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Wag The Movie - Terminator Salvation Review
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Op/Ed: Listen Up, Warners, DC, Chris Nolan, Et All.
I am gonna let my nerd flag fly for a moment, and tell my opinion on a certain matter.
Of course last summer, The Dark Knight came out and blew everyone away, and of course, you wonderful people at WB want to make another one, and if Chris Nolan agrees, it'll be off.
Great. I can't wait.
But of course, as with any superhero film, the question is, who will be the villian. Now, since Dark Knight was released, a lot of speculation has floated around, but only one of those is a constant. The Riddler.
A few actors have been tossed around as possibles, and while that's normal Hollwood fiddle faddle, I actually have a suggestion.
DON'T cast Johnny Depp. A great actor to be sure, but I feel like casting him in this sort of role would be almost a cop-out. "We need quirky and wacky, get Depp"
DON'T cast Eddie Murphy. While that was a huge rumor (that has been since debunked) his name is still out there. He can be good (see his old standup, older films, Dreamgirls, ect.) but I don't think this is a role for him.
Here is my big suggestion for casting of the famed Puzzle master of Gotham...
Robin Williams. Bare with me...
Years ago, when Tim Burton was doing the Batman movies, Robin was at one point considered for The Joker...but was never a serious choice. They used him to get Jack Nicholson to lower his price. Of course he was upset...who wouldn't be? They then offered him the role of the Riddler in Batman Forever, and he would have done it if WB apologized for their actions (or so the story goes) and they didn't, so Jim Carrey took the role.
This would be a great way, WB, to say "We're Sorry" In recent years, I've seen Warners become one of the best companies out there for filmmaking, and it would make sense that the people who told New Line Cinema to get lost after they screwed over Peter Jackson would be able to apologize to Robin Williams.
He has also already worked with Chris Nolan before, and Nolan likes to use familiar actors. Chris, I don't know how well you guys got on on the set of Insomnia, but I think he'd make a perfect, unorthodox Riddler.
Riddler in recent years has taken on a more detective role in the comics, and that would be perfect for the Nolan world...I don't know how he'd work into the story, and I am not going to waste my time writing fan fiction...but I'll say this. Heath Ledger was a strange choice for Joker, and he turned in an incredible preformance...I imagine Robin Williams, one of the best (comedic or not) actors of his time could do something similar.
So what I am saying is...Warners, DC, Chris...please consider Mr. Williams for the role of the Riddler, should you decide to use the character in Batman 3.
That's all for now
Donald Hallene III
Of course last summer, The Dark Knight came out and blew everyone away, and of course, you wonderful people at WB want to make another one, and if Chris Nolan agrees, it'll be off.
Great. I can't wait.
But of course, as with any superhero film, the question is, who will be the villian. Now, since Dark Knight was released, a lot of speculation has floated around, but only one of those is a constant. The Riddler.
A few actors have been tossed around as possibles, and while that's normal Hollwood fiddle faddle, I actually have a suggestion.
DON'T cast Johnny Depp. A great actor to be sure, but I feel like casting him in this sort of role would be almost a cop-out. "We need quirky and wacky, get Depp"
DON'T cast Eddie Murphy. While that was a huge rumor (that has been since debunked) his name is still out there. He can be good (see his old standup, older films, Dreamgirls, ect.) but I don't think this is a role for him.
Here is my big suggestion for casting of the famed Puzzle master of Gotham...
Robin Williams. Bare with me...
Years ago, when Tim Burton was doing the Batman movies, Robin was at one point considered for The Joker...but was never a serious choice. They used him to get Jack Nicholson to lower his price. Of course he was upset...who wouldn't be? They then offered him the role of the Riddler in Batman Forever, and he would have done it if WB apologized for their actions (or so the story goes) and they didn't, so Jim Carrey took the role.
This would be a great way, WB, to say "We're Sorry" In recent years, I've seen Warners become one of the best companies out there for filmmaking, and it would make sense that the people who told New Line Cinema to get lost after they screwed over Peter Jackson would be able to apologize to Robin Williams.
He has also already worked with Chris Nolan before, and Nolan likes to use familiar actors. Chris, I don't know how well you guys got on on the set of Insomnia, but I think he'd make a perfect, unorthodox Riddler.
Riddler in recent years has taken on a more detective role in the comics, and that would be perfect for the Nolan world...I don't know how he'd work into the story, and I am not going to waste my time writing fan fiction...but I'll say this. Heath Ledger was a strange choice for Joker, and he turned in an incredible preformance...I imagine Robin Williams, one of the best (comedic or not) actors of his time could do something similar.
So what I am saying is...Warners, DC, Chris...please consider Mr. Williams for the role of the Riddler, should you decide to use the character in Batman 3.
That's all for now
Donald Hallene III
Friday, January 02, 2009
The DH3 Awards 2008 (Part One)
Since I don't run the Academy, I'd figured I'd dole out my own awards...Feel free to comment on my choices, or hand out your own.
Best Picture: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
If you read my review here, you know why this movie moved me as much as it did. Not much else need be said
Runner Up: The Dark Knight. I am a nerd for Batman, and it's very true that I saw this movie more times than any rational man should have in theaters, but it truly is a great film, and it will be hard to beat in terms of Comic Book films in the future.
Best Actor: Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
A tour-de-force performance by an actor I've always liked. He returns to the promise he had back in the 90's in one fell swoop as the screw-up wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson
Runner Up: Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button. It isn't the best preformance of his career, but Brad Pitt brings something special to the man who's live is in perpetual Rewind.
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Cate Blanchett has always been one of the best actresses around. From her indie films, to her big budget stuff, she is always stellar. She even gave an entertaining performance in the disappointing fourth Indiana Jones, but here, she gives a brilliant turn as Daisy, the lover of the title character. She plays the character from the young age of 20 (or so, I wasn't really sure) Until the very end, and each scene with her is a wonder to watch, with her grace and beauty.
Runner Up: Um, Not Sure. I'll get back to you
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
As the Joker, Heath undoubtedly left his mark on the world. The film would not have been nearly as good or successful without his performance as the Chaos loving clown. It really is a shame to see such a good actor gone, way to early, as this movie would have launched him into the stratosphere (and he was already pretty famous)
Runner Up: Don't Snicker, but it's totally Aaron Eckhart in the Dark Knight. Sadly because of Ledger's role, he is vastly overshadowed, but is fantastic as Harvey Dent.
Best Supporting Actress: Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
as Queenie, the surrogate mother for Benjamin, Taraji exudes the warmth and friendliness that we all want in a mother. She was also not a caricature of the typical African American "Mammy" which could have happened very easily.
Runner Up: Evan Rachel Wood in The Wrestler. I was expecting nothing really strong from Ms. Wood, but she turned in a wonderful performance as Randy's distant daughter.
Best Director: David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Two years in a row, Mr. Fincher has given me my favorite movie of the year, and I think he did a marvelous job taking the bulky script by Eric Roth and turning it into a beautiful film, with wonderful characters, and wonderful vision. I'd say this might be a pity award for him after getting completely ignored for Zodiac, but...Benjamin Button was just that good.
Runner Up: TIE! Christopher Nolan for The Dark Knight and Darren Aronofsky for the Wrestler. Nolan turned what could have been a normal superhero sequel into a morality tale that was gritty and dark, and felt very much like a brilliant crime thriller...with a dude in a Bat Suit to boot. Darren really turned in a Class A film with the Wrestler, a film that tells an honest story, with honest emotions.
Best Screenplay (Original): Wall-E
Now I know that most of the movie is beeps and boops, but, there was a great STORY behind those noises, and when they get to the ship and Humans get involved, it gets even better.
Runner Up: The Wrestler. What a weird thing that this movie came from an writer for The Onion. Wacky. Anyway, it's a great script that, as I mentioned in the RU-Director blurb, tells a very honest and well thought out story.
Best Screenplay (Adapted): The Dark Knight
Jonathan Nolan and Chris Nolan really outdid themselves, along with David Goyer, in telling a brilliant Batman story, tied up in a deep and exciting Crime Thriller. The Joker is a new take on the character, but feels familiar in all the right ways, and all the familiar faces from before got better lines in this film. (I'm lookin at you, Gary Oldman, you awesome man, you)
Runner Up: Part of me really wants to say Benjamin Button, but looking at the film, it's clear that it wasn't a well EDITED script...and it really wasn't a faithful adaptation of the story, so I don't really know.
Best Cinematography: The Dark Knight
Holy Hell, this film looks beautiful, especially on IMAX and in HD, but either way you slice it, the somber blue tone to the film adds a nice touch, and they even learned how to light Batman better than before.
Runner Up: Benjamin Button. Fincher always gets the best when it comes to filming his movies, and this looks beautiful as well. In HD I bet it's damned near amazing.
That's It for Now...
More to Come!
Best Picture: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
If you read my review here, you know why this movie moved me as much as it did. Not much else need be said
Runner Up: The Dark Knight. I am a nerd for Batman, and it's very true that I saw this movie more times than any rational man should have in theaters, but it truly is a great film, and it will be hard to beat in terms of Comic Book films in the future.
Best Actor: Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
A tour-de-force performance by an actor I've always liked. He returns to the promise he had back in the 90's in one fell swoop as the screw-up wrestler Randy "The Ram" Robinson
Runner Up: Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button. It isn't the best preformance of his career, but Brad Pitt brings something special to the man who's live is in perpetual Rewind.
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Cate Blanchett has always been one of the best actresses around. From her indie films, to her big budget stuff, she is always stellar. She even gave an entertaining performance in the disappointing fourth Indiana Jones, but here, she gives a brilliant turn as Daisy, the lover of the title character. She plays the character from the young age of 20 (or so, I wasn't really sure) Until the very end, and each scene with her is a wonder to watch, with her grace and beauty.
Runner Up: Um, Not Sure. I'll get back to you
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
As the Joker, Heath undoubtedly left his mark on the world. The film would not have been nearly as good or successful without his performance as the Chaos loving clown. It really is a shame to see such a good actor gone, way to early, as this movie would have launched him into the stratosphere (and he was already pretty famous)
Runner Up: Don't Snicker, but it's totally Aaron Eckhart in the Dark Knight. Sadly because of Ledger's role, he is vastly overshadowed, but is fantastic as Harvey Dent.
Best Supporting Actress: Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
as Queenie, the surrogate mother for Benjamin, Taraji exudes the warmth and friendliness that we all want in a mother. She was also not a caricature of the typical African American "Mammy" which could have happened very easily.
Runner Up: Evan Rachel Wood in The Wrestler. I was expecting nothing really strong from Ms. Wood, but she turned in a wonderful performance as Randy's distant daughter.
Best Director: David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Two years in a row, Mr. Fincher has given me my favorite movie of the year, and I think he did a marvelous job taking the bulky script by Eric Roth and turning it into a beautiful film, with wonderful characters, and wonderful vision. I'd say this might be a pity award for him after getting completely ignored for Zodiac, but...Benjamin Button was just that good.
Runner Up: TIE! Christopher Nolan for The Dark Knight and Darren Aronofsky for the Wrestler. Nolan turned what could have been a normal superhero sequel into a morality tale that was gritty and dark, and felt very much like a brilliant crime thriller...with a dude in a Bat Suit to boot. Darren really turned in a Class A film with the Wrestler, a film that tells an honest story, with honest emotions.
Best Screenplay (Original): Wall-E
Now I know that most of the movie is beeps and boops, but, there was a great STORY behind those noises, and when they get to the ship and Humans get involved, it gets even better.
Runner Up: The Wrestler. What a weird thing that this movie came from an writer for The Onion. Wacky. Anyway, it's a great script that, as I mentioned in the RU-Director blurb, tells a very honest and well thought out story.
Best Screenplay (Adapted): The Dark Knight
Jonathan Nolan and Chris Nolan really outdid themselves, along with David Goyer, in telling a brilliant Batman story, tied up in a deep and exciting Crime Thriller. The Joker is a new take on the character, but feels familiar in all the right ways, and all the familiar faces from before got better lines in this film. (I'm lookin at you, Gary Oldman, you awesome man, you)
Runner Up: Part of me really wants to say Benjamin Button, but looking at the film, it's clear that it wasn't a well EDITED script...and it really wasn't a faithful adaptation of the story, so I don't really know.
Best Cinematography: The Dark Knight
Holy Hell, this film looks beautiful, especially on IMAX and in HD, but either way you slice it, the somber blue tone to the film adds a nice touch, and they even learned how to light Batman better than before.
Runner Up: Benjamin Button. Fincher always gets the best when it comes to filming his movies, and this looks beautiful as well. In HD I bet it's damned near amazing.
That's It for Now...
More to Come!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Shocker: Bonham Carter cast in Wonderland (along with Anne Hathaway)
Thats Right, Tim Burton continues to be totally goddamned predictable when it comes to casting his wife in lead roles. According to The Hollywood Reporter Helena Bonham Carter will be playing the Red Queen in the Disney Digital 3D remake of Lewis Carrol's timeless acid trip for kids. Now, I don't mind her doing it, I think she'll be fine (I really like her, despite my protests to Tim's un-originality)
On the more surprising side, hotass Anne Hathaway will be playing the White Queen, sister to the Red Queen (a sign they are going more with the books than the animated movie), and she will be asking Alice to slay a creature, and I am not sure if this kid safe, the Bandersnatch. Sounds dirty.
The two queens join Johnny Depp (The Mad Hatter), Matt Lucas from Little Britain (Tweedles Dee and Dum), Michael Sheen and Mia Wasikowska (Alice) in the film set to be released in 2010.
- Donald
On the more surprising side, hotass Anne Hathaway will be playing the White Queen, sister to the Red Queen (a sign they are going more with the books than the animated movie), and she will be asking Alice to slay a creature, and I am not sure if this kid safe, the Bandersnatch. Sounds dirty.
The two queens join Johnny Depp (The Mad Hatter), Matt Lucas from Little Britain (Tweedles Dee and Dum), Michael Sheen and Mia Wasikowska (Alice) in the film set to be released in 2010.
- Donald
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Grim Reaper Strikes Again OR: 2008 Sucks
Paul Newman, all around bad-ass actor, has died at age 83.
From The Hollywood Reporter:
"Paul Newman, the Academy-Award winning superstar who personified cool as an activist, race car driver, popcorn impresario and the anti-hero of such films as "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Color of Money," has died. He was 83.
Newman died Friday after a long battle with cancer at his farmhouse near Westport, publicist Jeff Sanderson said. He was surrounded by his family and close friends."
We have lost so many good people this year, and it just sucks. Although we at Wag are known for our snark and sarcasm, we mean it when we say, we wish Newman's family the best.
- Donald Hallene III
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Box Office Blitz: Sam Jackson defeats Dane Cook
Fuck You for not letting me walk on the sidewalk, Dane Cook
Yeah, back when I was living in Boston, he filmed his #3 film in one of my favorite hang out spots...and they wouldn't let me walk down the sidewalk, because Dane Cook was getting all funny and shit. Fuck him.
Oh, yeah...Box Office...
1 Lakeview Terrace $15,600,000
2 Burn After Reading $11,295,000
3 My Best Friend's Girl $8,300,000
4 Igor $8,010,000
5 Righteous Kill $7,700,000
6. Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys $7,500,000
7 The Women $5,306,000
8 Ghost Town $5,171,000
9 The Dark Knight $2,950,000
10 The House Bunny $2,800,000
Tis good to see the Coen Brothers with the suprise comedy hit of the fall, and it's also good know that people are spending more money on their filck than the one with Dane Cook, Penny Lane, and the Pie Fucker. America suddenly got taste...thank God.
This week was fairly predictable. Sam Jackson still draws crowds, and his flick from Neil "yeah, I did the Wicker Man remake" LaBute looked to be at least entertaining. Igor was the lone kids movie this week, but kids are getting school underway, so tough shit, John Cusack and friends.
Wow, the Dark Knight still chugging away...that film just won't die...unlike Two Face...oh, did I spoil that for you...whoops
Yeah, back when I was living in Boston, he filmed his #3 film in one of my favorite hang out spots...and they wouldn't let me walk down the sidewalk, because Dane Cook was getting all funny and shit. Fuck him.
Oh, yeah...Box Office...
1 Lakeview Terrace $15,600,000
2 Burn After Reading $11,295,000
3 My Best Friend's Girl $8,300,000
4 Igor $8,010,000
5 Righteous Kill $7,700,000
6. Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys $7,500,000
7 The Women $5,306,000
8 Ghost Town $5,171,000
9 The Dark Knight $2,950,000
10 The House Bunny $2,800,000
Tis good to see the Coen Brothers with the suprise comedy hit of the fall, and it's also good know that people are spending more money on their filck than the one with Dane Cook, Penny Lane, and the Pie Fucker. America suddenly got taste...thank God.
This week was fairly predictable. Sam Jackson still draws crowds, and his flick from Neil "yeah, I did the Wicker Man remake" LaBute looked to be at least entertaining. Igor was the lone kids movie this week, but kids are getting school underway, so tough shit, John Cusack and friends.
Wow, the Dark Knight still chugging away...that film just won't die...unlike Two Face...oh, did I spoil that for you...whoops
Kato takes the Wheel
Reporting: Donald Hallene III
Source: CHUD.com, Aint it Cool News, The Hollywood Reporter
In a recent announcment it was revealed that Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle) was not only up fro the role of resident bad ass sidekick Kato in Seth Rogen's The Green Hornet, but also...he's totally directing the fucker.
Folks, it don't get much more awesomesauce than this.
This film has bounced around for years, at one point it was being written by Kevin Smith, but now it seems like it may be shaping up to be a fantastic action comedy.
The Green Hornet is being written by Rogen and his Superbad partner, Evan Goldberg, and Rogen is slimming down to play the title character.
From Schlubby Jewish Dude to Bad Ass Crime fighter. I dig it, Mr. Rogen.
Source: CHUD.com, Aint it Cool News, The Hollywood Reporter
In a recent announcment it was revealed that Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle) was not only up fro the role of resident bad ass sidekick Kato in Seth Rogen's The Green Hornet, but also...he's totally directing the fucker.
Folks, it don't get much more awesomesauce than this.
This film has bounced around for years, at one point it was being written by Kevin Smith, but now it seems like it may be shaping up to be a fantastic action comedy.
The Green Hornet is being written by Rogen and his Superbad partner, Evan Goldberg, and Rogen is slimming down to play the title character.
From Schlubby Jewish Dude to Bad Ass Crime fighter. I dig it, Mr. Rogen.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
I Heart Gremlins
Edgar Wright turned me on to this video (I write that like I know the dude, I don't...I read it on his MySpace blog) and I must share.
This is the best thing to come out of a fan film since fan films were invented. I love me some Gremlins, so this...this is the reason they invented the internet...well, this and porn.
I hope this stirs up Warner Brothers so they make another Gremlins movie.
This is the best thing to come out of a fan film since fan films were invented. I love me some Gremlins, so this...this is the reason they invented the internet...well, this and porn.
I hope this stirs up Warner Brothers so they make another Gremlins movie.
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