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Have You Ever Danced with a Pajiba by the Pale Moonlight?

The Daily Trade Round-Up / Dustin Rowles

Trade News | May 6, 2008 | Comments (103)


Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

I’ve got good news to report! No shit! For the first time in what feels like months, there’s no Apatow news in today’s round-up (well, there is one tenuously related item, but whatever), I have no remake news, and some of the sequel news is actually positive. And, at least one of the trailers today kicks major fucking ass.

What the hell is going on?

Maybe it’s just the afterglow of Iron Man, and maybe I’m just seeing things in a different way: The glass is half full of shit today, folks! Drink up!

And speaking of Iron Man, we do lead with news of the all-but-inevitable sequel: Marvel Studios has officially put it on the schedule for April 30, 2010, so there is less than two years until Iron Man 2. Let the countdown begin. No script details were released, but for those who saw Iron Man, there’s some strong indications as to where it’s going. Also, while Marvel was making announcements, it also revealed that Thor is scheduled for June 2010 (Kevin McKidd from “Journeyman” and “Rome” is currently rumored to get that part). In addition, in 2011, Marvel Studios will debut Captain America on May 6, which will be directed by Nick Cassavetes, he of the The Notebook fame, and written by Zak Penn, who is also writing The Avengers, due in July 2011. That’s a lot of comic book movie coming your way in the next three years. And for those with limited comic book knowledge, like myself, it may comfort you to know that this The Avengers apparently has nothing to do with The Avengers movie based on a British television series and starring Uma Thurman and Sean Connery. Right? Also, I have no idea which of the Marvel characters will appear in The Avengers film, since four of the principal Avengers (Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Hulk) all have solo features during that same time. Perhaps someone at Marvel is planning to weave all of these movies together. Maybe the comic book geeks can weigh in here — help a comic-phobe out, brother?

In other sequel news (there’s a lot of it today), the latest on Christian Bale’s reboot of Terminator — I think this one is called Death of the Franchise — is that filmmakers are aiming hard to get a PG-13 rating for a film that’s part of one of the biggest (if not the biggest) R-rated franchises of all time. I’m guessing this means that there won’t be a lot of Bale on _____ action, nor the amount of bloody mayhem that characterized the first three films. But, if Iron Man and Cloverfield can pack the requisite amount of whoop-ass into a PG-13, I don’t suppose McG … I can’t even finish that sentence, for every time I remember that McG is directing a Christian Bale film, I die a little inside. However, the latest rumors do have Josh Brolin playing the Terminator, so how bad can McG really screw it up?

Sorry I asked.

Next on the sequel merry-go-round comes plot details for the follow-up to the best horror movie of this decade, The Descent, and sadly, The Descent 2 sounds like it’s gonna be a cinematic spewfest. Spoilers ahead: According to the good folks over at Cinematical, the sequel will concern Sarah (Shauna McDonald), the “sole survivor” (at least of the U.S. version of the film), who will be forced back into the system of caves to rescue her friends, who — as you may recall — all seemingly died in the original. Apparently, even Juno survived, as Natalie Mendoza is scheduled to return for the sequel. How the script will explain away the overseas ending is a goddamn mystery to me, and how it will explain away the obvious deaths of her friends is an even bigger mystery. More and more (especially since Neil Marshall will not return to direct), the sequel sounds like a big money grab, which is incredibly disappointing, not only for the sequel, but for the way it will inevitably tarnish the original. So, all the sequel news isn’t good today, after all. My advice: If you haven’t seen the original Descent yet, do so now while the getting is still good.

Oh, and har har to those of you who think I give a shit that Ryan Reynolds and ScarJo are getting married. Doesn’t bother me at all. No sir. Nope. No way. What do I care? No big deal.

Hold me. Ryan.

And, in today’s last big sequel news, Jonah Hill is purportedly in talks to join the cast of the sequel to Transformers , as Shia LaBooooof’s college roommate. And while many of you have already soured on Shia, I think the kid is pretty goddamn great, and for preposterous escapism like Transformers, you can hardly do worse than to add Hill for a little comedic relief. Those two together are goddamn gold — too bad they’re stuck in a Michael Bay film together.

In non-sequel news, John Francis Daley, who — along with Samm Levine — has become the forgotten “Freaks and Geeks” character, has been hired to rewrite the script for Hours of Fun, “the story of two childhood friends who ordered a slew of novelty toys (such as X-ray glasses, Sea-Monkeys and transforming robots) from the back pages of their late-’70s comic books. Thirty years later, the toys begin living up to their wild advertising claims, forcing the pair to save their town from the ensuing chaos.” Earlier this year, we also reported that Daley had written the script for The $40,000 Man, a spoof about an “astronaut who is horribly injured in a car crash and is rebuilt by the government to be a bionic man with the paltry budget of $40,000, which doesn’t make him that bionic.” Once these two projects are finally released, it looks like poor Samm Levine will be last forgotten character from “F & G.” What the hell did he do to piss off Apatow? That guy is loyal to everyone. The good news, however, is that he does have a small role in the upcoming adaptation of I Love You, Beth Cooper, starring — unfortunately — Hayden Panettiere.

You folks heard of Twilight, the most talked about movie you’ve never heard of? It’s based on an incredibly popular series of books that also no one has ever heard of. It’s about a teenager who falls in love with a vampire, and because of obvious complications, they can’t consummate their relationship. So, their relationship is fraught with all sorts of sexual frustration. It stars Kristen Stewart (and, lower on the cast list, the brilliant Anna Kendrick), and it looks like a cross between Danielle Steele and Anne Rice.

In other words: Butt. Here’s a gander: Update: The previous trailer wasn’t the official — it was a fan created trailer. Here’s the official trailer, w/ a hat tip to Tanya:

Here’s one for Uwe Boll’s magnum ignoramus — it looks horrid, but at least the marketing pitch is honest. Dave Foley fans — crawl into the fetal position before watching:

Finally, here’s the newest trailer for The Dark Knight, which is heavy on both The Joker and on the Awesome. My suggestion: Stand a few feet away from your monitor, or the badassery will swallow you whole:









Pajiba Love 05/05/08 | Lost: Something Nice Back Home













Comments

I have no idea which of the Marvel characters will appear in The Avengers film, since four of the principal Avengers (Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Hulk)

We're going to get letters. Hulk was sort of the Kato Kaelin of the Avengers, probably in there for about 10 minutes, I think, and probably would not be considered a core Avenger.

it also revealed that Thor is scheduled for June 2010 (Kevin McKidd from "Journeyman" and "Rome" is currently rumored to get that part)

If they want it to not suck hard, that's the direction they need to go. Make me a man, Lucius Vorenus.

Posted by: socalledonlycousins at May 6, 2008 9:00 AM

Happy Dance for Sam Levine. He is on Bones as well, and is as awesomely geeky as he was on freeks and geeks.

Posted by: ziva at May 6, 2008 9:01 AM

The Avengers.

No. They have nothing at all to do with that British TV show. They are sort of the Marvel equivalent to DC's Justice Leauge (you know, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, etc.).

The Avengers roster has changed considerably throughout the ages. The initial group was Thor, Hulk, Iron, Giant Man/Ant-Man, and the Wasp. The Hulk bailed early on (because he's full of anger and unpredictable) and was essentially replaced by Captain America.

Other somewhat consistent members of the Avengers include Vision, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye (he split off to form the West Coast Avengers), Black Panther, Ms. Marvel, and a host of other characters who have floated in and out of the roster.

Since I don't follow the Avengers too closely anymore, I am not sure what's going on with them, but I think there are some different versions with all sorts of Marvel heavy-hitters, including Spiderman and Wolverine.

Essentially, however, the Avengers, at their core, are Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. The Hulk is certainly involved as both a target and member from time to time.

That is all.

Man, I can't wait for The Dark Knight. I have been looking forward to this movie more so than any other this year. I hope it delivers...

Posted by: ajax19 at May 6, 2008 9:06 AM

Kevin McKidd as Thor?

[does dance of joy]

Posted by: Kolby at May 6, 2008 9:06 AM

I think its actually John Francis Daley who is on bones.

Posted by: Nick at May 6, 2008 9:09 AM

Wait, they're making the next Terminator movie PG-13? The one that takes place in the APOCALYPTIC FUTURE ROBOT WAR?!

I can't take this. This on top of the last news I heard about Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull...

I am saving all my love for Wall-E and the eventual two-disc limited edition Iron Man DVD.

... and guys, comic book dork hailing in here I have no idea what to tell you about anything Marvel will do because for every decent story arc or Thor reboot or Runaways or Young Avengers saga, they headline with soul-crushing nightmares of bad writing like Brand New Day or this Secret Invasion crapfest. Seriously, we're on year... three, I think, of solid Marvel WORLD-SHAKING CROSSOVER EVENTS with no sign of a decent story in sight.

So, as much as I don't want to say it, there's as good a chance as not that 'Iron Man' was a happy accident, not the result of competent decision making.

Do you think there's some sort of movie god we can offer up a few Z-grade actors to to get Heath Ledger back?

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 9:13 AM

Batman trailer: OK, so you shoot at a 16-wheeler and it flips end over end. Doesn't that defy the laws of physics and gravity? Or am I thinking too hard? Then again, the flying squirrel cape isn't big enough to be a glider either, but I am thinking too hard.

Posted by: BWeaves at May 6, 2008 9:20 AM

Essentially, however, the Avengers, at their core, are Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America.

Except that Cap is dead now (comic-book dead, he'll be back any minute now) and Thor and Iron Man aren't talking since Tony cloned himself a god of Thunder (like you do.)

The Avengers have kind of taken the brunt of the last five or so MARVEL WORLD-SHAKING CROSSOVER EVENTS.

I was rather fond of the New Avengers Annual lineup, myself: Iron Man, Captain America, Sentry (think Superman with schitzophrenia), Luke Cage, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 9:21 AM

I've been pretty curious myself as to what they're doing with the Avengers movie. Thor, Captain America and Iron Man are the founding members, with the Hulk as the first rotating member (there sometimes, gone most of the time). And every last one of them ave movies coming out. It would be pretty sweet if they brought all the actors playing them in the movies in for the Avengers movie...especially if they do well on their own, as Iron Man did.

Regardless...Marvel is taking a step in the right direction. It sounds like thee movies have fantastic potential..especially in the aftermath of the Iron Man love.

Now...what's this about a Bale reboot of Terminator? Is this seriously happening? How did that pass under my radar?

The other news is pretty meh. I agree, Dustin, I don't understand the Shia hate...he seems to be a pretty solid actor who can hold his own. I mean, he's playing opposite Indiana Solo! How much more badass can you get?

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 9:21 AM

And I should add, I am probably about 11,278th among Pajibans in Avenger knowledge. I only really know that Iron Man likes blended scotch, and Captain America's big secret was that he favored the Cosmo (with a double shot of vodka, as if that made it more manly).

Posted by: socalledonlycousins at May 6, 2008 9:25 AM

The only person who would be a better Thor than Kevin McKidd (awesome!) would be Ray Stevenson (HOTNESS!!) I love me some Romey homeys...sorry...caught some reruns this weekend...that, on top of Iron Man, just about put me in hot-man-overload-coma. Then, put Dark Knight and the uber-sadness/coolness of Heath Ledger's performance on top of that.....I just may lose it..

Posted by: dammitjanet at May 6, 2008 9:27 AM

Everyone on ONTD creams their shit for Twilight and I had no idea what it was until you enlightened me with that trailer. Pass.
I doubt the Joker actually shoots the 16 wheeler over, but rather some fantastical editing.

Posted by: Stew at May 6, 2008 9:30 AM

I wouldn't say John Francis Daley has been completely forgotten before now. He's been a regular cast member on "Bones" for the past year, with some pretty funny scenes. Alas, he shall always be Sam Weir to me.

Posted by: Mary at May 6, 2008 9:38 AM

Could that Twilight trailer have looked any more dull? I didn't realize that we were now going with the "lots of empty-eyed posing" vampires. Those "badass action" vampires were getting sooooo boring.

Actually, they were, but still, I thought it was maybe a JC Penny ad for the first minute.

Posted by: divinityblue at May 6, 2008 9:38 AM

[bows to ajax19's and twig's expert knowledge.]

Been far too long since I involved my self with the Avengers. Thank you for the up-to-date info.

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 9:44 AM

Why am I not surprised socalled's comic book knowledge encompasses alcoholic preferences of superheroes?

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 9:49 AM

wait...so Aaron Eckhart is in the Dark Knight too?? plus Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhal and Micheal Caine???
oh man.....THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!!

and I am in such a giddy mood today, just found out I got my graduate fellowship :):):)

plus that trailer
and John Francis Daley and Sam Levine news

I think this warrents a squee!

Posted by: Bethy at May 6, 2008 9:52 AM

Heehee...JCPenney ad. When they showed a shot of her bare feet in PJs, all I could think was "Our softest flannel PJs ever! Now on sale!" How boring does your trailer have to be for my mind to wander 10 seconds in? Nothing but shot after shot after shot of the same girl looking startled, with a few really exciting shots of...wait for it...a car driving! A guy writing! Furiously! Wow! I think there were even some STAIRS in there!

Plus, the whole human-in-love-with-vampire plot has been done before. It's called Buffy, and it rocked. No tepid rip-offs, please.

Posted by: DeadBessie at May 6, 2008 10:00 AM

Congrats Bethy!

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 10:00 AM

That isn't really a trailer for Twilight - those are clips that someone put together from Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson's other movies (the messengers, Harry Potter, etc.) the real mini trailer for the movie came out today.

Posted by: TJH at May 6, 2008 10:10 AM

Since the gauntlet has been thrown:

Considering the extra scene in Iron Man, Marvel seems to be leaning more towards the Ultimate Universe for their movies. If so, then seeing Giant-Man getting schooled by Capt. America in a construction site would warm my heart.

Seriously, we're on year... three, I think, of solid Marvel WORLD-SHAKING CROSSOVER EVENTS with no sign of a decent story in sight.

twig, you make an excellent point. I wanted to like Secret Invasion, but it pretty much destroys the whole point of the Civil War right after it finished. No real exploration of the consequences or anything, just straight into this new conspiracy.

Messiah Complex was a HUGE turd, though. I don't know what the point of that was. In fact, all the recent X-Men crossovers after Decimation have been disappointing. Don't even get me started on the Vulcan shitfest.

/geek

Okay folks, you can return to wondering what the hell we are talking about. Ooh, Kristen Stewart, pretty!

Posted by: Vermillion at May 6, 2008 10:16 AM

I never followed the comics closely enough, but to me the Avengers seem a bit unbalanced and I'm not sure how they can pull it off. You've got your Ironman (smart guy in cool suit), your Nick Fury (normal military guy), Captain America (super soldier guy) and then you've got Thor - a Norse God.

Part of the coup pulled off with Ironman is because, as Dustin puts it, the movie "feels grounded in a form of reality". Certainly, thats what I liked. Now consider the universe of Ironman, how do you just weave in a Norse god into this kind of 'real' world? A god with a magical hammer? and a mystical belt? Doesn't seem the right fit to me.

But, hell, after Ironman, I trust these Marvel moviemaking motherfuckers!

Posted by: Lenny at May 6, 2008 10:19 AM

To Bethy: Yes! I'm incredibly excited to! Aaron Eckhart is playing Harvey Dent aka Two-Face prior to and most likely including the event where his face becomes scarred (this knowledge prompted a two hour Wikipedia binge on Dent which ended with his somehow-maybe-perhaps daughter's page)

Re: fucking Uwe Boll
What the hell is Zack Ward thinking, especially after being in Titus and Resident Evil: Apocalypse? Neither were fantastic pieces, but both I think he can be proud to mention to other people. How desperate for work do you have to be to accept a part in a Uwe Boll film?

Also, John Francis Daley was in the wonderful movie (if you happened to work in a restaurant) Waiting. He damn near steals the movie in the end.

Posted by: Renee at May 6, 2008 10:20 AM

can I just say when I first read the item about Captian America, for some reason my mind read it as Captian Plantet....that would have made me very bitey...did not like that show when I was little, don't think I could have taken a big-screen version

and thanks Shadows! I leave for the UK in two months....eek

Posted by: Bethy at May 6, 2008 10:20 AM

and by "Plantet", I of course meant Planet....

whoops

Posted by: Bethy at May 6, 2008 10:21 AM

Also, while Marvel was making announcements, it also revealed that Thor is scheduled for June 2010 (Kevin McKidd from "Journeyman" and "Rome" is currently rumored to get that part

Explians the uptick in on HSX. I like this casting.

Also, noce to see Bats a Iron Man in the Pajiba header - just noticed, not sure when thye got there.

Posted by: Brian at May 6, 2008 10:33 AM

But, hell, after Ironman, I trust these Marvel moviemaking motherfuckers

Pretty decent record so far, with two for three on Spidey, two for three on X-Men, and a hellu-strong first Iron Man. Bana Hulk was meh but has a surprisingly strong underground following; at least it was trying to do something different. Daredevil and Elektra ... let's just pretend that never happened.

Posted by: socalledonlycousins at May 6, 2008 10:34 AM

even Juno survived, as Natalie Mendoza is scheduled to return for the sequel.

Of course she did. Had a baby and played the guitar with Mr. Bluth.

Also, my previous post should say Explains & nice (not Explians & noce). I type like an idiot sometimes.

Posted by: Brian at May 6, 2008 10:36 AM

Wait. There's a US version of The Descent? And she doesn't die?! Sorry, I was studying abroad in Belfast at the time of its release, apparently saw the UK version which scared the shit out of me, and vowed to never watch it again. I can't even begin to imagine that movie with Sarah escaping/living OR how in the hell they are going to explain away that sequel. It blows my mind.

And because I live under a rock, I actually didn't realize Heath Ledger was the Joker in Dark Knight. I knew he was in it, just didn't know which character. My husband provided that information after we saw the trailer at the theatre the other day and I was absolutely amazed. I would have never guessed from seeing the trailer that he played the Joker. And that is amazing! It only makes me even more sad that we will not get to witness the full potential of his career.

Posted by: JTate at May 6, 2008 10:37 AM

Just throwing out some Descent stuff here:

I thought the movie could be interpreted two ways. One, in which Sarah is the only survivor (which would be the literal interpretation of the US release), and two, where she flipped out after the SPOILERS!!! rock almost crushed her in the squeeze-through, and thus hallucinated the rest.

If it is option two, then I can see how they would go back for the others. But, really, a Descent 2 without Neil Marshall probably doesn't deserve this much analysis.

And yes, I know this is no analysis. Thus, my point.

Anyhoo. Batman. Woo!

Posted by: boo at May 6, 2008 10:50 AM

makes me even more sad that we will not get to witness the full potential of his career.

Well, we won't, but TK will.

...I mean, there's a reason his body is missing...

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 10:57 AM

About two minutes have passed since I saw the "Twilight" trailer, and all that remains are visions of a wan girl running up and down stairs over and over, whipping her head back and forth so that her limp hair swings around her face. Then, she dramatically switches it up by running through a field instead, then... oh my god... she changes the color of her hair! Twice!

And there's a dude writing things. And a car. Wow, does this film look exciting.

Posted by: AJ at May 6, 2008 10:58 AM

how do you just weave in a Norse god into this kind of 'real' world?

Thor's current run deals with Asgard being rebuilt in the middle of Oklahoma, and one of the last couple of issues was all about the two worlds colliding. It also has one of my favorite comic scenes from recent memory -

one,
two,
three,
four,
five.

Vermillion, not to get all tinfoil-hat, but a friend of mine said that Queseda had a three-part plan to return the Marvel Universe to the way it was when he was a kid. Break up the Spider-Marriage, make all the heroes stop being friends and make mutants hated again.

Between these three things, which he's pretty much done all of now, I think he's managed to kill all my goodwill for the MU as it stands. I hover over the racks, pick up the occasional Runaways, and wait for things to change.

Are you talking DC Universe Vulcan? Because holy hell Son of Vulcan was awesome and he better not be freaking dead.

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 11:00 AM

Ok I have an Avengers question. Who is Nick Fury and how does he fit into the whole thing? I read on IMDB that they are planning to have all these movies come out separately and then use the actors from them to make a mega movie (the Avengers.) But since I don't read comic books I have no idea who any of these people are.

Posted by: lyricalcatt at May 6, 2008 11:01 AM

Jesus, why did I watch that twilight trailer? I didn't expect the movie to be interesting, but seriously, that trailer could not be more ridiculous and boring.

Posted by: s. pisaster at May 6, 2008 11:03 AM

Are you talking DC Universe Vulcan? Because holy hell Son of Vulcan was awesome and he better not be freaking dead.

No, I meant the missing brother of Cyclops and Havok and now current head of the Shi'ar Vulcan. Good God, that was some tripe. Although Darwin is a little bit of awesome.

Posted by: Vermillion at May 6, 2008 11:06 AM

I'm afraid that this next Terminator is gonna suck, even with Christian Bale. I just get bad feelings about it.

Also don't see the hate for Shia LeBeauf. I have Even Stevens love for him (yes, I watched it, so shut up) and for some reason, I think it's hilarious that he got arrested at a Walgreen's of all places.

Posted by: Brie at May 6, 2008 11:07 AM

Whoo, go Bethy! Good luck with the studies!

Wait, Sweets from Bones was in Freaks & Geeks? Cool! I really have to check out that show. As in, yesterday.

Finally, I just have to say, "Make me a man, Lucius Vorenus" coming from Socalled still has me giggling....

Posted by: MO at May 6, 2008 11:08 AM

Ah, sorry Vermillion, I never got that into Marvel Space Adventures. Just enough to appreciate the space lesbians, one of whom is also a dragon.

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 11:15 AM

Lyricalcatt, Answers from bigger comic dorks than I could ever hope to be.

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 11:19 AM

Is he Two Face in the movie or just Harvey Dent? Other than what has to be the incident that changes him into Two Face, the trailer only shows him as Harvey Dent the DA.

Posted by: Brian at May 6, 2008 11:23 AM

Brian, according to ye olde Wikipedia, he becomes Two Face sometime during the movie. I imagine that is later in the film to set him up for movie #3.
Also, nice header changes, guys & gals.

Posted by: Stew at May 6, 2008 11:36 AM

Thanks Twig. I am a Nick Fury expert now. Ha ha.

Posted by: lyricalcatt at May 6, 2008 11:41 AM

Re: The Dark Knight.

Wow, does that suck.

If I go to see a Batman movie I expect to see action, not 15 minute slow motion passes of Batman doing nothing but standing on the ledge at the top of a 600 foot high skyscraper. And who knew that cars are just packed full of gasoline and will explode at the slightest touch, even if someone farts within 20 feet of one.

Harvey Dent is Two Face.

Two Face is Harvey Dent.

Harvey Dent has ALWAYS been Two Face.

Two Face has ALWAYS been Harvey Dent.

It isn't a question of one being transformed into the other due to some douche throwing acid in their face. There have always been multiple personalities in that single body.

Posted by: Ben at May 6, 2008 11:44 AM

DamnitJanet, you'll never get Ray Stevenson as Thor, since he's already tapped to play... (wait for it)... The Punisher.

Which is actually even awesomer. Supposed to be a hard "R" Punisher, too. Commence rejoicing.

Also, I'm hoping the Avengers goes more with The Ultimates route, as it's far better than the current mess.

Posted by: TK at May 6, 2008 11:46 AM

Ooh, the italics demon has struck Pajiba.

Posted by: Julie at May 6, 2008 11:46 AM

Which is actually even awesomer. Supposed to be a hard "R" Punisher, too. Commence rejoicing.

Really!? Win!

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 11:48 AM

Hello goosebumps. Thank you for the Dark Knight trailer. I finally got some time off the new job and boy is it sweet. Iron Man and a new Dark Knight trailer..... mmmmmmm geekgasm.

Posted by: Wormer at May 6, 2008 11:49 AM

I know nothing about comics other than Archie needed to make up his damn mind about which he liked better, blondes or brunettes. But god DAMN the idea of Ray Stevenson or Kevin McKidd as a comic book (hero?) makes me all aquiver.

As for The Descent sequel...NO. No no no. They all fucking DIED!! How...who...sigh. No.

Posted by: Julie at May 6, 2008 11:55 AM

Yes! A "R" Punisher! Without Travolta as the villain? Cuz....much as I love him as the villain usually...he was a little too whiney and suck-ass in that one. Hell...Dolph woud have made a better villain, if he hadn't been filming The Punisher 5: Universal Soldiers Unite!

We're italics happy today!

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 11:56 AM

Yes, I've heard of "Twilight" and its sequels and I'm sick to death of them. Trust me, you may not know about them but 13 year old girls sure as hell do. They're nothing at all like Buffy, it's more like Jane Austen/my family wouldn't like you/your werewolf friend's got a crush on you too, and everyone's genteel and pretty non-dangerous. They're the paranormal romance novels in a kids version. None of the monsters ever kill anybody except maybe the one bad rogue.

Come on, don't you people hang out in libraries all day?

Hayden is playing Beth Cooper?!? I don't hate her but....she ain't Beth Cooper. And Chris Columbus is directing? This is not looking promising. Not one damn bit.

Oh and D'onofrio is Thor. Just get him back in shape. HE IS THOR.

Posted by: Jay at May 6, 2008 11:59 AM

I know nothing about comics other than Archie

Hehe..you lost your geek cred, Julie my dear. I was never into Archie past a certain age...not once I discovered Cherry Poptart...

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 11:59 AM

OK, so it's not just me seeing italics everywhere. For a second there, I was afraid I broke the internet.

Posted by: MO at May 6, 2008 12:01 PM

Hee...I do love comic book movies though, give me some credit!!

Cherry Poptart...not going there. Bad imagination.

I wonder if I used the italics tags the text would become all SUUUUUPER ITALICS! Dun dun dun dun! (that was the Super Italics theme music)

Posted by: Julie at May 6, 2008 12:03 PM

ok, so everybody is seeing these italics and not just me?

so I am not going crazy?

good good

does this mean I should follow the advice of the voices in my head today?
I think it's a sign

Posted by: Bethy at May 6, 2008 12:06 PM

Everyone around the Barnes and Noble I work at loves Twilight. Everyone at the local library, as well. I read the first two books, and they're okay. Pretty much melodramatic teenage soap opera BS with a little supernatural thrown in. Bella, the female protagonist, is pretty much an idiot and the constant angst is a bit grating.
Yeah, the trailer's pretty much spot on with the book.

Posted by: Cait at May 6, 2008 12:06 PM

Nick Fury is the head of SHIELD. In Marvel's Ultimate universe, Fury forms the Avengers to fight all of the super powered villains in the world. In Marvel's regular universe, I think the Avengers are initially formed to stop Loki (Thor's half-brother and Norse god of mischief), but Nick Fury and SHIELD aren't involved.

That's about all I know as far as the actual comics.

In the movies, they want to tie all of the characters together for the eventual Avengers movie (and use the same actors), which explains SHIELD's presence and Fury's cameo in Iron Man. Fury and Tony Stark (Downey) are also supposed to make an appearance in The Incredible Hulk.

Posted by: Dave at May 6, 2008 12:09 PM

Well, duh Bethy...if there's one thing I've learned, is to always follow the voices in your head. And if they start arguing...just wait and see who wins. Remember, as long as you're following the voices, it's not your fault...

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 12:10 PM

"And who knew that cars are just packed full of gasoline and will explode at the slightest touch, even if someone farts within 20 feet of one."

No. Shit. And as far as the Harvey dent thingy goes, Comic Book Resources leaked a pic of what I'm hoping is either a fake or lousy preliminary idea. Other than the vertical split, it sure as shit doesn't look like Two-Face - it looks more like a combo-meal burn-victim/zombie. Obviously, getting acid thrown in your face would fuck it up something vicious, but I was hoping it'd look a little more... I dunno, less... bleh. Not like friggin' Tommy Lee's Two-Face by any means, just not so... friggin' scabby.

"Descent 2"... Makes. No. Friggin'. Sense. THEY'RE ALL DEAD. DEAD I TELLS YAH! Ditto to the "if you haven't seen it yet, go see it now before the sequel takes an unsuspected dump on your "maybe I should see the original first"" gene.

Posted by: Skittimus Maximus at May 6, 2008 12:13 PM

Cait, I bought the first two Twilight books for my friend for her birthday last year...she adored them (like I KNEW she would from what I had read about them) and has been trying to get me to read them since the summer.
But I feel like if I read them I would magically turn 15, overindulge in eyeliner, run to Hot Topic and stock up on Manic Panic and The Nightmare Before Christmas t-shirts, fantasize over James Marsters, and obsessively watch The Crow. Which...I've already done some of that, I'm done. :p

Posted by: Julie at May 6, 2008 12:16 PM

While The Descent was a great film, I feel there are many greater horror films that have been released this decade, including (but not limited to) [REC], Shaun of the Dead, Ginger Snaps, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Bug, The Eye (original, not that Jessica Alba garbage) May, 28 Days Later, High Tension, Three...Extremes and The Host. I'm almost willing to throw Teeth in there as well, though those first fifteen minutes are painful and extremely problematic.

Still, Descent 2 pissed me off when I knew nothing about it, and now that they are pressing the reset button on the real ending (how will this play overseas? it can't, right?) I'm furious. On the plus side, more asskickery by Natalie Mendoza (as Juno) gives me some reason to eventually watch this on Sci-Fi.

Posted by: Robert at May 6, 2008 12:25 PM

Oh man Robert...Three Extremes squicked me out to no end. Guh, fetus dumplings. GAH!

May is indeed, an interesting little movie. If I ever saw Angela Bettis in person I'd probably run away screaming.

Posted by: Julie at May 6, 2008 12:29 PM

Dammit, Dave, don't make me put you on the list next to Jay and George Lucas.

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 12:30 PM

overindulge in eyeliner, run to Hot Topic and stock up on Manic Panic and The Nightmare Before Christmas t-shirts, fantasize over James Marsters, and obsessively watch The Crow. Which...I've already done some of that,

And I thought you couldn't get more attractive to me...

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 12:34 PM

Sorry. I can't help it. It's a disease. A horrible, socially crippling disease.

Posted by: Dave at May 6, 2008 12:46 PM

The Punisher

So this will be making up for the really bad one with Thomas Jane?


I am extremely excited for The Dark Knight. As far as other comic book movies go, all I want to know is when the hell is my Wolverine movie coming?

So pretty and angry and hot with those shiny claws. Yes, I am aware that I have issues.

Posted by: Melody at May 6, 2008 12:56 PM

"Descent 2"... Makes. No. Friggin'. Sense. THEY'RE ALL DEAD. DEAD I TELLS YAH!

Exactly! And not just in a maybe they're dead maybe they're not kind of way. No. They are dead in the some creepy cave monster ripped your throat out with its teeth and dragged your lifeless body back home to feed the kiddies kind of way. There's no coming back from that!

Posted by: JTate at May 6, 2008 12:57 PM

Oh, Dave, I don't think twig would have a problem with you delivering information, she probably means she's going to add Dave Foley to her enemies list where George and I reside.

Unless you've committed a twig offense I'm heretofore unfamiliar with.

Posted by: Jay at May 6, 2008 12:57 PM

THE DESCENT sucked.

Posted by: Case at May 6, 2008 1:00 PM

Shadows, I am the definition of sexy. :p Want to hear about my musical theater days? Or how I was editor of my college yearbook? Heeee.

Posted by: Julie at May 6, 2008 1:01 PM

I read the following in Variety today...I assume there is some interest for this here...

"Also for that year (2010) Marvel plans to bow "Thor" on June 4. Matthew Vaughn is set to helm. In 2011, company will unspool "The First Avenger: Captain America" on May 6; and "The Avengers," which will team up the Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Captain America and Thor character, in July. Zak Penn is writing the latter. "

Posted by: griffimx at May 6, 2008 1:01 PM

Agreed, Thor on screen with them could be awkward as hell.

It also occurred to me that in terms of overall power, Hulk and Thor are like "RAWWWWR" and Iron Man is like "rawwr" and Captain America is kind of like "wait for me you guys!"

I mean, Captain America and Batman are supposed to be equal combatants (see Marvel/DC crossover), and that would be fine in a movie for the Captain ... if the guys standing next to you weren't able to lift aircraft carriers and knock over trees with their farts. It could look kinda weird. Thoughts?

I haven't read an Avengers comic in years; I vaguely remember they'd split them up or have Cap A kick some ass in a setting where he could before the big boys step in. Kinda like with Batman compared to the rest of the JLA.

Posted by: Mick J at May 6, 2008 1:02 PM

I want to know what the Joker drinks...

Posted by: Amanda47 at May 6, 2008 1:09 PM

Ray Stevenson all in black, ready to kick some SERIOUS R-rated ass?????? Ok, I will take that. It may not be as great as Titus Pullo, but I'll take it. He is the shiznit.

Posted by: dammitjanet at May 6, 2008 1:14 PM

Cap was a super soldier, with enhanced agility, lightning reflexes, and an amazing grasp of combat and tactics. He masterminded many of the Avengers' battles with Iron Man, and he held his own against the other brawlers simply because he could out-think them. Similar to Batman (except that Batman rarely deigned to cooperate with the JLA). Not everything about being a superhero was about being able to lift a tank.

And Batman had contingency plans set in place to take out every single superhero in the known world. Seriously...he was that good an investigator and mastermind. He even had the kryptonite ring Luthor used to own, just for Superman in case Big Red ever went berserk again. It's one of the reasons I worship him as the greatest.

I haven't been keeping up with comics as much as I should...between this discussion and watching the movie this weekend...I feel this need to go out and buy more comics and reacquaint myself with my childhood friends and heroes.

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 1:35 PM

Twilight the movie can't be any worse than the book. Hundreds of pages of "you are so beautiful" countered with "you are beautiful and mysterious". Expect none of the characters are mysterious or even vaguely interesting. Awesome! If you are younger than 15 or older than 70 maybe you can read and get off on it. And maybe I've read too much Laurell Hamilton but I want some hard core gang banging with my cheesy vamp/human/shifter love triangles.

Posted by: grinder at May 6, 2008 1:56 PM

Cap was a super soldier, with enhanced agility, lightning reflexes, and an amazing grasp of combat and tactics. He masterminded many of the Avengers' battles with Iron Man, and he held his own against the other brawlers simply because he could out-think them. Similar to Batman (except that Batman rarely deigned to cooperate with the JLA). Not everything about being a superhero was about being able to lift a tank.

And Batman had contingency plans set in place to take out every single superhero in the known world. Seriously...he was that good an investigator and mastermind. He even had the kryptonite ring Luthor used to own, just for Superman in case Big Red ever went berserk again. It's one of the reasons I worship him as the greatest.

Took the words right out of my mouth, Shadows. Yeah, Thor can throw battleships and tear holes in the universe. But, at least in the comics, he is is one of the first to say how much he respects Cap and defaults to his leadership skills. And Batman just fucking SCARES the bejeezus out of the Justice League. Powers do not always a superhero make.

I always hated those jokes where folks wondered why Superman would team up with anyone, since he is Superman and therefore can do anything. One really good reason: everybody guns for him. Why? Because he is Superman. Who doesn't want to kill Superman? But while they are busy trying to take him down, Batman is waiting right behind them, ready to beat their ass. With plain Jane human strength, too.

Posted by: Vermillion at May 6, 2008 2:07 PM

Powers do not always a superhero make.

I don't know my comics, but Batman is my favorite (movie) superhero as well for that exact reason.

Posted by: Julie at May 6, 2008 2:10 PM

I feel this need to go out and buy more comics and reacquaint myself with my childhood friends and heroes.

Have fun trying to find them. Seriously, the current Marvel U is a trainwreck.

Jay, Dave was circumventing The Google. I figured he might be one of yours, and I'm standing up to those shenanigans.

"Shenanigans!"
"I'm gonna pistol whip the next one of you that says shenanigans!"
"Hey Farva, what's that restaurant you like to go to. The one with all that stuff on the walls...?"

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 2:19 PM

"Shenanigans!"

Hahaha...I can't go into any family-style restaurant like Applebee's without quoting that movie.

Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at May 6, 2008 2:37 PM

Was that Cedric Diggory in that 'Twilight' trailer?

And sheesh, if I see one more trailer for something that comes out in December and beyond, I'm gonna hurl...

Posted by: Teresa at May 6, 2008 2:44 PM

Guess I'm the only one here who actually likes Twilight!

Posted by: Alyssa at May 6, 2008 2:46 PM

Was that Cedric Diggory in that 'Twilight' trailer?

That indeed is Robert Pattinson, that magnificently coiffed bastard.

Movies coming out in different calendar years tend to make me think what my age will be at the time, or worse. Like, "boy I can't wait! It'll be hot and I'll be two years older!....aw, shit"

Posted by: Jay at May 6, 2008 2:50 PM

Twilight the movie can't be any worse than the book.

Oh, but I'm sure it can.

Hundreds of pages of "you are so beautiful" countered with "you are beautiful and mysterious". Expect none of the characters are mysterious or even vaguely interesting.

Most accurate book synopsis ever.

Posted by: J_Capri at May 6, 2008 2:59 PM

"...that magnificently coiffed bastard."

Hee.

Twilight sounds intensely boring, and I think maybe I fell asleep for a second just reading about it.

I am cautiously optimistic about all of this hullabaloo going on with these Avengers movies. I loved Iron Man, so if they live up to that I will be pleased. If they fail me, then they're done. DONE. If I am forced to endure something along the lines of Spider-Man 3, I shall be compelled to take drastic measures. I might even write a strongly worded letter of complaint!

Also, the more you people talk about the actual comic books, the more I kinda want to read them, but I'm so intimidated and exhausted by the whole prospect. I'm too lazy to watch serialised television; I have no idea how I'd manage the elaborate web of comics.

Posted by: Sarina at May 6, 2008 3:10 PM

I'm not going to lie... I actually enjoy reading the Twilight books, simply because there are literally NO characters without serious flaws. The damsel-in-distress has no backbone whatsoever, the beautiful vampire boyfriend is scarily possessive and generally a doucheface, and the werewolf other-guy is childish and vindictive. They all suck, and it's not just a question of 'who sucks the least.'

I'm reading far too deeply into it, but I find it absolutely fascinating that the single least-reprehensible character is one of the assorted vampires, whose memorable lines include "Speaking of Italy, and sports cars I stole there, you still owe me a yellow Porsche."

That is a direct quote. From the least irritating character. Who steals a Porsche off the street in Italy. In the second book.

I cannot wait for the absolute pile of festering awful that will be this movie. I will be there with bells on.

Posted by: That Girl at May 6, 2008 3:16 PM

Sorry, twig. I didn't see your comment with the Wikipedia link in it. I just like to post comments without checking to see if anybody already said the same thing.

Posted by: Dave at May 6, 2008 3:17 PM

And sticking with my habit of not checking to see if anybody else already said it...

Captain America and Avengers are being written by Zak Penn? My expectations dropped drastically. He's the writing genius behind such gems as Last Action Hero, X-men 3, and motherfucking Elektra.

Posted by: Dave at May 6, 2008 3:25 PM

I have am now on my 4th day of a killer birthday hangover...that Uwe Boll piece was not necessary. Seeing that trailer made me get the murder feelings in my pants.

Posted by: PissBoy at May 6, 2008 3:39 PM

Dave, I just used you to indulge in my daily session of Jay taunting. It just doesn't feel like a full day without it.

Also, the Elektra writer is writing Avengers? No. Fail. The end. Damn.

Posted by: twig at May 6, 2008 3:42 PM

A teenager that falls in love with a Vampire...they can't consumate the relationship

Is Joss Whedon getting severance pay on that one?

Posted by: Dave at May 6, 2008 4:15 PM

"Cap was a super soldier, with enhanced agility, lightning reflexes, and an amazing grasp of combat and tactics. He masterminded many of the Avengers' battles with Iron Man, and he held his own against the other brawlers simply because he could out-think them. Similar to Batman (except that Batman rarely deigned to cooperate with the JLA). Not everything about being a superhero was about being able to lift a tank."

Heh, not sure if you were responding to me, but I'm well aware of all this, those were some of the best parts of the comics I used to read (like Batman owning White Martian ass with gasoline and a box of matches).

I was saying it could look weird on screen if not handled correctly. And I knew I recognized the name Zak Penn from somewhere ....

X-Men 3.

Fuck. me.

Posted by: Mick J at May 6, 2008 5:07 PM

Alyssa, you're not the only one who likes Twilight. I love it, and I'm not a teenage girl either. I really wish I'd had books like that when I was, though. I suspect the film is going to be awful, unfortunately, but then most book adaptations are.

Posted by: Malin at May 6, 2008 6:46 PM

I'll admit it, I'm kind of looking forward to Twilight. Most of the book is describing how hot and Adonis-like Edward is, and what better actor than the dreamboat who played Cedric in Harry Potter 4? Mmmm.

Posted by: kelsy at May 6, 2008 7:54 PM

ugh. the thought of all the 14 year old girls rushing off to see Cedric the Vampire kind of makes me want to stab things...in fact, the thought of all the 21 year old squealing girls doing the same thing makes me want to die...eye candy is not worth sacrificing two hours of your life for...unless said eye candy is David Tennant, in which case go for your life...

Posted by: rach at May 6, 2008 8:44 PM

That reminds me, last night while I was waiting my turn at the bar I looked up and the TV was on BBC America and it was David's appearance on Top Gear. Couldn't hear it but the captions were funny as he was evidently not having a very good run on the test track, eventually getting a lower score than Billie Piper.

Why would the Star Bar have BBC America on?

Oh and the karaoke version of "Roadhouse Blues" has no countdown indicator or "8 measures instrumental" message. Now, in reality, Robbie Krieger would be following me, but instead, without those vanishing dashes I'm anticipating when he wants me to start singing. And sometimes things get edited down so you can't just count on counting measures all the time, and we're just chooglin on the one chord and "Iiiiit's...............THIS verse!"

I did not like that one bit, and I felt a bit sloppy. So, be forewarned, drunken bellowers.

Posted by: Jay at May 6, 2008 9:09 PM

Trailer 1: If I were still sixteen years old, I would be getting in line for this movie now, and it would change my life.

Trailer 2: Y'all scoff all you want, but Husband plays Postal, and we both laugh our asses off at this trailer whenever it pops up online, and we will be seeing this movie. P.S. I notice that the current version has edited out a 9/11 joke contained in earlier versions.

Trailer 3: How do you spell that noise that Homer Simpson makes when he is drooling over a donut?

Posted by: Jerce at May 6, 2008 9:43 PM

The Dark Knight and Indy 4 trailer feels underwhelming while Hulk looks promising...I hope.

I think Wall-E will bring in the real quality.

TDK cast is really good minus Gyllenhaal. Average acting and really tranny looking. Guys say she looks like a jacked up cabbage patch or E.T. May the Joker do us fans a favor and kill her.

Posted by: celtics at May 7, 2008 12:58 AM

seriously, celtics, did you just say that? Here?

*sits back and waits for someone to promise physical pain or some such*

Posted by: rach at May 7, 2008 7:30 AM

Yeah, the black Nick Fury should give somebody a heads-up as to what's happening here. This is not the original Avengers but the Ultimate Avengers.

If you want a flavor of what the means, you should be able to rent the released-last-year Ultimate Avengers cartoons at your local video store.

For the geeks, it was pretty good. For everyone else, it's going to need a little more meet on the bone.

And who the hell believes that Cap is really, really dead? As in, "can't come back ever" dead? Nobody believes that, it's a comic book, shaddup.

Posted by: hater from siloam springs at May 7, 2008 7:53 AM

For the record, I couldn't have soured on LaBeouf (or whatever) because I never liked him in the first place, once I realized that he wasn't Ben Savage.

Posted by: frumpiefox at May 7, 2008 3:14 PM

is it just me but Ledger's joker sounds like Mark Hamill and looks like Beetlejuice? shame about Katie not doing this movie because Maggie takes me out of the movie and its continuity distraction.

Posted by: Walter at May 7, 2008 4:42 PM

I read Twilight in 2 days. New Moon, the 2nd book, took me a bit longer. I'm holding off on reading the 3rd book because these books EXHAUST me. Exhaust me in a way that only intense, unrequited teenage lust can exhaust a person. Which is why they're so popular. And why I wouldn't be a teenager again for all the whiskey in Ireland. Great literature, no way, but a great way to spend a rainy weekend. Especially if you've ever fantasised about dating a vampire. And who hasn't REALLY.

Still, I think the film might be ok. Cedric Diggory as Edward is well cast!

Posted by: amanda at May 9, 2008 8:51 AM


















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