ScreenCrave.com » Sin City

Comic Con 2011: Robert Rodriguez Announces Things!

Brendan Walsh — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:11:54 +0000

At this year’s San Diego Comic Con, the large ballrooms, typically reserved for panels discussing TV programs, have been outrageously overcrowded, with lines leading people almost a mile away from the convention center itself. Meanwhile, the cavernous Hall H, used to draw in big crowds for large studio announcements, has been surprisingly accessible, and sometimes even sparsely attended. I’m certainly not complaining, because while 25,000 people stand out in the sun hoping to make it into a 4,000 person room and catch a glimpse of the cast from Big Bang Theory, we got to hear indie auteur Robert Rodriguez make a handful of announcements about his future, in a shockingly intimate setting. See what Rodriguez had to say, after the jump…

Robert Rodriguez is a very busy man. When he makes movies, he is involved in every step of the process; he writes, directs, shoots, edits, and composes the music. And as if that weren’t enough, he is continuing to expand his repertoire. Rodriguez announced that in addition to his Troublemaker Studios, which is his own studio that he uses to produce his films, he will soon open Quickdraw Productions. He said that Quickdraw will essentially be a production company that will allow him to invite other filmmakers to have access to his resources, and tell their own stories. This is an interesting prospect, considering in January, we reported that Kevin Smith announced that he will be opening Smodcast Pictures, with a similar goal in mind. It seems that the indie guys who’ve hit it big are looking forward to sharing their success.

He also announced, though it isn’t much of an announcement, since it’s advertised on posters that are already on theater walls, that Spy Kids 4 will be in 4-D. That is to say it will be in “Aroma-vision,” which means that there will be little scented cards passed out to audiences and they will be prompted to smell them at certain points of the movie. Now first of all, that isn’t 4-D–Time travel is 4-D…but whatever. I’d like to deride this for being a dumb gimmick, but it’s a kids movie, so what are you gonna do?

Don’t worry, Rodriguez went on to make more substantial announcements. He said that he’s been working closely with comic book legend Frank Miller on creating a new, original Sin City story, called “The Long, Bad Night.” There was a lot of talk about fleshing out, so to speak, the rest of the Sin City series immediately after the success of the original in 2005, but there has been little news on it since. Rodriguez acknowledged this, and said that, “if we’re going to actually get the chance to do it, we’ll be doing in the next year or two.” Very exciting.

Speaking of exciting, Rodriguez went on to specifically thank Comic Con audiences, because he felt they were integral in the success of his campy vehicle for Danny Trejo, Machete. ”Thanks to the success of that film, the next two have already been greenlit. So we can all look forward to Machete Kills, and Machete Kills in Space. Yeah, it’s going to be a space opera.” That’s great news. High concept action genre films are his wheelhouse, and it sounds like he wants to continue having fun with this ultra-violent character.

He also announced the first title for his newly founded Quickdraw Productions, which will be a live action adaptation of the graphic novel/animated film series Heavy Metal. If you don’t know what that is, it looks a little something like this. Between the fantastical visionary artwork and the heavy, hard rock, that should be a pretty badass project.

Finally, he announced that he will be curating and opening a museum in Austin, TX, dedicated to the work of the late, great fantasy painter Frank Frazetta. Frazetta is most well known for his paintings of Conan the Barbarian, and the iconic sci fi character John Carter of Mars, which is an upcoming film to be directed by Finding Nemo’s Andrew Stanton.

So there you have it. A state of the union address from the do it yourself filmmaker who helped pioneer independent movies in the 90s. Rodriguez is practically an industry himself at this point, and it looks like he’s only going to get busier.

Robert Rodriguez Announces ‘Sin City’ And ‘Machete’ Sequels, ‘Heavy Metal’ Remake

traviswoods — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 23:33:51 +0000

Well, it’s about time—after six long years, Robert Rodriguez has finally announced the long-awaited sequel to Sin City, the aptly titled Sin City 2. Rodriguez let this information, along with a lot more, slip today at Comic-Con.

Ostensibly there to talk up Spy Kids 4: Seriously, Another One?, Rodriguez quickly got to the cool stuff. According to The AV Club:

“First up: The long-rumored Sin City 2, which Rodriguez says could begin shooting—in 3-D, naturally—as early as this year from an already-completed script by Frank Miller. The director says he’s also close to making his Machete follow-up, Machete Kills, followed soon thereafter by Machete Kills Again, with the latter reportedly being set in space.”

While utterly ridiculous, I can’t wait for these—although, knowing how Rodriguez talks up dream projects almost as often as Tarantino, it could be a decade before we actually see any of these.

Also on Rodriguez’s docket?

“The other big news is that he is now attached to the long-gestating, modern adaptation of Heavy Metal magazine, an update of 1981’s barbarians-and-boobs and cyborgs-and-Corvettes (and boobs) animated feature that Rodriguez plans to film as an anthology with different directors—which means that the other filmmakers like James Cameron, David Fincher, and Zack Snyder who have also tried to remake Heavy Metal over the years may still have a shot. And along those same lines, Rodriguez confirmed those reports from last year that he still plans on doing a live-action remake of Frank Frazetta and Ralph Bakshi’s custom-van epic Fire And Ice.”

I’m literally not sure how this guy even finds time to sleep at this point. And, as long as he produces Machete Kills Again, I don’t care.

What do you think of the Rodriguez movie news?

Sin City To Start Production in 2010

Krystal Clark — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:27:58 +0000

Will we ever get a Sin City 2? The 2005 adaptation of Frank Miller‘s popular graphic novel has been under heavy sequel speculation since its release. Robert Rodriguez has spoken a little about it, Miller has put in his two cents, and several of the film’s actors have chimed in as well. This time, the latest update comes from producer Stephen L’Heureux, and according to him production on the film will begin very soon.

You know those rumors we kept hearing about the film going into production sometime this year? That’s not going to happen, instead L’Heureux states that Sin City 2 will start shooting in the later half of 2010. The film’s script will once again be based on an original story by Frank Miller who will co-direct with Robert Rodriguez.

Within this brief interview, the producer also disclosed information on the live action adaptation of the comic, Hard Boiled. He confirmed that Miller is working on a screenplay for the film and is also on board to direct. It sounds like Frank’s going to have his hands full with the screenplays for both films. I’ve become a life long skeptic when it comes to the Sin City sequel, because so many things have thrown the project off track.

The film is an ensemble piece in every sense of the word, so I can understand having to maneuver scheduling to accommodate actors, but come on. It’s been almost 5 years, and during that break Miller managed to put his time and effort into The Spirit? That just doesn’t make sense.

What do you think about the latest Sin City 2 update?

Source: Mania

Robert Rodriguez Sets Sin City 2 in Motion

Krystal Clark — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:27 +0000

Sin City reminds me of an absentee parent who always promises to come around but never does. Ever since the original film was released in 2005 there’s been talk of a sequel. Fast forward to four years later and we still don’t have one. Fans have been waiting patiently to no avail, but director Robert Rodriguez continues to reassure the public that the movie is “on it’s way.” According to Screenrant, Rodriguez gave a recent interview where he exclusively discussed the progress of Sin City 2.

According to Rodriguez a sequel is in the works and he’s trying to take steps to make it happen. Unfortunately, his busy schedule has a way of interfering with the development process.

I actually had a phone call with some of the players in it today, but I was on a plane so I missed it… So next week we’re going to talk about it some more and get a timing on when we’d be doing it. But there’s a lot of people who are interested in it… We are definitely going to do that one.”

He also gave some insight into what stories from the Frank Miller novel will be featured this time around. The director definitely has his eye on “A Dame to Kill For” as well as a couple of others.

“There’s a lot of stories,” Rodriguez said. “That was sort of the approach I took to it. That’s why there’s three stories in the [first] movie, because I thought, ‘I love this material, but gosh, what happens if it’s not successful and I don’t get to make a part two and part three. I still want to see “The Big Fat Kill” and “That Yellow Bastard.”‘ So I wanted to put them all in one movie so I could at least get some of these stories out of my system. But there’s still so many books and so many stories to do.”

If and when this movie happens, I wonder if they will still go with Angelina Jolie for the lead in “A Dame to Kill For?” She’s been in talks to star in the film for years, but they continue to get backtracked. I was a fan of the first Sin City, but I know a choice few who weren’t. I’m interested in seeing more stories told on the big screen especially “That Yellow Bastard.” Even though I’m happy to hear some movement on this, I won’t put all my eggs in once basket. Rodriguez has a lot on his plate including his reboots of Predator and Red Sonja. When will he find the time to do it?

Do you think Sin CIty 2 will ever get made? Should Rodriguez put his other projects on hold to complete this one?

Sin City on BLU-RAY Giveaway Winners!

Allison — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:00:24 +0000

Hey, ScreenCravers! Hope you all had a great weekend. We asked you for your favorite Miller-written villain, you gave us your answers. Did you get lucky?

Find out if you are one of the 3 winners to get Sin City on BLU-RAY…

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

seejayess: If Marv is considered a villain, then sign me up for him!
Clark H: Miller’s portrayal of Xerxes in the graphic novel 300 as a vain, effeminate, self proclaimed “god-king” was the perfect villain and contrast to King Leonidas.
Johnny Rockets: I’m with the first comment, I choose Marv as Miller’s most badass “villain”! Bring on some Sin City!

We have sent the above people confirmation e-mails, so make sure you get back to us with a shipping address ASAP so we can get these DVDs out to you!

Thanks to everyone who participated! Remember, Sin City is out on April 21st, so if you didn’t get lucky, go pick up a copy tomorrow and enjoy!

We always have fun giveaways here at ScreenCrave, so check back often!

Sin City on BLU-RAY Giveaway!

Allison — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:00:54 +0000

Hey ScreenCravers! Frank Miller’s Sin City is due to hit the shelves on April 21st, but we’ve got THREE BLU-RAY COPIES TO GIVEAWAY on April 20th. I would be willing to cough up some money to see the film on Blu-Ray just because the film is so visually pleasing. The cross between a comic book and film noir, definitely deserves a Blu-Ray experience.

For a chance to win this dark tale, read on…

Anyone who wants to compete for a DVD must subscribe to our RSS feed and leave a comment below telling us your favorite Miller-villiam. He’s not a small name in comics and he;s a sucker for an awesome bad-guy, so you’ll have plenty to choose from!

The three winners will be announced on April 20th at noon, so make sure to leave a comment before then!

Sin City tells four tales of crime, focusing around a muscular brute who’s looking for the person responsible for the death of his beloved Goldie, a man fed up with Sin City’s corrupt law enforcement who takes the law into his own hands after a horrible mistake, a cop who risks his life to protect a girl from a deformed pedophile, and a hitman looking to make a little cash. It’s dark and intriguing; a great film!

Happy hunting!

Remember that in order to play:

You must have a shipping address in the United States
You must leave an e-mail address that we can reach you at (we promise not to spam you)
If you win, you will have one week to respond to an e-mail that we will send to you. If you do not respond within one week your prize will be given to another contestant.

Top Ten Greatest Comic Book Movies

Krystal Clark — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:00:49 +0000

It’s almost here! Warner Brother’s Watchmen will finally see the light of day this weekend, and we will get to see if all the Hollywood hoopla is justified. I’ve got a good feeling about Watchmen, and I’m hoping its a movie that lives up to all the hype. Therefore, in honor of the film’s release I’ve decided to compile a list of my top 10 comic book adaptations. Some may be expected, while others may come as a surprise. Either way give me your two cents on who you think should or shouldn’t be included.

Let’s begin…….

10. Hellboy (2004)

Even though he’s not as popular as most mainstream heroes and comic books the red demon, with the sawed off horns finally came to the big screen in 2004. I enjoyed Hellboy and the snarky performance given by Ron Perlman in the title role, and the ever formidable Doug Jones as Abe Sapien. Due to Director Guillermo del Toro‘s amazing creative ability, this film spawned a sequel in 2008, and has shown audiences that it is a legitimate comic book franchise that’s here to stay.

9. Blade II (2002)

One of the most underrated comic book franchises ever! I loved the first Blade, but I really loved it’s sequel. This time Guillermo del Toro took over the directing reigns and you could tell. The directors visual imprint is all over the movie. With far superior action than the first, Blade II is hands down the best in the trilogy. Wesley Snipes actually suplexes a guy in this one! )That’s a wrestling move in case anyone was wondering)

8. X2: X-Men United (2003)

These days it’s hard to find sequels that actually improve on the original. On this list you will notice several that have actually pulled off the task, maybe action films just need time to breath. X2 was the second and final X-Men film that was directed by Bryan Singer. Even though I don’t fully agree with the changes Singer made to the X-Men universe, he gained some redemption with this one. Easily, the best addition to this series was Alan Cummings as NightCrawler. His make-up, his accent and his shy, yet endearing personality was the perfect representation of the blue demon with a soul.

7. Superman: The Movie (1978)

One of my earliest encounters of a superhero film had to be with 1978′s Superman. A fresh faced Christoper Reeve embodied everything I thought and wanted Superman to be. I always had my reservations about Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, but what can you do? With Reeve, Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and who can forget Marlon Brando as proud papa Jor-El? It’s no wonder this film still stands the test of time.

6.V for Vendetta (2005)

This isn’t just another movie where a chick shaves off her hair, V for Vendetta means business. Based off of the graphic novel by Alan Moore (Watchmen, From Hell) Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving star as Evey and V, two individuals who are effected in one way or another by their corrupt government. Nothing like a man wearing a mask, and a cape to get me interested. Did I mention that he has wicked aim with those daggers?

5. Spiderman 2 (2004)

Another good sequel to throw onto the fire is Spiderman 2, which fans and critics agree out shined the original and definitely the third. With far better graphics, and a natural maturation of it’s main characters it won it’s spot on this list fair and square. The inner conflict of Peter vs. Spiderman was a well written story that made you feel sorry and almost anxious about the decision that he’d eventually have to make.

4. Batman Begins (2005)

Daring to go where no one would ever go again after 1997′s Batman and Robin, Christoper Nolan resuscitated the shamed Batman franchise in 2005 with Batman Begins. He constructed a strong cast that included Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, and Sir Michael Caine. When you can get a knighted, two-time Academy Award winner to play a butler you know the movies going to be good.

3. Iron Man (2008)

I was pleasantly surprised by Jon Favreau’s summer blockbuster Iron Man. When I first heard the film was getting made, I wasn’t particularly interested. I was never really into Iron Man or any of the Avengers, but this movie changed my tune. Robert Downey, Jr.’s quick wit, and carefully manicured goatee had me glued to the screen. Good job Favreau, good job!

2. Sin City (2005)

In my opinion without this film there would definitely be no 300, or Watchmen in terms of visual style. This adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name was co-directed by the books creator, Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez. This was a huge ensemble piece that included all the characters you know and love. There’s only one Sin City, often imitated but never duplicated.

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. The legendary relationship between Batman and The Joker parallels the traditional conflict between good and evil. With an Academy Award nominated and winning cast which included 2009 Best Supporting Actor winner Heath Ledger it’s no wonder this film earned the top spot. With a complex script, beautiful direction, and an amazing score The Dark Knight is one of the the first comic book adaptations to stay faithfully true to the source material. TDK has set the bar pretty high and let’s other comic book filmmakers know that this is how it should be done!

Honorable Mentions

Batman (1989)
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (1980, reissued 2006)

Where will Watchmen fit on this list? Will it be able to knock DC alum The Dark Knight out of it’s top spot?

What do you think?

For further reading:

ScreenCrave.com » Sin City

Comic Con 2011: Robert Rodriguez Announces Things!

Related Posts

Robert Rodriguez Announces ‘Sin City’ And ‘Machete’ Sequels, ‘Heavy Metal’ Remake

Related Posts

Sin City To Start Production in 2010

Related Posts

Robert Rodriguez Sets Sin City 2 in Motion

Related Posts

Sin City on BLU-RAY Giveaway Winners!

Related Posts

Sin City on BLU-RAY Giveaway!

Related Posts

Top Ten Greatest Comic Book Movies

Related Posts