Well, it looks like for the fourth weekend in a row, TDK is the #1 movie at the U.S. boxoffice. BoxOfficeMojo is estimating that the Bat took in $26 million, beating out the stoner comedy The Pineapple Express's $22.4 mil. Mummy Dearest or whatever it's called has dropped to $16 mil. Amazingly, TDK is also now the third-all time grossing movie in the country, behind only Titanic and the original Star Wars. Somehow I don't think Heath Ledger's death has everything to do with the movie's success. . .
Not only that, but according to boxofficemojo.com it also took in another $65 million in foreign box office and its worldwide total has now ballooned up to nearly $705 million. And it still hasn't opened in several key markets such as Japan.
As you say, I think there's a little more at play here than just the Heath Ledger factor.
Wayne was underwritten, came across rather bland to me. Preferred Downey Jr's Tony Stark (way better written/acted) and Edward Norton's Bruce Banner (marginally better written but also Norton did far more with what he had than Bale did with what he had IMO).
Blue, I can get that you think that Downey Jr's Tony Stark is better wrtten/acted, but Norton's Bruce Banner? I love Norton; I think he's the best actor of his generation, and IMO he can kick the a*** of both Downey Jr and Bale (in terms of acting ability) but his Banner was a nothing character. He complained about how he suffered a curse, but unlike with Bana in the Ang Lee film, I don't think we really saw just why it was a curse. I didn't feel that he went into the character at all, and while I think that Norton did an impressive job with what he had (although I don't think it is one of his brightest moments), I don't think he had anything to work with.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Dan, I was totally expecting to underwhelmed by Norton and TIH. But I was surprised by how much the film - and Norton - drew me in, the early scenes had pathos and humor and suspense... completely had me within ten minutes. I even liked the backstory told during the credits, something I usually hate. I dunno how it happened, but I just really liked that film (not liking TDK is sort of the reverse as I was expecting a much better film from Nolan, but for me there's no comparison: Hulk smash ). TIH ain't perfect, I think of it as a really good B-film, but it does what it does very well indeed. IMHO. TDK just has too much wrong with it for me to like it, kinda sad about that but oh well, there's always the next incarnation of Batman to look forward to, not like they'll stop cashing in on that character anytime soon, too much green stuff to make from it. Honestly, Nolan's Batman films remind me of Glen's Bond films, similar issues with both directors for me.
I guess I have a soft spot for B-films that try really hard, and get annoyed by A-films that just don't deliver.
I have sympathy with that blueman. Mind you , I sort of enjoyed TDK because I'm not a fanboy. Expectations. May go into QoS with same attitude and not take it personally.
Jeez, guys, I'm surprised you haven't realized how similar you guys are being to the anti-CR crowd... who I'm pretty sure you guys ended up getting into fights with because "if they didn't like the film they didn't have to post". )
I'm not sure that Blueman or anybody else here ever said that. The main problem with the anti-CR crowd was that many of them on here had decided that it was bad before they saw it; those of us who didn't like TDK have seen it and we're saying why.
I have sympathy with that blueman. Mind you , I sort of enjoyed TDK because I'm not a fanboy. Expectations. May go into QoS with same attitude and not take it personally.
I'm not a fanboy either, but I think that TDK falls apart as a film. For the first half or so it's a great, gripping thriller, but then so much gets piled on top that it just collapses under its own weight.
Oh I admit the Batman love. :x Makes objectivity impossible.
And let's be fair: this isn't a Batman forum I'm farting all over. ;% Kinda like how I never posted on a Bond forum till after Brosnan had been given the boot.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
(and I hate to admit this, but Batman gets my vote over Spidey...sorry Dan )
Rogue, you've corrupted another innocent.
To quote Darth Vader from my favorite Star Wars movie:
"All too easy..." :v
:v Well, make no mistake about it, this is the last time you will ever do such a terrible thing. X-(
(BTW, Empire is my favourite Star Wars film as well.)
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Bats forgot to ask her if the collars and cuffs match. . .
His voicework on The Batman notwithstanding, I've always been just a little disappointed that the producers of the Batman movies never could shoehorn an Adam West cameo into one of the films. His show and the new films are light years apart in terms of tone and content, but he did help shepherd and support the character for many many years and it would have been nice to have a little nod to the Squarest Supehero Of Them All.
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
His exact name escapes me, but he's the mayor of Gotham.
You should definitely check out the 5th season; lots of great crossover stories with Superman, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and the Flash.
His voicework on The Batman notwithstanding, I've always been just a little disappointed that the producers of the Batman movies never could shoehorn an Adam West cameo into one of the films. His show and the new films are light years apart in terms of tone and content, but he did help shepherd and support the character for many many years and it would have been nice to have a little nod to the Squarest Supehero Of Them All.
I totally agree Tony, that is a great idea. I think he is honored to be associated with the character, as even today he still celebrates it. I loved the TV show in all it's campy glory. I heard a lot of the Hollywood A-Listers clamored to guest star on it back in the day. I loved when he and Robin would scale a building and the random celeb would pop out of a window to talk to him. )
His voicework on The Batman notwithstanding, I've always been just a little disappointed that the producers of the Batman movies never could shoehorn an Adam West cameo into one of the films. His show and the new films are light years apart in terms of tone and content, but he did help shepherd and support the character for many many years and it would have been nice to have a little nod to the Squarest Supehero Of Them All.
I totally agree Tony, that is a great idea. I think he is honored to be associated with the character, as even today he still celebrates it. I loved the TV show in all it's campy glory. I heard a lot of the Hollywood A-Listers clamored to guest star on it back in the day. I loved when he and Robin would scale a building and the random celeb would pop out of a window to talk to him. )
Oh yeah, back in the 60's Batman was THE show to appear on, especially during its first two seasons. Sadly, the home video rights to the TV show have been tied up in litigation for years and it doesn't look like it will be seeing the light of day again any time soon.
If you're a fan of the show, I'd heartily recommend the book "Back to the Batcave". It's an autobiography by Adam West and he spends many chapters on that period of his life.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
His voicework on The Batman notwithstanding, I've always been just a little disappointed that the producers of the Batman movies never could shoehorn an Adam West cameo into one of the films. His show and the new films are light years apart in terms of tone and content, but he did help shepherd and support the character for many many years and it would have been nice to have a little nod to the Squarest Supehero Of Them All.
I totally agree Tony, that is a great idea. I think he is honored to be associated with the character, as even today he still celebrates it. I loved the TV show in all it's campy glory. I heard a lot of the Hollywood A-Listers clamored to guest star on it back in the day. I loved when he and Robin would scale a building and the random celeb would pop out of a window to talk to him. )
Oh yeah, back in the 60's Batman was THE show to appear on, especially during its first two seasons. Sadly, the home video rights to the TV show have been tied up in litigation for years and it doesn't look like it will be seeing the light of day again any time soon.
If you're a fan of the show, I'd heartily recommend the book "Back to the Batcave". It's an autobiography by Adam West and he spends many chapters on that period of his life.
Don't look for a DVD compilation of the 60s show anytime soon, guys. Even if the litigation dust settled, the sales would be dismal at best and here's why I think that:
At every comic book convention that I attend, whether I'm there to sit at a table or go all out fanboy, there are guys who sell the seasons in bootleg form at every single one!
I remember the last major con I did, out of curiosity,I went up and asked one vendor how many copies of the show that he had moved in a weekend and he told me that he was nearly sold out. He brought about 150 copies and was selling them for 10-15 dollars a pop. Do the math. And not just the 60s Batman, I've seen copies of the 90s X-Men animated series (more court drama) and other shows hard to get on dvd.
And this particular "businessman" said that he does this nationwide hitting every single con and sci-fi event that's on the calendar not to mention other avenues taken. From what I have seen of his wares on tv display, they're all high quality stuff too.
Okay, it's piracy anyway you look at it and I have no idea how merchants like this skirt around the rules like they do but look at the cashcow that 20th Century Fox and whomever are missing out on because of their little tizzy?
Will people care to get the product the legit way if and once all the court tie-ups settles? Really hard to say.
This piracy thing looks to have gone to a whole new level nowadays.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Interesting theory Rogue, but I think only a very small percentage of the show's fans attend those conventions. Even enthusiasts like myself and my brother haven't been to a con in years. There are plenty of people out there who might like the show for nostalgia's sake but wouldn't think about attending a con to score a set of DVDs. And then you have the anal retentive types like me who really find too many flaws with homebrew DVDs burned from TV airings (I'm so uptight in that regard that I get turned off if the DVD case doesn't look professional). And, as you say, at the end of the day it is piracy and thus technically illegal.
Of course, a legit DVD release would require some work on the presentation to make it stand out. The episodes would need to be cleaned up, the video and sound remastered. They would also have to be bundled with some commentary by West and Ward (just about all the villains have long since passed away) or some comics experts. And you'd want to include a few documentaries, still galleries or other bonus material. I'm sure that kind of a presentation would engender interest and lead to healthy sales. If more borderline fare like Wonder Woman, Buck Rogers and even Isis found a market on DVD, I'm sure there would be a place for Batman. Just look at how many times the Star Trek shows have been released and re-released (and the remastered ones with new FX just went on sale too).
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
Star Trek shows have been released and re-released (and the remastered ones with new FX just went on sale too).
My dad just bought the remastered ones on HD-DVD (really cheap now, for obvious reasons). Great fun.
Paramount only released Season 1 on a combo DVD/HD-DVD. Seasons 2 and 3 will be standard def DVD only.
I found the remastered episodes to be somewhat hit or miss. Some, like The Doomsday Machine, were fantastic; while others, like The Ultimate Computer, played it safe and ended up somewhat disappointing. Paramount was offering the individual remastered episodes on Xbox Live, but then stopped putting up new ones shortly after the project began.
I'm also a little disappointed that even though the new FX were shot at a 16x9 ratio (which is how they appear on Xbox Live, the regular action being pillarboxed to 4x3) they have instead decided to crop everything to 4x3 for the DVD's. In Japan I hear they crop the live action so that everything is 16x9 and I think that would have been a more daring approach to differentiate it further from past releases.
I'll be waiting to see if Paramount releases an enhanced BluRay version before deciding whether or not to take the plunge.
I've asked Dan for his forgivenenss...and hope he takes me back! ;%
Which I grant with the most extraordinay joy. (Take that Rogue. ) I thought I had lost you, but the forces of purity and good ensured that I had not. Lexi, may you never leave the good side again.
At least Spidey had the courage to do some crying!!
Exactly. {[] See, Rogue and Tony are not emotionally mature enough to appreciate something like this. :v
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
And Speaking of Adam West, I came across this on IMDB:
Original Batman star Adam West is set for a stint as a contestant on hit U.S. talent show Dancing With The Stars.
West, who played the Caped Crusader in the 1960's Batman TV show, is one of the stars shortlisted for the popular show.
And despite being nearly 80, the veteran actor is still a frontrunning favourite to win the series' next season.
A source tells New York Gossip column PageSix, "Adam is in outstanding shape. He works out an hour a day and walks with his big dog on his farm in Sun Valley, Idaho."
A representative for West says, "(He is) not definite yet, but is one of the people they are seriously looking at. They will decide on everyone on Aug 25."
Knock 'em dead Adam! And make sure you work the Batusi into one of your routines. )
* All in good fun of course; Dan's OK in my book. A little misguided, but still OK.
I feel the same way about you. -{
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
You know, figures aren't everything. They may seem to be everything, but alas, they are not!
You tell him Tiger!
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Comments
Not only that, but according to boxofficemojo.com it also took in another $65 million in foreign box office and its worldwide total has now ballooned up to nearly $705 million. And it still hasn't opened in several key markets such as Japan.
As you say, I think there's a little more at play here than just the Heath Ledger factor.
Blue, I can get that you think that Downey Jr's Tony Stark is better wrtten/acted, but Norton's Bruce Banner?
I guess I have a soft spot for B-films that try really hard, and get annoyed by A-films that just don't deliver.
Roger Moore 1927-2017
I'm not sure that Blueman or anybody else here ever said that. The main problem with the anti-CR crowd was that many of them on here had decided that it was bad before they saw it; those of us who didn't like TDK have seen it and we're saying why.
I'm not a fanboy either, but I think that TDK falls apart as a film. For the first half or so it's a great, gripping thriller, but then so much gets piled on top that it just collapses under its own weight.
And let's be fair: this isn't a Batman forum I'm farting all over. ;% Kinda like how I never posted on a Bond forum till after Brosnan had been given the boot.
To quote Darth Vader from my favorite Star Wars movie:
"All too easy..." :v
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
(BTW, Empire is my favourite Star Wars film as well.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1RqxHQOG7w
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Bats forgot to ask her if the collars and cuffs match. . .
His voicework on The Batman notwithstanding, I've always been just a little disappointed that the producers of the Batman movies never could shoehorn an Adam West cameo into one of the films. His show and the new films are light years apart in terms of tone and content, but he did help shepherd and support the character for many many years and it would have been nice to have a little nod to the Squarest Supehero Of Them All.
I don't watch it - who does he play?
His exact name escapes me, but he's the mayor of Gotham.
You should definitely check out the 5th season; lots of great crossover stories with Superman, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and the Flash.
I totally agree Tony, that is a great idea. I think he is honored to be associated with the character, as even today he still celebrates it. I loved the TV show in all it's campy glory. I heard a lot of the Hollywood A-Listers clamored to guest star on it back in the day. I loved when he and Robin would scale a building and the random celeb would pop out of a window to talk to him.
Oh yeah, back in the 60's Batman was THE show to appear on, especially during its first two seasons. Sadly, the home video rights to the TV show have been tied up in litigation for years and it doesn't look like it will be seeing the light of day again any time soon.
If you're a fan of the show, I'd heartily recommend the book "Back to the Batcave". It's an autobiography by Adam West and he spends many chapters on that period of his life.
Don't look for a DVD compilation of the 60s show anytime soon, guys. Even if the litigation dust settled, the sales would be dismal at best and here's why I think that:
At every comic book convention that I attend, whether I'm there to sit at a table or go all out fanboy, there are guys who sell the seasons in bootleg form at every single one!
I remember the last major con I did, out of curiosity,I went up and asked one vendor how many copies of the show that he had moved in a weekend and he told me that he was nearly sold out. He brought about 150 copies and was selling them for 10-15 dollars a pop. Do the math. And not just the 60s Batman, I've seen copies of the 90s X-Men animated series (more court drama) and other shows hard to get on dvd.
And this particular "businessman" said that he does this nationwide hitting every single con and sci-fi event that's on the calendar not to mention other avenues taken. From what I have seen of his wares on tv display, they're all high quality stuff too.
Okay, it's piracy anyway you look at it and I have no idea how merchants like this skirt around the rules like they do but look at the cashcow that 20th Century Fox and whomever are missing out on because of their little tizzy?
Will people care to get the product the legit way if and once all the court tie-ups settles? Really hard to say.
This piracy thing looks to have gone to a whole new level nowadays.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Of course, a legit DVD release would require some work on the presentation to make it stand out. The episodes would need to be cleaned up, the video and sound remastered. They would also have to be bundled with some commentary by West and Ward (just about all the villains have long since passed away) or some comics experts. And you'd want to include a few documentaries, still galleries or other bonus material. I'm sure that kind of a presentation would engender interest and lead to healthy sales. If more borderline fare like Wonder Woman, Buck Rogers and even Isis found a market on DVD, I'm sure there would be a place for Batman. Just look at how many times the Star Trek shows have been released and re-released (and the remastered ones with new FX just went on sale too).
My dad just bought the remastered ones on HD-DVD (really cheap now, for obvious reasons). Great fun.
Paramount only released Season 1 on a combo DVD/HD-DVD. Seasons 2 and 3 will be standard def DVD only.
I found the remastered episodes to be somewhat hit or miss. Some, like The Doomsday Machine, were fantastic; while others, like The Ultimate Computer, played it safe and ended up somewhat disappointing. Paramount was offering the individual remastered episodes on Xbox Live, but then stopped putting up new ones shortly after the project began.
I'm also a little disappointed that even though the new FX were shot at a 16x9 ratio (which is how they appear on Xbox Live, the regular action being pillarboxed to 4x3) they have instead decided to crop everything to 4x3 for the DVD's. In Japan I hear they crop the live action so that everything is 16x9 and I think that would have been a more daring approach to differentiate it further from past releases.
I'll be waiting to see if Paramount releases an enhanced BluRay version before deciding whether or not to take the plunge.
Really? How odd- I thought the whole point of redoing the sfx was to do it in HD standard because the originals were so knackered.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a122064/downey-jr-slams-the-dark-knight.html
I've asked Dan for his forgivenenss...and hope he takes me back! ;%
My reasons are in the "Last Film Seen" thread if anyone's interested in why!
Exactly. {[] See, Rogue and Tony are not emotionally mature enough to appreciate something like this. :v
I'm sure Spiderman is doing even more crying after seeing the latest box office tally.
1. Dark Knight - $445,370,695 (and counting)
2. Spider-Man1 - $403,706,375
3. Spider-Man2 - $373,585,825
4. Spider-Man3 - $336,530,303
'nuff said.
And Speaking of Adam West, I came across this on IMDB:
Original Batman star Adam West is set for a stint as a contestant on hit U.S. talent show Dancing With The Stars.
West, who played the Caped Crusader in the 1960's Batman TV show, is one of the stars shortlisted for the popular show.
And despite being nearly 80, the veteran actor is still a frontrunning favourite to win the series' next season.
A source tells New York Gossip column PageSix, "Adam is in outstanding shape. He works out an hour a day and walks with his big dog on his farm in Sun Valley, Idaho."
A representative for West says, "(He is) not definite yet, but is one of the people they are seriously looking at. They will decide on everyone on Aug 25."
Knock 'em dead Adam! And make sure you work the Batusi into one of your routines.
what, was that a subtle change of subject there Tony?
No re-buttle? :v
I think you should re-read my prior post... :v *
Also, my new sig is a constant reminder to Dan of Spiderman's place
* All in good fun of course; Dan's OK in my book. A little misguided, but still OK.
You know, figures aren't everything. They may seem to be everything, but alas, they are not!
Actually Dan, that was MJ who said that.
Fine, money isn't everything. Let's talk ratings (according to rottentomatoes.com):
Dark Knight: 94%
Spiderman 1: 92%
Spiderman 2: 93%
Spiderman 3: 61%
Close, but once again, the itsy bitsy spider comes up short (and in case you're curious Lexi, Iron Man got a 94% as well).