Category: Movies

Coffee Talk #194: Your Favorite Animated Comic Book Movie

After failing to find it at Best Buy last weekend, I finally watched Batman: Under the Red Hood last night. It was frickin’ brilliant! DC’s animated movies have been rocking for years, but Under the Red Hood raises the bar. The art style is fantastic and the voice acting is first rate (I thought I’d miss Kevin Conroy more, but Bruce Greenwood’s fine performance ensured that I didn’t). Most importantly (to me, anyway), the story was fantastic. It took a great plot from the comic books, tightened it up, and got rid of some of the convoluted twists that confused readers.

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, nobody caring about A-Rod’s milestone homer, Shaq to the Celtics, or Prop 8 being overturned, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

After failing to find it at Best Buy last weekend, I finally watched Batman: Under the Red Hood last night. It was frickin’ brilliant! DC’s animated movies have been rocking for years, but Under the Red Hood raises the bar. The art style is fantastic and the voice acting is first rate (I thought I’d miss Kevin Conroy more, but Bruce Greenwood’s fine performance ensured that I didn’t). Most importantly (to me, anyway), the story was fantastic. It took a great plot from the comic books, tightened it up, and got rid of some of the convoluted twists that confused readers.

There’s a chance that I’m still basking in the afterglow of Under the Red Hood, but I’m pretty sure it’s the best animated comic-book movie I’ve ever seen. I’m a big fan of Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and think that Under the Red Hood blows it away. I’m struggling to think of an animated comic-book movie I’ve enjoyed more. That’s where you guys and dolls come in! What’s your favorite animated comic-book movie? Hell, go ahead and name several of your favorites, if you will.

Coffee Talk #190: What’s Your Favorite Star Trek?

Last week a few of you started a fun Star Trek fight debate. It started with The Original Series vs. The Next Generation, moved onto Kirk vs. Picard, and even touched on Spock vs. Data. I was thoroughly entertained and hope you’re up for it again! This time around let’s include all of the Star Trek shows — even Voyager (Come on! A woman captain and a black vulcan?!?). Let’s start with the poll:

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Intelligentsia’s Edelweiss Finagro Estate Tanzania, if Roy Oswalt is a difference maker, or the rumor that Apple’s new trackpad uses sorcery instead of magic, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

Last week a few of you started a fun Star Trek fight debate. It started with The Original Series vs. The Next Generation, moved onto Kirk vs. Picard, and even touched on Spock vs. Data. I was thoroughly entertained and hope you’re up for it again! This time around let’s include all of the Star Trek shows — even Voyager (Come on! A woman captain and a black vulcan?!?). Let’s start with the poll:

[poll id=”61″]

I’d love to learn more about your Star Trek preferences. In addition to your favorite show, I want to know your favorite characters, aliens, weapons, etc. As for me, I have four words for you: “There are four lights!!!”

Watch the Thor Comic-Con ’10 Trailer Before it’s Pulled!

Here’s the Comic-Con 2010 trailer for Thor. While some have slammed the movie’s costumes, I have faith that Kenneth Branagh will make a good movie. Anyway, check out the trailer if you have a chance. It will most likely be pulled before the end of the day. As always, I want your thoughts on the movie! In the immortal words of an Oakland MC it’s “Hammer time!”

Avengers (Cast) Assemble at Comic-Con 2010

The cast of The Avengers movie assembled at Comic-Con 2010. In addition to known players like Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury), Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Chris Evans (Captain America), there were a few newcomers on the scene. As rumored, Mark Ruffalo is taking over for Edward Norton as Hulk. Jeremy Renner is set to play Hawkeye.

I’m totally psyched that Hawkeye is in the movie. Hopefully he’s not the cool and calculating hero from the pages of The Ultimates, but rather the anti-authority loose-cannon from the original books. There’s a ton of star power in the movie and I’m really hoping Joss Whedon can do something special with this amazing cast.

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Riddler Set as the Villain for Batman 3

According to FirstShowing, the Riddler will be the villain in Christopher Nolan’s third Batman movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (10 Things I Hate About You, Inception) is currently slated to play the quizzical character. Here’s the skinny:

We’ve gotten word from a reliable inside source with a studio casting grid that The Riddler is listed as a character for Chris Nolan’s highly anticipated to the sequel to The Dark Knight, which is still called Batman 3 at Warner Bros. Even more interesting, the actor currently listed in the same grid to play the assumed villain is none other than Joseph Gordon-Levitt, whose status is just listed as “interested.”

Going with the Riddler makes sense; he’s one of the most iconic characters in Batman’s rogues gallery. Having said that, I’m a bit disappointed that Nolan didn’t go with a newer, headier character like Hush or Bane. (And really, Bane needs to be redeemed after his crappy debut in Batman & Robin.)

What do you think of the Riddler in Batman 3? Are you digging Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the Dark Knight’s next villain?

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Please Spoilarz Inception For Me

With one exception, all my friends are raving about Christopher Nolan’s Inception. I’m genuinely surprised by all the superlatives being heaped on this movie. I’m sure it’s good, but I’m not really interested in paying money to see it. However, I’d like to understand it a bit better. If you’ve seen it, I’d super appreciate you telling why it’s so awesome.  Leave all the spoilers you want in the comments section (please).

The Social Network: Unintentional Comedy or Genuinely Interesting?

The trailer for The Social Network — a dramatization of the origins of Facebook starring Justin Timberlake and directed by David Fincher — is partially cool, but mostly unintentionally funny. At least that’s what I think. I’d love to hear your opinion on the trailer. Is it interesting? Or is it a sign of a monumental flop to come?

It Ain’t Easy Being Green…Lantern: Ryan Reynolds Injured

I’m super looking forward to the Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds (Van Wilder) and directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale). GL is one of my favorite comic books and I’m excited to see Hal Jordan on the big screen. With that in mind, I was alarmed to learn that Reynolds suffered a minor shoulder injury while filming the movie. According to E!:

Despite his power ring, Reynolds suffered a “minor injury” to his shoulder on Monday. However, the mishap did not delay production on the Martin Campbell-helmed comic book caper. (The source disputed an earlier Us Weekly report claiming the star suffered a separated shoulder.)

Thankfully Reynolds is okay and the film is going as planned. Anyone else psyched for this movie? How do you think it will play out? Will it be super heroic or a super failture?

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Star Wars Reenacted on a NYC Subway

Here’s an excellent video by Matt Adams that takes a scene from Star Wars: A New Hope (the real first movie) and changes the setting to a New York City subway car. It’s pretty funny and makes me miss New York…until I remember that it’s July and it’s disgustingly humid over there. Anyway, check out the clip. It’s good stuff.

Ed Smashed: Edward Norton Out as Hulk in Avengers Movie

The Avengers movie will have one last star as Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as the Incredible Hulk. In a scathing statement, Marvel Studios president of production Ken Feige said:

Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H., Chris E., Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.

Given Norton’s creative issues with the last Hulk movie, this is hardly surprising. For all of his amazing talent, Norton can be a giant pain in the ass to deal with. The good news is that Chris Evans has one less incredibly talented actor to upstage him.

How do you feel about Norton being booted as the Hulk? Any suggestions for a replacement?

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