Film News
Well, it is the beginning of the week and we are about the cut apart the best, the worst and the downright strange news from the past week. From elastic men to murderous Superheroes we have it all this week as well as the kick off of the award ceremonies. It's a lot to digest but I have a milky glass of wit to help you wash it down.
The Good News
(I could definitely go for more of this)
Say what you will about The Watchmen movie (hardcore fans, that means you; step away from your keyboard of rage,) but it was one of the best comic book to movie adaptations sitting along side The Dark Knight and Iron Man. Yes, it is a darker side of vigiliantism. Bloody, gory and uncomfortable in places; it is surprising that The Watchmen is one of the highly praised films from critics alike. That's why it is so good to hear that DC comics are releasing a bunch of prequels in this coming summer that will hopefully lead into a film series similar to the X-Men origins. Well, when I say similar, hopefully better than Wolverine. Under the term "Before The Watchmen," Brian Azzerello (writer of a 100 Bullets) will take Rorscach and The Comedian backgrounds, J Micheal Straczynski (The Amazing Spider-Man) will write Dr Manhatten and The Nite Owl, Darywyn Cooke is all about The Silk Spectre as well as telling the stories of the original team The Minutemen and the original editor Len Wein will focus on brilliant Ozymandias. While it may only be in print, give it a couple more years before the film industry jump on this future cash cow.
(And more Emma Stone, please)
From super psychos to super women as The Help scoop up the major prizes at the SAG awards (thats the Screen Actors Guild Award.) As well as the award for the best ensemble cast, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer scooped up Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for their roles as black maids who tell their harrowing stories of serving the suburbian middle class women in South America during the Civil Rights Movement. With both of the ladies nominated for an Oscar, it could be an amazing year for them both. Other winners in the SAG awards include Jean Duljardin for his role as a silent film star in The Artist and Harry Potter won for the best stunt ensemble. Well, at least the magic was not snubbed.
Nothing for Drive yet but the Baftas are out this weekend and we, as The British, were smart enough to give a nomination.
The Bad News
(this is how I feel already)
Can you remember the really creepy movies of yesteryear? You know, the films that were banned back then but seem hilarious to us right now? Or films that will forever be scary? Remember that one film that classically combined both in one of the best zombie movies ever? That's right, The Evil Dead and just like other greats, Hollywood are planning on "re-booting" the film for our new generations. Can't say I'm impressed, failed re-makes of The Wickerman, The Omen and The Thing have done so terribley that I am starting to wonder if heads over in the film industry aren't all suffering from some mad "re-boot" illness. Stars lined up for this....ahem... project include Shiloh Fernandez (Red Riding Hood) and Jane Levy (yeah, I don't know either.) Well at least it hasn't got Nicolas Cage in this. Oh, no...now that I've said it, you know whats going to happen...
(pfft you dont scary me creepy kid. But to be on the safe side, I'll sleep with my lights on)
Talking about rubbish horror movies, makes of Insidious are James Wan and Leigh Wannell are planning on a sequel. If you cannot remember Insidious then good, you are a luck one. The chop and shut horror movie was one of the strangest movies of last year and not out of intention. While one half was a super creepy, jump out of your skin supernatural story, the second half was like walking through the worst Ghost House at your local funfair. So the combination of good and bad is coming back to hit our screens. Let's just say you'll be wetting your pants in the first half then happily leaving in the second half ashamed that you'd actually been frightened in the first place. Confused? Yes, thats the Insidious effect.
The Just Plain Weird.
(I'm an amazing super hero, I can stretch to CERTAIN DISTANCES!)
If Hollywood aren't content in ruining classics, then its your childhood that they'll hit next. With hit movies, (I use the term "hit" loosely here) Transformers and G.I. Joe, the money grabbing hands want more and this time they are tackling the super elasticated crime defeater Stretch Armstrong. While Taylor Launter who was originally attached to the project has dropped out, Hasbro president Brian Golder wants to push with Relatively Media to create an instant classic. Golder has said "We are excited for Stretch Armstrong to have a universal audience." While casting, storyline and directing is still a mystery, no doubt some B List celebrity will jump on board. I wonder if there will be a scene where Stretch gets pulled so far, he breaks and flour pours out.
If so, I may be inclined to watch it.
Especially if it was in 4D.
TTFN
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