Don't over-credit the English film business HB, Nolan is clearly a director not used to action sequences, and Bale doesn't really count as an Englander, with that daft accent.
Hmmm, sorry but it's what it says on your passport not what your accent is (or rather your assumptions based on listening to his accent).
As for Nolan not being used to action sequences ... praise be!! Thank goodness there is a Hollywood director who doesn't resort to MTV-style jump cuts, explosions every 60 seconds - moreover a successful Hollywood director who relies on story, pacing, light and shade and all the aspects of 'classic' cinema.
Great review, Moonie. You mention that "no one has the guts" to realize that the car was made in England. . .well, it seems that not too many people have mentioned that almost the entire cast was made in the UK! Freeman and Holmes are the only Yanks in this tale of a Yank super-hero, and the director is a Brit as well. Looks like the British are keeping our end up as well. . .
Actually Hardyboy Morgan Freeman is from Mississippi so this doesn't make him a yank!
Actually Hardyboy Morgan Freeman is from Mississippi so this doesn't make him a yank!
I'm aware of Morgan Freeman's residency; and as I'm living in Louisiana right now, I knew I was treading on dangerous grounds when I wrote those words. . .but I thought it best to give way to our British hosts and not complicate things.
Actually Hardyboy Morgan Freeman is from Mississippi so this doesn't make him a yank!
I'm aware of Morgan Freeman's residency; and as I'm living in Louisiana right now, I knew I was treading on dangerous grounds when I wrote those words. . .but I thought it best to give way to our British hosts and not complicate things.
Knowing that I have the esteemed honor of living in the area which has the lowest cost of living in the United States (and though the main city in the area is rather scummy the suburbs [where I live] are quite nice), I have to inquire about $1.50 theaters in other areas.
I'm not sure how common they are or how they affect movie sales. I was wondering if others (in USA, UK and other Countries alike) could let me know if they have them. Basically, if anyone doesn't know, it's a bona-fide movie theater that hosts movies after they are out of the main theater run. So basically you won't be the first one on your block to see the movie, but you can see the film MUCH cheaper.
I constantly hear people saying, "That looks good, but I'll wait for it to come to the cheap seats."
Anyhow, what effects are theaters like these having on the earnings of major movies these days?
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,699MI6 Agent
Knowing that I have the esteemed honor of living in the area which has the lowest cost of living in the United States (and though the main city in the area is rather scummy the suburbs [where I live] are quite nice), I have to inquire about $1.50 theaters in other areas.
I'm not sure how common they are or how they affect movie sales. I was wondering if others (in USA, UK and other Countries alike) could let me know if they have them. Basically, if anyone doesn't know, it's a bona-fide movie theater that hosts movies after they are out of the main theater run. So basically you won't be the first one on your block to see the movie, but you can see the film MUCH cheaper.
I constantly hear people saying, "That looks good, but I'll wait for it to come to the cheap seats."
Anyhow, what effects are theaters like these having on the earnings of major movies these days?
To answer your question Sir MIles, there used to be a couple of "cheap seat" movie houses in my area. When I'd go to them to see a movie the movie was usually empty. The one movie I remember seeing is Forrest Gump. There were about 6 other people in the movie in a theatre that sat about 200. That also brings up another problem with the paticular movie house I speak of. During the movie, a couple of people down front decided it would be fun to start to smoke an illegal substance. I went out and informed an attendant and they were escorted out. I never went back. I can't go back now, the movie theatre is closed and never to re-open. There are no other "cheap seat" movie houses either. Infact on cinema is re-building its cinema after having a new cinema built 15 years ago. So I think the "cheap seat" cinemas are a thing of the past just because of the three or four I can think of in my area are no longer in business. Hope that helps!
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
So in case Batman Begins doesn't become such a huge boxoffice taker, is it very likely that this film will also act as 'Batman Finishes'. ?:)
No. A sequel to Batman Begins - which has now surpassed the $130 million mark domestic - has been pretty much confirmed already.
I forgot to mention in my previous post that for those who have still not quite recovered from 2004's Catwoman (DC, Warners et al what were you thinking?) there is an amateur movie in development that looks like it may be quite good, in the vein of Batman: Dead End.
Entitled Catwoman: Copycat, IGN describes it thus: "One very special fan film... download the preview. We won't tell you much; just that it actually looks good." Comics2Film give it ten out of ten. Here's the homepage. At least they've got the costume right, very Michelle Pfeiffer (which can only be a very, very good thing).
Begins' seem to be paying off. The picture has now recouped its production budget domestically - with a current gross of $154,146,000. Moreover, the films has been surprisingly successful internationally makling $114 million worldwide (42.5% of its total gross) reflecting that this picture has not been as reliant on US cinema-goers. Not such a bad haul after all so far - though it will be interesting to see how War of the Worlds affects it.
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,699MI6 Agent
I don't know if this was mentioned, but the US DVD release of Batman Begins is October 18th.
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
As for Nolan not being used to action sequences ... praise be!! Thank goodness there is a Hollywood director who doesn't resort to MTV-style jump cuts, explosions every 60 seconds - moreover a successful Hollywood director who relies on story, pacing, light and shade and all the aspects of 'classic' cinema.
I loved BB. But there were a couple of weak spots and one of them was (IMO) the action scenes. They were extremilly unclear, and unnecesarilly so.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
Comic book hero takes on al-Qaeda
The latest Batman adventure will see the Caped Crusader take on al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.
Comic book artist Frank Miller is midway through writing Holy Terror, Batman, which sees Batman defending Gotham City from a terrorist attack.
"It is, not to put too fine a point on it, a piece of propaganda," said Miller at a US comic book convention.
The veteran writer called it "a reminder to people who seem to have forgotten who we're up against".
He said the story was "an explosion from my gut reaction of what is happening now".
Honourable tradition
Batman has typically faced off fictional villains including Catwoman, the Penguin and the Riddler, but this is the first time he will have confronted a real-life threat.
However, Miller - who revived Batman's popularity some 20 years ago with The Dark Knight Returns - said using comic book heroes for propaganda was an honourable tradition.
"Superman punched out Hitler. So did Captain America. That's one of the things they're there for," Miller said.
Batman returned to the big screen last year in the prequel Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale and Katie Holmes.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
*BATMAN BEGINS SEQUEL UPDATE*
This article was just emailed to me from a friend. I thought you guys might like to know info on the new sequel...
Exclusive Scoop: We Know Who The Joker Is! HA HA
Date: July 20, 2006
By: Kellvin Chavez
Source: El Mayimbe
Yo! El Mayimbe here with un gran bochinche! A MAJOR SCOOP! For months, gossip has been circulating who would play The Joker in the next Batman Begins sequel. It's definite that the next sequel will concentrate on The Joker and they're already throwing names around such as Steve Buscemi - Robin Williams - Lachy Hulme -Alexis Denisof – and Mark Hamill.
We were first to tell the world that Brandon Routh was going to be the new Superman. Now here we are at it again as we just got word from A VERY TRUSTED SOURCE that the offer last night was officially made to Heath Ledger to star as The Joker in the Batman Begins Sequel! As Ari Gold on HBO'S Entourage would say: Heath Motherfin' Brokeback The Joker Ledger!
Stay further tuned to Latinoreview as this story further develops.
Heath Ledger?!? Well, he was amazingly good as a cowboy in Brokeback, and that performance alone changed my opinion that he's just a generic pretty-boy. Maybe he could be a good Joker as well. . .
Who do you think would make a good Two-Face? I think Hugo Weaving would be an awesome actor to play Two-Face but that's just me.
That depends... If it's only Two-Face, he could be sweet. But if it need a one-faced Harvey Dent, than perhaps somebody else should do it, as Weaving is so much associated with baddy roles and Harvey should be a real goody two-shoes before the incident...
As for Heath Ledger as Joker... uhm... Let's just say he is not in the first hundred names that pop in my mind when Joker is mentioned...
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Who do you think would make a good Two-Face? I think Hugo Weaving would be an awesome actor to play Two-Face but that's just me.
You and me both. I mean look at him...he was born for the part cosmetically at least.
The part was offered to Ledger. It doesn't say that he accepted it. I mean 2008 is a long way off so anything is possible as far as casting.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,699MI6 Agent
I've heard rumors that Steve Carell would be offered the Joker role. I guess that wasn't true since the news above has broke. I wonder though if Heath declines who they have as a backup plan?
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,993Quartermasters
I'd once heard rumours about Johnny Depp---now that would be a return to the 'major blockbuster actor' motif in terms of casting vilains...
Failing that, Crispin Glover would have been my very first choice...
Heath Ledger seems---all together, now, Bond fans---an unconventional choice. That said, they've got my attention...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Heath Ledger is not the first guy that pops into my head when I think about the Joker, or even the 100th. Harvey Dent maybe, but not Joker. Can't say I care for this news if true but who knows how it'll all turn out. Also, Christopher Nolan probably has his own vision for the Joker and it isn't necessarily that same as the comics version. Scarecrow in BB had only a passing physical resemblance to his comics counterpart.
Crispin Glover would be a natural. You wouldn't even need to do any prosthetics with him, just paint him white, give him a green wig and let him cut loose. The only problem with him is that the guy is too much of a wild card with the press for a major studio to take a risk on (anybody remember his famous tirade on Letterman?).
I also wonder if the next Batman movie will be as dark and grim as the last one. BB was a moderate hit at best and while it washed away the bitter taste of Batman & Robin, I don't think it hit all the demographics WB wanted.
Personally, I'd like to see a little more humor in the next one. Not slapstick like B&R but something a little dark and maybe a little satirical (the 1989 version had a little of that and I enjoyed it a lot). I'd also like to see the yellow oval with the bat on Batman's chest again. And let's have an actual musical score this time with a real, memorable theme; not the amorphous "mood music" from the last one.
Who do you think would make a good Two-Face? I think Hugo Weaving would be an awesome actor to play Two-Face but that's just me.
That depends... If it's only Two-Face, he could be sweet. But if it need a one-faced Harvey Dent, than perhaps somebody else should do it, as Weaving is so much associated with baddy roles and Harvey should be a real goody two-shoes before the incident...
As for Heath Ledger as Joker... uhm... Let's just say he is not in the first hundred names that pop in my mind when Joker is mentioned...
I think, Hugo could pull it off as a good Harvey. He did well with Elrond.
I think he will be in the second movie as the regular Dent, and in third movie he will become Two-Face. I think Weaving could pull it off.
I was just looking at one of my local papers and apparently, it's official. Ledger will be the Joker. I can't say that I'm over the moon about it but at the same time, I think that Ledger is capable of pulling it off. I'm actually split over Ledger's abilities. On one hand, I very much liked his performance in Brokeback Mountain, on the other hand I disagree with those critics who consider it to be among the greatest performances of all time. Anyway, I think that Ledger is an interesting choice but ot could turn out to be the correct one.
"He’s a man way out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine. And when they start not smiling back—that’s an earthquake. and then you get yourself a couple of spots on your hat, and you’re finished. Nobody dast blame this man. A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." Death of a Salesman
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I don't agree with this descision but I have faith in Nolan to deliver the goods.
It's already been stated that we shouldn't expect Jack Nicholson's version from Ledger...but something more darker and lethal.
This concerns me because the character has always had a happy medium that makes him so admirable. I mean he has to laugh ?:) ... He's the Joker.
None could match Ceasar Romero with the Joker laugh...NONE.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
I don't know, RA. I wat the Joker to be dark and grim. Of course he should be happy, but he should also be a murderous psychopath. I didn't like Nicholson because he didn't have the laugh. Romero did and Hamill did. But I also want the joker to be the same person who shot Sarah Essen and Barbara Gordon cold blooded.
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
I don't know, RA. I wat the Joker to be dark and grim. Of course he should be happy, but he should also be a murderous psychopath. I didn't like Nicholson because he didn't have the laugh. Romero did and Hamill did. But I also want the joker to be the same person who shot Sarah Essen and Barbara Gordon cold blooded.
That's what I mean about a happy medium, Night. It's possible for Joker to be too stern and moody which in my eyes would pratically kill his appeal if Nolan isn't careful.
Nicholson wasn't really popular laugh-wise with me but this guy played Joker very well. He arguably sets the standard for an all round character of The Joker's caliber.
Mrs. Man Face: "You wouldn't hit a lady? Would you?"
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice isUNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
NightshooterIn bed with SolitairePosts: 2,917MI6 Agent
He just didn't fit the part for me. You know how some people aren't happy with the casting of Craig? Well, he just didn't look like the Joker to me. Too short and round. The Joker is tall and thin. He was still very good, but he isn't definitive for me.
This is a bit off the topic, I think they should hva called it "Batman Restarts"! AHAHAHA! Just kidding! Anyways, I hope the sequel lives up to its reputation.
Comments
As for Nolan not being used to action sequences ... praise be!! Thank goodness there is a Hollywood director who doesn't resort to MTV-style jump cuts, explosions every 60 seconds - moreover a successful Hollywood director who relies on story, pacing, light and shade and all the aspects of 'classic' cinema.
Actually Hardyboy Morgan Freeman is from Mississippi so this doesn't make him a yank!
I'm aware of Morgan Freeman's residency; and as I'm living in Louisiana right now, I knew I was treading on dangerous grounds when I wrote those words. . .but I thought it best to give way to our British hosts and not complicate things.
oh..ok then Hardyboy!
I'm not sure how common they are or how they affect movie sales. I was wondering if others (in USA, UK and other Countries alike) could let me know if they have them. Basically, if anyone doesn't know, it's a bona-fide movie theater that hosts movies after they are out of the main theater run. So basically you won't be the first one on your block to see the movie, but you can see the film MUCH cheaper.
I constantly hear people saying, "That looks good, but I'll wait for it to come to the cheap seats."
Anyhow, what effects are theaters like these having on the earnings of major movies these days?
To answer your question Sir MIles, there used to be a couple of "cheap seat" movie houses in my area. When I'd go to them to see a movie the movie was usually empty. The one movie I remember seeing is Forrest Gump. There were about 6 other people in the movie in a theatre that sat about 200. That also brings up another problem with the paticular movie house I speak of. During the movie, a couple of people down front decided it would be fun to start to smoke an illegal substance. I went out and informed an attendant and they were escorted out. I never went back. I can't go back now, the movie theatre is closed and never to re-open. There are no other "cheap seat" movie houses either. Infact on cinema is re-building its cinema after having a new cinema built 15 years ago. So I think the "cheap seat" cinemas are a thing of the past just because of the three or four I can think of in my area are no longer in business. Hope that helps!
No. A sequel to Batman Begins - which has now surpassed the $130 million mark domestic - has been pretty much confirmed already.
I forgot to mention in my previous post that for those who have still not quite recovered from 2004's Catwoman (DC, Warners et al what were you thinking?) there is an amateur movie in development that looks like it may be quite good, in the vein of Batman: Dead End.
Entitled Catwoman: Copycat, IGN describes it thus: "One very special fan film... download the preview. We won't tell you much; just that it actually looks good." Comics2Film give it ten out of ten. Here's the homepage. At least they've got the costume right, very Michelle Pfeiffer (which can only be a very, very good thing).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4717696.stm
Comic book hero takes on al-Qaeda
The latest Batman adventure will see the Caped Crusader take on al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.
Comic book artist Frank Miller is midway through writing Holy Terror, Batman, which sees Batman defending Gotham City from a terrorist attack.
"It is, not to put too fine a point on it, a piece of propaganda," said Miller at a US comic book convention.
The veteran writer called it "a reminder to people who seem to have forgotten who we're up against".
He said the story was "an explosion from my gut reaction of what is happening now".
Honourable tradition
Batman has typically faced off fictional villains including Catwoman, the Penguin and the Riddler, but this is the first time he will have confronted a real-life threat.
However, Miller - who revived Batman's popularity some 20 years ago with The Dark Knight Returns - said using comic book heroes for propaganda was an honourable tradition.
"Superman punched out Hitler. So did Captain America. That's one of the things they're there for," Miller said.
Batman returned to the big screen last year in the prequel Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale and Katie Holmes.
This article was just emailed to me from a friend. I thought you guys might like to know info on the new sequel...
Exclusive Scoop: We Know Who The Joker Is! HA HA
Date: July 20, 2006
By: Kellvin Chavez
Source: El Mayimbe
Yo! El Mayimbe here with un gran bochinche! A MAJOR SCOOP! For months, gossip has been circulating who would play The Joker in the next Batman Begins sequel. It's definite that the next sequel will concentrate on The Joker and they're already throwing names around such as Steve Buscemi - Robin Williams - Lachy Hulme -Alexis Denisof – and Mark Hamill.
We were first to tell the world that Brandon Routh was going to be the new Superman. Now here we are at it again as we just got word from A VERY TRUSTED SOURCE that the offer last night was officially made to Heath Ledger to star as The Joker in the Batman Begins Sequel! As Ari Gold on HBO'S Entourage would say: Heath Motherfin' Brokeback The Joker Ledger!
Stay further tuned to Latinoreview as this story further develops.
http://latinoreview.com/news.php?id=736
I'm stunned if true.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
I was rooting for Crispen Glover...
Who do you think would make a good Two-Face? I think Hugo Weaving would be an awesome actor to play Two-Face but that's just me.
That depends... If it's only Two-Face, he could be sweet. But if it need a one-faced Harvey Dent, than perhaps somebody else should do it, as Weaving is so much associated with baddy roles and Harvey should be a real goody two-shoes before the incident...
As for Heath Ledger as Joker... uhm... Let's just say he is not in the first hundred names that pop in my mind when Joker is mentioned...
You and me both. I mean look at him...he was born for the part cosmetically at least.
The part was offered to Ledger. It doesn't say that he accepted it. I mean 2008 is a long way off so anything is possible as far as casting.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
Failing that, Crispin Glover would have been my very first choice...
Heath Ledger seems---all together, now, Bond fans---an unconventional choice. That said, they've got my attention...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Brokeback Joker?
Crispin Glover would be a natural. You wouldn't even need to do any prosthetics with him, just paint him white, give him a green wig and let him cut loose. The only problem with him is that the guy is too much of a wild card with the press for a major studio to take a risk on (anybody remember his famous tirade on Letterman?).
I also wonder if the next Batman movie will be as dark and grim as the last one. BB was a moderate hit at best and while it washed away the bitter taste of Batman & Robin, I don't think it hit all the demographics WB wanted.
Personally, I'd like to see a little more humor in the next one. Not slapstick like B&R but something a little dark and maybe a little satirical (the 1989 version had a little of that and I enjoyed it a lot). I'd also like to see the yellow oval with the bat on Batman's chest again. And let's have an actual musical score this time with a real, memorable theme; not the amorphous "mood music" from the last one.
I think, Hugo could pull it off as a good Harvey. He did well with Elrond.
I think he will be in the second movie as the regular Dent, and in third movie he will become Two-Face. I think Weaving could pull it off.
I hope Ledger is not the Joker?:)
http://206.190.35.122/comics/theflyingmccoys
As for Joker...we'll just have trust Nolan.
It's already been stated that we shouldn't expect Jack Nicholson's version from Ledger...but something more darker and lethal.
This concerns me because the character has always had a happy medium that makes him so admirable. I mean he has to laugh ?:) ... He's the Joker.
None could match Ceasar Romero with the Joker laugh...NONE.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -
That's what I mean about a happy medium, Night. It's possible for Joker to be too stern and moody which in my eyes would pratically kill his appeal if Nolan isn't careful.
Nicholson wasn't really popular laugh-wise with me but this guy played Joker very well. He arguably sets the standard for an all round character of The Joker's caliber.
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -