Warners next summer

IESB has a wonderful article about the tentpole movies set to come out next summer from Warner Brothers. Obviously this year their tentpole, and by that I mean big summer films they expect to do gangbusters, included Speed Racer, Get Smart and The Dark Knight. These are the movies that they will throw their full weight behind. Movies that can generate buzz, and will receive the choicest advertising budgets. They are the movies that will make the company a winner for the year. So far their batting average this year isn't doing so hot. Speed Racer has not done anywhere near as well as they hoped, or as you know I think, it should have. And I have some concerns about how well Get Smart will do as well.

But next summer is the really tricky thing. What exactly is Warner's to do??? They've got one big movie already in production for next summer, Terminator: Salvation. But as the article mentions they would probably like to have at least one or two others. And while theres still a little bit of time to rush something into production, it'll definitely have to be quick. This my friends is still fallout from the writers strike, and if the actors go on strike, we're in even more trouble. After Warner's other planned event movie for summer '09 Justice League fell apart in Australia a few months ago its going to be a bit of a scramble for them no matter what now.

In terms of possibilities there look like a few. All of these films have scripts that are ready or almost ready and the potential to be awesome

Supermax is one, which just recently acquired the subtitle Green Arrow. sounds like it could be good. The story is about the superhero, Green Arrow, but its not at all what you'd imagine. Its actually a prison movie. The story follows Oliver Queen (the Green Arrow) as hes tossed in jail for a crime he didn't commit alongside a number of criminals he helped put there. Apparently there's only 10 minutes or so of him in costume, and the rest of the film is him first trying to survive in prison as a wanted man, and then teaming up with his former enemies to break out and try to clear his name. Latino Review has a great little run down that explains it better than me.

The only other straight superhero film on the board, a sure fire for the summer, that's close to ready is Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam.... yes thats the full title of the Shazam film. While details are slim on this film, we do know that Dwayne The Rock Jonhson has been cast as the villain Black Adam. All that said, apparently some at WB still have hope for the Justice League film to come back together, although all indications seem to point to that not hapening.

The other two possibilities are interesting ones. First in the long awaited Johnny Quest film, which IESB speculate may be being eyed up by director Peter Segal, who is just finishing up promoting his newest film Get Smart. And second is the film that I am really rooting for being put into the fast-track fro development, the He-Man movie. I spoke a bit about this before, but if you want the real scoop, go read Latino Review's excellent script review that they recently published. They really got me excited about the possibility of this film, which sounds just totally badass. The script they read is not comic at all, its a serious sword and sorcery film, with what they call a perfect blend of technology and magic. They give the script an A+. Go check their post for more on the film including some direct material from the beginning, it sounds fantastic. Oh and the film is currently called Greyskull: Masters of the Universe.

Whatever happens, you can bet it will happen soon. I'm very interested to see what Warners gets up to next summer. And for that matter what everyone else is planning too. One would presume the writers strike has dented the other studios summer plans as well. And with the potential SAG strike looming, everyone might have to scramble just to make ends meet next year. My hope is that a bit of desperation makes people work all the harder for me. For some insight into next summer from the other studios, check out this wiki list of set releases. And expect more on all of this to come, as its announced.
-

Speed Racer review

You know, I hate to be one late to the party, but it looks like this one was set to be a bust. No one, and I mean no one seems to have found it in their hearts to see Speed Racer this summer. And that my friends is a real shame.

This weekend I stepped into my local cineplex and threw down for a film that I have been really captivated by the marketing for, but wasn't sure on the actual translation to film. Sure a commercial looks great, but would ti work for 2 hours on screen?! The answer in one way is a mostly so. I think for a large eclectic audience, and one of younger kids, or older adults this film might be an honestly tough slog. Unfortunately for the kids, its plotting is kinda of slow despite the insanity of the visuals. And unfortunately for the adults its like a two hour acid trip while listening to Break On Through by The Doors over and over again. BUT that mean, for me it was absolutely and totally perfect!

I can't comment on this movie really other than my personal experience, not with any authority at least, and for me personally this film was frickin sweet. I saw the film, to my brain addled delight in IMAX, and seriously thought that I was going to have a seizure more than once. It is frenetic. It is tripped out and insane. It is such a fast and candy coated awesomely crazed mind fuck that if I didn't just let myself roll with it I think my head might've actually exploded. The colors, the camera, the set design, and the lighting, the movement, and the CG. Everything in this film works like clockwork together to create a picture that is so totally cohesive in its insanity that it somehow fits perfectly for the Wachowski brothers. There is absolutely zero doubt in my mind that this film is exactly what they intended to create, and they have brought their considerable talent directly to the honed point of the Speed Racer film experience with as much clarity as any of the Matrix movies. That is definitely something to be commended.

What I loved about Speed Racer was the whole package, it was the absolute best kind of sensory overload, but you have to go in prepared for an experience akin to eating a bowlful of sugar and running around in circles. The movie has action, plenty of action. The racing in this movie, which lets face it is the heart of the plot for a racing film is unreal in its awesomeness. Yes it doesn't seem 'realistic' but its very real and very believable for the world of Speed Racer. I don't know how to describe how awesome the races are, because theres not really much to compare them to. They have plots to themselves. Each and every race in the movie has a character, and a lively story, that goes beyond just whats happening to the individuals or the setting. The races themselves are stories. Here's something I'd recommend if you can, go pick up a copy of Star Wars: Episode 1, a film I bet a lot of people own despite the fanboy bitchiness towards it, Then put it in and check out the special feature that shows the entire uncut podrace sequence. Grab some popcorn and sit back to watch a 25 minute race that is absolutely fantastic. Say what you want about Episode 1, but simply on its own the podrace (the full podrace mind you) is fantastic. Probably never should've been in the film as it was, but just on its own it is a great story. And that's how I felt watching these F-Zero-esque, Hot Wheels inspired races in Speed Racer that kicked all sorts of ass. For the race sequences alone this film is worth watching.

Aside from the races and the look though, Speed Racer has a lot of heart. The story is sweet and the characters have both depth and development throughout the film. This is a movie that while sometimes predictable, was always entertaining, and had a nice message. Its a film that I think should play well in a family setting, once everyone gets past the visuals. And thats the note that I think plays most importantly in Speed Racer, both to its benefit and its detriment. The visuals are so jaw dropping that it'll be hard for a lot of people to just sit back and appreciate them for what they ultimately are, a device to tell a sweet and simple story of a loving family overcoming their problems together.

I hope people see this film. I hope kids can handle the 135 minute running time. I hope adults can look past the practically non stop flashing assault of light and color. This is a film that will be dearly enjoyed, if it can find its audience.
-

International SR trailer

Check out this new Rain filled international Speed Racer trailer. I Just love how great this film looks. I think its gonna be huge!



Speed Racer hits screens on May 9th. That's really soon!
-

New Speed Racer posters

Care of Warner Bros, via Comingsoon.net check out these great new Speed Racer posters. Pretty sweet. Click to enlarge.

Speed Racer hits the big screen on May 9th, 2008.
-

Even newer Speed Racer trailer

Wow. I seriously love how fun this looks. This film will be awesome. Check the great new trailer out...



So cool :) Speed Racer comes out May 9th, '08.
-

Two new Speed Racer trailers

Wow, check out these two very cool new Speed Racer trailers. These are set for the international market, and I think they look amazing. Are you guys excited about this film? I think people will either love it or hate it...





Speed Racer comes out on May 9th, '08.
-

Warner's gets smart with ideas

So as we should all know by now, There is a Get Smart movie in the works. It comes out on August 15th, and I think looks pretty funny. Check out the trailer.



I mean, maybe it won't be the funniest movie ever, but it definitely looks decent enough for a rental. And I'm sure if I was a bigger fan of the original tv series I would be all over the film, but frankly it was a bit before my time. Just ever so slightly...

Some really interesting news has come out of Warner's recently regarding the film. Sci Fi Wire reports that the secondary characters Bruce and Lloyd, played by Masi Oka, and Nate Torrence are going to be getting their own spin-off film. And not in a year or two; they are actually going to be getting a spin-off movie that will be direct to dvd, and come out within a few weeks of the theatrical release of Get Smart. The characters as far as I can tell are the techhie guys and provide zany comic relief. Well more zany comic relief. The spin-off is unfortunately not set to feature Steve Carell at all.

While kind of cool in and of itself, the implication is also made that this, multi platformed media onslaught is all part of a new business plan for Warners. Get Smart director Peter Segal, who did not direct the spin-off film, said its "a new idea that Warner Brothers is trying to do, and we are sort of the maiden voyage." I have to say I think this is a great idea. I know there are lots of times I've watched a film, and been more interested in the secondary characters than the predictable main plotline. Or even just being able to get more backstory in general, is a great idea.

What other upcoming Warner films do you think would benefit from this kind of treatment? I's have to go immediately for something like Speed Racer, although here's already the animated series on the way. How about Ender's Game, if that ever gets made actually, but Bean's story is an obvious choice there. The Watchmen film is another great chance, and Warner's is stepping up already on that with a plan to release an accompanying anime film, of The Black Freighter, starring none other than Gerard Butler.

This is a great plan of action for Warners and I hope other studios follow suit. It doesn't have to be as big a budget as the main property, but when I like a film I want to see a lot of it. And if it comes to an extra little direct to dvd film, or an accompanying anime, or tv series spinoff; planning ahead of time to make something that can come together at the same time as the original just makes the most sense. We'll have to wait and see what other films get this extra special treatment, hopefully it'll be all the ones I like most.
-

Speed Racer poster

Check out this very nice poster for the new film Speed Racer. Now isn't that much more manageable than a crazy breakneck real-life-anime style trailer :) check out AICN for a big high rez version of this poster.

Speed Racer hits theaters May 9th, '08
-

Speed Racer trailer

Wow, this is really different.

The Speed Racer trailer has landed online via Moviefone. Go to their site for the trailer in HD, or just check it out below. It is really wild...



I'm actually finding it kind of hard to figure out how to react to the trailer. On one hard it's unlike anything I've seen on film. Like something really right out of the anime, but on the other hand I'm not sure I can handle something as insane as this. Will this film be a masterpiece? or is it destined to miss the mark? With the Wachowskis at the helm I want to think it will work, but well, just check that trailer... is that something that everyday America can connect with?

I definitely look forward to seeing even more and maybe reading a few early reviews. For now though you can find a bit more info to gobble up at the official film site speedracerthemovie.com. Although nothing can really explain the cool madness of that trailer. Speed Racer is set for release May 9th, 2008.

-

Racer X

Check out ETs behind the scenes video with Matthew Fox who plays Racer X in the Speed Racer film. We also get a glimpse of Emile Hirsch, and... is that Rain?

Very cool, even if it is from ET ;)

The race is on May 9th, '08.

UPDATE - It seems like it must just be a Speedy day. Care of a nice little USA Today article we've now gotten our first official pictures from the Speed Racer film. Check out these two pics, then head over to the article to see the other 6. This movie might just be unlike anything else ever made. It reminds me a bit of Ultraviolet in how totally stylized it is. Very, very interesting.

-

New Speed Racer and Transformers toons

So as the title of this post implies there are two brand new cartoons in the works, one for Speed Racer and one for Transformers. Lets start with Speed Racer first as we've got a bit more information on that one.

As reported in Variety Lionsgate (in their first smallscreen cartoon venture) and Nicktoons have teamed up to bring 26 new original episodes of a Speed Racer cartoon to air next year. The cartoon, set to hit the airwaves around the same time as the Wachowski brothers live action Speed Racer movie, will not just be a simple retelling of Speed's story though. The new cartoon will be a sequel series, following the adventures of our young Speed Racer as he enters racing school to learn to become the fastest driver on earth only to discover that he is actually the son of the original Speed Racer, Who has recently mysteriously gone missing. And just like the original Speed his rival at the school turns out to be his long lost brother the brand new Racer X. But upon learning of their fathers disappearance in the first few episodes Speed and Racer X team up to both stop nefarious villains from stealing the secrets of the the ultra advanced Mach 6 race car, and find out what happened to their missing dad. Adapted from the original series, Speed's younger brother Spritle is now the headmaster of the racing school, and Chim Chim the chimp is recast as a robotic mechanic.

Well, its on Nickelodeon, who I like, and its not like I'm doing anything else, so I guess I'll check this show out. I will say that I don't know that I've ever been too enthralled by the recent style of racing series like IGPX, or F-Zero GP. Although this property has some really good legs; and with the new movie coming out, even though the series and it are totally unrelated, I think it could be quite good. I also actually really like the idea of Speed and Racer X teaming up, even if the plotline could really lend itself to the ridiculous. I think what we really need to see is some of the character artwork. Lets keep an eye on this.

The second new series is yet another Transformers tv show. With the last TF series, Cybertron, firmly finished now and the new movie coming out in a few weeks, I'm actually surprised that this hasn't come about sooner. But it looks like we'll have a little while to wait. There has been no official announcement of the series yet, but care of AICN we do have this fascinating trade show one sheet. Check out that hyper stylized artwork...

Wow, now that is a new take on the Transformers. What I think a lot of people don't really pay attention to is that there have been like 6 Transformers series since the original (Generation 1, or G1). Some of them have been good, some bad, and one of them, in my opinion, surpassed the original, but I don't think any of them have looked like this. I've watched most of them, and as a fan I had to get past some pretty big changes to the mythos. But Transformers have proved so amazingly versatile, such a truly robust property that even though none of the series has lasted too long they always attract fans for one reason or another. This, my friends, will be no different. I'm really looking forward to this show. I actually have the entire Cybertron series sitting on my computer right now ready to watch as soon as I get a chance for a marathon. But this new one, just knowing that it will be such a high profile new reimagining makes me even more interested.

As we can see from the advertisement the show, and new toy line, will launch in Spring of 2008. And the show will air on Cartoon Network. I'm sure we'll get more info on this soon as convention season is just heating up. And they often save this kind of juicy news for then. Did I mention yet that I'm going to the San Diego Comic Con? Well, I am :D and its going to kick so much ass I don't even know what to say... Of course first I've got that whole other big event, my wedding, in only 2 weeks time. But my point is, I bet that I'll have something more for you all by the time we get into the end of July. And until we have more official, I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Have a great weekend everyone, see you all next time.
-

Behold the Mach 5

As a fan of the super sweet 60s cartoon Speed Racer I can think of no better treat than this first official production photo for the upcoming Wachowski brothers live action Speed Racer adaptation thats coming to screens May 9th, 2008. Ladies and gentlemen, check out the true awesome magnificence of the Mach 5...

Speed Racer is filming now, and stars Emile Hirsch, of The Girl Next Door fame, as Speed, with Christina Ricci as Trixie, John Goodman as Pops, Susan Sarandon as Speed's mom, Matthew Fox as Speed's rival Racer X, and a real live chimpanzee as Chim Chim!!!

Thanks to USA Today for their article revealing this great pic of the tricked out super car, the Mach 5. If you haven't ever seen, or heard of the awesome old cartoon Speed Racer, I have to say you've missed out. It's chock full of tripped out stories, pretty choppy animation with cliched dialogue, and waaaay over the top action sequences. But after Astro Boy and Gigantor it was one of the first popular animes to make it in the western world. And once you watch it you'll understand why. Speed Racer is just plain fun. Its got lots of great cheesy impossible and thouroughly entertaining action, and has a fantastic retro look that only adds to the charm.

The show, and movie, follows young hot shot race car driver Speed as he battles to win races, often for desperate causes, like saving his family's workshop from closing down, or to rescue his kid brother Spritle from the trunk of Racer X's car. I have the first season of the show on dvd, and I have to say it holds up very well. Maybe because its past the point of being just old, its classic, iconic even. I really recommend you check out the show if you get a chance. This movie has the potential to be totally awesome.

One word of caution; if you are unfamiliar with the story of Speed Racer, there is one largish plot point that was, in the series at least, hinted at a lot but only actually revealed in the latter episodes. It concerns the origin of Speed's rival, the masked Racer X. I've been seriously disappointed to see a lot of the press carelessly tossing this spoiler about the internet. So if you're trying to avoid the potential big twist ending of the film next year, I would wait a little bit for more official press to start coming out regarding the film before you start reading.

Anyhow, you can just keep your eyes on this site right here, cause you know I'll be bringing you more info as it becomes available.

Go Speed Racer,
---------- Go Speed Racer,
------------------ Go Speed Racer GO!!!

-