I'm sure the runaway success of The Dark Knight and Iron Man has caused a resurgence in the viability of comic book movies for movie studios, who are of course notorious for taking whatever is popular at the moment and driving it into the ground. In fact, here's two more....
According to this article on AICN, it looks like another Judge Dredd movie is in the works: Judge Dredd Movie. I didn't mind the Stallone version, other than Rob Schneider's hijacking of every scene in the pursuit of unnecessary comedy relief. Visually, it was quite striking and if nothing else, the filmmakers did a really good job on the look of Mega City One.
As for WB, there have been several reports (including this one from MTV: WB's Next Comic Book Project) quoting exec Alan Horn that Green Lantern is very close to getting the green light to go before the cameras. While he stopped short of saying it had been greenlit already, he did comment that it was very very close and would probably be the next DC character to get the big screen treatment.
The prospect of a Green Lantern movie is both exciting and a little frightening to me. He's my favorite comic book character so I'd love to see a live action film that introduces him to a wider audience. At the same time, there is a heavy sci-fi element to his backstory, complete with strange aliens of all shapes and sizes, spaceships and ancient civilizations where four foot tall gnome-like creatures are the most powerful beings in the universe. Needless to say, if it isn't dealt with correctly, the whole premise could end up looking ridiculous. Initial word is that the script is very good and there are also rumors circulating around that Superman will make a cameo in the movie, which I think is a great idea to help tie GL to the larger DC universe. I've got my fingers crossed that they don't drop the ball on this one.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited December 2008
The Spirit Opens in 9th Place
Source:ComingSoon.net December 28, 2008
ComingSoon.net has posted the holiday weekend box office estimates, which show that The Spirit had to settle for 9th place:
Frank Miller's adaptation of Will Eisner's comic book The Spirit earned $6.5 million over the weekend and $10.4 million for the four days. The Lionsgate adaptation stars Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson, Eva Mendes, Dan Lauria, Paz Vega, Jaime King and Scarlett Johansson.
I'm glad that this film didn't do as well as Miller fanboys expected. From the one person I knew that went to see it, I was told that this film hardly resembled anything similiar to Eisner's and he hated it. It wasn't worth seeing to me...
Lionsgate, stop making films of this genre because it's safe to say that you suck at either promoting them or producing them and Frank Miller, just go away.
According to this article on AICN, it looks like another Judge Dredd movie is in the works: Judge Dredd Movie. I didn't mind the Stallone version, other than Rob Schneider's hijacking of every scene in the pursuit of unnecessary comedy relief. Visually, it was quite striking and if nothing else, the filmmakers did a really good job on the look of Mega City One.
Yessss!!!!! I'm glad that we'll get another on but I love the Stallone one too...without the comedic sidekick that is. 8-)
You heard about THE PHANTOM returning too didn't you?
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I've never been the biggest fan of the Spiderman movies, especially the terminally annoying Aunt May (aka The Old Bag). Well it seems I'm not alone; check out this interesting and amusing article over at EmpireOnline:
I've never been the biggest fan of the Spiderman movies, especially the terminally annoying Aunt May (aka The Old Bag). Well it seems I'm not alone; check out this interesting and amusing article over at EmpireOnline:
In reality, she’s a humourless, boring windbag — Yoda without the lightsaber, kung fu skills or amusing wordplay. There’s also the matter of her drinking problem — nothing to do with alcohol, rather the fact that at one point she makes tea without adding a teabag, and simply pours hot water into Peter’s mug. This is not a woman to be trusted.
I love that line... ) ) ) )
Is the author related to you somehow, Tony? Where's Dan when you need him? )
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
This is the one thing that ticks me off about Warner Bros. the most...they are complete idiots running the show. X-(
John August's Shazam! Not Happening
Source:JohnAugust.com January 6, 2009
Screenwriter John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is speaking out on his blog about his long-in-development Captain Marvel project, originally for New Line and then taken over by Warner Bros. during the merger last year. Based on the Fawcett Comics character created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker in 1939, Shazam! was going to be directed by Get Smart director Peter Segal. In fact, there was a Warner Bros. press release roughly six weeks ago, which you can read here, confirming Segal was still attached to direct the project based on August's script.
Superhero Hype! has spoken to both John August and Peter Segal a number of times in recent years about the developing project, both of whom confirmed it would be handled as an action-comedy. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had pretty much been sewn up to play Captain Marvel baddie Black Adam. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Warner Bros. is interested in John August's comedic direction for the character anymore, despite that being the way the character was mostly depicted in comic books over the past 70 years.
On the blog, August goes into great detail about his dealings with New Line and Warner Bros. both before and after last year's writers strike and how communication stalled when it felt like Warner Bros. wasn't on the same page to do an action-comedy take on the character that could appeal to younger kids as well as adults. Rather, they seemed to want to go into darker territory following the success of The Dark Knight.
It's fascinating reading for those who've been following the project or are interested in the behind-the-scenes of the development of a comic book based film project, but August's lament about the project concludes with:
By the time I got back, the project was dead. By "dead," I mean that it won't be happening. I don't think it's on the studio's radar at all. It may come back in another incarnation, with another writer, but I can say with considerable certainty that it won't be the version I developed.
As much as I enjoy The Dark Knight, why does WB feel that every film that involves a cape should take such a dark approach? SHAZAM should be in a lighter tone, not filmed as a downer. I really wish that DC Comics could emancipate themselves from this company and have the freedom that Marvel does; this stranglehold is getting old fast.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Sad to read, but pretty typical of WB. They really don't have a passion for these characters but rather view them only as potential sources of revenue. As I feared, it looks like the success of Dark Knight has equated to only "dark" comic book movies being viable for them for the forseeable future.
Things have also quieted down considerably on Green Lantern over the past couple of weeks and I wonder if, in typical WB fashion, they're getting cold feet on that one as well.
This attitude won't change until the current regime (starting with Number One rube Jeff Robinov) is removed from power and replaced by people who actually like not to mention understand these characters.
As much as I wanted to see a Captain Marvel movie, I'd rather have no Shazam! to a dark 'n' gritty Shazam! You'd think Warner Bros. would realize that having four family-friendly animated films finish in the U.S. top ten this year means there's a huge audience out there for fun stuff!
Vox clamantis in deserto
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
As much as I wanted to see a Captain Marvel movie, I'd rather have no Shazam! to a dark 'n' gritty Shazam! You'd think Warner Bros. would realize that having four family-friendly animated films finish in the U.S. top ten this year means there's a huge audience out there for fun stuff!
Amen to that! I'd much rather see Captain Marvel played 'light,' as intended, than Seth Rogen treat Green Hornet as a comedy X-(
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Amen to that! I'd much rather see Captain Marvel played 'light,' as intended, than Seth Rogen treat Green Hornet as a comedy X-(
Please don't re-awaken my detestment for that concept. Like Miller's The Spirit, I've already decided to skip that one beforehand.
Marvel Studios is on the verge of making WB/DC a laughingstock at their own game once Iron Man 2, Cap and Avengers comes out over the next three years. X-(
It's like the 70s-80s in reverse for both studios.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Amen to that! I'd much rather see Captain Marvel played 'light,' as intended, than Seth Rogen treat Green Hornet as a comedy X-(
Please don't re-awaken my detestment for that concept. Like Miller's The Spirit, I've already decided to skip that one beforehand.
I'll see it, because I'm pathetic that way, ;% but only once---as opposed to multiple viewings. Whomever produces the Rogen film obviously doesn't want any more of my money X-(
Marvel Studios is on the verge of making WB/DC a laughingstock at their own game once Iron Man 2, Cap and Avengers comes out over the next three years. X-(
Good for Marvel, though. Incredible that it won't manage to get through the impenetrable skulls of mush who guide WB. It's like expecting a monkey to do calculus |)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
In an interview with IESB.net, David Goyer - who directed Blade: Trinity and wrote drafts of Chris Nolan's Batman films - had some interesting insights on Warner Bros. attitude towards the DC Comics properties, which they own all the rights to.
He told them: "A lot of the DC movies at Warner Brothers are all on hold while they figure out, they're going to come up with some new plan, methodology, things like that so everything has just been pressed pause at the moment." This would include currently in development projects, such as a new Superman, Green Lantern and possibly Wonder Woman.
The reason for this? "It was the double header of both Iron Man and The Dark Knight coming out" he said. "More than ever I think they've realized, I think DC was responsible for 15% of Warner Brother's revenue this year, something crazy like that, so they realized that comic books, it's become a new genre, one of the most successful genres."
We're not sure what this "new plan" is yet; will they attempt to try and synchronise the various DC Universe characters - as Marvel are planning with their superheroes?
So if I read this right, WB has realized that their comics division is one of their most lucrative businesses and what do they do about it? Put every comics movie on hold!!! Looks like WB (hereinafter to be referred by me as the Wussie Boys) have once again reverted to the indecisive, clueless, bean counting boobs I've grown to loathe. 8-)
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I wouldn't put too much stock in what Goyer says; I mean his idea for Supermax has all but been shot down by WB execs...probably because it sucked. I mean he's hardly someone of substance within the company...
It is my understanding, that Green Lantern will go into production this year along with Jonah Hex. Those were further along than SHAZAM! was. If they pull the plug on these two projects, I don't think that I could get any more jaded with WB than I already am.
And believe me, if and when Nolan says that he's ready to go ahead and do a 3rd Batman, Warner won't stand in his way. But even I'm ready for them to branch out with the other properties; the only explanation could be that they just think the genre is too inarticulate to invest in movie-wise. ?:)
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I wouldn't put too much stock in what Goyer says; I mean his idea for Supermax has all but been shot down by WB execs...probably because it sucked. I mean he's hardly someone of substance within the company...
It is my understanding, that Green Lantern will go into production this year along with Jonah Hex. Those were further along than SHAZAM! was. If they pull the plug on these two projects, I don't think that I could get any more jaded with WB than I already am.
And believe me, if and when Nolan says that he's ready to go ahead and do a 3rd Batman, Warner won't stand in his way. But even I'm ready for them to branch out with the other properties; the only explanation could be that they just think the genre is too inarticulate to invest in movie-wise. ?:)
I think you've hit it on the head.I'm not sure if any of the bigwigs who run WB even look at comic books.They might even believe that--in general terms-- all comics are alike, and if you've read one, then you've really read them all.That great director Bryan Singer noted(while filming Superman Returns),that he simply couldn't read comics, because all those little pictures and words were just too confusing!They gave him headaches!
I honestly think that the majority of the execs at WB believe that comics really are written in an esoteric language that makes them difficult to understand.Additionally,for these people there's probably added elements of snobbery and embarassment associated with comics--after,comics are supposedly for children,and not for sophisticated adults.It's likely more execs would prefer to be affiliated with films based on award-winning novels and plays and the works of prestigious screenwriters,actors and directors-as opposed to comic books.Or authors of Chic-Lit,like The Devil Wears Prada,for instance.
And unless an exec kept up with the comics industry, it's possible he/she could be confused by the sheer number of characters currently in existence(not to mention each of their unique qualities and histories).And furthermore,it seems as if the WB people in power tend to look at ALL comics based stuff as representing a single genre--and this whether the stories are Westerns(Red Ryder,)or mysteries(Dick Tracy)or social satire(Ghost World) or gangster films(Road to Perdition),or even domestic comedies(Blondie).How short-sighted if these obvious differences are lost on many of the WB execs.Comics are a different medium,yes--but not a single genre.
And I wouldn't be overly surprised to learn that overall,WB may even believe that Marvel enjoys a greater success with their movies, primarily because they also make comics, and thus have a better understanding of this unusual and unique industry.Conversely,the WB can claim that they simply don't have a comparable insider understanding of comics.There are all kinds of ridiculous excuses to explain WB's apparent difficulty with DC,and none of them are really logical.
So, aside from the most famous characters like Superman and Batman and Wonder Woman,it's doubtful --to me,anyway--that most of the important decision makers at WB know very much about the DC heroes/heroines.Unfortunely,unlike Marvel,DC Comics can't help call the shots whenever a film or TV series is made about one of their characters.As a result,we get garbage like Catwoman.
Maybe Warners should just give up and subcontract Marvel to make their DC Comics movies for them.I'm serious.
Although I like Nolan's Batman movies,one of the problems I have with Nolan's "real-world" take on Batman is that while everything else is intended to look as realistic,as credible as possible--even the villains--Batman still dresses up to look like a gigantic bat,just like in the comic books.And that alone immediately puts Batman(and each of his films) into a fantasy world, regards of Nolan's arguments to the contrary.At least to me.
About the Big Red Cheese:Captain Marvel/SHAZAM! should be a computer-animated Disney movie.I'd really like to see Brad Bird(The Incredibles) do this-because he would do this with respect for the material.Warners would probably be happy to cut a deal with Disney.Try as I might,I can't imagine a successful live-action version of Cap succeeding.The 1940 Republic serial is excellent for what it is--but it's an action piece rather than a character study and other than a few character names (and Cap's magic word),it bears little resemblance to Bill Parker and C.C.Beck's fabled creation.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited January 2009
I am a huge fan of the 1994 The Shadow starring Alec Baldwin; at first glance, I cannot be too thrilled about the latest incarnation trying to take off:
New ‘The Shadow’ Movie Might Feature ‘Many People’ Instead Of Solo Hero, Says Producer
Published by Casey Seijas on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 1:50 pm.
Around 2007, rumors of a possible revamp of longtime pulp stalwart “The Shadow” began popping up around the message boards, fueled by veteran producer Michael Uslan’s insistence that this time around he’d be offering fans a take on the character that’s more true to his roots. Then, when word got out that Sam Raimi was onboard as a fellow producer, fans knew this vision of The Shadow would be vastly different from the 1994 offering.
For those of you holding out hope that Uslan would stay true to his word about a new take on the character, you won’t be disappointed.
“I think the one thing going in is we all see The Shadow as more of a force of nature than a specific person in a secret identity,” Uslan told MTV in an exclusive interview. “The Shadow may actually be many people.”
“We’ve gone back to the pulp roots, the comic book roots of The Shadow, with a dash of the radio roots,” added Uslan. “But we’ve deeply ensconced ourselves in the world of pulps and comics.”
Sounds cool to us, but that begged the question of when we’ll see this “Shadow” revamp hit the multiplex.
“Sam [Raimi] and Josh Donen are my partners and we have it set up Sony, and a wonderful writer named Siavash Farahani who has worked for me before is writing the screenplay,” Uslan said. “It’s coming along great, we’re very excited about it. You know, it takes time to nurture these things. You probably know all the stories. The first ‘Batman’ film took me 10 years to get made.”
I am a huge fan of the 1994 The Shadow starring Alec Baldwin; at first glance, I cannot be too thrilled about the latest incarnation trying to take off:
New ‘The Shadow’ Movie Might Feature ‘Many People’ Instead Of Solo Hero, Says Producer
Published by Casey Seijas on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 1:50 pm.
Around 2007, rumors of a possible revamp of longtime pulp stalwart “The Shadow” began popping up around the message boards, fueled by veteran producer Michael Uslan’s insistence that this time around he’d be offering fans a take on the character that’s more true to his roots. Then, when word got out that Sam Raimi was onboard as a fellow producer, fans knew this vision of The Shadow would be vastly different from the 1994 offering.
For those of you holding out hope that Uslan would stay true to his word about a new take on the character, you won’t be disappointed.
“I think the one thing going in is we all see The Shadow as more of a force of nature than a specific person in a secret identity,” Uslan told MTV in an exclusive interview. “The Shadow may actually be many people.”
“We’ve gone back to the pulp roots, the comic book roots of The Shadow, with a dash of the radio roots,” added Uslan. “But we’ve deeply ensconced ourselves in the world of pulps and comics.”
Sounds cool to us, but that begged the question of when we’ll see this “Shadow” revamp hit the multiplex.
“Sam [Raimi] and Josh Donen are my partners and we have it set up Sony, and a wonderful writer named Siavash Farahani who has worked for me before is writing the screenplay,” Uslan said. “It’s coming along great, we’re very excited about it. You know, it takes time to nurture these things. You probably know all the stories. The first ‘Batman’ film took me 10 years to get made.”
This does sound needlessly confusing.I hope they won't try to present The Shadow as an "Urban Legend".Ouch.
In the pulps The Shadow really wasn't Lamont Cranston, but was instead Kent Allard,a famed WWI fighter pilot and masterspy, also known as the "Dark Eagle".In the early 1930s, Allard intentionally vanished while flying over the jungles of South America.But a few years afterwards(flush with treasure from the Xinca Indians),Allard secretly returned to the USA and made his base in New York City, all of this to embark upon a war against crime.
The international playboy and man-about-town Lamont Cranston shared Allard's views and gladly turned his entire fortune and identity over to the aviator(the two men were about the same age,coloring and height and shared a similar hawk-like visage).With Cranston secretly away from North America much of the time,anyway(generally off big game hunting in Africa or in Monte Carlo or on a sea voyage),it was easy for Allard to assume the role of Cranston.In some stories, Cranston even appears as one of The Shadow's many agents.
And then there was another story in which a beautiful naked woman literally went commando and took up a wounded Shadow's cloak, hat and twin .45s, and successfully fought gangland...:O
However,for the purposes of movies, it'd probably be a better idea--in my never especially humble opinion--to keep things relatively simple by making Lamont Cranston The Shadow's true identity.Either drop the Allard stuff altogether, or give Cranston some of Allard's unusual background.But by all means dispense with the invisibility shtick--that was created exclusively for radio and has no place on the screen(Along with Cranston's face changing,I thought it was the only thing that looked absolutely out of place in the Baldwin film).Follow the pulps, and have The Shadow blend into the shadows by means of his dark costume--only(CGI can make that look credible).And keep Shrevvy and Margo Lane(both from the radio show initially,if I remember correctly--but they're good characters who made an easy transition to the pulps).Bring in Harry Vincent(maybe) and Commisioner Weston, and surely those are enough good guys for any movie about The Shadow.
Whatever direction this takes, I hope this will be a great movie,because The Shadow's a terrific character.So too,IMO, is R.T.M. Scott's The Spider(The Shadow's greatest pulpwood rival,and minus The Shadow's convoluted identity).The Spider was the handsome Richard Rollinson, a WWI ace and billionaire playboy who hated crime,took up a black cloak,mask wide-brimmed hat and twin .38s, and went after lawbreakers--kind of a Bruce Wayne figure(except he hunted down and killed crooks-there were no arrests on his watch).Rollinson's mistress(this was strongly intimated in the stories),was the beautiful Nita Van Loan, who often fought at his side; along with Rollinson's manservant, the mysterious Hindu Ram Singh. The NYC police pursued The Spider--thinking him a gangster.Columbia made a pair of relatively faithful serials featuring The Spider in the late 1930s-early 1940s,and a theatrical version would be welcome,by me-anyway.
Now about Doc Savage...
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited January 2009
I love The Shadow, but to me the Alec Baldwin film was a staggering disappointment. I didn't mind the Tibetan 'hocus-pocus' stuff, but having the hero face off against a long-dead conqueror was A Cheese Too Far, IMNO.
I'm all for a new Shadow flick, but I really think he ought to be just the one guy; Lamont Cranston, from the radio, is the one I know, but Mr. Garvin's additional history on the character is fascinating. Anything else beyond that, I fear, courts repeated disaster.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
AICN's Harry Knowles has a very positive review of the Wonder Woman direct to video animated film, calling it a smart, intelligent and adult effort. I may have to check this out after all, especially as a BluRay version will be released as well.
Also of interest is a little comment that the DVD will include a preview of DC's next Animated feature...GREEN LANTERN! All I can say to that is ... wait for it ... It better be Hal Jordan!
AICN's Harry Knowles has a very positive review of the Wonder Woman direct to video animated film, calling it a smart, intelligent and adult effort. I may have to check this out after all, especially as a BluRay version will be released as well.
Also of interest is a little comment that the DVD will include a preview of DC's next Animated feature...GREEN LANTERN! All I can say to that is ... wait for it ... It better be Hal Jordan!
this has just poped up on superherohype.com looks like christmas may have come realy early this year tony
Campbell Closing in on Green Lantern!
Source:Variety February 4, 2009
Variety says Warner Bros. is negotiating with Martin Campbell to direct Green Lantern, the live-action film based on the DC Comics hero.
Campbell last directed Casino Royale and recently wrapped the Mel Gibson starrer Edge of Darkness.
Green Lantern is written by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green. Berlanti had once been considered to direct. Instead, WB has attached him to direct This is Where I Leave You, the upcoming Jonathan Tropper novel which will be adapted by the author.
The "Green Lantern" was created in 1940 by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell. Hal Jordan introduced in 1959, a second-generation test pilot, is an ordinary man who was given the power ring and battery (lantern) by a dying alien named Abin Sur. When Abin Sur's spaceship crashed on Earth, the alien used his ring to seek out an individual to take his place as Green Lantern: someone who was "utterly honest and born without fear."
Thanks for the heads up Agent_M. I just read something about this on AICN myself (Campbell in Negotiations to do Green Lantern). Campbell is a solid action director, although GL would probably be an effects heavy movie with lots of CGI and green-screen work and I don't think he has much experience in those areas. Still, its an interesting choice and I'm glad WB isn't shopping this to some glorified music video director. It gives me hope that they're actually moving forward and not just spinning their wheels.
Speaking of DC news, there has been chatter on the 'net that the reason we're not hearing any news on another Superman movie is actually because the estate of Jerry Siegel is still trying to get more money out of Time Warner, arguing that Siegel's original contract didn't accurately reflect potential revenue from other sources like licensing and comics. I'm all for creators rights and I know Siegel got a raw deal when he sold the rights to the character, but these people are doing more to hurt Superman than an army of supervillains. Its becoming more and more obvious that they're just a greedy bunch of trustees who don't care at all about the character, just how much cash they can wring out of him. Really sad if you ask me.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
edited February 2009
Martin Campbell on a GL film is a great move in the right direction. His name being tacked on alone means that WB are serious about moving ahead with this thing. However, I'm keeping my elation to a minimum until cameras finally roll on this project.
I'm still a little upset that SHAZAM! was scrapped by Robinov(sp?); I wouldn't want the same to happen to this one.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Well, between the ongoing issues with the Siegel estate on Superman and the fact that another Batman movie won't be ready until 2011 at the earliest, I think WB has little choice but to bring some other characters to the forefront, and Green Lantern and Flash are probably the most viable candidates right now. Like you however, I'm not getting too excited until some casting announcements are made and actual filming begins.
One of the many things that sounds promising Campbell directing Green Lantern is that he doesn't appear to be one of those self-congratulatory artistes who like to cast against type.Please let the self-acknowledged geniuses stay away from all future comics-based movies;they've done enough harm already.
Casting suggestion for Hal Jordan:James Marsden or Josh Duhamel.That said,I'm certain that there are some great unknown actors who'd be letter perfect for Hal Jordan who will hopely be considered over more established names if/when casting begins.
Finally,I'd also like to see a SHAZAM movie.However,if it was up to me,Brad Bird or John Lasetter would do a computer animated version that'd really look like C.C.Beck's drawings come to life.I'm not convinced that the fantasy and innocence about Captain Marvel and his family can make the transition to live-action effectively.In my opinion,without the utmost care--in the writing,the directing and the casting-- a live-action Cap movie might end up as the superhero equivalent of the live-action Popeye,even with Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam.I've reached a point where I rarely trust many filmmakers with these kinds of characters.(I don't really don't want to see a muscleman who acts like Maxwell Smart with a cape passed off as Captain Marvel...)
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Finally,I'd also like to see a SHAZAM movie.However,if it was up to me,Brad Bird or John Lasetter would do a computer animated version that'd really look like C.C.Beck's drawings come to life.I'm not convinced that the fantasy and innocence about Captain Marvel and his family can make the transition to live-action effectively.In my opinion,without the utmost care--in the writing,the directing and the casting-- a live-action Cap movie might end up as the superhero equivalent of the live-action Popeye,even with Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam.I've reached a point where I rarely trust many filmmakers with these kinds of characters.(I don't really don't want to see a muscleman who acts like Maxwell Smart with a cape passed off as Captain Marvel...)
Can't say that I'd like to see Cap in CGI Animation, W.G. being that I'm a dinosaur with my love to 2-d hands-drawn animation. Yes, 2-D's losing the price efficiency war to approach but still...CGI animation is just so oversaturated for me.
As far as selling the corny that comes with the character to audiences today in a live-action format, it can be done if the direction is good.
If Mamma Mia & Beverly Hills Chihuahua can bring in droves of viewers, so can SHAZAM! Certain people would go see it.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Continuing on a Green Lantern tack, IGN has posted an interview with one of the writers of the script, the aptly named Michael Green.
Green confirms that Martin Campbell is indeed in negotiations to direct the film and that it is inching ever forward towards production. Apparently, the latest script went over really well at the recent WB/DC "summit" and the writers have DC's blessing to reference the larger DC universe in any way they see fit. Green also confirms that it is a Hal Jordan origin story and that other Green Lanterns could make an appearance.
Can't say that I'd like to see Cap in CGI Animation, W.G. being that I'm a dinosaur with my love to 2-d hands-drawn animation. Yes, 2-D's losing the price efficiency war to approach but still...CGI animation is just so oversaturated for me.
As far as selling the corny that comes with the character to audiences today in a live-action format, it can be done if the direction is good.
If Mamma Mia & Beverly Hills Chihuahua can bring in droves of viewers, so can SHAZAM! Certain people would go see it.
I'm sure they would,and I'd be one of them-believe me(I'm really not as close-minded as I sometimes seem).Of course,casting human beings to play superheroes is always tricky,but Segel will probably do all he can to sign somebody who looks like a reasonable live-action approximation of Captain Marvel.
Odds are there are plenty of actors with the right physiques,height and faces who'll make fine Caps.I'd like to see him called "Captain Marvel", even though it looks like DC is moving over to the "Shazam" name almost exclusively.Whatever-if the writing is good and the proper tone is established,SHAZAM could turn out to be a great film-maybe even the first in a franchise.
And I'm another 2D Animation dinosaur.I mentioned 3D for SHAZAM because based upon how well-done and how attractive The Incredibles is,I thought that approach might well for Captain Marvel.That said,I'm quite impressed by that episode of Justice League Unlimited which brought the Big Red Cheese and Superman together.Brilliant work.And in 2D.
Comments
According to this article on AICN, it looks like another Judge Dredd movie is in the works: Judge Dredd Movie. I didn't mind the Stallone version, other than Rob Schneider's hijacking of every scene in the pursuit of unnecessary comedy relief. Visually, it was quite striking and if nothing else, the filmmakers did a really good job on the look of Mega City One.
As for WB, there have been several reports (including this one from MTV: WB's Next Comic Book Project) quoting exec Alan Horn that Green Lantern is very close to getting the green light to go before the cameras. While he stopped short of saying it had been greenlit already, he did comment that it was very very close and would probably be the next DC character to get the big screen treatment.
The prospect of a Green Lantern movie is both exciting and a little frightening to me. He's my favorite comic book character so I'd love to see a live action film that introduces him to a wider audience. At the same time, there is a heavy sci-fi element to his backstory, complete with strange aliens of all shapes and sizes, spaceships and ancient civilizations where four foot tall gnome-like creatures are the most powerful beings in the universe. Needless to say, if it isn't dealt with correctly, the whole premise could end up looking ridiculous. Initial word is that the script is very good and there are also rumors circulating around that Superman will make a cameo in the movie, which I think is a great idea to help tie GL to the larger DC universe. I've got my fingers crossed that they don't drop the ball on this one.
Source:ComingSoon.net December 28, 2008
ComingSoon.net has posted the holiday weekend box office estimates, which show that The Spirit had to settle for 9th place:
Frank Miller's adaptation of Will Eisner's comic book The Spirit earned $6.5 million over the weekend and $10.4 million for the four days. The Lionsgate adaptation stars Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson, Eva Mendes, Dan Lauria, Paz Vega, Jaime King and Scarlett Johansson.
I'm glad that this film didn't do as well as Miller fanboys expected. From the one person I knew that went to see it, I was told that this film hardly resembled anything similiar to Eisner's and he hated it. It wasn't worth seeing to me...
Lionsgate, stop making films of this genre because it's safe to say that you suck at either promoting them or producing them and Frank Miller, just go away.
Yessss!!!!! I'm glad that we'll get another on but I love the Stallone one too...without the comedic sidekick that is. 8-)
You heard about THE PHANTOM returning too didn't you?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
The Most Annoying Character Ever?
In reality, she’s a humourless, boring windbag — Yoda without the lightsaber, kung fu skills or amusing wordplay. There’s also the matter of her drinking problem — nothing to do with alcohol, rather the fact that at one point she makes tea without adding a teabag, and simply pours hot water into Peter’s mug. This is not a woman to be trusted.
I love that line...
Is the author related to you somehow, Tony? Where's Dan when you need him?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
John August's Shazam! Not Happening
Source:JohnAugust.com January 6, 2009
Screenwriter John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is speaking out on his blog about his long-in-development Captain Marvel project, originally for New Line and then taken over by Warner Bros. during the merger last year. Based on the Fawcett Comics character created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker in 1939, Shazam! was going to be directed by Get Smart director Peter Segal. In fact, there was a Warner Bros. press release roughly six weeks ago, which you can read here, confirming Segal was still attached to direct the project based on August's script.
Superhero Hype! has spoken to both John August and Peter Segal a number of times in recent years about the developing project, both of whom confirmed it would be handled as an action-comedy. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had pretty much been sewn up to play Captain Marvel baddie Black Adam. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Warner Bros. is interested in John August's comedic direction for the character anymore, despite that being the way the character was mostly depicted in comic books over the past 70 years.
On the blog, August goes into great detail about his dealings with New Line and Warner Bros. both before and after last year's writers strike and how communication stalled when it felt like Warner Bros. wasn't on the same page to do an action-comedy take on the character that could appeal to younger kids as well as adults. Rather, they seemed to want to go into darker territory following the success of The Dark Knight.
It's fascinating reading for those who've been following the project or are interested in the behind-the-scenes of the development of a comic book based film project, but August's lament about the project concludes with:
By the time I got back, the project was dead. By "dead," I mean that it won't be happening. I don't think it's on the studio's radar at all. It may come back in another incarnation, with another writer, but I can say with considerable certainty that it won't be the version I developed.
As much as I enjoy The Dark Knight, why does WB feel that every film that involves a cape should take such a dark approach? SHAZAM should be in a lighter tone, not filmed as a downer. I really wish that DC Comics could emancipate themselves from this company and have the freedom that Marvel does; this stranglehold is getting old fast.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Things have also quieted down considerably on Green Lantern over the past couple of weeks and I wonder if, in typical WB fashion, they're getting cold feet on that one as well.
This attitude won't change until the current regime (starting with Number One rube Jeff Robinov) is removed from power and replaced by people who actually like not to mention understand these characters.
Amen to that! I'd much rather see Captain Marvel played 'light,' as intended, than Seth Rogen treat Green Hornet as a comedy X-(
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Please don't re-awaken my detestment for that concept. Like Miller's The Spirit, I've already decided to skip that one beforehand.
Marvel Studios is on the verge of making WB/DC a laughingstock at their own game once Iron Man 2, Cap and Avengers comes out over the next three years. X-(
It's like the 70s-80s in reverse for both studios.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I'll see it, because I'm pathetic that way, ;% but only once---as opposed to multiple viewings. Whomever produces the Rogen film obviously doesn't want any more of my money X-(
Good for Marvel, though. Incredible that it won't manage to get through the impenetrable skulls of mush who guide WB. It's like expecting a monkey to do calculus
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
http://movies.ign.com/articles/942/942774p1.html
In an interview with IESB.net, David Goyer - who directed Blade: Trinity and wrote drafts of Chris Nolan's Batman films - had some interesting insights on Warner Bros. attitude towards the DC Comics properties, which they own all the rights to.
He told them: "A lot of the DC movies at Warner Brothers are all on hold while they figure out, they're going to come up with some new plan, methodology, things like that so everything has just been pressed pause at the moment." This would include currently in development projects, such as a new Superman, Green Lantern and possibly Wonder Woman.
The reason for this? "It was the double header of both Iron Man and The Dark Knight coming out" he said. "More than ever I think they've realized, I think DC was responsible for 15% of Warner Brother's revenue this year, something crazy like that, so they realized that comic books, it's become a new genre, one of the most successful genres."
We're not sure what this "new plan" is yet; will they attempt to try and synchronise the various DC Universe characters - as Marvel are planning with their superheroes?
So if I read this right, WB has realized that their comics division is one of their most lucrative businesses and what do they do about it? Put every comics movie on hold!!! Looks like WB (hereinafter to be referred by me as the Wussie Boys) have once again reverted to the indecisive, clueless, bean counting boobs I've grown to loathe. 8-)
It is my understanding, that Green Lantern will go into production this year along with Jonah Hex. Those were further along than SHAZAM! was. If they pull the plug on these two projects, I don't think that I could get any more jaded with WB than I already am.
And believe me, if and when Nolan says that he's ready to go ahead and do a 3rd Batman, Warner won't stand in his way. But even I'm ready for them to branch out with the other properties; the only explanation could be that they just think the genre is too inarticulate to invest in movie-wise. ?:)
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I think you've hit it on the head.I'm not sure if any of the bigwigs who run WB even look at comic books.They might even believe that--in general terms-- all comics are alike, and if you've read one, then you've really read them all.That great director Bryan Singer noted(while filming Superman Returns),that he simply couldn't read comics, because all those little pictures and words were just too confusing!They gave him headaches!
I honestly think that the majority of the execs at WB believe that comics really are written in an esoteric language that makes them difficult to understand.Additionally,for these people there's probably added elements of snobbery and embarassment associated with comics--after,comics are supposedly for children,and not for sophisticated adults.It's likely more execs would prefer to be affiliated with films based on award-winning novels and plays and the works of prestigious screenwriters,actors and directors-as opposed to comic books.Or authors of Chic-Lit,like The Devil Wears Prada,for instance.
And unless an exec kept up with the comics industry, it's possible he/she could be confused by the sheer number of characters currently in existence(not to mention each of their unique qualities and histories).And furthermore,it seems as if the WB people in power tend to look at ALL comics based stuff as representing a single genre--and this whether the stories are Westerns(Red Ryder,)or mysteries(Dick Tracy)or social satire(Ghost World) or gangster films(Road to Perdition),or even domestic comedies(Blondie).How short-sighted if these obvious differences are lost on many of the WB execs.Comics are a different medium,yes--but not a single genre.
And I wouldn't be overly surprised to learn that overall,WB may even believe that Marvel enjoys a greater success with their movies, primarily because they also make comics, and thus have a better understanding of this unusual and unique industry.Conversely,the WB can claim that they simply don't have a comparable insider understanding of comics.There are all kinds of ridiculous excuses to explain WB's apparent difficulty with DC,and none of them are really logical.
So, aside from the most famous characters like Superman and Batman and Wonder Woman,it's doubtful --to me,anyway--that most of the important decision makers at WB know very much about the DC heroes/heroines.Unfortunely,unlike Marvel,DC Comics can't help call the shots whenever a film or TV series is made about one of their characters.As a result,we get garbage like Catwoman.
Maybe Warners should just give up and subcontract Marvel to make their DC Comics movies for them.I'm serious.
Although I like Nolan's Batman movies,one of the problems I have with Nolan's "real-world" take on Batman is that while everything else is intended to look as realistic,as credible as possible--even the villains--Batman still dresses up to look like a gigantic bat,just like in the comic books.And that alone immediately puts Batman(and each of his films) into a fantasy world, regards of Nolan's arguments to the contrary.At least to me.
About the Big Red Cheese:Captain Marvel/SHAZAM! should be a computer-animated Disney movie.I'd really like to see Brad Bird(The Incredibles) do this-because he would do this with respect for the material.Warners would probably be happy to cut a deal with Disney.Try as I might,I can't imagine a successful live-action version of Cap succeeding.The 1940 Republic serial is excellent for what it is--but it's an action piece rather than a character study and other than a few character names (and Cap's magic word),it bears little resemblance to Bill Parker and C.C.Beck's fabled creation.
New ‘The Shadow’ Movie Might Feature ‘Many People’ Instead Of Solo Hero, Says Producer
Published by Casey Seijas on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 1:50 pm.
Around 2007, rumors of a possible revamp of longtime pulp stalwart “The Shadow” began popping up around the message boards, fueled by veteran producer Michael Uslan’s insistence that this time around he’d be offering fans a take on the character that’s more true to his roots. Then, when word got out that Sam Raimi was onboard as a fellow producer, fans knew this vision of The Shadow would be vastly different from the 1994 offering.
For those of you holding out hope that Uslan would stay true to his word about a new take on the character, you won’t be disappointed.
“I think the one thing going in is we all see The Shadow as more of a force of nature than a specific person in a secret identity,” Uslan told MTV in an exclusive interview. “The Shadow may actually be many people.”
“We’ve gone back to the pulp roots, the comic book roots of The Shadow, with a dash of the radio roots,” added Uslan. “But we’ve deeply ensconced ourselves in the world of pulps and comics.”
Sounds cool to us, but that begged the question of when we’ll see this “Shadow” revamp hit the multiplex.
“Sam [Raimi] and Josh Donen are my partners and we have it set up Sony, and a wonderful writer named Siavash Farahani who has worked for me before is writing the screenplay,” Uslan said. “It’s coming along great, we’re very excited about it. You know, it takes time to nurture these things. You probably know all the stories. The first ‘Batman’ film took me 10 years to get made.”
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/01/21/new-the-shadow-movie-might-feature-many-people-instead-of-solo-hero-says-producer/
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
This does sound needlessly confusing.I hope they won't try to present The Shadow as an "Urban Legend".Ouch.
In the pulps The Shadow really wasn't Lamont Cranston, but was instead Kent Allard,a famed WWI fighter pilot and masterspy, also known as the "Dark Eagle".In the early 1930s, Allard intentionally vanished while flying over the jungles of South America.But a few years afterwards(flush with treasure from the Xinca Indians),Allard secretly returned to the USA and made his base in New York City, all of this to embark upon a war against crime.
The international playboy and man-about-town Lamont Cranston shared Allard's views and gladly turned his entire fortune and identity over to the aviator(the two men were about the same age,coloring and height and shared a similar hawk-like visage).With Cranston secretly away from North America much of the time,anyway(generally off big game hunting in Africa or in Monte Carlo or on a sea voyage),it was easy for Allard to assume the role of Cranston.In some stories, Cranston even appears as one of The Shadow's many agents.
And then there was another story in which a beautiful naked woman literally went commando and took up a wounded Shadow's cloak, hat and twin .45s, and successfully fought gangland...:O
However,for the purposes of movies, it'd probably be a better idea--in my never especially humble opinion--to keep things relatively simple by making Lamont Cranston The Shadow's true identity.Either drop the Allard stuff altogether, or give Cranston some of Allard's unusual background.But by all means dispense with the invisibility shtick--that was created exclusively for radio and has no place on the screen(Along with Cranston's face changing,I thought it was the only thing that looked absolutely out of place in the Baldwin film).Follow the pulps, and have The Shadow blend into the shadows by means of his dark costume--only(CGI can make that look credible).And keep Shrevvy and Margo Lane(both from the radio show initially,if I remember correctly--but they're good characters who made an easy transition to the pulps).Bring in Harry Vincent(maybe) and Commisioner Weston, and surely those are enough good guys for any movie about The Shadow.
Whatever direction this takes, I hope this will be a great movie,because The Shadow's a terrific character.So too,IMO, is R.T.M. Scott's The Spider(The Shadow's greatest pulpwood rival,and minus The Shadow's convoluted identity).The Spider was the handsome Richard Rollinson, a WWI ace and billionaire playboy who hated crime,took up a black cloak,mask wide-brimmed hat and twin .38s, and went after lawbreakers--kind of a Bruce Wayne figure(except he hunted down and killed crooks-there were no arrests on his watch).Rollinson's mistress(this was strongly intimated in the stories),was the beautiful Nita Van Loan, who often fought at his side; along with Rollinson's manservant, the mysterious Hindu Ram Singh. The NYC police pursued The Spider--thinking him a gangster.Columbia made a pair of relatively faithful serials featuring The Spider in the late 1930s-early 1940s,and a theatrical version would be welcome,by me-anyway.
Now about Doc Savage...
I'm all for a new Shadow flick, but I really think he ought to be just the one guy; Lamont Cranston, from the radio, is the one I know, but Mr. Garvin's additional history on the character is fascinating. Anything else beyond that, I fear, courts repeated disaster.
Hell, yes B-) It's waaaaayyy overdue...
Ron Perlman as Monk B-)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Amen to that! I can only stomach the Ron Ely film about twice a decade!
Is it too much to ask for the blond Widow's Peak this time around?
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Also of interest is a little comment that the DVD will include a preview of DC's next Animated feature...GREEN LANTERN!
Here's a link to the full review: Animated Wonder Woman Review
B-) I was going to pick this film up anyway...After buying Batman: Gotham Knight and regretting it afterwards, how bad could this WW be by comparison?
And for the GL dtv, I had read last summer in a couple of articles that it would indeed be Hal.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
http://www.superherohype.com/news/watchmennews.php?id=8030
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
Campbell Closing in on Green Lantern!
Source:Variety February 4, 2009
Variety says Warner Bros. is negotiating with Martin Campbell to direct Green Lantern, the live-action film based on the DC Comics hero.
Campbell last directed Casino Royale and recently wrapped the Mel Gibson starrer Edge of Darkness.
Green Lantern is written by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green. Berlanti had once been considered to direct. Instead, WB has attached him to direct This is Where I Leave You, the upcoming Jonathan Tropper novel which will be adapted by the author.
The "Green Lantern" was created in 1940 by writer Bill Finger and artist Martin Nodell. Hal Jordan introduced in 1959, a second-generation test pilot, is an ordinary man who was given the power ring and battery (lantern) by a dying alien named Abin Sur. When Abin Sur's spaceship crashed on Earth, the alien used his ring to seek out an individual to take his place as Green Lantern: someone who was "utterly honest and born without fear."
www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
Speaking of DC news, there has been chatter on the 'net that the reason we're not hearing any news on another Superman movie is actually because the estate of Jerry Siegel is still trying to get more money out of Time Warner, arguing that Siegel's original contract didn't accurately reflect potential revenue from other sources like licensing and comics. I'm all for creators rights and I know Siegel got a raw deal when he sold the rights to the character, but these people are doing more to hurt Superman than an army of supervillains. Its becoming more and more obvious that they're just a greedy bunch of trustees who don't care at all about the character, just how much cash they can wring out of him. Really sad if you ask me.
I'm still a little upset that SHAZAM! was scrapped by Robinov(sp?); I wouldn't want the same to happen to this one.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Casting suggestion for Hal Jordan:James Marsden or Josh Duhamel.That said,I'm certain that there are some great unknown actors who'd be letter perfect for Hal Jordan who will hopely be considered over more established names if/when casting begins.
Finally,I'd also like to see a SHAZAM movie.However,if it was up to me,Brad Bird or John Lasetter would do a computer animated version that'd really look like C.C.Beck's drawings come to life.I'm not convinced that the fantasy and innocence about Captain Marvel and his family can make the transition to live-action effectively.In my opinion,without the utmost care--in the writing,the directing and the casting-- a live-action Cap movie might end up as the superhero equivalent of the live-action Popeye,even with Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam.I've reached a point where I rarely trust many filmmakers with these kinds of characters.(I don't really don't want to see a muscleman who acts like Maxwell Smart with a cape passed off as Captain Marvel...)
Can't say that I'd like to see Cap in CGI Animation, W.G. being that I'm a dinosaur with my love to 2-d hands-drawn animation. Yes, 2-D's losing the price efficiency war to approach but still...CGI animation is just so oversaturated for me.
As far as selling the corny that comes with the character to audiences today in a live-action format, it can be done if the direction is good.
If Mamma Mia
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Green confirms that Martin Campbell is indeed in negotiations to direct the film and that it is inching ever forward towards production. Apparently, the latest script went over really well at the recent WB/DC "summit" and the writers have DC's blessing to reference the larger DC universe in any way they see fit. Green also confirms that it is a Hal Jordan origin story and that other Green Lanterns could make an appearance.
Full article is here: Michael Green on Green Lantern
I'm sure they would,and I'd be one of them-believe me(I'm really not as close-minded as I sometimes seem).Of course,casting human beings to play superheroes is always tricky,but Segel will probably do all he can to sign somebody who looks like a reasonable live-action approximation of Captain Marvel.
Odds are there are plenty of actors with the right physiques,height and faces who'll make fine Caps.I'd like to see him called "Captain Marvel", even though it looks like DC is moving over to the "Shazam" name almost exclusively.Whatever-if the writing is good and the proper tone is established,SHAZAM could turn out to be a great film-maybe even the first in a franchise.
And I'm another 2D Animation dinosaur.I mentioned 3D for SHAZAM because based upon how well-done and how attractive The Incredibles is,I thought that approach might well for Captain Marvel.That said,I'm quite impressed by that episode of Justice League Unlimited which brought the Big Red Cheese and Superman together.Brilliant work.And in 2D.