I was very impressed with DC/Warner Bros’ latest animated film, based on the classic Tower of Babel story from the comics, in which Batman inadvertently betrays his fellow Leaguers.
Check out my review here.
Superman vs The Elite
DC’s next animated film is based on one of my (and many others’) favourite Superman story, from Action Comics #775 by Joe Kelly and Doug Mahnke. Kelly has written the screenplay and here’s an interview with him.
The film premieres at WonderCon on Friday and hits DVD and Blu-Ray…sometime soon.
SUPERMAN VS. THE ELITE WORLD PREMIERE THIS FRIDAY AT WONDERCON
Superman vs. The Elite, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies, will receive its World Premiere as WonderCon’s featured evening event for Friday, March 16 in Anaheim.
Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video, the all-new, PG-13 rated film will screen at 6:30 p.m. in the Anaheim Convention Center Ballroom. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion amongst filmmakers and voice
cast members. Award-winning comics writer Joe Kelly and versatile voice actor Robin Atkin Downes (Justice League: Doom) are among the confirmed panelists for Friday. Additional panelists will be announced as they are confirmed.
Kelly has adapted the story from his original 2001 DC Comics release, “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice and the American Way?” into the taut, thrilling screenplay for Superman vs. The Elite. The single-issue comic, Action Comics #775, was lauded by Wizard Magazine as the “Greatest Superman Story of All Time,” and ranked the epic tale at No. 21 on its list of the “Top 100 Comics of the last 30 years.”
In Superman vs. The Elite, Superman’s effectiveness as a super hero comes into question when a new group of super powerful crusaders, known as “The Elite,” appear on the scene. As super heroes, the Elite know no bounds, and are more than willing to kill, even on a massive scale, to stop villainy — putting them on a collision course with the ever-ethical, yet preferably non-lethal Man of Steel.
George Newbern (Father of the Bride) reprises his Justice League animated television role as Superman, and primetime television star Pauley Perrette (NCIS) provides the voice of Lois Lane. Downes steps in as Manchester Black, leader of The Elite. David Kaufman (Justice League: Doom) also reprises his Justice League TV series role as Jimmy Olsen.
The film is directed by Michael Chang (Batman: Brave and the Bold). Bruce Timm (Batman: Year One) is executive producer, and Alan Burnett (Green Lantern: Emerald Knights) is producer.
Superhero Stuff
Here’s the just released, second trailer for May’s The Avengers film, although it’ll now be called Avengers Assemble in the U.K to avoid apparent confusion with that bad Avengers film from the ’90s based on the classic spy TV series. Here’s the poster too.
It’s Superman’s birthday on February 29! Kind of.
Speaking of The Last Son of Krypton, here’s the cover for DC’s next animated film, Superman vs The Elite, based on one of the best Superman stories ever created – Action Comics #775. The film premieres at WonderCon on March 16.
In the film, Superman’s effectiveness as a superhero comes into question when a new group of super-powerful crusaders, known as “The Elite,” appear on the scene. As superheroes, the Elite know no bounds and are more than willing to kill, even on a massive scale, to stop villainy – putting them on a collision course with the ever-ethical, preferably nonlethal Man of Steel.
The voice cast is led by George Newbern (Father of the Bride), reprising his Justice League/Justice League Unlimited role as Superman, NCIS star Pauley Perrette as Lois Lane, and versatile voice actor Robin Atkin Downes (Batman: Year One, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Manchester Black, the leader of The Elite. Award-winning comics writer Joe Kelly has adapted his original story from the heraldedAction Comics #775 (“What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way”) into a script directed by Michael Chang (Batman: Brave and the Bold) and executive produced by Bruce Timm (Batman: Year One).
Finally, here’s an interesting excerpt from the new Tales from Development Hell book, which looks at films that took a long time to get made, or that never get made at all. You can read the complete chapter of the thankfully never made Batman vs Superman film right here. It may not be new info to everyone, but has some fresh tidbits to offer.
The story begins five years into Bruce Wayne’s life post-Batman, having put his costume back into the closet following the death of Robin. He has settled down, married a woman named Elizabeth, and is happier than ever. Over in Metropolis, however, Superman has not been so lucky in love, having been dumped by Lois Lane due to the myriad difficulties of being Clark Kent’s girlfriend. When The Joker, previously thought dead, kills Elizabeth with a poison dart, Bruce takes it hard. First, he blames Superman, because the Man of Steel saved The Joker from a fatal beating just before the murder; second, he resumes the mantle of Batman — not, this time, under any pretense of metering out justice, but for the sheer cathartic pleasure of beating up bad guys. Superman, who has been busy wooing his first love, Lana Lang, in Smallville, tries to talk Bruce out of his vengeful ways, an act which ultimately pits the two heroes against each other. Eventually, it transpires that Superman’s nemesis Lex Luthor was behind The Joker’s return, hoping that Batman and Superman would kill each other. Instead, the two heroes unite to defeat first The Joker, and finally Luthor, the man fundamentally behind Elizabeth’s death.
Bryan Hitch’s Superman: The Movie Intro
Comics artist Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates, the April releasing America’s Got Superpowers) recently spoke at a screening of my fave film, Superman: The Movie. Most of his speech won’t be new to fans of the classic movie, but the transcript is a good read.
It was to be a fee of a million dollars for two movies and star Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman and Nick Nolte.
The first problem Donner tackled was the script, bringing in Tom Mankiewicz to do a complete rewrite. Though they both stated that nothing had been used from the Puzo-Newman script, Mankiewicz was denied a writing credit by the Writers Guild of America and so appears on the film only as “Creative Consultant.”
It was Mankiewicz who suggested the individual Kryptonian Crests on each of the council members to justify the “S” emblem on Superman. It was he who created the whole Judeo-Christian aspect of the Superman mythology, with Jor-El as God who, after casting out Lucifer/General Zod’s evil, sends his only son to earth; extending the metaphor further in the second movie as Superman gives up his power, dies, for Lois only to be resurrected three days later.
Donner was determined that though the film could and should be fun, it should also be serious. It should feel real. The production’s buzz word was verisimilitude; the appearance of truth or reality and with Mank’s new script and Production designer John Barry extraordinary sets, the film was in good hands.
Tim Daly Interview for Justice League: Doom
On Feb 16 the West Coast Premiere at the Paley Centre takes place, but on Feb 28, Justice League: Doom, the latest animated DC Comics film, will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray. Below is an interview conducted by Warner Bros. with regular Superman voice actor Tim Daly.
The quintessential voice of the Man of Steel – primetime television star Tim Daly – once again returns to his original animated role of Superman in JUSTICE LEAGUE: DOOM, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies.
Daly set the standard as the voice behind the world’s ultimate super hero for Superman: The Animated Series as well as in several animated movies and video games. While fanboys hail his vocal performance as their point of recognition, the Emmy nominated actor is known well throughout the world for his primetime television series roles, including eight seasons on Wings, an intense recurring role on The Sopranos, a memorable turn on HBO’s landmark mini-series From The Earth To The Moon, and his current ABC hit series, Private Practice.
QUESTION: What’s the crux of JUSTICE LEAGUE: DOOM from Superman’s perspective?
TIM DALY: Well, as usual, it’s all about saving the planet. But first, the Justice League has to save the Justice League. Batman disappoints his colleagues in the Justice League by having a plan to stop any rogue Justice League member, and by allowing those plans to be stolen. Superman understands Batman, though – he really has created these contingency plans for a pretty noble reason. He’s trying to protect the world by inserting some checks and balances into this system, realizing that the Justice League has an incredible amount of power, and he wants to make sure that they always use that power in a way that’s not destructive.
QUESTION: Are you able to turn on and off the Superman voice without hesitation, or is there some sort of warm-up involved – mentally or vocally?
TIM DALY: There’s just a lot of technical things to keep in mind. You get warmed up like you do with anything and, after a little rehearsing, it’s all second nature. That doesn’t mean I didn’t want to go back and do a few lines over again – you want these things to be just right. But you don’t necessarily jump straight back in. I mean, it’s not like I walk around being Superman in real life. But when you read the script and put yourself in the position that Superman is in – I mean, he’s always saving the planet, for God’s sake. When you realize that, it’s not difficult to take the gravitas of the situation and make your voice do what it needs to do.
QUESTION: As well as you know this character after all of these years, are you ever shy to offer suggestions about how certain dialogue might be presented or altered?
TIM DALY: Usually the writing is pretty great, but then again, I can’t keep my mouth shut. If I think something can be better, I’ll speak up and say so. But I will explain why I’m making the suggestion. I actually find that writers respond very well to being asked questions. “Why would Superman say that?” “Would it be better if I said it this way?” You don’t just want to be critical – that doesn’t benefit anyone. The best creative work usually comes from a collaboration.
QUESTION: Have you ever found yourself using the Superman attitude or voice in real life?
TIM DALY: I did a little bit when my kids were young. And I found that it worked much better on my daughter than my son. I would say to her, (beefs up his voice), “Stop that right now.” And she would be suitably taken aback. But my son, he didn’t really care.
QUESTION: Has providing the voice of Superman helped you learn anything about yourself or changed you in any way?
TIM DALY: Maybe a little bit. Maybe some of what gets you through your walks in the world is attitude. Certainly Superman has a lot of power and he doesn’t have to be showy, rather he carries that confidence quietly. He knows what he can do. I certainly am not capable of pulling that off in my own life. But knowing that, I can fake that attitude to help me out now and then.
QUESTION: What Superman memorabilia have you collected over the years?
TIM DALY: I have a beautiful wooden Superman statue with a removable cape – I really love that piece. I have a cel from the original Superman series cartoons. And I have a gold Superman “S” pin. And then there’s my tights, uh, but don’t tell anymore.
QUESTION: TV and film is usually a one-way experience for you. You don’t really get to see the final product with an audience very often. But you’re coming back to the Paley Center in Los Angeles for the premiere of JUSTICE LEAGUE: DOOM – and this will be your second time seeing one of the DC Universe animated movies alongside the fans. What was your experience like watching Superman/Batman: Apocalypse last time?
TIM DALY: It was really great because the fans were so into it. Fan reaction is really wonderful to experience in person, especially fans of this genre. They’re so passionate. And it was also fun because it was just my voice and Superman’s image. Usually when I see myself in a film or on television, there’s about a six-month period where I can’t look at it because all I’ll see are the mistakes. I’m just appalled by the person that I see. The camera sees me from angles that I’ve never seen myself, so I never think it’s me. I look at that and I think, “My God, that’s me.” But with these films, I can look up and it is Superman on the screen. So I don’t have to go through all that. He has no flaws.
QUESTION: What’s the magic of working with dialogue director Andrea Romano?
TIM DALY: The great thing about working with Andrea is that she loves it so much, and she’s so positive about it. You can’t fake that. Even after all this time, doing 41 shows at a time, all the series and films, she’s right there with the same enthusiasm and love for the material. I don’t know how she keeps it all straight. Plus, she really loves actors – you always feel like she’s rooting for you. And that makes it very easy.
The Amazing Spider-Man Trailer
After the recent press conference held by Sony Pictures, comes this second, and much better, trailer. It’s a good time to be a Marvel movie goer.
Free The Avengers Prelude
Set in the continuity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is this free digital comic. Well the first issue of this 8 ish mini is free anyway.
Marvel’s The Avengers Prelude Debuts For FREE On Sunday
Lead-In To Hotly Anticipated Blockbuster Film Available on Marvel Comics app
Get your first look at the events leading up the biggest movie of the year—Marvel’s The Avengers—this Sunday in Marvel’s The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week #1 (of 8), free on the Marvel Comics app! That’s right—not only is Marvel giving you the first look at new footage from The Avengers in a special commercial during the big game, but the Marvel Comics app will feature the first issue of this action packed series for FREE! Subsequent issues of Marvel’s The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week will arrive every Tuesday beginning February 14thfor 99 cents per issue.
“We’ve worked hand-in-hand with Marvel Studios to create an exciting story set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that sets the stage perfectly for the most anticipated film of the summer,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor in Chief. “Now, for the first time. you’ll find out just what happened to some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes on the road to Marvel’s The Avengers.”
What is the Avengers Initiative? And what are the secrets of S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury? The answers arrive in Marvel’s The Avengers Prelude: Fury’s Big Week and the first issue is free this Sunday only on the Marvel Comics app!
Want to know more about Marvel Studios The Avengers blockbuster film? Follow us on Twitter at @Avengers and tweet with hashtag #Avengers! And then “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/avengers for access to more exclusive Avengers content!
Check out http://avengers.marvel.com for more news on the biggest film of 2012!
MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS PRELUDE: FURY’S BIG WEEK #1 (of 8)
Story by Chris Yost & Eric Pearson
Written by Eric Pearson
Art by Luke Ross
Rated T+ …FREE ON MARVEL COMICS APP
The Avengers Super Bowl Trailer
I don’t really care for the Super Bowl, being a non-American, and a non-sports fan either really. However, at least we do get to see some great movie trailers during the broadcast, including this one that we’ve all been waiting for. The Avenegrs, directed by Joss Whedon opens on May 4 and below you can see the whole team, including Hawkeye and Hulk. I’ve pretty much been a DC fan most of my comics reading life, but this one has me excited.
And if you’d like to see different actors cast as Marvel heroes, such as Bruce Lee as Spider-Man and Christopher Walken as Professor X, check this out.
Justice League: Doom Clip
On February 28 the next animated film to be released is Justice League: Doom, and here’s a new clip from it showing Batman and his buddies fighting the Royal Flush Gang.
Batman and Star Wars Fan Films
Batman seems to get more fan films than any other comics character. Here’s the latest one. It’s called Death Wish (no, Charles Bronson isn’t in it) and is just over 12 minutes long. It’s not too bad and stars Batman and Robin (both in their Batman Forever costumes), Nightwing (the adult former Robin), Oracle (the former Batgirl), the Cassandra Cain Batgirl and a host of baddies.
Star Wars Uncut is an ambitious project that has now been finalised after years of work. Basically as part of its crowdsourcing venture, people across the globe remade Episode IV in 15 second segments, and here is the diverse, final, 2 hour result.
Extra Sequential Podcast #74-Tintin Review
46 mins. The boy reporter from the mind of Belgian writer/artist Herge finally comes to the big screen, with Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson as his guides. We discuss what we liked and didn’t like and the questionable addition of the third dimension. Also, improper pronunciations and tough butlers.
LISTEN TO IT HERE
You can email us at kris (at)extrasequential(dot)com and befriend us on the NEW ES Facebook page.
1: 06 NEWS
Alien cathouse in Nevada
Akira movie on hold
Bandai stops producing anime and manga
Pics of Superman and Batman: Earth One OGNs
Chip Kidd’s Batman: Death by Design talk
8:22 TINTIN MOVIE REVIEW
You get two perspectives in one review, with Mladen’s Tintin knowledge and my lack thereof. We also mention it’s troubled past, Indiana Jones, violence, lack of merchandising and the difference between action and adventure. Oh, and Super Ted.
Upside Down Trailer
I’m a sucker for good imaginative sci-fi films and this one looks a doozy. Upside Down is directed by Juan Diego Solanas and is a French/Canadian co-production starring Kirsten Dunst and Jim Sturgess (from the great, romantic One Day).
Check out the new trailer for the film at Canal+’s site.
Extra Sequential Podcast #73-2011 Recap
59 mins. We chat about the comics events and trends that have shaped the last 12 months and grabbed the most headlines, including dead superheroes, digital shopping and more. Also, The Punisher as an angel. Ah, memories.
LISTEN TO IT HERE
You can email us at kris (at)extrasequential(dot)com and befriend us on the NEW ES Facebook page.
THEME – 2011 RECAP
The New York Times Bestseller list, dominated by The Walking Dead and Scott Pilgrim
DC’s new 52 (of course)
DC’s RetroActive one-shots
Artists becoming writers
Retailer incentives
Webcomics:
Hark a Vagrant http://harkavagrant.com/
Hobo Lobo of Hamelin http://hobolobo.net/
The Abaddon http://abaddoncomic.com/
American Barbarian http://www.ambarb.com/
The Man of Many Shades http://www.themanofmanyshades.com/
Tune http://www.tunecomic.com/
The success of Kickstarter projects
Marvel’s cancellations
Fear Itself and X-Men: Schism
IDW’s Infestation zombie/licence x-over
The death of Ultimate Spider-Man and the intro of Miles Morales
Manga and European sales
Joe the Barbarian, and Chester Brown’s Paying For It
Movies and video games of 2011
A quick look ahead to 2012
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Review
Mission Impossible is one of those rare film franchises that actually improve with each instalment. Similar to the Alien series, each film has benefitted from varied world class directors bringing their unique storytelling sensibilities to each outing. Brian De Palma and John Woo directed the first two films, while the last one (in 2006) was directed by J.J. Abrams (Super 8, Star Trek), who here returns as a producer.
Obviously based on the 1960s and 70s TV series, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol is another entry that boasts visual flair and a heady mix of action and suspense. The team surpass James Bond in the gadgets arena, with a collection of impressive hi-tech gizmos including life saving suction gloves, and a wonderful optical illusion that makes for the best use of the iPad yet, while the frenetic fisticuffs rival the work of Jason Bourne.
Tom Cruise may not be everybody’s favourite screen star, but for a man pushing 50 who insists on his own death defying stunts, his courage and charisma are hard to miss. Here he returns as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, while bringing back English actor Simon Pegg as Benji (now promoted to a field agent) from the last film, as well as Ving Rhames in a frustratingly short cameo. Rounding out Hunt’s new team are Paula Patton (Déjà Vu) and Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker, The Town). This is director Brad Bird’s first live action film after helming animated films such as The Iron Giant, The Incredibles and Ratatouille and it’s obvious that he’s brought the Pixar focus on characters and drama to this film.
Josh Holloway (Lost) kicks things off with a quick chase through Budapest and it’s his fate that sets the rest of the events in motion, which most importantly entails rescuing Hunt from a Moscow prison. With his new crew assembled, Hunt and his fellow agents are soon disavowed and on the run with no help after a bombing at the Kremlin. To say more than that would ruin the film’s plot weaving surprises, but the impressive action scenes are always woven in organically. The highlight is of course, Hunt’s daring climb on the outside of the world’s tallest building, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in order to access a server before an intense exchange with their deadly adversaries. There is also lots of gunplay, punching and kicking, and a great foot, and then car, chase through an imposing sandstorm.
Filled with light humour when it needs to be, primarily thanks to Pegg, Ghost Protocol also contains some great dramatic moments. Patton and Renner play well rounded agents who at times struggle with their duty and inner grief, especially Renner who could be viewed as Cruise’s successor if Cruise were to ever leave this franchise. Renner has an intensity along with his everyman quality and the emotional moments that he shares with Cruise about their past give the film a great emotional core.
The ending seems almost forced as a way to explain Hunt’s change in relationship status from the last film, but that can’t stop what is a joyous and at times breathtaking experience that needs to be seen on the big screen, or even IMAX if there’s a screen near you.
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