Non-Marvel and DC Comic Books on Film

[matrixschmatrix]

It's worth pointing out that Cronenberg actually has done a comic book movie, albeit not a superhero film (History of Violence.) I also don't think it's any more inherently true that superheroes=juvenalia than that Westerns do, but I think the big market movies right now are all aimed at juveniles in greater or lesser degree in any case, so there's no real push to move away from that, particularly in the bigger name characters.

[knives]

I think the point is more about studio interference sanitizing the films than anything else. Its hard to disagree with that.

[matrixschmatrix]

Yeah, the rest of what he has to say makes perfect sense- it's actually a little depressing when interesting directors get straightjacketed into big money movies, even when the big money movies are good, because you wind up being Peter Jackson where everything you make from then on becomes this behemoth thing.

I only take issue with his last sentence, and even there, only half-heartedly- I think it's possible to prove him wrong, but I don't know that it's happened yet or will happen any time soon.

[Roger Ryan]

With the emphasis on body mutation, I imagine Cronenberg would have had a field day doing an X-MEN movie.

[matrixschmatrix]

Actually, he would be great for a genuine adaptation of Moore's run on Swamp Thing, which gets into some of the body dysmorphia and sexuality issues that are Cronenberg's bread and butter. But Moore hates having movies made of his work, and Cronenberg doesn't want to do superheroes (though calling that a superhero book would be a bit of a stretch.)

[flyonthewall2983]

I think the point is more about studio interference sanitizing the films than anything else. Its hard to disagree with that.

And I'm sure Joe Carnahan can relate to this, now that his Daredevil reboot has been rejected.

I only take issue with his last sentence, and even there, only half-heartedly- I think it's possible to prove him wrong, but I don't know that it's happened yet or will happen any time soon.

I'm with you there. Maybe by some stroke of luck it'll happen. It's too bad it didn't happen with Watchmen, given the book's reputation.

My initial reaction to that last bit was that he was being snobby, especially considering I've read some interviews with him where he almost went out of his way to bash other people's work.

[matrixschmatrix]

I think Carnahan's Daredevil died because of the whole Marvel rights thing, not because they didn't like the violence.

[Cold Bishop]

With the emphasis on body mutation, I imagine Cronenberg would have had a field day doing an X-MEN movie.

I would argue that Scanners already did that.

[Mr Sausage]

I always thought The Dead Zone was a superhero movie.

[knives]

Yeah, a lot of his films from that psuedo-Hollywood period could easily be turned to superhero flicks.

[colinr0380]

Now you bring it up, that final duel of Scanners really feels similar to those good/bad dualities that underpin comic books (long before M. Night Shyamalan made a similar yin/yang final confrontation boring in Unbreakable)

The Dead Zone is definitely a superhero movie. Albeit one in which the heroic act involves attempting to assassinate the potential next President!

And don't forget The Fly - nerdy boffin accidentally melds himself with an insect and ends up becoming extremely athletic, able to climb up walls, is able to spray white goop from different orifices and save the girl from mean ex-boyfriends and abortion doctors for a happy ending!

Alright, so I lied about the happy ending part.

[Siddon]

Wait Wait Wait hold the phone...Shivers wasn't meant for Kids!

[dx23]

Disney is rebooting/remaking the Rocketeer.. I like the original very much an don't see how can it be improved or how it will find an audience with so many other comic book films coming in the next several years.

[flyonthewall2983]

The original had a charm in it's lack of today's burdensome CG. It was a corny action movie, but it felt more earnest in ways corny actioners aren't.

[dx23]

So far Dredd 3D has a surprising 91% in Rotten Tomatoes and people in the UK that have seen it say the film is pretty good. Any member here has seen it yet?

[dx23]

Mark Millar hired by Fox as a consultant for the Marvel franchises they still have. I truly don't know how this is going to help since Millar is not that good to begin with and Fox is running out of time in getting a new Fantastic Four film out.

[dx23]

Matthew Vaughn is not directing the X-Men:First Class sequel and supposedly Bryan Singer is the potential replacement.

[Cold Bishop]

I love that the concept gives Singer the option to quite literally undo X-Men III.

[dx23]

I love that the concept gives Singer the option to quite literally undo X-Men III.

And I hope he does. X-Men 3 is a disgrace, but I wouldn't expect anything less from Brett Rattner. Also, I wouldn't mind if they re-cast the part of Storm. Halle Berry didn't seem to appreciate the role after the first film and completely dropped the accent that makes Storm so different from the rest. I would love to see Paula Patton take on that role and if they ever bring Gambit back, just give the role to Josh Holloway.

[dx23]

Hugh Jackman Negotiating Return as Wolverine in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart have signed to return too.

Jamie Foxx set for Electro in "Amazing Spider-Man 2" Foxx is a good actor, but I don't understand this casting at all.

[Matt]

Jamie Foxx set for Electro in "Amazing Spider-Man 2" Foxx is a good actor, but I don't understand this casting at all.

It does seem odd to me that they keep having Spider-Man fight a series of middle-aged men (Oedipal complex much?), but what's odd about it for you?

[reaky]

Yes, time for Spidey to tussle with an authentic senior citizen. My vote is for Raymond Barry (Arlo Givens in Justified) as the Vulture.

[dx23]

Jamie Foxx set for Electro in "Amazing Spider-Man 2" Foxx is a good actor, but I don't understand this casting at all.

It does seem odd to me that they keep having Spider-Man fight a series of middle-aged men (Oedipal complex much?), but what's odd about it for you?

What I find a little off is that Electro has never been an interesting Spidey Villain. He's more of a second tier villain who is most effective when partnering with the Sinister Six. I would have preferred to see Kraven The Hunter, Mysterio or The Chameleon as the main villain for the sequel. Also, Electro is a (mid-20's-early 30's) loser white guy in the comics, while Foxx is now 44 years old and has this swagger that goes against the grain of the character he is going to portray.

[knives]

Of course they could go like the animated show and just ignore the comic version of the character.

[dx23]

Which animated show?