Another slight peeve about the trailer...Lex is still "campy". I thought that we were finished with the Hackman version. I like the one from the comics and JLU cartoons; serious and ruthless.
He is a little campy, but it also looks like he will be menacing when it calls for it, like when he yells "WRONG!" at Lois and junior.
I was a little underwhelmed, to be honest. It's not a very exciting trailer, although I think the film should be great. In our office everyone gathered round and was excited by the Bond trailer but wandered off as this one was on.
He is looking very young though. If he's supposed to have gone away many years ago I think a Superman who looks like he's lived a bit and seen some things would have been a better idea. Also, he's not exactly 'super' body-wise. I'm not hating him but I'm not as excited as I thought I would be upon seeing this.
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He is looking very young though. If he's supposed to have gone away many years ago I think a Superman who looks like he's lived a bit and seen some things would have been a better idea.
Yes. I have issues with this myself.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
He is looking very young though. If he's supposed to have gone away many years ago I think a Superman who looks like he's lived a bit and seen some things would have been a better idea.
Yes. I have issues with this myself.
In retrospect this doesn't bother me very much.If Warners plans on making a sequel--possibly even two of them--(and there always seem to be trilogies associated with characters like these)I think it makes sense to cast actors who are in their mid twenties in the lead roles of Superman and Lois Lane.It's easier to make an younger performer look older than it ever is to make an older one appear young.Chris Reeve was around 26 when he first played Superman,but he played The Man of Steel as a 30 year old.Perhaps Routh will do likewise.
What does bother me--but this is probably because I've been a fan of Superman since the 1950s--is the idea of Lois Lane as a single mother.Yes,yes,I know Lois' child is the son she had by Superman as a direct result of the romantic interlude she shared with him when he was briefly powerless in Superman II,but is a kid absolutely necessary?(There--now I sound like someone who hates kids.)
The other thing that bothers me is the decision to play Lex Luthor in a campy manner.I think that damaged the first two Superman films.I'd much rather Luthor was presented in a serious fashion.
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I could do without the kid myself, W.G...
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
What does bother me--but this is probably because I've been a fan of Superman since the 1950s--is the idea of Lois Lane as a single mother.Yes,yes,I know Lois' child is the son she had by Superman as a direct result of the romantic interlude she shared with him when he was briefly powerless in Superman II,but is a kid absolutely necessary?(There--now I sound like someone who hates kids.)
WG, you really sound like somebody who hates kids. ) Just kidding, this is the one aspect of the movie that bugs me as well as it is very much out of left field. That he reminds me of that kid from the 70's commercials (Mason Reece?) doesn't help either. What was that line W.C. Fields had about kids and dogs...
The other thing that bothers me is the decision to play Lex Luthor in a campy manner.I think that damaged the first two Superman films.I'd much rather Luthor was presented in a serious fashion.
I still think there's more to Spacey's Luthor than what we've seen. Everything I've read says that this is going to be one mean character. Hopefully the campy bits will be limited to what we saw in the trailer.
Still, overall, I'm looking forward to this more than just about anything else.
WG, you really sound like somebody who hates kids. ) Just kidding, this is the one aspect of the movie that bugs me as well as it is very much out of left field. That he reminds me of that kid from the 70's commercials (Mason Reece?) doesn't help either. What was that line W.C. Fields had about kids and dogs...
As I recall,he had three comments:
1)"Anyone who hates children and dogs can't be all bad."
2)When asked how he liked children he said,"Fried!"
3)And there's a moment in one of his movies where he turns to some kids and says,"Here are some razor blades.Go play with them."
I'm just hoping the son of Superman isn't used as a gimmick(which of course he is) to somehow present Lois Lane as a more responsible adult than her previous depictions.A character given greater depth by virtue of being a parent.It didn't work for Murphy Brown(quick--name her son) and I'm not convinced it'll work for Lois either.
Hmm...what's next?Using this logic,how about having Superman arrive on Earth after his five year mission and then proudly announce that he too,is a single parent--having happily done his part to add to the populations of the many important planets in the DC Multiverse.Such a revelation could make him equally interesting, but it might also be interpreted as a deviation from the original character.
I still think there's more to Spacey's Luthor than what we've seen. Everything I've read says that this is going to be one mean character. Hopefully the campy bits will be limited to what we saw in the trailer.
Still, overall, I'm looking forward to this more than just about anything else.
I'm complaining but I'm also looking forward to this movie.I think the entire cast looks very promising and hope the story will be a good one.It'd be a shame if this movie turns out to be just a rehash of Superman I--but with a little boy placed in danger.I want this film to be an epic adventure with plenty of impressive moments.With CGI having evolved into an art form of it's own, there's no reason we can't believe a man can fly and have powers beyond those of mortal men.Or that an evil scientist can be very bad indeed.But ultimately,the story should revolve around Superman and Lois Lane.I don't think that's too much to ask for.It's not like I'm demanding or opinionated or anything like that.
And I want to see a Green Lantern movie(the Hal Jordan version) along with a Shadow film that's better than the Alec Baldwin one(which was pretty good).Plus a Doc Savage movie(not with Arnold) and see The Spirit on the big screen(maybe animated as Brad Bird had originally intended).And I also want...
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And I want to see a Green Lantern movie(the Hal Jordan version) along with a Shadow film that's better than the Alec Baldwin one(which was pretty good).Plus a Doc Savage movie(not with Arnold) and see The Spirit on the big screen(maybe animated as Brad Bird had originally intended).And I also want...
Just when I think that I can't like you more, W.G. :x
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
After being away for 5 years, Supes is going to have some serious child support payments on his hands.
Like you, I'd love to see a Hal Jordan/Green Lantern movie; he's my favorite DC character and I would really flip out if that happened.
I also liked The Shadow; not the greatest comics adaptation ever but I really enjoyed the 1940's setting.
As for Doc Savage, I think it's a safe bet Arnold is too old for that now (I'd heard those rumors as well...shudders). Did you ever see the George Pal version with Ron Ely? I remember really enjoying it as a youngster, old to be pretty disappointed with it when I saw it again as an adult.
Of course, my all-time favorite comics adaptation has to be...Danger Diabolik. )
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If you remember the old pulp magazines of Doc Savage, which were impressive to say the least, maybe getting someone like The Rock or at least in that area? Afterall...he is the man of bronze?
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
After being away for 5 years, Supes is going to have some serious child support payments on his hands.
Like you, I'd love to see a Hal Jordan/Green Lantern movie; he's my favorite DC character and I would really flip out if that happened.
I also liked The Shadow; not the greatest comics adaptation ever but I really enjoyed the 1940's setting.
As for Doc Savage, I think it's a safe bet Arnold is too old for that now (I'd heard those rumors as well...shudders). Did you ever see the George Pal version with Ron Ely? I remember really enjoying it as a youngster, old to be pretty disappointed with it when I saw it again as an adult.
Of course, my all-time favorite comics adaptation has to be...Danger Diabolik. )
I also think Danger:Diabolik is one of the better comics to films adaptations.The moviemakers and actors involved weren't ashamed of their subject matter.
Another adaptation that's high on my list is the Buster Crabbe Flash Gordon serial trilogy--notably the last one,Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe,which--considering budgetary restraints-- really looks like the comic strip come to life.I'm also fond of the unrepentantly nymphomanical Princess Aura Priscilla Lawson plays in the first FG serial--she's very hot for something geared towards general audiences.Ornella Muti equalled her in looks but not in style.
I also think the four Dick Tracy serials Republic made are pretty darn cool.Granted,Tracy's a G-Man in these but aside from that they capture the general spirit of the strip.IMO Ralph Byrd does a better job as the square jawed crimefighter than Warren Beatty did--and in all fairness,Beatty wasn't half bad.And his movie LOOKS like the strip.
I think The Phantom is an unjustly overlooked movie.It's not exactly like the Lee Falk comic strip,but as a longtime fan,I think it's about 95% right.Billy Zane's great as The Ghost Who Walks and aside from a campy Treat Williams and an ineffectual Kristy Swanson(she's very pretty but she's not an actress),it's good.When I first saw this one I found myself hoping Kit Walker would wind up with Catherine Zeta-Jones' gorgeous mercenary/pilot instead of the Good Girl.Really..there's absolutely no contest between those two women.
But to answer your question--yes,I saw the George Pal Doc Savage movie.Ron Ely was surprisingly good as Doc and,IMO, more closely resembled the Baumhofer pulp covers than the more musclebound version on the Jim Bama paperbacks.The film starts well but it goes downhill all too quickly.It needed a much bigger budget,more suitable supporting players and a more involving story.And hopefully as little camp as possible.
Who'd I like to see play Doc?I don't know but I'd rather he was a relative unknown who looks right for the role.I once thought Dolph Lundgren would be good--and in the movie Men of War he shows he can act--but he's probably too old now.Someone with a similar appearance.
The Indiana Jones movies show me how a faithfully adapted DS could be handled.There's a terrific serial called Daredevils of the Red Circle Republic made in the late 30s that has a real DS flavor.A team of stuntmen join forces to prevent a madman from detroying the world.And there's also one called The Fighting Devil Dogs.Two tough Marines prevent a madman with a flying wing from world domination.I think these suggest the types of stories DS could be involved in.Big stories.Possibly something with Doc's archenemy John Sunlight...Marvel's B/W Doc Savage magazine featured several stories by Doug Moench that seemed ideally suited to movies--including one featuring Doc's beautiful cousin Pat(The Woman of Bronze) in a major role.
Sky Captain showed me that not only Doc but also Blackhawk might one day make it to the big screen(the Blackhawk serial's okay for what it is,but it had a minescule budget whereas a big movie would be great--if cast properly).
And I'd like to see some of the lesser lights of the comic book world come to the screen.Characters such as Gardner Fox's Dr.Fate,John Albano's Jonah Hex,and Siegel and Shuster's Race Williams-inspired Slam Bradley,plus Mark Evanier/Dan Spiegle's Hollywood based crimefighter CrossFire.Mike W.Barr's Maze Agency could support a couple of films if the mysteries were clever.There's plenty of good material available.
I think my smiley next to Danger Diabolik threw you off; I own that one and love it as well. Another classic from Mario Bava (right up there with Demon Planet / Planet of the Vampires).
I agree with you all the way on The Phantom, I also thought it was sadly overlooked and that it was a lot of fun. Again, setting it as a period piece was a great decision artistically.
I'm actually surprised nobody has made a Dr. Fate movie; after the success of The Mummy films, I think a Dr. Fate movie would be very accessible with a mass audience; the character's powers and backstory would make for a great film.
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I'm actually surprised nobody has made a Dr. Fate movie; after the success of The Mummy films, I think a Dr. Fate movie would be very accessible with a mass audience; the character's powers and backstory would make for a great film.
Tony, IMO, Dr. Strange would have more name recognition and appeal to non-comic fans looking for something new to go see. And I like Fate alot; I can already envision advertisements for it and people saying: "Who?"
But I could be wrong.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I'm actually surprised nobody has made a Dr. Fate movie; after the success of The Mummy films, I think a Dr. Fate movie would be very accessible with a mass audience; the character's powers and backstory would make for a great film.
Tony, IMO, Dr. Strange would have more name recognition and appeal to non-comic fans looking for something new to go see. And I like Fate alot; I can already envision advertisements for it and people saying: "Who?"
But I could be wrong.
Yup, you could be right. I just think that his whole backstory is more accessible to a mainstream audience than some other comics properties. As for Dr. Strange, did you ever see that 1970's TV adaptation? Wasn't bad for it's time.
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As for Dr. Strange, did you ever see that 1970's TV adaptation? Wasn't bad for it's time.
Do I?
I remember begging my grandmother to let me see this picture which aired on CBS, since she owned only one set and I remember how unfulfilled I was with how cheaply Marvel handled this...
If I recall, it was a purple costume with gold glitter that looked nowhere in the neighborhood of Strange's garb. The actor that played the good doctor looked more fitting to be a porn star with the afro-perm and mustache; not to mention that it was dreadfully slow-paced but those were the little luxuries we didn't take for granted.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
As for Dr. Strange, did you ever see that 1970's TV adaptation? Wasn't bad for it's time.
Do I?
I remember begging my grandmother to let me see this picture which aired on CBS, since she owned only one set and I remember how unfulfilled I was with how cheaply Marvel handled this...
If I recall, it was a purple costume with gold glitter that looked nowhere in the neighborhood of Strange's garb. The actor that played the good doctor looked more fitting to be a porn star with the afro-perm and mustache; not to mention that it was dreadfully slow-paced but those were the little luxuries we didn't take for granted.
Ouch! Sorry I dredged up all those bad memories. I think the guy was Peter Hooten, and now that you mention it, he did look kinda like Johnny Holmes. )
How did that incantation go? In the name of Rile, scourge of demons, I command you be gone!!! )
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Here's a pic of the hero/dr./ porn star what have you. )
I think my smiley next to Danger Diabolik threw you off; I own that one and love it as well. Another classic from Mario Bava (right up there with Demon Planet / Planet of the Vampires).
I agree with you all the way on The Phantom, I also thought it was sadly overlooked and that it was a lot of fun. Again, setting it as a period piece was a great decision artistically.
I'm actually surprised nobody has made a Dr. Fate movie; after the success of The Mummy films, I think a Dr. Fate movie would be very accessible with a mass audience; the character's powers and backstory would make for a great film.
Your smiley didn't throw me off at all.I'm also a Bava fan.In fact,my favorite from among his many horror films is Black Sunday(Mask of the Demon).It's one of the greatest vampire movies I've ever seen and it also introduced me to the wonders of Barbara Steele--a most unique beauty.British actor John Richardson(once a candidate to play 007 in OHMSS)is very good as the hero.Black Sunday is outstanding--a work of art.(I also like The Whip and the Body--not so much for the story but because I'm a Dahlia Lavi fan.)
Anyway,I feel the same way about Danger:Diabolik.It looks great-the use of color is terrific and overall the storyline reflects the content of the comic book's storylines.John Philip Law gives a fine performance, as does Marissa Mell(who very thoughtfully wears as little clothing as possible).Diabolik was obviously made with plenty of respect for it's source material.Sadly,that was once a rare instance for any movie based on comic book characters(I'm not counting the long-running Blondie movie series and the later TV shows).
Like you,I think that characters like The Phantom,Flash Gordon,Dick Tracy,The Shadow,Doc Savage,The Spider and others so inextricably tied to past decades should always remain there in the movies based upon them.I think the 1930s is practically a character all it's own when handled properly.Updates rarely work because in the end nearly always all that remains are the names.
Much as I like Dr.Strange(A 35 year old Timothy Dalton with his Errol Flynn moustache would've been great as this character),I honestly think it'd be great to see Dr.Fate given the big screen treatment-by someone who cared,of course.There's no baggage with this character.Steven Sommers might do a good job with Fate and of course the CGI people could run amuck with "witch-haunted Salem".
I remember the Dr.Strange movie(even videotaped it).I thought it was pretty good everything considered and it even managed to suggest the flavor of the comics.IMO Peter Hooten was quite effective as Strange(he had a big moustache--but that was also the time of big moustaches and his 'stache resembled the one Steve Englehart later gave the character),Jessica Walter was(as always)tres sexy,and Sir John Mills was excellent as Lindmer.Not exactly the Stan Lee version but at least 85% made it to the screen.A noble effort.
I remember reading that the pilot tested well and it got good ratings but CBS didn't know what to do with it.So there was no series.
I'm sure you're aware of this,but there's another Dr.Strange movie--and this one is on DVD.It's called Dr.Mordrid,and definitely worth a peek.Jeffrey Combs plays the title role.Any similarities to Dr.Strange are purely intentional but different enough to escape any legal actions.
I just started picking up the new series. You have no idea how much I enjoyed this title as a kid. I'm certainly all for a film adaptation.
Hmm...I can only tell you how much I liked the Jonah Hex comic book.I bought the first issue largely because of Jose Luis Garcia Lopez's outstanding artwork,and also because I love Westerns.The stories were terrific and even when JLGL left the book, DC continued to put some extremely talented draftsmen on it among them,Tony DeZuniga-whose work on Marvel's B/W Conan and Doc Savage magazines I really admired.
Overall,Hex was one of DC's best titles.Conversely,I'm not very fond of Tim Truman's rendition of Jonah.It's just a personal thing-the story's good, but I don't care for his style.
Frankly I think The Outlaw Josey Wales looks as much like a Jonah Hex movie as we may ever see.
You probably know that Jonah Hex made a special appearance in an episode of the animated Batman:The Gotham AdventuresTV series.It's a flashback episode set in the Southwest in the late 1880s-early 1890s,and recounts the time bounty hunter Jonah Hex pursued a mysterious stranger named Ras al Ghul.This is in the third collection of the original animated Batman DVD sets.It's called "Showdown"-Joe R.Lansdale wrote it.
Great posts WG. A lot of those movies you mention adorn my collection; and we seem to have the same taste in leading ladies as well . Dahlia Lavi... :x ...the best thing about the 1967 Casino Royale.
I noticed that you didn't mention Demon Planet (aka Planet of the Vampires); don't know if you ever saw that one but if not, you should check it out. Great sets and atmosphere, a plot with a lot of elements that were later lifted for Alien, and a great ending that harkens to Rod Serling. The dubbing is a bit shaky (as with all these films) and some of the effects cheesy by today's standards, but still a strong entry by Bava. Probably my favorite of his movies.
Great posts WG. A lot of those movies you mention adorn my collection; and we seem to have the same taste in leading ladies as well . Dahlia Lavi... :x ...the best thing about the 1967 Casino Royale.
Yes indeed,Dahlia is easily the best thing about CR--although Barbara Bouchet is unquestionably the sexiest Miss Moneypenny ever to appear on the screen.If you haven't seen it(or have it-and you probably do)check out Some Girls Do(1969).This is the sequel to Richard Johnson's first Bulldog Drummond movie(the excellent 1967 James Bond lookalike Deadlier Than the Male ).Dahlia is the villainess in Some Girls and as it was made on Spain's Costa del Sol,she finds excuses to wear several bikinis even while she's doing evil things.The cute Sydne Rome plays the good girl Johnson protects.Not a masterpiece but fun--on the level of one of Roger Moore's lightweight Bond fantasies.As far as I know,this is not on DVD(at least in the USA-dang it!),but it might be available as a bootleg VHS.
[Quote=TonyDP}I noticed that you didn't mention Demon Planet (aka Planet of the Vampires); don't know if you ever saw that one but if not, you should check it out. Great sets and atmosphere, a plot with a lot of elements that were later lifted for Alien, and a great ending that harkens to Rod Serling. The dubbing is a bit shaky (as with all these films) and some of the effects cheesy by today's standards, but still a strong entry by Bava. Probably my favorite of his movies.
I think I've seen this one.Was it also called Planet of the Vampires?The plot you describe sounds very familiar to me(and not because I saw it later on in Alien/Aliens).I recall a bright red sky and black spacesuits.A relatively small cast.Possibly some black leather costumes.All in all,a very stylized movie and quite entertaining,regardless of the small budget.This one has quite a shocking ending along the lines of what you're hinting at.Definitely along the lines of the Twilight Zone.
I think I've seen this one.Was it also called Planet of the Vampires?The plot you describe sounds very familiar to me(and not because I saw it later on in Alien/Aliens).I recall a bright red sky and black spacesuits.A relatively small cast.Possibly some black leather costumes.All in all,a very stylized movie and quite entertaining,regardless of the small budget.This one has quite a shocking ending along the lines of what you're hinting at.Definitely along the lines of the Twilight Zone.
Yup, that's the one. It's available for around 10 bucks as part of the Midnight Movies DVD collection (they actually did a very good remastering job on it). You can't go wrong for that price.
Caught the latest trailer at the movies over the weekend, and I thought it looked like a lot of fun! I'll have to see a bit more of Routh's portrayel as Clark Kent to make a fair assessment, because what I saw didn't sit perfectly with me...he's seems to much of a hunk in glasses, and not nerdish enough.
And I can't help but weigh in on the Doc Savage ideas. I'm chomping at the bit for a decent screen version of the Man of Bronze. The problem comes down to casting though. I can't think of anyone who has the physique and physical presence, but at the same time can deliver the idea that he's quite brainy as well...not too many brawny scientist types out there. I kind of played with the idea of George Eads from the CSI television show (who I believe has an upcoming Evil Knievel movie coming out). Granted, he would have to dye his hair, but I think he kinda fits the image conceived by Bama. Just don't know how he would look in jodhpurs, though.
(coincidently: Ron Ely, who played Doc in the campy 70's version also portrayed the star-spangled daredevil Knievel...but that's not what made me think of Eads)
Comments
He is a little campy, but it also looks like he will be menacing when it calls for it, like when he yells "WRONG!" at Lois and junior.
He is looking very young though. If he's supposed to have gone away many years ago I think a Superman who looks like he's lived a bit and seen some things would have been a better idea. Also, he's not exactly 'super' body-wise. I'm not hating him but I'm not as excited as I thought I would be upon seeing this.
Yes. I have issues with this myself.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
In retrospect this doesn't bother me very much.If Warners plans on making a sequel--possibly even two of them--(and there always seem to be trilogies associated with characters like these)I think it makes sense to cast actors who are in their mid twenties in the lead roles of Superman and Lois Lane.It's easier to make an younger performer look older than it ever is to make an older one appear young.Chris Reeve was around 26 when he first played Superman,but he played The Man of Steel as a 30 year old.Perhaps Routh will do likewise.
What does bother me--but this is probably because I've been a fan of Superman since the 1950s--is the idea of Lois Lane as a single mother.Yes,yes,I know Lois' child is the son she had by Superman as a direct result of the romantic interlude she shared with him when he was briefly powerless in Superman II,but is a kid absolutely necessary?(There--now I sound like someone who hates kids.)
The other thing that bothers me is the decision to play Lex Luthor in a campy manner.I think that damaged the first two Superman films.I'd much rather Luthor was presented in a serious fashion.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
WG, you really sound like somebody who hates kids.
I still think there's more to Spacey's Luthor than what we've seen. Everything I've read says that this is going to be one mean character. Hopefully the campy bits will be limited to what we saw in the trailer.
Still, overall, I'm looking forward to this more than just about anything else.
Just when I think that I can't like you more, W.G. :x
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Like you, I'd love to see a Hal Jordan/Green Lantern movie; he's my favorite DC character and I would really flip out if that happened.
I also liked The Shadow; not the greatest comics adaptation ever but I really enjoyed the 1940's setting.
As for Doc Savage, I think it's a safe bet Arnold is too old for that now (I'd heard those rumors as well...shudders). Did you ever see the George Pal version with Ron Ely? I remember really enjoying it as a youngster, old to be pretty disappointed with it when I saw it again as an adult.
Of course, my all-time favorite comics adaptation has to be...Danger Diabolik.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I also think Danger:Diabolik is one of the better comics to films adaptations.The moviemakers and actors involved weren't ashamed of their subject matter.
Another adaptation that's high on my list is the Buster Crabbe Flash Gordon serial trilogy--notably the last one,Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe,which--considering budgetary restraints-- really looks like the comic strip come to life.I'm also fond of the unrepentantly nymphomanical Princess Aura Priscilla Lawson plays in the first FG serial--she's very hot for something geared towards general audiences.Ornella Muti equalled her in looks but not in style.
I also think the four Dick Tracy serials Republic made are pretty darn cool.Granted,Tracy's a G-Man in these but aside from that they capture the general spirit of the strip.IMO Ralph Byrd does a better job as the square jawed crimefighter than Warren Beatty did--and in all fairness,Beatty wasn't half bad.And his movie LOOKS like the strip.
I think The Phantom is an unjustly overlooked movie.It's not exactly like the Lee Falk comic strip,but as a longtime fan,I think it's about 95% right.Billy Zane's great as The Ghost Who Walks and aside from a campy Treat Williams and an ineffectual Kristy Swanson(she's very pretty but she's not an actress),it's good.When I first saw this one I found myself hoping Kit Walker would wind up with Catherine Zeta-Jones' gorgeous mercenary/pilot instead of the Good Girl.Really..there's absolutely no contest between those two women.
But to answer your question--yes,I saw the George Pal Doc Savage movie.Ron Ely was surprisingly good as Doc and,IMO, more closely resembled the Baumhofer pulp covers than the more musclebound version on the Jim Bama paperbacks.The film starts well but it goes downhill all too quickly.It needed a much bigger budget,more suitable supporting players and a more involving story.And hopefully as little camp as possible.
Who'd I like to see play Doc?I don't know but I'd rather he was a relative unknown who looks right for the role.I once thought Dolph Lundgren would be good--and in the movie Men of War he shows he can act--but he's probably too old now.Someone with a similar appearance.
The Indiana Jones movies show me how a faithfully adapted DS could be handled.There's a terrific serial called Daredevils of the Red Circle Republic made in the late 30s that has a real DS flavor.A team of stuntmen join forces to prevent a madman from detroying the world.And there's also one called The Fighting Devil Dogs.Two tough Marines prevent a madman with a flying wing from world domination.I think these suggest the types of stories DS could be involved in.Big stories.Possibly something with Doc's archenemy John Sunlight...Marvel's B/W Doc Savage magazine featured several stories by Doug Moench that seemed ideally suited to movies--including one featuring Doc's beautiful cousin Pat(The Woman of Bronze) in a major role.
Sky Captain showed me that not only Doc but also Blackhawk might one day make it to the big screen(the Blackhawk serial's okay for what it is,but it had a minescule budget whereas a big movie would be great--if cast properly).
And I'd like to see some of the lesser lights of the comic book world come to the screen.Characters such as Gardner Fox's Dr.Fate,John Albano's Jonah Hex,and Siegel and Shuster's Race Williams-inspired Slam Bradley,plus Mark Evanier/Dan Spiegle's Hollywood based crimefighter CrossFire.Mike W.Barr's Maze Agency could support a couple of films if the mysteries were clever.There's plenty of good material available.
I agree with you all the way on The Phantom, I also thought it was sadly overlooked and that it was a lot of fun. Again, setting it as a period piece was a great decision artistically.
I'm actually surprised nobody has made a Dr. Fate movie; after the success of The Mummy films, I think a Dr. Fate movie would be very accessible with a mass audience; the character's powers and backstory would make for a great film.
I just started picking up the new series. You have no idea how much I enjoyed this title as a kid. I'm certainly all for a film adaptation.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Tony, IMO, Dr. Strange would have more name recognition and appeal to non-comic fans looking for something new to go see. And I like Fate alot; I can already envision advertisements for it and people saying: "Who?"
But I could be wrong.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Yup, you could be right. I just think that his whole backstory is more accessible to a mainstream audience than some other comics properties. As for Dr. Strange, did you ever see that 1970's TV adaptation? Wasn't bad for it's time.
Do I?
I remember begging my grandmother to let me see this picture which aired on CBS, since she owned only one set and I remember how unfulfilled I was with how cheaply Marvel handled this...
If I recall, it was a purple costume with gold glitter that looked nowhere in the neighborhood of Strange's garb. The actor that played the good doctor looked more fitting to be a porn star with the afro-perm and mustache; not to mention that it was dreadfully slow-paced but those were the little luxuries we didn't take for granted.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Ouch! Sorry I dredged up all those bad memories. I think the guy was Peter Hooten, and now that you mention it, he did look kinda like Johnny Holmes.
How did that incantation go? In the name of Rile, scourge of demons, I command you be gone!!!
http://www.superherotv.com/gfx/75/9a.jpg
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Your smiley didn't throw me off at all.I'm also a Bava fan.In fact,my favorite from among his many horror films is Black Sunday(Mask of the Demon).It's one of the greatest vampire movies I've ever seen and it also introduced me to the wonders of Barbara Steele--a most unique beauty.British actor John Richardson(once a candidate to play 007 in OHMSS)is very good as the hero.Black Sunday is outstanding--a work of art.(I also like The Whip and the Body--not so much for the story but because I'm a Dahlia Lavi fan.)
Anyway,I feel the same way about Danger:Diabolik.It looks great-the use of color is terrific and overall the storyline reflects the content of the comic book's storylines.John Philip Law gives a fine performance, as does Marissa Mell(who very thoughtfully wears as little clothing as possible).Diabolik was obviously made with plenty of respect for it's source material.Sadly,that was once a rare instance for any movie based on comic book characters(I'm not counting the long-running Blondie movie series and the later TV shows).
Like you,I think that characters like The Phantom,Flash Gordon,Dick Tracy,The Shadow,Doc Savage,The Spider and others so inextricably tied to past decades should always remain there in the movies based upon them.I think the 1930s is practically a character all it's own when handled properly.Updates rarely work because in the end nearly always all that remains are the names.
Much as I like Dr.Strange(A 35 year old Timothy Dalton with his Errol Flynn moustache would've been great as this character),I honestly think it'd be great to see Dr.Fate given the big screen treatment-by someone who cared,of course.There's no baggage with this character.Steven Sommers might do a good job with Fate and of course the CGI people could run amuck with "witch-haunted Salem".
I remember the Dr.Strange movie(even videotaped it).I thought it was pretty good everything considered and it even managed to suggest the flavor of the comics.IMO Peter Hooten was quite effective as Strange(he had a big moustache--but that was also the time of big moustaches and his 'stache resembled the one Steve Englehart later gave the character),Jessica Walter was(as always)tres sexy,and Sir John Mills was excellent as Lindmer.Not exactly the Stan Lee version but at least 85% made it to the screen.A noble effort.
I remember reading that the pilot tested well and it got good ratings but CBS didn't know what to do with it.So there was no series.
I'm sure you're aware of this,but there's another Dr.Strange movie--and this one is on DVD.It's called Dr.Mordrid,and definitely worth a peek.Jeffrey Combs plays the title role.Any similarities to Dr.Strange are purely intentional but different enough to escape any legal actions.
Hmm...I can only tell you how much I liked the Jonah Hex comic book.I bought the first issue largely because of Jose Luis Garcia Lopez's outstanding artwork,and also because I love Westerns.The stories were terrific and even when JLGL left the book, DC continued to put some extremely talented draftsmen on it among them,Tony DeZuniga-whose work on Marvel's B/W Conan and Doc Savage magazines I really admired.
Overall,Hex was one of DC's best titles.Conversely,I'm not very fond of Tim Truman's rendition of Jonah.It's just a personal thing-the story's good, but I don't care for his style.
Frankly I think The Outlaw Josey Wales looks as much like a Jonah Hex movie as we may ever see.
You probably know that Jonah Hex made a special appearance in an episode of the animated Batman:The Gotham AdventuresTV series.It's a flashback episode set in the Southwest in the late 1880s-early 1890s,and recounts the time bounty hunter Jonah Hex pursued a mysterious stranger named Ras al Ghul.This is in the third collection of the original animated Batman DVD sets.It's called "Showdown"-Joe R.Lansdale wrote it.
I noticed that you didn't mention Demon Planet (aka Planet of the Vampires); don't know if you ever saw that one but if not, you should check it out. Great sets and atmosphere, a plot with a lot of elements that were later lifted for Alien, and a great ending that harkens to Rod Serling. The dubbing is a bit shaky (as with all these films) and some of the effects cheesy by today's standards, but still a strong entry by Bava. Probably my favorite of his movies.
Yup, that's the one. It's available for around 10 bucks as part of the Midnight Movies DVD collection (they actually did a very good remastering job on it). You can't go wrong for that price.
This thread is shaping up very nicely,
Could use a little tweaking IMO but...it'll pass.
Just experimenting, really...
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Maybe I can get you to do a Hal Jordan Green Lantern for me to add to "The Shrine". I already have some ideas about how I'd frame and matte it...
PM me your addy, Tony and I'll see what I can work up for you. You have my word.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
It's rather nice:
http://www.bluetights.net/images/news/sr_poster.jpg
And I can't help but weigh in on the Doc Savage ideas. I'm chomping at the bit for a decent screen version of the Man of Bronze. The problem comes down to casting though. I can't think of anyone who has the physique and physical presence, but at the same time can deliver the idea that he's quite brainy as well...not too many brawny scientist types out there. I kind of played with the idea of George Eads from the CSI television show (who I believe has an upcoming Evil Knievel movie coming out). Granted, he would have to dye his hair, but I think he kinda fits the image conceived by Bama. Just don't know how he would look in jodhpurs, though.
(coincidently: Ron Ely, who played Doc in the campy 70's version also portrayed the star-spangled daredevil Knievel...but that's not what made me think of Eads)