First JUSTICE LEAGUE Trailer Drops!

I'm in Vegas in advance of Cinemacon next week and I'm excited about what's happening here on other fronts. I should be in a position to talk about something soon. Cryptic I know!

Meanwhile, the first trailer for JUSTICE LEAGUE is finally here and while the action and visuals look amazing, and seeing all those characters on the screen together is fascinating, I'm left with worry that there is no story and character development, including the villain.

I'm most intrigued with Wonder Woman and Aquaman, and the fun they can have with The Flash. Also thinking about when Superman makes his appearance in the movie.

However, my instincts tell me that JUSTICE LEAGUE may not deliver that ensemble movie we've been waiting for since Marvel's THE AVENGERS. Whedon pulled off an amazing feat of weaving characters, plot, development and at the same time feeding a franchise toward the Infinity War. While I don't want a photocopy, I hope they can deliver here with these beloved characters.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

JUSTICE LEAGUE is slated for a November release.

Wonder Woman's Origins: Afrodite Easter Egg In Teaser Trailer For BATMAN V. SUPERMAN?

Certainly looks like it. Check the trailer for BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and take a look at the image - you'll see "Afrodite" scrawled in graffiti on a pillar. I saw it immediately but I wanted to scan the rest of the graffiti first before posting on it. DC seems to love using this medium to plant eggs - I found something similar back in July of last year and I still think Gentleman Ghost will be in this thing or soon (yes I know some may think the initials LF are for Lucius Fox - the gadget guy for Batman; but I don't agree. Why have his initials on a roof vent? Doesn't make sense. Looking For Ghost does makes sense).

Back to the teaser trailer. It's not bad, but they are biting off a LOT for this movie. They are ushering in a new era of Batman, while continuing the story of Superman and probably doing some Aquaman and Wonder Woman origins (Afrodite is a sub-character in her universe - she gives her the gift of beauty. This however opens the door to have other beings bearing gifts as well: Demeter (strength), Athena (wisdom), Hermes (scarves... errr speed and flight), Artemis (eyes of the hunter) and Hestia (truth). It's a lot to effectively convey in one movie for DC. Marvel is used to this kind of thing and have proven themselves. I'm worried that DC can't pull it off effectively.

The movie definitely seems very dark which will set it apart from the Marvel formula, clearly. Personally I believe DC should have went with native 3D for their productions to further classify themselves as innovators and seeking the best for their audience; not followers.

Still all things being said, this is a VERY interesting movie and could be the start of something amazing. Can't wait to see Jason Momoa as Aquaman. Perfectly cast.

BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE opens on March 25, 2016.

THEORY: Is Gentleman Ghost A Villain In BATMAN V. SUPERMAN? Check The First Official Image Of Superman

Beware first glances! You may overlook something. Ok, it's Henry Cavill in his Superman outfit. So what? Well for starters, does that look like Metropolis to you? More like Gotham correct? Yes, it's the location that counts here and the image certainly does convey the dreariness of the city if it does indeed turn out to be Gotham.

Note the smoking chimneys on the left hand side of the photo. That looks like the industrial revolution to me - and interesting inclusion for the downtown skyline of Gotham. It almost looks out of place, time wise that is. If it is Gotham. Perhaps it's London in the 1800's? Let me explain...

Looking down to the small clue that was left in the image: "LF GHO..." - LF is the common abbreviation for "Looking For" and GHO could very well be the first three letters of GHOST - or better known to DC comic fans as "Gentleman Ghost" or Jim Craddock. Craddock was a robber who lived in England during 19th century. Eventually he becomes a phantom and must walk the earth until the spirit of his killer moves on to the next plane of existence. Unfortunately for him - that can't happen (you can read more via the link at the end of the post).

The point is - he is immortal and has battled both Batman and Superman at various times. In the DC comic universe, Ghost is a member of the Injustice Society. BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE may explore some of the origins story of Ghost - or at least set the stage somewhat. And I'm just saying, that looks like London at SOME point in history. Time and dimensions are not really a problem for Superman as most comic book aficionados know, so he could very well be standing in 1800's London.


Here are Ghost's powers and abilities (from wikipedia):
Originally, the Gentleman Ghost seemed to rely on devices to simulate a ghostly existence; the original 1940s stories left the question of his nature open to speculation. Later, however, he is retconned into a true ghost and his abilities altered to follow suit. As a ghost, Craddock has several abilities. He can become intangible and pass effortlessly through solid material. He can become completely invisible. In fact, the appearance of his head as a floating hat and monocle is actually him rendering his decayed face invisible. He has been shown as being able to teleport as short a distance as a few rooms or as far as across states. Gentleman Ghost can also summon spectral weapons including a cane that shoots spectral fire and flintlock pistols. When passing through Craddock's ghostly form, people will sometimes experience an intense feeling of cold. Since this does not happen every time, it would seem that he can control this effect. Craddock can apparently track psionic energy and travel across dimensions as he did when he followed an astral tether from the Wizard to Johnny Sorrow. On certain occasions most of the manifestations of his abilities like teleportation and phasing are accompanied by a purple glow of spectral energy or transparent mist (possibly courtesy of different pencilers). Around the time of his prophesied return to life, he gains the power to summon and control the spirits of the dead due to his mother's spirit spending centuries recruiting them to help her son. It is unknown if he can still call upon them.

The Gentleman Ghost is apparently unable to touch or be touched by virgins. This is confirmed by his inability to do harm to both Stargirl and Jakeem Thunder. However, he can pick up a real weapon and be able to hurt them, as when he brandished the Cosmic Rod.

As a supernatural being, Gentleman Ghost cannot be killed and is very hard to hurt. However, those with royal blood can physically harm him and, when unaware, energy hitting him causes pain.

In the episode "Dawn of The Deadman" of Batman: The Brave and The Bold animated series, it is shown that if he is hit with Nth metal, he will momentarily show his true form, reverting to a decayed version of himself with black suit and hat. As shown in the same episode, he can also be hurt by other ghosts, as Deadman is able to hit him. It is also shown that if he is out cold then he remains in his black form. Also, despite the fact that he is easily defeated by Batman during the early episodes, Gentleman Ghost later demonstrates that he is a skilled hand-to-hand/martial combatant, as shown for example when he simultaneously fights with Batman and Deadman. His heroic Earth-Three counterpart reverses his color scheme, appearing as a ghost with a black suit and hat and turning white when hit.

This actually makes sense to me as DC really has to play catch up very fast in order to not be overwhelmed by the coming onslaught of all that is Marvel. It would make sense to have a super villain of Ghost's caliber as he is somewhat analogous in some few ways to Marvel's Thanos.

And get this - Ghost could tie in a number of other very well known characters in Sherlock Holmes (no longer protected under copyright) and even lure Batman and Supe to London (as what occurred in Batman: The Brave and the Bold – The Videogame with Batman at least). Probably a bit too far down the rabbit hole, but interesting conjecture at this point.

I think there are some tantilizing clues in this first official photo that points to the Gentleman Ghost, Jim Craddock as a super villain in BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and in fact sets up their nemesis group called the Injustice Society.

What do you think? Think I am on track or way off? Time will tell! :-)

BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE opens on May 6, 2016 starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Laurence Fishburne, Jason Momoa, Amy Adams, Holly Hunter, Callan Mulvey, Scoot McNairy, Tao Okamoto, and Jeremy Irons.

Gentleman Ghost material courtesy of Wikipedia

WHOA! Must Watch: Last MAN OF STEEL Trailer Drops!!

Wow - very nice. I'm hoping for an excellent 3D conversion here because, let's face it - this is Superman. I'm impressed with how the story is filling in and the how realistic the scenes look. Truly hyped about MAN OF STEEL!

Hear General Zod's (Michael Shannon) ultimatum to Kal-El (Superman)! This is going to be amazing...

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twenty-something journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.

MAN OF STEEL opens on June 14.

Check the trailer:

Must Watch: New MAN OF STEEL Trailer!!

Looking good! Enjoy trailer #2 for Zach Snyder's MAN OF STEEL...

From Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures comes MAN OF STEEL, starring Henry Cavill, directed by Zach Snyder. The film also stars Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Henry Lennix, Christopher Meloni and Laurence Fishburne.

http://manofsteel.com
http://www.facebook.com/manofsteel

MAN OF STEEL will be in theaters June 14th, 2013.

MUST SEE: New SUPERMAN Suit Has Cufflinks! Ok, Maybe Not... Great Poster!

MAN OF STEEL is ramping up it's marketing and what better way than to show Superman under duress. Well I suppose the handcuffs could be made of kryptonite - otherwise he is willingly submitting to the uniformed humans (military?) around him. Interesting!

The suit looks great to me and I like the dark seriousness of the poster and the first teaser trailer!

MAN OF STEEL stars Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Amy Adams and Diane Lane.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time. Clark Kent/Kal-El (Cavill) is a young twentysomething journalist who feels alienated by powers beyond anyone’s imagination. Transported to Earth years ago from Krypton, an advanced alien planet, Clark struggles with the ultimate question – Why am I here? Shaped by the values of his adoptive parents Martha (Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Costner), Clark soon discovers that having super abilities means making very difficult decisions. But when the world needs stability the most, it comes under attack. Will his abilities be used to maintain peace or ultimately used to divide and conquer? Clark must become the hero known as “Superman,” not only to shine as the world’s last beacon of hope but to protect the ones he loves.

MAN OF STEEL is slated for release on June 14, 2013. Bring on that new trailer!!

MUST WATCH: New Teaser Trailer For MAN OF STEEL!

Warner Bros. has released a new teaser trailer for MAN OF STEEL and it - looks - AMAZING. I saw it last night too pre-rolling in front of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Zach Snyder is directing and we know him to be a very capable helmsman, but throw in Producer Christopher Nolan and it really starts to pick up some unique energy, perhaps like no other movie we've ever seen. Marvel has every right to look over their shoulder at this movie because if it connects like I think it will, then DC and Warner's are on their way back into the superhero genre in a big way. Justice League anyone? Imagine a JL movie helmed by Nolan. It might be the only way to get back in the director's chair for another superhero movie. One of it's targets? Best THE AVENGERS. Not an easy task.

I LOVE how Snyder is using Clark Kent as a fisherman in this thing. It's a new spin and it works. The soundtrack and editing on this thing are going to be impeccable. Henry Cavill is looking great so far in the role - that casting HAD to work and it seems to be.

This teaser is narrated by Kevin Costner. There is actually a second trailer out there too with the exact same content, except it is narrated by Russell Crowe.

Now, a small note that Warner Bros. still hasn't confirmed the post production of MAN OF STEEL in 3D, but for me - it's a no-brainer. Look at the success Marvel is having with the genre and the studio would be daft to not follow that model. Sure you could look at Nolan and the work that he's done with Batman without 3D, but do NOT kid yourself, his movies would gross much more and be all that much more enjoyable to legions of fans with immersive 3D. It's a perfect match for superhero movies that have been proven over and over again with Marvel. Even IMAX had listed MAN OF STEEL as being an IMAX 3D movie until Warners told them to take it down.

Clearly Nolan's fingerprints are ALL of over this movie - even Hans Zimmer is scoring it rather than Snyder's usual accomplice, Tyler Bates. The big question here is just how far will the money (Warner Bros.) and the true creative talent (Snyder) allow a Producer to wield. It's well known that Nolan is anti-3D and is quite evangelistic about it. 

Apparently Nolan hasn't met anyone who enjoys 3D! I guess that makes Nolan pretty lonely in Hollywood, never talking with his peers like oh say: Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Ang Lee, Peter Jackson, Bryan Singer, Steven Spielberg, Henry Selick, Robert Zemeckis, Joseph Kosinski, Rob Marshall, Tim Burton, Michael Bay, Alfonso Cuaron, Baz Luhrmann, Wim Wenders, Jean Luc Goddard, Werner Herzog and the list goes on. However I have to say if he is a traditionalist as he seems to be (sticking with film and no 3D), then I believe he should leave the creativity to his hired creative talent and not interfere at such a fundamental level. Clearly he is practically alone in Hollywood and to me that is not understanding a market very effectively. Man, I would have LOVED to have seen BB, TDK and TDKR in 3D. Multiple times I might add.

Here's the movie's storyline:
Henry Cavill plays Superman in director Zack Snyder's "Man of Steel." The film also stars Amy Adams as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, and Laurence Fishburne as her editor-in-chief, Perry White. Starring as Clark Kent's adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, are Diane Lane and Kevin Costner.

Squaring off against the superhero are two other surviving Kryptonians, the villainous General Zod, played by Michael Shannon, and Faora, Zod's evil partner, played by Antje Traue. Also from Superman's native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman's mother, played by Ayelet Zurer, and Superman's father, Jor-El, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Rounding out the cast are Harry Lennix as U.S. military man General Swanwick, as well as Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy.

Here's the movie's official site. Want more photos?

Stay tuned for more! Can't wait to see this in 3D...

Photo: EW
Thanks: James Stewart

IMMORTALS Begin Life With A Big Bang!

If you haven't seen IMMORTALS yet, what's slowing you down? I saw it last night and man did it impress! We had a special screening with Robert Maillet who played "Minotaur" (the torturer) who gave a Q&A afterwards.

I am not giving any spoilers with this mini-review. However the gloves are off in the comments! :-)

Tarsem Singh has certainly spread his wings with this movie. Some critics (37% rotten) have blasted the story - well I am here to tell you that you can safely ignore them (along with most audiences, 75% fresh). Is it a perfect story? No. Is it passable? Certainly. I liked the storyline in fact. And the visuals? Beyond reproach. It's a fantastic journey and I simply love how Singh presented and used the gods and titans.
Henry Cavill did a fairly good job with Theseus and I was impressed with how Singh wove in how his future was being decided (via Frieda Pinto playing Phaedra) by the actions he takes every day.

A couple of cheesy moments but they pass QUICKLY. This is an absolute must see in 3D too and the audiences agree - thus far 66% have chosen 3D for their tickets.

Relativity Media is looking at $33 - 38 million for the weekend, which is gangbusters and records are being broken for the company. In fact their projections were no where near these figures. Champagne glasses are clinking at Relativity. Congratulations! And to Tarsem Singh - BRAVO.

New Trailer For IMMORTALS

The third trailer for Tarsem Singh's new epic IMMORTALS has hit the interwebs and the promise still holds true - a visual masterpiece. Here's hoping the story and suspension of disbelief works as well.

Here's the storyline:
The brutal and bloodthirsty King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) and his murderous Heraklion army are rampaging across Greece in search of the long lost Bow of Epirus. With the invincible Bow, the king will be able to overthrow the Gods of Olympus and become the undisputed master of his world. With ruthless efficiency, Hyperion and his legions destroy everything in their wake, and it seems nothing will stop the evil king’s mission.

As village after village is obliterated, a stonemason named Theseus (Henry Cavill) vows to avenge the death of his mother in one of Hyperion’s raids. When Theseus meets the Sybelline Oracle, Phaedra (Freida Pinto), her disturbing visions of the young man’s future convince her that he is the key to stopping the destruction. With her help, Theseus assembles a small band of followers and embraces his destiny in a final desperate battle for the future of humanity.



Director: Tarsem Singh
Writer: Charley Parlapanides
Studio: Rogue Pictures
Cast: Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Luke Evans
Release: November 11, 2011

Extremely visual isn't it? Love it! IMMORTALS should cement Singh as one of the great visual directors of our time. It needs to resonate with the box office though and I hope it will.