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And who will be Uncle Ben in SPIDER-MAN'

Sweet by SoundBen	Nov 20th, 2000 05:03:41 PM
The casting for this move has been excellent so far... let's just hope they keep up the good work.
Please! by NixKuroi	Nov 20th, 2000 05:09:24 PM
Man, let's get someone in there like William H Macy. I've never even heard of this guy and sure, uncle Ben dies in the movie, but how cool would it be if Macy was a recurring flashback character throughout the series? This guy might not even be ALIVE for a second movie!
OK, I'll be the first to say it: "NO ORGANIC WEB SHOOTERS!!!!!!" by superhero	Nov 20th, 2000 05:18:29 PM
NixKuroi don't be a moron. Cliff R. is a VERY capable actor and just because you don't know enough about movies and Hollywood history to know who he is doesn't mean he's not right for the part. He's got just the right bit of sternness and sensitivity to play Uncle Ben. Have some respect for the legacy that some people have left behind. Jeez, not everyone in the movies has to be under thirty y'know! Grow up! Now does anybody know for sure if Alicia Witt is going to play MJ 'cause whoever's casting this has totally got their s#!t together. But please NO ORGANIC WEB SHOOTERS!
Uncle Ben will probably just be in flashbacks anyway by spider15	Nov 20th, 2000 05:22:08 PM
... so it probably doesn't make that much difference who plays Uncle Ben. Robertson even in his old age doesn't seem quite crotchety (sp?) enough, however, for that part. I mean, Robertson played Hugh Hefner - Hef! - in "Star 80," for crying out loud.
I guess by AaronHayden	Nov 20th, 2000 05:42:17 PM
I didn't really have anybody in mind for Uncle Ben, so I guess Cliff Robertson suits me just fine. At least we know they found someone with some acting ability who'll be able to sell Uncle Ben's famous, cheesy line, "With great power comes great responsibilty." Admit it, it's cheesy. Not that it's not a good sentiment or isn't true or anything like that. Is this really that important though? I mean, we don't want some hack for the role, but how much of the movie will Uncle Ben be in? Oh well, maybe Sam was thinking of the immortal words of Mike Myers from Wayne's World 2, "I mean, I know it's a small part, but I think we can do a little better than this."
Suspend your disbelief by EddyP	Nov 20th, 2000 05:42:34 PM
You can't expect a kid deal with super villians either but he does.
Web shooters by moovees	Nov 20th, 2000 05:42:38 PM
I'm not a huge spiderman fan (I was back when I collected comic books), but I think Organic web shooters make more sense. Mostly because it explains why he doesn't get stuck on the webs even though they hold to everything else -- like a real spider.
You really expect a spider to have the ability to give superpowe by Celedhring	Nov 20th, 2000 05:43:05 PM
We are talking about suspension of disbelief here. If I can take all the superhero thingie, of course I can take than he can make mechanical webshotters, fuck! We're talking about a guy who climbs walls and has a sense that "magically" warns him about danger. And you say that he building webshooters is unbelievable?
Those are immortal words, right? Right? Anyone? by AaronHayden	Nov 20th, 2000 05:44:32 PM

Gross by EddyP	Nov 20th, 2000 05:45:35 PM
thats what organic webshooters are. If it does go the icky route than expect a wrist slicing extravaganze worthy of the Craft!
Oh yea, I was SO wrong. by NixKuroi	Nov 20th, 2000 05:46:32 PM
superhero, I must be a complete moron to want someone who has recognizable talent. Just because I havent seen quality movies like "Assignment Berlin" or "Race" and wasn't dazzled by his awe inspiring performance in the critically acclaimed "Escape from LA" immediately means I have no taste. The man hasn't had been in anything notable since Star 80 and Falcon Crest. Maybe I should go to Blockbuster and ask them if they can order a Star 80 DVD for me so that I can fully understand the magnitude of my ineptness.
Ah, crap! by AaronHayden	Nov 20th, 2000 05:46:33 PM
I just accidentally deleted my previous post; therefore, disregard the one previous to this unless you want to think of it as an allusion to an exceedingly funny joke that will now, unfortunately, never be shared with you all as I am too lazy to try to remember what I said before.
Cliff Robertson? by Jimmy the Saint	Nov 20th, 2000 05:46:45 PM
I loved this guys work ever since I first saw Brain De Palma's Obsession. I think he would be a good choice, but isn't he a little old to play Peter's uncle? He's seventy-five years old. He's not his grandfather. If he were to be cast, Frances Sternhagen would be perfect as Aunt May. Go to http://www.broadwaybeat.com/mi chael/mbstern.htm. She would look right next to Cliff, yet at the same time, she's 'young' enough to survive the franchise. Let's see if this rumor turns out to be true. Boat Drinks!
Okay, just disregard everything I say. by AaronHayden	Nov 20th, 2000 05:48:11 PM
I just realized that I didn't delete my previous post, but the order got shifted or something. Never mind what I say. Don't look at me!
Nixkuori, I'm glad you realized the error of your ways... by superhero	Nov 20th, 2000 06:00:58 PM
Good boy.
Bug on Spidey Here we go again. by Ambush Bug	Nov 20th, 2000 06:05:37 PM
Not a bad choice for Uncle Ben. Personally, I thought Phillip Baker Hall would've been the best choice. It looks like another episode of How the Web Spins is about to begin. To all the blasphemers who support Raimi's decision to have schlongs sprout from Peter's wrists, read Ultimate Spider-Man. The web-shooters haven't been introduced in this series which retells Peter Parker's origin and retools it for the year 2000, but it does hint that Peter gained his interest in science from his father. One scene has Peter showing MJ, his father's old lab equiptment and some of the sketches and blueprints resembled web shooters. Everyone who uses the excuse that Peter is too young to come up with web-shooters and fluid on his own, should consider that maybe Peter could continue and perfect his father's designs for a miniature fluid repulsion unit and put it to good use when he gains his powers. Just a suggestion. I still think organic web shooters is the worst idea for a comic film since Batnipples. It is too bad since everything else seems to be coming together well with this film. Raimi it still isn't too late for a re-write. Don't make a huge mistake and turn the wall crawler into a spooge spewing freak.
This guy is fine by X-Girls	Nov 20th, 2000 06:10:45 PM
Get Alicia Witt as Mary Jane! Who's to play Aunt May? No organic crap.
Don't be too sure Ambush Bug! by superhero	Nov 20th, 2000 06:18:49 PM
If you remember the second issue of Ultimate Spider Man (I think) something seriously starts to go wiggy in Peter's forearms. Nothing happens but I have a feeling that it's a sign of things to come. Meaning that Marvel's new, revamped version of Spiderman may actually HAVE organic webshooters! To me this seem much like the Heroes Reborn Fantastic Four retread which re-told their origins with a bit more of a Hollywood/Cinematic flavoring. At the time Marvel was trying to get/keep interest in an FF movie so it was Jim Lee's job to get the fans interested AND show Hollywood how they could possibly make a movie out of the FF. Get my drift? Marvel probably already knows that Raimi is going to use organics so they're getting Bendis to rewrite the origin WITH built in Web Shooters! Remember that Bill Jemas (One of the BIG cheeses at Marvel) is credited as co writer so it's HIS agenda that we're actually gonna get with Bendis providing an actual story for it. It's sad because Ultimate Spidey was actually seeming to be a good re-telling of Peter's origin. Oh, well. You can't fight City Hall or, in this case, Corporate America's Agenda.
Furnace by Rasapi32	Nov 20th, 2000 06:29:46 PM
Actually we do have a national leader. Bill Clinton, he isn't officially out of office until January 20, 2001. The deadline for all the Electoral votes that determine who takes office on that date isn't until December 17, so technically speaking, you are an idiot.
The Best Choice by JonQuixote	Nov 20th, 2000 06:34:30 PM
The best choice for Uncle Ben is Paul Newman. I don't really see Cliff Robertson in the role personally, but I suppose there are worse choices. Maybe it's just the circa 1970 pictures posted here, but I have seen him in movies like 3 Days of the Condor, and he's not exactly the first name/face that springs to mind. It would be nice to see Uncle Ben played by someone with star power...he is very important to the Spidey mythos, though he probably won't get a hell of a lot of screen time, so a Hollywood icon like Newman would probably be able to make the role resonate much more strongly in the minds of the viewers than a 70's character actor that most casting directors figured was already dead. Other than Newman, Jack Lemmon, James Caan or even John Mahoney (though I think he'd make a better JJJ) would be on my list well before Cliff Robertson. The role probably doesn't need star power, but it would certainly help.
Very Nice! by Cowblaster	Nov 20th, 2000 06:35:04 PM
Brian Dennehey woulda been a bit better, but not for a brief cameo I guess. Now, who to play Aunt May?
organic web-shooters by JonQuixote	Nov 20th, 2000 06:44:49 PM
As far as the debate over the web-shooters go, I think there's enough suspension of disbelief required in accepting the basic premise of the movie that throwing in mechanical web-shooters wouldn't be too much of a stretch for the audience. Plausability is never going to be the strong suit of "Spider-Man: The Movie", so why tamper with the character in such an unnecessary way. Also, the fact that Peter devises the web-shooters/fluid establishes that he's a genius, not just bright but an exceptional chemical genius, in a unique way. Parker's exceptional genius is important to the character; it's part of the Spider-Man we know and love, as are the web-shooters. And fucking with that unnecessarily is a sign that Raimi doesn't have the understanding of the character or care about the wants of the audience in the way that we hope he does. And if that is the case, it will also come through in other ways, and the movie the FANS of Spider-Man are hoping for, namely one that tries to respect the source while maintaining a commitment to quality, will probably forever remain a dream.
Superhero! by Cowblaster	Nov 20th, 2000 06:45:48 PM
When I first saw that scene where Peter looked at his wrists and said "What's this?" I too thought they'd cop-out and give ol' Petey organic web-ejaculators. . . BUT, I've now read Ultimate Spider-Man #1, and I think it's just a continuation of the fact that whenever Peter uses his abilities, so far, his veins swell up for a bit. Hopefully, that's all it is. Besides, they did set up a lot to give Parker mechanical webshooters (ie: the science lab in his basement, showing that his father was working on an incredible adhesive). We'll just have to wait and see. By the way, to those of you who think Organics are more believable. . . it's a pointless argument to assume what's more believable in science fiction. But, if you still wish to keep arguing about it, think about how big Parker's forearms would have to be, not to mention how convienient it is for him to naturally grow TWO webshooters on his WRISTS, then ask where all that web silk would come from, how much of it can he use before he runs out, and why on earth would the stuff desolve after a few hours (since spider silk never disolves. . . EVER). It's just a dumb concept, it doesn't do anything to enhance Spidey's character, and it's REDICULOUS! The whole scene where Peter wakes up covered in white goo is going to make audiences, (Spider-Man fans or not) laugh out loud at the ludicrousy of the whole concept!
Highlight of Robertson's Career: Twight Zone "The Dummy" (NT) by billy_zardus	Nov 20th, 2000 06:47:31 PM

Re: "Ultimate Spider-Man" and webshooters... by Dave_F	Nov 20th, 2000 06:53:04 PM
Bendis has been somewhat cagey about responding to the mechanical/organic webshooter question, but I'm almost 100% certain that he'll go with mechanicals in "Ultimate". The fact that Peter describes his father's experiment as dealing with a "molecular adhesive" positively screams web fluid set-up. Throwing out organic shooters after that giant hint would make no sense at all. The scene that's been concerning some folks where the veins stand out on Peter's forearms...I think it's just another case of his body reacting to the changes it's undergoing, same as the seizure that occurred in that same issue.
Plausability by JonQuixote	Nov 20th, 2000 06:53:19 PM
I missed Ambush Bug's post where he refers to the Peter's father's lab equipment. It's a simple, plausable (within the realm of comic book movies) explanation that would work much better than organic web-shooters. Or in one of the early establishing scenes at High School, have Chemistry teacher Curt Connors say to Peter, 'hey how's that adhesive you're putting together for that science project coming along?' and Pete saying, 'not too good, it keeps dissolving after an hour'(assuming the filmed dialogue would be better than my hack job...but depending upon how far they've strayed from the Koepp script, you never know). This establishes Pete's been working on it before, it can be forgotten about, then when he becomes Spider-Man he goes back to it for a bit, and then presto, the origin of web-shooters can be forgotten about and fans can cheer that Raimi understands the character and cares about it's history and fan desires.
Cliff Robertson, not a bad choice, but Brian Dennehy would have by axelfoley	Nov 20th, 2000 06:58:02 PM
I'm not familiar with the work of Cliff Robertson, but I've heard his name a thousand times before. This guy CAN act, my problem with this is-- never knew Raimi was going in that direction. Kate Hudson rumored as MJ was a pleasant surprise for me, but now that's not going to happen because of her attitude, so be it. But what I can honestly say right now is that I don't hate this casting decision, I just never saw it coming. Robertson is an Academy Award winner, and that will definitely add another notch of credibility to this movie-- the recent inclusion of Willem Dafoe was the other. I was hoping they'd go with Brian Dennehy though, because not for anything, but Cliff Robertson is 75. He looks a lot older than Ben in the comics, and Ben resembles Dennehy a lot more. Dennehy can act, he's a known veteran, but hey Raimi is going out on a limb with some of his casting decisions. Why he chose James Franco of all fucking people to play a character so unlike him is beyond me. But I'm still strong in my consideration for Blythe Danner as Aunt May, she's Dennehy's age, and I was anticipating that Raimi wouldn't make as random move as this. But still, not bad casting. Better than Franco as Harry, any day. As far as the organics go, they should just scrap them if they even consider keeping the wet dream analogy, Sam Raimi please stop the bullshit, sir. You are slowly destroying Spider-Man. You're casting for the most part is really right on, but this fixation on making Parker 'more alienated' is making this movie something it does not have to be: inappropiate. James Cameron can claim accessory to that since he wrote that awful and infinitely incoherent piece of stool scriptment seven years ago. I have a lot of faith in Sam Raimi, but organics are definitely the last straw.
Uncle Ben-Hur by JonQuixote	Nov 20th, 2000 07:35:26 PM
Charleton Heston can't be Uncle Ben!! Ben's supposed to get SHOT by a burglar. Some snot-nosed punk busts into Chuck's house, and he's going to get ventilated. Peter would never believe it. Policeman: "Sorry son, it's your uncle, he's been shot". Peter: "Yeah, right? Seriously, where is he?" Policeman: "Oh, just kidding you son. He's being interviewed by the sergeant, your Unc sure put a lot of holes in that poor dumb burglar".
Anyone against organics is a MORON by CGDupree	Nov 20th, 2000 07:36:13 PM
If Peter gets the attributes of a spider, he should produce webbing naturally. It's a friggin fact. It's bothered me since I was six and started reading the comics. If the shooters become a device to harness the projectile nature of the webbing, well that is a great compromise. But I'm a true comic fan who would honest to God rather see the organics. - CG Dupree, www.bsocial.org
Cliff Robertson doesn't look like Uncle Ben, though I'm more int by AnxietyNY	Nov 20th, 2000 07:54:53 PM

Yeah, I agree, let's put a moratorium on the organic/mechanical by Dave_F	Nov 20th, 2000 08:12:53 PM
I only chimed in earlier to clarify what's going on in "Ultimate Spider-Man", but the organic/mechanical debate has been done to death in a dozen previous Talkbacks. Everything's been said, and there's no changing opinions at this point. I'm still for the mechanicals, but quite some time back I relaxed my views a bit. Contrary to popular myth, Cameron's scriptment had a lot of great stuff going for it, and his use of organic webbing hardly factored into the flick after Parker's initial freak out. I'm willing to go with organics or the organic/mechanical compromise mentioned in the last script review as long as Raimi doesn't go hog wild in making Peter a freak. Hey, just for fun, I'm posting a link to the Cameron scriptment again: http://lightning.prohosting.co m/~spiderma/SpScriptment.txt ***** It's better than a lot of folks give it credit for.
Beautiful choice by Spacesheik	Nov 20th, 2000 08:19:29 PM
Great choice getting Cliff Robertson - he is a very good actor and it would be great to see him do a blockbuster for a change. I've seen him in so many good movies such as 'Charley','Hell is for Heroes,' 'Obsession''Brainstorm,' and others. He's also done great genre work, in particular 'The Twilight Zone' episodes. Younger ones might be know him from the 80s AT&T commercials. Be good seeing him back.
Cliff Robertson, alright choice, part 2: Back in the Habit by axelfoley	Nov 20th, 2000 08:22:06 PM
What in the fuck are some of you people rambling about? People who are against having the movie makers have white odes of cum seeping out of Peter Parker's wrists are morons? How about people care about Spider-Man enough for the character not be portrayed like a douchebag on screen? Why do you think 97 percent of Spider-fans are against organics? Because they are truly good for one thing, nothing. They don't work. I accepted this rather dumb and rather not well thought out pitiful excuse for a reinvention of Spidey's webshooters when I found out Raimi would have Spidey still don the metal devices, BUT after finding out that king of the world's idea about Petey wet his sheets the day after he gains the powers was still in the working script, I'm sorry but that's seriously and sadly nutty. AND I AIN"T TALKIN' about SHERMAN KLUMP!!! oh yeah, and Blythe Danner for Aunt May.
decentdave: Gloria Stuart (Titanic) by MsAnthrope	Nov 20th, 2000 08:26:09 PM
Gloria Stuart could do it. Jessica Tandy was a right-on pick, but she is dead.
More casting notes... by Stan Plasm	Nov 20th, 2000 08:36:12 PM

More casting notes... by Stan Plasm	Nov 20th, 2000 08:39:46 PM
Sorry about that. I dunno if it's been mentioned yet, but two other roles have been cast: J.K. Simmons(Charlize Theron's dad in Cider House Rules; also the voice of the yellow M&M) is J. Jonah Jameson, and James Franco(Whatever it Takes) will be Harry Osborne.
More casting notes... by Stan Plasm	Nov 20th, 2000 08:43:03 PM
Oh yeah. Macho Man Randy Savage is also in the cast, but I don't know what role he has.
Bug on Spidey II by Ambush Bug	Nov 20th, 2000 09:15:21 PM
It's true the organic/mechanic debate has been argued again and again. Some people have accepted it. SOme still think that it is an idea from the seventh ring of hell. I, for one, think the latter. It seems that the only reason the change has been made is for the sake of ego, distancing Spidey the movie hero from Spidey the comic book hero. I would like to see a faithful adaptation of one of the best comic heroes of all time. My only point is that if they change Spidey in this way, what else are they going to do? Will Spidey be rodding around in the Spidey-mobile? Will Aunt May have a lesbian scene with MJ? If they change something as important and basic as a hero's powers, where will it end? Oh well, the horse has been beaten to paste. I still think that until the first roll of film is shot, there is a chance Raimi and Co. will come to their senses and respect a character that has been around longer than most of these talkbackers. Switching subjects: I don't want to be vicious, but Gloria Stewart would make a good Aunt May if they cryo-freezed her. She has one foot in the grave already. We don't want a replacement-May in the sequel. Let's pick someone born in the 1900's, mmmkay? How about Betty White, or Joan Allen (although I doubt she would do it since she is such a fine actress and this is going to be such a supporting role). Jimmy the Saint's suggestion (her name slips my mind, the psychologist in Raising Cain) was pretty good. Betty White reminds me of my grandma, so maybe I have a sweet spot for her. She was pretty cool in Lake Placid and looks like she still gets around pretty well. As for the rest of the cast, Dash Mihook as FLash Thomson. He was the big red haired guy in The ThinRed Line and Romeo+Juliet. Perfect casting right there. Finally, it's been a while since I suggested it, this film is Raimi's big budget debut. Bruce Campbell has to be in it somewhere. I am not one of those guys that thinks Bruce should be cast as everything, but I think he should either be cast as the Wrestling Promoter who gives Spidey his name and costume, orrrr as a re-occurring role as the Shocker. The SHocker you say? Isn't he that low rent baddie who always gets his face beat in by Spider-Man. WHy yes, he is, fellow talkbacker. BUt I think a re-occurring role for a bad guy, one that Spidey can beat in a few seconds, would provide just the right amount of coolness and comic relief. Hear me out, Spidey is angst ridden over the GOblin's latest scheme. He happens upon a robbery in progress by the Shocker. Spider-Man makes short work of him and swings away. In the second film, the SHocker is trying to pull off another caper, and Spidey swings in and thwarts (god I love that word!!!) him again with ease. It's this type of scene that puts SPidey into a world of super heroes and science fiction. It gives the world he lives in a little more depth to let the audience know that there are scientific breakthroughs and weapons being created all over and not just in the story at hand. Plus who could complain if there is another battle in a movie like this. I just think it would be cool to have Spidey fighting more than one villain, not in the sense of the Batman films, but merely to let the audience know that this is the Marvel Universe, where villains and heroes don masks and commit or stop crimes. ANd they are beginning to pop up all over the place. I know Raimi is going for realness, but Easter Eggs ( god I hate that term) like a quick scene with a lowlife villain like the Shocker is so much more interesting than SPidey webbing up a purse snatcher. Just a few cents. Talk amongst yourselves.
I saw the name "Charly" in the article above and thought, Ernest by ARCTURUS	Nov 20th, 2000 09:23:18 PM
ACTUALLY, Borgnine wouldn't have been such a bad choice. The dude's got the warmth of Uncle Ben. Plus, he's been in sci-fi before, from "The Black Hole" to "Airwolf". Plus, Uncle Ben's only in the thing for what, two seconds?
ENOUGH WITH THE "NO ORGANIC WEB-SHOOTERS" BULLSHIT!! by RockStarJebus	Nov 20th, 2000 09:30:56 PM
I mean, Jesus Christ... who the fuck cares? Here's the deal... they ARE making him have organic shooters, and no amount of you morons bitching is going to change that, so just shut the fuck up about it already!
I thought Uncle Ben was black. by Sorcerer	Nov 20th, 2000 09:45:13 PM
Granted, I never understood why Marvel Comics felt compelled to use a rice mascot as a character, but I guess you just don't question the old masters.
Cliff Robertson is to old and just because May is by MADMIKE	Nov 20th, 2000 09:47:36 PM
sickly Doesn't say shes gotta be 90. If they are playing peter at high school age then his parents conceivably couldn't be older than mid forties, and since Ben is the brother that would put him at 45 - 55. Cliff is 75 and looks it. Honestly i always saw Henry Fonda as uncle ben but since he isn't available, i think Peter Fonda would be really good.He reminds me of the ULTIMATE Spidey version. And the perfect choice for Aunt May is the actress who played Travoltas wife in Face/Off.She looks like her and with a little aging she would be perfect.
In the words of Bill Murray, "It just doesn't matter." by Sorcerer	Nov 20th, 2000 09:53:29 PM
Seriously, this kind of power "tweaking" has been done before. Remember SUPERMAN II? Supes casts reflections of himself and turns his "S" into some kind of odd net. Didn't hurt the character. I don't know whether I perfer organic shooters or mechanical, but it honestly makes no difference. Que sera sera.
You know peter, "with great power comes great resposabilty..by t by MADMIKE	Nov 20th, 2000 09:56:28 PM

I agree with ya on the Shocker thingee, Bug... by Dave_F	Nov 20th, 2000 09:57:05 PM
...not necessarily with the use of the Shocker in particular, but yeah, I've always held that Spidey needs to take on some low-rent supervillain or crooks with hi-tech weapons (separate from the main threat) to showcase that he lives in an extraordinary world. The Senate hearing in "X-Men" suggested some of the paranormal confrontations brewing in the background of their particular world, but with Spidey I'd like to actually see the weirdness. One of the things I liked about the Cameron scriptment is that it did suggest a world where various science mishaps had created at least three super-powered types (Spidey, the Electro-esque villain, and the Sandman). Yep, if you're gonna do movies about superheroes, you need to show that they live in a world worthy of their abilities.
Actually, Sorcerer, it might matter... by Dave_F	Nov 20th, 2000 10:14:46 PM
...if Raimi does as some fans fear and uses the organic 'shooters to make Peter a far more freakish outcast than he's ever been portrayed in the comics. If he gets Cronenberg-y with it. That's a pretty big change of tone. My instinct tells me he won't carry it so far though, especially given fan backlash against the organic 'shooter idea. I think Raimi will use the organic webshooters similarly to how Cameron did in his scriptment - the spinnerets do initially cause Peter to freak out a bit more than is traditional, but ultimately they're fairly inconsequential to the story. They don't terrify him so much that his other powers don't seem cool, and that's what's important. ****** As for the added powers in "Superman II"...well, actually, they're the most frequently derided portion of the movie. They didn't hurt Superman's character, but they did hurt the movie (probably more than organic shooters will hurt "Spider-Man"). You just shouldn't add silly shit like that to the climactic scene of movie. I blame Richard Lester. In any case, tweaking characters or powers most definitely can hurt a superhero movie, but at this point, there's no direct evidence that'll be the case with "Spider-Man".
Purty keen by Robin Goodfellow	Nov 20th, 2000 10:24:36 PM
You know, it's knda funny. I saw the film "Charly" way back in Jr. High, an adaption of the story "Flowers for Algernon" by Paul Zindel (I think). When I saw ol' Charly creep into frame, I though to myself: is that Shane from the Adam West "Batman" shows? Heck, to this day I dunno if it is or ain't, but right now it doesn't really matter. Anyways, the organic shooters debate doesn't really bother. Let's all just agree on one thing: at least they didn't hire a hack comic bastard like Rob Liefeld to be a creative consultant. Hell... I had to bash that bastard eventually. It's been about two months since I did it last. Laters
Clark Kent's Brilliant Disguise by spider15	Nov 20th, 2000 10:32:40 PM
If everyone who's sick of the organic-vs.-mechanical webshooters ongoing debate (and yes, I agree it's worse than the 2000 Presidential election) can bare with me for a moment, here's my take on it: some of us now look at it as illogical that a student, even one as brilliant as Peter Parker, could ever have come up with as revolutionary an invention as the mechanical web-shooters. Parker is supposed to be an "A" science student, not a genius like, say, Reed Richards. I think some poster on another board said something about why doesn't PP patent the formula and sell it to support his suffering Aunt May? Okay, good point. HOWEVER... let's look at Superman. His friends and co-workers do. Yet they can't figure out that Clark Kent is Superman, because as Kent he puts on that... uh... "disguise" of a pair of glasses. Okay, we all now know that this is absurd. Yet EVERY new version of Superman (although I can't vouch for the proposed Nicholas Cage version) has used this element. Why? Because IT'S TRADITION, AND PART OF THE SUPERMAN MYTHOLOGY. The machanical web-shooters are just as much a part of the Spider-Man mythology. Got it? ORGANIC NEVER, MECHANICAL FOREVER! Web-shooters, that is.
But shouldn't he be an outsider? by Sorcerer	Nov 20th, 2000 10:33:32 PM
My comic history's a little fuzzy, but I don't recall Peter Parker being BMOC. I mean, when you think about it- he's either a mutant with freaky webshooters or he's a techno-wizard who builds freaky webshooters in his spare time. Both ways he's on the fringe.
ATTENTION HARRY: Batman Beyond by duffsmurf	Nov 20th, 2000 10:34:27 PM
I just want to know whats going on with the ROTJ movie. You should be keeping everyone posted so we know whats going on. The WB said they might consider alternate versions a few weeks ago but nothing has happened since. The movie comes out in less than a month, you should really be keeping up with the protests so we can get the better version.
DANNY ELFMAN IS COMPOSING FOR SPIDEY by ICE747	Nov 20th, 2000 10:36:29 PM
I heard Sam Raimi is getting Danny Elfman, who composed some cool film for soundtrack for some of Tim Burton's films ,Batman, Sleepy Hollow, Edward Scissorhand, ect will be composing for Spiderman! Cool choice!
Can't we all just get along by monkeylucifer	Nov 20th, 2000 11:14:20 PM
Fuck all this organic vs. non-organic bullshit boys, because no amount of bitching will change it. Check out the new issue of Toyfare for a neat-o keen interpretation of what the action figures might've looked like if they'd used Alex Ross' character designs......pretty damn bitch'n!!!
And speaking of "Batman Beyond"... by Dave_F	Nov 20th, 2000 11:17:12 PM
...we need a Talkback to discuss last Saturday's conclusion of the JLA two-parter. That was a helluva slick show. The first part was merely solid, but the second half was great, convincing me that a regular JLA toon is imminently do-able.
casting, webshooters, and wind from the whining by VonSpark	Nov 20th, 2000 11:28:18 PM
Kudos to Raimi with his classy casting of this film. I was originally in favor of a Chris Walken vote for GG, but Dafoe is a better choice; Walken might have been too "high profile", i.e. "look at Chistopher Walken being the Green Goblin" vs. "look at the Green Goblin". A good decision overall, certainly better than the ridiculous suggestion that the NRA's most expensive lapdancer Chuckles Heston would either be good in the role or even remotely interested in doing any REAL acting anymore beyond the pulpit of his antiquated political arena. Which kinda leads me to my next point. It seems to me many of the same irrelevent drones that were kvetching about the X-Men's costumes(a petty, superfulous waste of time as history now obviously writes) are now on the "organic webshooters" bandwagon. Don't be a child. Let the filmakers make a film. Look at the LARGER picture beyond your own little portrait. It wastes everyone's time. Most of those complaining seem to enjoy Raimi's work...well, BELIEVE in him, and let him impress you. 'S all I got for now.
Aunt May... by MrBadExample	Nov 20th, 2000 11:32:58 PM
Frances Sternhagen. Probably best known as Cliff Claven's mom on Cheers. She's done some excellent work on ER. She's perfect.
Well Sorcerer, there are outcasts and then there are outcasts. by Dave_F	Nov 20th, 2000 11:38:33 PM
Classic Spidey continuity has it that Peter Parker is this big friendless geek in high school. When he gets his powers, it's like the coolest thing in the world to him. In fact, he's so thrilled with his powers that he gets a big ego, and that's why he doesn't bother to lend a hand on that fateful day when he sees a security guard chasing a two-bit hood. And, oh! the bitter irony when that same crook pops a cap in his Uncle Ben later on! Spider-Man's origin in a nutshell there. Now what some fans are worried about is that the freakishness of the organic shooters will mean that the spider-powers Parker gets won't be a wonderful thing to him, that they'll make him feel even more removed from society than before. And if he doesn't celebrate his powers, than there's no moment of dramatic hubris, and the "with great power comes great responsibility theme" becomes diluted. So theoretically, the organic webshooters could seriously screw up that central theme. Of course there can be a compromise that allows for organic 'shooters but still preserves the theme, as Cameron's scriptment shows, but the organic webbing does have real potential dramatic pitfalls beyond just being gross, make no mistake. This decision actually has more bearing on the story then small things like the X-Men's costumes did. It's Raimi's early promotional video where he spoke about making Peter a "freak" that has some fans nervous. They're afraid he'll go the Tim Burton route of making the generally light-hearted Spider-Man into a grotesque. I don't think there's enough evidence to support that yet, so I'm kicking back and relaxing until we learn more. But that's the lowdown for ya.
Cliff Robertson's Oscar by Movie Man	Nov 20th, 2000 11:46:48 PM
I don't really care if Cliff Robertson, Charlton Heston, or Fran Drescher plays Uncle Ben in the movie, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that Robertson's Oscar for "Charly" was one of the most undeserved in history. The role was one that just begged for an award, and Robertson's acting in the part was completely absurd (downright laughable at many points). Also considering the fact that he won the award over far more deserving candidates such as Alan Bates in "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" and Peter O'Toole (!!!) in "The Lion in Winter" and it's all the more unjust. Sorry, just had to vent there.
Kim Novak? by Lembas	Nov 20th, 2000 11:48:09 PM
You're joking right? Even in her later years,Kim Novak is too glamorous to play Aunt May. How about Frances Sternhagen,who played Cliff Clavin's mom on Cheers? She is the very picture of Aunt May-all shriveled up and skeletal!
Oops! by Lembas	Nov 20th, 2000 11:53:36 PM
Sorry,Jimmy the Saint and MrBadExample,I skimmed over your posts. I'm right there with you guys on Sternhagen! Kim Novak???
"Hi, I'm Peter Parker. . . And I'm A Hideous Mutant Freak. . ." by Cowblaster	Nov 21st, 2000 12:05:21 AM
". . . Ever since I was bitten by that weird spider, I've been able to crawl walls, have hightened strength and agility, and even this weird 'Danger Sense' that seems to warn me whenever my life is in immediate jeopardy. I guess I'd be really happy with all of these 'powers' if it weren't for one other thing. . . these odd rose-colored thorns that have grown in my wrists that spout a sticky white goo whenever I apply pressure to them, making me feel tingly and dizzy afterwards. I've constructed these devices that allow me to pressurize and fire these strands, but they only shoot 30 feet and I have to wait a few hours before I can fire them again. I'm still trying to figure out why I got two of these weird web spinnerets on my wrists. . . and why my forearms haven't grown into huge pouches (maybe then I could fire more of this web-goo before I ran out). Of course, none of this really matters, because now I'm this freak with deformed wrists, forced to hold my shirt cuffs in my hands to hide them from the general public. I'm thinking of hanging myself tomorrow."
"Hi, I'm Peter Parker. . . And I'm A Superhero. . ." by Cowblaster	Nov 21st, 2000 12:17:19 AM
". . . Ever since I was bitten by that weird spider, I've been able to crawl walls, have hightened strength and agility, and even this weird 'Danger Sense' that seems to warn me whenever my life is in immediate jeopardy. Before, I was just a nerdy bookworm, picked-on by my classmates just because I like to study instead of 'hang-out' with other kids. But now, I've got these new powers, and I intend to use them in order to show everyone else that I'm a hero! I've even used state-of-the-art technology to build 'web-shooters' by compressing a super-strong molecular adhesive I created into tiny capsules and building devices that can project these strands over long distances. They don't last very long, but I'm able to make more capsules and carry them around with me. Unfortunatley, this whole process is pretty expensive. . . so I had to take a job as a freelance photographer for the Daily Bugle. Sure, I'd love to patent my adhesive compound, but the stuff desolves after a few hours, making it useless for the market. Besides, I can just keep them to myself, and use them in order to fight crime, using my talents to help others. Because, as I learned the hard way, 'with great power comes great responsibility.'"
Heh heh, well-put Cowblaster. by Dave_F	Nov 21st, 2000 12:37:55 AM
You've stated the potential importance of mechanical webshooters about as eloquently as can be done. It's funny, but the same idiotic criticisms of mechanical webshooters keep coming up ("No teen could be that smart!" "Well why doesn't he patent it then?!" "Organic shooters are FAR more realistic!", ad infinitum). My hat's off to you for continuing to provide intelligent defense of classic Spidey continuity. I don't have the stamina for it anymore, but as long as yahoos keep making the same tired old arguments and ignoring well-reasoned responses, I'm glad folks like you are around to fight the good fight. Personally, I'm a little more open to some revisions, but my sympathy's firmly in the "faithful translation" camp. Well done.
Faithfull Translation Isn't Really My Belief. . . by Cowblaster	Nov 21st, 2000 12:59:43 AM
I'm all for changes that need to be made in order to make a movie. . . so long as they make SENSE and hold true to the sorce material. Sure, put Batman in a suit of black armor instead of grey tights. Not only does it look a little more frightening, but it makes sense for him to wear such protection. Go ahead and put the X-Men in black uniforms, they've never been about their costumes, and giving them a sleeker look makes them more appealing to the eye. Hell, I wouldn't mind seeing Spidey adorrned in a red and black costume (I know a lot of you don't agree with me on this), but it makes sense for Parker to adapt these colors if he was choosing to take the theme of a spider. . . just so long as the costume is still reminiscent of Spider-Man himself. Now, as for organic web-shooters, they do NOTHING to add to the character of Spider-Man. Making Parker feel ashamed of some deformaty does not make him any more sympathetic than him just being a typical nerdy outcast. They are no more believable than Spidey's other powers. Trying to make him more "spider-like" is pointless, because Spider-Man's appeal has never been his powers, but the fact that he's a typical guy with a-typical abilities. I don't recall anyone complaining that Batman's not enough like an actual bat, nor Wolverine like an actual wolverine. I don't see any resoning as to why they should stray from the source material on this one. . . it's not an improvment at all, and the only thing they've managed to do so far is upset the majority of Spider-Man's fanbase. Even if the organic web-shooters are written in a way that they don't end up harming Spidey's character at all, then there's STILL NO POINT to them! That's why I don't like them. . . not solely because they stray from the source material and go against tradition, but because I can't see any way they could possibly make Spider-Man any better than he already is. They're POINTLESS!
The webshooters are MECHANICAL! by Indiana Shorty	Nov 21st, 2000 03:06:57 AM
How do i know this? I asked Bruce Campbell and he told me Sam listened to the fans and changed them back to MECHANICAL shooters! he also told me you should all get a life,but he still loves ya!
The Elfman's done other Raimi films. by Cruel Shoes	Nov 21st, 2000 04:29:30 AM
So he's probably not jumping just because it's another superhero film. Plus he didn't didn't do X-Men, Blade, or Mystery Men...so there goes your theory...sorry.
John Mahoney would be great, Brain Dennehy would be great, but C by Monkey_King	Nov 21st, 2000 04:37:10 AM
Doesn't he look like he's in a wheelchair in the top picture. How old is this guy now anyway? Didn't he used to be on Falcon Crest with that Robert Foxworth guy? Old Monkey still prefers his first two choices of Mahoney or Dennehy, but Cliff looks a little 'too old.'
And Aunt May is.... by Call me Kenneth	Nov 21st, 2000 04:37:41 AM
Frances Sternhagen! Yay! http://www.tbta.com/bio_detail .asp?name=482 And what if Spiderman had some kind of gun that fired his Webs? I'd believe that. He could keep it in his Spidercar.
About Tobey Maguire And James Franco by The Founder	Nov 21st, 2000 04:42:15 AM
I saw Tobey Maguire on Leno and I must say is it only me or should James Franco be Spiderman and Tobey take the role of Harry? Some things I just don't get when Hollywood gets to casting movies. I pretty sure Tobey can pull it off, but I would have rather seen the role go to Franco. Blyhte Danner would be a great choice for aunt May as well as Joan Allen and personally I've never understood why Aunt May and Uncle Ben were the age of grandparents, well unless they were his great aunt and uncle,but uncle Ben is Peter's father brother...go figure.At any rate if Sony is planning on making sequels then it would be better if aunt May is not cast to old...I'd say she should be 50 at the most.Best of luck to Rammi and co.
Uncle Ben? You kidding.... by dashboardsaint	Nov 21st, 2000 07:44:12 AM
This guy is fine anyone would have been fine. Uncle Ben should about 3 minutes screen time. Ultimately, who cares who plays Uncle Ben or Aunt May, because I HONESTLY don't want some drawn out origin story - NO NEED. If Raimi had half a brain (which he doesn't, i.e. organic web-shooters), he would cover how Peter became Spiderman in the opening credits and tell a real Spiderman story for an hour and a half, not waste half the movie having Peter wrestle Randy Savage.
Web Shooters by Skelator88	Nov 21st, 2000 08:22:24 AM
I think the idea for organic web shooters isn't a good one. Yes I do expect a kid to create webbing made from chemicls and mechnical webshooters because he was a genius. That was one of the reasons he was at the lab, he was a nerd. He didn't get along with the social norm of hanging out with other kids so he had alot of book smarts. I am already excepting the fact that if you get bit by a raidoactive spider you can stick to walls and get stronger. I'm also excepting the face that raidoactive spiders somehow have a 6th sence and can transfer that power to humans. Not even normal spiders have this ability, I've stepped on many spiders and none seem to know when my boot is about to squash them. Also if we establish that this kid isn't smart enough to create anything, what about the "spider tracers", or the way he had to create "special" webbing to catch certain villians? I liked the fact that if his standard webbing didn't work the first time that he had to create a new improved batch. Now if his webbing is ineffective he has no other way to deal with it but just to dodge and run. Please keep the character as close to the comic as possible, why change somthing if it ain't broken.
*******-So much hate on this talk back-******** by Dash101	Nov 21st, 2000 08:46:19 AM
Wow, so much anger. So much hate. All I guess I can say is to try and get along... At least try my dear friends. But if of course you should fail at this attempt, then my child, all I can say to this is FUCK EM ALL!! HAHAHAHA FUCK ALL YOU MOTHER FUCKERS!!!! SPIDER MAN WILL RULE THE UNIVERSE AND THERE IS NOTHING U PUNK SHIT EATTING MOTHER FUCKERS CAN DO ABOUT IT!! HAHAHAHA FUCK U MOTHERS!!!!! SPIDY RULES!!!! -a very fucked up dash101 out.
Cliff would be excellent! by Kikstad	Nov 21st, 2000 08:50:43 AM
Damn, that would be fine casting indeed. I'm getting pretty psyched up for this film. Now let's just hope the script is as good.
THANK GOD ROBERTSON.... by Wee Willie	Nov 21st, 2000 09:52:48 AM
...Is working. I think he's awesome. A better actor than he gets credit for. Plus, the poor guy was blackballed by Hollywood when he complained about some exec forging his signature on a cheque. I think he'll do just fine in this role, though, I'd like to see someone give him a a part he can sink his teeth into that would give him a comeback al la Connery in Untouchables or Landau in Tucker. Give me the older actors over the tripe we get nowadays.
So Much Hate On A Talk Back Dedicated To A Damn Nice Guy by mrbeaks	Nov 21st, 2000 09:53:16 AM
Cliff Robertson is a class act. He'll be a great Uncle Ben.
C.R. as U.B. ??? by Helldiver	Nov 21st, 2000 10:53:09 AM
Isn't Cliff Robertson a little too.. youthfulk looking- When this preoject was first announced, my mind immediatley went to actor William Windom- I Dunno, just looks like Uncle Ben to me.. oh, and before Iforget.. WHAT'S UP WITH DOC SAVAGE ???
Web Shooters by LeeScoresby	Nov 21st, 2000 10:57:07 AM
What's UP with the webshooters?????????? Who gives a shit? Raimi seems to be constructing a wet dream of a Spiderman moview with a terrific cast, top notch effects and full studio support but all you sad little fanboy people can do is bemoan the fact that he has REAL webshooters instead of building his own. WHo gives a shit? What makes that so goddamn important? I, for one, am tired of reading about it. Grow up. There'll be plenty of neato Spidey toys for you all next Christmas
Your Web Shooter Questions answered here! by superhero	Nov 21st, 2000 11:30:48 AM
OK I'll say all this again for all the clowns who did not read my previous posts ages ago. Here your questions are answered! Why doesn't Peter patent the adhesive? Answer: An adhesive that only lasts an hour isn't very practical is it? On top of that is the fact that Peter Parker has LOW SELF ESTEEM. This has always been one of the MOST steadfast parts of the Spiderman mythology. The fact that Peter feels that no matter what he does it'll all come out wrong is one of the best and most humanizing aspects of his character! Actually when Parker invents the fluid he sees it as somewhat of a failure on his part not to be able to make it last more than an hour. I even remember reading an early comic where he beat himself up over the fact that he could have made millions of dollars off of his invention if he could only get if to stick for more than an hour. And I just will NEVER get all of the clowns who think that sprouting web shooters out of your wrists is "more realistic" than a child genius inventing a sticky chemical compound along with a wrist-mounted propulsion system which would help him shoot it! Hellooooo!? Did anyone see Good Will Hunting? Not to mention the fact that children who have almost beyond genius capacity do/have existed in the REAL WORLD! So how can you possibly complain about the mechanical web shooter idea not having realism? Not to mention the fact that anyone who is looking for realism in a superhero movie (the guy climbs walls and picks up cars fer cryin' out loud!) really needs to work on expanding his/her imagination! I mean really. An alien that comes to this planet, looks human, and has the powers of a GOD because the yellow sun radiation gives them to him? A guy who decides to dress up in Bat-like bondage gear because his parents were murdered in front of him? Sounds like THAT guy needs therapy! Not to mention that a good psychiatrist would probably be a WHOLE helluva lot cheaper that a Batcave, Batmobile and a Batplane! And then there's the guy with the magic ring, the guy who runs FASTER THAN LIGHT because of some "speed force", and four people who were exposed to cosmic rays and not only survived but got superpowers out of the bargain! My point is that this is FANTASY! People don't read certain comic books for REALITY they want FANTASY! And that doesn't mean narrow characterization and thin plot points! And the same thing can be said for comic book like movies! If you go to Spider-man expecting Lawrence of Arabia you ain't gonna get it! But if you do go see Spider-man you should expect to see SPIDER-MAN! Not some weak carbon copy that only uses the name and not the BASIC principles that the character was based on! Yes you can change the costume a bit but don't change what's IN THE COSTUME!!!! NO ORGANIC WEB SHOOTERS!!!!!
Uncle Ben is black? When did this happen? Nobody tells me anyt by ARCTURUS	Nov 21st, 2000 12:24:47 PM
Yeah, it is kind of funny that Peter Parker's beloved Uncle sells rice on the side. What's Raimi trying to do, get as many product placements as he can in this movie? How the hell are they going to work a Missippi Riverboat scene into the middle of a film that's set in Manhattan?
Hey superhero..... by monkeylucifer	Nov 21st, 2000 12:48:53 PM
You mean Peter Parker isn't gonna put out matches with his fingertips? Damn...I was soooo looking forward to that.
Enough .... about Uncle ben lets talk about a real ben. by fonze2	Nov 21st, 2000 01:29:44 PM
Seems every one wants to b@tch about peter parker and his organic web shooters... so i say cancel it all write a re write and bring back our favorite Ben Reilly . as the original spider man. which we all know is true but sooo many people are still in denial. I even have the perfect solution to bring him back i dont even care if he's the clone bring him back damni it
RE: Your Web-Shooter Questions answered here by spider15	Nov 21st, 2000 04:18:40 PM
Responding to the last posting by superhero... since I'm fully on the side of the mechanical web-shooters, I really hate to seem like I'm going against an ally. However, I'd like to respond to a few things. First of all, even if Peter Parker does see the dissolving of his webs after an hour as a flaw, it is NOT, at least not for his purposes. After all, if the webs held indefinately or even permanently, than how the hell would the cops or whoever ever drag the villians he defeats off to jail or the Vault? Furthermore, since Spidey uses his webs to "get around," then by now New York City would be lousy with reminants of his webbing if it never dissolved (hey, this would be a cool "What If?" story. Too bad that comic's no longer being published). This would be no good because Spidey is supposed to maintain a Batman-like mystique and low profile, although maybe to a far lesser degree. Still, I think that in the real world, a TEMPORARY adhesive THAT STRONG would have some practical purpose and be worth something to somebody willing to pay, like the military. But as superhero pointed out, the bottom line is IT'S ALL FANTASY. Also, I'm willing to be corrected on this, but as I wrote in my last posting, isn't PP supposed to be, while a brilliant science student, just shy of qualifying as a "genius," the way that Reed Richards and even the Rocket Racer are? These, people, are just a few more takes on the web-shooter concept, not changing the fact that mechanic remains the way to go.
It's driving me crazy! by rhalibus123	Nov 21st, 2000 04:21:40 PM
Where is that "How do you know they'll print it?" line from? Is that the line in which the response is "Oh, they'll print it.."? What's the movie? Please tell me--I can feel my movie geek powers fading away as I speak...Fading...
Hey Spider15! Good Point! by superhero	Nov 21st, 2000 06:00:29 PM
I've never thought about the law enforcement practical applications of Pete's web fluid! I may have an answer to this dilemma, though. In the comics Peter invented the web shooters to go along with his "Spider-man" schtick. So he was using these web shooters in his Spidey persona long before the thought ever occured to him to be able to use it practically. I even think this was addressed in some of the early comics. Peter realizes that he could possibly sell the solution but then it would reveal to law enforcement (who see him as a menace thanks to J. Jonah Jameson), the government/military (who he thinks will want to capture, study and dissect him) and the public that he is the one and only Spider-man. I tell ya, that Stan Lee and Steve Ditko thought of EVERYTHING! Not to mention the fact that Peter also believes so little in himself that the thought of anyone actually paying him for his invention is beyond him. And I DO believe that in the 'Marvel Universe' Reed Richards has been described SEVERAL times as being one of if not THE smartest man in the world. I think that that qualifies him as a Genius, don't you? As for Peter I do believe he is at Genius potential. I mean besides the web shooters look at all the little gadgets he's whipped up. Spider tracer,Spider signal, Automatic Belt camera, etc. I think that qualifies. But I could be wrong. After all I am nowhere near the intelligence level that any of those two guys are:O)
Web-shooters? Who Cares!?!?! by cheezus	Nov 21st, 2000 06:41:15 PM
Y'know, this is just like all the crap about the leather costumes in X-Men. Organic Web-shooters? Mechanical? Who gives a %^#^@$? These geeks who are making a big stink about it should just get a life and thank god that Spider-Man finally got off the ground. And also, Harry, do you think we really care what movies you have in you DVD collection? We get the point already that your the studio's hand-puppet, so quit rubbing our noses in it.
ultimate my ass. Yay, lets make the kids waste more money by Maynard	Nov 21st, 2000 07:27:01 PM
That ultimate shit is going to go the way of the dodo bird. Just like countless other marvel youth-grabbing titles. Guardians of the Galaxy, all the 2099 shit, the 20th Dr. Strange series. Sentimentality only goes so far. If I was collecting an actual painting from a famous artist, I would want the original, not a print or a xerox, or a rehash of the past. They call that kitsch I believe. No organic shooters (cause it's fucking stupid) and don't buy new marvel series unless they are different than everything else. get it if it will change your life, but don't get it cause you think it will be worth something down the road. The more people buy the thing, the less its re-sale value will be. Look at me, I have all the Rom Spacenight comics ever made, as well as all the Micronauts. I guess you could call me a bloody idiot for doing that. However, I still think those were the best damn comcs around while I was growing up. Didn't I hear Harry make an offhand remark about someone making a Micronauts movie?
Oh ya, this movie will suck. by Maynard	Nov 21st, 2000 07:37:12 PM
If you wreck a fundamental part of the original character, that will most likely be the tip of the ice burg. Who knows how many countless minute changes will be made to Spidey, as this movie is made. Raimi would lose credibility as a director if he doesn't fix this problem. I'm hoping, if he goes ahead with the organic shooters, that everyone who has signed the online petition should boycott the movie as it opens in theatrical release. This is not artistic freedom with the Spidey licence. This is sacreligious! Please boycott this film. Lets let Hollywood know that if you mess with subject matter such as this, you mess with Spidey fans from all over the world. Spidey fans unite!!!!!
Cheesus! Peel back thy foreskin and make a sandwich!! by Maynard	Nov 21st, 2000 07:44:20 PM
James Cameron was going to make Spider-man. I bet there was a line-up of directors ready to take the reigns for this film. That is something we probably won't know until after the movie comes out in theaters. So, enjoy that sandwich. Careful with that butter knife!!!!!!
And here I was, hoping for a CGI Uncle Ben by JackPepsi	Nov 21st, 2000 10:02:46 PM
The only TRUE way for an authentic representation of Uncle Ben (Mmmmmmmm, rice!) would be through computer modeling and motion capture. Using Goldberg as a model, and capturing the one true living essence of Uncle Ben, Gilbert Gottfried, they could make a true realization of who and what Uncle Ben is. Apply a Jimmy Stewartesque skin, and have him voiced by Charlie Adler (Yakko Warner, Arthur from 'the Tick'), and BAM! Motion picture gold! OF course, I might be wrong. I've never been a Spidey fan. Let the flames commence!
Response to Maynard: by Dave_F	Nov 21st, 2000 10:32:11 PM
Have you actually read "Ultimate Spider-Man"? It sounds like you haven't, like you're giving a knee-jerk reaction. Trust me man, it's no throwaway fan-gouging venture like the 2099 series or variant covers. Maybe Marvel's done little to engender faith in the last ten years or so, but their past shouldn't taint what is in fact a fantastically-written new take on Spider-Man. The concept is strong: retell Spider-Man's origin the way it might have come about had it been conceived in the 90's, but do it with respect for the original material. The idea is to make Spider-Man approachable to new readers, and I find it laudable given that he's Marvel's flagship character. Spider-Man's got almost forty years of continuity baggage and it's a major turn-off for new readers and old (like me). I don't want to read about a Spider-Man who's out of college, married to a supermodel, and is fighting the 15th incarnation of the Green Goblin. I want the hard-luck teen hero Spidey's supposed to be, and starting from scratch is giving him back to me. It also helps that writer Brian Bendis is just doing a helluva job as a storyteller. The freshness of his writing is what sets apart "Ultimate" from forgettable retellings like John Byrne's "Chapter One". I could blah-blah all day regarding the merits of "Ultimate", but you're better off ignoring me and just borrowing a copy from someone to judge for yourself. I can all but guarantee you won't be able to dismiss it casually. Me, I haven't read Spider-Man closely since the Roger Stern run in the 80's, and now I am again. That should tell you "Ultimate" has more going for it than mere "sentimentality".
Casting Aunt May by Artistic Wizard	Nov 21st, 2000 10:48:25 PM
How about that old decrepid bitch from Titanic as Aunt May? She looks the part, one foot in the grave.
Think About It!!!!!!!! by BlackLodger	Nov 22nd, 2000 10:02:04 AM
Here is a question I'm not sure was pondered yet. If so too bad!!!!This argument is over webshooters is pointless anyway...Do arachnids shoot webbing from their arms?...Answer: NO!!!!So if our pal Peter received all the powers of a spider would the webshooters appear on his arms?...Answer: NO!!!And where would they appear fellow spideyphiles?...Answer: Anyone...Anyone...HIS ASS!Do you think Stan, back in the early 60's thought of that and said "Gee will this creation of mine be as happening swinging around town by his ass?" YES He probably did...Next best thing,since this is a comic book anyway, and by no means has to be believable. Mechanical webshooters are the way to go...Organic webshooters in Petes' arms just don't make scientific sense! But once again this is a comic book,so I guess they can do whatever they want....Well there goes my fucking point!!!!I'm still right though...
JESUS!!!! by Barry Stowles	Nov 22nd, 2000 11:43:27 AM
How many times does someone have to come out with that "his webs should come out of his ass" remark? It wasn't funny the first time, so it's not funny all these months later.
Since when is scientific truth a joke???Damnit... by BlackLodger	Nov 22nd, 2000 12:25:06 PM
Yes I know that scientific truth has nothing to do with a comic book superhero.My point,for those less dim,is that if they give spidey organic webshooters, having them in his arms makes no sense whatsoever. It makes Pete more mutant like. Having him make little gadgets that sometimes foul up when needed add to the humanism of the Spiderman mythos. and would make Pete that much more of an endearing character...Nuff Said...
Point on drama and tension by RobRed1	Nov 22nd, 2000 01:44:50 PM
One thing about the mechanical webshooters is THEY RUN OUT. How many times in comics and cartoons have the webshooters run out and caused spidey to have to find another way to solve the problem or fight the bad guys? Give him organic shooters, and they WON'T RUN OUT. You take away a very simple and convenient plot tool for building drama and tension during a key point in the story.
waitaminit... by cheezus	Nov 22nd, 2000 03:21:00 PM
People are okay with the fact that a guy can be bitten by a radioactive spider and get his powers, but not the fact that his webbing could come out of his arms? Okay...
Uncle Ben? Like the rice? by crouchingtiger	Nov 22nd, 2000 07:57:42 PM
That rice is horrible. Jasmine rice is much better
Organic apples! by crouchingtiger	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:05:29 PM
Organic webshooters! sacrilage! makes more sense? If he were to get real organic webshooters wouldn't it make more sense to have the webshooters on his ass like a real spider? Organic webshooters? that's like having Jim Phelps from Mission Impossible be the bad guy. Oh wait, that already happened. Fuck it then.
I got your organic webshooter right here! It's a beauty, too. by Art-man	Nov 22nd, 2000 08:20:51 PM
Sorry, but I just had to say that. On a serious note: R. Lee Ermy or Tom Selleck for J. Jonah Jamison, and Francis Sternhagen for Aunt May. Francis was Cliffy's mom on Cheers, and Sean Connery's partner in justice in the overlooked SF flick Outland.
WHO CARES CUT THEM CUT THEM CUT THEM by houndtang	Nov 23rd, 2000 02:26:02 PM

Ultimate should have nothing to do with the movie at all!!!!! by Maynard	Nov 23rd, 2000 02:26:46 PM

Spiderman can choke on a Slapnut. The HULK is the SHIZ of all th by ULTRA WARRIOR	Nov 24th, 2000 08:46:10 PM
Spidey sucks & thats the bottom line, cos the ULTRAWARRIOR said so.

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And who will be Uncle Ben in SPIDER-MAN'

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