Cool News
UPDATED! New Line picks up DUNGEONS & DRAGONS!
Hey folks, Harry here.... According to Variety New Line Cinema has picked up the domestic distribution for DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS.... Obviously... this will now play into the pre-hype for LORD OF THE RINGS, which they will inevitably attach a special trailer to this film for release. This is an example of smart thinking on the part of a studio... locking up the only similar themed project on the horizon, then releasing it so it can tap the entire fan base for their larger investment item.... LORD OF THE RINGS... But this is very good news as it was uncertain whether or not this film would get domestic distribution as its Warners deal didn't seem to be working due to complications. Well... there ya have it...
ROBO-UPDATE!
Greetings, dungeon denizens! ROBOGEEK here with a follow-up, which should give you more to chew on in Talk Back. First of all, it's well worth noting that (according to Variety and USA Today) New Line paid only a tad more than $5 million (read: chump change) to not only distribute the $36 million D&D film in the U.S., but to also lock up options on a sequel and prequel, as well as other ancillary rights (i.e. TV, etc.). Such a minimal investment certainly doesn't qualify as a ringing endorsement, and represents negligible financial risk.
Furthermore, according to their own press release, New Line plans a year-end release, which seems kind of rushed, given that it doesn't nearly allow enough time to put in place all the potential licensing deals. Previous reports indicated the producers were hoping for a late spring/early summer 2001 release to accommodate this, but apparently couldn't find any takers (i.e. Warners). So, yes, it does seem that New Line's preemptive acquisition of D&D mirrors Fox's strategy in acquiring "Wing Commander" vis-a-vis "Episode I" two years ago.
If you're curious, below is the official press release from New Line (courtesy of our pal Xoanon at theonering.net), which puts an... interesting spin on things. (I love how they compare it to "Mortal Kombat" -- and not "Lord of the Rings.")
- Robogeek
NEW LINE CINEMA SET TO MAKE BOX OFFICE MAGIC WITH ACQUISITION OF "DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: THE MOVIE"
(Los Angeles, August X, 2000) -- New Line Cinema has acquired domestic distribution rights to Dungeons and Dragons: The Movie, it was jointly announced today by acquisitions chief Mark Ordesky, President of Fine Line Features, as well as producer/director Courtney Solomon of Sweetpea Entertainment.
Based on the classic role-playing fantasy-adventure game, the film, which is budgeted at $36 million, is executive produced by Joel Silver (The Matrix), and currently in post-production. New Line will release the project by the end of the year.
Dungeons and Dragons is one of the best-known fantasy titles in existence.
The game has generated more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, including the publication of more than 400 novels. D & D products have been translated into 18 different languages and are still a fast-selling commodity. Leading toy maker Hasboro is in the process of launching a 25th Anniversary line of products.
"For millions of people worldwide, Dungeons and Dragons has been the penultimate fantasy game for more than 25 years, and this film will deliver for die-hard fans as well as those who have never been exposed to this epic world of magic, sorcery and adventure," Ordesky said. "Courtney has done a phenomenal job translating Dungeons and Dragons on film and we look forward to working with him and Joel Silver as we release this feature into the marketplace."
Nearly three generations of consumers have grown up on the game, totaling more than 25 million aficionados worldwide. "Beyond the new fans who are entertained by the game today, there is an incredible nostalgia factor to this title and we hope to capture and rekindle their imagination with this acquisition," Ordesky added.
According to web traffic data, a legion of fans are eager for news about the film. The unofficial website promoting the project, DNDMOVIE.COM, has received more than 1.5 million hits since launching last November, and the site continues to generate unusual levels of press and consumer interest.
In addition, members of the cast are already supporting the film as they appear this weekend in Milwaukee at Gen Con, the country's largest convention of D & D devotees. At the convention, it is expected that 50,000 fans will have the opportunity to get a first-look at teaser promotional footage from the film.
New Line will begin developing a marketing, distribution and publicity campaign immediately to support a year-end launch. "With New Line's great track record releasing genre films, and their experience with The Lord of the Rings, I think they are the perfect match for Dungeons and Dragons," said producer/director Courtney Solomon.
Added Rolf Mittweg, Co-Chairman of Worldwide Marketing: "Like Mortal Kombat and other fantasy/adventure franchises, this is the kind of programming that New Line has traditionally excelled with."
In the film, which stars Jeremy Irons, Thora Birch (American Beauty), Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie) Justin Whalin ("The New Adventures of Lois and Clark") and Richard O'Brien (Rocky Horror Picture Show) among others, a rag tag group of adventurers seek to foil the plans of an evil wizard.
In addition to landing domestic distribution rights, New Line has secured an option to make a potential prequel and sequel, as well as other ancillary platforms including cable, pay and network television.
Along with Ordesky, New Line's Vice President of Acquisitions Arianna Bocco was responsible for landing the rights to the project. New Line's Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Suzanne Rosencrans negotiated the agreement on behalf of the studio. Solomon is represented by attorney Sheri Jeffrey as well as Joe Gatta and David Gersh at the Gersh Agency. At Silver Pictures, the project was brought in and overseen by Steve Richards.
Solomon is a first-time filmmaker who began developing the concept for Dungeons and Dragons: The Movie while still in high school. A native of Toronto, Canada, he optioned the film rights to the project from TSR, Inc. when he was 21 years-old. Thereafter he secured the interest of Hong Kong-based financier Allan Zeman, who funded the project.
Solomon currently has several other projects in development, including a film adaptation of the best-selling comic book "Gen 13" as well as The Bell Witch, The Herald, and Puppetland, a computer generated live-action feature.
Joel Silver is one of the most successful producers in the motion picture industry, with the combined gross of his films tallying more than $3 billion.
With the success of The Matrix, 14 of Silver's films have earned worldwide box-office totals over $100 million. The others are the Lethal Weapon series I-IV, Die Hard and Die Hard 2: Die Harder, Predator, Commando, 48 Hours, The Last Boy Scout, Demolition Man, Conspiracy Theory, and Executive Decision.
-
+ Expand All
-
thank god.
-
I want to see both of these films immediately. I agree, its a smart move by New Line.
-
but this movie looks cool. it's weird, really, i have all the makings of a dork but never even heard about d+d till like 8th grade. all i can remember about thora birch was seeing her in 'now and then' when i was younger and her saying shitty. i was like"man, i've heard people say shit before, but not shit-ty! what an interesting twist" or something of that nature. to say the least, it blew my mind. and now that scene is forever in my mind.anyways, im looking foward to lotr more then anything so i cant wait for the trailer even if this movie sucks. um, do i sound smart, stupid, or other. mail me at.... and the best movie ever stands the same......dumb and dumber. the best. good times. see ya round. have a good one. ok,bye
-
Tis a shitty vocabulary that includes not the word. And most D&D players discover the game around 7th or 8th grade. Enbrace your geekdom but be wary of DM's bearing anything above +4.
-
The Lord of the Rings trailer attached to Dungeons and Dragons? Are you trying to say that New Line is going to make Dungeons a hit with the a LOTR trailer?!! Does D&D suck so much that New Line needs to put one of the most anticipated movie trailers on it to crap into FINE crap. Remember when Fox attached The Phantom Menace trailer to Wing Commander? That movie sucked. They needed Star Wars to put butts in the seats.
-
Isn't the whole Dungeons and Dragons thing a little retro eighties nowadays ?
-
Truth be told, I'm not all that hyped to see this movie. I never played the game as a kid and I've heard a lot of negative things about it so far. But the fact that it stars Thora Birch and Jeremy Irons is a plus. Wait a minute,...doesn't this also have Marlon Wayans in it? Jeremy Irons and Marlon Wayans in the same movie? Oh...my....god....
-
They would just hold onto D&D until after FOTR is released, I hope that's what they are doing with this move, because I've always seen the D&D movie (which will probably be total crap) as the biggest threat to the success of the LOTR movies. Ok, in the past fantasy as a genre of both books and movies has gained a negative connotation. And at the very peak of that negative rep, is Dungeons & Dragons, considered the pinacle of lameness by most people... now, I myself have never been a D&D player, but I wouldn't talk trash about them because I've done things which are absolutely just as geeky (play tons of video games and such) and totally make up for that fact, so there is no reason for me to nitpick about varieties of nerdiness, so i'm not bashing D&D the game. But let's face it, the average movie-goer does not care for fantasy much, and if anything they think it's lame and geeky... but it's been a while since they've had a reminder, it's been a while since there was a large fantasy movie, I mean there was like Kull but that wasn't very big and you know... it didn't make much of an impression. So, negative as the typical perception toward fantasy is, it has simmered down due to a lack of it being in peoples' faces... which gives a perfect opportunity for LOTR to come in and totally reshape their ideas, and for them to love it. But that cannot play out that way if D&D comes out first, and not only reminds people of how much and why they disliked fantasy, but brings it to a whole new level because it's D&D! what more powerful way to hurt the chances of LOTR is there? I cannot think of one. Newline, bottle this demon up until after FOTR is out.
-
"But let's face it, the average movie-goer does not care for fantasy much, and if anything they think it's lame and geeky."
***
The "average movie-goer" seems pretty smitten with the entire Star Wars franchise, and it defintely qualifies as fantasy (though poorly diguised beneath SF trappings). And, I dunno, I thought that Willow was moderately successful, and it came out after "Kull" (sic), by the way. Besides, anything that has Tom Baker in it is all right by me! -
I think this is a really bad move on the part of New Line. D&D is for really geeky guys that used to get beat up a lot in High School, and couldn't get laid tell they where in their 30s, and they had to pay a hooker to lose their virginity. On the other hand LOTR is for people that really appreciate good fantasy literature by a true genius. By attaching D&D to LOTR New Line will turn off a lot of people. ~I am Jack's bad marketing move.~
-
I saw the trailer for this flick and was not too impressed. I was hoping for more Warwick Davis, and instead got Gary Coleman of all people. John Goodman and George Wendt would have made great dwarves, with a little CGI magic. With a little less help, Danny DeVito could play the dwarf who pits them against each other and mayhem ensues. If rumors are true, Bob Sagget gets the holy hell smacked out of him by Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Day-Lewis gets it on with Louie Anderson...let's hear it, everybody.
-
Kull, the Conquerer... not Krull. The one with Kevin Sorbo (of Hercules lame) from a couple years back, I was speaking over the past some years I don't believe there's been much, nothing too high profile anyway, that's the point, there is an opening for LOTR to do just what Star Wars did for Sci-Fi (though I agree with you on it's fantasy elements, but still I think what i'm saying here applies)... now I wasn't alive quite yet, but I don't think there had been any major attempts in the preceding couple years before Star Wars at sci-fi stuff, maybe so... I dunno, but the analogy here would be like if something as bad as Supernova or some such crap had come out a few months prior to Star Wars, with the Star Wars trailor on it! might have hurt Star Wars chances pretty badly... so what I'm saying is that, but also just the simple point I'm making is that the masses do not think well of D&D, and a lot of younger people especially who might've gone and seen LOTR thinking "hey I can come off looking like I'm goign to this cause I like Star Wars, and everyone likes that... so no biggy" may not go if they worry it will look like they are the same kind of person who wanted to see D&D, ok I'm tired and my points are bogged down in bad wording here but do you get the general idea? I hope you're right on it not having any connection, I hope D&D can come out and sort of go unnoticed... but perhaps the very worst scenario, and this is quite possible really... is the # of people who may actually think LOTR is a RIP OFF of D&D (the movie, or the game) because they know no better... ok that's enough typin'
-
Heeey! Cool! Call me slow but I only just found out about this movie. For any 'real' 'hardcore' fans of D&D out there can you clear a few things up for me? I have never played it myself but I have heard of it. I read a lot of Dragonlance books though, particularly the ones written by Margeret Weis and Tracy Hickman, who I think but am not sure actually helped to create D&D, and base their Dragonlance books (which I adore) on the game. So what I want to know is if Margeret Weis and Tracy Hickman or others are in any way connected to the writing of the movie, and does it have the characters of Raistlin, Caramon, Tanis, Lana(think that's the name) and company? If so, I'm in!!! If I am completely wrong and D&D is not related to Dragonlance sagas then let me know that too..... either way I will see it, being a lover of dragons and Thora Birch both. I have loved Thora since Now and Then, but she is coolest in some dumb Christmas movie with Ethan Embry who is credited under a different name, where she looks about six years old and very cute....
Seeya! -
Do anyone really think that D&D stands a chance with the far superior Lord of the Rings. This film will fail miserably in comparison.
-
Look at it this way. There is no way in hell that LOTR is not going to make the big bucks. Bottom line is that a good majority of people already know and love LOTR and will go see it out of nessecity(I went and saw X-Men a few times and boy was I sceptical of that at first.)and that will generate enough buzz to get others out there. If you think that it's bad that LOTR trailer will be attached to D&D just think of all the ADORABLE Hugh grant vehicles it will also be attached to. As for D&D? Hell yes I'll go see it no matter how ridiculously terrible it looks. No one said it had to be a tour de force. Imean i've been reliving my childhood with those animated saturday morning revivals.
-
Am I the only one who have played the game and knows what it's about here?
You guys have got the same fuct up ideas about RPGs as old who don't understand todays culture have about music, movies and games in general.
You don't know shit so before you start dissing D&D as "lame" and "pathetic" it would be better if you knew what you were talking about.
D&D players are all sorts of people not only nerds with no charisma. If you've ever been to a RPG festival you would know there are all sorts of people there, and all of them in general are very nice, open and intelligent, and don't have to playing tough and "I know it all" wise to get new friends.
I personally think this movie has a big chance of being pretty damn cool, It's got D&D in it, that means it could be anything. All sorts of fantasy creatures. If you thing LOTR is the only "quality fantasy" out there you too do not know what you're talking about.
And to the "king" if you've played so many PCgames, you've probably heard about Baldurs gate, which uses D&D rules, and you've proably heard about Starcraft and Diablo which TSR have now been signed to make RPGs from. RPGs are far from an 80's fenomena.
Just stop dissing things you know nothing about.
And no, Raistlin and co are not in the movie, that would have been cool, but that's from the Dragonlance world, and the movie has it's own new universe. -
I'm a little confused at some of the attacks that D&D the movie has been getting. As far as I know, no reviewer has yet seen even a rough cut. Everyone just listens to vitriolic rants by shmucks (who were never "cool" enough to even get accepted into a D&D group themselves) and regurgitate the same "it's going to be crap" lines. Okay. It might end up being crap. But at least I'll reserve judgement until I see it or hear something a little more authoritative. It's especially sad to hear LOTR fans mock D&D enthusiasists as "pathetic losers". That's exactly the same nonsensical name-calling that LOTRers have to endure from mainstream academics and literature buffs. You'd think they were above that kind of sophmoric bigotry.
-
The very same New Line producers who started the LOTR project, and have been seeing dailies, ALSO have seen the final D&D reel and liked it enough to attach their name and secure the distribution rights. Tends to debunk the "complete crap" theories, hmm?
-
just so you know, I started playing D&D when I was 8.I played that and variuos other RPG's for years.When I got to high school I played 3 sports a year(no, not track), never got my ass kicked for playing RPG's and had more sex in that 4 year period then you probably have in your entire life.You are spouting the same shit that all the guys who were TOO DUMB TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES always say.Yes some of the people who played were geeky, but at least they knew how to READ AND ADD!!!It also takes a certain amount of imagination and creativity, which I doubt resides in your sloped cave-man skull.
-
I am so happy to hear that D&D will finally be hitting the theaters. I know a lot of people are going to be ESTATIC about this and will be lining up to buy their tickets the second they are available for sale!
-
Pamlily- D&D predates Dragonlance by approximately 15 years. It was originally created by Dave Arneson & Gary Gygax. Dragonlance was a decision by the TSR Corporation (who owned D&D, now owned by Wizards of the Coast) to create a new world and series of books to sell into the book market. The world of Dragonlance (one of a dozen created for D&D) was created co-operatively by Weis & Hickman, and the developers at TSR (such as Ed Greenwood - the creator of the TSR Forgotten Realms modules and world, and most of the books). D&D the movie will be based on a new set of characters in a D&D based world. If that succeeds there is talk of movies for Dragonlance and possibly the Forgotten Realms.
-
For all you geniuses with Phds in Tolkein....
Do not worry DND the Movie will ROCK!!!
That is why New Line acquired it.
They don't pay a s-load of cash for a finished film like this one and then sit on it when it will in fact bolster their bigger investment. The fact is that New Line has been cultivating the fantasy/gamer market for years. They've seen it they know it's better than you think. It's gonna have big LEGS!!!!!!! -
Aug 14, 2000 11:21:02 AM CDT
Just a theory (But I really think I'm right, then again, who doe
by lordzanthos
I Like the new animation Harry! I have a feeling that Fantasy as a genre is in much the same place now as was Sci-Fi back in the 70's (although it seems to have been stuck in production hell for decades). There have been one or two movies that showed a certian amount of promise, but so far, nothing amazing on all levels. Remember in sci-fi we had to live through Plan 9 from Outer Space before we could get Star Trek 2, and Star Wars. We, as fantasy fans got Willow, which was okay, but not great (sorry Willow fans). It had a lead that no one knew, or could identify with, and the secondary characters were often far more interesting than the leads (besides the annoying habit of calling Humans Dikinis, and dwarves something else, and calling Pixies "brownies"... it was annoying to me). Of course, we had Conan, and that was cool, but often silly, and that stupid snake cult thing would have done better in a book, than it played on film (and let's not even start on Conan the Destroyer (sorry Conan fans, but that movie is the reason there hasn't been another Conan since). I think the making of the D&D movie, and the LotR trilogy will give fantasy just the boost it needs to be vaulted into the same realm as science fiction, so long as studios don't get cold feet (or keep cold feet as they have with their luke-warm efforts at satisfying the rather obvious desires for Fantasy oriented films when TV shows such as Hercules and Xenia are/were running away with audiences). I believe the audiences of such shows, as well as the latent film audience, and the readers and players of fantasy games will, if allowed, show they are just as much a force as sci-fi movie watchers and often are the sdame people. I look forward with hopeful eagerness at the future of Fantasy movies. And one last personal pet-peeve: DON'T SAY A DAMN THING ABOUT A MOVIEBEING GOOD OR BAD UNLESS YOU'VE SEEN IT!!!!! And since no one's seen D&D, don't act like you KNOW it's going to SUCK. Just be glad you're getting the info, and be happy there might be one more movie to have fun watching at the theaters. After all that's the whole point: to have fun, that's why they call it entertainment people! I'm out. Thanks.
-
It's sound great that a movie about D&D is finaly coming out, I just can't wait to take my son to a movie that as a child always dreamed about (while we played our own campaine), maybe my son will follow my footstep and play the game as he gets older (but he will get the benifits of seeing the movie and getting a better insight of the game and characters).
From a long long fan of D&D.
Svenglezzzzzzz -
What kind of controversy did I stir up? Maybe a nice little horde of pissed of Willow and Conan fans? Hmmm... if it's an intelligent debate I look forward to it. those movies were okay even good at moments for what they were, but could have been so much more, no?
-
ok.. i still play the game...love it.. it rules and all that good stuff.. lets just hope a Sucubus is in it.. theyre hot and scary and the last time i played, a got to screw a Sucubus and she almost killed me!!! alright..i know i must sound like a dork, but its actually a great never-ending role-playing game and im jazzed about the flick!
-
Just a note regarding some of the comments people are claiming if the movie will be good or bad...come on people wait till you see a movie before you comment, I guess it's expected with a D&D crowd, they tend to be very detailed people who are very hard to please (especialy those die-hard player - who are usually the dungeon master)
I hope to see everyones comments about the film "AFTER" the movie.
Take care,
Svenglezzz -
Oh yes, lets have LOTR do what Star Wars did for Sci Fi. That is, give us an unending stream of mostly boring, derivative space-crap. We're gonna see a thousand "Willow"s come on the heels of LOTR (and I mean that in a bad way...Willow was impressive visually, but every time I see it, I'm impressed more by how stupid it is otherwise). Star Wars (and Alien) got science fiction movies securely buried in their 20 year old rut. Hmm...I would say LOTR would do the same thing, except that the books have already mostly done it.
-
Whatever you think of D&D, I couldn't possibly see this movie doing bad. The D&D fanbase has been around for a long time, and just like with X-Men, they have all been waiting for a movie.
From a marketing point of view, there couldn't be a better time to release this movie, as D&D has just had a major revival. First of all D&D just saw the release of 3 CRPG's: Plansescape - Torment, Baldurs Gate, and IceWind Dale, bringing D&D back to the computer. Still the best is yet to come with Baldurs Gate II, the New Pools of Radiance, and NeverWinter Nights coming soon. On top of that after 11 years AD&D has seen the release (only a few days ago) of the new 3rd Edition rules set - which was selling out on the first day of release.
Everyone's ready for the D&D movie, while people are still gearing up for LOTR. -
Lets wait until the movies COMES OUT. We can all SEE IT, then we can holler and scream and judge it subjectively. I must agree with one of the posts above, sci fi in general has been stuck in a creative rut, in large part to the overweening sucess of Star Wars. My big fear is that this upcoming Dungeons and Dragons, movie, as well as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will be Willow writ large, that special effects will be overemphasied, and that the writing and acting will be completely ignored. My big hope, though, is that these movies will get out of the shadow of the now embarrassing (Jar Jar, anyone) Star Wars franchise, and create something new and vibrant for the sci fi genre to add to movie history. And, as a final note, don't stereotype the hard core fans (although that guy talking about the Sucubus, a mythical female demon, isnt helping his cause very much)
-
Star Wars was great but even better was 2001:A Space Odyssey. LOTR has the potential to reach those heights. We haven't really had any good quality fantasy flicks. Conan and the Sword and the Sorceress were great for plain old sword play, but thin on plot or acting. The 13th Warrior stands out as one my current favorites yet that was a wash at the box office. A D&D movie has the potential to be really cool but only if it can tap into the creativity of the game. One of the reasons so many people have played the game is the opportunity to really be creative and have some fun. Oh the stories I could tell! I look forward to the D&D movie and LOTR even if they do wind up sucking big. The potential for quality is there, but I'll spend my money either way.
-
Aug 14, 2000 12:25:49 PM CDT
Irrelevant effect on LOTR. Or rather, NO effect on LOTR.
by gandalfgriffin3
When mrContica said "If you thing LOTR is the only "quality fantasy" out there you too do not know what you're talking about." I almost couldn't stop laughing. I know there's lots of good fantasy still out there, in literature/book form atleast, but there's no way in hell that any of it compares to LOTR. No way, no how, no day. LOTR has a global readership that got it voted "book of the century" in many a country in many a poll. That's why I don't think the LOTR trailer being attached to a D&D movie will effect things at all, or that the D&D movie will give LOTR a bad rap. LOTR's readership is far too large, far too diverse in age and globally, that most won't care what the trailer is attached to (which I might note, isn't the trailer also attached to Kevin Costner's 13 Days around Christmas time too? and probably anything else New Line has got after that), or if D&D came out before it, or if D&D stunk or not. Even when simply comparing production values, details and quality, budgets, cast, and crews of the two movie projects...D&D is like a calm breeze and LOTR is a hurricane gale force wind.
-
The work that Jackson and WETA are doing on the LOTR Trilogy will certainly not be "Willow writ large".... You don't have to go there! I mean, seriously, with people like Sir Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchette and the ever-so-delicious Christopher F***ING Lee at the top of the marquee, do you really think LOTR is going to suffer from bad thespianship?? Man, we're talking about Ian McKellen!! That worldly, super-intelligent (yet super-freaky) Andy Serkis doing the Gollum voice! Whatever mind-blowing effects WETA has dreamed up, the fact is Jackson has a perfect cast. He has actors assembled that could enact the most stunning dramatization of LOTR without ANY effects at all... So I don't think we have any real chance of having a Willow Redux. As for the upcoming D&D movie, seems that New Line is playing the game much smarter than Miramax (which is surprising). Mister Weinstein, you really dropped the ball on this one, kiddo. Better luck with "Shakespeare in Love, Part Two: Out Damned Spot!"
-
I'm glad somebody finally mentioned the release of the latest D&D rules as one of the reasons for New Line's interest. It's usually not too bad a marketing idea to pick up the rights for a movie based off a *best selling* book eh? ;)
-
Actually, it's been my experience that people who call call D&D players nerds and geeks and what not, do so because they've never actually had an opportunity to play the game itself... Now believe it or not, nay sayers, D&D, with the right people (your good buddies, usually) is a ton more fun that watching a game on TV... and it's a different kind of fun than the kind you experience playing sports. It's certainly more cerebral, and it sure beats video games. It tends to be an excellent creative outlet. Of course, there are people who obsess over it...and yes, they tend to be geeky and rather annoying... But so is anyone who obsesses over politics or sports. If you're ever given the opportunity, try it out with some friends. It really, really can be a lot of fun.
-
Thats not the point... this flick is packed with stuff that only D/D players will catch onto (a bag of holding etc.) and enjoy, We have been waiting for this movie just like star wars fans waited for ep 1. The only difference is that there are fewer of us. However there is chance that the movie might come from behind and surprise us all financially, because at my school,some of the most popular kids at schools, jocks and heroes alike were secret, closet d/d fans who no one would have suspected. Perhaps there are lots more closet gamers in the land who will flood the theatres?? Nah.. doubtful but hey, one never knows. Using it as a tool in the LOTR marketing scheme is damn smart stuff though.
-
Did I ever say LOTR is not great?
The problem is some people think that all fantasy that's not LOTR is crap, and they don't know what they're missing. And some people think that D&D is the only RPG and then they diss all RPGs cause they think D&D is crap, for some reason. And if you've ever played Vampire, Call of Cthulu or maybe Star Wars(beats the hell out of the movies if you ask me).
And offcourse anyone trying to defend RPGs are stupid nerds, excuse me... ah... I'm done. -
If someone sees a trailer before a movie of the same genre and the movie is bad, IT DOES NOT MEAN THEY WILL NOT SEE THE TRAILERED FILM! Do you guys think that Tolkien fans are such snobs that they would not see the LOTR movies because it was ADVERTISED before D&D!?!? Or that average people will not see LOTR because it was ADVERTISED in front of the "geeky" D&D? Hey I love fantasy and have been waiting my whole short life to see fantasy movies on screen. So far Conan is about it, most attempts at fantasy are terrible. SO WHAT if D&D is bad, I will be happy if it is a high action fantasy battles with spells and the like - that's pretty hard to fuck up! And if D&D is bad it will not fuck with LOTR! BOTH films have their own huge fanbases with most liking the other (I love both myself)most people will see this out of necessity (ala X-Men). Who here was'nt just unbelivably giddy to go see an X-Men movie?
-
are loads of fun... personally i would have loved to play many more than just the old D/D system, but the problem for lots of "GEEKS" is that they can barely find a D/D group, let alone anyone who plays a White Wolf game or anythin else. LOTR is undeniably the definitive template for fantasy and as such there arent too many people who give other things a chance, thinking nothing will ever compare.
-
Aug 14, 2000 2:07:16 PM CDT
If production costs are 1/3rd cheaper in europe then that equate
by alien gonzales
...Food for thought. $5 mil for a movie with a $48 mil pricetag and a built in fanbase. Even the most most hardened D&D purists who skip it at the flix, will eventually pick it up on DVD out of sheer curiosity which NewLine has an option on too. I dont have to consult the dice to figure that as a win-win situation.
-
Get over it. Grow up. Move out of your parent's basement.
-
Maybe D/D is twenty years ago, but then again... so is Star Wars isnt it? And LOTR what? 50 years?
-
Good job New Line. I never played the game before, but the film looks very cool. COngrats, hope it does well for you.
-
Aug 14, 2000 3:37:13 PM CDT
Oh Goody! A Dungeons and Dragons movie, now let's have The Thomp
by cinematt
...and we can have great movie stars from the 80's like Corey Feldman play in it! There can be merchandising tie ins like, bring your ticket stub from the movie to any Buster Browns shoe store and get a neat-o Duran Duran watch! By the way, what time is Family Ties on tonight, and how about that Ronald Reagan? Ain't he a smart president?
YECCCH, I FUCKING HATE THE 80'S AND ANYBODY WHO LIVES FOR THAT THIN TIED, BIG HAIRED, MICHAEL JACKSON AND GEORGE MICHAEL WORSHIPPING ERA CAN PUT ON A PAIR OF KNEE PADS SO THEY DON'T RUIN THEIR STRIPED BLUE JEANS, DROP DOWN, AND SUCK MY FAT ONE TO THE STRAINS OF CULTURE CLUBS "KARMA, KARMA, KARMA, KARMA, KARMA CHAMELEON!!!!"
Dungeons and Dragons, indeed.
Fuck off Hollywood.... -
To bludog18, and avatar-x...I've seen the film...well, I've seen enough of it...
They played a little over an hour of it at different studios to see if anyone would bite.
Can I just say that this thing is a big pile of bile? Because it is. Unfortunately for many D&D lovers. Although, some might like it...it's pure schtick; it's silly, awfully acted, Battlefield Earth style effects....it's B-grade everything.
They should've gotten an actual director to direct the damn thing. And an actual screenwriter to write it. Instead, they have...who do they have directing this thing??? Some kid that knows NOTHING about making a film...probably only loves the game...which JUST ISN'T ENOUGH!!!
THIS THING IS A BIG PIECE OF WORTHLESS CRUD. -
B A Fett... you're quite the comedian! Do you get paid to make a fool of yourself like that, or are you simply a talented amateur? ;) Making fun of an something and those who enjoy it is ascerbic and juvenile at best. In example... I hate baseball with a passion, but I don't rag on baseball fans. Show some intelligence and display some basic social skills here folks.
-
Aug 14, 2000 3:39:14 PM CDT
To everyone who's never played before but is interested in start
by rossimus
I know I'm gonna get slammed here but you should look into Warhammer Fantasy, it is soooooo much better.Don't get me wrong, D&D is great and alll other RPG's owe it a great debt, but it's just not as good.Plus to play Warhammer you only need to buy 1 book.
-
to all the idiots who keep harping on"the 80's" and how much they hate shit dug up from it...D&D started in the 70's jerkoff's.
-
Someone earlier mentioned that no one has seen the movie...
I have seen alot of it. It sucks. The effects suck, it will look like Hercules (since Flat Earth is now a primary effects house on it) with a slightly higher budget and more time than a "per-episode" basis. They got some cool locations that is all. If you have not seen the french teaser (is not anyone worried by the fact they barely found a US distributor and for only $5mil?), then I suggest watching it. I'm so glad they figured out the lightning plugin for the swords, and then there are the levitating dragons (watch em flap and you'll see) and look out for Thora's most powerful spell, Lens Flare!!!!
Courtney Solomon a pitiful excuse for a director. In fact my sources have told me he brought his mother and girlfriend in to help him direct the post process (read: MOM and GIRLFRIEND to HELP DIRECT!)
Wombat -
It's about time some fantasy films showed up as Sci Fi has been a major let down with the recent crop of losers like Super Nova, Pitch Black and Mission to Mars.
And those whiney bitches calling
D&D a geek filled 80's thing are
spouting shit out their mouth. D&D
helped increase awareness to LOTR 10 years ago
which yes, was already a classic but one that became even more mainstream in North America thanks to D&D. Why rant anyways... coming on a Talkback would be considered an act of geekness by
some so your just tarring yourself with the same brush. I've seen all
kinds of people play D&D and some of them were hot looking woman who
enjoy RPG and still do. Do yourself a favor and check out TSFCA which has adults dressed in medevil garb...I'll bet you'll see a cross section of society. As for
D&D The Movie...I can't say if it's major cheese from a few shots from
a 10 second trailer...until we see
more the juries still out. -
Well, Rossimus, you probably will get a bit slammed for that WHFB comment, b/c Warhammer is not really an RPG. It is a tactical/strategical battle game with some RPG elements involved. (Of course, I love Warhammer, just claryifying a point). I am at a loss as to why the public at large seems to bash on D&D players specifically, and gamers in general. I would echo the comments of several others when I say that gaming with good friends (and occasionally complete strangers) is better than most things going. I still hold that a night of gaming, combined with a case or two of Surge (or comparable caffienated beverage) creates a euphoric buzz which has no equal. I can already hear the jeers of the pig-headed philistines among you, but I am no typical nerd...no, I also know the exultation of combat on the football field, and the thrill of crushing a fastball to the fence. However, to me, personal enjoyment can come from mental pursuits as well, and if that would have me labeled "nerd" by those who are too ignorant or afraid (that they too might enjoy it) then so be it.
-
Well, it appears that my last posting title was deceptive, since I didn't actually talk about LOTR. Well, I was only going to repeat the sentiment that I will see the movie no matter what the reviews or talkbacks say, and most fantasy fans will also. So much for my thoughts.
-
I think its safe to say that Mike knows what he is talking about... and i can already hear the dogs at the door waiting to insult proud gamers some more, but fuck it all, i am proud to say that in my life experience thus far, the only things that beat a sick drunken night of Roleplaying, are good torrid sex and playing live rock music infront of people. Bring it on
-
Actually, according to the official site these past few months, the makers were counting on a late fall/early winter 2000 release date, so I don't think it's gonna be "rushed". The film's been wrapped for awhile. As for those who bash D&D players, who cares. It's human nature to assume that anything you don't like is worthless. It's the same reason I denounce golf, basketball and UPN. However, as an attorney who is a partner in a big city firm, enjoys playing and watching most sports (except the aforementioned) and gets laid whenever, I can say that most of the rather broad insults are a bit off. However, from what I've seen of the news on this movie, I'm less than excited. I'll still see the damn thing anyway though.
Peace through random violence
-
Not that anyone cares, but there is a Warhammer Fantasy Roleplaying game in addition to the tabletop war game. I like roleplaying games, I am 25 years old, married, have an M.A. in History, was nominated V.P. of my senior class in high school, and was actually fairly popular in high school and college after I crushed the stigma surrounding roleplaying. Roleplaying is pretty fun, don't trust the stereotypes...we don't run around the woods with big foam swords or anything like that. We sit around a table and play a game like many non-roleplayers do with Monopoly, Axis & Allies, Republic of Rome, Kingmaker, Risk, Civilization, or any other board game.
-
The smartest thing they can do for distribution is take D&D out of the title. People who actually played when it first came out are either too old, too embarrassed, or in denial to ask for a ticket w/that title. today's teenagers - the REAL market - have no clue what D&D really is.
-
The screen shots I've seen look O.K. Haven't heard anything about the script, though, and that's what'll really decide weather this thing soars or sinks. Here's hoping for a good, solid fantasy epic that'll give Lord Of The Rings a run for it's money!
-
Cant wait for D&D to hit the big screen! Kudos to Toronto's Corey Solomon
-
I used to play D&D 15 years ago and I can't wait to see what Solomon's idea of the D&D world is...
-
I'm an old ex-D&D player. My first intro to the game was aboard the USS Constellation while I was in the Navy working on F-14 fighters. I was 33 back then, and not living in my parents basement. And working on the flightdeck of a carrier isn't exactly nerd-city. At any rate my Dungeon Master was a cool guy from San Francisco who DM'd for Gary Gygax. After he was discharged I could never find a DM with the intelligence and originality that he had, so I gave up playing the game. As for the film, it might not be any good. I am mightily concerned that they had trouble finding a domestic distibutor, and that New Line only paid out 5 million for the rights. Just because New Line execs have seen the film and decided to distribute it doesn't mean that they thought it was good. After all, somebody distribute Plan 9 From Outer Space didn't they? And can any one honstly believe the studio thought that Plan 9 was a good film? It only means that they thought they could at least get a few bucks out of the deal. They probably get their investment back off the gross ticket sales. Not only that, but they don't have to worry about production costs, so they're in the clear. If D&D makes money, good. If it helps wet the appetite of every one who is anxiously awaiting the Lord of the Rings film - good. But I doubt that the D&D film will effect the boxoffice draw of LOTR one way or the other.
-
I forgot to add the ending to my ripped off quote: "Have you even ever kissed a girl?"
-
Thanks for the support guys.Mikus,Carson and I are talking about the same version, straight role play without the miniatures.Carson, we DID run around the woods with big foam swords!Actually it was carpet padding duct taped around PVC pipe and it stung like shit!
-
Thanks for the support guys.Mikus,Carson and I are talking about the same version, straight role play without the miniatures.Carson, we DID run around the woods with big foam swords!Actually it was carpet padding duct taped around PVC pipe and it stung like shit!
-
First off Willow came out before Kull. Dalis it just shows how much of a jerk you are. Please. The trailer is good and does NOT have Gary Colemen. Come on. Mr Contica you are totally right. I can picture it now, all the D&D bashers in their blue and white paint, corndog hanging out their nose as they scream for the Niners to catch the damn ball. BA Fett you
-
yeah you know who you are. How the fuck can you say dungeons and dragons is going to damage LOTR, and how the fuck can you say D&D sucks is for nerds who get beaten up at school if you probably dont even know any one who plays it and havnt played it yourself. why the fuck should they 'keep this demon bottled up' for three years because they're afraid it will damage LOTR even though the two have nothing in common except that they're fantasy. How many crap sci fi movies have there been? alot. and has that stopped people from going to see more? no!I admit the D&D movie does not look especially promising, but if it is bad, its not going to effect LOTR. people arnt going to say: "I dont want to see LOTR because dungeons and dragons which came out a year ago was bad"
I play D&d. When I tell people that they dont go "what a fucking nerd" they go "whats D&D" and when I tell them, they say "sounds cool". Most people dont really know what it is these days. The D&d movie, if good, could promote D&d and get people into the fantasy genre so they'll be eager for LOTR. If its bad, then its bad. LOTR could be bad as well, and theres nothing you can do bout it, so how about finding out something about the game before you go around calling people who play it nerds, and wait until you've atleast seen a fucking trailor for the movie before you say its bad. -
One key word here: UNOFFICIAL. The french teaser was stolen footage. The director didnt even know about it. Most of the effects in the French teaser wernt even complete, and the music was a temp-track. The effects looked promising considering they wernt even complete. Everyone who's seen the proper trailor has been raving about it. So dont judge by the French teaser.
-
Just to reiterate what I was saying before...
Hey, I like D&D, used to play it all the time...
I LOVE LOTR....the films are going to be amazing...
BUT THIS MOVIE AIN'T WORTH THE FILM IT WAS SHOT ON!!!!!!
SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE ME A WITNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Thankyou mrconticus for clearing that up. Raistlin and co would have been cool, but I think it will be cool anyway. My perception of D&D is just narrowed to the dragonlance world, not knowing anything about it other than that... What's with all the dissers? These idiots don't know jackshit about D&D (at least most of them) and they are bagging it out anyway. And, do you have to be a nerd to play D&D? I have never played it or known anyone who has but I'm a fucking nerd anyway. So get over it.
-
Oh yeah and thankyou dastinson. Cool beans...
-
For those of you who are making a large contrast between the D&D movie and LOTR, I have to diasagree with you. If you are going to put down D& D saing that it sucks and its for geeks then you may as well do the same with the Lord of The Rings Trilogy. The Lord of the Rings created the world of "modern fantasy" as we know it. These movies are both supporting the same type of genre. I mean the only was the D&D movie will be lesser is due to the acting or budget, not the actual Fantasy genre.
-
Well, I was at one point very close to this production and saw many of the effects shots and scenes already. Oh boy is this going ot suck. Aside from casting a 6'2" "elf" and using costumes that look like they were purchased from Spencer's Gifts, the cheesy effects jabronis that bring you Xena are now in charge of the effects after Director Cory and company welched on thei original special effects agreement. This will make the effects on par with Clash of the Titans. Get your clothes pins ready for this stinker!
Readers Talkback
User Login
Top Talkbacks
- Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012 -- 209 total posts 207 posts
- AVENGERS enemy revealed as pink boardgame pieces... You might suffer some form of elation... SPOILERS!!! -- 160 total posts 97 posts
- There's a STAR TREK video game that is going to lead into JJ's STAR TREK 2 apparently... -- 144 total posts 77 posts
- Here's The Red Band Trailer For Drafthouse Films' THE FP! -- 68 total posts 68 posts
- New JUDGE DREDD post production footage pops up -- 67 total posts 67 posts
- Does ‘SNL’ Rhyme With ‘Deschanel’?? Learn Which SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Vet Hosts After Sexy Zooey!! -- 64 total posts 60 posts
- To Commemorate The 3D Release Of STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, George Lucas Wants You To Know...Greedo Shoots First!! -- 480 total posts 55 posts
- HANNA's Saoirse Ronan to boss around seven little people -- 53 total posts 50 posts
- Friday Brings SWEEPS DAY NINE!! Gab Here About Tonight’s FRINGE!! Plus Einstein on TIM, Wiig On PORTLANDIA, MAHER, CLONE, GIFTED, GRIMM, SPARTACUS, SUPERNATURAL, GOLD RUSH And More!! -- 118 total posts 32 posts
- SPACE 2099!! -- 182 total posts 27 posts