussed with more "detective" work, less bang/flash.In fact, I'm of the mind that just because you "explain" why something is in place or in the movie, that it doesn't make it anymore relevent to its being there. If you have to "explain" its purpose, then you haven't adequately done your job as at storyteller/filmmaker. Such as the rumored "reason" for the superfreak criminals being "created"...why explain that? Anyway, I'd be happy to discuss the finished product at a later date, man...whether it's a glowing success or full of problematic errors/holes. (I swear to God, if I have to go to more therapy for because of this movie....)

  • March 22, 2005, 9:19 p.m. CST

    The Flash?

    by jasper Stillwell

    Hey if it has any relation to some of those ideas raised by Waid in 'Speed Kills' then this could be interesting...the implications of super-speed haven't really been explored in any depth in such an expansive cinematic way. I'm in for it. (saying that though not sure about the mess that was Blade 3 mind...) And hey Nolan cites OHMSS AND Blade Runner as major influences...this can only be a good thing. He's a bright guy and I have no doubt this will the Batman film we've been waiting for. Shame they didn;t keep that great intro to the Aronofsky Year One script with Gordon threatening to top himself in his bathroom...not PG friendly I guess. Missed opportunity as no one does bleak like Oldman.

  • March 22, 2005, 9:28 p.m. CST

    Whoa...

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    ...slow down a sec. "Doable" = a studio that has complete and total faith in the source material in it's original incarnation and rarely takes "creative" liberties with it and has a "can do" approach to it and the filmmaker's vision while offering James Cameron type backing knowing that they'll receive that back x10 without the influence of the merchandising demons. I was thinking more along Raimi's approach or the quote referencing him that you provided. He succeeds because he has a passion for the material and the studio supports his take on the material. If someone presented the Batman doing detective work, in a highly, dark moody atmosphere ala Seven and real world mafioso-types peppered throughout someone's inevitably going to ask, "how the hell are we going to sell toys and other merchandise with THIS". Again, that's the Batman movie I want to see...make it dark, not just the atmosphere, but the tone, story...make it macabre...make the danger, oh, I don't know, "dangerous"; disturb your audience to where they think, "wow, what Batman does and what he contends with is truly insane", that's what he deals with nightly...he's not fighting superpowered criminals, he's fighting the criminally "insane" and "twisted"...show that...he scares them, so why can't they really affect us in the same vein? Anyway, right or wrong, it's just my take on it. Oh, question guys: what influences did other directors cite when making successful comic book movie translations? Just wondering. Sorry for the novels guys...thanks for keeping up :)

  • March 22, 2005, 9:30 p.m. CST

    oh...

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    ...I realize that WB supports Nolan's approach, so I'm sure that negates some of what I've said, but I still understand that the approach has to meet certain "criteria" for approval. I could be wrong on that, but that was my understanding...please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

  • March 22, 2005, 10:11 p.m. CST

    Tabascofun, on influences cited.....

    by Fuzzyjefe

    The one common influence I've noticed most filmmakers cite when making a comic-based film that is successful is....wait for it....the source. Superman, Spider-man, the X-men (mostly thematically there). The good ones stick to the best of the comics. There are misfires, of course. Daredevil tried too much. The Punisher took unimportant crap characters from the comics while diverging from Frank's origins (which, incidentally, is important). League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was a case of someone thinking they had better ideas for the characters than Alan Moore (dumbasses). Catwoman's problems are quite obvious. It seems the more liberties that a movie takes with any given property, the shittier the result. I understand the term "interpretation", but you don't make a Frankenstein's monster out of nothing but ass. Most of these characters have survived for decades. The filmmakers' job SHOULD be to figure out why that is, and build on that.

  • March 22, 2005, 10:28 p.m. CST

    Fuzzyjefe....

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    ...hey, thanks for the feedback...I should have been more specific in my question, though. Meaning, I should have specified what outside sources, apart from the original source material (such as movie sources, set designs, real life figures, etc.) do other successful comic book movie directors cite as inspiration(s) for their work? I was referencing Jasper's comments above my own where he states that "Nolan cites OHMSS AND Blade Runner as major influences...this can only be a good thing." I was just wondering if other comic book directors were inspired or referenced anything else when making their own movie and was debating if this really is a good thing.

  • March 22, 2005, 10:52 p.m. CST

    Compared to the older ones...

    by Aetius450

    this Batman movie has much more going for it. Burton's weren't as bas as Schumacher's, but they still weren't that good. Keaton was surprisingly good, but completely lacking the physical presence to make one believe he could take down thugs with ease. Same thing for Clooney, while Kilmer was almost plausible. The action scenes were horrible. The stories were mediocre. The Penquin stunk. As for the Schumacher films -- well nothing really needs to be said about those. Considering the superior cast, excellent director, average-good script, and respect of those involved for the character, this shouldn't have much trouble surpassing the preceding four, though none of them exactly set the bar too high. I might have preferred them not to use another body-armor suit, but again, as long as Bale can move around in it then it won't really matter. Maybe they should experiment with something like they use in Spiderman for a sequel, but they most certainly shouldn't go for that cheap-looking outfit in that 'Dead End' (or whatever its called) short some seem to love.

  • March 22, 2005, 11:16 p.m. CST

    Rynolds is having a big pull

    by TheGinger Twit

    As if he or Goyer (the screenwriter) could make that call.

  • March 23, 2005, 12:15 a.m. CST

    Tabascofun...

    by Fuzzyjefe

    Sorry about the mix-up there. To answer your question now......I have no idea. But at the same time, unless it involves something like production design, leave your outside influences at the door. I don't want to see an actor "channeling" someone else in a role. The Joker in Batman was Jack Nicholson in makeup. Two-face was Tommy Lee Jones channeling Jack Nicholson, and the Riddler was Ace Ventura in green spandex. In my humble opinion, actors should approach these characters like they would any other established character. Who are they? What is their motivation? Take it seriously. Don't ham it up just because the character is from a comic book, and is somehow worth less of your serious attention. If you sign up for the part in this world, invest in it. I hate when actors seem to feel like "Woo-hoo! Look at me! I'm the evil mastermind!" It's like they're the drunk at a costume party. That goes for writers & directors too. If you don't take the subject matter seriously, fuck off. This is why I'm feeling pretty good about Paul Greengrass tackling THE WATCHMEN. From what I've heard from him, he has a good grasp of the material. More importantly, he RESPECTS it. Sam Raimi has done that. Bryan Singer has done that. Love it or hate it, you could tell that Guillermo del Toro was passionate about Hellboy. Though I can appreciate what Ang Lee attempted with the Hulk, that wasn't the Hulk. Of course, most of this can be thrown right out when you're dealing with a smaller, less established property. Blade was a departure from the comic character, and that was a good thing. Film people should stop thinking that they "know better" than those who create and/or work on these characters. That's all. End of rant.

  • March 23, 2005, 12:22 a.m. CST

    Moviemack

    by Mafu

    Moviemack, you wrote, "Pick an opinion, research it, accept it as valid, then fuck all the other fanboys. Otherwise, you're just a cog in the capitalist machinery." All right. Point taken here. My question to you: exactly how are you not a cog in the capitalist machinery? You bought your own island, apparently, on which you make your own laws, and live a happy, egalitarian life. Sounds great. Oh, but there's a small crimp in your non-capitalist lifestyle: you own DVDs and you watch movies. Welcome to the machine. You're a cog like the rest of us.

  • March 23, 2005, 12:26 a.m. CST

    Fuzzyjefe...

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    ...agreed, whole-heartedly. Thank you for your reply...I think that's why source material should be left as is, which seems to be what Mack was saying...make a "Batman" movie if you're going to do it. Thanks for the insight, guys. So, citing spy movies when making crime-noir isn't exactly a good thing? :)

  • March 23, 2005, 12:33 a.m. CST

    Moviemack, not to pick at nits...

    by Fuzzyjefe

    but I said the Riddler was Ace Ventura in green spandex. Tommy Lee Jones channelled Jack Nicholson. But I can see the Frank Gorshin connection too. Here's a riddle for you: "Why has it taken Warner Bros. so long to realize that if you want your comic properties to make money in the multiplex, you need to treat them with respect?" The answer: "Hell if I know." I know, I know. They haven't respected Batman. But at least they took Constantine a little seriously, and it's done pretty well. Waiting to see on Superman & V for Vendetta. Hopeful on Watchmen.

  • March 23, 2005, 12:38 a.m. CST

    No problem Tabascofun..

    by Fuzzyjefe

    Sorry I never actually answered your question, but it's nice to be able to voice an opinion with someone who'll respect it as that: an opinion. I hope that Sin City really shows Hollywood that it's a good thing to make an unapologetic comic movie. I don't know what sort of box office it will do, but judging from the response so far, I have hopes that it will have its way with me and every other fan of the material.

  • March 23, 2005, 12:42 a.m. CST

    Sin City

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    didn't Rodriguez quit the guild over directing that? That's some kind of dedication and belief in the material to make such a bold statement AND to not deviate from the source material, at all...I hope that gamble pays off big for him. I'll be there opening night for that one.

  • March 23, 2005, 12:43 a.m. CST

    Moviemack..

    by Fuzzyjefe

    Even though I'm of the "wait and see" camp for Batman Begins, I appreciate your passion. You are one zealous bastard. I felt the same way about Spider-man, and I'm very happy with how it's been handled (mighty morphin' power goblin aside). You just have to hit the right beats.

  • March 23, 2005, 12:46 a.m. CST

    Yes, Rodriquez did quit the director's guild.

    by Fuzzyjefe

    They did not want to give a co-director credit to Frank Miller. That's his baby, man. How screwed up is that?

  • March 23, 2005, 12:48 a.m. CST

    Actually moviemack...

    by Ridge

    Scarecrow with a burlap mask is wrong? I mean... asides from the fact that in the comics IT IS a burlap mask with stitching I fail to see how its 'wrong' as such? Plus, as I've stated before, the mask is also used as a breathing device to avoid the toxic chemicals he uses in his fear gas... but I guess I mustn't have realised that, oh, after only 25 or so years of reading Batman comics...

  • March 23, 2005, 12:54 a.m. CST

    Yeah, pretty screwed up....

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    ...well, Rodriguez's stock continues to rise with me, then. That's impressive. Again, when the source material is that strong, then I'm sure that's not a hard decision to make. Good for Miller and Rodriguez. On the flip-side to that coin, didn't Mark Steven Johnson petition hard to make "Daredevil" because he knew the source material so well and even wrote the script with Brian Helgeland, right? Was it their adherence to the source that did them in on that?

  • March 23, 2005, 12:57 a.m. CST

    Ridge...

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    ...was the reason that the mask is used in the comic book the same that they give in the movie, in regards to Scarecrow? I'd never heard that before and was wondering if that was another attempt by the filmmakers to explain things that may not need to be explained.

  • March 23, 2005, 1:05 a.m. CST

    Burton's Batman ruled for a couple of reasons

    by performingmonkey

    For one, it was totally balls-out going for the R/15 rating which resulted in some great dark/sick moments of the kind we'll never see in any new Batman movie. The second reason is Nicholson as Napier/The Joker. I'm sorry, but if there was ever a 100% perfect casting that was it. Burton was the perfect director for Batman, and parts of Batman Returns also worked (I especially liked Walken as Max Shrek!!). Burton got the balance between comic book, reality and his own blend of insanity. BB better not rape Burton's ideas too much though, we've been there.

  • March 23, 2005, 1:06 a.m. CST

    Scarecrows mask

    by Ridge

    *SPOILER ALERT* ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ ........ Keep lookin if you want me to spoil... ........ ........ You've been warned, it does make a difference you know... ............ ............ Ok here ya go. In the script, Jonathan Crane is, like in the comics, a psychiatrist(psychologist? can never remember... lol) anyhow, the burlap mask serves two purposes in the script I wrote the review for, and apparently this hasnt changed. The first is, it's used as a breathing apparatus so when he subjects people to his fear toxen, whilst in their presence, he does not get affected. However, second, the script describes heavily that whilst in this state, people also hallucinate, making things a hundred times worse than what they're seeing. In the case of the scarecrows mask, apparently what happens is they see the man wearing it, he looks demonic or whatnot, maggots etc etc bugs etc etc as described elsewhere, and they completely flip out. Crane later on, doesn't have his mask on and gets exposed to an uber amount of toxin, sending him insane. Normally he doesnt ride a horse in the movie, there was no scene with a horse in what I read but apparently they rewrote around 20 percent of the script whilst on set, so its entirely possible he gains this horse at the asylum or somewhere else after hes completely flipped out. And one more thing, unless they've completely changed the reasoning, theres no miracle event or strange event thats given as a reason for criminals becoming more theatric... just a logical one.

  • March 23, 2005, 1:11 a.m. CST

    Performingmonkey

    by Ridge

    From what i can tell, Nolans version isn't even hinting at going near what Burtons was. Burtons was gothic, nihilistic and almost parodical at times, and worked rather fine. As movies I like 1 and 2, I think they're good. As faithful batman translations? I think they veer so far from the mark it isn't funny. Jack Nicholson was great as the Joker, its unfortunate though that he overshadowed Batman immensely. But hey, when Joker pops up in the new movies, probably around the third I'd say, if the rumors about Two Face being in the second, are true, then I'd say that'd happen again, but I'd like to see a more subdued, insane evil Joker. Noone could match Jack Nicholsons style, so I think a totally new angle would be called for. Suppose I was to cast... I think first I'd either consider Jude Law for acting ability alone, but realistically, being australian, I've watched the work of one Bruce Spence all my life, hes the Mouth of Sauron in LOTR and the Conductor in the Matrix Revolutions, also one of the wierd men in Dark City, I think he'd be fantastic... Moreso I think, with how the script came across to me, it seems they want to go with a lot more character depth with Bruce Wayne, exploring his feelings over his parents murder, delving into his world travels briefly, going into his history. Being a sort of 'year one', not exactly but sort of, I guess that had to happen. But I can say, the script I read, definitely explores Bruce Wayne/Batman a lot more than Burtons ever did.

  • March 23, 2005, 1:13 a.m. CST

    Moviemack, is it possible for you

    by Ridge

    To converse properly, or do you always have to come across as a whinging twat...

  • March 23, 2005, 1:14 a.m. CST

    Script details...

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    ...so why explain that part of the Batman mythos at all...about "how" those criminals came into existence? We as an audience accept that they're going to be there in some capacity, that's part of that world. Why tell us how they came to be? Regardless of what anyone thinks of Burton's films, he gave us a fantastical world where this kind of thing was accepted...when giving a "realistic" take, I suppose we need "realistic" reasons for them to take place, too, right?

  • March 23, 2005, 1:16 a.m. CST

    by Ridge

    Rhas isnt really ever explained as such Tabasco, neither is Johnathan Crane, they're there already. Bruce just stumbles upon Rhas, and Scarecrow is stumbled upon by Batman... which is kind of why I like it. Thing is, in the script it goes on about how the city is normal, Bruce Wayne gets the idea from Rhas to be theatrical to put fear into his victims, so he employs this method succesfully... unfortunaley for him... bad people take notice of this too. And the method is repeated, or at least, hinted at.

  • March 23, 2005, 1:29 a.m. CST

    Realism in the script

    by "BadDates"Monkey

    That was my concern in regards to the shooting script...does that run rampant in the script...needless explanations or reasons for things to exist in that world? I haven't read the script (obviously) but it seems all the rumors point in that direction. I hope that's not the case, because that would mean not only do the filmmakers not respect the material, but maybe not the audience either. Some things should be left to our own imagination and not have it be a paint-by-numbers experience. Thank you for the reply, btw.

  • March 23, 2005, 2:05 a.m. CST

    Moviemack

    by Praetor

    You're right. Cricket 'aint' golf. They're both British sports however you spastic ape. You want to compare Rugby to American football which is similar except we don't have to wear faggoty body armour and stop every 10 seconds for breath.

  • March 23, 2005, 2:47 a.m. CST

    Moviemack, your a bit obsessive

    by Lukecash

    Since you haven't seen the actual clips yet (Unless you went to the Wizard Con this weekend) You have no idea what we saw. The scenes that they, everything was well thought out. I could see influencs of several Bat scribes and bat artists. And if you are such a comic fan, you would know there have been several batmobiles, including a monster truck and a tank...so what the Batmobile IS supposed to looklike is up for grabs. And Johnathan Crane DID ride a horse in one Loeb's Story arcs. (Long Holoween). This is clearly the most respectful version they have done with the character. Burton had a a great visual sense, but in the end had no clue about what made the characters tick or what they were a bout. Let me remind you.. Burton re-imagined the Penquine as a crude sewer dwelling mishapen raised by penquins freak, as opposed to the high class, well spoken master thief that he was. Of course, also from Burtons movie, we know that the JOKER killed the Waynes. Oh, and that Batman is a murderer to boot! This movie is going to have a lot of MANY different influnces of Batman over the years...like Kane, Millar, O'niel and more.

  • March 23, 2005, 2:53 a.m. CST

    Tobascofun-realism

    by Lukecash

    The thing about batman is that he can exist in genres. In the comics he's been campy, sci-fi, James Bondish, Film noir, horror and realistic. By the title "Batman Begins" I would assume that the movie is about how he became Batman.

  • March 23, 2005, 3:36 a.m. CST

    the best bit about Moviemacks rants are...

    by Mr Chuff

    finding the bits when he has to get tucked up in bed and stops spewing and lets a few other people post for a while. But then its morning and what else has he got in his life other than coming here to rant about Batman?

  • March 23, 2005, 5:53 a.m. CST

    I found it funny... apparently Im british!!!!

    by Ridge

    Well, sorry mate, Im australian. Live in Brisbane, in Greenslopes. Work at a hospital in a carpark, serving people day in day out. Wish I had something to do with ole' Hollywood but nup, sorry pal. Look up the Mater Public Brisbane Hospital, that's where I'm from. Oh and you've never heard of people halucinating from Scarecrows fear gas??? You've never read a comic with Scarecrow in it have you... at a stretch, go read Batman Vs Dredd, scarecrow gasses Batman, he sees all his fears, all his nemesis' in a twisted demonic way... when the scarecrow gasses judge death? He sees pink bunnies, cute stuff, saccharine strawberry shortcake shit... stuff he FEARS. Really seems like you must be the type of what, Im assuming, 16 year old, who sits on his pc, making up for his lack of social ability by abusing the outer world with a means that noone could truly give him his come uppance with. I have answered your questions before, yet when I ask you to answer mine, you just dawdle around and pick out things like the word 'mayhaps' from postings 5 columns before... I don't think I've ever seen a more incompetent person on these boards in my life. Where's George the 7th Chicken when you need some good humor?

  • March 23, 2005, 5:56 a.m. CST

    Jude Law and Blade Runner

    by jasper Stillwell

    Hilarious feedback stuff guys but Ridge, you had me there with Bruce Spence - always a nice idea for the Joker if a little too old now, but lost me with Jude Law...the man's an admittedly good-looking 'chair leg' with all the acting ability of a door. I'm kind of sick of him getting out forward for any role that requires charisma and or/cheekbones. Keep the bastard away from Watchmen for God's sake. Movie mack: you had me on some of your rants but 'sucking like a homo on a tweleve inch dick?'...how enlightened...and as regards influences, yes it IS a good idea and actually inevitable. Batman has had a number of comic-book 'incarnations' over the years and argubaly anyone of them dependent on the contemporary circumstances any could be seen as 'definitive'. At the moment we're into him defined as a kind of Right-Wing psychotic/detective figure. This may change in a few years...who knows? In terms of filim influences I've kind of had a thing about comic book directors finding their own 'voice' in a visual sense allied to the comic tone and style for some time but the grimy 'Seven' aesthetic you covet for a successful 'Batman' movie simply would not have existed if it weren't for Diddley-Ridley Scott. Nolan is the man for the job. *Back of the Net*

  • March 23, 2005, 6:04 a.m. CST

    Jasper bloody good points..

    by Ridge

    And yes, Bruce would be a little too old these days, after all the Joker in *theory* from what they've pieced together in the comics, is meant to be around late 30s to early 40s, spence unfortunately is around 60 now I believe? Jude Law was a bit of a silly idea I do admit after thinking about it, but after thinking a bit more, you know what? I want a NOBODY to play the Joker. Id love them to go out there, find someone who is either B or C grade, can act, train them up etc etc and mould them into the character to fit perfectly... Tobey Maguire anyone? Hugh Jackman? I'd say Affleck but then I'd have to shoot myself... but another example? Wether you agree with me or not, Christian Bale!!! Must be a plant now if I think hes good lmao. But seriously, like I said, a nobody would be good? I'd like to see the physical look of the Joker reflect the animated series moreso, we've had normal joker in the tv series, fat joker in Burtons movie and now, I'd like tall, gangly Joker with an insane cackle... oh and fer gods sake lets have Harley Quinn in there somewhere!!!

  • March 23, 2005, 6:39 a.m. CST

    place your bets please

    by ScaryJim

    that moviemack mentions capitalism in his next post . Moviemack i don't understand how you can throw around the word capitalist willy nilly on a film news website - Films are synonomous with capitalism, any money making at all is capitalist in it's essence . You subscribing to an internet service provider means you are paying money to someone so you can obsess over a stupid little batman film that really no one is seeing as the be all and end all of anything .They are in essence capitalising on your need for the net . so before you go around accusing people of being capitalists just think about it for a second , go and read a few books about the real issues of capitsalism and it's effects on fair trade for poorer countries. Maybe when you are old enough to have to go to a shop to buy your own coffee you will think of buying the fair trade beans , you may even stay away from that mcdonalds shite. You may not buy clothes made in sweat shops .For fuck sake though calling people who buy DVD'S capitalist fuck wits ? and you're here on a film news website ? If you want to take issue with capitalism involved in the making of this Batman film though the issue should be taken up with DC comics who sold out batman to warner brothers for fuck knows what amount of money - so essentially all blame lays with them , they surely could have independently made the films but chose not too . Thats how much they care about their property .

  • March 23, 2005, 6:47 a.m. CST

    Everyone take a deep breath

    by brynmonkey

  • March 23, 2005, 6:47 a.m. CST

    by brynmonkey

    Its only a film

  • March 23, 2005, 8:01 a.m. CST

    Cheers and yes, agreed....

    by jasper Stillwell

    ...we need someone incredibly thin, early 30s would be ideal, maybe someone with dance/ballet training (?) there's always been that inherent implication that the Joker is 'batting for the other side'. (Just cause he has a partner in the Moore story I guess means diddily...maybe the guy was repressing like crazy before the chemical bath!). Indeed the reason why it can be argued that reason he's the opposite to Bruce/Batman is that Bruce is all 'repression' and Joker is all 'expression'. But quite honestly I worry about the poor bastard who goes through life looking like exactly the Joker!

  • March 23, 2005, 8:20 a.m. CST

    Moviemack... Is there ANY way to ban this clown?

    by InZodWeTrust

    Its like he has a tent pitched, and he sits by idly until someone says "Batman Begins". Geez man, get a job, or SOMETHING.

  • March 23, 2005, 9:42 a.m. CST

    "Playing the roll"...

    by SalvatoreGravano

    That's the point at which I stopped reading. I shudder to think how horrific that "report" was *originally*, before being processed by the Idiot's Helper, alias Microsoft Word SpellCheck Engine (TM)...

  • March 23, 2005, 6:38 p.m. CST

    Moviemack

    by The Only Woj

    Two things. First off, I think you should collect all of your posts regarding Batman and put out a book. While I don't agree with most of your opinions, I think you're a pretty damn good debator. Second, the problem with your complaints is that you base it on a draft of the script, not the final shooting script itself. As I understand it, Scarecrow is on a horse for one scene. Batman was on a horse in The Dark Knight Returns, and I'm pretty sure that has to go against something. That's not to say the Scarecrow should be on a horse, but if there is some purpose/reason to it, beyond "looking cool", I can handle it. And, personally, I love the suit. I have no problem with how it's made or how it looks. It's always going to look like this in live-action movies. That's just how it is unless someone else works there way up at Warner Bros and makes a change, and I doubt that will happen. It can be debated and bitched about forever, but it won't mean a thing (though, it's interesting to read).

  • March 24, 2005, 10:23 a.m. CST

    Horse Scene Spoiler

    by InZodWeTrust

    The reason Crane hops the horse is to make a quick getaway. Its a Police Horse from the GCPD. so why do we have such a problem with him being on a horse? I just don't get the needless hate. Notice that this moviemack FUCK is nowhere to be found after it seems that everybody has turned on him? Either that or HE'S FINALLY OUT LOOKING FOR AS JOB

  • March 24, 2005, 1:35 p.m. CST

    R.C.'s opinio: Fuck! Are there only 6 people on this talkback

    by R.C. the "Wise"

    Shit! The fact is it's amazing that WB finally committed to finishing a decent Batman film. It probably won't be great but it sure as hell will rank as one of the best comic-based films ever made. Behind of course, X2, Road to Perdiiton, Spider-man 2, the Rocketeer, T.M.N.T I, the original Superman, Blade, From Hell, and the upcoming Sin City. My bet is that it will be on the level of enjoyment as Hellboy, Daredevil, and Constantine were.

  • The only thing less scary than velvet would be a felt cape. I'm hoping it's just the lighting in those stills. The one thing Dead End got right was the cape.

  • March 24, 2005, 3:33 p.m. CST

    evolution..maybe?

    by SpikeTBB

    It may be foolishly optimistic of me, but maybe the Batman movies are evolving to eventually become the dark version so many of us hope for. Maybe in 10 years they will do me the way I

  • March 24, 2005, 3:54 p.m. CST

    oh man...paging Dr Freud...

    by SpikeTBB

    To quote my previous typo.. "Maybe in 10 years they will do me the way I