iconogeek » Comics

Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern, jealous much?

Chuck — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:50:39 +0000

I am a big comic geek. Not so much now, but from the time I was a kid to sophmore year in college I collected a lot of comics. I have over 3,000 bagged and boarded in moisture resistant cardboard downstairs. Did I say I was a comic book geek?

Marvel was always my thing, most of the DC universe really didn’t catch my eye. That is until DC started churning out great films like Superman, Batman, etc. Well, now Green Lantern is poised as the next big DC franchise with Ryan Reynolds at the helm. Now, for those of you that have listen to the podcast you’ll know that I’m a big fan of Mr. Reynolds. So I was torn since the next superhero I wanted to see Reynolds play was Deadpool; that is until I saw this on the latest Entertainment Weekly in my mailbox:

Now, this suit does look pretty damn awesome in this shot and I am told that it is entirely CG. The film is still in its early stages so I am unsure if this shot is photoshop’ed, or an early test of the CG mapping. Either way, it has a great look and takes the “feel” of Lantern’s actual suit and makes it current and believable.

Green Lantern is intended to hit theaters next year (6/17/2011).

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Iron Meh 2 (or a chink in Iron Man’s armor)

Chuck — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:37:48 +0000

So you may have guessed from the title that I was particularly enthused about Iron Man 2. I hate to say it, because I was really excited about the flick, but at the end of the day the movie really didn’t deliver anything new. The first Iron Man took one of the less popular Marvel characters and turned him into a sensation. Jason and I have posted and spoke about Iron Man 1 already so I won’t wax triumphant about it now.

I guess it was really the story that fell flat for me. The best thing about Iron Man is the snarkiness in the dialog. Iron Man is the “smart” superhero movie and this second installment just felt like a plain, old superhero movie. Where the effects excellent? Yes. Was Mickey Rourke a bad-ass (yet again)? Yes. Did Scarlett Johannsen kick butt? Abso-f’n-lutely! Was Cheadle better than Howard? You bet. Was Sam Rockwell the best part of this flick? Have to say “yes” (but then again, he always steals the show).

What I’m saying is that Iron Man 2 was not better than the sum of it’s parts. By the end, the movie became about men in suits fighting other men in suits and we SAW that already in Iron Man 1. Whiplash was a good idea, but there’s a part early on which should have done him in, but it didn’t even leave a scratch. Sorry, I can’t suspend my disbelief here. Out of all the Marvel movies, Iron Man is actually the most plausible. So we when bunny hop the sand shark, I have a hard time staying in the movie.

I’m sure Iron Man 3 will be made and I hope Favreau and Co. do what they did with number 1: Set out to make a “different” superhero flick (one that doesn’t climax with 2 metal suits fighting each other), because 2 was just “meh.”

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I’m a Marvel…I’m a DC…It’s f’n brilliant.

Chuck — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:05:19 +0000

Thanks Doug for the link.

‘Nuff Said.

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Wolverine (I hate movie reviewers)

jason — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:49:16 +0000

Yes, I hate movie reviewers. I am including myself to some degree, although no one is paying for my opinion. I read the reviews for Wolverine yesterday before seeing it at the midnight showing and all of the bashing had me concerned. Don’t believe the bullshit. It’s a great, fun(ny) and action packed start to the summer movie season.

Hugh Jackman was great, fully embracing the character and story and making even preposterous scenes feel genuine. This is another case that depending on your knowledge of the original comic books your mileage may vary as far as overall enjoyment. If you’re going to get pissy about every little detail not being carried over from the books, or about the filmmakers taking certain liberties then you’ll have some issues. If you haven’t read the books or are more forgiving, I think you’ll enjoy the crap out of this like I did. However, I do wish Deadpool, Agent Zero and Gambit got a bit more screen time because what was there was simply awesome.

Only 3 things got me, and all were FX related. First is Cyclops… who in general I just don’t care for, but the younger version is on screen a few times and the eye-beam gets to do some spectacular damage. Here is the first issue. Where does the eye-beam effectiveness end? It cuts through buildings but then it just stops? Seemed like they got lazy and didn’t want to have to animate another building falling down.

The other two were just crappy/weird FX that felt out of place when compared to the rest of the polished pieces throughout. One is a mirror shot with Wolverine’s claws… looked crappy and plastic. The other was a close up of Wolverine shredding a fire escape. Watch for those two and see if you agree.

Anyway, I think you’ll have a good time if you’re a fan of the X-men movies or the Wolverine character. It tells a great story, explaining a lot about the character and his motivations, his rivalries and attitude. Don’t listen to toolbag reviewers (including me) and go check it out for yourself.

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Dicks leak Wolverine workprint

Chuck — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 15:21:09 +0000

So apparently an early version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine was leaked on the internet. It’s missing key scenes, finished effects, and finalization but clearly this sucks for all involved in the making of the film. Certainly from a creative level (it’s not finished), and less so (I think) from a financial level and here’s why. A film like this which has, arguably, the most popular Marvel comic character AND a rabid fanbase that has been aching for a Weapon X story is going to get butts in the seats opening weekend.

Think of it as a fast-rip Band-Aid.
The idiots that leaked this (seriously, what’s the f’n point? If you’re a fan, then an unfinished print may be “cool” but from the geek standpoint, wouldn’t you want it to be presented at its best?) are catering to the same fanboys that will go see this film multiple times in the theater. A leaked, unfinished print will only whet the appetites of fans if the movie’s good. If it sucks, then it won’t matter, you’ll loose some initial opening weekend revenue due to bad press, but that’s your own fault for putting together a shitty movie. I don’t think that’s the case though. From what I’ve seen, this movie is a fanboy’s wet dream, especially on the heals of Watchmen.. we are even more pumped to see this film.

Although there are many posts by people who have seen the vid, they complain that “it IS finished,” and “The pacing sucks,” and “there’s no story” – but I gotta tell ya, each one of those comments can easily be addressed with editing and additional footage. Do these people seriously think that this stuff hasn’t been shot? Or that several weeks of additional editing won’t completely change/tighten a movie? STFU, wait for actual release.

In the end, I’d be interested in seeing numbers or stats about the actual harm this leaked print does to final box office. But I’m not quite sure how you get those.

I have not seen the leaked vid (nor do I want to), I want to see the final film it all it’s claw-poppin’ beauty, period. Seeing this film on the big screen with the cast of characters it has (Deadpool? Come on folks!) is going to be an experience I’ve been waiting for since well before days of future past.

‘Nuff Said.

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Touch Not, Lest Ye Be Touched

Brett — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:34:27 +0000

Ok guys, since I am apparently the biggest dick on this site, I felt the need to review Tales of the Black Freighter before the other softees did. I don’t know if it was evident from the most recent podcast, but I was not enamored with Watchmen. It really had nothing to do with what they left out, and what they changed or any of that, it was more a fact that the movie just can’t be made with the source material provided. Now I’m not about to say I hated the movie completely because I liked nay loved certain parts. The way they Snyder altered the ending for example…better than the book. Rorschach was awesome and Jackie Earl Haley was the highlight of the whole move. In fact I agree with one of the commentors that an all-Rorschach movie would have been sick. Nonetheless, I left the theater feeling underwhelmed and under-entertained, but in reality I don’t think it could have been better, unless they made a miniseries…and at that, who knows. Now, onto the supplemental material that was released this week. As a whole, it was much better than the theatrical release. The Black Freighter story is very gritty and dark, it is certainly not for the faint at heart. Snyder and Co. left no stone unturned here and gave me exactly what I wanted…a faithful replication of the story within a story. Gerard Butler’s voice over was ominous and angered. As Chuck and I left the movie we both were wanting more of the MinuteMen back story…well you will get that here with the Under The Hood interview by the original Night Owl. It is done in such a way that it seems like you are watching a 60 Minutes-like show from the 1960s with Seiko commercials included. As such, a lot of Sally Jupiter’s story shone through here as well as the original masked vigilante Hooded Justice. When Watchmen come out on BluRay, I will rewatch both in tandem and I feel that this may change my opinion for Watchmen, even possibly raising it’s iScore for me…nah.

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The Walking Dead chews my face off.

jason — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:02:48 +0000

So I may have been a little late to the party. Cesar has been evangelizing this series for some time now and I jumped on the bandwagon fairly recently. However I feel that I need to do my part and let my legions of fans ( Hi Mom!) know exactly where I stand.

If you like any of the following: Incredible art, fantastic storytelling, thought provoking dialogue, deep characters, rollercoaster action and gut renching drama ** then use some of that Christmas money grandma sent you and order the first Walking Dead. Once you read the first, you’ll have to continue through the rest. The ninth volume comes out in graphic novel form this week ( or if you’re Cesar, last week) and if it shapes up anywhere near as tense as #8, I may have to get some medication.

If however you like puppies, rainbows, happy thoughts and feel good moments… you may want to take a pass. This graphic novel, and yes I realize this is just a book, is not for the faint of heart. (I deleted a line here that was just too disgusting to post, sometimes I even gross myself out. trust me on this… you owe me one )

So if you’re not a fan yet, get cracking. If you are a fan let’s talk. True iconogeeks already have an outbreak plan of some sort. So here’s a question… If it comes tomorrow, who are you?

Are you a Rick?

A Carol?

An Andrea?

A Glenn?

A Tyrese?

The Governor?

It’s never too early to start planning.

** also ok if you like zombies

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Best. Day. Ever.

Chuck — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 15:18:28 +0000

Well, maybe not the best day. But if you’re a fan of the steadily downward sloping Heroes, then this past Monday was indeed the best day ever.

I’ve been lukewarm on Heroes for a while. Last season was a bust, severely damaged by the writer’s strike. This season seemed to get moving , but it was still a little “meh.” Well “The Eclipse, part II” finally got the old chutzpah back and I’m excited to see where it goes.

With the genius casting of Breckin Meyer and Seth Green as small town comic shop employees (owners?) Tim Kring and crew where able to capture what made this series great in the first place. The wonder and awe that came from actual, real people possessing what used to only exist on the inked page. By using the comic shop as a storytelling tool, the viewer is both in AND out of the story; “Kirby plaza doesn’t count, they never actually even talked” – friggin’ genius.

Being a long time comic reader and huge X-Men fan, I was always intrigued with the melodrama that ordinary people with extraordinary abilities faced. The Cockrum/Clarement years that pitched a perfect allegory for racism and put it in a fantastic realm of super powered mutants set me on the path of believing in the characters and the amazing storytelling that accompanied them.

Heroes recaptured that for me in its first season. But from the second season through the beginning of the 3rd, various ridiculousness and especially Hiro’s shark jumping idiocy almost pushed me out the door. And for those of you that listen to the podcast know, jumping the shark is a series killer for me.

Finally, the show feels back on track, and with the cancellation of Pushing Daisies (a travesty, I know) the possible (probable) return of Bryan Fuller to fold bodes even better news. So, what stood out?

Peter wasn’t an idiot.
Finally, the youngest Petrelli finds his strength. Consequentially, without his powers intact. Although, I am sure now that the Eclipse has ended he has them back, at the very least his absorbing powers.
Hiro did something right.
Seriously, about friggin’ time
Matt Parkman is back on track.
I felt for a while that Greg Grunberg’s character was on the verge of getting eaten by the smog monster (LOST reference, anyone?). The hilarious attempt at reading Speedster’s father’s mind sans powers was excellent.
Claire gets her groove back.
Getting killed is the best thing to happen to her since, well not getting killed.
HRG kicks ass.
He does, he really does. HRG contiunues to be the most consistently excellent part of this series.
Ando speaks REALLY good english.
Seriously, where did that come from?
Mohinder is back, sorta.
Get this guy back on track. His new storyline is too Jeff Goldblum for me.
Meyer and Green.
‘Nuff Said.
Nathan is a bad guy.
Well, not really, but he is a politician. He’s doing the wrong thing for the right reason. I’m real interested to see where it goes.
Sylar is back and badder then ever.
Zachary Quinto’s Sylar is the second best thing on the show (to Jack Coleman’s HRG) and it’s awesome that he’s back as the villain. He was interesting “good”, but he’ soooo much better “bad”.

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Neat New stepheN kiNg Named N!

Chuck — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 01:06:21 +0000

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I stumbled across this new Stephen King 25 episode web-based series. Just watched the first 5 installments (all that’s there). So far, pretty good. Great art, it’s done in a graphic novel feel with still plates and limited animation. But with a very high quality voice over.

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New Wolverine trailer at Comic Con

Chuck — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:03:01 +0000

Holy Crap! How would you like a look at the new Wolverine trailer from Comic Con? Keep an eye out for Gambit and Deadpool, BTW.

And seriously? Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool? Jason’s gonna have a ball with me on this one!

And how much weight did Liev Schreiber put on? Holy shit, he looks like he ATE the brick shithouse! That’s commitment.

Oh, and Kevin Durand is playing Blob – our 2nd favorite badass Keamy from LOST (First being Ben Linus, of course)!

I’m officially psyched for this flick.

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Why…So…Serious?!

Brett — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:44:11 +0000

This might be the most difficult review/commentary I’ve had to write in my time as an iconogeek poster. The Dark Knight was cast into movie history on early Friday morning, amid hype bigger then Jack Nicholson’s shit-eating grin way back in 1989. I’ll admit that I had enormous expectations for this flick for several reasons, including the immense Batman Begins, my love for all things Batman (minus a little misstep known dearly as “the nipple suit”), Christian Bale, and oh by the way, Heath Ledger tragically and unexpectedly passed away right after his filming and post-production. Needless to say there was a minute amount of mystique and anticipation surrounding TDK.

Now that the weekend is over, Bale and Co. have broken the records for Midnight Opening Gross (over Revenge of the Sith), Opening Day and Weekend Gross (over Spider-Man 3). So the fans liked it….which, is a good thing, I think.

As far as what I thought about the movie is difficult to describe. In recent weeks I suppose I’ve been labeled as a rather stringent critic, which I have no problem with. Maybe you’ll hear more of my side on the next podcast. But to discuss how I would score The Dark Knight feels near impossible. Entertainment Weekly touted the flick by saying “This is what you call raising the bar.” In a way I both agree and disagree with that statement. The bar for comic book movies was certainly raised in a sense, but I feel more inclined to describe the bar as being broken down into little pieces and upgraded to a newer, shinier, nipple-less bar.

The Dark Knight is less a comic book movie and more an investigation into the human condition and the emotions shrouded behind a bad-ass bat suit, and psychotically applied white make-up. This summer has now seen three phenomenal comic book-based films in which the first 2 started the trend and the 3rd and most spectacular broke the mold. It seems that The Dark Knight has ushered in the era of Oscar-buzz worthy chatter amongst previously lighter fare.

It took me 2 days to finally post because the movie had so many story arcs that it took that long for me to process. That’s not to say that there were too many plot lines, its just an observation that no comic book movie has ever bitten off more than its ADHD riddled fanboys can chew at once (hence all the sequels). Where Batman Begins revitalized a tired franchise, The Dark Knight revitalized a tiring genre.

It’s an understatement to say Heath Ledger was superb as the Joker. Once the final credits rolled, and the Joker had already exited stage left, it was apparent that all the other players including a solid Bale, Aaron Eckhardt, Maggie Gyllenhall, and Gary Oldman among others, were simply a big name supporting cast to true work of acting genius. Ledger clearly had a vision in mind of what the Joker is and why he is that way. If for nothing else, this movie soared because of what Ledger added to it. Jack Nicholson…stick to Boston-based mob movies…because you just got out played.

The two scenes that stood out most were when Ledger and Bale are face to face in rather quiet and alone situations. I started to forget that the Joker was wearing ridiculous face paint and began to see him as a deranged criminal, with an ominous past, which I couldn’t even imagine, that would set him off the straight and narrow so far. He became a psychotic murderer the likes of which hasn’t been seen on the big screen since the aforementioned Nicholson in the Shining.

I’m going to use the old >I

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Watchmen: The Trailer

Cesar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:54:22 +0000

Wow. That’s all I can say, probably one of THE very best graphic novels I’ve had the chance to read. The film is being directed by Mr. 300, Zack Snyder. Hopefully he will be faithful to the graphic novel and bring it to life on the big screen.

You still reading this nonsense? Click on the link already! Nuf’ said!

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The Walking Dead

Cesar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:37:08 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows my respect and anticipation for the Zombie Apocalypse. I mean I love everything about it. From Survival Guides to Wars, From 28 Days to Dawns, from Zombies Eating Neighbors to the Dead Rising.

I’ve even devised plans and contingencies in order to find the most effective way of survival once the Zombie Tsunami unleashes its cleansing power over us (not kidding ask Jason).

Being the Zombie buff I am and when I came across The Walking Dead I was elated. In the following weeks, I will be doing brief synopses/reviews of each of the 8 volumes currently out in stores.

But if I were you I’d run out and pick them up ASAP. Nuff’ said, you won’t be dissappointed.

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9:56 pm EST and all kicks ass (Thanks Hulk)

Chuck — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:16:21 +0000

Holy crap. Just finished watching the trailer for the new Hulk movie and I’m gabberflasted. This movie looks like it could chew fire and shit out cool. And is Tim Roth the Abomination? DAMN. This cast rocks, the CGI rocks, this movie is going to rock.

BTW, True Believers, take a look at this Dale Keown Hulk, huh? huh? That’s what I’M talkin’ ’bout.

Goddamn this flick is gonna be good. I love this new trend of getting seriously good actors in comic book themed flicks, keep ‘em comin’

Nuff Said

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