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Watchmen 2 Might Happen

Krystal Clark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:43:45 +0000

The thought of a sequel to the feature adaptation of last year’s Watchmen makes my head hurt, but that’s not stopping the boardroom brass over at DC Comics from making it happen. According to Bleeding Cool, Watchmen 2 could be on the horizon and there’s nothing any of us can do to stop it.

Paul Levitz was the former DC Comics President and Publisher, and one of the few people at the company who wanted to keep Watchmen as a single property, not the victim of mass spin-offs or sequels. He knew that making such moves would go against everything creators Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons believed in, and we all know how much Moore hated the idea of Zack Snyder adapting the comic in the first place. Now, Levitiz has stepped down from his position and Dan DiDio the SVP-Executive Editor for DC Comics has decided to pursue several Watchmen sequels/prequels despite all those who are against it.

When Levitz was in office, any new properties based on the Watchmen material was restricted including video games. Here’s Bleeding Cool’s report regarding Didio’s plans for the future…

I understand that both Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons have to be offered first refusal before any of these titles could be published. But if they don’t want to work on them themselves (and Alan Moore is never going to agree), DiDio has been sounding out people who might be willing to take on the task.

While some creators are reticent, the argument goes if there are a number of Watchmen spin-off projects, any blame or shame can be spread on many shoulders. The sales are expected to be massive, whatever the hardcore fanboy reaction and such expected sales benefits will be shared amongst the creative teams.

Moore threw in the towel a long time ago when it came to Watchmen, but the very thought of a major franchise brewing makes my skin crawl. If all of Didio’s plans come to fruition, the Watchmen sequel might be headed our way, which would blow because the first film was a hit or miss. We should have known this was coming after reading the fine print on those film contracts that had movie and television spin-offs listed as fair game. Don’t do it DC, just don’t.

Do you think Didio is wrong for trying to expand the Watchmen universe? Do you want to see a film sequel made?

New DVD Releases: Watchmen, Coraline, Made in USA

Andrew Payne — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:17:36 +0000

After weeks of drudging through lame horror movies and other early-year fare, we’re finally treated to some DVD releases we actually WANT to buy. Those include Watchmen and Coraline, two visual stunners and hits in their own right.

Of course, we still have loads of TV on DVD to roll out, plus the three worst DVDs of the week! Check it all out below…

FEATURE FILMS

Watchmen

It’s strange that in a movie-going era where anything comic book dominates the hobnobbing of cinephiles for weeks, that such an example of what the genre can be at its best is already somewhat forgotten.

That example was, of course, Watchmen, a film with the visual grandeur of Iron Man, the excitement of Transformers, and the complexity of theme found in The Dark Knight. It could be that it was too complex, too unfamiliar for the public and that led to its floundering with a by-comparison unimpressive $100MM gross.

Luckily, the film lives on in a two-disc DVD that’s packed with nearly 30 minutes of additional footage in the form of a Director’s cut as well as retrospectives about the original comic and webisodes detailing the film’s creation

However, this set also purportedly includes an insert advertising the ‘Ultimate Edition’ of this DVD coming at Christmas time. So buy with caution.

Coraline

As visually stunning as any Pixar film, as creepy as any horror movie; Coraline was an interesting filmic experiment that turned out to be a substantial success early in the year.

But what about that creepiness? This film features wicked rag-doll, and borderline violent images that stick with even the most veteran filmgoer long after the first viewing. For children, this must have been a nightmare cocktail.

This, of course, underscores a problem with animated films these days – they don’t seem to make them for children anymore. Animators have become so wrapped up in the ‘appeals to adults’ model that they forgot all about the children. Now we’re left with films about old people dying and a horrific fantasia that can only induce nightmares

So if you don’t mind hearing your children scream, buy the DVD.

Also:

The Great Buck Howard – Learn More – Buy Now

TV ON DVD

“Jon & Kate Plust Eight” – Season 4, Volume 2

Remember when this couple was just a harried family trying to raise eight children instead of fodder for endless tabloids and Internet speculation?

Of course you don’t! But it’s true, and here’s the DVD proof. A season that included nothing more than the Harlem Globetrotters, puppies and walking in the woods to worry about.

Ah, simpler times!

Also:

“This American Life”: Season 2 – Buy Now
“Charlie’s Angeles”: Season 4 – Buy Now
“Hotel”: Season 1 – Buy Now
“The Lucy Show”: Season 1 – Buy Now
“Monk”: Season 7 – Buy Now
“Prison Break”: Final Break – Buy Now
“Psych”: Season 3 – Buy Now
“Pushing Daisies”: Final Season – Buy Now

SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEK

Made in USA – Criterion Collection

People shy away from Frency New Wave, expecting something impossibly pretentious and artsy to dominate their screen, but when Godard was in full flow in the sixties this wasn’t the case.

Instead, he treated audiences to delirious caper films with a dash of noir and a touch of cartoonery. Of course, there was always some social commentary in there, but at face value these films were pure fun.

With Made in USA he turned his frenzied eye on American consumerism with the story of an amateur sleuth investigating the death of her lover. Its satirical, funny and crazy fun.

With the Criterion DVD, it’s also loaded with features. These include interviews with the starts, original trailers, a featurette detailing the cultural references in the film and video essaying detailing the film and its impact.

Horrible Straight-To-DVD Release of the Week

Three terrible movies, three new DVDs. Which is the worst? Cast your vote and tell the world!

The nominees are:

Echelon Conspiracy

The Case to Vote for It: The fact that this movie stars the immortal Shane West is probably enough for inclusion. Even worse is that its plot is essentially a direct rip-off of Eagle Eye where a young kid unwittingly finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy set to unravel the entire world! All that plus Ving Rhames, Edward Burns, and Martin Sheen. Shouldn’t those guys be in theatrical releases?

Friday at DeWayne’s

The Case to Vote for It: Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately?) this is not a new direct-to-DVD entry in the Friday movie series. Instead, it’s a movie about DeWayne, a kid whose parents go out of town for the weekend, spurring him to throw the ultimate house party.

If only he could escape the intrusions of his grandma and principal! Or a premise without any cliches whatsoever!

Messengers 2: The Scarecrow

The Case to Vote for It: Did you know that Messengers 1 actually came out in theaters? And starred Kristen Stewart? Of course you didn’t. Nobody did. Because nobody saw it. Despite this, they’ve decided to make a sequel and, surprise surprise, it went straight to DVD!

Theaters for Zack Snyder’s Watchmen Director’s Cut

Laura Aguirre — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:41:58 +0000

Last month we told you that the extended Director’s Cut of Zack Snyder‘s Watchmen would be showing in select movie theaters (read Snyder 300 and Watchmen story). Well it is the week before Comic-Con, and as promised the theaters have been confirmed in four major cities: Los Angeles, Dallas, Minneapolis, and New York City.

Check out the theaters after the jump…

Mann Chinese 6 in Los Angeles
Landmark Sunshine 5 in New York
Carmike Apple Valley 15 in Minneapolis
Rave Hickory Creek 16 in Dallas

For those of you who can’t make it to any of those theaters, the Blu-Ray hits shelves next Tuesday, July 21st.

Tell us if you’re going.

Deleted Scene from the Director’s Cut of Watchmen

Mali Elfman — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Some of you thought that Watchmen couldn’t be any longer, well guess what, you haven’t seen the half of it. Zach Snyder will be releasing his Directors cut of them film on DVD and Blu-Ray with a hell of a lot of special features including many deleted scenes. Below is one of said scenes which gives us more background on the death of the original Nite Owl, Hollis Mason (Stephen McHattie) as well as more about he and Sally Jupiter’s (Carla Gugino) relationship.

I can see why this was cut, and would have been happy with it staying that way. The scene starts with a shot of the Tales of the Black Freighter comic book and some “Knot Tops” mocking the “comic-book guy.” I can see why Snyder would have got a kick out of filming this and audiences would have enjoyed it. That being said, everything after this moment goes downhill fast. The “Knot Tops” painfully deliver some unnecessary exposition before running off to track down and kill Mason and then we get even more unecessary dialogue between Mason and Jupiter.

Check out the clip below…

I do enjoy the flashbacks in the scene where Mason is being murdered, but almost all the dialogue is cringe-worthy no matter who is saying it.

What do you think? Should this have made it into the movie or stayed on the cutting room floor?

Zack Snyder Talks 300 Sequel, Sucker Punch, Watchmen Director’s Cut

Laura Aguirre — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:48:18 +0000

Watchmen and 300 director Zack Snyder confirmed that he will be showing the Watchmen Director’s Cut in select movie theaters next month. The movie will show in theaters the weekend before the Comic-Con in Los Angeles, Dallas, Minneapolis, and New York. Each city will only have one theater showing the movie, so keep an eye for updates on where to do. Exited yet you comic book fanatics? There’s more.

If you happen to own Watchmen on Blu-ray, then you’re in for a one-of-a-kind treat: From the comfort of your own home, you’ll be able to watch and have an interactive experience by asking questions through your Blu-ray players. Just in case you don’t own Watchmen or 300 on Blu-ray, know that it is filled with infinite options. If you would like to only watch the films, you can do that, but if you’re hungry for more, there’s behind the scenes features and how the movies were made. If you’re a fan, then the Blu-ray discs are definitely for you.

But the Snyder hype doesn’t stop there, Snyder also mentioned the possibility of a sequel to 300. Check out what he had to say ComingSoon.net below:

“I know for a fact that Frank [Miller] is writing right now. [He's] drawing away and seems to be knee-deep in it. I think he’s going to head back to Greece again and do another reconnaissance.

As for the look, he’s looking to go back to the style he used in 300:

I think we would use the same technology… I don’t want it to look too Star Wars-ian… Just from what [Miller] told me, it would be bigger as far as landscape and terrain. We’re going to see Athens and the Aegean and other places. There would be an opportunity for bigger visions, though I’d hope for the same aesthetic. The tech we used for ’300′ was not a revolution. It’s basically what the weatherman has. Look, instead of Accuweather it’s Sparta… It’s going to be the same way, but on crazier steroids.”

And check out what he told Collider about Suck er Punch below…

So there you have it! This is Snyder-mania. Are you excited? What excites you the most? Let us know!

Man Shoots Himself During Watchmen Screening

Krystal Clark — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:45:52 +0000

An unfortunate event occurred at a night time screening of Zack Snyder’s Watchmen. According to KMTR movie patrons in an Oregon theater got more than they bargained for when an unidentified male shot himself during the film. Police say the shooting occurred just after midnight at the Regal Cinema in Eugene. There were about 10 people present at the time, when a 24 year-old male decided to take his life.

When the initial shot was fired, patrons complained to the manager that they heard a loud “popping” sound that sounded like a gunshot. After further investigation the man’s body was found at the rear end of the auditorium with a gunshot wound to the head. By the time police came he was already dead. The person who sat the closest to him was a mere two rows away.

No information has been released regarding the man’s identity or circumstance as to what would cause him to do such a thing. I know they don’t have metal detectors in theaters like that, but wow. I also think the fact that 10 people were in the theater to see Watchmen on a Sunday night tells us a little bit about the box office standing of the film. Who goes to a midnight show on a Sunday? Those people were either bored or ashamed to be seen watching that film. Why did the man choose that movie out of everything else playing to commit suicide? What’s really going on? Did he really dislike the movie that much?

How would you react if something like that happened to you? Should they put metal detectors in theaters now?

Watchmen: The Game

Mali Elfman — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:00:37 +0000

It seems like Dr. Manhattan’s penis is getting more attention that almost anything else in the Watchmen movie (vote in our penis poll and let us know whether or not you found “it” distracting). So I guess it only makes sense that they would make a game featuring his penis.

Check it out below…

Beware this is NSFW

Are you ready to purchase? I personally love the hip movements.

Can Anyone Compete With The Dark Knight?

Krystal Clark — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:30:41 +0000

Since the record breaking opening of The Dark Knight last July, there has been an invisible line drawn in the sand that separates the darker comic book movies from the lighter fare. For the past ten years studios have been shooting out comic based movies for the sole purpose of tapping into their lucrative fanboy audience. Films such as Spiderman, Fantastic Four, and X-Men all spawned sequels and big payday’s, but the films quality suffered as the franchises progressed.In the case of TDK, Christopher Nolan’s Batman series continued to get better by sticking close to it’s source material, and concentrating more on story than gimmicks.

Watchmen, which is another DC property, was carefully set up as the successor of TDK. Yet, the film received mixed reviews from both fans and critics including the creator of the book, Alan Moore. Perhaps they tried to do too much at once? The film did have more adult content, and was a lot grittier in some respects, but because of that it overshadowed some of the story. TDK didn’t have any nudity, harsh language, or overt sexual scenes and it still came across as an ominous, psychotic thriller without being rated R.

With Watchmen being a so-so follow up in this new, darker direction many other studios, especially Marvel seem to be shifting the structure of their comic book roster. There are two obvious routes to go, your either an Iron Man or a Dark Knight. Both were well written, well acted, and entertaining, but each approached audiences in a totally different way. Iron Man being the lighter of the two, is the commercial and critical success that filmmakers consider an easier target to imitate.

I recently read about two comic book films that are in development, Green Lantern and the reboot of The Fantastic Four. Both films are already claiming that they will in no way compete with the tone and feel of TDK, but plan to stick closer to that of Iron Man. According to IESB, here’s what we can expect from the new Fantastic Four:

The franchise is looking to be “less bubble gum” this time round following the Iron Man template, which was a complete success in reviews and box office take but a bit darker when it came to its superhero. Iron Man was in no way as dark as The Dark Knight but was funny, action-y as well as a bit on the serious side.

According to Cinemablend the Green Lantern producer Donald De Line stated that his film will more than likely skew towards a lighter direction as well. “I’d say it’s more akin to Iron Man,where there’s definitely serious stakes in the movie, but there’s definitely a sense of humor throughout.”

What happened here? I thought something as well written as The Dark Knight would encourage filmmakers to push the limits of what comic book films can be. Instead it looks as if no one wants to even attempt what TDK did. Granted not every book has such harsh content to pull from, but there’s nothing wrong with improving the genre as a whole. Did Christopher Nolan and his gang set the bar too high for others to follow? Was the film too serious?

Do you think the success of The Dark Knight can be repeated? If so, by who?

Malin Akerman Joins the Bang Bang Club

Krystal Clark — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:30:40 +0000

Watchmen star Malin Akerman goes from a big budget heroine to an indie darling with her latest project, The Bang Bang Club. According to Variety, the actress will co-star with Ryan Phillippe in the upcoming drama set in “apartheid-era” South Africa. The film’s script was written by documentary filmmaker Steven Silver, who adapted the story from the Greg Marinovich memoir.

The film follows four combat war photographers who are nicknamed the Bang Bang Club. Akerman will play a photo editor, who oversees Marinovich (Phillippe), and Kevin Carter played by another comic book alum Taylor Kitsch. The film will be produced by Foundry Films’ Daniel Iron alongside Out of Africa’s Lance Samuels and Adam Friedlander.

It looks as if Akerman will become the new go to girl for the foreseeable future. Hopefully, in this drama she’ll be able to show us a bit more range in terms of her acting. I don’t think she’s horrible, but there is always room for improvement. She can currently be seen in the DC Comic adaptation Watchmen, while Taylor Kitsch will star in X-Men Origins: Wolverine alongside Hugh Jackman due out this May.

What do you think? Did her Silk Spectre performance make you want more Malin?

Weekend Box Office: The Watchmen Tops the Charts… Kinda

Mali Elfman — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:00:07 +0000

Although the Watchmen came in at the top of the chart , it didn’t create the HUGE box office splash that Snyder had probably hoped for. Now we’ll have to see how long until they’ve made back the $150 million they spent. I personally thought that the film broke new grounds, but that’s not always enough for the box office. Except in the case of Slumdog Millionaire, which in it’s 17th week on the charts you can still find roaming around the top 5 spots. Go Slumdog!

Sadly, what this list also shows is that films like Madea Goes to Jail and Paul Blart have legs, which is BAD, BAD news for the future of filmmaking. Although on the plus side the Jonas Brothers film seems to be dying a quick death, so there is some hope there.

Check out this weeks box office numbers below…

Watchmen | New | Weekend Gross $55,655,000 | Average Per Theater $15,413 | Total Gross $55,655,000 | Production Budget $150 | Week 1
Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail | LW 1 | Weekend Gross $8,800,000 | Average Per Theater $4,091 | Total Gross $76,505,000 | Week 3
Taken | LW 4 | Weekend Gross $7,450,000 | Average Per Theater $2,470 | Total Gross $118,049,000 | Week 6
Slumdog Millionaire | LW 3 | Weekend Gross $6,925,000 | Average Per Theater $2,396 | Total Gross $125,441,000 | Production Budget $15 | Week 17
Paul Blart: Mall Cop Sony | LW 6 | Weekend Gross $4,200,000 | Average Per Theater $1,642 | Total Gross $133,643,000 | Production Budget $26 | Week 8
He’s Just Not That Into You | LW 5 | Weekend Gross $4,020,000 | Average Per Theater $1,644 | Total Gross $84,647,000 | Week 5
Coraline | LW 7 | Weekend Gross $3,313,000 | Average Per Theater $1,691 | Total Gross $65,680,000 | Week 5
Confessions of a Shopaholic | LW 9 | Weekend Gross $3,121,000 | Average Per Theater $1,363 | Total Gross $38,356,000 | Week 4
Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience | LW 2 | Weekend Gross $2,785,000 | Average Per Theater $2,183 | Total Gross $16,791,000 | Week 2
Fired Up | LW 10 | Weekend Gross $2,600,000 | Average Per Theater $1,446 | Total Gross $13,360,000 | Production Budget $20 | Week 3

Poll: Was Dr. Manhattan’s Penis Distracting

Mali Elfman — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:00:24 +0000

So, now that I am sure you all ran out opening night to see Watchmen. I have one very important question for you…

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

New HD Star Trek Trailer

Krystal Clark — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:00:09 +0000

Paramount just released the latest trailer for this summer’s upcoming prequel, Star Trek. If your one of the lucky ones who’ve already seen Watchmen, the trailer debuts in front of the film. In my opinion this one is a lot better than the first. You get to see a lot more footage, and gain some insight into how Kirk became the captain of the Enterprise. The thing I like the most is how they change the image of Spock. I wasn’t a fan of the angry version they showed the first time around. It just threw me off.

You can formulate your own opinion when you view the trailer after the jump.

Star Trek hits theaters on May 8, 2009 and is directed by JJ Abrams.

What do you think? Does this make you want to see the movie more or less?

ScreenCrave.com » watchmen

Watchmen 2 Might Happen

Related Posts

New DVD Releases: Watchmen, Coraline, Made in USA

FEATURE FILMS

Watchmen

Coraline

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SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEK

Horrible Straight-To-DVD Release of the Week

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Theaters for Zack Snyder’s Watchmen Director’s Cut

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Deleted Scene from the Director’s Cut of Watchmen

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Zack Snyder Talks 300 Sequel, Sucker Punch, Watchmen Director’s Cut

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Man Shoots Himself During Watchmen Screening

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Watchmen: The Game

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Can Anyone Compete With The Dark Knight?

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Malin Akerman Joins the Bang Bang Club

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Poll: Was Dr. Manhattan’s Penis Distracting

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New HD Star Trek Trailer

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