Home News
Reviews The List
NYTS Links
Dictionary Gallery
Remember when 'The Punisher' and 'Captain America' were the pictures Marvel had to offer? Remember how much we all laughed? Well, sorry DC, but um... I think the House that Quesada Re-Built is chuckling... oh heck, they're guffawing their way to LOTS AND LOTS of money, and more important lots of respect. What went wrong? Unfortunately for DC, they don't have control over production problems. They're at the mercy of their parent Company (No, not a typo with the cap 'C.'), but the big question is, what are ya gonna do about it? Here are a few ideas.
1. JUST FINISH A FREAKING PROJECT. Oh, we're doing another Superman.... no, we're gonna do BATMAN... hey, how about a version of Batman Beyond? Oh, and did we mention we have Ashley Judd for Catwoman? Oh, and the guy who directed 'Pi' is gonna do the Batman movie... ok, so we'll shelve the Batman Beyond thing.... wait... what do you mean the director has ANOTHER PROJECT IN MIND... wait... Ashley... look, we really want you to do this. Guys... guys... we know Marvel has a laundry list of projects on the back burner as well, BUT AT LEAST THEY FINISHED TWO OF THEM. Please, pleeeeeeease just finish one, JUST ONE.
2. Remember the CHARACTER is what sells; Ok, ok, so Nicholson was waaaaaaaay over-the-top as the Joker, still, he created a wonderful CHARACTER; The Joker at his most demonic, psychotic, and down-right nastiest. And Michael Keaton created a introverted, rather disturbing Batman. Look at Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Tobe Maguire as Spidey, all good CHARACTERS you wanted to learn about and feel for. No, we're not talking about Oscar-worthy performances. We're just talking having an actor creating a real PERSON for us to care about and a script that gives the actors something to chew on besides cliches. Look at 'Batman and Robin.' Frankly, the only character I really cared about in the movie was Alfred when you found out he was dying.
3. Avoid the flag-ship characters. Think of it this way; NO ONE outside of comics knew who 'Blade' was until Wesley Snipes made him a baaaaaaaaaaad man. So let's just forget about the Bat and the Boy Scout. How about going for off-the-wall characters? 'Hitman' and 'Hellblazer' both have the nice, anti-hero feel, begging to be used by hot new actors, and you avoid the 'Oh, that character is CORNY' problem that you may run into with something like the Flash.
4. If you're going to do a flag-ship, do it RIGHT. Rumors were flying like crazy about a Wonder Woman movie. Hey, all for it IF YOU DO IT RIGHT. Personally, follow the George Pereze model; go with the Greek Mythology, load-up on special effects, try and get Catherine Zeta-Jones to be Diana (hey, she's a hottie, she has a COOL accent, AND she can fight. Remember 'The Mask of Zorro?' ) and give her a real script to work with. Don't assume that having her in a skimpy out-fit and running around will make lots of money. Remember, 'Batman and Robin' assumed you could have ANYONE in the Bat-suit running after nondescript villains and you would rake-in big bucks. Nope.