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Pair of 10 Sec Flying Rodent Man Spots Hit Online!

Dreams by MimiRogers3rdNip	Apr 2nd, 2005 01:43:54 AM
Doesn't the Batman film most Batman fans dream of involve themselves as Batman? I don't want to see that.
Looks badass to me. by Black Jesus	Apr 2nd, 2005 02:08:42 AM
I read the script, and I loved it. The visuals are everything I imagined as well. I think this movie is just going to rock, straight up.
It's already rated PG-13? by Flaparoo	Apr 2nd, 2005 02:12:40 AM
That's pretty early
Complete idiocy... by Praetor	Apr 2nd, 2005 03:40:40 AM
Is the only way to describe Harry's take on Batman Begins. I don't want to watch Dirty Harry, I don't want a Batman who is simply a psychotic thug. That is lazy, that is simpleminded. Instead because we get an intelligent, realworld treatment that isn't superstylised and full of blue screen ala Sin City, we have Harry moaning. The man who built his reputation on slamming Batman and Robin now turns his back on a decent interpretation.
if Frank Miller directed a Batman movie, do you think Batman wou by kintar0	Apr 2nd, 2005 03:59:57 AM
just curious...
If Frank Miller directed a Batman movie it would suck.... by payton 34	Apr 2nd, 2005 04:02:28 AM
Cuz Fran Miller is not a director.
Seriously Harry by FiMo719	Apr 2nd, 2005 04:12:24 AM
That lego film is what you'd rather see than this serious, real-world interpretation of a great hero? I'm not knocking the lego film, it was kinda reminiscent of the animated series... but, really, how would that translate onto a big screen in our world? This is the only way to properly do Batman... You can't have a movie about Batman fighting Superman and getting helped out by Green Arrow and kryptonite and all that bullshit. You know why all that worked for you, originally? Because you READ it... to yourself. Your "movie" of this was in your head, made by your imagination. Things like that always work best in your head. If you were to bring that world out into ours, the closest thing you could have is something along the lines of the Batman cartoon movies... like SubZero. A live action Batman film is going to be based in reality (even, God forbid, contradict some of the history) because that's how it extends beyond a comic book... most else would come off as a joke. As for making "Batman badass punishing the living shit out of evil in dark back alleys," I have to say that this upcoming movie seems to be heading much more in that direction than the lego movie that got you all excited. You'll just never be happy unless your imagination were printed out onto film, and even then, most people still wouldn't like it and would probably find it laughable. Just lay back and wait til you get to watch what may be a great interpretation/adaptation of the Batman mythos.
Harry, stop creaming your pants over that Lego short. by Grando	Apr 2nd, 2005 04:54:26 AM
It's good n'all, for a student film, but it's not 'that' good. Ask yourself this. How good would it be without Adam West and Mark Hamil?
Stop complainin already! by The Real McCoy	Apr 2nd, 2005 06:03:33 AM
We all wanted a Batman: Year One story. We got one. We wanted a serious director who would bring the film COMPLETELY out of B movie comic book territory. We got one. A huge portion of us wanted Christian Bale for Batman. We got him. We all wanted a suit that Batman could actually move around in. Christian got one. And now we're getting footage and it's so absolutely perfect - you're response is "the Lego movie is better" ***That single shot of Batman jumping of the roof is probably cooler than anything in the previous four films. Quit moaning.
I know this isn't the frist time anone brings this up but... by gigaloff	Apr 2nd, 2005 06:39:30 AM
...has anyone noticed how creaky old Clint Eastwood looks EXCACTLY like Frank Miller's Bruce Wayne in the Dark Night Returns now?
Harry's gonna have a hard time telling us what's bad in his revi by RealDoubleJ	Apr 2nd, 2005 07:31:05 AM
Talent-wise: Christian Bale, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, Ken Watanabe, Gary Oldman, fucking Michael Caine as Alfred!! and hell, there's Katie Holmes for oggling. Rutger Hauer is in it! All listed above are people I can't see Harry disliking. Director-wise: It's "The Memento guy". I'm sure Harry's got to be more eager to see this guy's new work than he's letting on. Script-wise: David Goyer who was heralded as a god on this website for his work with comic-book material. Downplayed a tad after Blade: Trinity, but hell they spent a week interviewing him!! So, with all that talent. Talent we know Harry could'a/would'a/should'a like but his judgement for the whole film is on 2 minutes of clips. To compare, the Domino trailer he harped about was a pile of shit, so was the Sahara trailer, but that doesn't mean the films themselves are crap but merely badly marketed. Harry boy, you're gonna have some serious explaining to do come 17th June especially if you give yet another U-Turn for Marvel on their Summer blockbuster.
Year One by Packy McCracken	Apr 2nd, 2005 09:17:27 AM
Frankly, the swarm of bats on an orange sky is a visual straight out of Batman: Year One. I don't know why Harry has his enormous panties in a bunch on this one. The only fear I have with this film is that it might be more psychological and less action-packed, but hopefully they will strike that balance. Bruce Wayne's psychosis is just not as fun to watch as him acting on that psychosis
Armstop by Trevor Goodchild	Apr 2nd, 2005 10:09:52 AM
About the Lego short, why bother having the characters made of Lego if you are not actually going to animate Lego? Surely that's the whole point of using Lego. That was the charm of the old adverts and the White Stripes video.
I'm with Trevor! by oatmeal2348	Apr 2nd, 2005 10:21:18 AM
I was actually disappointed to see the lego movie animated. It should have been made like the Camelot scene from MP & The Holy Grail. http://www.ifilm.com/filmdetai l?ifilmid=2405283&htv=12 It was great to hear Adam West and Mark Hamill going at it. Also, I don't know why Harry gets more out of those all too brief 10 second shots. The long trailer showing Bruce training/fighting on those posts, and his upside-down appearance at the end of the first trailer have me standing in line already!
So incredibly - UNDERWHELMING. by meburma	Apr 2nd, 2005 11:28:26 AM
Oh well... at least we had Sin City this year for our comic book film orgasm fix.
Just for Harry, here's Frank Millar's thoughts on Batman Begins. by Jon_Snow	Apr 2nd, 2005 11:34:02 AM
From the man himself: "I've got a good feeling about it. What I've seen looks nifty and looks like they may be yanking him back on track." So it appears that Frank Miller himself is much more open minded about Begins than is Harry Knowles, who is himself determined not to like this film, for whatever obscure reasons.
Hmmm by NeoAngelus	Apr 2nd, 2005 12:00:38 PM
I'm usually in agreement with you, Harry, but when you say "I want Batman badass punishing the living shit out of evil in dark back alleys. I want to see YEAR ONE or DARK KNIGHT RETURNS or THE KILLING JOKE... etc", I can't help but thinking that what you want is unrealistic. It seems that what we are getting, is exactly what it should have been all along. It seems like this will be a good, realistic take on Batman's origins. So what if it's not The Killing Joke or YEAR ONE? Deal with it, and enjoy what will be given to us. There's no need to be down on Warner's about this, since it seems like they're getting it right this time.
Agreed, NeoAngelus... by Jon_Snow	Apr 2nd, 2005 12:21:22 PM
Why Harry can't be a little more receptive to this film, despite it not being EXACTLY what he wants to see, is beyond me. He seems quite excited about ROTS, although given the previous two installments, there is even less to be excited about than Batman Begins. I am sure there is a concrete reason as to why Harry is biased against this new Bat-Flick, but I doubt we'll ever find out.
"realism" by Stan the Bat	Apr 2nd, 2005 12:23:04 PM
Why do you people keep saying this is a "realistic" take on Batman? Will we hear Batman grunting as he uses the crapper? Will we see Batman accidentally kill someone and realize that he's insane? Will we see the bombs falling on poor people in remote parts of the globe while Batman tries to solve the world's problems by beating up muggers in an alley? Whatever this is going to be, and whether you like the looks of it or not, it's not 'realistic'.
R.C.'s opinion on Batman: Picky, picky, picky. Yesh! This fil by R.C. the "Wise"	Apr 2nd, 2005 02:10:45 PM
Every actor that they've cast in this film has taken the project seriously. There's no over-the-top actors in the group. You can see the budget on the screen, and the screen play is solid so lighten up. I mean it's not like you suckas aren't going to go several times this summer to view it?
Where is moviemack? by jocutus	Apr 2nd, 2005 02:23:53 PM
He's usually here right about now to tell us how much he hates this movie. Maybe he's getting tired of repeating the same rants about a movie he hasn't seen yet. Come on mack! Don't let us down!
gigaloff: I know this is an old idea, but how cool would a live by Bob Parr	Apr 2nd, 2005 03:12:40 PM

It wouldn't be AICN if........ by Bob Parr	Apr 2nd, 2005 03:19:51 PM
we didn't look at 10 seconds of film footage (which may or may not appear in the final film)and declare it the greatest or all time worst movie in history.
Shut the fuck up Harry.... by I Speak Jive	Apr 2nd, 2005 06:32:41 PM
We're getting a serious, respectful take on a great comic book. What more do you want? You're probably pissed because there aren't any werewolves or vampires or cheesy Aerosmith songs. Actually, I'm glad you're not satisfied, because that means I probably will be.
This movie looks freakin fantastic by Reverendz	Apr 2nd, 2005 06:33:32 PM
It looks like a serious interpretation of the character with some top notch talent. I mean, it still may blow, but compare it to Catwoman or Batman and Robin. If nothing else, we'll get something that's mediocre. Everything that I've seen, however, makes me think this film is going to kick all kinds of ass.
Stan the Bat Re: Realism by FiMo719	Apr 2nd, 2005 07:44:33 PM
Realism- the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality The reason we use the word realism in association with this movie is because it is being set in a world as similar to ours as possible. Everything is pragmatic... the Batmobile is designed practically so that it would, realistically, be able to do what it's known to be capable of... the Batsuit is lighter because, realistically, a person who fights a lot would need that. Don't try to start arguments just for the sake of fucking arguing dude... It's a realistic take on Batman and you know it. If you don't get that, I suggest you give yourself a reality check, because if to you, reality means it must be a never ending film that includes shitting, sleeping, sneezing, etc..., then your life sucks.
"Batman : Year One" was boring. by I Dunno	Apr 2nd, 2005 08:12:44 PM
I know it's a fan favorite and I know it's Frank Miller but go back and read it. ZZzzz. HOWEVER, since they already blew their load on Year One, and since Frank Miller's Sin City is getting good buzz, After Bale's done 3 or 4 Batmans and the new Superman's run its course (which shouldn't take long), Frank Miller's Return of the Dark Knight would kick everyone's collective asses.
I loved "Sin City", but that's not how I like my Batman by 007-11	Apr 2nd, 2005 08:23:27 PM
I know everyone else here wants a Batman that doesn't stop pummeling till he's just pounding against the floor, but I prefer a Batman that seeks justice. Vengeance isn't always about administering pain. Sometimes it's just about making sure the right thing happens.
Umm, Harry - check out the two new 30 second spots that just air by Jon_Snow	Apr 2nd, 2005 08:38:08 PM
If these don't change your mind about Batman Begins, then you are dead inside.
R.C.'s opinion: Harry obviously must not be a basketball fan be by R.C. the "Wise"	Apr 2nd, 2005 09:17:49 PM
anyone who has been watching the final four today has had to seen the two superb trailers for the film. It looks spectacular. Four star quality cinema even if you somehow didn't know it was based on an extremely popular comic book series. Check them out and see if you still hate you suckas!
That's not the Batmobile, its the TUMBLER. by Jon_Snow	Apr 2nd, 2005 09:28:26 PM

Okay, FiMo- by Stan the Bat	Apr 2nd, 2005 09:42:18 PM
-first off, you're right; my tone was unnecessarily argumentative. Apologies. Here's what set me off: Somebody said you couldn't just take all that Frank Miller stuff and put it in a movie; it wouldn't be realistic enough. I find it very depressing to come here and read that. Frank Miller has not only an awesome visual imagination, but- more importantly- a knack for taking a genre and turning its conventions and cliches inside out and coming up with something fresh. You'd think that here, of all places, people would be rooting for shit like that to make it into a movie. You're talking about a 'realistic' Batsuit and a 'realistic' Batmobile- my point is, that's misplaced attention to detail. Alien Versus Preadtor had realistic guns and realistic cars, but the characters were for shit- they were only in the movie because the script called for a certain number of dead bodies later on. Compare to something like Shaun of the Dead: nobody with any wit is gonna watch that and say, "This movie sucks- there's no such things as zombies; it's not realistic!" The most 'realistic' Batmobile ever conceived will not save a badly-written, badly-acted movie; by the same token, a well-written, well-acted movie can have a completely outlandish, unbelievable premise and nobody will even blink. To clarify- I'm not saying that Batman Begins will or won't suck; could easily go either way.
What's Not To Like? by Sean38	Apr 2nd, 2005 11:20:32 PM
Seriously? I'm a big fan of the site...check it every day...but it seems that sometimes Harry, for whatever reasons, just decides to hate a film. In the case of a Scooby Doo or anything directed by Paul Anderson, it's understandable. But in this case, I just don't get it. Everything I've seen from the casting to the clips on TV have been supurb. Maybe he's pissed because they didn't advertise on his site. Granted, Batman Begins may be no Sahara (yeah right) but it looks like a truly spectacular film in every way.
Sean38, I think you're on to something. by Jon_Snow	Apr 2nd, 2005 11:39:27 PM
It very could well be that Harry is a bit bitter that he hasn't got any real insider access to the Batman Begins production. I honestly don't remember this site breaking anything really big about Begins at all...
Stan... last words by FiMo719	Apr 2nd, 2005 11:47:29 PM
All right, I see what you mean now. That's a whole other thing... I just wanted to point out why I thought it was ok for us to use the word "realistic." I didn't think that was the core of the point... just a reply to Harry's dislike of the "real" treatment of it all. I don't think that automatically makes it good, just isn't a reason to fault it. I'm with you, it could go either way, but I def. don't think that we have anything right now that would suggest a dissapointment. So it could suck... but not because of anything Harry said. ------------------------------ -------- Anyone think that maybe Harry is keeping his expectations low to make it that much cooler when he sees it? If that's the case... I hope it doesn't backfire on him and he looks for any problem he can find.
The only reason why harry is putting this film down is because A by cherrycola	Apr 3rd, 2005 01:00:53 AM
Seriously, a fucking LEGO batman is tops in harrys book? fuck man.....what the FUCK is up with harry? that austin sticky-icky is playing boogie woogie with your brain my oversized friend. How can you NOT like those trailers? I am a total fucking CYNIC when it comes to movies and their trailers...but these new trailers (and the ones before them) have me totally sold. I'll only be seeing two films: starwars and batman this year.
I knew you had it in you, mack! by jocutus	Apr 3rd, 2005 01:04:23 AM
Just one question: Nobody gives a shit about Batman movies? It's obvious that you do! You really, really care, and you want them to be good! Doesn't everyone? If you had really moved on, you never would have posted a thing. Also, I didn't express an opinion on this movie one way or the other in my earlier post, so I'll assume your comments were directed at talkbackers in general. I have to admit I haven't read the script yet so I have to take your word for it, I guess.
The real reason Moviemack's is "moving on" is.... by Jon_Snow	Apr 3rd, 2005 03:07:17 AM
That he has see the brilliance of the recent 30 second TV spots and now realizes that Begins may not be the suckfest that he had envisioned.
does anyone really care about this movie anymore? by Dented Helmet	Apr 3rd, 2005 04:09:11 AM
The summer's got too much going on for this movie to get much attention. Release it on Halloween.
You care about it Dented Helmet . . . by Nice Marmot	Apr 3rd, 2005 04:34:36 AM
. . . you're commenting on it at 4 AM in the morning. On that note, off to bed.
You care about it Dented Helmet . . . by Nice Marmot	Apr 3rd, 2005 04:36:00 AM
. . . you're commenting on it at 4 AM in the morning. On that note, off to bed.
New 30 second spots online by Praetor	Apr 3rd, 2005 05:22:17 AM
http://www.themoviebox.net/mov ies/2005/0-9ABC/BatmanBegins/T VSpot3/ http://www.themoviebox.net/mov ies/2005/0-9ABC/BatmanBegins/T VSpot4/
Never thought I'd see the day... by Wonder Man	Apr 3rd, 2005 06:22:50 AM
...that (moviemack aside) AICN TalkBackers would virtually unite for a cause! For the first time ever, I could read every post and not get annoyed. A tribute, I believe, to the fabulous look of this picture and the temporary insanity of Harry Knowles. Harry, Batman Begins looks exactly like Year One with a handful of big explosive action sequences thrown in. Bats is driven, his obsession leading him to distant lands to learn from masters, he's sneaking up on people from above, Bruce Wayne's cracking jokes and being all flippant (that's his cover, in case you've forgotten), etc, etc. Not to mention that it utilises the talent of arguably the highest credentialled cast of actors ever assembled for a comic book adaptation. It looks shadowy, psychological, exciting, diverting and, most of all, interesting. From all I've read, Goyer and Nolan want to merge the Year One aesthetic with the great things about the Burton Bat-films and then add their own stylistic flourishes- in regard to the things they love about the character and what is at the heart of the character- and, from these trailers, they seem to have thrown this one for a big-time touchdown. I'm not assuming it's going to be great, but they sure as hell got my attention. Warners have really made an effort here, and look to be giving the fans what they've been asking for since the mid-90s. Harry, if you're trying to lower your expectations so you're not crushed, I understand. You've been hurt before, and badly. But, at some point, if someone shows the right qualities, ya gotta learn to love again, big guy. It's what makes life worth living and movies worth watching. Batman Begins, from evidence supplied in the 36 or so trailers that Warners have unleashed thus far, is EXACTLY the kind of picture you're asking for. Stunning body, sharp mind, knockout personality. So, please, on behalf of me and my fellow (and amazingly united) TalkBackers- and I say this with tenderness: STOP. FUCKING. WHINING!!!!! And enjoy the show. :)
And Harry, that Anima-Lego short you keep jizzing over... by Wonder Man	Apr 3rd, 2005 07:50:38 AM
...while technically impressive and reasonably fun, is like the 60's Batman TV series meets Batman Forever! Is THAT what you want the film to be like?!?!? What exactly about that excites you more than Batman Begins?? I'm a little confused, Harold...
"...looks like a more serious take on the last series of BATMAN. by Monkey Chops	Apr 3rd, 2005 07:57:40 AM
So you're saying Miller and Adams' versions of Batman are not serious takes on Batman? I don't follow what it is you want, exactly. If you've read the script, you can quite clearly see the Adams and Miller influences. Dude, the animated short is exceptional, no doubt about it, but it's not the Batman out of the comics. Batman Begins seems to be much closer in tone. Harry, I appreciate you don't want this to suck, but so far, you haven't said anything TRULY constructive about what you have seen, because what you seem to want appears to have been delivered in spades.
moviemack...greatest...talkbacke r...EVER!!! by IRuleAll	Apr 3rd, 2005 11:08:51 AM
He's snide, cynical, pompous, and talks down to people as smart (or more likely smarter) than he is. He is the golden standard of all who come to this board. He's a walking breathing SNL skit based on this site. The only thing that would make this sweeter if it was confirmed he was 35, living at home, and never had a girlfriend. Who's up for a moviemack documentary by Morgan Spurlock? Come on!
The main reason for my post was to lure Moviemack back, one last by Jon_Snow	Apr 3rd, 2005 11:42:54 AM

Remember, Harry loved Blade II, Daredevil and Hellboy.... by bigjeffrey	Apr 3rd, 2005 12:42:18 PM
According to Harry, the reason he doesn't like Batman Begins is because from what he's seen the cinematography is "Too light". Riiiiiight! Did you see the 30 second teasers which featured the Gotham slums and Arkham? Not only are the shots "darker" than Burton's but Nolan has made them "grimier" with those rust tones. I can't understand how anyone can be down on this production. I mean look at the names: Bale, Caine, Freeman, Oldman, Neeson, Murphy, Watanabe, Wilkinson. It's like a frickin Malick production for god's sake. It's a serious take on a badass character with realistic explanation for his origin and a creepy villain (Cillian Murphy will steal the show). I can't understand how anyone who appreciates cinema, particularly action cinema, can not be excited about this. Weird! Unless, as Sean38 and Jon_Snow pointed out, there is something else to all this. Like, due to Harry slagging Batman and Robin the Batman people at WB have chosen to ignore him and AICN when it comes to set visits (which happened a while back yet there was no AICN representative),exclusive pics (of which there have been a few) and all things Batman Begins so Harry is determined to give it a negative "buzz" no matter what he sees. If we're wrong, Harry, tell us how?
Moviemack by Trevor Goodchild	Apr 3rd, 2005 12:53:28 PM
Genuinely curious to know what incarnation you would like to see on screen. Give me your ideal casting, director, story and creative team. I'm honestly interested. Personally,I'm a little underwhelmed by what I've seen so far but I think it's going to be a pointy eared head and shoulders above DD, FF, CW, E and the last two Batman efforts.
Uh Harry? by Lukecash	Apr 3rd, 2005 01:52:50 PM
Really harry, if you saw what we saw at Wizardcon LA, you would have no fears... they are doing it right. there ARE allyways, There are shots of him beating up criminals. Honestly, I do NOT know where you are coming from with this! This is pretty darn close to the what the character is. Keep in mind that Miller Batman and the Moore batman were two different creatures! Miller batman had no sympathy for his villians. Wear as Moores Batman had shared a laugh with the Joker AFTER the clown prince of crime crippled barbra gordon and tortured James Gordon.
WHY CAN'T BATMAN TURN HIS HEAD? by andenu	Apr 3rd, 2005 03:10:59 PM
it's a simple and reasonable request, for god's sake. from the look of things, he moves just as awkwardly here as in the other films.
He CAN turn his head.... by Jon_Snow	Apr 3rd, 2005 03:50:21 PM
Have you not seen the pics of Batman getting mobbed by the crazies of Arkham Asylum? His head is turned almost 90 degrees. Stiff neck syndrome won't be an issue is this film.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but... by JackBurton	Apr 3rd, 2005 04:08:50 PM
If you seriously think that Batman in legos short is better and more exciting that how Nolan's film looks, then frankly I think you're a moron way too high on crack for your opinion on the matter to be worth a damn. What's the matter, wouldn't they let you on the set of this one? Because so far this looks far superior to any of the comic book films that you've raved about over the last couple of years, except maybe Sin City, which it'd still be at least on par with. Like I said, you're free to your opinion, but in this case it's coming across more like a petty case of sour grapes for some reason than anything factual and actually based on the film in question.
I dunno... by Kid Z	Apr 3rd, 2005 05:17:15 PM
...there's apparently a lotta bad blood between Hary and WB. And ya gotta admit, WB's really but out a cesspool-load of shit in recent years. However, from all I hear, they kept hands off enough for Nolan to get this pretty damn close to "right." I just hate the bulky rubber suit with the li'l tab collars. But I'm gonna give it the ol' "doubt benefit" and see it for myself.
on the turning head again by andenu	Apr 3rd, 2005 05:38:06 PM
every picture i've seen of the cowl is a one-piece rubbery thing from eartip to collarbone. there are a couple shots inthose commercials that MIGHT say otherwise, but as far as i can tell, the dude can't turn his friggin head. i hope i'm wrong.
OK i have a problem by andenu	Apr 3rd, 2005 05:44:41 PM
i watched it again and when he's fighting those guys it looks pretty immobile to me. when he turns a lot, he's turning his shoulders if not his whole torso. and goddamn it, why does he have eyeholes? if this is a high tech military get-up, you'd think in keeping with that he's protect his eyes! plus it would look cool.
"...the seriousness and respect given SIN CITY or LORD OF THE RI by DoctorWho?	Apr 3rd, 2005 05:47:26 PM
Can't comment on Sin City. But do you mean the seriousness in LOTR of Legolas surfing "x-trememe sports style" down an oliphant trunk...or not mentioning Tom Bombadil at all??? Or maybe the stupid shot of Denethor running 2 miles ON FIRE to jump to to his death?? Ya, that was one of my most cherished parts of the books! There are are plenty of geeks out there who chastise these films for those very reasons (I am not one of them. I understand certain deletions or visual liberties should be taken e.g Legolas surfing)! But I go with it, because as a whole LOTR is a masterpiece. Just because the Bat insignia isn't quite "right"...or the Batmobile doesn't "rock" , is no reason to trash a WHOLE film which btw... YOU HAVEN"T FUCKING EVEN SEEN YET! Hey, if it DOES suck, so be it. I'll judge it in context on it's own merits. Lighten up you jaded, cynical fucktards. You'll trash it even if it rules just to save face at this point you miserable pessimists.
Actually Clint said yes to putting on the batsuit.. by batjack	Apr 3rd, 2005 06:47:47 PM
If I remember correctly, and I do recall getting this from someone in the beeb radio hierarchy, Clint was aproached by the BBC to play the older Batman in a radio version of 'Dark Knight returns' a few years back. Unfortunately, in that same brilliant creative process that also saw Dr Who derailed for sixteen years, the high-ups said no to it. I mean, what possible interest would the listening public have in hearing one of the biggest movie stars ever play Batman...?
Either Arad from Marvel slipped Harry money to bag on BATMAN or by Triumph poops!	Apr 3rd, 2005 10:06:55 PM
...That basically comes down to explaining "why" Harry would be more excited over a fucking Batman LEGO movie than the Nolan interpretation. The joke here being that he whines for a Neal Adams interpretation which, in the annals of comic Bat history, was really more of a return artwise to Batman being darker and writing-wise (due to Denny O'Neil) Batman being more of a mystery slueth again. In short, O'Neil and Adams tried to get Batman more back to his roots. Which is the same thing this movie does. Bottom line: Harry is talking out of his ass this time. As someone noted, he fucking got excited after seeing SAHARA, yet he can't find the excitement for BATMAN BEGINS. And, you know, I'd be willing to chalk it up to differing taste as is the case with most people over movies, but Harry's been railing against BATMAN BEGINS so much and every step of the way that it smells funny. He continually tries to hide it behind his weak plea of "I WANT to like it, but I just can't get into what I'm seeing"...when the truth is, as I said in the subject line, either Arad is slipping him dough to bag on it OR Harry just wants to suck up to Marvel more out of his own sense of loyalty, or Warners and Nolan have simply refused -- much like Lucas and Spielberg have always done -- to play the "Let's kiss Harry's big fat internet ass" game, sending the signal that they don't feel he's nearly as important in making or breaking a movie as much as he feels he is. As for BATMAN BEGINS, everything looks fucking dead on target in this movie. If you can't get it up for this movie, given how serious Warners and Nolan and Bale et all approached the project, then you really just do want to be a hater or are a non-Bat fan, plain and simple. Because after 4 Batman movies, THIS will long be remembered as the best one and the one that took Batman the most seriously on the screen.
Is it just me, or is does anyone else find it awfully suspicious by JackBurton	Apr 3rd, 2005 10:25:15 PM
Every film over the past few months that has had the full AICN rave placed behind them has had banner adds all over the site, while many of the films that haven't, even the good ones, haven't shown up in a single banner add? Coincidence or not, it almost smells like cash for comment, don't it?
not saying I don't find Harry's taste to be rather suspect, but. by mwhelan67	Apr 3rd, 2005 11:19:34 PM
seeing as Arad gave Goyer his blessing to work on Batman Begins, I highly doubt he slipping him cash. Besides a bad comic book movie is bad for ALL comic book companies.
I'd forgotten about Harry's fued with Warner Brothers by Sean38	Apr 4th, 2005 12:06:42 AM
That DOES seem to explain things. It's not often a comic book adaption comes along where they seem to be doing EVERYTHING right but Batman Begins seems to be that movie. If you can't put your past personal issues with a movie studio aside long enough to see that, well, it's too bad. Because Batman Begins is shaping up to be everything we could have wishes for out of a Batman movie. And the fact that it includes, not just my all time favorite Batman villain, but my all time favorite comic book villain, is just the cherry on the sundae.
I vote with JackBurton: something DOES seem perpetually suspicio by Commando Cody	Apr 4th, 2005 12:40:33 AM
I'd noticed the banner/ad thing myself, but that's been going on since day one. Harry's always found a way to promote or plug whoever's bought ad space here or whoever's raved about AICN to the outside world. However as the site has done more and more interviews and more and more set visit profiles, it's likewised seemed more noticeable (to me at least) that if a particular movie or its parent studio doesn't give AICN full access to the film or its stars or a paid trip to the premiere, you're in for an bumpy review ride. Or at the very least, right up until the movie actually opens (when the public casts the final vote at the box office with their wallets) you're going to get a prolonged series of news updates that always work in conspicuous phrases like Triumph was pointing out. That is, you'll always get this sort of left-handed "You know, guys, I wanted to like it, but I'm just not feeling it...YET". Which really has begun to reek as a translation of "the check from the studio's publicity department hasn't arrived yet nor have any side freebies." But, hey, it's Harry's site and he can do what he wants. I have no problem with that. If he wants to be a paid corporate shill these days to work himself more and more into the studios' graces, that's his right. You just have to accept that going in as you read anything here and begin to take things with a grain of salt. Either way, Lord knows his raving reviews are always suspect these days, particularly when you start rattling off examples like his crying at Armageddon or thinking Godzilla was the greatest summer movie around or his most immortal bad review ever where he claimed Blade 2 was as sweet as going down on a woman -- all of which I think we'd agree were laughable viewpoints. But all that said, I'll also add this following up on what others have said: it certainly seems suspect that on the one hand Harry's always bagging on how the Nolan Batman movie isn't all he wants it to be (ie. like the darker Miller/Adams comic Batman), yet then he'll turn around and rave about a freakin' Lego Batman saying that IS great and the way he wants things. Seems to me he's been after BATMAN BEGINS for as long as I can remember the coverage of it even starting here, and I just find that odd. I mean, seriously, Harry, give it a chance to at least open and then judge the film for itself. At least THEN it will be a (seemingly) "educated review" because you'll have something concrete to base your thumbs down attitude on.
You know nothing Jon Snow by MimiRogers3rdNip	Apr 4th, 2005 02:30:16 AM
Or something. I dunno.
A realistic take on Batman - by Noriko Takaya	Apr 4th, 2005 03:32:54 AM
- is always gonna look more, um, restrained than a wild-assed hyperreal "Sin City" version because it is constrained by reality. I can deal with that, and I like it beter. If they were promising us something that looked like "Matrix: Reloaded" it would probably come out closer to "Batman And Robin" than this, and frankly I prefer this. With all of the talent on hand, and the script, and what I've seen of the SFX - oh yes, I prefer this. And in defense of Harry's integrity: anyone here remember a little flick called "The Real Cancun?" Banner ads all over this site for months and yet Harry didn't hesitate to rip it a new one. Surprisingly, it was Moriarty who like that piece of offal! Go figure.
Again, everything I've seen and heard so far... by Childe Roland	Apr 4th, 2005 10:42:32 AM
...has me looking forward to this movie. I don't think I'll ever understand the extremists who feel the need to pronounce boldly and definitively well before ample evidence is available that a movie will either "own" or "suck" all. Is it some need to reaffirm all the other uninformed prejudices we harbor (i.e. "if I say this movie will rock/blow and I'm right, maybe I'm right about black/white/yellow/brown people and about democrats/republicans and about there being/not being a god")? Here's a novel idea: wait until the motherfucker is released and either read a spoiler-laden review and determine it isn't for you or go and see it before deciding how good/bad it is. Case in point: I went to see Sin City even though I loved those graphic novels and was fairly certain no filmed adaptation could be 100% faithful And I was right. Sin City wasn't 100% faithful (big chunks of story missing and some liberties taken in editing). And, as I suspected, some dialogue is just better read in one's head than spoken aloud (much less badly overacted or phoned in as portions of Miller's work were). And the special effects that labored so dilligently to create a hyper-real translation of the rugged cityscape depicted in Miller's books did kind of lose the original point of those backgrounds as they appeared in the comics. But the movie was still a lot of fun and I'd see it again. It neither owned nor sucked. It was just a pretty innovative, fun-to-watch film with a great basic story, some lousy performances and very cool special effects (kind of like Star Wars, if you think about it). I like that moviemack finally broke down and came out as the unabashed uninformed hater that he is (no pretense anymore of his being willing to actually see the finished product before passing final judgment). It saves me the trouble of trying to argue with him (because you can't reason with a madman, and his position on this movie is simply insane). Batman Begins could be great. It could be horrible. It could be flawed but pretty fucking good. Any asshole who isn't on the production team and screening the still unfinished piece at this point really has no way of knowing and should try to keep his (since there seem to be few if any "her"s that give shit one about this film) speculations "realistic" (a great word to debate the meaning of in a virtual forum concerning a film based on a comic book character, by the way). Oh... and if Dark Knight Returns ever does get made, DON'T do it in the style of Sin City. I have a hard time believing that all the things that worked for Sin would work in the context of Batman's story... although by the time it gets made, Bruce Willis might be old enough to play Bats.
You can't always judge a movie from trailers.... by JohnnyTremaine	Apr 4th, 2005 11:29:33 AM
Remember the awful, generic teasers for PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN? And the actual movie turned out pretty darn good. So withhold judgement until the release date. If it stinks, then feel free to rip it apart.
Anyone who watches these spots and doesn't get excited needs che by mortsleam	Apr 4th, 2005 12:44:05 PM
This is the best you're likely to get for a long time. So shut the fuck up and enjoy.
Lots of scenes looks like previous Batman films (with more bats by KAWS	Apr 4th, 2005 03:40:07 PM
The rubber suit for the 5th time (yuck), the bat-glider motif (Burton revisted) and Batmobile are a bit much. Perhaps I'll check it out (or maybe download it and save some money), anything to pass time until...Peter Jackson's KING KONG film...it will OWN every movie in 2005. Batman Begins and Star Wars both. You know this to be true.
C'mon, Harry -- you're sulking, and it shows by Admiral Nelson	Apr 6th, 2005 12:54:23 AM
Harry, I'm glad to see that other Talkbackers are hip to what's really going on -- namely, that because Warner Brothers hasn't shipped you a bunch of Bat-schwag, or invited you to the set, or to interviews with the stars, or to a screening, or paid for an ad, you're going to take it out on them by dumping on the film. For Christ's sake, EVERYTHING I've seen on this film makes it look like the best damn Batman movie ever made (and that we'll probably ever get)... but you're still "ambivalent" about it. Yeah, and I bet if Warner Brothers cut you a check and put a big fat banner ad on AICN, you'd suddenly say, "WOW -- the latest poster/trailer/keychain has suddenly made me really, really, REALLY want to see this film!" (Right.) As for me, if given a choice between seeing only "Batman Begins" or "Star Wars Episode III" this summer, I'd pick "Batman" in a heartbeat.

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