Sci-Fi Saturday: Indy, Hobbit, Terminator, Speed Racer, Wolfman, Battlestar, Smallville, Jericho March 29, 2008
by Rosario T. Calabria , Filed under: Sci-Fi , trackback
This week in Sci-Fi we got McKellen talking Gandalf, Lucas downplaying Indy 4, Yelchin talking up Terminator (and Trek), Hirsch on Speed Racer, Keanu playing up the environmental Earth Stood Still, Wolfman getting real, Weinsteins doubling up on Fanboys and tons of new movie trailers and images. For TV we got news on Jericho, BSG, Smallville and much more
MOVIE NEWS
George Lucas: new ‘Indiana Jones’ is ‘just a movie’
Listening to George Lucas talk about "Indiana Jones 4", you’d think he’s dreading its release. In an interview with USA Today, Lucas, who co-wrote and produced the film, is downplaying expectations:
When you do a movie like this, a sequel that’s very, very anticipated, people anticipate ultimately that it’s going to be the Second Coming. And it’s not. It’s just a movie. Just like the other movies. You probably have fond memories of the other movies. But if you went back and looked at them, they might not hold up the same way your memory holds up.
Irony Alert: Lucas with Ford wearing "Han Shoots First" T-Shirt on set of Indy 4
Yelchin talks Trek and Terminator
Anton Yelchin talked to Rotten Tomatoes about his upcoming roles in both of the big May 2009 movies, "Star Trek" and "Terminator 4". Regarding meeting the original Chekov the actor said "I got to talk to [Walter Koenig] and figure out what he thinks about us making it and he was really pleased and oddly gracious as well." And regarding his upcoming role as John Connor in the next Terminator film, Yelchin states the first two films are "a central part" of his childhood…which was what…two weeks ago? In other Terminator news, CinemaBlend’s scooper says Yelchin’s role will be a "central character" in the film akin to Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen in the Star Wars prequels. CB also reports their may be a link between the film’s and the FOX Terminator TV series.
More on "The Dark Knight" Viral Campaign
Another week, another extensive look into Warner Bros’ "The Dark Knight" viral campaign. This week brings us a new edition of the Gotham Times, plus several new websites: Maiden Avenue Report (a riff on The Drudge Report), Gotham Cable News, DanaWorthington.com (Dent’s competition for the D.A. job), Citizens for Batman, GVA Foundation and Saint Swithuns Church. Not to be left behind, The Joker is texting random people asking them if they’re ready to go to work, telling them to expect a message by April 1st. April 1st is of course April Fool’s day. Come on, you didn’t actually expect him to be serious did ya? "The Dark Knight" hits theaters on July 18th.
Is the original Gandalf coming back?
Responding to fan submitted questions on the actor’s official website, Sir Ian McKellen made it clear that he has every hope and intention on returning to Middle Earth. McKellen responded to a fan saying "Yes I will, if Peter Jackson and I have anything to do with it, he being the producer and me being, on the whole, a very lucky actor." However McKellen says that even though Jackson told him he couldn’t imagine doing the films without the original Gandalf he hasn’t been asked yet by director Guillermo del Toro, however he noted "I am keeping my diary free for 2009!" Del Toro’s agent told the AP on Friday the director is considering McKellen for the role and he hopes it "resolves soon."
McKellen to DelToro: you best consider your choice wisely
Keanu Reeves: No To "Constantine 2" + Talks Environmental ‘Earth Stood Still’
Sorry "Constantine" fans–there are some out there right?–but Keanu Reeves tells IESB he’s not interested in taking up the character of John Constantine again. The actor also talked up the environmental angle on "Day The Earth Stood Still" (due out December 12, 2008) with MTV:
“The first one was borne out of the cold war and nuclear détente. Klaatu came and was saying cease and desist with your violence. If you can’t do it yourselves we’re going to do it. That was the film of that day,” Reeves explained. “The version I was just working on, instead of being man against man, it’s more about man against nature. My Klaatu says that if the Earth dies, you die. If you die, the earth survives. I’m a friend to the earth" Adding: “We’re trying to reach beyond the idea of [just] environmentalism.”
Del Toro’s Wolfman is all real
Details are continuing to slowly trickle out about "The Wolfman", Joe Johnston’s remake of the classic 1941 horror film. Executive producer Scott Stuber spoke to Empire and had some interesting things to say about the film. The biggest news is Stuber’s revelation that the film will have no CGI: "We really want to stick to the physical stuff. So much of what we’re trying to accomplish is that when Benicio is the wolf, you really know it’s Benicio Del Toro and you have the eyes and the emotion of what he is."
Wolfman: We don’t need no stinkin’ computers
"Speed Racer" Star: It’s Like ‘Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before
Emile Hirsch, star of the Wachowski brothers’ upcoming adaptation of the classic animated series, told MTV News that "Speed Racer" will be "like nothing you’ve ever seen before": “This film has all these visuals and elements to it,” says the actor. “That’s what the Wachowski brothers, when they were making that first ‘Matrix,’ [were doing]. No one had seen anything like it.”
"Star Wars" Saga On Spike This Week + "Clone Wars" Trailer In May
For the first time on basic cable all six films in the "Star Wars" franchise will be airing on one network. On Friday, April 4th at 8:00 p.m., Spike TV (click here for the networks complete coverage, including an ‘Ultimate Trailer’) will air "Episode 1: The Phantom Menace". ‘Episode 2′ will follow on Saturday, followed by ‘Episode 3′ on Sunday night. The network will conclude the event with ‘Episodes’ 4, 5 and 6 airing the following weekend. In other "Star Wars" news, ComingSoon.net has learned that a movie trailer for "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" will debut on May 9th attached to "Speed Racer".
New York billboard promotes Star Wars assets
Weinstein to Release Two Versions of "Fanboys"
Responding to pressure and outrage from "Star Wars" fans, The Weinstein Co. has decided to release two versions of the oft-delayed "Star Wars" related comedy "Fanboys". The company released the following statement:
In recent weeks, Star Wars fans nationwide have built a multi-tiered grassroots effort to voice their strong support for one of the earlier versions of the film, including a campaign which generated over 300,000 e-mails in support for the film. Based on the tremendous feedback and interest from the fans, today’s announcement will ensure both versions will be equally available within the marketplace."
The controversy surrounds the original cut of the film. The early cut focused on a group of "Star Wars" fans who go on a road trip in 1998 to break into George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch to steal an early print of ‘Episode 1′ for their friend, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Weinstein reportedly hired "Little Nicky" director Steven Brill to eliminate the cancer storyline and increase the comedy level. The move has angered "Star Wars" fans, who’ve responded by threatening to boycott Weinstein films starting with the March 28th release of "Superhero Movie" at sites such as Stop Darth Weinstein. One has even produced an R-rated video making fun of Weinstein which you can watch below.
NEW IMAGES
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Speed Racer (more here)
Land of the Lost (set photos- more here and here)
Iron Man ( link)
X-Files 2 (teaser movie poster)
Hancock (more here)
NEW VIDEOS
Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow
X-Files 2
Tripping the Rift (DVD Movie, in stores now)
Pathology
Meet Dave
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Visual Effects Video)
Allan Quartermain and the Temple of Skulls
MOVIE BITES
- Stephen Tobolowsky ("Heroes") is in talks to play Batman’s Butler Alfred in George Miller’s "Justice League: Mortal". [Contact Music]
- "X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s" Hugh Jackman is teaming with "Eli Stone" co-creator Marc Guggenheim to create "Nowhere Man" for Virgin Comics. [Variety]
- Julie Benz has been added to the cast of "Saw V". The latest film in the horror franchise hits theaters on October 24th. [Cinematical]
- Columbia Pictures has debuted a new viral site– Hancock Was Here–for the upcoming Will Smith superhero comedy.
- "Speed Racer: Chronicles of the Racer", a graphic novel based on the upcoming May 9th film, will be released in April. [IDW Publishing]
- "Spider-Man’s" Tobey Maguire is taking on another comic book adaptation. According to THR, Maguire is teaming with Neal Mortiz to produce "Afterburn". No word yet if Maguire will star.
- Ryan Phillippe as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader? It almost happened recalls the actor: “I read with Natalie Portman,” the actor revealed. “I think it was sort of an age thing in their mind. It wasn’t quite right, but yeah, they were interested.” [MTV Movies Blog]
- Is production on "Transformers 2" underway? FilmSchoolRejects was sent in some camera shots of a vehicle in Culver City carrying one of the stars and a stunt double of the movie.
- The ‘Star Wars’ themed "Robot Chicken" special hits store shelves in a bonus packed special edition DVD on July 22. Three weeks earlier on July 1, Fox Home Entertainment is releasing a Blu-ray Hi-Def special edition of the 1966 classic "Batman: The Movie".
- Want to see "Justice League: Mortal"? Co-star Common (John Stewart/Green Lantern) told MTV News that the film’s future is up to its fans. There’s also a report over at Cinema Blend that Hayden Christensen may be Superman in "Justice League: Mortal".
- Tyrese Gibson and Dennis Quaid have been added to the cast of Screen Gems’ apocalyptic thriller "Legion". Filming is scheduled to begin shortly in New Mexico with Scott Stewart, who is making his feature-directing debut. [Variety]
-
Access Hollywood has an article up on the upcoming live-action adaptation of "G.I. Joe". The article discusses the upcoming film with cast members Channing Tatum (Duke), Dennis Quaid (Commander Hawk), Sienna Miller (The Baroness). Still no confirmation we’ll hear the catch phrase "Now I know, and knowing is half the battle", but a Paramount spokesman teased: "You’ll have to wait and see!"
TV NEWS
Jericho Seeks a New Home
On the eve of the show’s final episode, executive producer Carol Barbee was already speaking on the talks to find the CBS series "Jericho" a new home, perhaps a cable network: "[CBS] Paramount [Television, which produces the show,] has been pursing it, and our agents have been into that, so, you know, I am pushing those people and coming up with ideas to have those people pursue, she said in an interview with SCI FI Wire" Barbee says the cast and crew are very thankful for the support from the show’s core fan base and without going into specifics, Barbee made it clear that if last Tuesday was the series’ last TV airing, it could still live on: "There’s definitely an Internet series to be had, and we always talked about a graphic novel, and … a movie," Barbee said. "I mean, there are lots of things that I could easily see as a way to continue the story." Perhaps deluged with viewer mail, SCI FI Wire posted a note on their site asking fans to direct their snail mail to the following address: SCI Fi Channel, 21st Floor, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Help us!…again
Smallville’s Luther Begins ‘Descent’
Smallville executive producer Brian Peterson and co-executive producer Kelly Souders told SCI FI Wire that when the CW show returns with new episodes later this month and into April, Lex Luthor will make the bad guy transition once and for all. That will be especially true in the April 17th episode "Descent": "There is a major turn that happens in his life that drives him into pure darkness. … It’s Lex’s real descent into the villain he becomes. I think that is what fans have been waiting for. It’s what I’ve been waiting for," Peterson added with a laugh. See promo for "Descent" below.
‘Battlestar’s’ Olmos OK If All Die, Sackhoff Talks About the Final Cylon
Edward James Olmos, who plays Adm. William Adama on Battlestar Galactica, told SCI FI Wire that he wouldn’t be shocked if all the characters on the show died at the end of the upcoming fourth and final season. Olmos made the remarks, which he prefaced by saying he had no idea what will happen (i.e. no spoilers), at last weeks upfront presentation in New York. Olmos simply insists that it would be a fitting end for a series which he called a "commentary on our times" and the "most worthwhile piece of television" he has ever done. Expanding on the what if, Olmos said: "I think that people would be shocked, and they’d be hurt, and they would be totally, totally frustrated." At the same event, Katee Sackhoff (Kara Thrace)was asked if she knew the identity of the final cylon. After teasing, Sackhoff offered: ”We’ve been told who it is. I personally don’t believe it,” Katee said. ”I think that is something that is going to be kept until the very end.” Sackhoff also noted that they’ve filmed up to episode of the final season. Season four of BSG kicks off April 4th with the episode "He That Believeth In Me"..
‘Make a Cylon’ Contest Launches
Hey "Battlestar Galactica" fans, think you can create a Cylon? SCI FI Wire, DVICE and MAKE magazine are partnering to challenge fans to build a robot in the "Make a Cylon" contest. Running through early June, the contest calls on entrants to use any material they deem necessary to build a physical machine which can be of the human or robot variety. This 2-year-old YouTube vid shows someone who got a head start.
TV BITES
- At last week’s Paley Festival, Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz spoke about the upcoming sequel to "The X-Files". THR has put up an extensive feature from the panel which discusses "The X-Files 2", the final seasons of the TV show, the 9/11 connection with "The Lone Gunmen" and more.
- In addition to rehashing the last new episode until April, the newest "Lost" Podcast confirms the identity of the "Oceanic Six" and discusses the remaining episodes of season 4.
- "Battlestar Galactica’s" Helo (Tahmoh Penikett) has landed a role on Joss Whedon’s new pilot "Dollhouse" [THR]
- Kelly Preston is joining NBC’s "Medium" for a four-episode stint. [NBC]
- Erica Cerra (Deputy Jo Lupo on "Eureka") told SCI FI Wire that she’s co-starring in the upcoming Sci-Fi film "Dark Swarm". The film, which also stars Christopher Judge ("Stargate SG-1") and Ed Wasser ("Babylon 5"), is eying a 2009 release.
- Colin Ferguson, who plays Sheriff Jack Carter on "Eureka" told SCI FI Wire to expect some departures and new arrivals when the show returns for its third season this summer.
- Summit is developing "Countdown", a Sci-Fi action movie based on a classic Richard Matheson episode of "Twilight Zone" titled "Death Ship" The film will be directed by Michael Brandt. [THR]
SCI-FI RATINGS
| Top 10 SF&F Broadcast Shows | HH Rating/Share |
| 1) New Amsterdam-TUES | 8.2/12 |
| 2) Lost | 7.6/12 |
| 3) New Amsterdam-THURS | 6.2/10 |
| 4) Medium | 6.0/10 |
| 5) ‘Terminator’ 9PM | 5.0/7 |
| 6) ‘Terminator’ 8PM | 4.7/7 (7.75M) |
| 7) Eli Stone | 4.7/8 (7.14M) |
| 8) Ghost Whisperer (R) | 4.3/7 |
| 9) Jericho | 3.8/6 |
| 10) Lost ("Enhanced" Repeat) | 3.7/6 |
3/3/2008 to 3/9/2008 - Source: Nielsen Media Research
| Top 10 SF&F Syndicated Shows | Rating |
| 1) Stargate SG-1 | 1.0 |
| 2) Star Trek | 1.0 |
| 3) Dead Zone | 0.8 |
| 4) Stargate Atlantis | 0.7 |
3/3/2008 to 3/9/2008 - Source: Nielsen Galaxy Report via SCI FI Wire
| Top 10 SCI FI CHANNEL Shows | Rating |
| 1) Ghost Hunters | 1.9 |
| 2) Ogre | 1.6 |
| 3) Stargate Atlantis | 1.5 |
| 4) Destination Truth | 1.4 |
| 5) Hercules, Part Two | 1.2 |
| 6) ECW | 1.2 |
| 7) Gryphon | 1.1 |
| 8) Grendel | 1.1 |
| 9) Snake King | 1.0 |
| 10) Reptilian | 0.9 |
3/3/2008 to 3/9/2008 - Source: Nielsen Galaxy Report via SCI FI Wire
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Comments»
Has anyone else noticed an unusually high amount of spelling errors on the internet as a whole lately?
Still reading — but, had to get in a big
AMEN! to no CGI.
I will never understand ecw and why any educated person would watch it.
Hayden Christiansen as Superman? No-o-o-o-o…..!!
wow so are there no better x-files trailers? now i gotta do some searching.. i am soooo stoked about it!
#2. I have. Is it a sad commentary on the educational system, or are we just to lazy to look things up or proof read? Or are we just to tired or busy or (?) to care? Why are we in such a rush? Where is personal pride in one’s work? It’s not just here. It shows in many ways. Look at all the bloopers Jay Leno shows in his “Headlines” segment. Notice how many times its/it’s and to/too are misused. And NOBODY seems to know how or when to use an apostrophe these days!
What was the subject of this thread???
Anthony, is there anyway to post the actual youtube link to things you show on your site, like the build your own cylon contest from 2 years ago, I like you only see the little cube b/c of the lack of active x support or whatever the problem is with the iPhone? I am only refering to youtube posts like the one above.
Can’t wait for BSG season 4, but sad to know its the last. In my opinion, its the best sci fi show since Babylon 5.
Thanks
Ghost
What’s with this on the Maiden Ave. Report:
GRIEF: SPONTANEOUS MEMORIALS ARISE FOR YOUNG GOTHAM ACTOR NICK ADELAIDE
That should have set off uncomfortable connections for someone.
I’VE GIVEN UP ON KEANU REEVES…
There’s no way this guy will ever be a decent actor, certainly not after subjecting my eyeballs to those MATRIX and CONSTANTINE atrocities.
Bad grammar is sadly flowering all over the Internet on web pages that could EASILY have been put through a spell check application. Dreamweaver has “Check Spelling” readily available for webmasters-just one possibility to make web pages more professional. Believe me, as a Webmaster, if the pages I develop aren’t professional, I lose business!
This is a very nice summary of all the cool new SF projects we can look forward to.
I noticed that the JLA movie, New Frontier, is being advertised on this very site. Just a quick question to those in the know: Why does Superman have a different color scheme for the big “S” on his chest? It’s black with red lettering. I thought that this movie was supposed to follow the prime timeline? Or is that, in fact, the reason why?
Decloaking . . .
With regard to the “fan boys” promo: I’m so sick and tired of seeing Trekkers/Trekkies/Treksters/Trekites/Trekeristas portrayed as a bunch of dweebs and dorks. We are NOT dweebs and dorks! We are nerks and geeks and cool-groovy-farout geeks at that — so there!
Aw crap, I just sat on my Spock ears }:-[
Oooo, that kinda felt good — in a Chewbacca’s got a hairy ass kinda way.
Sorry, Harry Ballz, no offense inferred.
Recloaking. (the preceeding message was intended in good humor, and not to inflame anyone’s hyper padantic sensibilities). IT’S ABOUT THE HUMOR PEOPLE !!!!!!!!!
#1
I have, and it’s not just spelling errors. I’ve seen posts here and elsewhere with absolutely *no* punctuation whatsoever, just a bunch of words strung together so poorly, it’s just about impossible to follow.
What’s really funny is when someone’s grammar/spelling errors in a post are criticized, nine times out of ten, the person criticizing said errors has made several addtional spelling/grammar errors.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
>> CB also reports their may be a link between the film’s and the FOX Terminator TV series.
Ugh… Let the series alone, please, it’s a different continuity!
Could someone please post the link to the “build your own cylon” as mentioned above. I have an iPhone and can’t view it, if possible that is.
Vulcanista?
Thanks
Ghosty
I must say that the poster for the X Files movie looks at a distance like the letter “X” with two little feet attached to it.
Hat Rick — The Superman “S” shield with black background started with the Max Fleischer cartoons of the 1940s:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_(1940s_cartoons)
It’s part of the whole retro/classic aesthetic they’re going for with “New Frontier.”
Cranston, thank you for that prompt and interesting response. It is much appreciated.
Cyberghost, here’s the link to that video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRRLJ-v0KwM
The Day the Earth stood still is to me one of the great scifi classic, the remake with Keanu Reeves, I don’t think is going to cut it with audiences. The problem that I have with remakes is that they more time in the special effects the stars but not into the scripts. Most remakes ive seen of late have been a disappointment, and I think this one will be no exception. Also Im having a tough time buying Keanu Reeves in the role of Klaatu.
Every one potentially getting killed off on Galactica, If it true ,what A sad pessimistic end to their struggle for survival. All that way only to die, kinda like the real world. Thats gonna make a few people unhappy and it might negatively impact the new prequel series Caprica.
Of Alan Quartermain those previews failed to impress, which doesn’t bode well for this picture.
Sped Racer everytime I see new clips of this movie it looks worse each time. Mith be alright movie for young kids though.
x files shouldnt have ever been canceled, cant wait for the new movie.
now if only they’d bring back ‘the lone gunmen’…
i’ve been waiting for speed racer for years, it seems, whats the freakin’ holdup? even if it stinks, i want to see it. now.
fans may find this amusing, i nearly wet myself the first time i saw it:
Race Speedster
http://youtube.com/watch?v=oBR_onUYxW0
Concerning the ultimately frustrating BSG ending, I would speculate that it would be most disappointing not merely if the Galactica were destroyed, but rather if it was discovered that the Galactica had been leading the Cylons on toward the abode of other humans, and that the entire series was, rather than the story of the ending fo the human race as known to Caprican, instead the story of the end of all humanity, everywhere, and even more, the origins story of the new Master Race whose plan had unfolded with machine-like precision from the very beginning.
If you think about it, it seems rather strange these days to believe that humanity is the apex of evolution, the way we could blithely asset barely more than a century ago. Somewhere around the universe, there are bound to be beings far superior to ours. We realized this increasingly as science fiction told us Wellsian stories of Martians capable of destroying the Earth. We realized it penultimately as we began to discern the outlines of our own future replacements in the form of artificially intelligent machines whose capabilities in competing with strategic thought have by now exceeded those of our grandest chessmasters. Many of us believe that the future will be ruled not merely by humans, but by the progeny of our mind that mankind is even now creating.
The Cylons, then would be our replacements. The humans in the BSG universe were merely their pawns, and their useful idiots in their general plan toward final victory in this, the ultimate game of evolutionary success.
One more thing that I forgot to say: What was with the Lucas interview? He seemed particularly cranky that day. Just a movie, folks, the man says. Not exactly the best way to sell Indy.
Decloaking . . .
#20 Garovorkin . . . “Attention to Orders . . . your are hereby promoted to the rank of Commodore, with all the responsibilities and privileges thereto . . . signed Commodore Lurker, TrekMovie.com Posting Division, StarFleet Commmand, as of this date.”
Congratulations Sir, you are right-on again!
A remake of “Day the Earth Stood Still” makes me cringe. It is such a classic 50’s SciFi flick. Only “Forbidden Planet” is in the same league.
“The Matrix” dude only makes it worse. Although I really liked the first two Matrix films.
I just got into Galactica. Remaking that stupidity made me run for the hills. Then I found out Ronald D. Moore was the show runner. Since then I’ve been blown away by it. Awesome. I’m in favor of when they get to Earth, WE are the Cylons.
I watched every ep of “Speed Racer” when I was a kid. This is obviously a children’s movie. I’m okay with that.
Congratulations on your promotion.
Sincerely,
Recloaking.
#22 you make a plausible case on Galactica. Thats one angle I had not thought about. I still think that both the Coloniels and the Cylons both machines but well see on that one.
Thanks, 25. Maybe it comes from my early interest in robotics, having read Asimovian fiction on same since my youth. I think that, in this respect, humanity must tread carefully in the years hence, since the power of machine intelligence appears to be increasing dramatically as the years go on, whereas the power of human intelligence appears to follow a vector in inverse proportion to the rapidly increasing number of inconsiderate drivers who cut us off on the freeway.
#27 hat rick its funny you bring up Asimov i would imagine that it is in regard to the 3 robotic laws. A it might apply to the Cylons. If you create a machine as dangerous as a Cylon would it not stand to reason that ther would have been something equivilant to the the 3 laws which would have prevented this rebellion in the first place? Or why would you not have sother safety procols or some kind of hard wiring to circumvent rebellion? I thought about this whole issue and there is one way that the rebellion could have occurred. The Cylons were helped by someone, The final five.
#24 Comodore Lurker thanks I don’t know what to say. By the way did you check out that Novel The Star Rover By Jack London, His only fantasy novel? You might like it.
#15
Ah, I see Rosario has answered your plea! Let us know when you’ve built your Cylon!
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
I really don’t want the Justice League movie to be made. Don’t get me wrong, I love the JLA. But this movie just gives me a bad feeling. “Justice League Mortal”, what the hell? It’s the Justice League of AMERICA, jerks! And Bob from Heroes playing Alfred? I’ll stick with Michael Caine, thank you.
That damn canadian guy that ruined Star Wars playing Superman?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Also, I LOVE Hal Jordan, with a passion. So putting John Stewart in there is like getting kicked in the nuts.
The Avengers movie, now there’s a movie I can get excited about, and I don’t even like the Avengers that much!
24, that’s a pretty good plot twist. Hello, fellow Cylon!
27, the Three Laws are a good reminder of the need to instil ethics in intelligent beings. Along with the Prime Directive, they may be some of the most useful philosophical rules ever produced by science fiction.
Great discussion we’re having here, folks. I really enjoy reading these messages.
One thing about the Speed Racer movie — it does look a little cartoony, doesn’t it? Sort of a live-action cartoon. But that’s okay. I like things that are different, for a change.
#18 Hat Rick — Glad to be of service (although I see that the link I entered didn’t work in its entirety).
#29 boJac — I agree about the JLA (JLM?) movie. I like the JLA too, but pretty much every decision I’ve heard about this film has struck me as wrong-headed. But I will respectfully submit that if anyone “ruined Star Wars,” it was Mr. Lucas, and no one else.
As for the Cylons, I suspect that we’ll learn that all of the “humans” on BSG are, in whole or in part, descended from the “Cylons” of some previous iteration of the cycle (”all of this has happened before, and all of it will happen again”). And we may, as Commodore Lurker implied, also learn that we humans on Earth are also, in some respect, Cylons. In other words, the whole “Cylon” concept will turn out to be almost a red herring in the end, but one that allowed a really interesting 4-season exploration of what “human” really means.
Or, I could be wrong.
BSG I can’t wait for more. I love shows like BSG that provoke so much speculation and discussion. I am so curious where it all goes to. It is interesting to read many of the ideas others have had for how this might end.
With JLA part of me just hope it dies and Miller does some MAD MAX. Just saw DOOMSDAY so I am in a MMAX type of mood.;)
Man every time I see the SPEEDRACER trailer I feel like I am watching something on drugs.;) Too nuts. Really not sure how I feel about it in the end.
Part of me really hates the idea about the remake of the DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL. But then there is on a rare occasion a good remake. Just have to wait and see. The original is so damn great with mood, style and a fine soundtrack.
The WOLFMAN looks like some old school horror goodness!
My God, they are making a Land of the Lost movie? Is there once bloody original brain cell left in Hollywood. I guess H.R. Puffenstuff is only a matter of time.
Love, the X Files poster, great noir feeling.
Can’t wait for BSG.
Keanu Reeves in The Day the Earth Stood Still. From what I’ve heard he is a nice guy, but he can’t act is way out of a cellophane sack.
KUDOS to the Wolfman folks!! THAT’S the way a movie should be made!! People seem to forget that in this age of computers and digital effects, we’ve also made incredible advances in OTHER forms of special effects, too. Like practical effects (stuff that exists in tangible reality). I can’t wait to see how awesome that’ll look!!
“Speed Racer” scares me, though. It’s like the opposite of the spectrum…even the human actors look like video-gameish CGI!! Gah!!
yeah, SPEEDRACER looks Kinda Ga….Uh…Lame.
#33 There already was a H.R. Pufnstuf movie with the original cast in 1970. ;)
The Day The Earth Stood Still - what a classic! Quite the poignant “agenda” flick for its time.
However, I fear the remake will be full of over-bloated political Kool-Aid slurping nonsense this time around…..a global whining agenda-fest. It was poignant then but annoying now.
#1
There are a lot of non-english persons wrinting in forums, just like me. English is a widespread language but sometimes spelling errors arise.
#1 anything you want to imply with your profound observation?
Build your oen Cylon……..
interesting……
Man, how much longer can “Smallville” go on before he dons the costume?
I watched a few seasons, then read an interview with the creators that said “no flying, and no tights.” I then stopped watching because that’s like JJ saying “Nah, no Enterprise in this one.”
Lex Luthor looked promising in the preview, though.
As for grammar and spelling on this site, so many posters speak English as a learned language, and simply want to be part of the give and take. Cut them some slack.
#32 What got me into the whole notion that Earth and not Kobol as the Origin point for humanity and that they might be machines were couple of items. One when the went into the temple of Athena and saw the constellation of the 12 signs of the zodiac as they would be seen from Earth, then ther eis the whole issue of the character names and sir names. The ther was the phrase it has happened before and it will happen again, I thought What if the peolple of Kobol had created theire own machines and had suffered a similar rebellion as the Coloniels, the machines had evolved and became human and either through accident ot Design(the final Five) forgot they were human.Rember one importat fact the five are the gods to the Coloniels and they are revered by the Cylons.
Also in season 4 the Cylons are about to have ther on machine rebellion, which will force them to alay them selves with the humans. The 13th tribe? One possibility is that they are decended from humans who fled from Kobol, they went earth , so possibly when the galicta gets to Earth they will find enmies not friends. That might explain the potential sad ending that Galactica may have
Regarding spelling: even into the 19th century, there was no absolute standardized way to spell things. Further, recent attempts to teach literacy through phonics create a great deal of confusion and left many of us who started to read in the 80s some serious spelling issues. Many words do spell like they sound, but many don’t. (How do you pronounce the second month of the year?)
Language rules are descriptive, not prescriptive. In other words, spelling and grammar standards reflect common usage, but aren’t set in stone. As usage changes, spelling and grammar also change. Language evolves. Some misspellings might someday become become accepted as the new way to spell a word. You wouldn’t want to be a linguistic Luddite, would you?
So please stop complaining about spelling.
Having again viewed the preview of Speed racer, it further convinces me that this one could be a box office dud in the making. It could potentially be even sillier then the live action Thunderbirds which suffered from a common syndrome called Box office Thudietis.
Hmm… anyone else think that the Quatermain movie is trying to cash in on the buzz for the Indy movie? I mean, “Temple of Skulls”? Just put two Indy film titles together for yours (and put Skull in your movie title like the Indy movie coming out at the same time has), put your hero in almost the same hat? That’s pretty pathetic.
#45 oh yeah, like the cheap knock off Allan Quatermain movies of the1980 staring a past his prime Richard Chamberlan and Sharon Stone in one of her more memorably bad performances ecilpsed by her role in Catwoman and Basic instint 2 The sad part is that the books that theses cheezy movies are based on King Solomons Mines by H Rider Haggard are some of the greatest adventure stories aver written. The best incarnation of King Solomons mines is the 1950 movie staring the the late Stewart Granger, I suggest you view that one before you see this next cheapie installment of Alan Quatermain.
Even back in the 70’s, I thought it would be cool if there was a final battle above earth and only 2 survived; an ADAMa and an EVE. And they were the beginning of our earth. Any thoughts?
Keanu Reeves as Klaatu??? Give me a break. Talk about miscasting.
Same for Christiansen as Superman (!!!) P-U!!
PS- Learn to spell. (#43- Oh please, give me ANOTHER break…)
Thunderbirds also apparently suffered from being bad, courtesy of one aka William Riker at the helm.
Speed Racer suffers from being a horrible cartoon being made into a big budget live action film.
They, or someone, should have done “Gigantor” instead.
#49 AJ they apparently already did a live action Gigantor and a live action astroboy if you want to see both of those travesties check them out on youtube.
Indy, Speed Racer, Iron Man, you name it. Every Sci Fi fan has a ton of photos of his/her film, except for us Trek fans. We have to deal with J.J.’s paranoia about secrecy.
This is very frustrating. And the worst is there’s NOTHING we cand do
Ian M. must play Gandalf in the next two Hobbit films. He perfectly portrayed the wizard-as-savior-as best friend
He is Gandalf. Period.
Ian Holm is a bit old to play young Bilbo, unfortunately. But it’d be nice to hear him reminisce, and bridge the two series.
Del Toro could make these films into magic. Gandalf rules.
#48- Sure, take a break. A long one. And read up on the history of the English language and some current theories on language development. It makes for great break-time reading. You’ll see that I actually have a point.
Now, I don’t mind someone disagreeing with me. But this “give me a break” crap is not only rude, but the sign of someone who lacks an open mind and cannot be bothered with other perspectives.
I love Star Trek, and I’ve liked Smallville a lot, too. I’ll be watching, that’s for sure.
^43
But since Samual Johnson and Noah Webster, not to mention moveable type, English spelling has changed very little, most of which was due to Revolutionary fervour in 1776. We’ve seen some simplification, particularly wrt to conjugation and register, but if you have any literacy, you can certainly read back to Chaucer with only a little effort.
^ Oh, what a nest of misspelling that was!!!
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a classic - in any serious sci-fi fan’s top ten. The remake is going to suck — guaranteed. Keanu Reeves is a poor actor, remakes rarely are as good as the original, and if PC environmentalism crap is the theme, this movie is going to suck big time.
“Dudes, if you, like, continue to threaten the environment, we’re going to kill you.” What a message.
Besides we couldn’t kill the Earth if we wanted to. Wait until this movie comes out on video — and then don’t rent it.
And Captain Otter is mistaken. Proper spelling and grammar are critical to communication and progress. The government school system cranks out illiterates like they are Borg, who then, in turn, vote themselves into slavery. Look at the choices of the Presidential candidates from either branch of our one political party and you can see the need for being informed and literate — insted uv makeing up nu wayz to spel wurdz becuz they mite be gooder then thuh old wunz. Ther iz manee thngs not to bee opin mindid about and this iz wun of them.
Day the Earth Stood Still remake-will bomb. No one remembers it, cares, or needs a rehash of its moral equivalence. Mark my words.
Lucas has a sense of humor with that shirt after all.
Make me go to a Justice League movie.
If MacKellan should be in The Hobbit (and he should-no brainer), Shatner should be in our new movie.
Shatner as Kirk > MacKellan as Gandalf.
#47 Good idea!
I think that Del Toro will have Sir Ian Mckellin back in the role of Gandalf. from a public relations standpoint it would be a major backeye for him and the studio if they didn’t have him in the film. Ian Holm can still play Bilbo, a little Makeup a dark wig he look just fine or they use computer to make him look younger like they did with Ian Mckellin and Patrick Stewart in Xmen 3, In any event Im not worried on this one because Peter Jackson will be on hand to help produce the two prequel movies
Why would anyone want to plunk down ten dollars to see a GI Joe film, the animated series was an abominable product placement vehicle for children. To expect them to come up with good film based on this brainless piece of drek, is a little unrealistic to say the least. Then again they are doing a Thundercats movie god forbid and who knows with Hollywood, they might soon be doing a Sliverhawks movie doesn’t that sound lovely?
Whats next I wonder? Thundar the Barbarian, that actually might not be a bad as a movie, If they could get the right script,actors and director
“And regarding his upcoming role as John Connor in the next Terminator film, Yelchin states…”
Yelchin’s playing Reese, not John.
Garovorkin:
Holm was made to look younger in LOTR:FOTR, but he was skulking around in the dark for a few seconds. Do you think they could do it believably for two whole films? I would rather have Holm as Bilbo as well. And I can’t wait to see Del Toro’s Smaug.
It’s true that every crappy cartoon from our past is being milked and turned into a film, and especially after the success of Transformers, we’ll see it more. Johnny Quest would be a good one.
great post thx
For anyone who hasn’t already figured it out,
“Allan Quartermain and the Temple of Skulls” is the latest knock-off from The Asylum.
They’re the folks responsible for such movies as: “The Da Vinci Treasure”, “Snakes on a Train”, “Pirates of Treasure Island”, “Transmorphers”, “I Am Omega”, “AVH: Alien vs. Hunter” and “Monster.
Though they aren’t inaccurate in saying the movie is based off of H. Rider Haggard’s novel, it’s still a knock-off.
#63 they did crappy Alan Quartermain movies in the early 80’s around the same time as the first two Indiana Jones movies, Im not surprised that we have history repeating itself here. Actually Haggard wrote several novels besides King Solomon’s mines which featured the character Allan Quartermain, One was called She and Allen which brought together two of his most famous literary creations Alan and Ayesha. Whats sad is that these are such good adventure novels hat I would like to see a a list director tackle them rather then these b movie hacks. The last good adaptaions of Haggard King Solomon as I Mentioned was 1950 movie and the last adaptation of she was in 1966 movie staring Ursula Andress as Ayesha. The previews looked very badly edited which tells me the film is going to extremely bad.
Man, George Lucas must still be seriously miffed about the underwhelming critical reaction to his Star Wars prequel trilogy…
What he forgets, is that Steven Spielberg is heavily involved in this Indy movie with him also, so I think he’s crying ‘wolf’ a little. There is no way this Movie’s ‘creative choices’ are gonna be as disappointing as his ones for the prequel trilogy were - Taxation fall-outs, politics, a too-young Anakin and a mis-cast older Anakin, Jar Jar Binks, etc. etc.
And Han should ALWAYS shoot first! I recently watched the Adywan STAR WARS REVISITED ‘fan edit’ of the DVD, and while I don’t like ALL of his particular ‘creative choices’ either, at least I was blown away by the amazing one-man effort that he managed to put into his additions, changes, and corrections.
It shows what a poor effort was put into the ‘Special Edition’ DVD releases in the first place. Mmmm, why does that sound strangely relevant where a certain show is concerned? Rant over, and thankyou.
Praise where praise is due Adywan, and Han shoots first again! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yknBtoUYZeI
Oh, and Keanu Reeves should have been cast as ‘Gort’ surely?…and ‘The Wolfman’ is now on my to see list due to it’s lack of CGI. Now THAT’S a great ‘creative choice’…
63, 64, et al.
Yeah I have yet to see H.Rider Haggard’s material done justice on film and I’ve been waiting a lifetime. The problem is that his stories have a history of attracting hacks just like The Asylum and the creators of Xena, Hercules and the Mummy series looking to make a quick buck. Two early film versions (1935 & 1965) of “She” are okay but every other attempt at adapting Haggard’s works have been unholy wrecks. Same goes for adapting Edgar Rice Burroughs. I hear Pixar is starting work on “John Carter of Mars”. God I hope it’s not animated like “Beowulf”, that was just awful. I kept expecting Shrek to walk in.
I can’t even find a listing for “Allan Quartermain and the Temple of Skulls” on imdb.com — very strange. Maybe a foreign-made film dusted off and dubbed into English? Lame.
#47
Been there, seen that: the original Twilight Zone. 1963. Richard Basehart. “Probe 7-Over and Out”
Love Jericho, hope it does get a new home.
#66 I saw 1935 version of She, awful film. The thing of is that until now I had never heard of this new Alan Quartermain film, there was no advanced movie buzz or mention in a magazine that I can remember or on the web. Usually when a film comes out of the blue like this one, it tends to be not a quality product. The previews of this film had the look and feel of a Uwe Boll project only not that good. It looks like something you watch on the scifi channel and forget about.
#65 Lucas has made so much money on the second trilogy that I don’t think he really cares what the critics really think. if he’s doing the writing on the new Star Wars live action show look, for a very short run on the network television.
In response to PaoloM’s #38 comment:
There are a lot of non-english persons wrinting in forums, just like me. English is a widespread language but sometimes spelling errors arise.
I agree and understand where you’re coming from on that, but there’s also a bunch of people out there who don’t take pride in their writing and do write as if they are too lazy to write something clearly and consisely.
I’m a graduate student and I can’t begin to tell you the amount of papers I’ve seen from other students with no grammer or professional sense of writing. And this is graduate school. It’s disconcerting.
I even get emails sometimes where I have to decode what is being said. And these are from American born, English speaking invividuals.
I’m glad that the first reader David Crombe brought this up for discussion. Thank you.
Lucas needn’t worry; I’ll be going to see Indy 4 with relatively low expectations … Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of my favorite films of all time, but I wasn’t impressed by _either_ of the sequels, any of the 30 or 40 times I saw them, and I don’t have high hopes to be impressed by this one, any of the 30 or 40 times I’ll see _it._ :)
But I’ll be there, and if nothing else, when that music first hits, I’ll be in heaven.
I wonder if Lucas does have doubts about this latest installment of Indiana Jones, Imagine if god forbid, this film turned out to be a real stink bomb, but given the fact that Spielberg is also involved I would have a hard time believing that could be a possibility, In the Case of Spielberg his only major box office disappoitment was that mega disaster of a movie 1941. Still a couple of the moments in the trailer to this current installment did look a little stale.
Hey #72, 1941 is one of my favorite movies. It is sooooooooo funny.
#73 I like watching it as well. 1941 is so bad its funny, it was an absolutely epic box office failure, but it John Beluishi.
I actually hope Indy4 doesn’t suck.
As for language, this is not a forum for English majors, but Star Trek fans. We all know “Einstein couldn’t spell,” but he did the other stuff quite well.
I am sure that some non-native English speakers are embarrassed to post because of poor spelling or grammar, and if we natives start complaining about it, we’ll miss what they have to say because they’ll simply lurk out of fear.
#26 Hat rick I saw a preview on youtube in which the Galactica and its fleet were in a desperate battle with the Cylons, Ships were getting blown to pieces and I think The Galactica got blown to Pieces and certain cast members were talking as if everyone was going to die or the survivors numbers would be severely reduced. this may all be a red Herring im not sure.