My views on DC’s ‘New 52’

Late last year, DC (A 72 year old company, mind you) decided to cancel all of their Comic Book Titles and start from scratch. This was done in an effort to attract both new readers AND old one’s that may have fallen off the wagon. A risky move. One that also seems to be panning out quite well…

When I had first heard of DC’s plans, I had mixed feelings (mostly bad ones). Batman, my all time favorite book, was nearing its 1,000th issue (713 to be exact) and DC hadn’t done a big overhaul like this since the Crisis days. I cried “gimmick” from the roof tops and swore off the change, dismissing any value to the idea, other than DC’s lust for viewership.

Keep in mind, I started reading comics in the 90’s. This was the absolute PEAK of gimmick in DCU. Ranging from Batman’s Kinghtfall to the Death of Superman, it seemed the Company had no shame. This is why I had little hope for the re-launch.

I was wrong. Very, very wrong. DC seems to have taken a hint and used the opportunity to strengthen the continuity of their titles and also enveloped a more cohesive universe in which all the titles intermingle much more seamlessly. For example: Swamp Thing and Animal Man are now part of the same storyline and are even facing the same villain.

This is not a total reboot, though. Some titles, such as Batman, have pretty much been left unchanged. While others, such as Action Comics have been completely reset.

To round up: I’m a fan. Go to your local shop and get started!

Recommended Titles: Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Action Comics, Batman, Batman and Robin, Flash

A Few Theories Regarding the Dark Knight Rises, (continued…)

One of my all time favorite Graphic Novel’s is Dark Victory. It also happens to be the favorite of the Batman himself, Christian Bale. Why do I feel like I’m the only one intrigued by this? If you are familiar with the book, then you might remember that it implies that Selina Kyle (a.k.a. Catwoman) is an illegitimate child of Carmine Falcone (former King Pin of Gotham, in Batman Begins).

It strikes me as a HUGE opportunity, that would border on idiotic not to tie into the current series. And with the new synopsis, (When Commissioner Gordon stumbles upon a plot to destroy the city from within, Bruce Wayne gets back into action as the Batman. Waiting for him is the mysterious Selina Kyle and Bane, a lethal adversary on a crusade to tear apart Batmans legacy piece by piece.) it pretty much lays it out on front street that Catwoman is playing for Team Baddie.

Could she be out for vengeance? Or, is she just looking for answers, like in the comics? Either way, I think it’s definitely something people should be talking about…

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/film/893695-dark-knight-rises-synopsis-released-as-tom-hardy-reveals-bond-dreams#ixzz1pfhst2M3

Review: Saga #1 By Brian K. Vaughan

After just the first issue of Saga, from the Legendary Brian K. Vaughan (Ex Machina, Y: The Last Man, Pride of Bagdad), I’m already hooked. For a while I thought we had Lost him to Hollywood, forever.

Get it? Not funny? Ok then…

To be honest I figured he had burned himself out. Every Artist has a low point in his or her career–that is, aside from Vaughan. Saga is Star Wars meets Romeo and Joliet but not all Emo. Instead of killing themselves in the name of love, they run for the hills and fuck like bunnies. The way Romeo and Joliet should have ended… ok maybe I’m taking it a step too far. But, in all seriousness, I love this comic book. And I don’t want to ruin it for you by breaking down every scene.

Plain and simple: it’s worth the $2.99.

A Few Theories Regarding The Dark Knight Rises

Previously, there had been a breakneck pace at which news was hitting the Internet in regard to The Dark Knight Rises. Though, it seems that in recent months, the frenzy has fizzled a bit. I’d like to take this slow period as an opportunity to gather my thoughts and present them to you.

      Connect the dots, if you will.

      Recently, I feel, two very important plot points have presented themselves in such a way that we can begin to frame a theory on how this movie might unfold. 1) Mr. Nolan has stated that TDKR will take place eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, and 2) The movie is based on A Tale of Two Cities. As soon as I heard this my head started spinning. All of my theories went out the window. So, I have decided to start from scratch.

      Ok, the eight-year gap comes first. The possibilities are endless, so lets start with what we do know: it is widely assumed, from the ending of The Dark Knight, that Batman will more than likely be out of commission at the start of this film. What the hell has Bruce Wayne been doing with all his down time? He’s not the type to rest on his accomplishments. And, according to the very little we know about the character, Miranda Tate,  “…a Wayne Enterprises board member eager to help a still grieving Bruce Wayne continue his father’s philanthropic endeavors for Gotham”, imdb, we know that he will have help.

      Regardless of whether the rumors are true and Miranda Tate is in fact, Talia Al Ghul (Daughter of Ra’s Al Ghul; the Batman Begins nemesis), I believe she will be Bruce’s main love interest—at least to start the film.  And, with this eight-year gap, who’s to say we won’t see a little Wayne running around in TDKR? I’d like to take that wild assumption a step further and say M-i-r-a-n-d-a does spell Talia.

      Damien Wayne, anyone? (If you are unfamiliar with the character, don’t worry, I’ll elaborate in a moment) I understand that this is a bit of a stretch, but not entirely implausible. With all of the recurring themes of legacy and Batman becoming a symbol, you can’t deny there is at least a possibility that Bruce could be passing the mantle to his son.

      Damien is a relatively new character in the 74-year history of Batman. In the comics, he is a cold-blooded assassin. Raised by his mother–none other than Talia Al Ghul–to have little emotion and kill on a whim. Damien is Rage personified. And, after meeting his father, he quickly commandeers the title of Robin.

      Comics Legend, Grant Morrison, created Damien as a way of stirring up the stagnant and somewhat outdated relationship between The Dark Knight and his young ward; effectively launching one of the most controversial and interesting characters in Comic Book history. Though, I doubt he will don the Red and Green in the film, I think it as a distinct and legit possibility we will see the next generation of the Wayne family. Speaking of Family… why has no one seemed to bring up the fact that in Dark Victory (a comic in which TDK is said to have been loosely based) that Selina Kyle is in fact the daughter of Carmine Faclone? I’ll save that for another post…

     Moving on to important fact number two: TDKR is based on A Tale of Two Cities.  This is probably the biggest hint to date as to what kind of movie we are in store for, come July 20. This book is most easily described as a historical fiction, involving the French Revolution. This is where I believe Bane fits into TDKR: as a catalyst for Gotham’s Revolution.  I’ll admit I am a bit rusty on my Charles Dickens. But, from what I remember, the novel involves a fictional gang of the oppressed French majority (the working poor) calling themselves the Jacques. I see Bane and LOS (the League of Shadows) as the Jacques equivalent. Bane will use the working class of Gotham to rise up. Turning the City against the privileged few, as evidenced by the second Trailer and many unofficial rumors.

     Another plot point is that of a wealthy Aristocrat—who’s name escapes me. A man of the people who does very charitable works, but due to the sentiment of the Revolution, is imprisoned along with the rest of the Upper Class. Bruce Wayne immediately comes to mind. Maybe, this could be an answer as to why he is seen doing push-ups behind bars, in the second trailer…

     All facts, and otherwise, point to all out War. The Art Designer is even quoted as saying such. None of this is new speculation. From the beginning, unofficial set photos smack of a, No Man’s Land, look and feel. (No Man’s Land being the huge crossover Comic Book event that takes place in Gotham). Once again, this is not just my opinion, but that of many.

     Now, I doubt that an Earthquake will hit Gotham. I also don’t believe that the “Doomsday Device” seen in unofficial set photos causes an Earthquake, like some. I do however believe that the Gang Warfare seen in the Crossover will be present.  And I also think the City may be Quarantined in an effort to protect surrounding Cities from impending War. Based on the trailer, there’s a pretty big rumble at some point that would put the Sharks and Jets to shame.

     It seems Batman truly has his work cut out for him. Between Doomsday devices, potential imprisonment, all out War, and maybe even a kid to boot, The Dark Knight Rises is shaping up to be one hell of an event. I could be totally off base here and won’t be shocked if I am. But, with the sparse News lately, it’s still fun to take a guess. I hope that this was good enough food for thought until the next bit of info drops. Either way, I’m counting the days until The Dark Knight Rises is released. As I know many of you are doing as well.  God only knows, it can’t come soon enough!

Top 100 Movies of all Time… according to me! (100 to 86)

Let me just say, I do not claim to be an expert in Cinema. I do not have a fancy degree in Film (then again, a good portion of the Directors on this list don’t, either) and I haven’t seen every movie ever made. So, if I missed some of your favorites, just keep in mind: THIS IS MY LIST, BITCHES!!!

The reason I decided to compose said list, is simple: I’m extremely vain. That, and I love spreading my knowledge of film to anyone who will listen (or read). The purpose of this list is to point folks in the direction of some great films that they may not have seen. So, keeping that in mind, a lot of “obvious” choices did not make the cut. And lets get it out of the way now, goddamn fucking Shawshank Redemption, is NOT on this list.

100. Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2008)

TOMATOMETER: 91%

THE RUNDOWN: The film follows Clareece “Precious” Jones, a lost soul growing up rough in Harlem. She is only sixteen, but has given birth to two children, is a functioning illiterate, and has been brutally abused by both of her parents throughout her entire life. Hope comes in the form of an alternative school and things begin to look up for Precious.

FEATURING: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique

REASONS TO LOVE: This film is a wrecking-ball. I literally can’t think of a single way to improve it. You’ll laugh you’ll cry… you’ll cry some more. Shit, you might even want to curl up in your bathtub and stay there indefinitely. I know none of that sounds like fun, but trust me, you have to see this movie.

FAVORITE QUOTE: My name is Clareece “Precious” Jones. I wish I had a light-skinned boyfriend with real nice hair. And I wanna be on the cover of a magazine. But first I wanna be in one of them BET videos. Momma said I can’t dance. Plus, she said who wants to see my big ass dancing, anyhow?

99. I’m Not There (2007)

TOMATOMETER: 77%

THE RUNDOWN: A biopic on the legendary singer/song writer, Bob Dylan. I use the term “biopic” loosely. The story revolves around eight different characters that reflect a self-contained aspect of Dylan.

FEATURING:  Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Heath Ledger

REASONS TO LOVE: Not a perfect movie, I’ll give you that. It even gets a bit boring at times. But, this has to be one of the most original and beautiful films I have ever seen.  Each actor portraying Dylan has their own unique take that on its own would be enough to sustain an entire movie. Together, you get something that has never been seen.

FAVORITE QUOTE:  God, I’m glad I’m not me.

98. Sin City (2005)

TOMATOMETER: 78%

THE RUNDOWN: Based on the Eisner-Award winning comic book series of the same name, this movie is a passion project brought to life by Robert Rodriguez and creator Frank Miller.  With a film-noir feel, the movie weaves together multiple plotlines that add up to one of the most stunning adaptations ever created. If you’re a comic book nerd like me, then you know just how faithful this movie is.  No easy feat.

FEATURING: Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba

REASONS TO LOVE: The nerd in me is grinning like the Joker just thinking about this movie. I still can’t believe just how well they were able to bring this gritty tale to life. Granted, it is full of cheese and cliché lines, but in this case, it only adds to the greatness. Somewhere between Casablanca and Pulp Fiction, this movie is one of the most well made movies I’ve ever seen.

FAVORITE QUOTE: This is blood for blood and by the gallon. These are the old days, the bad days, the all-or-nothing days. They’re back! There’s no choice left. And I’m ready for war.

97.  The Devil’s Rejects (2005)

TOMATOMETER: 53%

THE RUNDOWN: A sequel to Rob Zombie’s first flick, House of 1000 Corpses, Rejects takes place closely after the events of its predecessor. Otis, Baby, and Captain Spaulding are on the run after the police raid their humble abode—which happens to be packed with mutilated and rotting corpses. A ruthless man of the law, Sheriff Wydell, is out for blood and will not stop until he has avenged the death of his brother.

FEATURING: Sid Haig, Sheri Moon Zombie

REASONS TO LOVE: This is one of those films where either you love it or you hate it. I happen to be the former. It’s gruesome, sadistic, and hard to watch at times, but if you love old Grind-House flicks, this is a must see. A tribute to movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, this film will have you wondering why you feel so bad for these sick fucks. Oh, and I’m throwing it down, here and now: best use of Freebird in a movie ever. EVER!

FAVORITE QUOTE: Boy, the next word that comes out of your mouth better be some brilliant fuckin’ Mark Twain shit. ‘Cause it’s definitely getting chiseled on your tombstone.

 

96.  Bridesmaids (2011)

TOMATOMETER: 90%

THE RUNDOWN: The story follows a maid of honor whose life is spiraling out of control as her best friend preps for marriage. Hilarity ensues.

FEATURING: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph

REASONS TO LOVE: And who said chicks can’t do raunchy? This movie will have you gasping for air to the point of alarm. The entire cast is firing on all cylinders.

FAVORITE QUOTE: I want to apologize. I’m not even confident on which end that came out of.

 

95.  Jurassic Park  (1993)

TOMATOMETER: 89%

THE RUNDOWN: This low-key affair takes place on a tropical island Amusement Park filled with dinosaurs. What could go wrong? It’s not like a tropical storm could knockout the power and result in the release of hundreds of deadly beasts that can shred human flesh to ribbons… oh shit, wait–that’s exactly what happens.

FEATURING: Alan Grant, Samuel L. Jackson

REASONS TO LOVE: I doubt you haven’t seen this one, so you know. No matter how many times you watch this, it still keeps you on the edge of your seat. And, for being almost twenty years old, the special effects and CGI actually hold up pretty well.

FAVORITE QUOTE: But, John. If the Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists.

94.  Catch Me If You Can  (2002)

TOMATOMETER: 96%

THE RUNDOWN: Following the divorce of his parents, Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a 16-year-old kid decides to run away. This coming of age tale explores the life of one of the Worlds most famous forgers. Based on true events, and spanning the life of a truly unique person such as Mr. Abagnale, you will be captivated throughout.

FEATURING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks

REASONS TO LOVE: One of my all-time favorite Spielberg movies. It has it all, humor, love, drama, cross-country shenanigans. What more could you want? The best way to describe this movie is an international game of cat and mouse, spanning decades. I really felt invested in the characters and it doesn’t hurt to have a cast as deep as it does, either.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Two little mice fell into a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned, but the second mouse, he struggled so hard that he eventually churned that cream into butter and he walked out. Amen.

 

93.  Platoon  (1986)

TOMATOMETER: 81%

THE RUNDOWN: Drawing from his own personal experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War, Oliver Stone makes his directorial debut. This gripping movie is one of the harshest and most revealing portraits of the Vietnam War ever made.

FEATURING: Charley Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker

REASONS TO LOVE: Seriously, this is a classic. And, maybe, Charley Sheen’s only great acting performance.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Are you smoking this shit so’s to escape from reality? Me, I don’t need this shit. I am reality. There’s the way it ought to be, and there’s the way it is. Elias was full of shit. Elias was a crusader. Now, I got no fight… with any man who does what he’s told. But when he don’t, the machine breaks down. And when the machine breaks down, we break down. And I ain’t gonna allow that… in any of you. Not one.

 

92.  The Basketball Diaries  (1995)

TOMATOMETER: 46%

THE RUNDOWN: Yet another story based on true events, it is also one that you either love or hate. Jim Carroll and his private school basketball team rise up the ranks in New York as his best friend and former teammate dies of leukemia.  The team coach tries to have sexual relations with Jim and later gets him and his friends kicked out of school for using drugs. Following his expulsion, Jim falls deeper into drugs and even begins to rob people, turn tricks and betray friends, all in the name of his addiction.

FEATURING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg

REASONS TO LOVE: If you’ve ever known a junkie, then you’ll get it. Though portraying a drug addict has become a bit of a cliché, Leo turns out a performance in this movie that will rattle you. The scene in which he begs for his mother to let him into her apartment still haunts me.

FAVORITE QUOTE: I was just gonna sniff a bag but one guy says if you’re gonna sniff you might as well pop it and another guy says if you gonna pop it you might as well mainline.

 

91.  Happy Gilmore  (1996)

TOMATOMETER: 59%

THE RUNDOWN: Happy just can’t catch a break. From an early age, his passion was hockey… too bad he sucks at it. And, when Happy finds out that his Grandmother will lose her home if she doesn’t pay the IRS, he must find a way to raise cash—quick! By chance, Happy discovers that he isn’t half bad at golf…

FEATURING: Adam Sandler

REASONS TO LOVE: This is the reason I continue to go see Sandler’s shitty movies, hoping he might recreate the magic found in this flick. ‘Nuff said.

FAVORITE QUOTE: During high school, I played junior hockey and still hold two league records: most time spent in the penalty box; and I was the only guy to ever take off his skate and try to stab somebody.

90.  Jet Li’s Fearless (2006)

TOMATOMETER: 73%

THE RUNDOWN: Wushu Master, Hu Yaunjia, dreams of becoming the greatest fighter in all of Tianjin. He quickly makes a name for himself and eventually opens his own school. A scuffle between one of his students and the Master of a rival school, results in Hu murdering his rival. Filled with regret Hu swears off Wushu and leaves his home in search of peace.

FEATURING: Jet Li

REASONS TO LOVE: I know what you’re thinking… a kung fu movie, really? Yes really, and maybe one of the most beautifully shot movies of all time. The color pallet in this movie is amazing. The depth and pacing far exceed that of its counterparts and will likely change your view on the genre. Give it a shot. And, please don’t watch it dubbed.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Poison works very quickly. It has worked its way to my heart… Zhensheng, promise me you won’t seek revenge. Revenge will only bring us more bloodshed. Please, that’s not what I want. We must strive to become triumphant… Nong Jinsun, I only understand wushu. I practiced for many years to understand what Wushu is, what is wushu’s real purpose. The competition must continue. One cannot choose how one’s life begins. It takes courage to finish the final step.

 

89.  Batman (1989)

TOMATOMETER: 72%

THE RUNDOWN: After witnessing the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne, vows to rid Gotham City of Crime, and he becomes the Batman.  But, can he stop the murderous psycho-killer known as The Joker?

FEATURING: Jack Nicholson

REASONS TO LOVE: Even though Tim Burton clearly hasn’t read many comic books, this movie is a welcomed departure from the Adam West Batman. Its dark and gritty tone broke new ground for Super Hero flicks and continues to be a fun watch.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Winged freak terrorizes”? Wait till they get a load of me!

 

88.  Children of Men (2006)

TOMATOMETER: 93%

THE RUNDOWN: Humanity has lost its ability to procreate. All hope is lost and the world is spiraling out of control. A dying society finds hope when a young childbearing woman is found, but can she be transported safely to The Human Project?

FEATURING:  Clive Owen, Julianne Moore

REASONS TO LOVE:  This is what science fiction should strive to be. Children is so classy and understated, yet utterly pulse pounding. There are a couple of continuous shots in this film that will blow your mind and really make you feel like part of the action. Great, great film.

FAVORITE QUOTE: As the sound of the playgrounds faded, the despair set in. Very odd, what happens in a world without children’s voices.

 

87.  Donnie Darko (2001)

TOMATOMETER: 85%

THE RUNDOWN: Donnie is an outsider. He slowly becomes more and more anti-social, accentuating the fact that he just can’t stand most people. Then Donnie meets Frank. Frank is a half-human/half-rabbit who professes to Donnie the end of the World—he even gives an exact time…

FEATURING:  Jake Gyllenhaal

REASONS TO LOVE: Some of my love for this movie has faded, mostly due to how much some people overrate it. Which is said really. I do love it but, frankly, I’m sick of talking about it. Just watch the fucking movie.

FAVORITE QUOTE: First of all, Papa Smurf didn’t create Smurfette. Gargamel did. She was sent in as Gargamel’s evil spy with the intention of destroying the Smurf village. But the overwhelming goodness of the Smurf way of life transformed her. And as for the whole gang-bang scenario, it just couldn’t happen. Smurfs are asexual. They don’t even have… reproductive organs under those little, white pants. It’s just so illogical, you know, about being a Smurf. You know, what’s the point of living… if you don’t have a dick?

86. X-MEN: First Class (2011)

TOMATOMETER: 87%

THE RUNDOWN: This is the first, in what is assumed to be many films to come, rebooting the highly successful X-Men series. It’s super heroes and historical fiction all wrapped up in a fast paced origin story involving none other than Professor X and Magneto. However, these are not the X-Men you might have expected. Charles Xavier (Professor X) is cocky, self-absorbed, and apparently a real lady-killer. Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) is a Holocaust survivor out for vengeance. Together, they form the X-Men to stop the evil Sebastian Shaw from unleashing a new World War.

FEATURING: Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, James McAvoy

REASONS TO LOVE: Most of the time I say, DO NOT FUCK WITH THE SOURCE MATERIAL. Think about it, with a movie like X-Men, you’ve already got a legion of loyal fans willing to put up hard earned cash to see their favorite comic come to life. It seems like a no brainer and yet, time and time again, we get movies closer Ghost Rider than Sin City. Surprisingly though, with this one they actually improved the story. And for all those stick-in-the-mud X-Fans, you know it’s true.

FAVORITE QUOTE: I’ve been at the mercy of men just following orders. Never again.