Author: Shawn Madden

Comic enthusiast. Lover of Mexican food. Movie watcher. Destroyer of worlds. Or...something like that.

First Look At Marvel Animation Studios ‘Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United’

by Shawn Madden

Marvel Animation Studios debut feature Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United, is set to be released April 23rd, 2013. The film will “team Tony Stark and Bruce Banner in a fight against the villain Zzzax, a creature formed out of pure energy who can absorb human minds.”

The film will feature a mix of hand drawn art as well as computer generated animation, similar to MTV’s Spider-Man series from a few years ago. Adrian Pasdar (Heroes) will voice Iron Man and Fred ­Tatasciore (Ultimate Spider-Man) will voice Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Zzzax will be voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, who is probably best known as the voice of Klaus on American Dad. Jeph Loeb stated:

“The challenge was to pick up the banter between the two of them. Certainly, Adrian Pasdar’s performance is inspired by what Robert Downey Jr. does, and Mark laid down such an incredible path for us to be able to follow.”

Loeb also added the following about their future plans:

“It’s our hope that we will start doing more feature-length direct to Blu-ray and DVD stories. They’ll more than likely be in team-up situations. We find it works really well when we have big exciting adventures with two or more of our heroes.”

Source: EW

An Extended Edition Of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ Coming Next Year

by Shawn Madden

A press release issued earlier today by Warner Bros. has confirmed that the studios has plans to release an extended version of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey next year. Come on, you really didn’t expect this one? The release is presumably to tie-in with the release of the second film in the trilogy, The Desolation Of Smaug, next year. I’m actually pretty sure you can expect extended cuts of all three films. Here’s an excerpt from the press release:

And finally, among the new films you can expect on Blu-ray and DVD in 2013 are The Wachowskis’ Cloud Atlas and – officially confirmed here for the first time – Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Extended Edition (Q4). One suspects a theatrical cut will be released earlier in 2013, following the home video release pattern of the previous Lord of the Rings films. And it’s reasonable to suspect that a Blu-ray 3D version will be forthcoming as well.

Source: The One Ring

Drew Pearce To Rewrite Legendary’s ‘Godzilla’

by Shawn Madden

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures announced recently that the highly anticipated Godzilla would be smashing it’s way into theaters May 16th, 2014. The Gareth Edwards (Monsters) directed film was first revealed at this years San Diego Comic-Con and the room exploded with excitement.

Variety is now reporting that screenwriter Drew Pearce has been hired to pen a final rewrite of the script. But it’s not because there’s anything wrong with the script. Reports are saying that there are actually no issues with the script. With casting expected to begin in four weeks, the last minute rewrite is to age the characters to match the actors that are being targeted for the film, which is actually a smart idea.

David Callaham (The Expendables), David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight) and Max Borenstein (The Seventh Son) can definitely expect a smart and action packed Godzilla flick. Pearce is also currently working on the script for a third Sherlock Holmes film for Warner Bros.

Watch The First Trailer For Rob Zombie’s ‘Lords Of Salem’

by Shawn Madden

Check out the first trailer for Rob Zombie’s Lords Of Salem. Zombie’s newest horror flick revolves around the city of Salem, Massachusetts being visited by a coven of ancient witches. Many who have already seen the film are saying it’s actually his best work to date. It’s said to star Zombie’s wife, Sheri Moon Zombie, Bruce Davison, Jeff Daniel Phillips and many more. Definitely a creepy as hell teaser for the flick.

Heidi, a radio station DJ, receives a wooden box containing a record. Heidi listens and the bizarre sounds within the grooves immediately trigger flashbacks of Salem’s violent past. Is Heidi going mad or are the Lords of Salem returning for revenge on modern day Salem?

No release date has been set yet.

Geekscape Comics: Latest Marvel NOW! Teaser Reveals Frank Cho On Wolverine

by Shawn Madden

Marvel has started releasing another batch of teasers for their upcoming Marvel NOW! titles and the newest one is pretty obvious. It appears that Frank Cho is taking over on Wolverine. Three claw marks should be obvious enough. The most interesting part is the word savage being used due to Logan’s current ways of being. Could we be seeing a return to the more brutal berserker Wolverine?

Source: Marvel

Watch The Red Band Trailer For ‘Movie 43’!

by Shawn Madden

Well it appears that every actor out there that we like has decided to do a very inappropriate and raunchy movie with Peter Farrelly. Movie 43 is a compilation of short segments, directed by different people, with a bunch of Oscar and non-Oscar winners which even includes Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman saying some very inappropriate things.

Movie 43 is kind of like Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve, except that it’s going to be something you actually enjoy watching.

Movies 43 stars Emma Stone, Halle Berry, Terrence Howard, Gerard Butler, Kristen Bell, Chloe Moretz, Josh Duhamel, Johnny Knoxville, Elizabeth Banks, Naomi Watts, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Richard Gere, Justin Long, Liev Schreiber, Uma Thurman, Seann William Scott, Kieran Culkin, Leslie Bibb, Jimmy Bennett, Kate Bosworth, Patrick Warburton, Tony Shalhoub, Chris Pratt, Jason Sudeikis, Jack McBrayer, Aasif Mandvi and Bobby Cannavale. Try saying that three times fast.

Movie 43 hits theater January 25, 2013

An Official First Look At John McClane And Son In ‘A Good Day To Die Hard’

by Shawn Madden

Bruce Willis has been on a pretty good steak of flicks lately. He had The Expendables 2 and Looper come out this year and is currently shooting Red 2. But, shame on us…how could we forget that there’s another Die Hard on it’s way?

Well, this new photo from A Good Day To Die Hard showing Bruce Willis as John McClane with Jai Courtney as his son Jack McClane, thanks to the people over at Entertainment Weekly, will keep us from ever forgetting again.

Yipee ki-yay.

A Good Day to Die Hard hits theaters Feb. 14, 2013.

A First Look At Deadshot In The CW’s ‘Arrow’

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago it was revealed that Deadshot would be making an appearance in the CW’s Arrow. The DC Comics assassin will make his debut in the third episode titled “Lone Gunman”. His look definitely looks much better than that steampunk cowboy thing they went for in Smallville. The eyepiece actually looks nearly identical to the one that Deadshot wears in Arkham City.

Also keep in mind that this isn’t a full look. He’s definitely rocking a trenchcoat in these images and there could be more to it underneath. I’m sure some of you were hoping for the metal mask but keep in mind that this show is intended to be grounded more in reality and the budget may not have allowed for it. Personally? I think it’s pretty good. But what do you guys think?

Source: The Huffington Post

‘Super Troopers’ Director To Rewrite And Helm Yogi Bear Sequel

by Shawn Madden

Warner Bros. has tapped Jay Chandrasekhar to rewrite and direct the sequel to 2010’s Yogi Bear. The original film was written by Jeffrey Ventimilia (Rio) and Joshua Sternin (The Tooth Fairy), with Eric Brevig (Men In Black) directing. The film wasn’t very well received critically but went on to make over $200 million worldwide.

Jay Chandrasekhar, who you probably know best as a member of Broken Lizard, has also directed The Babymakers, Super Troopers, Beerfest, Club Dread as well as the 2005 Dukes Of Hazzard film. Chandrasekhar has also directed episodes of Up All Night, Royal Pains and Community. So, this film could actually turn out to be pretty damn funny.

The 2010 film featured the voice acting credits of Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake and Anna Faris, but there is currently no word as far as if any of this cast will be returning. But why wouldn’t they?

Source: Deadline

Five Actresses Testing For ‘Captain America: The Winter Solider’ Love Interest

by Shawn Madden

With shooting set to begin in a few months, Captain America: The Winter Soldier directors Joe and Anthony Russo have a short list of five actresses to play the major “love interest” role in the highly anticipated sequel. The role has yet to be revealed but it’s safe to assume based on Cap’s history that these actresses are in the running to play Sharon Carter.

The list is comprises of Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones), Jessica Brown Findlay (Albatross), Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four), Imogen Poots (Fright Night)
and Alison Brie (Mad Men). There is no mention of Anna Kendrick (End Of Watch) or Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) who had previously been mentioned to be in the running. Kendrick at one point was even said to be the front runner for the role.

Additionally it has also been confirmed that Scarlett Johansson will be reprising her role as Black Widow in the film. Black Widow has been romantically involved with Winter Soldier in the comics but it’s unknown currently if we will see that in the film.

Source: Deadline

 

Check Out A New International Poster For ‘Silent Hill: Revelation 3D’

by Shawn Madden

Silent Hill was one of the few video game adaptations that actually lived up the game and this month we will see the release of the sequel into theaters. Check out this cool Italian poster for the flick featuring painted renderings of the main characters. If the movie turns out to be good I just may have to hunt one of these down.

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is based on the acclaimed survival horror videogame franchise by KONAMI and is the sequel to Hadida and Carmody’s earlier Silent Hill directed by Christophe Gans. For years, Heather Mason (Clemens) and her father have been on the run, always one step ahead of dangerous forces that she doesn’t fully understand. Now on the eve of her 18th birthday, plagued by terrifying nightmares and the disappearance of her father, Heather discovers she’s not who she thinks she is. The revelation leads her deeper into a demonic world that threatens to trap her in Silent Hill forever.

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D hits theaters on October 26, 2012.

Source: Badtaste

Geekscape Comics: Raven Makes Her ‘New 52’ Debut Next Week

by Shawn Madden

Have you been disappointed that fan-favorite Teen Titan member Raven has been absent from the New 52? Well, next week you’ll have to reason to be happy as the character is set to make her debut in the New 52 in Phantom Stranger #1.

It has also been revealed that at this weekend’s Las Vegas Comic Expo New 52 panel Scott Lobdell had announced her return as well as that he will be writing a Teen Titans spinoff with Raven leading the team. So, right now there’s still a few classic Teen Titan characters missing from the New 52, who would you guys like to see make their debut next?

Source: Comic Vine

Check Out Three New Images From Gore Verbinski’s ‘The Lone Ranger’!

by Shawn Madden

Walt Disney Pictures has released three more images from the Gore Verbinski-directed action Western starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

The Lone Ranger” is a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes. Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

The Lone Ranger is set to hit theatres on July 3, 2013.

Source: MSN UK

Geekscape Comics: The Weekly Pull List For The Week Of October 3rd!

by Shawn Madden

Every week there’s plenty of titles that hit your local comic shop. Maybe you’re having a hard time deciding which issues to pick up this week? Or maybe you just want to check out something that you’re not reading yet? Well, have no fears long box junkies…I am here to help you out with The Weekly Pull List. Every week I will give you a heads up on what will be the six issues that should be on the top of your stacks and pull lists this coming Wednesday. So, let’s start it off with The Weekly Pull List for the week of October 3rd!

AVENGERS VS X-MEN #12

-Extra-sized final issue! It all come down to this! The final battle-as the world burns!

This should be the no-brainer top of your stack this week. Let’s keep it real here.

UNCANNY X-FORCE #32

– FINAL EXECUTION nears its brutal finish! X-Force finally faces the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants all together!

We’re nearing the end here guys. If you haven’t been reading this series, do yourself a favor and go pick up every back issue. You’re welcome in advance.

ANIMAL MAN #13

– It’s the story you’ve been waiting for: ‘ROTWORLD: THE RED KINGDOM’! Part one of a four-part epic in which the Earth has fallen to the Rot! Guest-starring Justice League Dark, Beast Boy and many other heroes and villains from the DC Universe!

I haven’t been a fan of much of DC’s New 52 but this is sure to be one of their best crossover story arc’s. Jeff Lemire has definitely brought new life to this character and it’s definitely going to be the best DC book out this week.

HYPERNATURALS #4

– Thinkwell, Bewilder and Clone 45 begin to discover just how deep Sublime’s scheming runs, as they discover the lone survivor of the cataclysmic event that seemingly wiped out the previous Hypernaturals team.

It’s a brand new story arc and definitely a perfect jumping on point for readers. If you’re looking for something new this one is definitely worth giving a shot.

DOCTOR WHO #1

– The Doctor is back! Welcome to a new, exciting era for everyone’s favorite Time Lord, as New York Times bestselling writer Andy Diggle pilots the TARDIS as the ongoing series architect.

So, I am not even a Doctor Who fan myself. But, this book is being done by Andy Diggle  (The Losers) and Mark Buckingham (Fables), which means even I may have to check it out.

THIEF OF THIEVES #9

– Augustus’ troubled past comes back to bite him where it hurts – and Redmond’s son has to step up to the plate to keep an angry cartel at bay. Meanwhile: Cohen pushes harder on Conrad.

It’s a book written by Robert Kirkman. Of course you should be reading it.

This weeks trade spotlight: Death The Deluxe Edition HC

– Now in DC’s acclaimed deluxe format, this new hardcover collects all things Death, including DEATH: THE HIGH COST OF LIVING #1-3, DEATH: THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE #1-3, plus extras including ‘Death Talks about Life’ AIDS pamphlet, stories from VERTIGO: WINTER’S EDGE #2 and THE SANDMAN: ENDLESS NIGHTS, the short story ‘The Wheel’ from the 9-11 tribute book, SANDMAN #8 and #20, and art from the DEATH GALLERY!

Never got a chance to check out some of Neil Gaiman’s best work? Well, now you can in one collected edition that also features some beautiful artwork from Chris Bachalo. These stories are definitely one the “must read” list.

ABC’s ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Agents Revealed!

by Shawn Madden

Around a month ago it was revealed that Marvel and Joss Whedon would be bringing S.H.I.E.L.D. to ABC. Not much has been revealed as far as details about the show up until now. We now have some character descriptions for some of the agents. None of them are familiar characters to Marvelites but they definitely sound very Whedonesque.

SKYE: This late-20s woman sounds like a dream: fun, smart, caring and confident – with an ability to get the upper hand by using her wit and charm.

AGENT GRANT WARD: Quite the physical specimen and “cool under fire,” he sometimes botches interpersonal relations. He’s a quiet one with a bit of a temper, but he’s the kind of guy that grows on you.

AGENT ALTHEA RICE: Also known as “The Calvary,” this hard-core soldier has crazy  skills when it comes to weapons and being a pilot. But her experiences have left her very quiet and a little damaged.

AGENT LEO FITZ and AGENT JEMMA SIMMONS: These two came through training together and still choose to spend most of their time in each other’s company. Their sibling-like relationship is reinforced by their shared nerd tendencies – she deals with biology and chemistry, he’s a whiz at the technical side of weaponry.

There are plenty of fan-favorite agents of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division that it’s highly probable will appear but the looks of it this may be the central cast. Whedon may be creating new characters and bringing in fan favorites in to test out their response possibly. Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen are set to serve as executive producers and showrunners on S.H.I.E.L.D. in addition to co-writing the pilot with Joss Whedon. We should definitely expect some casting announcements in the coming weeks.

Source: TV Line

‘All You Need Is Kill’ Gets A Release Date And Synopsis

by Shawn Madden

Warner Bros. has announced that Doug Liman‘s sci-fi action film All You Need Is Kill will be hitting theaters March 14, 2014. The film, which is based off the manga of the same name, stars Tom Cruise as a soldier in a war against aliens who relives the day of his death over and over. The film also stars Emily Blunt and Bill Paxton.

This release date will put All You Need Is Kill head to head against Disney’s Maleficent starring Angelina Jolie. Will Tom Cruise’s star power be able to defeat a Disney flick? We’re going to have to wait and see on this one. This could turn out to be a very interesting weekend at the box office.

The synopsis for All You Need Is Kill:

The story unfolds in a near future in which a hive-like alien race, called Mimics, have hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, shredding great cities to rubble and leaving millions of human casualties in their wake. No army in the world can match the speed, brutality or seeming prescience of the weaponized Mimic fighters or their telepathic commanders. But now the world’s armies have joined forces for a last stand offensive against the alien horde, with no second chances.

Lt. Col. Bill Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously demoted and then dropped—untrained and ill-equipped—into what amounts to little more than a suicide mission. Cage is killed within minutes, managing to take an Alpha down with him. But, impossibly, he awakens back at the beginning of the same hellish day, and is forced to fight and die again…and again. Direct physical contact with the alien has thrown him into a time loop—dooming him to live out the same brutal combat over and over.

But with each pass, Cage becomes tougher, smarter, and able to engage the Mimics with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt), who has lain waste to more Mimics than anyone on Earth. As Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated battle becomes an opportunity to find the key to annihilating the alien invaders and saving the Earth.

Geekscape Comics: Marvel Unveil More Breast Cancer Awareness Variants

by Shawn Madden

Not too long ago we got a first look at three upcoming variants for Marvel’s team-up with Susan G. Komen For The Cure to help promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Now Marvel has unveiled the other five variants which you can take a look at below.

Source: Newsarama

Geekscape Comics: Red Leader Revealed On The Cover To ‘Thunderbolts #3’!

by Shawn Madden

This January, in Daniel Way and Steve Dillon’s Thunderbolts #3, we will see the debut of the Red Leader! Marvel has also revealed that all the Marvel NOW! new Thunderbolts covers have a red tint to them, and that there’s a “story reason” for that.

Source: Newsarama

Famke Jansenn May Also Be Returning For ‘X-Men: Days Of Future Past’

by Shawn Madden

Ever since the title to the sequel to X-Men: First Class was revealed many have been speculating how the time travel will play into the film. Just recently it was revealed that Patrick Stewart may be reprising his role as Professor Charles Xavier and now it seems he may not be alone.

Well, now it’s Famke Janssen, who played Jean Grey, who may be dropping some subtle hints about making a return to the franchise. In a recent interview with MTV the topic of X-Men: Days Of Future Past came up and if she will be appearing in the film. Jansenn replied:

“One never knows. Jean Grey, the Phoenix…she finds a way to reincarnate herself constantly, so one never knows.”

However, the actress did make a point to state that she is “in no position to say anything” too definitive. She also stated that she has no idea if she will return but that fans should “stay tuned”. While, this is definitely not confirmation that the actress will be back it definitely does feel like there is a chance based on her reply.

Geekscape Comics: Grant Morrison Reintroducing The Multiverse To DC

by Shawn Madden

This weekend at MorrisonCon in Las Vegas, writer Grant Morrison announced that he will be reintroducing the Multiverse to DC Comics with an eight-part miniseries entitled Multiversity.

The following was said about the series on DC Comics’ blog:

“DC Entertainment is proud to confirm that Grant Morrison’s love letter to superhero comics, MULTIVERSITY, will be hitting stores in late 2013.

MULTIVERSITY is an 8-issue series comprising 6 one-shots and a two-part conclusion with each issue featuring a 38-page lead story followed by an 8-page backup. Each issue takes place on a different parallel world from the main DC Earth and functions as a number one issue. Each world in the Multiverse publishes comic books about the heroes on the OTHER worlds. Once the characters realize this, they then unite to respond to the villains!

Additionally, each universe (which have been brewing in Morrison’s mind for years) will open up an endless series of worlds and realities for future writers and creators to use, expand upon and enjoy.”

Also, each issue will be drawn by a different artist, and while DC is keeping most names under wraps, it is confirmed that Frank Quitely will be handling the art duties for the fourth book, Pax Americana. Below is a preview of PAX AMERICANA #1, eaturing The Question and what appears to be Ted Kord aka Blue Beetle. The Pax story revolves around the assassination of a president and how the Charleston characters failed him.

Source: DC

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Sinister

by Shawn Madden

October is here and that means that it’s time for horror movies to hit theaters. While there will be plenty of movies to see, Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill’s Sinister may actually be one you want to check out. Sinister is by no means a revolutionary horror flick, but it’s definitely a solid and well made movie as well a slight breath of fresh air in the horror genre which has become generic and stale these days.

Ellison Oswald (Ethan Hawke) is a true crime writer who has had one big hit book that was followed by two subsequent failures. He moves his family into the house of a murdered family to research his latest book, and of course being that it’s a horror movie, some not-so-normal events begin to occup as he discovers the true details behind the crime. Oswald  discovers an old box of 8mm film in the loft, but there’s more to these films than we know.

Sinister actually kind of takes a new twist on the now overly played out found-footage device that has become popular among horror flicks. But rather than follow the same formula, Derrickson and co-writer Cargill mix it into a classic thriller style flick to scare you in unexpected ways. Rather than attempt to scare you with visuals they favor a more bump-in-the-night style approach. The scariest things about Sinister are not what see you but rather what you don’t actually see. Well, minus that creepy as fuck opening sequence.

The highlight of this movie is Ethan Hawke’s fantastic performance which will be the only one you remember. And even though his character is constantly putting his family in danger you remain sympathetic in spite of it. The rest of the cast is pretty forgettable and the chemistry between Hawke and Juliet Rylance, who plays Oswald’s wife, just isn’t there on her side. It’s good to see Hawke in more films because his performances are usually really enjoyable. Yes, even in Daybreakers.

Scott Derrickson does a fantastic job directing on this film. The movie doesn’t feel cramped, while we never actually leave a handful of rooms. The first half of Sinister is kind of takes it slow in order for us to get more familiar with Ellison and really grasp on to what he’s uncovering. But the lingering and creepy feelings do end up delivering with real scares and action in the second half of the film. The film does have it’s share of stupid moments that may make you scratch your head for a moment. But when it comes down to it, honestly, what horror movie doesn’t?

Sinister is by no means a big game changer and it doesn’t try to be. However, it is definitely a chilling and compelling date night flick and definitely possesses the same entertainment value as any of the big budget competition in the genre. This movie is sure to make it on to many peoples guilty pleasure lists.

Rating: 3.5/5

Geekscape Comics: ‘Uncanny Avengers #1’ Gets Two More Variants!

by Shawn Madden

If you’re planning on buying all the variants for Uncanny Avengers #1, I feel bad for your wallet. There are now eighteen revealed covers for the issue and the two most recent ones are sure to be sought after.

First up we have a Neal Adams variant, which is also available in a sketch version, which we are sure you’re going to want.

And then, being that issue comes out in October, we also have a special Halloween variant. No tricks, just a treat.

 

Robert Kirkman Gives An Update On AMC’s ‘Thief Of Thieves’

by Shawn Madden

With the success they had with The Walking Dead it was revealed a while back that AMC would be adapting another of Robert Kirkman’s works. Thief Of Thieves focuses on Conrad Paulson, a highly-successful thief who quits the business and begins a new life stealing from other thieves. The series has become one of Image Comics best-seling titles currently. Kirkman spoke at the “We Love The Dead” panel at MorrisonCon today and offered up and update on the series. [via CBR]

Kirkman offered an update on the AMC “Thief of Thieves” TV series, which is currently in the script-writing stage. Once the pilot script is finished, then the network will read it and give notes and then they may get the chance to shoot a pilot. Kirkman said writer Charles Eglee was doing “an amazing job” on the script.

With some of the best shows in television coming from AMC I am pretty sure we can expect a very quality adaptation. So, are you guys looking forward to this one?

Geekscape Comics: Sneak Peak At ‘Uncanny Avengers #1’!

by Shawn Madden

John Cassaday’s hasn’t regularly worked on a Marvel title since his and Joss Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men in 2008 . When they announced that he would be teaming up with writer Rick Remender on Uncanny Avengers, fans of his work were beyond excited. Comic Book Resources recently asked Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso about how he went about bringing the artist back to Marvel as well as giving us a two page sneak peak at the first which clearly features Wolverine and Rogue preparing for the funeral of Charles Xavier.

I met John at his favorite watering hole and leveled with him, said, ‘This series set the tone for the next decade’s worth of Marvel publishing and I’d kill for you to draw it.’ Then I gave him the series outline and a sampling of Rick’s work, most notably Uncanny X-Force, and that was that. A few days later, John texted me and said, he liked it. Shortly after, we closed a deal. The orders for Uncanny Avengers are insane, and it’s a team effort, but John’s role in putting us through the stratosphere can’t be underestimated. He’s a one-of-a-kind artist.

An Update On ‘Jurassic Park IV’ From Producer Kathleen Kennedy

by Shawn Madden

Talking to Coming Soon while doing promotion for the Blu-Ray release of E.T.: The Extraterrestrial, producer Kathleen Kennedy offered a bit of an update on the fourth Jurassic Park film. The last bit of news on the film revealed that the fourth installment was set to be written by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver (Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes), and producer Frank Marshall suggested that we could possibly see the film released in a couple of years. Kennedy confirms that the film is indeed currently being written. She also talks about the expectations in keeping franchises going as well as finding the right story for this film.

“It’s really hard to keep these things going when there’s an expectation and a desire by the public and the audience to keep certain franchises going. As filmmakers, we often sit there going, ‘Okay. We have to answer the question, ‘Why do another one?” If you can’t answer that question, you shouldn’t be doing it. It’s tough. We’re trying to come up with a story that makes sense and isn’t going to disappoint people and is, hopefully, going to get people excited and reinvigorate the franchise. We’ve got to start with a script and the story.”

There currently is no director attached to helm the film. And Steven Spielberg has already gone on to state that he won’t be doing it. Joe Johnston, who directed Jurassic Park III, has expressed interest in directing the follow-up, but currently there is no word on that one. Do you guys have any directors in mind that you’d like to see?

Check Out The International Trailer For ‘Bullet To The Head’

by Shawn Madden

Check out the international trailer for Walter Hill’s Bullet To The Head starring Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang and Jason Momoa. Oh, and Christian Slater is in this one too. It looks like there’s going to be plenty of one-liners delivered by Stallone in this flick and quite a bit of action.

Based on a graphic novel, “Bullet to the Head” tells the story of a New Orleans hitman (Stallone) and a DC cop (Kang) who form an alliance to bring down the killers of their respective partners.

Bullet To The Head hits theaters February 1st, 2013.

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Looper

by Shawn Madden

I can honestly say that if I don’t see another movie this year after Looper, I would be fine with that. There have been few truly great movies that have done what Looper has done. Rather than giving us an adaptation of something we have already seen, writer/director Rian Johnson delivers us an original story and does it brilliantly. Trust me, when I say that you are going to be seeing Rian Johnson’s name around a lot more after this film.

Sure, time travel is nothing new in science fiction films, but Johnson brings us a fresh idea on the subject. And if you think you know what is going on in this movie based on the trailers, I am here to tell you that you don’t. This movie is definitely more cerebral and complex than you expect it to be and you’re hooked on the plot from the very beginning. This is not a date night movie by any means because Johnson intends to blow your mind here and accomplishes the feat.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Joe lives in 2042. He’s a Looper, a hired assassin for the mob (but the mob of 2072). Loopers are given contracts that tell them to be at certain places at certain times in order to perform hits sent from the future. At the exact time stated in the contract, a tied up and hooded target pops into 2042 and in an instant are killed and their bodies destroyed.

Loopers make a good living off this. A mafia that exists in both times run things and Jeff Daniels plays Abe, who is from the future and coordinates the contracts in the past. A mad man is taking over the business in 2072 and for unknown reasons is terminating the contracts of the Loopers. At the time of your contract being terminated you are to kill yourself and cash in heavily, also known as a “loop”. That’s where Willis, who plays Joe from 2072, comes into play. Willis presence in the past is no mere coincidence, but rather the start of a much larger mission to alter the future.

Not only is this movie very smart but it is also quite funny and full of action packed sequences. The shots are beautiful and the visuals are amazing. The film is crisp and quite stylish and the cgi feels very natural and quite real. It also accomplishes the feat of creating a believable future without overdoing it.

Looper is a film that is less concerned with the sci-fi elements than it is with the development of its central characters. Sure, this isn’t done perfectly but it done very well. Now, while all of the performances are great, it’s really Joseph Gordon-Levitt that shines in this film. Levitt has prosthetic attached to his face so he would look more like younger Bruce Willis, and once you get past that you know it’s there, you really get lost in how much he looks and acts like Willis.

Levitt definitely gives this film his all and it clearly shows. Willis gives a very emotional performance as future Joe and Jeff Daniels and Emily Blunt are also great in this film. But child actor Pierce Gagnon gives the most unexpected and fantastic performance in the film. I can’t tell too much about his role without revealing anything about the plot but he’s definitely one of the highlights of the film. When this loop comes full circle you will definitely not expect it.

Looper, without a doubt, is definitely one of the best films to come out this year. The story is going to throw you through a “loop” that will having you walking out of the theater and instantly begin discussing the themes of the movie with the people you saw it with.  Time travel has not yet been invented but you do have the ability to relive these two hours over again and you are going to want to.

Rating: 5/5

Stan Lee Issues A Statement Addressing Recent Health Concerns

by Shawn Madden

Following reports of several cancelled upcoming appearances due to, “a very serious circumstance”, many had worried that we would be losing the beloved Lee. Worry not true believers, Stan has released the following statement in which he confirms that he is in fact perfectly fine and definitely in good spirits after having a pacemaker fitted “in an effort to be more like fellow Avenger, Tony Stark”.

Attention, Troops!

This is a dispatch sent from your beloved Generalissimo, directly from the center of Hollywood’s combat zone!

Now hear this! Your leader hath not deserted thee! In an effort to be more like my fellow Avenger, Tony Stark, I have had an electronic pace-maker placed near my heart to insure that I’ll be able to lead thee for another 90 years.

But fear thee not, my valiant warriors. I am in constant touch with our commanders in the field and victory shall soon be ours. Now I must end this dispatch and join my troops, for an army without a leader is like a day without a cameo!

Excelsior! From all of us over here at Geekscape, get well soon Stan.

Mark Millar Talks About Working With Fox On Their Marvel Properties

by Shawn Madden

It was announced just yesterday that Fox would be bringing Mark Millar (The Ultimates, Kick-Ass) on as their creative council for their Marvel films. Basically, Fox has made Millar their Joss Whedon. Below, Millar also thanks directors Matthew Vaughn and Joe Carnahan who were instrumental in Millar getting the gig. While we know that we can expect great things from the combination of  Vaugh and Millar, it’s going to be interesting to see what could possibly come from him and Carnahan. Maybe we will see Nemesis released by Fox? Anyway, Millar has decided to talk about what he will be doing with Fox which you can read below.

Dear Boys and Girls,

I’m just out of bed and hardly slept a wink. Weirdly, the baby slept right through and we could have had a clear eight hours, but I was still buzzing about the big announcement last night. It’s pretty much the biggest thing that’s ever happened to me so as you can imagine adrenaline is coursing. For those who missed, I’ve just signed a contract with Fox to work on ALL their Marvel movies, details of which can be seen here:

PRESS RELEASE: Mark Millar To Consult On FOX’s MARVEL ADAPTATIONS

It’s way too early to talk about plans just yet, but as you can imagine the idea here is to make exactly the kind of superhero movies you and I want to see most. There literally isn’t a more talented bunch of film-makers to be working with and the team at Fox are incredibly excited about this bold new direction too. I also want to post this here to say thanks for the hundreds of emails I woke up to this morning and the thousand-plus tweets I got overnight from well-wishers. I wish I had time to reply to them all today – I usually reply to most of my tweets @mrmarkmillar – but this morning was an AVALANCHE and so I just wanted to so a big thanks, that I’ve read every one and that they’re hugely appreciated. A highlight, I think, was well-wishes from Stan The Man himself. That’s like the Pope sending a message. Couldn’t have been more exciting.

But my biggest thanks has to go to director Joe Carnahan, I think. It was Joe who suggested me to the bigwigs at Fox for this role as he’s always been a supporter of what I did in comics like The Ultimates and so on. He and Matthew Vaughn – both of whom have a very strong relationship with Fox – really pushed for me to get this gig and I just want to publicly thank them both for their support.

Right, better get my Scottish ass showered, dressed and onto work. Kick-Ass 2 resumes shooting here on Monday and I’m on set the week after next, but a TON of stuff to get written before I can get down to Pinewood. Finished issue 2 of Jupiter’s Children yesterday for Mister Frank Quitely and issue one of Kick-Ass 3 is now in the can too. Oh, and thanks to everyone who picked up Hit-Girl #3 this week. We sold out by yesterday afternoon and will be going back to press on this and with the FOURTH printing of issue one. Thanks again for spending your hard-earned cash on these Millarworld books and keeping it away from the Romney campaign!

Right. Work. Catch you all later and I promise you are in for an awesome few years. If you’re on this board you know how much I’m INTO this stuff.

Lotsa love,
MM

Not only is this a great decision it is a smart decision. It’s clear that these movie studios are learning from Marvel Studios success that the best choice for people to work on films are not studio people, but rather the people who actually write comics and read them. It may have taken a number of years for them to learn this but I am glad they have. While there are many fans who want Marvel Studios to get back their Fantastic Four and X-Men properties I think that it’s better that they don’t have them. Yes, I know I just probably pissed someone off with that one.

As long as they’re making money Fox isn’t going to be letting go of these properties any time soon. And it’s better that way. We don’t need a Marvel Studios reboot of these films while they have tons of other properties that we could explore. But now with Millar on board, who has written X-Men and Fantastic Four titles before, you can definitely expect it to stick closer to the source as well as bring in some awesome things that you may not expect at all. I definitely can’t wait to see what he brings to the table.

 

Daniel Radcliffe May Be Playing The Lead In Fox’s ‘Frankenstein’

by Shawn Madden

According to The Wrap, Daniel Radcliffe is interested in playing the lead role in Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin) and Max Landis (Chronicle) take on Frankenstein. So, he’ll be playing Dr. Frankenstein or the monster? Nope, none of the above. Earlier this month at Comikaze Landis revealed that his film’s main character would be Frankenstein’s assistant, Igor.

The movie which is currently in development at 20th Century Fox, will definitely be a very different take on the story that we all know.  The most interesting part about this story? Landis actually said during his panel a few weeks ago:

“Igor is the main character. Hey guys, Igor may be Daniel Radcliff.”

Could this possibly mean that Radcliffe has already been cast but no announcement has been made yet?