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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Coffee Talk #171: M. Night Shyamalan Exposed

I am thoroughly enjoying the reviews for The Last Airbender. I love that M. Night Shyamalan is getting called out for some shoddy and expensive work. I’ve always resented him a bit (I’ll explain shortly). At best, I thought he was a one-trick pony with good directing skills and poor writing skills (which makes him Bizarro Kevin Smith). At worst, I thought he was an overrated hack. So yeah, I’m enjoying the skewering he’s getting for ruining Avatar.

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, MLB all-star snubs, the best fireworks you saw last night, or Alton Brown’s grilling secrets, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I am thoroughly enjoying the reviews for The Last Airbender. I love that M. Night Shyamalan is getting called out for some shoddy and expensive work. I’ve always resented him a bit (I’ll explain shortly). At best, I thought he was a one-trick pony with good directing skills and poor writing skills (which makes him Bizarro Kevin Smith). At worst, I thought he was an overrated hack. So yeah, I’m enjoying the skewering he’s getting for ruining Avatar.

You see, I had to like Shyamalan. One of my best friends and former roommates, Steve, is Indian-American. I championed famous Indian-American celebs on his behalf (all three of them) and he championed famous Filipino-Americans on mine (all four of them). For a while, Shyamalan was a press darling — not liking him would’ve broken this sacred covenant Steve and I had. Besides, I enjoyed Unbreakable.

The good news is that the rise of Aziz Ansari has made it okay to dislike Shyamalan. I’m pretty sure that an up-and-coming comedian that’s cool and edgy allows me to knock off a hack film writer. I’ll have to check with Steve. Anyway, let me know what you think of M. Night Shyamalan’s work. Are you fan? Do you think he’s overrated? Are you pissed that he’s butchered Avatar: The Last Airbender?

LEGO Harry Potter Collector’s Edition Behind-the-Scenes Video

Just in case you didn’t buy the collector’s edition of LEGO Harry Potter, here’s one of the behind-the-scenes videos from the set. It’s a cute clip that contains several moments of the cast goofing off while making the first four movies. It’s kind of crazy that these kids have been working on these movies for a decade…and that Hermione has gotten really hot.

Anyway, it’s a fun video for you Harry Potter nerds (like me!) out there.