66 replies to this topic

[JimmyBond]

I must admit even though it was a blatantly shoddy film in many ways, I sort of enjoyed it too, especially his "pull over" trick. And the opening scene was pretty disturbing for a PG film.

If you're talking about the original Captain America film I quite agree with you. I saw it many times in my youth and never once did I consider it a bad film. Of course when we're young we have less demands for a movie. But even back then I was bummed that he spent most of the movie outside of his costume.

[Quantumofsolace007]

Honestly as long as we get a film of the same quality of Casino Royale and Quantum of solace I'm happy.

[Safari Suit]

he's just another superhero with his only gimmick being unashamed patriotism

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Go. On. Fanboy. Rant.

Feel free. I'm actually quite fond of the character as it happens, but to me he still more or less boils down to a pretty generic superhero whose only stand out quality is his patriotism (some of which now gives the character a certain kitschy appeal, which is probably a large part of why I'm personally fond of him). But I'm willing to be shown wrong

[Tybre]

he's just another superhero with his only gimmick being unashamed patriotism

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Go. On. Fanboy. Rant.

Feel free. I'm actually quite fond of the character as it happens, but to me he still more or less boils down to a pretty generic superhero whose only stand out quality is his patriotism (some of which now gives the character a certain kitschy appeal, which is probably a large part of why I'm personally fond of him). But I'm willing to be shown wrong

At this point, my rabid fanboyism has subsided. For now at least. Just don't have a rant in me at the moment. Still, I would disagree that his patriotism isn't his only standout quality. And then of course there's a matter of how you opt to define patriotism as well. Civil War potentially nullifies that argument. I know a lot of people rag on Civil War, but personally I love it. Mostly because it was pretty sweet, but I admit also some of my love for Civil War comes from the fact that it's what got me seriously interested in Western comics again instead of just collecting the latest issues of my favorite series and going "Eh, I'll read them after I finish this chapter of One Piece" or some such thing.

[The Ghost Who Walks]

I think the planned reboots of the Phantom (a planned big budget movie and an upcoming, and surprisingly expensive, SyFy TV-series) and the Shadow (a Sam Raimi-produced project) also has better shots at success than their previous incarnations.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for them, very much so! Both those previous attempts have suffered (I think) from people regarding them as small-time Indiana Jones-wannabees. Lots of potential, zest, suspense and adventure, but unfortunately after Spielberg let his hero off the leash. I sometimes wondered what would have happened had Lucas/Spielberg grabbed The Phantom instead of creating their own character.

It would have been wonderful if Lucas and Spielberg had done a Phantom movie back in the day, but then the world would not have gotten Indiana Jones. They did make a wonderful Phantom serial in 1943, starring Tom "Captain Marvel" Tyler, which is very much in the tone of the films Lucas and Spielberg "homaged" with Indy.

As a massive Phantom nut (yes, we do exist) I would kill to see a director of Spielberg's calibre adapting the character. Don't think it will happen though. Simon Wincer's career seems to have sunk with the failure of the last movie, which can't be helpful in attracting major talent.

You're right about the "small-time Indy wannabees" thing, but I think the main reason The Phantom and The Shadow failed is simply because they are very uneven movies that kind of wastes great leading men on very average scripts. Their failures hurt both Billy Zane (who also failed to capitalize on his success with Titanic) and Alec Baldwin's careers, unfortunately.

The Phantom is a very easy character to update (you just kill off the "current" Phantom with his son taking over, which is what SyFy has done), but I think Raimi will struggle to make the Shadow seem cool without changing the character too much, with the figure wearing a horribly dated (albeit cool-looking) costume.

With you on that, except that I cannot judge the Spirit film as I haven't seen it as yet. Only thing that makes me hesitate is the question of whether the market stays friendly to superhero flicks.

Oh, sure, audiences have to tire off this craze some time (I hope they tire of the vampire-mania first!). I hope it won't happen anytime soon, though. Even though I think the market is overcrowded with costumed heroes at the moment, the average superhero movie is still a lot more enjoyable than the latest empty action movie, IMHO.

Safari Suit:

Good point, but I would say that some of those had more going for them, for the general public, than Captain America. Blade certainly had much more of a novel appeal; he's a good "vampire" who goes around fighting bad vampires, and the first film came out when we weren't being deluged with vampires in films or on TV so that perhaps also gave it a certain novelty. Hellboy is quite an unusual concept, at least for a film. Daredevil has the "blind lawyer" gimmick, and I think it helped that the film was released at the peak of Affleck's teen girl knicker wetting prowess. I doubt Captain America seems like anything particularly special to most of the general public; he's just another superhero with his only gimmick being unashamed patriotism. Granted, Iron Man is just a high-tech Batman and that caught on, so maybe Captain America can catch on too, but somehow I just feel that a CA movie will do the kind of lackluster business where it makes back its money, but leaves everyone sheepish about the idea of a follow on, a la Superman Returns and both Hulk movies.

Good point. Although, no matter what happens, Cap will appear in The Avengers, and thereby get "two" movies, which is more than you can say about many other characters (I actually really wanted to see a "Daredevil" sequel).

And of course it's not as if non-American audiences haven't often groaned at over the top patiotism in movies long before the Bush era. It's one thing getting them to see a First Blood Part II ot an Independence Day which might be read as jingoistic by people after they've seen it, but a superhero with a red, white and blue stars and stripes costume? I suspect that's going to be a turn-off for many people before they even see the film.

Yeah, I guess you're right about this. However, "knowing" Hollywood, I can't help suspecting Cap is going to be dressed in black rubber/leather in a film version no matter what. If that is miraculously not the case, I am sure they will drastically change the outfit to make it somewhat less, um, flamboyant.

[double o ego]

he's just another superhero with his only gimmick being unashamed patriotism

Must. Resist. Urge. To. Go. On. Fanboy. Rant.

Feel free. I'm actually quite fond of the character as it happens, but to me he still more or less boils down to a pretty generic superhero whose only stand out quality is his patriotism (some of which now gives the character a certain kitschy appeal, which is probably a large part of why I'm personally fond of him). But I'm willing to be shown wrong

At this point, my rabid fanboyism has subsided. For now at least. Just don't have a rant in me at the moment. Still, I would disagree that his patriotism isn't his only standout quality. And then of course there's a matter of how you opt to define patriotism as well. Civil War potentially nullifies that argument. I know a lot of people rag on Civil War, but personally I love it. Mostly because it was pretty sweet, but I admit also some of my love for Civil War comes from the fact that it's what got me seriously interested in Western comics again instead of just collecting the latest issues of my favorite series and going "Eh, I'll read them after I finish this chapter of One Piece" or some such thing.

Really? I don't know what's worse, civil war or the shoddy spider-man clone saga. Someone needs to assasinate Quesada because that a-hole just ruins everything. Also, this usiness with mephisto turning back time and screwing up the continuity makes my blood boil.

[Quantumofsolace007]

In light of the mgm stuff i take back every negative thing i said avbout this release and welcome November 2011 with open arms.


See scare people with the prospect of no bond and they will welcome november 2011 with open arms.


as for comic boy rants When did people assume frank Miller was a genius Batman year one was ok but Dark Knight returns just wasn't my thing.I'm not going into all star batman and robin as I read a few panels in a comic book shop and nearly threw it down in disgust. Denis Oneil and Neal Adams there is agreat batman team.

though honesrtly I'm enjoying the Dick grayson as batman storyline so what do i know...