Captain America on Ice in New TV Spot

Captain America: The First Avenger  news keeps pouring out of the Paramount and Marvel Studios PR departments to get us all psyched for opening day - July 22 (USA). This time, we're treated to a brief television spot from Paramount that gives us the slightest peek at Cap on ice. Of course, long-time fans know that the comic book Cap joined his fellow Avengers in our time, after being in suspended animation in a block of ice for decades. Obviously, Marvel doesn't plan to keep it a secret that they're following Cap's comic book origin when it comes to the frozen bit.

This little clip is important because it gives people who aren't familiar with Cap's origin a hint as to how he winds up in The Avengers movie, slated for a May 4, 2012 release (USA). Even though the Cap movie has yet to open, I'm already looking ahead to The Avengers and imagining the scene in which Cap is thawed out and wakes up in our time. Any guesses as to how Joss Whedon, The Avengers director, might handle that crucial scene?

'Captain America' Director Joe Johnston on Making 'The First Avenger'

Joe Johnston, director of Captain America: The First Avenger, recently sat down with Ethan Alter of Film Journal International and discussed bringing Cap to the big screen.

Lots of interesting info in the piece. The interview covers Johnston's early career, which included another comic book-inspired film - 1991's The Rocketeer. Johnston also discusses his previous knowledge of the comic book Cap, and it turns out he wasn't too familiar with the long history of the character before taking on the project, as he tells Alter -

"I was certainly aware of the character but had not been a regular reader. I didn't see this as a disadvantage of any kind. I was able to approach the character with a more objective viewpoint than someone who would call himself a fan. Once I signed on to the project, I did a lot of research, focusing on the various iterations of the character since the first issue in 1940."

Johnston also touches on a subject that is often a sore spot with me - that is, the need for filmmakers to reinterpret a character for a movie, instead of slavishly following the comic book source material.

"A bigger fanbase for a certain character actually makes it more difficult. There are not only preconceived notions, there are elements of the character that are practically held sacred by fans. The challenge is in reinterpreting the character from the comic book to the movie screen. You can get away with a lot on a comic-book page, and the reader will fill in the blanks. Filmmakers don't have that luxury."

If the Cap trailer is any indication, it looks like Johnston has done a great job of including things that long-time fans want to see while tweaking other parts of the origin story.   
If you want more background info before Cap opens on July 22 (USA), check out the full article at the link below.
'Avenger' auteur: Joe Johnston shapes a muscular 'Captain America'

What Caused Green Lantern's Problems

Green Lantern copyright DC comics - painting by Alex Ross

I'm in the distinct minority in thinking that Green Lantern is actually a well-made superhero movie, but it's been slammed far and wide by most major critics. Kinda sorry the box office was less than stellar because the Lantern universe is one I'd like to see explored in sequels. Even though a sequel is already being written, I wouldn't count on it making it to the cineplex anytime soon.

Movie industry reporters are analyzing what went wrong, and this article on ComicsBeat.com (via The Hollywood Reporter) lists some of the reasons that might have lead to Green Lantern's disappointing debut.  Read the full article here: More finger-pointing emerges in Green Lantern fail | The Beat

New Trailer for 'Captain America: The First Avenger'

Now this is what I'm talking about - stealth bombers, the shield, motorcycles, HYDRA hordes AND the Red Skull! Trailer #2 for Captain America: The First Avenger has landed! It premiered on Yahoo Movies, and it gives some close-up looks at several supporting characters, as well as Cap's arch enemy, as portrayed by Hugo Weaving. With each new teaser and trailer, this flick is looking more and more like another huge winner for Marvel Studios.

Captain America: The First Avenger opens on July 22 (USA)

New Pics from 'Captain America: The First Avenger'

Marvel Studios released a bunch of new images from Captain America: The First Avenger that focus on the supporting characters and villains. The pics of Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt (The Red Skull) are of particular interest to me. I'm really impressed with the makeup and prosthetic work on that character. I was skeptical as to how the comic book version of the Skull would translate to the screen, but it looks like they've nailed it.

Sebastian Stan as James "Bucky" Barnes

Stanley Tucci as Abraham Erskine

Hugo Weaving as Johann Schmidt

Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull

Toby Jones as Arnim Zola

Check out the official Cap movie website for more pics


Captain America: The First Avenger opens on July 22 (USA)

Did Michael Caine Give Away a 'Dark Knight Rises' Spoiler?

Michael Caine and Christian Bale

I liked this little tidbit of info about The Dark Knight Rises that ReelzChannel posted (via Collider). It's just a few comments from Michael Caine, who of course plays Alfred Pennyworth in the third and final Christopher Nolan-directed Batman film.

Caine's comments about "them" and "they" in the quote below are leading some to wonder if the plot involves ol' Bruce partnering up with someone in this installment - a certain feline hottie, perhaps?

"It’s fantastic. I started filming last week and I film next week. As the butler, I do a load of filming at the beginning, and everybody goes off and does all the adventures and they all come home shot to pieces and I patch them together when they all get back.  

Christopher Nolan, I think, is one of the greatest directors in the world and I’ve been lucky enough...this is my fifth movie with him. It’s such a pleasure to work with him and he’s so clever. We’ve all signed the Official Secrets Act. I’m lucky to be able to tell you the title of the movie. I remember I did an interview and someone said to me, "What are you doing next?" I said, "I’m doing Batman." I saw Chris and he said, "Why did you tell them you were doing Batman?" I said, "Because I am." He said, "You’re supposed to keep it secret." I said, "I couldn’t keep that a secret. 

Let me tell you…the plot is extraordinary...really extraordinary. I know why he wants to keep it a secret. You really need not to know till you see the movie."- Michael Caine

Read the entire article here --> Michael Caine Discusses His Role in The Dark Knight Rises

Hi, I'm a Marvel...and I'm a DC: Green Lantern Vs. The Critics (Part 1)

The YouTube user who calls himself, It'sJustSomeRandomGuy, has imagined what Green Lantern is going through as his movie gets less than stellar reviews...and hilarity ensues.

Behind the Shield - Making of 'Captain America'

This is a cool featurette from Marvel Studios (sponsored by the Symantec Corp.) that gives some behind-the-scenes info on the making of Captain America's shield. Sounds like we're gonna be treated to some shield-slinging action in Captain America: The First Avenger, when it opens on July 22 (USA).

New Teaser Trailer for 'The Dark Knight Rises'?

Image from 'Batman Arkham City' game - Rock Steady Studios 

YouTube user, Landsdale888, uploaded this shaky, out of focus video of the teaser for The Dark Knight Rises today (June 17). He says he took the vid at a screening of Green Lantern - or at least that's what we're told. Some of the comments on YouTube raise questions about whether it's a fake. Whatever...it's still kinda cool - fake or not.

Ryan Reynolds and Martin Campbell on 'Green Lantern' Hopes

Green Lantern copyright DC Comics - painting by Alex Ross

Have to admit, I'm a little bummed by some of the negative reviews of Green Lantern coming out today. I was greatly encouraged by the last few trailers that showed an action-packed, cosmic adventure, but the critics have ravaged it, as evidenced by a Rotten Tomatoes score of 19%. I refuse to believe it's as bad as these early reviews say, and look forward to making my own judgement this weekend.

Meanwhile, I'm reading this great article by Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Times that highlights some of the challenges that director, Martin Campbell, and star, Ryan Reynolds, faced in bringing Green Lantern to the screen.

Warner Bros.

Here's a sample from the piece, in which Reynolds explains what kind of movie they set out to make.

“The challenge from Day 1 was to find the right tone, that’s the first conversation, and we felt it should be a movie that is fun and an adventure and is heroic,” Reynolds said in Louisiana, the tax-credit home of the production but not a locale that appears on screen or in the script. “You think about the heroes in movies like ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ or ‘Top Gun’ in a way, that’s what we were looking for here. I’ve said that he’s a guy who knows how to throw a punch and kiss a girl and tell a joke. He deals with dark things, but it’s not a dark film.”                - Ryan Reynolds   

 The article also gave us one of the reasons why Campbell was keen to helm Green Lantern -

For director Campbell, a New Zealand native raised in England, the film was a chance to “make a superhero film that is up there — out in space, on different planets, in the cosmic — as opposed to down here, which we’ve seen again and again.” - Martin Campbell to the Los Angeles Times

Click on the link below and check out the rest of the article
‘Green Lantern’ star Ryan Reynolds: ‘This is the movie the fans want to see’ | Hero Complex – movies, comics, fanboy fare – latimes.com

Behind-the-Scenes Pics of 'X-Men: First Class'

Miracole Burns and "stuntman Beast"

Miracole Burns is a makeup artist who worked on X-Men: First Class while it was filming on Jekyll Island, Georgia, in December 2010. She recently posted a bunch of behind-the-scenes photos showing special effects shots being prepared and stunt doubles in costume, among many other interesting pics.

Part of me loves stuff like this- it gives us a glimpse at some of the incredible work that these craftspeople and artists do to bring these movies to life. However, there's a part of me that doesn't want to have the illusion spoiled by too much information. Despite wanting to save the fantasy, I usually can't resist clicking on as much of this geeky goodness as I can find.

If you're the type that likes as much info as you can get, check out the rest of Miracole's pics at Miracole.com
Note - if you haven't seen the flick yet, just be warned that there are a few SPOILERS

Thanks to CBM for the heads up

'X-Men: First Class' Concept Art

'Angel' by Jerad S. Marantz

Concept artist, Jerad S. Marantz, has posted several character images that highlight some of his work on the film X-Men: First Class. It looks like the filmmakers stayed fairly close to his designs for a couple of characters, but decided to go with a slightly less extreme versions of Beast and Azazel. It's always fascinating to see how different artists put their spin on certain characters. I'm hoping Jerad releases more images that show his take on some of the other mutants.

'Beast' by Jerad S. Marantz

From Marantz's bio:

Jerad S Marantz has been working in both the Film and Game industry for over ten years. After graduating from Pasadena Art Center College of Design he started designing for Stan Winston Studio. He has also freelanced for several special FX houses including: Amalgamated Dynamics Inc., Quantum Creation FX, Creature FX Inc, and Almost Human. Currently he is the lead designer at the Aaron Sims Company.

Have a look at the other designs > Jerad S Marantz: X-Men First Class Designs

Open Casting Call for 'The Dark Knight Rises'

Batman copyright DC Comics - painted by Alex Ross

Fancy being in a superhero movie? Well, here's your chance. Below is an announcement from SWD Casting, about an open casting call for The Dark Knight Rises (using the working title Magnus Rex). Filming will be in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 

“Magnus Rex” 

A Warner Bros. Film requires extras to play as Victims and Perpetrators
within a city besieged by crime and corruption.  Take part in the urban action
adventure ripping through the streets of Pittsburgh from July 28th through August 21st

casting dates
Sat. June 11th -   9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Sun. June 12th- 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm

Sat. June 18th-    9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Sun. June 19th- 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm

the Omni Hotel
530 William Penn Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
in the William Penn Ballroom (ground floor/downstairs)-
Use the Oliver St. Entrance, please
Men and Women
ages 18 and over.
ALL ethnicities!!!!
No experience necessary!
Some specific types we are looking for are:
Prisoners/Thugs, Guards, Police Officers, Business men & women
and Sports Fans- ALL types are needed!!

**BRING PHOTO ID - Driver’s license, State ID or Student ID, etc...
(you must be legal to work in the U.S., with a working SS# !)

There are NO SIGN-UP FEES!!

via swdcasting.com

Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?! - 'X-Men: First Class'

Marvel Entertainment

Another hilarious installment of Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?! hit the net today, and this time, Deadpool gives us a tour of the early days of the X-Men. Here's how Marvel describes this craziness -

" For years Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto have stood as opposite poles in the battle for mutant rights. But as Deadpool has discovered, things weren't always so frosty between these two rivals, in fact once upon a time they were downright groovy! 

Travel back to the swinging 60s and see the early days of the X-Men as they lead a Mutant Invasion of America that has teen girls screaming and burning their bras! Find out how Charles earned the nickname "The Cute One"! Witness the rift between Magneto and the Flower Children of the Atom! Behold Cyclops and Iceman dancing like they were born to do!

Wait a minute Deadpool, you sure this thing's accurate? 

Well, regardless, enjoy the latest episode of Marvel Super Heroes: What The--?! And judge "X-Men: The True Early Years" for yourself! Far out, man! 

And for a closer look at some of this episode's Easter Eggs, check out this post on Agent M's blog: http://fans.marvel.com/agent_m/blog/2011/06/01/x-men_album_art "