Tagged: film

First ‘Lost Boys 2: The Tribe’ Pic Hits the Net

  • News
  • February 24, 2008

For me, The Lost Boys is probably director Joel Shumacher’s only really great movie. It was one of those movies I really loved as a kid and upon subsequent viewings, it still holds up very well as a scary, funny good time — shirtless sax solos not withstanding.

The movie pretty much had it all, including a great cast featuring Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patrick, both Corey Haim and Corey Feldman, Dianne Wiest and Bernard Hughes. It also had cutting-edge (for the time) effects, action, drama, romance, blood, gore, violence, comic books and a great soundtrack. All of which came together to make Lost Boys one of the seminal movies of the ’80s for me and many others.

To be honest, I never really considered the possibility of a sequel to The Lost Boys. I always thought the movie stood on its own as a complete and satisfying story. So, it was with some reluctance that I’ve followed the development of the sequel, The Lost Boys 2: The Tribe, which is, after many trials and tribulations, soon on its way into theaters.

But now, thanks to the folks over at Shock Til You Drop, there’s an exclusive first pic from the film that doesn’t completely reverse my feelings regarding a sequel but does make me want to give the film at least a chance. Who knows, maybe as we start to see more from it, my feeling about a sequel will completely change? Maybe. Until then, enjoy the pic.

New ‘Iron Man’ Poster Revealed

  • News
  • February 24, 2008

Over at ScreenRant, they’ve got a post up that gives us a look at the brand new Iron Man movie poster being handed out at this years WonderCon in San Francisco. This time around, the poster features all three versions of Iron Man’sarmor from the film: the original Mark I, the prototype Mark II and the final red and gold Mark III that we all know.

Its interesting to see the progression in the design of these three armors and to be able to see them up-close with this kind of detail. They all look pretty cool to me, but is it wrong that I like the silver Mark II best? Blasphemy, right?

Iron Man, in full armor-clad glory, opens May 2nd.

 

‘Watchmen’ Movie to Keep Original Ending?

  • News
  • February 23, 2008

We’re all used to Hollywood changing endings for comic book adaptations, usually to make them happier and more palatable to mainstream audiences (such as Mary Jane being saved from the Green Goblin on a Manhattan bridge rather than Gwen Stacy being thrown from one). And yet, the involvement of Neville Page in the upcoming Watchmen movie suggests that this film may try to be more true to its roots, considering that Page is known for monster/creature effects.

The official Watchmen film site has a discussion on effects specialist Neville Page’s involvement in the upcoming film.

The site also includes an excerpt of an e-mail from Page himself:

"As for The Watchmen, I am not able to discuss what I had done in terms of the creature … The production designed [Alex McDowell] is amazing, so the production should be fantastic … I am working as a concept designer but the focus as of late has been creature."

Is the "creature" mentioned by Page the monster from the story’s final scene? After all, as the site itself points out, the only other odd-looking beast in the film is a genetically engineered lynx and it doesn’t seem that a specialist such as Page would be needed for such a simple design.

 

Live-Action ‘Akira’ On the Way from Leo DiCaprio

  • News
  • February 21, 2008

Yesterday, the Hollywood Reporter dropped the news that Warner Brothers has snapped up the rights to make a two-part, live-action version of the Japanese Anime classic Akira. Not only that, but producing the film will be superstar Leonaro DiCaprio. In addition, first-time feature helmer Ruairi Robinson will be taking on the directing duties and Gary Whitta is writing the screenplay.

But wait, there’s more.

Today, it was confirmed by Aint it Cool News that DiCaprio will, in addition to producing, star in the live-action film as the lead character Kaneda. Also confirmed is that Joseph Gordon-Levitt, soon to be seen in the upcoming live-action G.I. Joe, will join him in the cast as Tetsuo. 

In case you’re not familiar with Akira, it originally came out in 1988 as a manga and then as an animated film co-written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. The story, set in a futuristic post-nuclear war "New Tokyo" in the year 2019, concerns a teen biker gang member called Tetsuo who is subjected to government experiments which unleash his hidden and terrifying powers. Kaneda, the gang’s leader and Tetsuo’s best friend, must then find a way to stop the ensuing destruction caused by his friend, even if it means killing him.
 
I first saw the film in the early ’90s and was blown away. At the time it was like no other animation I had ever seen and I’ve always secretly harbored a desire to see it as a big-budget, live-action feature. I guess I’ll get my wish. Hopefully, that will be a good thing.
 
Warner Brothers is looking at a Summer 2009 release for the first film.

 

 

Columbia Pictures Snaps Up ‘The Boys’

  • News
  • February 21, 2008

In their continuing quest to find new, exciting and original content, Hollywood studios often turn to the world of comic books and graphic novel as source material for new projects. Today is no exception as Variety is reporting that Columbia Pictures has picked up the rights to Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s The Boys. The feature film adaptation of the comic book, which is published by Dynamite Entertainment, will be produced by Neil Moritz through his Sony-based Original Film company.

In case you’re not familier with the comic (although you should be) the story follows a CIA squad informally known as "the boys" whose job it is to keep track of the superheroes in town and make sure they don’t do anything wrong or make mistakes that hurt other innocent people. If they do, "the boys" are there to straighten them out or even, in some cases, kill them.

In the Variety article, producer Moritz characterized the comic as an original take on the superhero genre.

"Rather than begin with a romantic idea of superheroes out to save the world, ‘The Boys’ imagines a world in which superheroes really exist, with all of the flaws that real people have," he said. "The boys are there to make sure that people with superhuman powers don’t get out of line."

No word yet on if Ennis himself will be writing the script for the film, any potential casting or a start date. But when there is, we’ll bring it to you.

 

Darwyn Cooke on ‘Justice League: New Frontier’

  • News
  • February 21, 2008

With the Justice League: The New Frontier DVD hitting shelves next week, a New Frontier Special comic scheduled for March 5 release, and DC re-releasing Darwyn Cooke’s miniseries that inspired the film, the award-winning creator is in the midst of a good kind of perfect storm these days.

In a recent interview with CBR, Cooke explains the genesis of the original New Frontier miniseries, his work with the creators of the animated film, and his plans for a potential sequel to the New Frontier story.

“I have a story in mind. And it would take us up to the year 1972. That’s when [Jack] Kirby comes to DC, basically. And so I would probably say, if there was a sequel, it would span that time period from when Kennedy is elected until then. Right now, at this point, it’s pure vapor and rumor.”

Cooke also hints at what readers can expect from the upcoming Justice League: The New Frontier Special, which will feature three stories from the New Frontier era written and drawn by Cooke.

“In ‘The New Frontier,’ there is an article that appears about superheroes being hunted down and Hourman dying and Batman and Superman having a big duel where Batman actually defeats Superman. It’s the story behind all of that,” revealed Cooke. “What it does is give me a chance to have those two beat the crap out each other, which some people say, ‘Oh no, not again.’ But well, heh, you know, sorry, you only live once and here we go.

”But it’s all 1950s style. The technology for this type of a fight for Batman, he’s got to be incredibly ingenious because technology-wise, it’s different world.

Cooke also shares some thoughts about his critically praised work on DC’s The Spirit series, based on the Will Eisner character, and hints that he’ll be returning to an ongoing title at some point in the near future.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Make sure to check out the ComicMix review of Justice League: The New Frontier animated film.]

 

Brand New ‘10,000 B.C.’ Trailer Hits the Net

10000bcsabertooth-7833048I’m not sure what you think of director Roland Emmerich’s previous films such as Independence Day, Stargate, The Day After Tomorrow or Godzilla, but I enjoyed them all. Well, at least the first two. But no matter your feelings about the director’s earlier work, you gotta admit that his latest effort, the prehistoric adventure 10,000 B.C., looks pretty darn interesting — judging by what we’ve seen so far.

Fortunately, you’ll get another chance to find out if Emmerich’s latest is for you because there’s a new, just-released trailer for the film over at Yahoo movies. Chock full of action, explosions and plenty of giant CGI creatures, this movie looks like a great ride and this trailer only serves to peak my interest in the film even further.

The film, which features Omar Shariff as well as a cast of relative unknowns including Steve Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis and Tim Barlow, tells the epic story of D’Leh (Straight) a young mammoth hunter and his journey through uncharted territory to secure the future of his tribe. Along the way he faces many challenges and pitfalls until finally, his very life is at stake during a massive fight to determine not only his future, but the future of everything he’s ever known.

10,000 B.C. hits theaters November 30th.

Zack Snyder Thanks Fans With New ‘Watchmen’ Pic

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Recently, Watchmen Exec. Producer herb Gaines posted his thoughts on the film at its official site now that principal photography on the film is baically complete. Now, the film’s director, Zack Snyder, has followed suit and has posted some thoughts and reflections of his own.

But this time, its not just kind words from Snyder, he’s also included a bonus gift for fans as well — a brand new pic directly from the film itself. This new pic will show, as Snyder says in his post: "How it looks when it all comes together." Sadly, the pic doesn’t reveal the look of Ozymandias, Nite Owl, Doctor Manhattan or really, much detail about the film at all.

However, it does give us Rorschach setting fire to a guy, which is pretty darn cool and will certainly whet the appetite of Watchmen fans everywhere. Heck, it did for me. Come on Zack, how about some more? Soon.

Check out a much larger version of the new pic after the jump.

Watchmen hits theaters March 6, 2009

  (more…)

It’s Hammer Time on EZ Street

  • News
  • February 20, 2008

Scott and Danny continue their adventures at the Baltimore Con in today’s all-new episode of EZ Street, by Mark Wheatley and Robert Tinnell.  

Scott discovers his inner fanboy geek, and the fate of the vampire movie option is revealed.  Can you spot the industry guest-stars?

linklogo2-1797975

Also, be sure to check out FEARnet’s coverage of this week’s episode of EZ Street!

And now, a special message from EZ Street‘s Robert Tinnell about this week’s episode:

Given that today’s episode of EZ Street touches upon the legendary Hammer Films, once-upon-a-time horror powerhouse from the ’50s through the ’70s, it seems like a good time to point out another connection between the company and comics.  Since the early seventies a devoted fellow by the name of Richard Klemensen has periodically published the ultimate Hammer Film magazine – LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS.

The most recent issue, #19, features an in-depth look at the career of Hammer’s greatest director, Terence Fisher – the man responsible for many classics of the genre, including HORROR OF DRACULA and FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED.   There has always been a natural crossover between comic and film fans, particularly horror films, but if that isn’t reason enough to attract ComicMix readers consider this: for several years now Klemensen has featured covers and interior artwork by several notable comic artists, including one who may well surprise you.

Neil Vokes knows a thing or two about horror (THE BLACK FOREST won a Rondo Award for Best Horror Comic – thanks, Neil) – in comics and film – and he’s been contributing marvelous black-and-white interpretations of Hammer stars and scenes from films for years. Adrian Salmon is a British artist whose work appears often in DR. WHO comics(and who co-created, with me, the character of Terry Sharp – a film director who battles supernatural forces while working at a studio much like Hammer in the ’60s).  And then there’s a guy named Bruce Timm whom you may have heard of.  Timm is a major Hammer fan and has been contributing some marvelous work to LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS for years – including a few covers. 

Great articles and interviews, rare photos and stunning artwork – LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS is a tremendous magazine worthy of picking up.  Visit www.LittleShoppeOfHorrors.com to see examples and for ordering information.

Toy Fair ’08: Ledger Inspired Joker Figure Announced

  • News
  • February 19, 2008

In spite of the recent, tragic death of actor Heath Ledger, the New York Post is reporting that plans are still in effect to release a new action figure in his Dark Knight character’s likeness to coincide with the upcoming release of the film.

According to the article, the Joker action figure will come in two different versions, both of which will hit store shelves in May.

One smaller version will feature a rocket launcher that can be put in the figure’s hand. The other, designed by well-known team the Four Horsemen, will be slightly larger, more detailed and come with a toy knife. Some might question the timing, or good taste, of releasing the action figure so close to Ledger’s death — or in releasing it at all.

However, according to the article, Ledger’s family supports the decision. "Heath was very proud of his work in the film, and his family is aware and supportive of Warner Bros. and its partner’s plans for the movie," said a family spokesperson. In addition, Mattel, the company behind the figure, are sensitive to the situation but still plan to go forward.

"It’s not exactly a marketing point," said Mattel’s P.J. Lewis of Ledger’s death. "But kids are going to buy the toy if they like the movie."

The Dark Knight hits theaters in July.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: You can see pictures of both figures in our gallery of photos from the ComicMix tour of Mattel’s showroom.]

 

Categories

Archives

Everything you need to make great comics!

comicmix-pro-300x69-2

Nucleus X

Bookshop Zaks