Watchmen case settled out of court?

It’s about damn time!

Who will watch the Watchmen?

I will. On March 6th.

I don’t know any *non geeks* who want to see it either, but my belief is that the movie looks very good. It seems to be a comic movie that doesn’t fit in with the other common types of comic movies A.la TDK. So I think that the comic geeks will come out and see it multiple times, and soon word will spread about the movie, bringing in all the other movie goers. Watchmen has been the greatest graphic novel for years now, and there are a lot of fanboys who are anticipating this. Certainly not enough to make the movie successful, but enough to make a serious impact on other movie fans.

I think we are in the age of comic films being blockbusters. Here’s why:

In these tough times, people have a lot of stress. Lord knows I have more than my fair share. People have always used movies as a way to escape the realities of their lives. And what better way than a hero film? People can go to see one which is complete fantasy, and usually visually entertaining, so that’s a good way to take your mind off of your stress. And, hero films have a tendancy (for a lot of people, not all) to make the viewer imagine what life would be like as a hero. Who wouldn’t want to live in that world, as a hero; someone people everywhere admire and respect. In that aspect, it is also a good way to take your mind away. People just want to be somewhere other than in their debt filled world. At least for 2 hrs.

Now, I’m a huge comic fan, and I’m not necessarily happy about this transition. This may shock some comic fans, but I don’t want comic films to be the ultimate summer blockbuster films every year. My reasons are twofold:
1. If these films become ultimate summer blockbusters, it will inevitably lead to some Hollywood types turning the genre into a Will Smith action film. Here’s what I mean. Will Smith action flicks (Men in Black, Independence Day, I am Legend) are fun films, certainly having their fare share of excitement and some good visuals. Action filled movies, slightly funny at times. But are they truly GOOD films? I say no. They are entertaining, but not good. And if the comic genre heads down that road, it will be the end of great comic films like TDK. I don’t believe everything will get dark like Dark Knight. I don’t want to see the Avengers being nothing more than a superhero Independence Day.
2. If/When this transition happens, it will lead to studio’s being “picky” about how they choose the heroes to appear on screen and how they choose to represent those heroes. Some of the better characters that wouldn’t fit into the “fun popcorn action flick” category may not be made or will be made in such a way to ruin the character. Think Deadpool. For those of you who don’t know, Deadpool is a wise ass mercenary. The character is somewhat of an anti-hero. He has dark origins. The comic action is brutal and bloody. Does that subject matter translate into fun popcorn films? No. If they went on with a character like that, they would change so much that it would be EXTREMELY disappointing to the true fans like me.

And lets not forget that if they get to be massive success’, every single character will eventually make their way on screen, even if they don’t warrant an appearance. We will see a solo film for The Wasp. We’ll see a Demolition Man film. We’ll get a Wild Cat film. These characters are fun backup characters, but they can’t carry a movie. Studios are greedy, they will do anything to get the cash. If characters from both major comic universes become smashing success’ then the studio will eventually try out those secondary, “D” and “F” level characters.

I hope Metallicat is right, with comic films tapering off into a one or two at most a year, lower level type movie. There won’t be as much expectations for them, so directors can make their own movie. And that ultimately would lead to a better movie. At least the chances of a better movie being made are greater with lowered expectations.

Wow. That was long winded.
Screw reality tv

I hope you are right Metallicat. TDK did set the bar really high, but that doesn’t exactly mean that they won’t be trying to repeat the success. Whenever you make that much money, they are bound to try to repeat that success.

Welcome ar901!

Yes, I did know about the ‘Hoff’s Fury film, I saw it. It was, much like the ‘Hoff is, total garbage. True that Fury is no longer a stand alone character, but I get the feeling that Marvel want’s Fury to be a character that is big in the universe they are creating, and probably feature him in most of their movies. But I’m pretty sure they will not try to make him a stand alone character. I am a huge Deadpool fan, and it’s good to see him appear in the Wolvie film. Basically, I know it won’t be satisfying to fans of the merc with the mouth, but it’s a chance to expose him to a wider audience. If his cameo is done right, it’ll be the perfect setup to the Deadpool solo film. I hope that FOX does not get to make the DP film, and instead it goes to Marvel. Deadpool should have a rated R film, and it should be a hard R. It would be awesome to see it. Do I think it’s going to happen? Hell no. But I do think it’s possible they go for the “Dark Knight angle” on it, make it a hard PG-13 film with dark themes, and I’d be okay with that. It wouldn’t be ideal, but it’d be good enough for me. I really enjoyed TDK. If I ever met Nolan, I’d thank him for what he’s done. To quote the Joker…

“You’ve changed things… Forever… There’s no going back…”

Comic films from now until we get another film in the vein of TDK will be compared to TDK, whether fair or unfair, they will.

Metallicat – Ryan Reynolds is the PERFECT casting choice for Deadpool. I’m a little worried about it too. Particularly, I’m worried about his look. We’ve all probably seen the shots of Reynolds as Deadpool, without his trademark suit or his horribly scarred face. Now, they could always introduce that aspect of the character later in the film and it just hasn’t been shown yet. Still, until I see it I will worry.

Side note, to anyone who has seen the Wolverine trailer – There are those flashes of scenes showcasing all the cameo appearances, right? Well, there was one shot that came and went rather quickly, showing Wolverine running towards some mysterious baddie, ready to throw down. If you are able to pause it, or slow it down, and take a look at this “baddie” you will see that he is wearing a red suit that looks very familiar. I am 100% convinced that this is Deadpool, in his final outfit (complete with mask) prepping for a fight with Wolverine. It would make sense, considering all we know about Deadpools abilities and techniques, and his violent history with Wolverine. I know they are making Sabretooth the big villain for Wolverine, at least as far as the Weapon X team is concerned, but Deadpool could be just as good as the big villain. They’ve thrown down before. Wouldn’t that be awesome?

Yes, I feel the same way you do Metallicat. I hope we are both wrong.

Maybe that is a good idea