Cosmic Book News

X-Men ’97 Ratings Fail To Beat Ms. Marvel
X-Men ’97 Ratings Fail To Beat Ms. Marvel
Superman Is Fake If He Can’t Kill Zod Says Zack Snyder
Superman Is Fake If He Can’t Kill Zod Says Zack Snyder
Fantastic Four: LaKeith Stanfield Rumored As Silver Surfer
Fantastic Four: LaKeith Stanfield Rumored As Silver Surfer
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Featured Articles

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Comic Book News

Review: Batman #0

I would like to thank Scott Snyder for NOT churning out yet another rehashed origin story. The tale of Bruce Wayne becoming Batman has been done so many times that even my nephew knows it — and he’s only two! 

Rather than giving fans more of the same, Snyder tells a tale of a young Bruce Wayne trying to find his niche in the war against crime. Both eager and naive, Bruce dives in head first, but he doesn’t know the depths he will need to go in order to save the city he loves.

Building upon the mythos he has crafted so well, Snyder gives the reader a barrage of ideas in this tale. From the first Batarang, a chance meeting with James Gordon and a glance at Bruce Wayne’s original “home base”, fans will be clamoring for more just as it comes to a close. Curiosities about the past and how it will resurface in the future will abound you in this well crafted and refreshing tale. But, for me, it is the follow up story that truly makes this book pitch perfect.

On a single night, five years in the past; the “Bat family” ponder just what heroism — or lack there of — means to them. From an alleyway, a principal’s office, a circus tent and a rooftop, these people’s lives have been inexplicably changed by a man they have never met, although his shadow descends over them all. 

Rife with characterization and overwhelmingly intelligent, James Tynion IV has set the bar for emotional tales in eight pages or less! From loyalty to bravado, from fear to childlike awe, this tale gets to the center of all the characters in a simple yet, stunning manner. It is a rare story that will make you appreciate how precious good stories are — even without the “Bat.”

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Comic Book News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for September 12th, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:3024:]]1.  Batgirl #0:  Gail Simone has been hinting about Batgirl’s origin since issue one, especially that fateful night when it was all taken away from her. Well, you won’t see how she learned to walk again here, but you will see her heroism in full swing and her first meeting with a certain Knight! Well paced and very rich in characterization, this is a fantastic series!

2.  Avengers Vs. X-Men #11:  This is the single most impressive book of the series. Continuity issues aside — Cap asks the Hulk to join the Avengers? Wait, isn’t he already one in Avengers Assemble? Oh, that one’s only about Marvel movie characters? Okay! — this one gets the heart racing again! Plus, someone gets kill… oh, right –NO SPOILERS! I always forget!

3.  X-O Manowar #5:  One of Valiant’s coolest creations comes back in it’s flagship title! Enter–Ninjak! Finally, Aric has his hands full when Ninjak is paid to retrieve the X-O armor. But, will the world’s deadliest assassin turn it over or keep it for himself?

4.  Batman #0:  A cool tale about Bruce Wayne’s first attempts at bringing justice to Gotham, but it’s the back-up tale by James Tynion IV and Andy Clarke that makes this book worth while! Revolving around the “Bat family” of characters, we get to see their different perspectives regarding heroism in a single night. Really well done!

5.  He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #2:  Purely for nostalgic reasons, this one continues James Robinson’s tale of young Adam and his quest to remember his past. It seems a certain sorcerer has made him forget the man he truly is, but that won’t stop him from trying! Not even — Trapjaw! Let the eighties reign supreme!

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Movie News Reviews Video Game News

The State of Hollywood 6: The Metal Gear Movie

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The State of Hollywood 6:

The Reality of the Metal Gear Solid Movie

By: Lawrence Napoli 

 

What could go wrong?

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When the Metal Gear Solid film adaptation was confirmed to be in the works at Konami’s 25th Anniversary of the video game franchise, I was very intrigued at the prospect of bringing one of the most cinematic game sagas to the silver screen.  I was also quite apprehensive of such lofty ambitions for the simple fact that Hollywood has blundered just about every gaming license it has gotten its greasy palms on, and I’d hate to see Kojima’s masterpiece sullied by anyone for any reason.  Just look what they did to Super Mario and he was a fat plumber who curb-stomped turtles to save a princess.  How can Hollywood possibly handle the “nuances, ideology [and] cautionary tales,” (quoting Avi Arad, himself) of global conspiracy by the military industrial complex to control the future of mankind via technology, genetics, economics and violence?  (Wait, isn’t that happening in real life now?)

The answer to that question is that none of the above really matters to Avi Arad or anyone else in Hollywood because there are greenbacks to be made and ravenous fan bases ripe for exploitation.  Hollywood’s goal is producing blockbuster gold in the form of a film that may or may not have something important to say about life, but is really more interested in wooing dollars out of our wallets with explosions. 

In many respects, the meat of Metal Gear’s story contains ideas that average blockbusters wouldn’t normally give a second thought to.  That is until the most recent culmination of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy (who, by the way, is the only director Kojima has mentioned interest in allowing to helm a Metal Gear adaptation).  Unfortunately, there is only one Chris Nolan and he will be too busy promoting the rest of DC’s alphas to Batman’s prominence on film.  Thus, [insert director here] inspires far less confidence in this project’s production which attracts a smaller pool of actors and other talented filmmaking professionals to the cause.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2964:]]Why Metal Gear and why now?

The entertainment industry seems to see Arad’s alliance with Columbia Pictures as a response to Ubisoft using its own production facilities to create an Assassin’s Creed adaptation starring Michael Fassbender.  I see it as Hollywood having sucked just about all the sellable juice from the comic book industry and it needs a new host to leach upon before it goes through a true “dry spell” of projects. 

The big four of the entertainment industry: music, movies, books and DVD’s are averaging between $30-60 billion dollars of annual, global revenue in their respective categories and the video game industry is on par with each of them.  This simply wasn’t the case 15 years ago, but considering the constant evolution of the internet and the increased demand for user interactivity as a result; it stands to reason that gaming continues to be on the rise and more people regardless of age, gender and ethnicity are plugging in.  The best known franchises in gaming have high exposure for various consumer bases around the world, so considering Hollywood’s recent trend on focusing on global numbers (as opposed to [US] domestic profits), it makes perfect sense for more games to be remixed as movies.

Metal Gear, as a franchise, gives Hollywood everything it wants in an adaptation: relevance, popularity, violence and lots of opportunities for special effects.[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2965:]]  Yet history has shown there is no such thing as “a sure thing” so not every gaming icon makes perfect sense to invest in.  As marquee as Mario and Link are in videogames, neither could sell a contemporary blockbuster the way Solid Snake can because they are rooted in Nintendo’s stylized fantasyland which may not be for everyone above the age of 13.  Halo also generates high visibility, but a film adaptation might turn off an audience more interested in action as opposed to being bombarded with too much sci-fi jargon and exposition.  The same goes for Mass Effect and BioShock.  The only other contemporary franchise that might out shine Metal Gear as a potential film would be anything that bears the name of Call of Duty, but please note the similarities between the two: modern day/future warfare, modern day army tactics, modern day violence (with a slight sci-fi edge to Metal Gear).

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2966:]]Dollars, cents and “success”

Let’s just say there really isn’t a lot of success when it comes to movies based on video games (as there isn’t much success in games based on movies).  Hollywood measures its success in cash and despite the ever increasing cost of general admission and conspiratorial gimmicks like double the ticket cost for IMAX and Digital DLP projection, the industry is still not making the money it used to make.  Yes, consumer feedback is most directly reflected in the dollars they spend and when you observe mega-films like Avatar and The Avengers take home multiple billions of dollars worth in global ticket sales, it makes you wonder how Hollywood could ever be struggling.

Hollywood’s problem in general (and game adaptations in particular) is that “success” measured in dollars is a skewed statistic as a result of the aforementioned inflation and tricks.  Only focusing on the green has contributed to the overall decline in Hollywood’s product and whether you agree with that statement or not, the audience is showing disappointment due to its increased absence as the years go by.  When you go to the movies, how often do you sit in theaters that one would consider “full?”  When you talk to your friends about movies how often do complaints like “I’ve seen it all before,” and “they’ve run out of ideas,” come up in the conversation?  It all sounds very circumstantial and unquantifiable, but if we tracked the number of tickets sold (regardless of price) we would begin to see an alarming drop in patronage overall.

Why should any of this be important to Hideo Kojima and his Metal Gear franchise?  Acknowledging the rising cost and decreased business of Hollywood has[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2968:]] placed even more pressure on blockbusters to over perform at the box office and this increased scrutiny demands stricter adherence to the “Hollywood formula”: good writing and plot are sacrificed for big name actors, elaborate set pieces, visual effects and tons of explosions (essentially style over substance).  Even “the formula” cannot be considered foolproof, but no major studio will ever bankroll such a project unless “the formula” is in full effect.  Cue, (Sony) Columbia Pictures which owns 15.5% of movie market share and is 2nd only to Warner Bros. in pure blockbuster production power.  Big money is already behind this Metal Gear project, but accepting it implies the complete submission to whatever Hollywood says the movie will be.  In the words of Amanda Connor regarding the adaptation of her husband’s Jonah Hex: “You don’t handle Hollywood.  Hollywood handles you!”  Sorry Kojima-san, you’ve just been kicked out of the writer’s room.

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“Kojima approved” may be irrelevant in the Metal Gear adaptation.

Why it will fail!

Three words: TACTICAL, ESPIONAGE, ACTION!  That is the subtitle for every Metal Gear Solid game and it designates to the player exactly what this fiction is all about in addition to the order of importance of each of these elements have within the story.  Hollywood’s “formula” dictates quite the opposite by forcing the film to be focused on action/effects, rated PG-13 and entirely unconcerned with social commentary.  When the base philosophical difference between the source material and the adaptation is that far apart, how on Earth could Avi Arad speak so smugly about staying true to Metal Gear’s “nuance and ideology?”

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This is a sneaking mission Snake.  The goal here is gathering information, so apply appropriate tactics.

Metal Gear Solidis not about war.  War has changed.  War is the escalating cost of gasoline and energy.  War is hacking databases to steal identities.  War is Chinese banks buying up American debt.  War is corporations over people.  War is the race to do things better, faster and cheaper than the other guy.  War is less about proxy battles fought on foreign soil and more about the concept of human struggle and how interconnected every individual is in our daily toils as we live our lives.  THAT is Metal Gear Solid.  THAT is the story of Solid Snake: a super soldier coming to grips with how his warrior code of honor and discipline is completely at odds with his chain of command and the true authority behind it.  It is a case study in refined, character driven drama where even individuals of immense power still answer to another; slaves to causality; chess pieces playing out their roles.  The trick is they are all discovering this truth and not everyone likes it.

Solid Snake running around for two hours blowing sh*t up has 0% chance of producing a story that approaches any of the above. 

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2971:]]How it might succeed

The right people have to be recruited for the creative positions in this kind of production: writers, actors, crew and F/X.  They must be led by a director that becomes intimate with the source material and creates a vision that he or she will not allow producers or executives to compromise.  [Insert director here] is not well versed in having a spine, let alone creating a vision worth buying into.  This is the reason why there are so many directors you have never heard of and will never hear from again.  Any old person will not do to direct this adaptation.

Mechs must be fully animated, but discipline must be maintained so as not to turn Metal Gear into Transformers.  One easy step in accomplishing this feat is by completely forgetting Michael Bay (or his agent) exists.  The second step is putting serious thought into the final battle which involves Snake vs. Liquid who is piloting the mechanical behemoth, Metal Gear Rex.  As ridiculous as 1 man fighting a robot the size of a house is, planning the action in a way that is not “over the top” is the only way the climax of this film (and Rex specifically) doesn’t come off as stupid.  Of course, that’s assuming the director wants to play out the final confrontation in the same manner as the game.  The answer to this situation becomes a little less daunting so long as “tactical” and “espionage” continue to prevail over “action.”

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My name is Rex, not Grimlock!

Finally, the right actor must be cast for Solid Snake.  Certainly, Metal Gear features one of the most colorful casts in the history of fiction, but the story is very singular in perspective and Solid Snake is the man.  The internet has an interesting list of potential leading men such as Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Sean Bean, Viggo Mortensen and Matt Damon (sorry David Hayter, you are invited to play some role on the film, but you can’t be Snake).  My particular problem with these high profile, A-listers is that just about all of them have already represented iconic characters recently and franchise fatigue is inevitable.  This affects both the actor’s performance as well as the audience’s ability to accept the actor in the role.  I am most intrigued with the mentioning of Josh Holloway who is most remembered for his role on Lost.  I like the fact that he has as much to gain from the role of Solid Snake as the role does from his performance.  He certainly looks the part, but can he act it?  Also, can he completely delete his southern accent?  Both of which are vital to creating a viable, Solid Snake.  I won’t give Josh my official endorsement, but the mitigating circumstances I just mentioned place him higher on the list than anyone else.

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Conclusion

Adapting Metal Gear is not the slam dunk many would make it out to be.  Otherwise, it would have already happened.  It certainly presents a high risk/high reward scenario provided the creators approach this film with the intention of keeping it unique from other war/sci-fi/action films.  It also presents a low yield/heavy backlash scenario if the adaptation simply sucks.  I am not certain Kojima’s ego would survive such an outcome and I’d hate to have him stare that possibility down up close and personal.  And perhaps that is the reason we haven’t seen this game in Hollywood scripts up to now.  However, with the upcoming release of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (developed by Platinum Games) and Kojima’s desire to move into the producer’s chair for future Metal Gear Solid games, it seems he is being less possessive of his brainchild.  Ironically, Snake and Kojima share the same problem of trust as both consider themselves to be true professionals that rely on their own efforts rather than others.  Still, it’s much easier for a man to move mountains with the help of other men.

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Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Archer and Armstrong #2

Wonderfully written and stunningly drawn, Archer and Armstrong is at the pinnacle of Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry’s careers! There is so much crammed inside this 32 page package, that it is only fitting it explodes from page one!

Fred Van Lente is one of the most underrated writers in comics today! He melds the mundane and the fantastic together so well, that the reader has no choice but to be completely engulfed in his tale. And what a tale it is!

Rife with modern sensibilities, conspiracies, historical references, action, intrigue and a comedic repertoire that could challenge any stand-up comic — this is the book everyone should be clamoring for every Wednesday! Enthralling to say the least, the juxtaposition between the over the top Armstrong and the virgin assassin Archer — is top notch! Nothing feels forced between the polar opposite heroes as Van Lente’s skills as a writer take center stage again, creating a homey feel as we witness the characters battle wits and fists against one another. It’s as if we were reading a book about the “original” Odd Couple, Oscar and Felix, but with way more bravado and way more bruises! 

The richness of the characters is what truly makes this book as amazing as it is. The social commentary and intricate conspiracy plot threads do nicely to raise the bar as well, but it is the focus on defining these characters that sets it apart from the “bigger” titles on the racks. 

As our summer slowly dwindles down, the “Summer of Valiant” continues to heat up — so don’t be left behind! Get in the shops and ask for some of the best books around — Valiant books! You won’t be disappointed!

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Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Green Lantern #0

First, there was all the hype regarding the reexamining of the Alan Scott character. Then last week we saw “the kiss heard around the world” as Superman and Wonder Woman locked lips! This week is Geoff Johns’ turn to generate hype for the DC Universe! The introduction of a new Green Lantern is never an easy task, especially when it revolves around such a hot button issue such as religion.

When the first pictures arose of Simon Baz, the new GL, there was already people up in arms regarding the fact he was holding a gun. But when it was revealed he was Arab-American — it became an intensely more heated discussion. 

Geoff Johns has crafted many outstanding tales for the entirety of the DC Universe and Green Lantern #0 is more of the same. He has created a character that, not only will be controversial, but has a depth and range that far outreaches the shackles laid upon him by the public over his religion. Empathetic and jarring, the tale follows Simon from an innocent youth to criminal intentions in his adulthood, making him nothing short of a questionable “hero.” And therein lies the intrigue! Johns tale is littered with enigmas, from Baz’s past to his current stressful situation, the reader is bombarded with an array of winding questions that leave you craving more. 

Insightful, and well paced, Johns has broken through the walls of the status quo, creating a character that may not be worthy of the power he is bestowed but has the heart and drive to. An everyman that is just trying to do right by his family, and we can all empathize with that.

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Comic Book News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for September 5th, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

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1.  Archer and Armstrong #2:  Fred Van Lente is one of the most underrated writers in the world of comics today! This book is full of action, social commentary, history and comedy — combining in a whirlwind of pure excitement that will leave you wanting more. Oh, and there are Nun Ninjas! Yep, Nun Ninjas! Awesome!

2.  Damsels #1:  Leah Moore and John Reppion’s take of classic fairytale “damsels” is as fun and irreverent as we always wished they would be! Full of intrigue, this one will keep you pleasantly puzzled but never completely confused. Plus, you have to check out the cover by J. Scott Campbell — stunning!

3.  Fashion Beast #1:  Not to be outdone by his daughter, Mr. Alan Moore dredges up a play he wrote decades ago with fashion mogul Malcolm Mclaren, revolving around a modernized tale of high fashion and Beauty and the Beast. Antony Johnston’s adaption to comic form from Moore’s play, is quite curious and engaging, making us ponder just what is more important in life.

4.  Punisher #15:  The dual pistoled duo brings down the house in this bombastic issue! The Punisher and Marine Sergeant Rachel Cole-Alves, have taken the fight to the Exchange’s doorstep and not everyone will make it out alive! A great book with a great character that deserves so much more than going to space!

5.  Green Lantern #0:  Questions run rampant in this origin tale of the latest Green Lantern — Simon Baz! Although forged by his religious beliefs, he is so much more than the shackles the government places on him for them! Cool character that may or may not be worthy of the ring upon his finger! Check out the full review!

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Comic Book News

Review: X-O Manowar #4

After the bombastic assault Aric bestowed upon the Vine army last issue, there is some much needed “down time” between the pages of this one. Though the introspective look is not focused upon the time displaced Aric, but rather the cause of all his woes — the Vine themselves!

It has been said many times before that a hero is only as good as his villains make him out to be. Venditti continues to prove this statement true, as he expands upon the background of the Vine and how far their influence reaches into the Valiant Universe! Perfect pacing and well thought out characterization, has brought these cruelly simplistic villains to the forefront as truly diabolical beings. Ones that have grand schemes already in place for our hero and, more importantly, the entire human race!

Venditti and Nord continue to create refreshing, poignant stories that captivate readers in ways that haven’t been done since the silver age of comics. There is an excitement that exudes from the page, even during the most mundane of scenes, that enthralls the reader. It instills a sense of awe and wonderment that can make the most hardened of cynics a fan of comics again.

If Venditti can make a bunch of spider faced aliens a fearsome force to be reckoned with, hold onto your hats my friends, because issue five will blow you away! That’s right, it’s the return of one of the most lethal assassins around — Ninjak! Aric’s world is about to get a whole lot more complicated!

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Comic Book News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for August 29th, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2800:]]1.  Locke and Key: Grindhouse (One-shot):  Joe Hill continually creates one of the best and yet, one of the most underrated books out there! If you haven’t picked up this series yet, you are sorely missing out on a completely mesmerizing, hauntingly amazing book! Dive on in, but remember where you left your keys!

2.  Justice League #12:  A truly great story that completely outshines the hype it is getting over the cover. Check out my full review for all the details!   

3.  Uncanny X-Force #30:  The “bad boys” take the child Apocalypse on a road trip to show him who he truly is! Cool tale that makes me want to see a “buddy” film starring Sabretooth and Daken!

4.  Green Lantern Annual #1:  This one will pave the way for the “Rise of the Third Army” arc that will hit all the GL books in the coming months! So, get out there and get ’em if you can! Some retailers ordered low due to the $4.99 tag price, but we don’t care about money! Right?

5.  American Vampire #30:  Holy schnikees! What is Pearl doing on that last page? Things are going to change in a big way in A.V. and you can thank Scott Snyder for that! It might not sell 80,000 copies Mr. Liefeld, but it damn well beats anything you’ve ever done!

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Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Justice League #12

Everyone has been clamoring over the image of Superman and Wonder Woman in a passionate embrace that adorns the cover of Justice League #12. It has been donned here at the CBN offices as, “The kiss heard around the world!” But, is the hype regarding this image actually warranted? Does the book stand on it’s own merit, or is it just an afterthought overshadowed by the big, money grab cover?

I am pleased to say, that issue 12 has been one of the best books of this entire run! Rife with characterization, Johns and his army of artistic talent, have crafted an outstanding tale that is a solid foundation for all the pomp and circumstance that comes with it’s cover. One that finally shows, an often at odds group of heroes, meld into something they haven’t truly been before — a team! Relying on each other, seeing each other’s fears and overcoming them as a single unit, the Justice League solidifies itself just in time to see it all come crashing down. Subsequent events will forever change the dynamic of these heroes, but it is their journey together that makes this book worthwhile. 

Johns has taken every essential aspect needed to craft the perfect tale, stirred them together and created something better than the sum of their parts. He both excites and moves us, from our rudimentary need for action to our longing to be understood by another — it is pitch perfect! And the cover, which will be eclipsed by the story within (trust me!), is just icing on the cake. Nothing can overshadow the frailty Johns bestows on his godlike characters. The least human of characters that can become the epitome of humanity in one single moment! Amazing!

This is my pick for best book of the week — hands down! Not for the kiss, but for what transpires to make the kiss occur.

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Movie News Reviews

The State of Hollywood: 10 Best American Born Actors

The State of Hollywood 5 (b):

10 Best American Born Actors as of 2012

By: Lawrence Napoli 

 

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It was a bit more difficult sorting through the men (Editor’s Note: compared to the women) to come up with a 10 “best,” “current,” and “American born,” Hollywood actor list. Quite frankly, there are more opportunities for men in this business because those who control the means of production (writers, directors, producers) still happen to be men [who are also mostly white].  I’d like to forewarn the reader if he or she happens to be sensitive about their leading men because there will be noticeable absences on this list for the simple fact that obvious additions 10 years ago have somewhat dropped out of the game due to age, a loss of interest or (fill in the blank).  NOT appearing on this list are notables: Hanks, Spacey, Travolta, Pacino, De Niro, Agents K and J, Malkovich and “JACK” Nicholson.  Oh, did I touch a nerve there?  I believe you all know where to send your complaints.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2785:]]10) Jeff Bridges

Born: Los Angeles, California in 1949

Last major feature: True Grit and Tron: Legacy (2010)

Notable awards: 2010 SAG, Golden Globe and Academy Award for best actor in Crazy Heart

Highlights: Iron Man, K-Pax, The Contender, The Big Lebowski, The Fisher King, Tron, Last Picture Show

On a quick side note: if I could nominate the entire cast of The Big Lebowski I would (minus Tara Reid), but alas not everyone in that cast has had an opportunity to truly lead productions (though many have and I’m glad Buscemi is doing well in Boardwalk Empire).  That being said, “The Dude” is every bit as awesome as the nickname that made us forget he’s just another Jeffrey Lebowski.  Toss in the fact he didn’t speak a single discernible word for the entirety of True Grit and still got an Oscar nomination for it shows us that even the Academy can appreciate Jeff’s eccentricity.  The man’s a true Hollywood star and although he had no major releases last year, he’s slated for two in 2013: R.I.P.D. and The Seventh Son.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2786:]]9) Brad Pitt

Born: Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1963

Last major feature: Moneyball (2011)

Notable awards: 2012 NSFC best actor in The Tree of Life and Moneyball and 1996 Golden Globe for best supporting actor in Twelve Monkeys

Highlights: Inglourious Basterds, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Snatch, Fight Club, Se7en, Legends of the Fall

Often maligned for his “pretty boy” status, Pitt continues to show more seasoning as an actor these days as well as some smarter choices for the roles he signs up for.  You kind of have to have more patience and discipline as an individual if you are the father of a family of 20.  Say what you will about his acting ability, but his performances make the films he’s been involved with MUCH more interesting.  Unlike Tom Cruise, Pitt still has a real opportunity to win an Academy Award as an actor because he can sell more than just action flicks.  Until then, he’ll just have to remain envious of his wife’s Oscar.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2787:]]8) Lenardo DiCaprio

Born: Los Angeles, California in 1974

Last major feature: J. Edgar (2011)

Notable awards: 2005 Golden Globe for best actor in The Aviator

Highlights: Inception, Shutter Island, The Departed, Catch Me If You Can, Titanic, Romeo + Juliet

Ah Leo, another pretty boy makes the list, but this one happens to be one I formerly had a serious beef with concerning his status as the male version of Helen of Troy to all young women as a result of his work in Titanic.  Had I been getting as lucky with the ladies as Leo had in general during the late 90s, perhaps I’d feel differently.  However, his filmography speaks for itself as his recent work has definitely made me more of a believer.  As Brad Pitt has shown a deeper commitment to character, so too has DiCaprio as he matures as a professional.  Leo has a few years on Pitt to grab that Oscar, but it’s a toss-up as to which one of them actually lands it first.  His upcoming work for The Great Gatsby should be compelling enough for yet another nomination once it releases.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2788:]]7) Matt Damon

Born: Boston, Massachusetts in 1970

Last major feature: We Bought a Zoo (2011)

Notable awards: 1998 Golden Globe and Academy Award for best screenplay for Good Will Hunting

Highlights: The Adjustment Bureau, True Grit, Invictus, The Bourne Trilogy, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Rounders

Yes, the best he’s managed so far for notable acting recognition is a number of nominations.  The argument could easily be made that Good Will Hunting was such a phenomenal fluke that validated Damon and Affleck’s existence on the Hollywood scene that it should come to no one’s surprise that he hasn’t become the alpha actor he should be.  To that I say Damon still makes this list even if GWH never existed.  Sure, he’d drop a few spots, but his work on the Bourne franchise is quite balanced between the action and drama.  The chemistry he had with Emily Blunt on The Adjustment Bureau was inspiring.  But it was the command he demonstrated throughout Rounders that proved he not only belonged in Hollywood, he could headline it.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2789:]]6) Denzel Washington

Born: Mount Vernon, New York in 1954

Last major feature: Safe House (2012)

Notable awards: 2002 Academy Award for best actor in Training Day, 1990 Golden Globe and Academy Award for best supporting actor in Glory, 2000 Golden Globe for best actor in The Hurricane

Highlights: The Book of Eli, American Gangster, Déjà Vu, Man on Fire, Training Day, Philadelphia, Malcolm X, Glory

Easily the most decorated actor on this list; Denzel has accomplished just about everything a professional actor can aspire to in Hollywood land.  Everything about this man’s acting ability can be summarized in one word: intensity!  The real question is whether age is starting to catch up to him seeing how his last outing with Ryan Reynolds didn’t exactly fire up the critics in a positive way.  I can’t blame an alpha actor like Denzel for doing a paycheck film, but it does hurt his “current” and “relevant” status somewhat; thus his placement at #6. 

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2790:]]5) Philip Seymour Hoffman

Born: Fairport, New York in 1967

Last major feature: The Ides of March (2011)

Notable awards: 2006 SAG, Golden Globe and Academy Award for best actor in Capote

Highlights: Doubt, Capote, Cold Mountain, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Magnolia, The Big Lebowski

No, Mr. Hoffman does not make this list because of some “un-pretty” quota.  He’s a damn fine actor whose work extends well into the indie scene while still getting much deserved respect (and bank) from Hollywood.  Few actors can be so effective in both comedic and serious roles but Philip has this in spades.  His films tend to be a bit more cerebral in nature so his exposure to the average movie-goer may be limited.  Yet, this man is a living, breathing example that performance can transcend looks (and that’s a BIG accomplishment amidst all the plastic of La La Land).  He adds instant credibility to any cast and any production, but the smart choice is always to have him slide into a featured role because he can make the whole thing Oscar worthy.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2791:]]4) Edward Norton

Born: Baltimore, Maryland in 1967

Last major feature: The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Notable awards: 1997 Golden Globe for best supporting actor in Primal Fear

Highlights: The Incredible Hulk, The Illusionist, Death To Smoochy, The Score, Fight Club, American History X, Rounders

Is he a diva incapable of playing well with other marquee actors?  Is his agent a money grubbing troll?  Who knows the real “truth” behind the fact he was not a part of the epic cast of The Avengers because it certainly was NOT the result of poor acting.  He certainly made me forget that Eric Bana practically murdered Marvel’s big green machine in tandem with Ang Lee.  Norton is as skilled as actors come.  He was plain evil in American History X, yet plain loveable in Death To Smoochy.  His skill cannot be questioned, but if he presents chemistry issues for one’s cast, that presents a legitimate concern.  Perhaps Norton is just getting a bad rap as a result of gossip gone wild.  However, if so much gossip is consistent over a period of time, there may be some truth to it.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2792:]]3) Morgan Freeman

Born: Memphis, Tennessee in 1937

Last major feature: The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Notable awards: 2005 Academy Award for best supporting actor in Million Dollar Baby, 1990 Golden Globe for best actor in Driving Ms. Daisy

Highlights: The Dark Knight Trilogy, The Bucket List, Along Came a Spider, Se7en, The Shawshank Redemption, Unforgiven, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Glory

As the elder statesman of this list, Morgan Freeman continues to deliver impactful performances as an actor because he finds the roles that compliment his age rather than react against it.  Of course, his iconic voice does much to extend his legacy as a marquee narrator (thus negating any ill effects of being “too old”).  He’s still more than capable of being the single feature to any production, but he’s gravitating towards projects with strong ensemble casts.  He’s won his Oscar so I can’t argue with his approach to further cementing his legacy.  I personally feel he was hosed for being overlooked by the Academy for his work on Shawshank, but then everyone that wasn’t associated with Forrest Gump was overlooked in ’95.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2793:]]2) Robert Downey Jr.

Born: New York City, New York in 1965

Last major feature: The Avengers

Notable awards: 2010 Golden Globe for best actor in a comedy for Sherlock Holmes, 1993 BAFTA for best actor in Chaplin

Highlights: Iron Man Trilogy, Sherlock Holmes, Tropic Thunder, A Scanner Darkly, Wonder Boys, Heart and Souls, Chaplin

(I’m not even going to mention the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes) How much money has this one individual made for Marvel Entertainment?  An exact number would be difficult to come up with, but the fact that he is playing the role he was born to play in Tony Stark has a lot to do with Hollywood’s continued obsession with adapting comic book titles.  Now let’s totally forget his involvement with all things Avengers and look to the fact that he got nominated for best supporting actor for his work in Topic Thunder.  Tropic Thunder!?!?  Don’t get me wrong; it was fairly funny, but he was the only good thing about that goofball comedy AND he got props from the Academy for doing so.  This man has made “quirky” the new “sexy,” yet he isn’t the king of quirk as that title belongs to …

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2794:]]1) Johnny Depp

Born: Owensboro, Kentucky in 1963

Last major feature: Dark Shadows (2012)

Notable awards: 2008 Golden Globe for best performance in a musical for Sweeney Todd and nominated for just about everything else, yet never ultimately winning

Highlights: Pirates of the Caribbean Saga, Public Enemies, Finding Neverland, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, From Hell, Blow, The Ninth Gate, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands

You do of course realize that had Johnny decided to sell out and become the teenie-bopper heart throb he was being groomed for, we would be talking about an actor with an inferior filmography and absolutely zero recognition from any notable authority in the field of acting proficiency.  He’d also not be on this list at all.  Yet, he still hasn’t won one single Oscar despite so many nominations and other performances worthy of nomination.  This reveals the inner quirk of Johnny Depp; a man determined to have his career play out the way he wants it.  Depp has all the skills as he can produce any performance for any role.  The only reason he doesn’t have multiple Oscars is a direct result of the projects he chooses to commit to.  Depp despises the mainstream as evidenced by the soul connection he shared with Hunter S. Thompson (of all people).  There are so many Oscar winning actors, yet few have been as unique as individuals let alone the roles they became famous for as Depp.  Frank Sinatra would be proud that he’s “doing it his way,” but I do see Oscar gold in Johnny’s future.  What’s really interesting is that an Oscar victory would not be seen as vindication for him personally.  His acceptance speech would probably go something like: “Thanks for this, but I have a fresh batch of opium at home with my name on it.  Bye.”  It could possibly be the best acceptance speech in the history of the Oscars for the simple fact it would finish way before the orchestra played him offstage. 

Those are my 10 best leading men and women of today’s Hollywood who actually originate from this country.  I completely understand how Hollywood is always looking for the next “hot, young thing,” but Australia isn’t the only place they should be looking.  I liken Cavill’s role as Superman to that of Patrick Stewart becoming the new captain of The Enterprise.  Stewart rose above the pressure and scrutiny of such ambition because his performances were simply amazing for every episode and every film.  All Cavill has to do is match that type of performance for one money and then maybe Americans will accept a Brit as the one who stands for truth, justice and so on and so forth.

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Movie News Reviews

Casey’s Dune Hollywood Film Draft: Cameron, Stewart, Hemsworth, Connery, Nicholson

(Editor’s Note: The following is part of The First Cosmic Book News Fantasy Hollywood Draft)

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By: Casey Gordon

Director: James Cameron – Jimmy C, as I like to refer to him, is a relatively well known director, responsible for such cult hits and underrated classics like The Abyss, Titanic, and Avatar. Now, can he handle Dune? Good question. I think the answer is yes. He has dealt with licenses in several of his past productions, such as the Titanic (that one museum place owns it maybe, but I mean, he didn’t make it up. The Titanic hit an ice cube and sank. Oops), Rambo, and Aliens. And that group turned out well enough. Perhaps his biggest hits were mostly his creations, like Avatar, and not sourced from elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean he can’t make Dune. Referencing Avatar again, that film also showed that he could lead a team to create a believable (if you’re into believing stuff) alien world, and then bring it to life. And maybe sand doesn’t sound exciting. But it is. Or maybe I should have picked Peter Jackson. But then the already long walking across Arrakis would become even longer. And Jimmy C’s milkshakes bring all the boys to the theatres.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2737:]]Gurney Halleck? Well, Patrick Stewart of course. What? You say he already has done it? DAMN RIGHT! And he hasn’t really changed at all. And the man is a muse. And he knows how to use a sword. I’m not going to explain it any more either. So there.

Duncan Idaho. He was a pretty cool guy. Until he died (OR DID HE? He did. But not really). But he is the Swordmaster in residence, the ladies loved him, and he killed record amounts of the Emperor’s Sardaukar. He is Chis Hemsworth. I mean, this is the role for him to play, look at his role as Thor, or the Huntsman (decent, but that movie…I shake my head).  He can easily be a warrior who enjoys his Spice beer a bit too much, but can easily hold his own in a fight. He could do it. 

Stilgar. He’s the stalwart leader of Sietch Tabr. The leader of the desert nomads; the Fremen. And he is Sean Connery. He is at the age where he can command respect, but has the appearance of one who has fought for many hard years in the past before he reached this place. And while he may be old, the fight hasn’t left him yet. Is he retired from acting? Not when he hears of his casting. A proper crazy Ivan this will be.

Baron Harkonnen will be Jack Nicholson. Now maybe he isn’t fat enough to be in a suspensor suit, but minor detail. He certainly has villainy under his [[wysiwyg_imageupload:2738:]]control, such as the commanding Colonel Jessup, the crazed Jack Torrance, or the dastardly Daryl van Horn. All of whom have characteristics that would combine to make one fantastic Baron. A sadistic, scheming old man with everything he needs, but nonetheless has lust for ever more power.

Next up is Tom Felton as the Sting. I mean Tom Felton as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. Tom Felton is mainly known for one role, that of Draco Malfoy, which is how he came into consideration for this role. He has had plenty of practice at being a bad guy, but as an accessory to the main evil, not as his own menace, which is almost exactly what Feyd is. He can act the haughty heir, raised the sadistic heir of the Harkonnen family, as he did for the Malfoys. And while we all know what happens at the end, until that point, he’s had this role for 10 years. Now let it be used for a better franchise.

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2739:]]The Lady Jessica is Cate Blanchett. The Lady Jessica is a respected role. She is the mother of Paul Muad’dib, the concubine of Duke Leto Atreides, and a Reverend Mother of the Fremen. She is in almost a regal position in the world of Dune. And Cate Blanchett’s filmography has helped prepare her for the role, as Queen Elizabeth I, Galadriel, and Katherine Hepburn. And all of those roles are of powerful, regal women, as is the Lady Jessica.

And finally we come to Paul Muad’dib Atreides. To be cast as Paul is Josh Hutcherson. Hutcherson has had a solid acting career since the age of 10.  Most recently, he was cast in the Hunger Games in the leading position as Peeta Somelastnameoranother.  And with that, he can become Paul. And while he might have been beaten up a bit in that film, he would kick way more ass on Dune. And he could do it. He’s a strong young actor, and this would cement his place in history.  In addition, it seems that his hair could be styled the same way that MacLachlan had his hair as Paul in the 1984 Dune film directed by David Lynch. Because that is the official Atreides heirstyle (get it?).

 [[wysiwyg_imageupload:2740:]]   

The Spice must flow . . . again!

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Comic Book News

Stephen King’s new short story, “Batman and Robin have an altercation,” will debut from Harper’s Magazine on 8/28/12!

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The September issue of Harper’s Magazine, hitting shelves on 8/28/12, will feature a brand new short story from the “master of horror” — Stephen King! Although the tale is titled, “Batman and Robin have an altercation,” it has nothing to do with the “Dynamic Duo” in any way. Rather, it is about a middle-aged man dealing with his Alzheimer’s afflicted father. 

For three years, Sanderson has taken his father to lunch every week, to the same place and has had the same exact conversation. Until one day, while being brutally assaulted, Sanderson is saved by his father. A single moment of clarity after years of confusion, one that might change reality as they both know it!

Though the issue doesn’t hit shelves for five more days, you can subscribe to Harper’s Magazine and read it now! But, if you want a little more information before you buy, here is an excerpt for your viewing pleasure. Courtesy of Harper’s Magazine.

Batman and Robin have an altercation

By Stephen King

Sanderson sees his father twice a week. On Wednesday evenings, after he closes the jewelry store his parents opened long ago, he drives the three miles to Crackerjack Manor and sees Pop there, usually in the common room. In his “suite,” if Pop is having a bad day. On most Sundays, Sanderson takes him out to lunch. The facility where Pop is living out his final foggy years is actually called the Harvest Hills Special Care Unit, but to Sanderson, Crackerjack Manor seems more accurate.

 

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Movie News Reviews

The Expendables 2 Movie Review

Yo G.I. Geriatric Joe!

A Film Review of The Expendables 2

By: Lawrence Napoli

 

Wow, these guys look old now, but I really enjoyed the first Expendables film.  The reason (and I do mean only 1 reason) I relished in it was its particular blend of nostalgia with awe over the fact that so many marquee action stars were united in their efforts to shoot, maim, explode and knife their way into our hearts in one, contained, Hollywood production.  The Expendables 2 attempts to do this once again by featuring an influx of additional marquee action talent to this franchise with the presence of Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris [no, Liam Hemsworth a.k.a. Mr. Miley Cyrus doesn’t count even if he happens to be the real life brother of Thor!].  Once the final credits rolled, I shrugged my shoulders and admitted that I had certainly seen worse, but was glad that I used my free Regal Cinemas pass for admission as opposed to actual cash.  The sequel to The Expendables falls prey to the common syndrome of “going-through-the-motions mediocrity” because everything the audience sees has been done by the same people in the previous film.  I dare say that even animating Mr. Norris’ beard to punch someone in the face (of its own accord) could not have generated enough charming intrigue to justify dropping bills to see this film.  As such, I’d only recommend this as a Netflix/On Demand rental or in 7 months time from now when it’s playing back-to-back-to-back on FX.

And that’s it for my review.

No, just kidding.  I have a few other things to say.

You know what was really missing from The Expendables 2?  Acting was missing.  Now before you all pan me for criticizing a muscle bound, meat-head of an action/explosion blockbuster for lacking decent performances, let me explain.  If all it took was muscles, then any ”˜roided out bum could be a Hollywood star.  What made the action stars of The Expendables legendary was the ability to produce performances to make audiences care about their characters throughout their careers.  If no one ever cared, no one would cheer for the hero and action films would be pointless.  If I need to explain why the audience cared for the likes of John McClane, Rocky/Rambo and even a reprogrammed Terminator then there’s no hope for you.  Realizing this, however, is the key to unlocking the secret of making a great movie (let alone action film).  The first Expendables had three such examples of performances generating empathy: 1) Mickey Rourke’s overall performance as Tool, 2) Jason Statham’s (Lee Christmas’) side story with his girlfriend and 3) Giselle Itié as the daughter of the evil/wanna-be-reformed warlord.  Stallone, Crews, Couture, Li and Lundgren are there to kick a$$ and blow sh*t up and guess what?  The same holds true for the sequel minus the aforementioned quality acting.  There is no Mickey Rourke this time around, Jason Statham’s role is severely reduced and the quota filling presence of a woman was bequeathed to Nan Yu who only manages a valiant attempt at being seductive and sympathetic. 

Failed performances are the fault of shoddy directing, but all things being equal, I did not envy Simon West’s (Con Air & The Mechanic) task in telling so many alpha males where to go and what to do.  Perhaps it takes an action star to relate to action stars?  Say what you will about Stallone as a filmmaker, but you cannot deny the savvy of his specialty.  His work as the director of the first Expendables is severely overlooked in getting the most out of his larger than life cast.  Stallone was so personally invested at just about every level of production for the first film that it not only showed in his performance, but in the rest of the cast as well.  The sequel features too many hands in the cookie jar and everyone was looking to kick back, Ocean’s Twelve style. 

Another culprit of this sequel’s fizzling is easy to identify: the writing.  Let’s just say if people’s brains were exploding over the plot gaps and convenient twists in The Dark Knight Rises, people will certainly be convinced that the world is flat after seeing The Expendables 2.  Such is the randomness of most of the plot and action of this film, but the worst part about it was the complete lack of character development between films.  No one seems to have learned a lesson in regards to their lives or how they approach their dangerous jobs.  They all fight like they want to live, but shouldn’t they be getting more help or even using a little something I’d call strategy to win?  I thought these guys were pros and the only way to survive the lifestyle of a professional mercenary is to adapt and evolve. 

And speaking of “evolution,” the action and effects for this film demonstrate a lack thereof.  Expendables 2 continues to feature animated kill shots to accentuate physics defying brutality so often that it started to feel like I was watching a Bugs Bunny cartoon.  Can someone’s head really be taken off with a thrown knife?  Since Jet Li is featured even less than Jason Statham, the lack of choreographed fisticuffs places too much of the action burden on gunplay which isn’t particularly diverse seeing how everyone sticks to the same weapons they have from the beginning.  I was pleased to see the return of Terry Crews’ popular automatic shotgun, but it makes the same exact sound from the first film and I swear it looked like the audio dub for the sound f/x was not in sync with the video of that gun firing.  If there’s one thing you could count on for a movie like this, it would be the explosions, right?  Even those seemed a tad muffled as they didn’t come close to the amalgam of auditory chaos that wreaked havoc on the audience in the previous film.  Don’t get me wrong, the body count was very impressive and blood was gushing galore, but I simply could not describe the action as intense and certainly not as good as Expendables 1. 

Liam Hemsworth does not belong in this movie.  He is not his brother (who, by the way, is still coming into his own).  His presence is a shameless attempt to money-grab some attention from teenage girls who know about Miley Cyrus and The Hunger Games. 

The Expendables 2is very average as far as action films go, but the names tied to this franchise generates the kind of buzz a film like this normally does not enjoy.  If this franchise has a future, it had better consider being a better action film before adding Clive Owen, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Steven Segal and the ghost of Brandon Lee to its roster.  Simply adding the cast of The Avengers to The Expendables won’t yield a better movie or some additive boon at the box office.  It will, however, expose your franchise as a one trick pony that can’t do much else besides name dropping.

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Comic Book News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for August 21st, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2642:]]1. Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #1( of 4):  There is no better way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the coolest pulp heroes ever created than with — Mark Waid and Chris Samnee! Pull on your helmet and strap on your jet-pack, this is going to be one exhilarating ride!

2. Super Crooks #4( of 4):  Mark Millar’s amazing mini, about a group of costumed villains hitting their biggest score, comes to it’s stunning conclusion tomorrow! This one has enough surprises and twists that even M. Night Shyamalan is jealous!

3. Before Watchman: Dr. Manhattan #1( of 4):  J.Michael Straczynski and Adam Hughes create a metaphysical melody of a tale that will leave you pondering just about every moment of your life. This thought provoking story is the closest thing anyone will ever get to the original, Alan Moore, Dr. Manhattan. Well, unless Mr. Moore decides to write about him again. I won’t hold my breath!

4. Justice League Dark #12:  Since Jeff Lemire took over this book, it has been on fire! Vertigo fans can rejoice with the return of Neil Gaiman’s Timothy Hunter and the House of Secrets! But, all is not what it seems and our heroes stand divided against a barrage of ancient baddies that could spell the end of all existence! Brilliant!

5. Fables #120:  This is one of the most well done comics on the shelves each and every month! And the, Cubs In Toyland, storyline has been horrifically tender, jarring and completely disturbing! If you are looking for something that will move you with each page — this is it! 

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Comic Book News

Advanced Review: The Walking Dead #101

After the shockingly horrific events taking place in issue #100, Robert Kirkman gives us a somewhat cathartic issue this week to let us recover. 

Although the characters, and we the readers, are still reeling from what happened to Glenn, there is no rest for the wicked. The pace is one of adrenaline fueled panic, which is exactly what the characters are feeling, but it rushes directly into a mediocre story. There is no time to flush out what these characters are going through, no contemplation regarding what to do and forgiveness given too freely to each other. The fleshing out of characters and their emotional distress is what The Walking Dead is known for, but these aspects seemed to be glazed over in this issue in order to make room for the next big surprise waiting around the corner. 

Don’t get me wrong, the issue has merit and some well done scenes, but the pace is just way too fast. The connections between characters and the “little” moments seemed to loose their pull on the heartstrings the way they usually do — and it was sorely missed. The “Something To Fear” storyline has been one of the best overall arcs to this tremendous book, issue #101 is just the weakest link. 

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Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Harbinger #3

Peter Stancheck has decided that his old life has become too dangerous for his friends. So, for their safety, he has hesitantly joined the Harbinger Foundation in order to learn more about his abilities. But, sometimes, the more you learn about yourself — the more you have to fear!

The plot evolves to a new level between the pages of issue three, and we are introduced to a vast array of characters that will forever change the life of Peter Stancheck. Joshua Dysart creates a horrific picture of Peter’s past as flashback sequences envelop us. These sequences tend to make Peter a paradoxical character — one rife with power and yet, teeming with a crippling uncertainty to wield it. The fear of his past and the questioning of his future actions, mixed with an overwhelming cockiness, make Dysart’s Peter Stancheck character one of the best on the shelves today! 

Joshua Dysart continues to bring one of Vailiant’s most beloved books to the forefront of the industry. Completely immersive and highly recommended, Harbinger mixes dramatic character pieces with high octane action sequences that leaves you clamoring for more! Old fans will enjoy the way Dysart weaves elements and characters of the original book into his completely new vision, while new readers won’t miss a beat trying decipher old plot threads. It is a cornucopia of ideas that everyone can thoroughly enjoy — no matter which decade they became a fan in!

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Comic Book News Marvel

Review: Gambit #1

The “Ragin‘ Cajun” has once again been given a chance to fly solo. But does the second most popular X-Men character “explode” on the scene or fizzle like a water logged firecracker? 

Although fan favorite Clay Mann does an exceptional job rendering the suave, ladies man — it is not enough to bring anything new to the evolution of the Gambit character. Asmus‘ tech savvy Gambit, sans a few funny quips, is quite bland and comes off as a poor man’s James Bond. Charming women and conning crooks is the normal M.O., and that’s all we get from this tale — a repetitive look at the same ol‘ same ol‘! 

Asmus does do a fine job finding the voice of Gambit. The internal monologues are well crafted and gives us insight into how Mr. Lebeau feels regarding being a teacher, hero and “sometimes” boyfriend to Rogue. But, all of that fades as the action ramps up and the story falls back into mediocrity. The con, the gadgets, the showmanship — it just isn’t enough to make this a story that we haven’t seen a thousand times before. 

The tale is fun, if not for a lack of originality, but if you were looking for something more “explosive” in terms of story — you won’t find it here! Even the ending, both strange and surprising, doesn’t warrant a purchase of a second issue. Sorry, “Mon ami!”

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Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Archer and Armstrong #1

The “Summer of Valiant” marches on — bringing fresh, creative ideas to their amazing 90’s properties. This week sees the debut of the fourth relaunched series, Archer and Armstrong, helmed by Fred Van Lente and Clayon Henry. Although they have big shoes to fill – the original was penned by the legendary Barry Windsor-Smith – they have crafted a fine book rich with action, humor and intrigue!

From ancient civilizations to modern day New York, Van Lente and Henry create a tale rife with excitement! It is a tale of two polar opposite men on a parallel course to save the world. One is naive of the ways of the “outside” world, having been raised by religious zealots in an amusement park, but has a keen sense of purpose and more than enough martial art skills to accompany him on his journey. While the other, a brazen drunkard, has had hundreds of years to acquire knowledge of the vast ways the world turns — just not enough drive to do anything about it! Old, young, seasoned and pure, it is formulaic of all good “buddy” stories — but is so much more!

Sprinkled with just enough social and political commentary as to not become preachy, Archer and Armstrong is an amalgam of everything readers want in a book. Stunning action sequences, well crafted characters that we can empathize with, an enigma that drives the characters to become better than they are and above all else — excitement! You are instantly hooked by Van Lente and Henry’s tale, a feat not easily done these days! Some may say that it pales in comparison to the original, but for me — it is a thrill ride that stands well on its own! 

Since it is already headed for a second printing, be sure to be the first in line at your favorite shop to get your copy! You don’t want to miss out on, not only a great tale, but a sneak peak of X-O Manowar #5, too! Can anyone say Ninjak? Awesome!

Be bold, be noble — be Valiant!

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Comic Book News Marvel

Advanced Review: The First X-Men #1

When I heard that the legendary Neal Adams was pitching an idea he had for an X-Men tale, I was quite excited. When I heard the idea, the excitement began to wane. As I read the book, my excitement dwindled even further.

The overall execution of the story is just not dramatic enough to capture the reader’s attention. We are thrust into a tale that portrays Wolverine as the self proclaimed “savior” of all mutants. He gathers a group to battle those who intend to harm them and — off we go! There is no drive to the story, there is nothing to make the reader feel vested in the tale whatsoever — except the fact that we will buy anything if Wolverine is attached to it! Yes, there are nods to X history within the book, and there are new characters introduced – Holo is done exceptionally well, but there just isn’t enough to warrant me to purchase the next issue. 

Mr. Adams art is as skillful as ever and it was a true pleasure to gaze upon his renderings again. But unfortunately, I need more than a legendary name and a flash bang story to make me shell out four dollars. There needs to be substance, a structure, a hook — something, that can drive some excitement for the reader. Otherwise, readers will look elsewhere for those books that can make them feel something more — regardless of the talent that is attached to the project.

If you want to read about the “first” X-Men team, buy an X-Men Archives hardcover and see what Stan created. The rest is second best!

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Comic Book News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for August 1st, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

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1. Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch (One-shot):  Every time Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson grace us with a story of these P.I. pups (and cat), it is thoroughly moving and exceptionally eerie! This one-shot even gives us a reprint of the tale, “The View From the Hill”; a truly wonderful tale that still creeps me out! 

2. The Boys #69 :  Garth Ennis is literally blowing the doors off of his creation that is so foul, DC didn’t want to be associated with it after six issues! This one sees Butcher move against his former teammates in a way that will shock you! Only two more issues to go!

3. Daredevil #16 :  Slow to start, this issue has a crescendo ending that will leave a serious division between Matt and “Foggy”! The “happy, go lucky” Daredevil days are over! Thank you!

4. Harvest #1 :  This book shows just how desperate someone can become, in order to regain that which they have lost. Medical depravity with no moral compass, this one will have you thanking your HMO!

5. Animal Man #12 & Swamp Thing #12 : That’s right, folks — a double header! The crossover of the century begins here and you can’t read just one! The “Rotworld” prologue starts in Animal Man and continues in Swamp Thing, both books have been outstanding since the beginning and it continues here!

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Movie News Reviews

Op-Ed: The Dark Knight, Aurora and Humanity By Lawrence Napoli

Humanity Rises and Falls

Shocked and dismayed over the Aurora Massacre

By: Lawrence Napoli

 

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I must acknowledge the senseless tragedy that occurred today (7/20/12) in the US city of Aurora, Colorado.  According to TheGuardian.co.uk as well as a plethora of coverage from CNN and various other media entities, a masked gunman [now identified as James Holmes] opened fire on a crowd of people attending the premier of The Dark Knight Rises at a local mall, killing 12 and injuring 38.  Details of the investigation are developing, but I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the wounded and families of the victims of this horrible evil.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  This film represents a lot of what’s good in humanity.  But when insanity like this shooting occurs, it makes me ashamed to admit that I am man.  Real world tragedy is linked to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy and when considering this incident in light of Heath Ledger’s death prior to the release of The Dark Knight, the rest of us are left stunned and simply wondering “why?” 

This article began as a simple film review, but reading and hearing the news coverage of this incident has made it impossible for me to focus on the absolute, cinematic gold that The Dark Knight Rises is.  The shear confusion I feel as a result of trying reconcile the inspiration of the film with the horror of the shooting has left me beside myself with only one thought in mind: What can an idea do?  The themes that are passionately at work in Rises as well as its previous installments feature ideas that could easily inspire great evil as well as good.  I WILL NOT speculate that ANY idea from Nolan’s trilogy directly inspired James Holmes, but it is impossible to ignore the proximity of the incident to the film considering no connection to organized terror or antisocial groups has been established.  That being said, it must be noted that an individual empowering him or herself to affect social change is the key theme to the entire Batman mythos.  Misinterpreted; an individual who departs from reality, consumed by despair or indoctrinated by extremism, may find any ends justifying any means.  Batman himself confronted this issue specifically in The Dark Knight when he stated that he meant to inspire people for the better, not to glorify vigilantism.  Dramatic, symbolic events are rarely (if ever) without negative effects and the evidence of this is the entirety of human history.

People are angry and saddened by this event and we instantly want to know how tragedies like this can be allowed to happen.  News networks immediately got into the issue regarding access to guns, tactical gear and rudimentary explosives: a popular springboard for gun lobbyists to debate with control advocates.  This country has witnessed more than enough of these public shootings to prove that if someone wants a gun (ANY type of gun) that individual is going to get it, background checks or not.  This leads us to consider the question regarding security, specifically how much is enough.  I am by no means an expert, nor do I have any statistics to back up a worthy opinion as to an appropriate officer to overall crowd ratio, but I can tell you what I observed when I attended the 3:30 AM premier at my local Regal Cinemas.  There was one armed (and portly) officer on duty and there were hundreds of patrons in attendance. 

I applaud Warner Bros. for making an immediate response to this incident and for cancelling tonight’s Paris premier in addition to press interviews out of respect to the victims.  Yes, life goes on, but to draw ritzy attention to this film is inappropriate at this time.  I am certain the world will be interested in what Christopher Nolan and his entire cast have to say about this, but hopefully the media will not push for this until at least next week.

As for the media, the sad truth is that coverage of this incident will dominate the entire weekend and most of the following weeks.  This inflates the ego and following of the sociopath.  Eventually, he will have his say either in court and/or in front of the cameras and the networks will milk that event for all it’s worth.  As a society, we must get away from the constant news regurgitation of tragedies like this because doing so places evil people further up on the pedestal.  How many times do we need to see the same cell phone video clips?  Perhaps I am no better in fueling the issue further by writing this, but unlike my TV based brethren, this will be my one and only say.  Also, I love the fact that it didn’t take long before CNN had its criminal profiler, Pat Brown, making reference to violent video games and movies for this teenage psychopath who accomplished (in her words) “the most important thing he will ever do with his life.”  In my opinion, any expert that leads with this kind of information should have their “expert” status revoked.  I don’t dismiss the relevance of violent video games and movies, but if the connection to violent behavior were incontrovertible, we’d have millions of mass murderers walking the streets.    

While watching the news coverage, I noticed Sanjay Gupta’s commercial promoting his new show “The Human Factor,” featuring individuals who “beat the odds” and have done great things to inspire.  Life and irony run hand in hand.  Where’s “the human factor” in situations such as this?  I find no humanity in slaughtering innocents, but that’s because I still hold on to hope for our species to one day discard the selfishness, the greed and the rage and if that makes me a resident of Fantasy Land, then so be it.  The very word, “humanity” carries a positive connotation, almost altruistic, that simply cannot be justified in situations such as the Aurora massacre.  However, when people have been singled out for doing the wrong thing, we have been described as being “only human.”  So which is it?  Are we enlightened or are we wild? 

Heroes in entertainment began as incorruptible symbols, but as the times change, the need to produce stories that are edgy, dark and “real” have somewhat tarnished that appeal.  The Dark Knight Rises has been criticized by some for being “too real” which should only be an issue for human beings that have difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality, i.e. psychopaths.  This film is incredibly intense in terms of drama and suspense and very high minded when it comes to social and political commentary.  These are the signatures of master filmmaker, Christopher Nolan and perhaps a person is intelligent and mature enough to digest the issues raised by TDKR, but people in general may not be ready to handle this.  Make no mistake.  This film does not incite violence or anarchy, but merely presents an extreme scenario that puts the individual’s character to the test if luxury, status quo and civilization go up in smoke.  If pushed to the limit, would I die a hero or live long enough to see myself become the villain?  Would you?

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Comic Book News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for July 18th, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

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1. Sunset (Original Hardcover Graphic Novel) :  Cristos Gage brings the hammer of revenge down with a thunderous strike in this original crime noir tale! Part Clint Eastwood, part Frank Castle — Nick Bellamy is the man no one wants to mess with! But when thirty years of past comes calling for payback, Nick locks and loads everything he has for one final stand! Grab this one as fast as you can!

2.  Alabaster Wolves #4 (of 5) : Caitlin R. Kiernan’s well woven tapestry of horror and mysticism, will entrance you and make you fearful of the dark in the same breath! This issue unveils the secrets of the town our albino heroine travels through, but will she be able to make it back out again? Amazing stuff!

3.  Saga #5 : Brian K. Vaughan has crafted an amalgam of Romeo & Juliet, Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings; all the while putting his own majestic spin on all of them! If you want a book that is truly epic in both scope and execution — look no further!

4. Captain Marvel #1 : Awesome art and a well paced, solid story; Carol Danvers is finally back in her own book! No matter what moniker she may have had before, she is now Captain Marvel and everyone should give this book a chance! Check out Byron’s full review here for further raving!

5.  X-O Manowar #3 :  Finally, Aric is wielding the X-O armor and no one will stand between him and freedom! Fast paced and to the brim with action, this is the issue that turns the series on it’s head and into the modern day! BANG!

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Movie News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for July 11th, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2199:]]1.  The Walking Dead #100: This book will leave you breathless with the horrific conclusion! If you thought the Governor was bad — think again! Everything changes and Rick’s world is turned upside down! Check out my full review here!

2.  Batman # 11: Snyder’s conclusion to the amazing Night of the Owls storyline is here! It is brother vs. “brother” as Bruce Wayne fights for the soul of Gotham!

3.  The Crow #1: IDW is putting out a whole new twist on The Crow mythos — with James O’Barr doing an alternate cover! Taking place in Japan, this body swapping tale is an amalgam of mysticism and advanced technology. Great book!

4.  Bloodshot #1: The nineties and Valiant are back in full swing as Bloodshot emerges from the depths of nostalgia this week! If you like espionage, bullets and “undead” soldiers getting mind wiped — you will love this book!

5.  American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #2: Dracula has escaped and the status quo has completely changed! Plus, Snyder’s shocking final page leaves Agent Hobbes in a dire situation! Awesome!

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Movie News

Advanced Review: The Walking Dead #100

100 issues! 100 issues of one of the most unnerving and highly acclaimed books that grace the shelves of your LCS each month! When I started reading Robert Kirkman’s opus to survival horror back in issue six, Charlie Adlard’s first issue, issue one hundred seemed so far away. But here it is, and believe me, you DO NOT want to miss this one! This is the issue where everything changes, and with ten different covers — you literally CAN’T miss it!

We all know by now, that Mr. Kirkman loves to build up a story before ending it with a crashing crescendo of mayhem! Well, he does not disappoint with this historic issue! 

I actually found this issue very hard to read. Not because of any pacing or plot issues, but rather, do to the horrific events that transpire within. We have all grown to see these characters as much more than two dimensional drawings over the years. The characterization has always been the factor that has kept this book expanding, and it is that same extreme detail to characterization — that makes us become unnerved when terrible things happen to them. This issue, in particular, will make you cringe!

Robert Kirkman has always been able to manipulate a bevy of emotions from a reader. From joy to utter revulsion, he can twist a plot so that it is not an unforeseen conclusion to a story, but an unrelenting one! You are forced, head first, into horrific situations that will bewilder you with the sheer depths of human cruelty. And just when you think you can take no more, he astonishes you with something even worse!

I will not give any spoilers to this issue! You need to read this unrelenting force of brutality for yourselves! It will shock you at how depraved humans can be when all the shackles of civilization have been shook off. You not only owe it to yourselves to get this book, but we ALL owe it to Kirkman for giving us such an introspective look at the human condition all these years. Who would have thought a “little zombie” book could become all this spectacle?!

Congratulations for 100 issues of amazing stories TWD crew! Can’t wait to see issue 1,000! And to all you fans that thought no one could be more evil than the Governor — there’s a new kid in town! Now get reading!

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Movie News Reviews

Amazing Spider-Man (2012): Movie Review

Unfortunately, This Reboot Was Amazing

A Film Review of The Amazing Spider-Man

By: Lawrence Napoli

 

Make no mistake.  The Spider-Man reboot is a win . . . and it completely, emphatically and unequivocally pains me to admit this for the pure and simple fact that it is a reboot of an iconic trilogy that began a mere 10 years ago that yielded immense success for all those involved, but none more so than Tobey Maguire.  People knew who Tobey was before 2002’s Spider-Man because the late 90’s and early 2000’s saw the young actor’s career catch fire: Pleasantville (1998), The Cider House Rules (1999) and Wonder Boys (2000).  It was a big deal to see this up-and-comer get a signature franchise for which he will forever be recognized so long as he didn’t screw it up; and he didn’t.  Love him or hate him, Maguire embodied Peter Parker in the best ways as well as the worst and he breathed charisma and believability into Marvel’s single most important IP which made a lot of “important” people plenty of green. 

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2166:]]I hate the concept of reboots, and I continue to express this opinion time and time again because (by definition) it inspires those who control the means of entertainment production to revisit the past instead of looking ahead to the future.  Yet Marvel still needs to make money and using Spider-Man to do it has never failed before.  Suddenly, the fact that Spider-Man 3 was universally recognized as the weakest link didn’t seem as bad when it could be regarded as a convenient excuse to start over.  Thus, the reboot was set in motion with no promises save for “it will be different” and “no Mary Jane” – not very convincing arguments for any audience to invest in a “new” Spider-Man when the “old” one’s last appearance was 5 years ago.  As a result, this movie had to show me something more and make me feel something deeper than I did for Maguire’s rendition to allow me to acknowledge (let alone enjoy) Andrew Garfield’s attempt. 

Director Marc Webb and writers James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent deliver a refined vision of Spider-Man that chooses to more fully explore Peter Parker’s formative, high school years, unlike its predecessor.  Other aesthetic changes see Peter Parker as less of a nerdy dork and more of a grungy sk8ter boi, a dedication to the puppy love angle with his first girlfriend Gwen Stacey and making his parents actually relevant to his character’s development.  Of course there are others, but these changes are by no means drastic enough to be described as stark departures from the Sam Raimi/Tobey Maguire trilogy.  Yet, these subtle differences present Peter Parker as being genuinely troubled (beyond bullying), less of a lapdog to Aunt May and Uncle Ben and simply more interested in “doing his own thing” than being obsessed with acceptance and popularity.  Envisioning Peter Parker in this way may present him as a selfish teenager at first, but it also makes the character less hokey and more in tune with reality.  This sets the tone for the rest of the cast in addition to the plot that carries a much more serious tone [the pain of loss] than the happy-go-lucky sentiment that pervades the original trilogy.  I never liked how every Spider-Man film seemed to go out of its way to create a sympathetic connection between Peter and every villain that wanted to eviscerate him.  Thankfully, Amazing does no such thing which allows more screen time to go to his positive relationships with his aunt, uncle and girlfriend.  Yes, this does contribute to a slower pace in this film’s first act, but it allows the audience a wider birth to identify with the protagonist and accept the character’s motivation for engaging[[wysiwyg_imageupload:2167:]] in a life of action, adventure and danger. 

The action and effects in The Amazing Spider-Man are quite satisfying.  Once again, I must note how we’ve all seen the same type spider maneuvers before, but the fact that this film almost exclusively uses CG for Spidey while in full swinging/battling mode gives this film a decided advantage over its predecessor.  Normally I would shutter at neglecting practical effects like wire-work, but these never impressed me for depicting how Spider-Man would swing around, especially when getting off the ground in the first place.  There’s not much hand to hand combat with the Lizard throughout, but the fully CG rendered sequences look absolutely great.  I particularly enjoy the focus that was placed on Spider-Man’s webs being featured in his combat style as opposed to a simple garnish.  CG continues to evolve at an exponential rate, but Spidey as a character has an advantage over other action heroes in that his body and face are fully covered by a spandex skin that computers should have no problems making appear as real as an actor in a suit.  Every frame that features CG looks very sharp, but also very natural despite the fantastic scale, camera angles and visual effects that are occurring in the background.

The supporting cast of The Amazing Spider-Man features a litany of veteran actors that plays to their individual (type-casted) strengths.  Denis Leary has made a career out of playing cops and firefighters so why not once again for police Captain Stacy, father of Gwen?  Rhys Ifans produces an admirable villain and his rather threatening voice is ideal for the Lizard.  Sally Field is not someone I would normally think about when casting for Aunt May, but she produces a most welcome performance as May that defies her decrepit portrayal in every way from the comic books.  Lest we forget the Illusive Man himself, Martin Sheen.  Plug him into any father/mentor/wise elder role and expect nothing less than cinematic goodness.

Emma Stone, alone, is a reason to see this film.  Yes, she’s beautiful, sure she seems awfully fun, but the absolute strength of her performance is the chemistry she has with Andrew Garfield which reflects their real life romance on the big screen quite well.  Not to draw yet another comparison to the original Spider trilogy, but the ever fizzling chemistry between Dunst and Maguire was the final nail in that franchise’s coffin.  Emma is a very compelling actress, but it remains to be seen how professional she can remain if difficulty in life could potentially affect her work.  For instance, if she and Garfield break up before this new Spider franchise wraps, it presents a very volatile situation for these two. 

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Real life, cute couple.  Hopefully it lasts.

Naturally, the same can be said for Garfield who has an equal, personal and professional stake in the performance of this reboot.  It isn’t fair to ask Andrew Garfield, still fresh off his success from The Social Network, to step into this role with the franchise’s recent history, to pull publicity stunts at conventions to prove how much he cares about Spider-Man and to make people forget about Tobey Maguire all together.  That’s exactly what Sony Pictures and Marvel have asked him to do and so far, he’s doing an adequate job.  Andrew’s performance as a rather fidgety Peter Parker brings a new take on the character’s introverted nature.  I like how he plays up his insecurity repeating gestures and reluctance to maintain eye contact with the rest of his cast.  However, when he locks into a mutual gaze, it makes those moments even more poignant which begs the audience to crawl into his character’s head and learn how he ticks.  He too benefits from the chemistry he has with Emma Stone, but his connections with Martin Sheen and Sally Field resonates with the audience just as effectively. 

Giving a reboot my official stamp of approval is a dangerous proposition because it gives this kind of production a free pass to remix popular IPs ad infinitum and that isn’t a good thing.  Two principals are at odds for me: the one previously stated and the principal of evaluating a single film for its own merits.  A reboot is not always going to be better or worse than the original, but if the studios have little regard for a cool down period between releases, we the paying audience will soon be inundated with too much of not just “the same” but exactly the same in a very brief period of time.  I can only hope and pray that this reboot is a fluke and its genuine quality is an exception to the rule so that future reboots will not fail to disappoint so they can be curb-stomped at my leisure.  Next on the list is Total Recall!

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Movie News

Advanced Review: Earth 2 #3

The most controversial DC book to date,  Earth 2, continues this week, and I am over joyed with the story that James Robinson unfolds before us!

Creating a completely new vision for some of the oldest characters in the DC Universe has to be an undaunting task. Anyone would be overwhelmed by the sheer thought of it, but James Robinson has truly created something special within the pages of this book. He has brought a level of excitement to these characters again, a “golden age” quality to a “modern day” book. 

We see the creation of the “first” Green Lantern for the very first time, and it is a wonderful amalgam of the original tale with fresh sensibilities! The tale is engaging and fast paced, hitting on all the major characters while adding something new as well. There is a deeper sense of these heroes being connected by unforeseen forces, something that heightens the level of intrigue while building the “team” mentality of the book. But there is something else at play here, something sinister and unnerving that slowly seeps into the world of Earth 2. A familiar villain that has been transformed into a pure force of nature, something that can rival life itself!

Highly engaging, with phenomenal art by Nicola Scott, Earth 2 #3 is a book no DC fan should miss! It is a window into the past and a reminder of how fun and intriguing “super hero” books can be!

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Movie News

Advanced Review: Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 (of 6)

Whether you refuse to by into DC’s prequel series, or are absolutely loving the new tales of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ creations, one thing is for sure — everyone’s talking about it! Controversial to say the least, these books have been hit or miss with the fans. Personally, Before Watchmen: Ozymandias is the best of the bunch so far and is sure to make a fan of even the most skeptical reader!

Len Wein takes his time, weaving a story of the man that will become the greatest enemy to his allies. We are shown his life from birth, to the eventual donning of his “super hero” costume, never missing an opportunity to flesh out every nuance of Adrian Alexander Veidt. It is a stunning tale of an amazing child that must live in the throws of submission to inferior humans in order to live a “normal” life. It is emotionally jarring and yet, enthralls the reader to venture through Adrian’s life, just to catch a glimpse as to how he will overcome obscurity. And when he does, it is with a flourish of pomp and circumstance that has rarely been seen!

Jae Lee is the perfect choice as artist for this well crafted tale. He has always amazed the eye with his skill, but he has truly reached the pinnacle of his career with his work on this book. Every page is flawlessly crafted, a true wonder for the eye to behold. Using the word “beautiful’ to describe this work is under rating it. It is most definitely — stunning!

If you were at all nervous about this series not living up to Mr. Moore’s “holy grail” of comics history, fear no more. It is handled with the utmost care, and dare I say, professionalism. If you are to read any of the prequel series, I highly recommend this book to be your gateway!

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Movie News

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile for July 4th, 2012

 

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

 

( A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER! )

 

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies! Forget that “apple a day” nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription to good health starts with these top five books of the week!

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1.  Danger Club #3 :  What happens when all the adults on your planet go missing and it’s up to you to save the world? That’s the premise of this great book that never fails to thrill and shock you! Speaking of shocks, there is a HUGE reveal in this book that no one should miss!

2.  Earth 2 #3 :  Controversial? Yes. Outstanding? Even more so! Not only do we get to see Alan Scott become the Green Lantern in this issue, but a all-new, all-different villain enters the fray as well! For get the Green. Forget the Red. Forget the Rot. Fear the Grey!

3.  Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 (of 6) : For me, this has been the best of prequel series! We get to see this vile villain from birth to the donning of his costume in this issue, and it is amazing! But what really solidifies it as the best, is Jae Lee’s outstanding art!

4.  Avengers Vs. X-Men #7 :  This series has done a complete 180 in the last two issues, making it exciting again! Matt Fraction writes a solid tale and Olivier Coipel’s art is top notch! Plus, an Avenger gets set on fire! And it ain’t Wolvie, kids!

5.  The Boys #68 :  Garth Ennis’ middle finger to super hero comics, is slowly coming to an end — but it’s going out with a BANG! The Boys are finding out that their fearless leader has been doing so very bad things and must be stopped. But how do you stop someone who knows everything about you? Awesome stuff!

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