Black, White, and Benday

Well ladies and gentlemen, we're officially in the graphic novel to movie adaptation era.  Like movie fads before it (the sequels era, the comic book movies era), we can fully expect to see numerous projects popping up and into our theaters very soon.  

Don't be fooled, though.  These are not, by any means, ordinary, run-of-the-mill comics.  Graphic novels differ from comics, both in length and arguably, story-line.

If the first bout of films is any indication of quality and integrity, then we have much to look forward to.  Take for instance "Frank Miller's Sin City," which almost mirrors, frame for frame, the original graphic novel.  This film was a milestone not only for its visual effects, but also its stability as a film.  Perhaps you are more familiar with Zach Snyder's "300" (based on Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same name).  This film dominated the box office and grossed approximately $210,000,000 (The-Numbers).  Even "30 Days of Night" made $50 dollars (Rope of Silicon) at the box office.

Yes, it seems like a pretty impressive track record.  Even adaptations pre-dating our recent ventures have done well too.  "From Hell,"  "A History of Violence," and "V for Vendetta" are just naming a few.

So, what do the next few years have in store for we, the devoted movie goers?

I'm glad you asked.

Frank Miller and Robert Rodruigez are scheduled to shoot a second Sin City film, highlighting different stories from the 7 seedy novels (IMDB).  Judging from the first film, this one would be a shame to miss.  Other films on the horizon include "Button Man," "The Dark Knight," and my own personal fascination:  "The Watchmen."

"The Watchmen" will be Zach Snyder's second graphic novel adaptation and from the looks of things, this is shaping up to be huge.  I just hope you like film noire, because most of these projects seem to thrive on the genre.

Start reading, get hooked and stay posted for further updates on our beloved stories of black, white and Benday.

(Photo taken from www.firstshowing.com)

Cloverspew

As I sat in "Cloverfield" this weekend I witnessed six people running from the theater.  Now, I know what you may be thinking.  Was it really that scary?  To answer your question - yes it was, in a manner of speaking.  You see, these people covering their mouths in horror as they ran from the theater were not afraid of the 300 foot monster appearing on the screen before them.  They were afraid of regurgitating their $5 popcorn into the waste receptacles just outside the theater.

These monster-movie fans are part of 33% of human beings (Wikipedia) who suffer from what is known as kinetosis - also known as motion sickness.  I,  unfortunately, subscribe to this 33%.

Now I had heard from a few people that this movie used a "shaky-cam" effect.  "It couldn't be worse than the 'Bourne' movies, which are known for their "shaky" chase scenes," I said.  So, I naively galavanted off to the theater none-the-wiser.  Low and behold, I was wrong, dead wrong.

To say "shaky-cam," is a grave understatement.  Try Parkinson's-cam.

According to IMDB, there were warnings issued to the public about possible motion sickness problems arising from the film, but these were apparently under publicized.  

But, how was the quality of the film?  To be blunt, "Cloverfield," is an amazing adventure that wreaks of originality and it sticks to its guns through the whole ride.  That being said, know that it may make you nauseous along the way.

After interviewing director Matt Reeves, Bloody-Disgusting.com says that a sequel can be expected.  Reeve's said, "The fun of this movie was that it might not have been the only movie being made that night, there might be another movie!"

For the love of God please let the documenter of the sequel be a film student.

Those who have not had a chance to see the film can refer to my list below for any assistance they might need.

Top 5 Things to Do Before/During Viewing Cloverfield:

1. Buy a pack of Dramamine.
2. Do not eat before the show.
3. If you insist on eating, buy popcorn so you can use the tub if you need to.
4. While in the movie, try staring at the ceiling above the screen and watch the movie through your peripherals (it worked for me).
5. Develop a mantra to repeat over and over to help soothe your motion sickness (mine was: please don't throw up...please don't throw up...etc).

For those 77% of humans on the planet, enjoy the film!  It's a wild ride.  To my 33%, well, just don't say I didn't warn you.

(Image taken from www.iwatchstuff.com)

Bilbo Baggins Heading to Spain?

Well, it appears that Peter Jackson has been rejected for the direction of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit."  According to IGN, Universal Studios wanted a fresh perspective on the franchise.  Jackson, however, will be producing the film.

Here is where the story gets good.  Many of you, I'm sure, are familiar with last year's fantasy film "Pan's Labyrinth," or heard of its director, Guillermo Del Toro.  You also may have seen his other films like "Devil's Backbone," "Hellboy," and "Blade II."  According to IGN, Del Toro has been selected to direct, not one, but two major motion picture releases from the aforementioned author.

"The Hobbit" will be Del Toro's first work of the series and will be due out sometime in 2010.  He will also be directing another film (unspecified at this time) based on the Tolkien universe.

Now I know what you may be thinking.  "The guy who directed "Hellboy" and "Blade II" has been trusted with arguably one of the most acclaimed series' of our time?"  

Allow me to interject.

Jog your memory a bit and think back to "Pan's Labyrinth," or even "Devil's Backbone" if you are familiar with it.  What is the one thing that Del Toro excels at?  Blurring the line between fantasy and reality.  "Pans Labyrinth" was a extraordinary film, for sure, but what if those short and sweet snippets of the fantastic spanned a two and a half hour epic?

The possibilities are endless.

Get excited and keep updated on what could shape up to be one of my most anticipated films of 2010.

*Update:  Apparently, as I was writing this blog, news has broken that Del Toro has not been "officially" signed onto the Hobbit project.  Negotiations are still underway, but the director seems enthused about directing the film (IMDB).  Stay tuned for more updates.

(Picture taken from www.wicknet.org)

Bloody Weather

The question on everyone's mind after the death of Heath Ledger in Jan. 2008 was assuredly:  "Will 'The Dark Knight' still be released?"  Thankfully the film was in post production when Ledger died.  This was followed by another equally important, but less widely contemplated question:  "What about Terry Gilliam?" 

Terry Gilliam, is the man behind "Brazil" (one of my all time favorites), "The Fisher King," "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," and the brilliant and humorous animation of the "Monty Python Series," among others.  Unfortunately, he was in production with Ledger on "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," when Ledger died.

Production has crawled to a standstill as the director decides how to play his cards.  According to Variety, Ledger was a "key component in raising the finance" for the movie.  It seems as though Gilliam is center stage in a catch-22.

This, however, is a position Gillaim is familiar with.  During the 2001 shooting of "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote," lead actor Jean Rochefort was unable to complete filming after contracting an illness (IMDB); the film subsequently fell apart never to be released.  Also, Gilliam reportedly had two projects, "Good Omen" and "The Watchmen," turn sour after script troubles (IMDB).

Poor Terry Gilliam.  Such a fine director with impeccably bad luck.  If "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" ever does get released, I suggest making the trip to the theaters to see it for two reasons.  First, Gilliam's filmmaking is not to be missed.  He has a wonderful eye for the fantastic.  Secondly, see it because the guy could use the support.  With such a shortage of cinematic visionaries these days, it's a cardinal sin not to make it to the theaters when they do release a film, or at least it should be.

(Photo taken from www.cinemastrikesback.com)

Oil!

Undoubtedly, most of you have heard the Oscar buzz as of late about the Paul Thomas Anderson film "There Will Be Blood," and rightly so. I was fortunate enough to see the film last weekend and it was indeed a spectacle to behold. I was struck, however, when I spoke to others who had seen the film who were not already familiar with P.T. Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis. Shame on you.

For those who are not previously versed on the subject, P.T. Anderson was the force behind such films as "Magnolia," "Boogie Nights," and "Sydney" (aka "Hard Eight"). All of which, are spectacular films in my own humble opinion. And for God's sake, see them! P.T. Anderson is one of the most original and talented directors gracing our silver screens these days.

And now for Daniel Day-Lewis. This star has been tearing up the scene since the mid-eighties and is one of the more eccentric stars on the A-list. According to IMDB.com, Day-Lewis takes roles only every few years because of his dedication to method acting, and it shows. Apparently he spends an extensive amount of time preparing for roles. TimesOnline.com wrote, "Two years of meticulous preparation went into his role of Daniel Plainview." If that's not dedication, I don't know what is.

Did I mention that in addition to acting, Daniel Day-Lewis made his living as a cobbler and enjoys woodworking (IMDB.com)? What's not to love?

Notable roles for Day-Lewis include his Oscar-winning performance in "My Left Foot," as well as his Oscar-nominated and Golden Globe-nominated roles in "Gangs of New York" and "In the Name of the Father" respectively.

All I can say is buy a big box of popcorn and get watching. Who knows, you may just find a few new favorites to add to your collection.

(Photo taken from www.toxicshock.tv)