A Spider's Web...

About that possibility of Marvel getting the film rights to "Spider-Man" back...

Will the Arachnid be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe anytime soon?  If you'd have asked me that this morning, I'd have said "No".  But now comes a report that Sony has been in a bit of a financial bind of late and is looking to an investor group to help shore up its balance sheet.  The group led by investor David Loeb (no relation to Jeph Loeb) has proposed selling off particular entertainment franchises (in music and studio divisions) to make it more attractive to investment.  Two of the entertainment franchises listed are "Resident Evil" and "Spider-Man".  As for RS, I have no opinion on the sale because the films are so utterly lifeless and devoid of anything that makes the games fun and interesting. Spidey on the other hand is a whole other ballgame.

Would the Mouse be interested in purchasing the rights back?  Yes, they would were this to be true.  Would the price be right is the more appropriate question.  The Walt Disney Company paid a sizable amount versus a projected box office take to buy out the remaining rights to Paramount Pictures deal with Marvel a couple years ago.  That deal included the "Avengers" film and "Iron Man 3".  Paramount made a nice little fee for the release, but Web Head is clearly worth a great deal more than Shell Head, and Sony, if they decide to sell them will be asking for a much better deal than Paramount got.  But don't hold your breath.

If this does happen, the last hold out would be Fox.  And they're clearly moving ahead with their reboot of the "Fantastic Four" property and the expansion of the mutant franchises.  They have no desire or inclination to give up such money making machines, but Disney will be watchful and holding them to the letter of the contracts.  It's doubtful they'll give 20th Century Fox any wiggle room in any adaptation of Marvel characters.  Over time, the characters will find their way back into the company fold, but unless some extremely pricey deal is made, it'll have to wait until they lose interesting in the properties.  That will likely not happen until the box office for the films becomes at least a disappointment, or an outright financial dud.

But in the meantime, the Mouse's lawyers are ready to pounce...

Hat Tip to Comic Book Movie via Comic Book Therapy.

UPDATE:  Harry over at Ain't It Cool News has been in touch with Sony Pictures Entertainment Co-Chair Amy Pascal.  And this is something that isn't going to happen.  So, until the films become unprofitable, or they miss a deadline for making one of the films, Marvel fans will have to wait for Spider-Man to debut in the MCU.

Nolan, Chris Nolan...

Now this is an interesting rumor...

Rumors are starting to float around that Christopher Nolan is in informal talks to helm the next James Bond film (Bond 24).  If you've seen "Inception" then you know the director can make a Bond film as the last act is essentially one.  While it's an exciting prospect to think of a Nolan directed 007 film, the director is deep in pre-production on "Interstellar" and it appears that the schedule to get Bond 24 out in a few years is highly improbable.

It's likely four or five years before we'd see a new spy film with Daniel Craig.  That puts him around the five-o mark, and it seems quite a long delay between films.  The actor is scheduled to make one more film after the next one as the famed super agent, but I don't see him going into Roger Moore territory with such long periods between films.  While the idea of a Nolan Bond film is something that appears to be awesome, it logistically doesn't seem to make sense with the director's schedule at this time.  Perhaps Bond 25 would make a better mission?  Would he or is brother have a part in the scripting one has to wonder?

There is information we need a spy to find out as well...

From Iron Man To Man Of Bronze...

Artwork from The Pulp.net.

It looks like Christmas has come early...

For me, at least.  If you follow Blue Sky regularly you know I'm a big "Doc Savage" fan.  And I've wanted to see an adaptation of these classic pulp characters for what feels like eternity.  And now it's here.  Officially.

Shane Black signed on to direct and co-write this almost four years ago.  But the project stalled after a year of development.  But a blessing happened soon after that.  Within a year of that project being put on hold, Kevin Feige and his Marvel Suits were looking for a director to film the next Iron Man sequel.  And Black's name came up.

He fit the Marvel mode.  Someone that was talented, hungry and cheap.  That's how they get you.  But it's a hell of a job to take.  Super hero films are to this decade what the buddy films were to the 80's.  And Shane Black was the founder of those type of films.  I think he knew that this was a chance to show he could deliver a big hit.  And that would give the Suits over at Sony the testicular fortitude to green light what might be a $150-200 million dollar crap shoot.

And now we have "Iron Man 3" with it's boxoffice of $700+ million dollars.  Money makes the world go around.  And in the film business, money makes wheels move quickly.  It's the oil to the engine.  So today, The Wrap gave us the news that Sony has green lit the film (The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision also verifies).  And now Sony Pictures has issued the official press release:

WRITER/DIRECTOR SHANE BLACKTO MAKE DOC SAVAGEFOR SONY PICTURES AND ORIGINAL FILM 

 CULVER CITY, Calif., May 7, 2013 –Sony Pictures Entertainment has closed its deal with Shane Black to co-write and direct Doc Savage, and Black is eyeing it as his next film, it was announced today by Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures, and Hannah Minghella, president of Production for the studio.  Black co-wrote the screenplay with Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry, based on the hero of pulp novels, films, and comic books.  Neal H. Moritz is producing the project with Ori Marmur through his Original Film banner. Michael Usland will also serve as a producer on the film. Commenting on the announcement, Minghella said, “We couldn’t be more excited to be building a franchise from the ground up with Shane and this team.  Shane and Neal have a fantastic understanding of the character and a great take on the material and we can’t wait to get this production up and running.” One of the most popular characters of the pulps of the 1930s and 40s, Doc Savage was also popularized on radio, film and television. He is a scientist, physician, adventurer, inventor, explorer and researcher. He has been trained since birth to be nearly superhuman in every way, with outstanding strength, a photographic memory, and vast knowledge and intelligence. He uses his skills and powers to punish evil wherever in the world he finds it. Black most recently co-wrote and directed Iron Man 3 which has grossed more than $700 million since opening a little more than one week ago. He previously wrote and directed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Sam Dickerman and Lauren Abrahams are overseeing the title for Columbia Pictures along with Minghella. Black is represented by David Greenblatt, WME and his attorney Alan Hergott.

So now we have to wait and hear who is cast in these parts.  Doc Savage is a particularly hard one, because he's supposed to be a perfect human specimen: physical and mental.  So they are going to need an actor that can convey the action, but also the depth.  Now, I know he's no thespian, but if Arnold Schwarzenegger had the physique of his body in "Predator", he'd look perfect with blonde hair and a tanned body.  Unfortunately, he doesn't.  So the casting call will have to go out and find someone else.

Some people have suggested Dwayne Johnson, whom I've enjoyed in films like "The Rundown" and a few others.  He has charisma, but I don't see him as Doc.  Of course, I'll trust Shane Black.  Did any of you see "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang" before?  I expect that he knows what he needs in an actor, and the box office of this Marvel film will go a long way toward giving him the creative freedom to do what he wants.  I'm so there.  The script is apparently a go.  So the film could start pre-production very soon.  That means we could be going back to the 30's/40's within a couple years.  That could be 2015.

There goes that year again...

What The Doctor Ordered...

Well, now that "Iron Man 3" is already an amazing blockbuster, it also introduces us to a very hot director...

Shane Black has been famous for almost three decades.  He got his start with the speck script, "Lethal Weapon" in the mid 80's, which launched his trademark wit and humor.  That decade would be filled with his films, and many knockoffs of his work.  He's been wanting to direct an adaptation of my favorite pulp hero since he starting writing screenplays.  We've been reporting about Shane Black's desire to make a Doc Savage film since he signed on to write/possibly direct the film a while ago.

Now, with the success of the third Iron Man film, he may have that chance.  Sony Pictures still holds the rights to the project and they're waiting for Black to finish his work on this film before he gets serious about turning his attention to the Man in Bronze.  And it looks like after years of development hell, the character is finally going to get a fair treatment on the screen (Making a film that has already grossed $300 million dollars before it even opens in America will give him quite a bit of clout.).

Everyone who reads Blue Sky knows that I love serials and my favorite film is "Raiders of the Lost Ark".  As well as I love all things pulp (Doc Savage, The Shadow, The Spider, Secret Agent X. etc.), and have been following Tinsel Town trying to make this since Arnold was lined up to play the character (Although, he was a little past his prime to play the character even when announced.).  Sadly, that project came and went, but the hope for a new film, one that is authentic to the time period and heroes, has always been kept alive.  Now, it looks like we may finally see Doc's adventures being given justice on the silver screen.

Just like the justice he delivered in those old, ripped and torn page adventures of long ago...

Mouse Playing Games With Us...

To infinity and beyond... 

One of the few areas that the Walt Disney Company hasn't had success is gaming...

Unlike Warner Bros. whose success with Warner Games is well known, the Mouse has had trouble making a substantial footprint in this growing arena of entertainment.  The companies that have made up Disney Interactive have failed to leverage the powerful brands at their disposal, or even inspire new franchises, much less innovative game play or improve gaming quality.  Part of that is strategy, and part is simply not having purchased the right companies (a post for another day).

But could Disney have another plan?  A more grand plan?  One that involves not just creating games, but what plays them as well?  And not only that, but could they be working with the Fruit Company?  According to an article on the website Patently Apple, Disney has filed for a patent that just might be tangible proof that they're planning on entering the console gaming field.

Now, it is not an easy field to enter and succeed at.  Microsoft and Sony still report losses on their hardware, but make up for it with their licensing of games for their consoles.  Disney has plenty of properties that they can mine by making exclusive to a proprietary console.  But their games under Disney Interactive have been rather lacking in the potential they have, and the results they've achieved.  I wish Iger would have the same desire to go after gaming companies the way he goes after film properties (Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, etc.).  There are some excellent companies that could/would be perfect for developing the internal gems that the company has, or has acquired over the past decade (again, a story for another post).

It's been widely known that Iger was having Disney work on some form of gaming initiative known as "Toy Box," but up until now it wasn't thought that it might involve an actual console, or the involvement of Apple.  If it is working on a system of its own, don't expect it to be seen anytime soon; certainly not this year.  Late 2014 would be the earliest you would see a system like this, and I doubt it even then.  It's more likely that anything coming from this project doesn't show up before 2015.

There's that year again...

Amazing Teaser...

Spider-Man, Spider-Man...






The teaser trailer for Sony's "The Amazing Spider-Man" is out...

While I won't call it amazing, I'll say that it sets a different tone than the Sam Raimi films. It looks interesting and Andrew Garfield gives the impression that he'll make a great Peter Parker. I'll be glad to see a full trailer near the end of the year. I'm curious as to what The Lizard will look like. I love the line in the trailer that he says, even though we don't really see him.

I know the Mouse doesn't mind getting the money, but they'd really love to get their hands on the character so that Marvel Studios could work him into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But like the X-Men series, that'll have to wait for decade or so. But this film could be good. It can't be as bad as "Spider-Man 3." Hopefully, Sony has learned to stay out of the way. Riiiiiiight.

2012 is going to be a very big year...

Wanting Justice...

For those of you that have longed to see a Justice League film...

This trailer may be your only look at what it'd be like. And it would be AWESOME according to this.

Wow.

This November, Sony and Warner will release DC Universe Online. A game in which you create your own character (hero or villain) and get to interact with the characters of DC Comics in their world. Be it the slums of Gotham City to the halls of the Daily Planet in Metropolis. There is an offline challenge mode that allows you to actually play characters like Batman, Green Lantern and others as well. But this video gives you an idea of what fun can be had watching these characters do battle. An entire film like this would be jaw droppingly, mind numbing. We await that opening day.

Until then, the Avengers will have to do...

Twenty-Six Versus 26...

It's like a mirror...




I've seen a lot of comments hating on Andrew Garfield because he's too old...

But he's an actor and as long as he can play the part and look the part, it won't matter. And one thing many people don't realize is that he and Tobey Maguire are about the exact same age of each other when they were picked to play the character. Tobey was 26 and he played a high school character named Peter Parker. Andrew Garfield is 26 and will be playing a high school character named Peter Parker.

Some out there are saying that this is the "Twilighting" of Spider-Man, but I really don't think so. Once he gets a haircut, I don't think Andrew will look anything like Edward. ;)

But I hear the take on the character will be much more personal this time. And I think with Marc Webb involved, the arc of the story will be a very genuine portrayal of a high school kid that becomes a superhero. One of my favorite films last year was "500 Days of Summer," and Sony picking the director of that to handle this reboot tells me volumes as to how much they care about getting the story right and caring about respecting the characters from the comic books.

Oh, and having Disney breathing down your neck, making sure you don't violate your agreement so that the rights revert back to them helps too...

Not So Friendly Representation...

Curse you, Spider-Man...


Whoa, denied...

I have a tingling spidey-sense that someone's agents/representatives are going to get canned. Spidey won't be Josh after all. Josh's representation reportedly played hardball at the last moment and wound up losing big time. Webb and Sony pulled the offer and, well, you can read the press release:

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 1, 2010 – After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Today’s confirmation culminates what has been one of the most eagerly anticipated casting announcements in recent memory. Bloggers, pop culture speculators, and everyday fans have pored over and analyzed every conceivable online rumor in an attempt to discover the identity of the next actor to play Peter Parker. Garfield will immediately begin preparing for the coveted role.

The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most successful in film history and the three previous motion pictures have collectively grossed more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office.

On selecting Garfield, director Marc Webb said, “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”

Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, President of Columbia Pictures said, “Spider-Man is a classic superhero -- a young man who balances his responsibility to serve humanity and crush evil with the shyness and normalcy of someone struggling to find himself. The role demands an extraordinary actor. You need someone who can magically transform himself from Peter Parker into Spider-Man. An actor who will depict the vulnerability of youth and the strength and confidence of a legendary figure at the same moment. We have found that actor in Andrew Garfield. From the first time we saw him in the upcoming film The Social Network, to his glorious screen test, which floored all of us, we knew that we had found our new Peter Parker.”

Producer Avi Arad added, “I’m incredibly excited about Andrew Garfield. In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer. We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future.”

Producer Laura Ziskin said, “We are thrilled to have Andrew Garfield for this new incarnation of Spider-Man under Marc Webb’s direction. We were fortunate enough to meet with a group of fantastically talented young men. In the end, we all agreed that in addition to being an extraordinary actor, Andrew had the right mix of humor, youth, and pathos, along with an underlying sense of strength and power necessary to bring Peter Parker and Spider-Man to life on screen.”

The selection of Garfield was revealed at a press event in Cancun, Mexico for international journalists attending a media tour promoting upcoming films from Sony Pictures Entertainment. B-roll footage of the announcement will be available via satellite later this evening -- see uplink times coordinate information below.

Garfield is fast becoming one of the most respected and sought-after young actors working in the industry today. In a short career, spanning only five years, he has already been directed by, and starred alongside, some of the greatest names and received a BAFTA for a role that won him international praise.

Garfield most recently worked with director David Fincher on the upcoming film The Social Network. He previously starred for Spike Jonze on his robot love story I’m Here, which premiered at Sundance this year. He plays the lead male opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go, due for release later this year.

Other notable screen credits include Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus playing opposite Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law and the late Heath Ledger, Robert Redford’s Lions For Lambs, where he starred alongside Redford, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep; Revolution Films’ “Red Riding Trilogy – 1974” directed by Julian Jarrold, where he lead a stellar cast including Rebecca Hall and David Morrissey, and his unforgettable portrayal of a young ex-con in John Crowley’s “Boy A,” for which he earned the best actor BAFTA in 2008.

Garfield’s career began in theatre and in 2006 his performances in “Beautiful Thing” (Sound Space/Kit Productions), “The Overwhelming,” and “Burn / Chatroom / Citizenship” (Royal National Theatre) won him the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard awards and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards. Other notable theatre credits include “Romeo and Juliet” (Manchester Royal Exchange) and “Kes” (Manchester Royal Exchange), for which he received the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Manchester Evening News Awards 2004.

Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Hutcherson will have to hope that he'll play his hero (Batman) someday. Looks like the Number Two choice is now the Number One...

UPDATE: If you go over to Ain't It Cool News, they've got video of the introduction and a couple of pictures as well. If Andrew looks a little surprised, it's because he was. He found out ten minutes before the announcement that he was Spider-Man. I wonder how soon before that Josh found out that he wasn't?

The Journey Of Peter Parker...

Feast your eyes on this...

Could this be your friendly, rebooted Spider-Man in the flesh? Word from my Bothans is that Sony has settled on "Journey to the Center of the Earth's" Josh Hutcherson as the newly, high school bound Peter Parker after narrowing the search down to three actors. After several extensive test shoots were performed, Marc Webb and the top Sony $uits may have decided that Hutcherson was the right fit for the role and an offer could be made. The deal hasn't been signed yet, but if all works out there could be an announcement soon. Now, should the deal be signed, I wonder who'll be cast as the Lizard?

Whoops, I mean, the villain...

More Than A Galaxy, A Whole World...

$$$, $$$, $$$, $$$, $$$...


Young Padawan's everywhere will be happy to hear this...

As with the announcement of the release of "Clone Wars: Season Two" comes the news that Lucasfilm and SOE have partnered to let fans of the Cartoon Network series actually enter that world/galaxy(?).

So, from the press release:

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced the development of Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures, a free-to-play, action packed virtual world for fans of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series on Cartoon Network.

Developed and published by SOE, creators of the critically acclaimed kids' game, Free Realms, and licensed by LucasArts, in conjunction with Lucasfilm Ltd., Clone Wars Adventures will launch online and in retail stores this fall.

For more info check out the full announcement here.

Other Kingdoms...

There are a lot of fans out there that love the Kingdom Hearts game series...

It's a strange world where Disney characters interact with non-Disney characters that has developed a very loyal following. So, for those that are looking for more, Square-Enix and Disney Interactive are here with a gift:

The trailer for the next game in the series: "Kingdom Hearts-Birth By Sleep."

Take a look and prepare to battle...

Black Bronze...

The next man, the post-modern man...


Man of science, both mental and physical...

You know I love me some pulp...

I reported last year on Ain't It Cool News' story of Shane Black writing a script adaptation of pulp hero Doc Savage with Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry. Now comes news from Variety that he'll direct the film as well. And knowing Black's love of the character is like mine, him setting it as a period film is wondrous. Now if they'll just find the right actor I'll be floating around on Cloud 10.

Cloud 9 is way, way down there...

Sam Knows Evil...

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men...

Sam Raimi, that's who. This rumor has been surculating for years. It's been known that he was going to/wanting to make a new version of "The Shadow" but up until now it's been assumed that he would simply produce the film. Now comes word (and a script review) from IESB that this indeed could be Sam's next directing gig and it could be made through Sony.

I love serials and I love old pulp fiction, which is in itself a variation on those serials. I adore the Shadow, but Doc Savage is my all time fave. Still, I have a framed poster on my wall of a classic Shadow tale known as "The Grove of Doom." Sam is someone that I'd trust with this king of project. He knows the material and understands how it can be adapted proper and faithful. I await more info.

I'm standing by with my secret decoder ring...

500 Days Of Gwen Stacy...

Well, Sony has made an interesting choice for their director of the next "Spider-Man" film...

As was rumored, Marc Webb will be behind the camera for the next Spider-M4n film. Webb is an interesting choice, but one that I can see doing a very good job of translating a young Web Slinger to the world. He showed that he was adept at handling the intricacies of young relationships with "500 Days of Summer" and now he'll get to do the same with Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy. Or Mary Jane if they continue down that route. I'd prefer them to start with Gwen since it's a reboot. But please, please don't let this be an origin film. We don't need to waste a half an hour of the film watching what we've seen before. And we don't need a reinterpretation of the Green Goblin either. There are plenty of villains for him to face without the retread of already used characters. Kraven would be a great choice, but not from that really crappy script that Sony commissioned originally for part 4. Please don't use that one. Please.

I look forward to seeing this film unfold and evole. Webb has a lot riding on this. If it fails, it'll make Sony pause before doing another one and the Mouse knows that the longer they wait between projects, the sooner Spidey will come home.

Bob Iger is watch you Marc...

Webslinger Reboots...

Well, we won't be seeing Sam Raimi directing "Spider-Man 4" and we won't be watching Tobey Maguire swinging from building to building either...

Sony put out a press release today:

Culver City, CA (January 11, 2010) -- Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012.

Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.

The new chapter in the Spider-Man franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.

“A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three Spider-Man films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter's roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning,” said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job,” said Sam Raimi.

“We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade. This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else’s hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable,” said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, who has served as the studio’s chief production executive since the beginning of the franchise. “Now everything begins anew, and that’s got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future of Spider-Man and can’t wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012.”

"Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously," said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. "We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films and as we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen."

I hope this doesn't mean the hole in Maguire's schedule will be filled playing Bilbo Baggins. He's a talented actor and I really liked his Peter Parker, but seeing him with hairy feet next Gandalf isn't something I look forward to. Raimi could move on to "World of Warcraft" which many thought was just a producing project for him. Now, the whole reboot comes into play with Spidey going back to high school and starting over. I don't mind that, but there is no need for an origin movie. We don't need to movie the story back to square one. It's been done and there is no need to show it to the two guys that don't know what happens when you get bit by a radioactive spider. Just start him off right after he's become the Webslinger and give him a new villain.

I wonder if the rush to get a film on to screen has anything to do with Marvel (read Disney's) ability to regain the character for filming by the Mouse? I don't know how long they have to make another sequel between films before the rights would expire/revert back to the comic book company/film studio/subsidiary of the Mouse. I hope that the next version is done with as much care as Raimi put into the first two and as little studio interference as the Suits put into the third one.

Developing...

PS1 @ 15...

Fifteen years ago today Sony put on the market a little device called the Playstation...

It didn't enter America for another year, but it changed the face of gaming and still casts a mighty shadow across the video game world everywhere. No other device/name in gaming is more known or has such a lineage of history, save Atari perhaps. So here's to the little game system that could, did and still does. Happy Birthday PS1!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go finish playing this latest frustrating level of Arkham Ayslum...

A Ghost Of A Chance...

Things appear to be moving forward with the sequel another Marvel property...

David Goyer has been pretty loose with his lips lately about "Ghost Rider 2" and what the script will look like. Apparently it'll look a lot like his original script for the Hellrider. Which is a good thing. Goyer says the sequel will essentially be the original script he wrote with minor changes. One of the main ones is that there would be no need for an origin story. It's a really good script that I remember reading almost a decade ago. It's far better than the cheesy script that they wound up turning into the first film. Nicolas Cage's hammy role is quite different than Goyer's original take on the character.

Johnny Depp was rumored to be up for Johnny Blaze back then. This was years before he shot to stratospheric levels of fame playing Jack Sparrow. The tone of the script was a straight "R" and it'll probably be toned down a bit, but I wouldn't think much as most "PG-13" films would qualify with an "R" rating a decade or so ago. I think Sony has made a good move going this direction. Hopefully, this turns into the Ghost Rider film I wanted to see when I heard they were making one.

Time will tell...

Black Not Blue...

It appears that Columbia Pictures is going forward with "Men in Black 3" by announcing that they've hired Etan Cohen to deliver the screenplay...

Could this mean that Will Smith will be too busy to portray Captain Nemo? I can only hope. It's really going to depend on how soon the Mouse is planning on shooting the 20K prequel, as well as when Sony will actually greenlight the script that Cohen turns in.

Maybe we'll get two wishes in one and McG will drop out and then we can get someone that more trustworthy to steer this project as the major blockbuster that it's intended to be. Disney wants to turn this into the next franchise and if it's going to be one then this first film has to be great in not only script, producer and director but also casting. So having to get another actor other than the star of Men in Black won't make me blue.

Crossing fingers on this one...

He's A Bad Mutha...

One of the few remaining films that I want to see before the holidays is this...

A little independent film made on a shoestring budget (reportedly 3 million dollars) that was bought by Sony after making waves at the festivals. "Black Dynamite" is a take on the Blaxploitation films from the 70's and it looks hysterical. If you're a fan of cinema like myself, you'll recognize the inspiration of such films as Coffy," "Black Caesar," "Superfly" and many others. This film generated a lot of buzz when shown around and looks like it could do for those films what "In Like Flint" did for "Austin Powers."

Take a look at some of these amazingly realistic looking 70's style posters...