The Geek Codex...

It's amazing how the past can sometimes take control of the present...

Or predict the future.  Because that's what happened between the 1930's to the 1950's.  Much of the literature or films of these decades greatly influenced what we go to the theaters to see, or what we turn on the television to watch.  Now, I'm talking specifically about a certain type of literature (pulp magazines & comics) and a certain kind of film (serials).

Don't think so?  Think again.

Imagine some of the biggest hits in the last two decades, or even three decades and what do you come up with?  Star Wars?  It's a Saturday morning serial, especially "The Empire Strikes Back", as it's a pure matinee picture.  Raiders of the Lost Ark?  It's cut from the mold of old serials like "Spy Smasher" or "Zorro's Black Whip" among others.  Even it has imitators like "The Mummy" that play into the serial/pulp vein of pictures.  What is Disney's big tent pole picture this summer?  "The Lone Ranger" which is based on pulp stories that turned into serials like "The Lone Ranger" and "The Lone Ranger Rides Again" to the classic television series.

And then there are the pulp stories like "Doc Savage" that is walking right out of a tattered, old pulp magazine.  There have been some abortive attempts like "The Shadow" which has the correct look, but the wrong feel for the character.  And there have been efforts to bring him back, specifically, Sam Raimi a few years back before he got "Spider-Man" off the ground.  Disney's own "John Carter of Mars", which sadly didn't connect properly with audiences, comes from the Edgar Rice Burroughs stories printed in these old pulps.  Most people like to make fun of this that have never read the novels, or they simply forget because of Burroughs more famous pulp creation: Tarzan.

And comic books seem to be the biggest beneficiary of this resurgence.  There have been bad attempts at this over the decades, but around the end of the last century we started getting films that tapped the right fan artery.  Part of this was because Suit in charge were beginning to be the generation that read these comics so the stories were more authentic, and second, the introduction of computer graphics made it possible to create believable worlds; something that wasn't achievable a decade earlier.  A film of the Justice League or Avengers a couple of decades ago would have looked horrible, but with the help of CG and a script by Joss Whedon, look at what can be achieved?  A Justice League picture right now sounds like a monster waiting to be unleashed, not a film to be humiliatingly tucked away in a vault.

But a great deal of what you see on the silver screen today has been born from the DNA of these mediums.  And we're beginning o see more and more of them.  Expect if Doc Savage succeeds for The Shadow to be quickly green lit into production.  Studio Suits will go mining the pages of dingy pulps looking for the next character that they can exploit.  Something like The Spider could be the next one to go, or a less known pulp hero like Operator 5 or Secret Agent X.  If Warner Bros. wants to get on the band wagon, all they have to do is look through their DC Comics characters for "Spy Smasher", a little character they bought from Whiz Comics years ago.  He's the star of an incredibly entertaining serial by the same name that is utterly dear to me.

Not everything will be a hit.  For every Star Wars, there is a "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow" that doesn't perform.  Or a "Rocketeer" that disappoints.  But even that film has developed a growing following as it's gotten older.  It's aged like wine to the point where the Mouse is thinking of rebooting it for the next generation.  Everything old is new again, or can be.  If you were a fan of "The Clone Wars" then you might not know that you were watching a serial.  Everything about that show flows back to the old Flash Gordon serials, from the action to the opening exposition setting up what's to come.

Yes, pulp/serials/comics changed the world.  At least the one we pay money for a ticket to see.  They take us away from the boring, drab world we live in to take us to a world where good will win, and it will do so with style and presence.  It's a place where danger lurks around every corner, but fun pervades every bit of atmosphere.  Within this world we can escape the lives we live, to experience something missing from our day to day journeys.

Now sit back in your chair at that theater and watch these old tales live again...

Going Retro...

You're the Rock-a-what...







I think I'm falling for Alan Horn...

If what the Vulture says is true, then we're in for some fun films from the Mouse's live-action division. For those that don't know, the article says that one of the first films that Horn is working on is a reboot/sequel to the 1991 cult classic, "The Rocketeer."

This wouldn't necessarily be a sequel as a new film entirely. The project is supposed to go out to writers soon, and I pray they get talented ones that know the character, like the writers of "Captain America." As a matter of fact, get those two writers, and have Joss Whedon do a polish on it as well. Perhaps call up Paul Dini and give him a crack at it?

Perhaps this will be the unintended sequel that fans of the film have waited for. The character is deserving of another film, and there are great stories to be told within the world that Cliff Secord lives. Now as to who would/should direct it? I don't know if they'll go the tested route with a seasoned film director, or a new one that cut his teeth on commercials or some such. How about someone like Brad Bird (dreaming, I know), or Peter Jackson (really dreaming), or Matthew Vaughn (an interesting choice), or Jon Favreau (a bit too on the nose?), or Gary Ross ( who would be perfect for this if he wasn't directing another Disney project)?

And how about Cliff himself? I say give Jared Padalecki a shot at the role. He shares the same warm charm and genuine all-American appeal that Billy Campbell did. I think he'd play very well with a hair cut.

No matter who they decide on, this is a film I have and always will be waiting for...

The Original Iron Man...

You look like a hood ornament...







Twenty-one years ago today...

Walt Disney Pictures released the film, "The Rocketeer" on audiences across America. Sadly, it didn't light the world on fire, and was considered a disappointment by the Suits up in Burbank. This was the Mouse's attempt to replicate the success of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" with a much more unfortunate outcome. It has grown to become a cult classic, and despite flaws, is a sweet, earnest story that is rarely told anymore with a deeply nostalgic, almost Capraesque view of the world. In a sense, it's a prequel to "Captain America," which is ironically by the same director, Joe Johnston.

While I dream of a sequel to it, I still have the film on DVD and the memories of seeing it at the El Capitan opening weekend with my Mom and Dad. It's a fairly faithful adaptation of Dave Steven's beautifully drawn, comic mini-series that I still love to see to this day.

If you are a fan of this and happen to be walking down the gorgeously detailed Buena Vista Street of DCA, stop into Elias & Company. Take a look at the mannequins up in the second story of the department store. All are decked out in 30's attire, including one fella that happens to be dressed in a familiar suit belonging to a pilot named Cliff Secord. A smile will appear on your face as you dream. Hey, if they can make a sequel to "Tron," then why not this?

If only I had one of those jet packs...

Rocketeering Back...

You look like a hood ornament...







So September begins and the Mouse announces holiday gifts...

After much anticipation about when they would finally release a Blu-Ray of the classic film, "The Rocketeer" would be announced, the details are out.

December 13.

That's when you can get your copy of the film. Who knows, if enough people buy it we might even see the Suits in Burbank think of a sequel, reboot or even an animated series on Disney XD?

Hey, I'm a dreamer...

ROCKETEER$...

The More, the better...





No sooner had I mentioned that I'd like to see a sequel/reboot than a jewel was found...

Joe Johnston did an interview with Film Journal and mentioned that he'd love to do a sequel to "The Rocketeer." Now, he didn't mention a reboot so I take it he's talking about a continuation and not a reinterpretation. If you've seen some of the Q&A from the 20th Anniversary screening of the film at the El Capitan, then you saw Billy Campbell still looks pretty good. I don't know if I'd buy him being only a few years older though.

I wouldn't want to see a film with this character set in the 50's. That's a little too far from the material, but maybe they could get away with early 40's? Have Cliff Secord on some secret mission in the waning days of World War 2. It could/would be an interesting thing to see. Maybe they can get Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely to write the script based on their work on "Captain America" and then get Joss Whedon to do a polish on the dialog. Maybe? That would be oh, so cool.

And then, if I could just get Disney to adapt "Crimson Skies" too…

Selling/Buying Nostalgia...

Biiiiig gopher...










Joe Johnston has gotten a lot of ink on this website lately...

With the 20th anniversary of "The Rocketeer" and his take on "Captain America" coming out next month, we've had more than normal to say about him. I mentioned in my earlier post about how it's be nice to see a sequel/reboot. Even an animated series would be nice. Apparently I'm not the only one thinking this. So I thought you might enjoy this bit of Rocketeer love from French animator John Banana.

Maybe a smart Suit could get an idea watching this...

Hat Tip to Cartoon Brew.

Journey Twenty Years In The Past To Journey Into The Past...

Twenty years ago today Walt Disney Pictures released what they hoped would be their answer to "Raiders of the Lost Ark" franchise...

Well, it didn't turn out the way they expected. "The Rocketeer" has slowly developed a cult following over the years and if you are one of the lucky members of D23 at the El Capitan today, then you'll get a screening and panel afterwards. I was a big fan of the comic when it came out and like Jeffrey Katzenberg, hoped that it would inspire a string of movies featuring the character in a series of adventures.

Audiences decided to see other things that weekend and the film became a disappointment. Not a failure, but not what was expected and making too little to justify a sequel. I had great fun watching it (four times at the El Capitan), but felt that it need more action and a greater sense of jeopardy for the hero. I hoped that a sequel would deliver on the promise of this character. But a sequel never came. It would be great if somehow Disney tried to do a sequel or reboot of the film, but that is not likely. An animated series for Disney XD perhaps?

One can dream, since all it cost is time...

Dave Stevens Rocketeers Into The Heavens...

Dave Stevens, the creator of "The Rocketeer" character which Walt Disney Pictures adapted into a much watered-down film version has passed away. I was/am a huge fan of the Rocketeer and have always loved Dave's artwork. He's a refreshing break from the monotonous style of most comic art you see today. Blue Sky Disney sends its regards to his family and friends.

Hat Tip to Ain't It Cool News.