Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice TV Spots: Capes & Jaw-Juts on the Menu for March

And so, it begins. By the time Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters in March, I fully expect to see no fewer than 25 or so of these 30-second (or longer) TV spots that still won’t give away all of the film’s “surprises”. I’m at the stage where these comic book blockbusters don’t surprise me much if at all because both DC and Marvel traffic heavily in killing any actual suspense these films bring thanks to wanting to keep as many main and some supporting characters around as possible as a means of generating income. Alternate universe stories aside, they can’t “kill” off a *major* character anymore (without replacing him or her) because they’d be removing a slice of that easy revenue stream fans pony up on a regular basis.

That said, collateral damage seems to me more than okay in these flicks. In English: you sure can lay waste to cities great and small, killing thousands or even millions of civilians as a plot pushing element. “Dead” superheroes get to come back to life at some point, but dead normal folks stay dead long after the rubble has been cleaned up. I suppose there’s a moral here, but I’m too lazy to look for one today.

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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Trailer: A Big SOCK! Full Of POW! For 2016


 

Wow. First we get slapped around by new Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Terminator Genisys trailers and today, it’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice getting people all hot under the collar and a few other places. Well, it certainly looks as if any blubbering about Ben Affleck as Batman has been silenced. The film seems to borrow rather heavily from Frank Miller’s Dark Knight books in terms of Batman’s more tricked out costume (the lighted eyes, sniper rifle and other bits) as well as the big battle that’s going to take place between Bats and Supes.

Of course, the film is also a jump off for the future Justice League movie, so there’s going to be plenty of new things to ogle here and over-speculate about as new trailers drop. You go do that ogling and speculating on your own time. I’ll just wait more more moving picture news and perhaps a few stills to pore over before passing any major judgments Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is in theaters March 25, 2016.

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Yeah, yeah – I’ll get to that Terminator trailer tomorrow. I was up way too late working on a few projects and am wiped OUT tonight.

The Toys of Summer: World Tech Toys Joker 2CH IR RC Helicopter – “Fly So Serious?”

HobbyTron Joker CopterI’ll have to admit, I let out a hearty chuckle when I opened the box from HobbyTron and saw that World Tech Toys DC Comics Licensed World Tech Toys Joker 2 Channel Infrared RC Helicopter inside leering at me suspiciously. I wasn’t laughing AT the Joker-shaped chopper, mind you… but the fact that it was him inside that box and not Batman or Superman as I’d expected.

I also laughed because it being the Joker meant I was probably lucky to be alive after opening that box. As not a whiff of Smilex Gas poured out of the box and I was still breathing, I cracked the package open, took everything out and in less than two minutes (most of which was spent trying to recall where I put the bulk package of batteries I bought a few weeks ago), I was about ready to fly… Continue reading

Superman: The Movie (1978) Sharp Dressed Men Make An Impression! Writers, Here’s How To Introduce Your Hero (#7 Of A Bunch)

(thanks, Jason Makiaris!) 

This one’s priceless and still a kick in the pants because it’s classic 1970’s New York gone comic book (thanks to the great Richard Donner), but even more hilarious for one key reason. I recall seeing the film back in 1978 and some kid sitting in front of me asking his dad who the black guy was noting how awesome Superman’s costume was. I don’t think there was EVER a pimp in a Superman comic when this film was released (and I’m not sure if one has ever been in an issue even as a background character). I do remember the father muttering something like “Er… um, I’ll tell you later – just watch the movie!” and me trying not to crack up laughing for the next hour plus. To this day I often wonder HOW that guy explained what a pimp was and what he did to his kid. THAT conversation must have been a doozy. The full scene is here – enjoy!

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Sounds Like A Court Case. It’s Not.

BvS_DoJ 
Well, it’s official and I’ll get used to it, but I’ll admit I laughed out loud and IMMEDIATELY thought of one of those many “Judge” TV shows that crowd television these days. Batman suing Superman or vice versa? For what, one can only wonder. Of course, I’d better shut it with the snark or director Zack Snyder will whip out his trusty Leica, bash me on the head with it and take a photo to post on his twitter page. Ouch. or worse, I’ll suffer the raaaaage of a few hundred thousand DC fans who will be queuing up to see this one as soon as someone posts a release date. Anyway, updates to come when I feel like it. The film just started shooting today in Detroit (of all places, but hey – they NEED those movie studio dollars), so there’s a loooong road to go before it’s a wrap.

Perspective: Two Words For Those Cranky Batman Fans: Michael Keaton.

(thanks, Batman on Film!) 

Hoo boy. Based on the internet collapsing in on itself yesterday and today, you’d think someone ran around kneecapping old ladies walking cute puppies or something across all 50 states and in too many countries around the world to count. It seems that this new age of short attention spanned, easily “outraged” fanboys and girls are forgetting their film history a few too many times, so let’s play Time Machine for a bit. Back in 1987 or ’88 when there was NO internet (well, not what we call the internet these days), I can distinctly recall Batman fans I knew flying far off the handle when the Batman movie was announced with a director they’d barely heard of and a guy playing Bruce Wayne/Batman who’d only been known for being a comedian with not so big a movie resume.

I remember reading the news and thinking one word: DISASTER…

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So, Um… Whatcha Doin’ This Weekend? Superman’s Free For Some Quality Time…

Well, not “FREE” free (or is it FREE “free”?)… you’ll have to go dutch or whatever and buy a ticket to see him (or play illegal mall mega-plex tippy-toe, you cheap bastard) and sadly, it’s look but don’t touch once you meet up. That said, I think you’re guaranteed some exciting times, a few laughs and maybe some tears before the break-up just over two hours later. Hey, he’s Superman, folks – he has to move faster than you.

Anyway, go see Man of Steel if you haven’t yet – it’s pretty darn good.

Man of Steel TV Spot 12: Truth and Consequences!

Man of Steel - LSo, the reviews are rolling in and it’s pretty much official that this one’s a solid flick that does a great reinvention of the character (the sequel was greenlit as soon as the earliest praise rolled in), so the onus is all on Snyder, Nolan and co to do the next film up as good or even better than their first effort. Granted, Man of Steel is probably not going to convince that small group of Donner-only diehards, but I’ll bet they can’t deny the power on display… That and if you hate this film for doing things differently, you’re probably more of an Otis fan…

Man of Steel Walmart “See Steel First” TV Spot: Well, If It Isn’t The Red Cape Special…

 

Act-ually, I hear that the military get first dibs on a screening, so I guess that’s something of a fib Walmart is telling. Oh well – it doesn’t matter all that much anyway, as it looks as if everyone who loves movies and has an eye or two will want to see this flick. I guess if there were Walmarts located on military bases (so much for the old PX, huh?) next to those movie theaters, hearing “Attention Walmart Shoppers!” booming over the speakers ever few minutes about some sale items (“Ten-Huts are now half off!”) would have everyone on that base saluting with one hand while pushing an over-packed cart with the other…

Man of Steel TV Spot 10: So Much For The Talking it Out Stuff, Huh?

Well, so much for the small crowd that thought this was going to be too talky or *dull* because of some misconceptions floating about since that original languidly paced reveal. Balance seems to be key here, as the trailers and ads have gotten all the more intense. I’d say both camps should be pleased at the end of the day and as tickets are already on sale (a move guaranteed to pump up the box office receipts for that all important opening week/weekend), I’m betting “sold out” shows will be the thing to deal with in a few places. Actually, WB only has to “worry” about those early bird reviewers who nitpick the films they see to death and consider the first two Chris Reeve Superman films “untouchable” for some reason (they’re great fun, but not beyond criticism for their flaws). As usual, we shall see…