If it's crap... We'll tell you
The Funny Page!
Greetings Spillers!
There are a few news items on our radar this week, and front and center are the creative minds behind some of the best comic books around today. But first, I’d like to pay respect to a pioneer…
Sheldon Dorf, who founded the world famous Comic-Con International comic book convention, died on Wednesday. He worked in the industry for years as a letterer and a freelance artist, but will be forever remembered as the man who brought geeks and misfits together in celebration of superheroes and science fiction. Having felt the excitement and enthusiasm on the floor at SDCC ‘08, I can safely say that, sad as his passing is, I’m glad he lived long enough to see the annual festival grow from its humble beginnings in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego to the axis of pop culture that it is today.
Speaking of industry celebrities, Mark Millar has announced that he will make his directorial debut with an unnamed superhero adaptation (yawn). Wake up Mark, you’re a writer and a pretty good one at that, but you’re not a filmmaker. Look at how Frank Miller crashed and burned with The Spirit – do you want a hunk of shit hanging over your head?! It looks like directors value your opinion when adapting your work, so why don’t you stick to the sidelines? “Your meddling with powers you can’t possibly comprehend…” – Marcus Brody.
Moving right along, Warren Ellis has gone from obscurity outside the worlds of simulated Second Life and sloppy hobby shops to Hollywood golden child. Like Millar, he’s optioning off movie rights as fast as Michael Bay can remake horror classics, cashing in on properties like his three-issue espionage themed mini-series Red (which is getting a stellar cast, including Helen Mirren, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and John C. Reilly) Gravel (set up at WB based Legendary Pictures) and Ocean. Black Summer is latest in line and that brings me to a serious debate: in a day and age of non-originality in Hollywood, what is sacred?
Like Watchmen and Surrogates, some of these projects are destined to disappoint. Although I enjoyed Watchmen (as a longtime fan), I felt it was unnecessary to be filmed, and Surrogates suffered from the direction of Jonathan Mostow, a guy who loves sci-fi but just can’t get it right. Black Summer is as ambitious a project as Watchmen, dealing with similar themes and tone and that makes me nervous about it turning into another forced adaptation that falls short. Someday, people will respect comic books for what they are and not try to commercialize every piece of work out there. Although Red is a more reality-based story that I think should work well cinematically, only time will tell us what’s crap, and my fingers are staying crossed.
I’d also like to rant about the recently plagued Green Lantern production. First, let me make it known that GL is probably my favorite superhero of all time (in case you couldn’t tell from my profile pic). For years, I was doubtful about whether I’d ever get to see the Emerald Knight on the big screen, but in 2009, things really started to shape up with the hiring of talent like Martin Campbell and Ryan Reynolds. And yet, the production of this colossal comic book movie is being thwarted not by Sonar, Star Sapphire or Doctor Polaris, but by the global economic crisis! Too bad Hal Jordan can’t use that power ring to conjure up a money tree in the WB back lot, because that’s what it’s going to take to get this show back on the road!
I just can’t understand why, in a time when so many big-budget features are being shot in Canada, the studio doesn’t move the production over there, where tax breaks are still saving major coin. The latest I’ve heard is that New Orleans will be the base of operations, but I just think that Canada is the justifiable alternative to Australia (the former location) given its space, varied landscape and financial incentives needed to recreate Coast City. Hopefully work will begin as planned in January, so the films June 17th 2011 release won’t be in any further jeopardy. Anybody out there agree?
Toronto, Canada
Also Canada, get my point?
Finally, it was mentioned on October 29th that Clancy Brown may be in the running for Lobo. I have to admit, names like Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Mickey Rourke were the first to come to my mind, as they have to many fanboys out there, but I never even considered Brown until his name was thrown out there on the Internet. He’s a genre regular, having voiced many characters in various animated series, including Superman (1996), Justice League (2001) & The Batman (2004), and an inspired choice for the role. And so, I’d like to leave off this week with another couple of casting ideas for the badass inter-dimensional bounty hunter:
The One and Only Lobo
Gary Cole
I can’t put my finger on it, but I think he could go bat-shit crazy in the role (ever see Pineapple Express?)
Ron Perlman
He's guy’s played a Beast, a demon and a gang-leader/killer – sounds perfect for an alien bounty hunter!
Ted Levine
This guy scared the bejeezus out of me when I was a kid. If he could channel the psychosis of Buffalo Bill (and grow his hair out again), I think he’s a winner.
Derek Mears
Just based on physicality, Mears is perfect for the role. But as far as acting goes, I think he’d come up short (pun intended).
Until next time...
There are a few news items on our radar this week, and front and center are the creative minds behind some of the best comic books around today. But first, I’d like to pay respect to a pioneer…
Sheldon Dorf, who founded the world famous Comic-Con International comic book convention, died on Wednesday. He worked in the industry for years as a letterer and a freelance artist, but will be forever remembered as the man who brought geeks and misfits together in celebration of superheroes and science fiction. Having felt the excitement and enthusiasm on the floor at SDCC ‘08, I can safely say that, sad as his passing is, I’m glad he lived long enough to see the annual festival grow from its humble beginnings in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego to the axis of pop culture that it is today.
Speaking of industry celebrities, Mark Millar has announced that he will make his directorial debut with an unnamed superhero adaptation (yawn). Wake up Mark, you’re a writer and a pretty good one at that, but you’re not a filmmaker. Look at how Frank Miller crashed and burned with The Spirit – do you want a hunk of shit hanging over your head?! It looks like directors value your opinion when adapting your work, so why don’t you stick to the sidelines? “Your meddling with powers you can’t possibly comprehend…” – Marcus Brody.
Moving right along, Warren Ellis has gone from obscurity outside the worlds of simulated Second Life and sloppy hobby shops to Hollywood golden child. Like Millar, he’s optioning off movie rights as fast as Michael Bay can remake horror classics, cashing in on properties like his three-issue espionage themed mini-series Red (which is getting a stellar cast, including Helen Mirren, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and John C. Reilly) Gravel (set up at WB based Legendary Pictures) and Ocean. Black Summer is latest in line and that brings me to a serious debate: in a day and age of non-originality in Hollywood, what is sacred?
Like Watchmen and Surrogates, some of these projects are destined to disappoint. Although I enjoyed Watchmen (as a longtime fan), I felt it was unnecessary to be filmed, and Surrogates suffered from the direction of Jonathan Mostow, a guy who loves sci-fi but just can’t get it right. Black Summer is as ambitious a project as Watchmen, dealing with similar themes and tone and that makes me nervous about it turning into another forced adaptation that falls short. Someday, people will respect comic books for what they are and not try to commercialize every piece of work out there. Although Red is a more reality-based story that I think should work well cinematically, only time will tell us what’s crap, and my fingers are staying crossed.
I’d also like to rant about the recently plagued Green Lantern production. First, let me make it known that GL is probably my favorite superhero of all time (in case you couldn’t tell from my profile pic). For years, I was doubtful about whether I’d ever get to see the Emerald Knight on the big screen, but in 2009, things really started to shape up with the hiring of talent like Martin Campbell and Ryan Reynolds. And yet, the production of this colossal comic book movie is being thwarted not by Sonar, Star Sapphire or Doctor Polaris, but by the global economic crisis! Too bad Hal Jordan can’t use that power ring to conjure up a money tree in the WB back lot, because that’s what it’s going to take to get this show back on the road!
I just can’t understand why, in a time when so many big-budget features are being shot in Canada, the studio doesn’t move the production over there, where tax breaks are still saving major coin. The latest I’ve heard is that New Orleans will be the base of operations, but I just think that Canada is the justifiable alternative to Australia (the former location) given its space, varied landscape and financial incentives needed to recreate Coast City. Hopefully work will begin as planned in January, so the films June 17th 2011 release won’t be in any further jeopardy. Anybody out there agree?
Finally, it was mentioned on October 29th that Clancy Brown may be in the running for Lobo. I have to admit, names like Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Mickey Rourke were the first to come to my mind, as they have to many fanboys out there, but I never even considered Brown until his name was thrown out there on the Internet. He’s a genre regular, having voiced many characters in various animated series, including Superman (1996), Justice League (2001) & The Batman (2004), and an inspired choice for the role. And so, I’d like to leave off this week with another couple of casting ideas for the badass inter-dimensional bounty hunter:
Until next time...
Tags: bruce willis, clancy brown, derek mears, green lantern, helen mirren, jeffrey dean morgan, mark millar, mickey rourke, morgan freeman, red
Add a Comment
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Comment by Pablo on November 8, 2009 at 4:29pm -
I can only say fail from past results and facts. And I have to agree with the Funny Page on the director position. Now, I'm not saying we can't be wrong but I enjoy movies and I want the best product to be released. Being a great writer and consultant does not make you a great director. But I want to be wrong and see a good film anyways.
I think everyone needs to relax about Lobo. We haven't got that much information on the movie. And re-imagination might not hurt Lobo. He's funny but I don't think he could carry a whole movie. I mean he could be a major part like in a Superman movie or Justice League but I don't buy a solo movie that would appeal to mass audience's. I like the idea of getting a big actor with a voice-over.
Didn't everyone think Heath Ledger was going to fail or was skeptical about him playing the Joker? Hey I thought it was risky and he turned out to be the best choice ever.
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Comment by cougar chapelle on November 8, 2009 at 2:52pm - I personally don't want to see this Green Latern film come out any time soon. Don't get me wrong, its not like I don't think superhero films are getting better. I thought both Watchmen and the Dark Knight were extrodinary films. My only problem is that the industry is oversaturated with comic book movies and thers just no room for original sci-fi/fantasy storytelling when everywhere you turn thers yet another director trying to make a live action movie based off another Marvel, DC, Image, or Vertigo comic book. Give it a rest already!
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Comment by Dexter on November 8, 2009 at 10:21am - I noticed a quote from above about Millar, "you’re not a filmmaker", what does that even mean! Why would you classify a person by one description "comic book writer" or another. Can he not be both? Can a man not have more than one talent? Besides the title of film maker is misunderstood I think, there are going to be loads of people working with him on this. He is not going to personally build every special effect, nor is he going to set up the cinematography, or write the score himself. He is going to be part of a group of film makers and will select the elements that he thinks will best bring his story to life. A better title would be lead selector of other people's talents. What's wrong with him doing this. You have no idea if he can do it well or not, so where is all your hostility coming from? If you had the chance to be part of that team would you want people who didn't even know you to instantly say fail?
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Comment by Gift of the Magi on November 8, 2009 at 1:05am -
Something to concider with Green Lantern....Hollywood WILL NOT get the character right simply due to age. Hal Jordan was not a young man when he became GL, yet Hollywood keeps trying out 20-25 year-olds for the role. Result: they look too young...and wrong...it doesn't FEEL like GL....so the fanboys are not as engaged already thinking FAIL and moving on.
Lobo...as much as I hate to say this...will FAIL for another simple fact: the ONLY WAY Lobo can translate correctly to film is to do a NC-17 movie. Extreme levels of violence and gore...enough to make Jigsaw crap his pants in technocolor....followed by references, sociopathic tendancies and enough bad behaviours to choke roughly 100 "gangsta' rappers, Lobo is the very definition of 'Bad Ass'.
PG-13, love interests and lame excuces to put him on Earth will kill the film flat.
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Comment by Dr. Detfink on November 7, 2009 at 6:53pm - Lobo Movie=EPIC FAIL. Why? Cause there's really no content to the material besides Lobo being a low brow comedy of a sadistic killer in scene after scene.
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Comment by Daniel Hubschman on November 7, 2009 at 12:43pm - I have no quarrel about Millar being a fine storyteller. I am concerned because directing a movie (and a supherhero movie at that) is a really huge undertaking that I have reservations about his ability to execute. we're talking about dozens to possibly hundreds of millions of dollars and a large staff of people to manage. I hope that he proves me wrong and delivers something great, but I have my concerns.
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Comment by Ciaran O'Keeffe on November 7, 2009 at 12:37pm - Selma Blair is 37, Perlman is 59, MisterKeitel. Millar could be a great Director or a real bad one but just because Miller did a bad job doesn't mean he will.
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Comment by Shane (aka I Need a good AKA) on November 6, 2009 at 4:41pm -
Everything I've read about Millar wanting to direct has been followed by ..The Spirit.
That's awfully narrow minded, not only that but there isn't a movie out there that someone doesn't hate on, OR the majority hates on, but as long as you enjoy it, who gives a shit.
So unless Millar makes a terrible movie, that no one enjoyed, leave the poor dude alone. Oh and if he makes an amazing movie, you'll be like, Ohhhhhh he's lucky! THE Spirit!! Frank Miller!
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Comment by Daniel Hubschman on November 6, 2009 at 3:21pm
- You make a fair point there MisterKeitel. I feel as though the art of acting (and good acting at that) combined with great makeup should allow an actor of any age to inhabit this role. I'm not saying I like one of my choices better than another, but I think that Perlman has beyond a shadow of a doubt proved that this is the kind of role he was put on this Earth for.
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Comment by MisterKeitel on November 6, 2009 at 3:06pm -
Michael Criton was a fair director of his own stories. Not a great one, mind you. But he was okay.
True, the Spirit was terrible. But it did look great. If you watched it with the sound off, you might think it was an okay movie. However, with the sound on, it's boring and stupid and played in the camp style of filmmaking that went out with the Batman TV show of the late 1960's.
I like Clancy Brown. However, he's a little old to play Lobo. I think if Lobo as being late-20's/early-30's. Clancy must be as old as I am - and I'm in my late-40's. Sure, you can put a lot of makeup on a guy and he can play any age (as in Ron Perlman having an overt sexual relationship with Selma Blair, a girl half is age, in HellBoy), but it still just does not seem right.
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