December
27 Dark Knight's Nolan and DC Comics Pics

I caught that Batman teaser on Imax (better than the entirety of I Am Legend that followed). Unlike the trailer, it sets the film up as a gritty '70s-style action film -- very classy.

Is Bryan Singer really going back to The Mayor of Castro Street? Now that Gus Van Sant has Sean Penn onboard as Harvey Milk (for a version of the script that Singer turned down, from what I gather), I can't see how that helming a competing biopic about a figure of limited audience interest would be a good idea.

John Singleton.

yeahhh.....
it's like they are making
''JUSTICE JUNIOR LEAGUE''

Brandon Routh made a great Richard Donner type Clark Kent. He was a horrible Superman. I'd rather have seen a balding Nicholas Cage than Routh.
Routh might actually make a fine replacement for Tobey in spiderman; as he and Maguire have something in common. They both fit the non-superhero character perfectly.
But, thats my opinion.

Welling's Superman is better at getting people killed than saving them.

I agree with Wes. Though Superman Returns had its problems, I like Singer and his direction. It's not the Superman we may all like, but it is a Superman that I think could reach a certain demographic and could be an interesting character. Superman is a hard character. A very hard character. Look at the comics. Thousands of Superman comics have been produced. How many worked? 10%? Let's just for the sake of argument say 50% worked...that's not a high proportion. And some of the best writers in comics have attempted to write him.

It is time to recast and redo the whole Superman franchise...with a new director, cast, crew, producers and staff--time to clean house, from top to bottom...and from bottom to top. Bryan Singer blew what should have been an easy task in bringing new life to Superman. We need a new Superman...but this time, not as a sequel...but rather, as a whole new take on the character, entirely.

I would suggest that Warner Brothers study the pilot episode of their most recent Superman animated series from the 90s, for ideas. Therein, we witnessed the original take on Superman's origins...with Krypton being depicted as a red desert planet...with a new twist, that being a villain, Brainiac, already in play...and quickly introduced to the audience. In short, the pilot episode was very smart, inventive and fast paced, featuring action and a great plot...from start, to finish.

The pilot script could be easily adapted as a live action feature film...and should have been the route that Bryan Singer took for Superman Returns. Don't believe me, you say??? It's just another fan opinion, right??? I challenge any Warner exec to take my advice and watch that pilot episode for your own personal edification. I think you'll like, if not love, what you see.

MetalWater, the pilot episode of Superman: The Animated Series was a nifty setup for the cartoon series, but would be yet another deeply boring origin story on the big screen, not to mention basically a remake of the 1978 movie (still the only real classic in the genre), with a few tweaks to the status quo (Brainiac is inserted in the Krypton sequence, Luthor is now a knockoff of Marvel's Kingpin character, et cetera). It even has the same beats as the 1978 movie -- opening third set on Krypton, second third set in Smallville, third act set in Metropolis (though Donner's movie had three distinct voices - mock Shakespearean tragedy, 50s American pastoral, urban action comedy)...

Granted, Timm and Dini's work remains the best version of the character to date in a lot of ways (though mostly emotionally flat after ditching the romantic aspect of Superman's story), but why try to recreate or emulate the animated show, which was already great in its own medium? In fact, why try to redo any previous story?

Singer and his writers at least tried to bring something to the character we hadn't seen before - he's indestructible, but his heart can be broken; he's utterly alone, but he's bound to humanity now...

Bring back Singer!

Bring back the cast!

Bring back Mike and Dan!

Superman Returns was brilliant!

Well Peter, you said it yourself: "Timm and Dini's work remains the best version of the character to date in a lot of ways"...since that is something we both agree on, with a few tweaks, their script can fufill the studio's expectantions of delivering something fresh. Why not show the Krypton opening as flashbacks...distributed throughout the film's plot as it progresses, rather than use it as an uninterupted prologue sequence???

Look, we all know this is Superman...so we can't completely reinvent the wheel, or risk alienating even more fans than Bryan Singer could have ever managed with Superman Returns--but what we can do is shuffle the deck of playing cards in terms of how to handle the original mythos. Take for instance, George Reeves version of Clark Kent was great. Clark was a real man, not a nerd...or a push over. I really loved his take on Superman's alter ego...unlike that of Christopher Reeve's version of Kent--however, I love Reeve's take on Superman, rather than the one, his predecessor, George Reeves...gave us. I think what we are looking for...and the best way to handle things, is to take the best of Superman's legend, and blend it together in order to make a better film.

In regard to the tv series Smallville, the opening meteor strike sequence on Earth...and the town of Smallville, was great...and should have been saved for a movie. The show has done many things right, like the 2 part episode where Clark saved Lana from the middle of a tornado. That's not to say the show doesn't have its problems, let's face it, when it is bad, it's bad...but the show gave us the first real portayal of Lex Luthor that we could respect, outside of animation form, again the 90s animated series. Lex is an intelligent 3 dimensional person with feelings, who is slowly losing his moral compass. Lex has a real life and a rich back story that make you empathize with him. He's not a lunatic, this is a methodical well thoughtout genius, often full of wisdom and great insight, and that is what makes him truly dangerous...and that is scary to witness, just like Darth Vader or one of the better Bond villains from years past. Lex hurts people who get in his way, but his primary purpose is to get the job done, by any means necessary, not for the sake of hurting innocent people, just for the sake of hurting innocent people, or...the not so innocent, as has been portrayed in previous Superman movies.

In terms of Smallville, I'll put the episode that I previously mentioned, and several other very good episodes of the series, up against any minute of Superman Returns, any day...as being better material...and better entertainment, and done on a much lower budget, and shorter filming schedule to boot...and that is the ultimate insult to Bryan Singer and his poor efforts in bringing us, the dismal Superman Returns.

Paul Greengrass, the director of the last two Bourne films...the Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum should direct the next Superman film.

Before anyone has a sh!t fit, I have nothing against the gay community. Having said that, with regard to the arguably macho world of super heroes, gay guys just don't get it. Schumacher almost killed the Batman franchise and Singer (while not nearly as bad) left a lot to be desired. I think a new director and writers can do wonders. I would keep Routh, though, as he really wasn't that bad in the role.

I had hoped Bryan Singer would direct Superman long before it became a reality, so was anticipating it big time. Man was I was disappointed!!

Brandon Routh was a good Kent, would be an ok Superboy, but no way was he a good Superman. The studios try to cast actors that would look decent for sequels 10 years down the line and in the process we end up with kindergarten heroes. That works for spiderman, but nothing else. The upcoming Justice League movie would be an ultimate example of this.

James Marsden was the only actor in SR who actually looked convincing. Everyone else was miscast. Some people liked Kevin Spacey but I thought the character of Lex in SR was more of a small time thug (surrounded by morons) than a top level bad guy. The best interpretation of Lex can be seen in the animated series where Lex is an extremely intelligent and wealthy guy. I mean come on! The arch nemesis of the most powerful superhero ever has to be more than that.

Finally, I thought the movie was too much in the universe of the original Superman, to the point of being handicapped by it.

I say get rid of everyone from SR. Cast an older, better built actor as Supes, Give Lex a lot more gravitas and personality than he had in SR, and give it to James Cameron.

Routh was great. If Singer is out, then Richard Donner should direct the next Man of Steel film. And bring back Terence Stamp as Zod.

Singer made a smart, deeply artistic film with Superman Returns, and is thinking deeper than the 'lets make a buck quick by making a big dumb action picture' which apparently the mentally challenged portions of Superman fans claim they want.

The thinking is flawed, though. "Batman and Robin" was made to sell to the comic book fans with five year old mentalities... but that bombed. "Superman REturns" is in the same vein as "Batman Begins"- a smart filmmaker who also shows a clear love for his material. The first film was a setup and introduction, just as "Begins" was.

If WB is reading, please ignore the fools who are ranting about how Singer leaving is a good thing... it's NOT! These are the same ones who want everything exactly as in their cartoons. Singer made a smart movie that critics have picked up on. TIme magazine (which is normally a fairly snobby news magazine) and Newsweek raved about the film. In a world of mindless action pictures, Singer did a fantasy film that had a head and a heart...

Similiar to Lord of the Rings of Superhero films. Please back him to continue what he started .

Let's face it SR just plain sucked!! Warner needs too entice Chris Nolan if they want Supes to ever survive again!! Chris Nolan is about as good as you can get!!!

Just so you know, SReturns pro vs. con = the debate between the haters and likers of the first Hulk movie. ("too boring" vs. "you just didn't get it [cause you're not deep and smart]")

Anyway, please, please, PLEASE don't encourage them to do a reboot. Need I remind you what could have happened when they did think of one originally? Remember Krypton NOT blowing up? Remember SUPER EXTREME MATRIX FIGHT SCENES? Remember the suit in a can? How about the big whatta-TWIST...KRYPTONIAN CIA AGENT LEX LUTHOR????? And oh yeah, there were other rumors of genius ideas like making Ashton Kutcher Superman, Beyonce Knowles as Lois Lane, and Vin Diesel as Lex Luthor (cause he's BALD, get it?)

So yeah, I wouldn't trust most 2000s style reimaginings as far as I could throw them. But hopefully WB sees Batman Begins' success, and the Marvel movies that were good AND true to the source, and that the days of Catwoman are over.

I didn't detest SReturns, but the problems IMO were:

- it tried to be a recreation, not a continuation, the Donner movies. It's post-Crisis, the Superman world has been changed a lot, so I can see how some of it doesn't work for hardcore fans.
- Also, Lex + Kryptonite vs. Supes who can't punch or beat up the human Luthor is a bit passe. Brainiac, Doomsday, or Bizarro (though he might be too comedic) would remedy this.
- I didn't feel Kate Bosworth as Lois. Not aggressive or no-nonsense enough, and too pretty. (not that previous Loises were dogs, but you know what I mean) If only the Dana Delaney voiced TAS version could be turned into a real person...:-)
- I didn't terribly mind the angle with the apparent Superbo...I guess I can't call him that for fear of lawsuits. Works better with the original Superman II and not the Donner cut, of course. Could he have grown into the movie answer to Conner Kent?
- The "Superman = Christ, get it?" angle was a bit too much.

BTW, Smallville = overrated. It's not awful but the whole "Kent's Creek" thing (Paula Cole now playing in my head :-)) is not my style.

As far as TDK, I hope Nolan's PG comment doesn't mean he is going to/had to water anything down.

And I don't mind a younger JLA, so long as it's not exploiting them being younger and thus hip and edgy (like the current Batman cartoon has done). And if they are doing it when the heroes started out, wouldn't it make sense that there's strength in numbers?

For my money...the best super hero film of all time was always the original Chris Reeves film, however it is starting to show its age...and after the majestic opening sequence on Krypton, Smallville and the Fortress Of Solitude, the film fell apart after that, save for a few choice sequences...like the Lois Lane interview of Superman, the "Can you read my mind" flying sequence, and of course, the great reversal of time sequence...where Superman turned back the world in order to save Lois Lane from death itself...during the climax. Other than those specific moments, the film's middle act was deeply lacking thanks in part to a largely comical and slap stick happy Lex Luthor.

However, I was treated to a really great super hero film in the 90s called The Rocketeer, which is truly the greatest super hero film ever made, and a lost gem. The movie never has a weak moment, and was everything every super hero film needs to be, but isn't. Sadly, the Rocketeer was lost amid other more high profile films, and the fact that it had no big stars in its cast, except for some very good character actors, didn't help--that said...again, it is truly the greatest super hero film ever made. Warner's execs should take a look at it in order to help them better frame the next Superman film, as well as to gain much needed inspiration. The Rocketeer is truly worth your time to watch, and study.

A PG-rated THE DARK KNIGHT?! I sincerely hope not...

And Michael Bay for Superman!

I Think Brandon Routh Was A Perfect Superman!
I Also Think That Spacey Was A Very Good Lex!
Lois Was Just OK But In All I Think SR Was A Great Great Movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bring A Better Script And People Will Follow!!!
Brian Singer Should Definetely Direct The Sequel!! If Not Richard Donner Would Be The Best To Follow !!! That Would Drive Fans Craaazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember seeing the 78 Superman as a child.

But the 78 Superman was not in itself a retread of the 50's tv show. It was reconfigured to fit not just a different medium, but a different era. I felt that the script Singer worked with was more of an attempt to praise Richard Donner, rather than create a Superman appropriate for a new era (which is what Nolan did with Batman).

Nowhere can this better be seen than in his treatment of Lex Luthor. By 1987 John Byrne transformed Lex Luthor from a "mad scientist" (complete with purple and green powersuit) to an evil corporate tycoon capable of running for president AND winning. It is this Luthor that we see the creators of Smallville working towards.

It is this Luthor who'd in the modern day context be the appropriate one for Superman to wrestle with. Not the petty, subway dwelling criminal with crazy schemes.

Similarly, "mild-mannered" doesn't mean "weak" or "bumbling." Byrne reimagined Kent such that he was soft-spoken, but still an All American kid. Byrne's Kent was a star athlete, a high school leader...just not aggressive. The Smallville Kent is based to a large degree on the Byrne template, and again it fits the modern context much better than the 78 version. In fact the 78 version is the anomaly in as much as George Reeves' Kent wasn't bumbling.

For me a reboot is in order. Doesn't matter who directs. A real reboot. Superman Begins rather than Superman Returns. With a Clark Kent and Lex Luthor (if they choose Luthor as the villain) updated with an eye towards the source material.

Trust the source material, the REAL source material...and I don't see how the script/movie can go wrong.

Just fix the "S" on the suit. Just look at a comic book, come on!!!!

I certainly hope Chris Nolan returns for a third Batman movie. He needs to continue what he started and not turn it over to another director. That can be the worse thing that happens. The first Batman franchise started with Tim Burton who did fairly well but then switched to Shumacher which was a total joke. We cannot have that again! Nolan needs to stay on board because he got this Batman franchise the way it should be. It's about realism and theatrics and I love it. Christian Bale is perfect as Bruce Wayne/Batman and the rest of the cast is perfect. The Dark Knight will be just as good or better than Batman Begins and Chris Nolan needs to keep the ball rolling!

Sorry, there was a typographical error on my previous posting. This is what it supposed to be:

"It's a great news indeed to know that both Brian Singer and Brandon Routh WILL NOT return to the Man of Steel, sequel to Superman Returns. I really looking forward for Tom Welling to wear the last Kryptonian costume, either in the Man of Steel or in JLA movie :D"

Tom Welling is a bad actor, so lets drop the TOM WELLING 4 SUPERMAN bit...
Bring back Brandon Routh to play the legendary character...
Bryan Singer did an excellent job bringing back the MAN of STEEL, which is no easy task...
Singer has made some of the best superhero films to date (X-Men, X2, Superman Returns)

brandon routh crap crap crap' any pizza deliverie boy could do better job' he had the body of matchstick man, you guy need that guy from smallville do do it justice