Man of Steel Sequel: The World's Finest Announced - The Future of the DC Film Universe

The First Step of a new Cinematic Universe

San Diego Comic Con. Location: Hall H, the heart of the convention. There at the end of the Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures Panel, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder made a surprise appearance to announce the next installment of the new Superman franchise. The way he did it however was by having one of the actors from Man of Steel read an excerpt from a graphic novel that will give a hint as to what the next film will be:

"I want you to remember Clark, in all the years to come. In all your private moments. In all the years to come, my hand at your throat. I want you to remember, the one man who beat you."

And with that, the above logo came up on the big screen meaning only one thing: Batman will be in the next Superman movie. A World's Finest movie is finally in development. It is also the first public announcement of a Superman/Batman movie ever. For a detailed account of my hopes and thoughts on the newly announced film click on the link here to my comics blog:

Thoughts on the newly announced "World's Finest" film

It is rather interesting though that they decided to have this be their next film. Many speculated that this new Superman Franchise would follow suit with Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy by having a sequel where Superman fights his arch-nemesis, then a third sequel where he fights his most dangerous adversary, which would then maybe lead to a Justice League film. While I still believe that Superman's nemesis, Lex Luthor, will make an appearance in the sequel it is really intriguing that they decide to add Batman into the mix. While a friend of mine joked around that the next movie should have Batman and I was strongly against that notion, I can now look at this and think this might actually be a good idea.

Why this is the right direction

No one can repeat what Marvel did. Their plan to create a shared universe by taking a risk with Iron Man, a character not that many people know about, and using it as a springboard to get their other properties made was undeniably genius. Although I am a DC fan I have to admit that seeing the end credits scene of Iron Man with the announcement of "the Avengers Initiative" got me excited. Not as excited as I am about the Superman/Batman film. That has been something I've been hoping for for a very long time. And I'm glad that this is how they plan on doing it. Or I hope my assumptions of what they're doing are right.

While it would be nice to have individual DC superhero movies that build up to a Justice League film, that will just feel like a repeat of what Marvel did. If DC wants to establish their universe, they can't do the exact same thing that Marvel did. Already you have Marvel fanboys calling foul or normal average joes thinking the same method is a mere rip off. While as a developing filmmaker myself and being a DC fan, I have my own theories of how to properly establish a DC Film Universe that doesn't look like a Marvel copycat. However, this direction they're going for intrigues me. Now I'm only making assumptions about what might happen after the World's Finest film (I'm going to be calling the Superman/Batman film that until they actually give it a title) but I'm hoping that the next film to follow in this new series involves Wonder Woman. 

Why so? Well for one if they're going to continue in the trend of merging logos then the above image could help promote the third film. Also if you're going to have a second film that has Superman and Batman then why not have Wonder Woman thrown into the mix for the third film? Get it, 2 for a 2nd and 3 for a 3rd. Get it? Okay that was corny. But really in all seriousness and I hope the next film is a success, with a Trinity (the name given to Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman team ups) film happens next. These three films can then be called the DC Trinity Trilogy. Imagine the blu ray box sets for that. 

This route of having a new Superhero appear in each film instead of doing a stand alone film is very different from Marvel. In fact, this approach seems like a much more logical chain effect as to why these people would not necessarily be alone. If my guess is right and that Batman's public appearance is a reaction to Superman, then an Amazon Princess appearing will not go unnoticed by those two. I'm not saying that is how the rest of the series should go. In fact I think that method should only be applied to the big three: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. If that is the case and this DC Trinity Trilogy happens then it really would pave the way for a Justice League film. 

If that is so, then the Justice League film could double as a way of showing the escalation of the number of superheroes being created in this universe as well as the origin story of how they all meet. The Justice League can then turn into its own stand alone franchise that can operate without the prior DC Trinity Trilogy and become something like the X-Men films dealing with the formation of the team as well as new members. Then, if this happens, then they can pull a "reverse Avengers." Do spin-off standalone films of what the team members do when they're not operating with the League. They don't even have to be solo adventures of heroes but involve 2 or 3 members of the League for one spin-off film. It can even open the doors to a Suicide Squad film or a Secret Society film franchise. 

I'm speaking of this as if this is the plan that Warner Bros. has with their film series, but all out honesty this is just wishful thinking. I can only hope that this is how it all goes down. Because if it is, I will have a huge respect for them. At first I was under the impression that they're trying to repeat Marvel. And while this is kind of like what Marvel is doing, its different enough where it feels like a fresh approach of building a universe. I hope this is how it goes down. I really hope so.

Who Should Watch "PACIFIC RIM"

Pacific Rim - Movie Review

When gigantic monsters called "Kaiju" begin emerging from a dimensional portal in the Pacific Ocean, the world funnels its resources into creating gigantic robots called "Jaegers" to combat them. Over the years however, the Kaiju have evolved to combat the Jaegers more efficiently leading the world governments to try and find other ways to defending against the towering beasts. As the rate of Kaiju appearing from the portal increases, with extinction eminent, the last remaining Jaeger pilots from all over the world create one last stand to close the portal and stop the Kaiju once and for all.

Go big or go extinct!

Every Nerd/Otaku's Dream

There is something powerful about Pacific Rim. It holds two staples of Japanese Pop Culture in one film: giant mechs versus giant monsters. Its Gundam vs. Godzilla. An almost gritty semi-realistic but not too much take on Ultraman. It is a child's fantasy. Robots vs. Monsters. The closest otakus will get to an Evangelion live-action movie. It is also an "original" idea. By original however that means, its not directly based on something that already exists. This is a film that is inspired by all those aspects of Japanese anime and pop culture while at the same time finding a way to be new in a very simplistic format. It is a marvel to have a blockbuster that isn't based on an existing property and should definitely be a movie you should see on the big screen. And with the acclaimed Mexican director Guillermo Del Toro at the helm, what more could you ask for?

Then why do I not feel too amazed or dazzled?

I had a lot of expectations for Pacific Rim. With Summer 2013 pumping out rather dull or nerd raging movies (Iron Man 3, Into Darkness, Man of Steel) my hopes for a good summer blockbuster all looked towards Pacific Rim. When first trailer premiered, I was a little underwhelmed. While I love the robot designs, for some reason the monsters shown in the trailer were a let down. There was something about the kaiju, a term that any Godzilla fan should be familiar with, that didn't really hit me in any particular way. This is however about the kaiju that was shown in the first trailer, which were pretty hidden. Yet from the obscured nature shown in the trailer, the monsters didn't do anything for me. They didn't move me or bring back happy memories of my favorite Godzilla films or Ultraman episodes. Okay, it did bring back memories, but rather memories on how I think it SHOULD be done rather than oh that reminds me why I love this. However as I stated before, the robots got me hooked. Mainly because there was something realistic (although the concept is pretty far-fetched) about the robot's design. So I counted myself in. It wouldn't be until the WonderCon Trailer, that Warner Bros. courteously put online, totally convinced me that I needed to see the film. The more clear shots of the kaiju gave me an idea of what they are and was a little bit more impressed with their designs when given a clear glimpse. And so when July 12 came rolling in, my anticipation to be wowed was overwhelmingly high. Sadly however, it didn't quite wow me.

Don't get me wrong. I know what type of movie this is. I'm very well aware that if you're going to see this movie, you're seeing it for "Giant F***ing Robots fighting Giant F***ing Monsters!" I'm also aware that Guillermo drew a lot of inspiration from anime and various kaiju films. I'm also aware that the acting in this film should not be expected to be the most amazing acting in existence. And I'm very well aware that for something like this the characters won't be well rounded and the story will be extremely simplistic. I went in fully prepared to expect all those things, because I know that's what to expect. Which should be a warning to anyone expecting a complex plot with complex characters, this is not that type of movie. It delivers in what it sells: "Giant F***ing Robots fighting Giant F***ing Monsters!" And there really is nothing else you could really ask for. Sure there is a little sub plot involving where the kaiju come from which turns this Robots vs Monsters film into an alien invasion film...spoiler? Nah, if you can't figure it out from the trailers then I apologize for spoiling that bit. But really, that's the only "twist" this film has and its not a jaw dropping one. So if I'm not criticizing it for lack of strong characters and complex plot, then what is it that's not amazing me? Frankly if someone is well aware of what they're getting and get exactly what they expected, shouldn't that someone be satisfied with what they got?

Here's the answer: It's a Personal Bias/Expectation

I have a huge respect for Guillermo Del Toro. A huge respect. I first learned about him after watching Hellboy when I was in middle school. After that I started hunting down other films he made as well as anticipating anything that would come later. Cronos is one of my favorite "vampire" horror films due to Del Toro's unique take on the genre. Pan's Labyrinth and both Hellboy films are up there as my top fantasy movies. While he may be hitting my heartstrings in the right places due to his choices of genres it is how he makes films that gives me a lot of respect for him. Due to never having a gigantic budget, he always finds a way to create the things he wants to with the constraints that he's given. This usually results in creativity flowing in a spectrum of ways that really make for great films. His Hellboy films reminded me of George Lucas's constraints in the making of the original Star Wars. Del Toro though had a much more optimistic way of viewing things rather than the emotional train wreck that Lucas was emoting at the time. It could be that the times had change and old filming techniques are becoming less and less a necessity. But for Del Toro, old school techniques are his tools in crafting a film. What I'm saying is: for someone that I have often associated with using creature suits instead of going full blown CGI, I was expecting him to do the same even if he had the gigantic budget that he had. In other words, I was expecting guys in suits rather than CGI.

I always thought that would be the direction he would've taken. I'd think that he could see the difference a man and a suit could make against a CGI creature. Ex. Roland Emmerich's Godzilla vs. Godzilla 2000. I understand that the guys in suit thing may be too corny for an American Audience, but for a kaiju audience it would've (in my opinion) have been a welcoming sight. Seeing our technology aiding and enhancing an old form of filmmaking would've been something to marvel at. If anyone could've pulled it off right, it would've been Guillermo Del Toro. Unfortunately for me, that's not what I got. Instead I got CGI robots fighting CGI monsters. While there was nothing wrong with that, and the effects in the film were spectacular, there was a magic to suit acting that made the kaiju genre watchable. I may be alone in this camp, but that is how I feel about this film.

This is by no means a bad film. It did everything it was suppose to do, and when it did it did it right. I just wished that it was made differently. If there is one legitimate critique I would have to give to the film is that I didn't like how all the battles between the jaegers and kaiju were in stormy nights or underwater. This takes away from the details and sometimes you really have to strain in order to take the details in. There are two monster battles that take place in the daytime, but they are pretty brief.

Verdict: Delivers on what it promises and nothing more

Critical Score: 8.5 - The best summer blockbuster movie out right now

Personal Score: 7.5 - It is not how I would've wanted it to be done

Who Should Watch "PACIFIC RIM?"

Otakus (anime/manga fans) and fans of the kaiju genre. This is a mindless action adventure war movie that has no heavy meaning. As stated before, people who are expecting more than what the trailers have been promoting will be in for disappointment. This is the best dumb mindless action movie of the summer. If you want to feel like a kid again, go see this film.

Who Would Watch "Seventh Son" - First Trailer

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures Presents

The First Trailer for The Big Lebowski's Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore's new fantasy film has premiered today called "SEVENTH SON."

What is it about?

The official synopsis states:

In a time long past, an evil is about to be unleashed that will reignite the war between the forces of the supernatural and humankind once more. Master Gregory (Jeff Bridges) is a knight who had imprisoned the malevolently powerful witch, Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore), centuries ago. But now she has escaped and is seeking vengeance. Summoning her followers of every incarnation, Mother Malkin is preparing to unleash her terrible wrath on an unsuspecting world. Only one thing stands in her way: Master Gregory. In a deadly reunion, Gregory comes face to face with the evil he always feared would someday return. He has only until the next full moon to do what usually takes years: train his new apprentice, Tom Ward (Ben Barnes) to fight a dark magic unlike any other. Man’s only hope lies in the seventh son of a seventh son.

To put in a nutshell, it is pretty much the standard fantasy story. Judging from what the trailer showcased, it doesn't really seem to be about anything else. Then again most fantasy stories have more or less the same exact plot. A chosen one, a dark being, a wise mentor, a love interest, monsters, quest, and some form of a happy ending. Then again there are the rare chances that there may not be a happy ending, but for most of the part, this looks like standard fantasy.

What is the vibe of the movie?

Based on the trailer the vibe of the movie seems to be leaning on towards a more fun action fantasy. This was given from the opening shot that reminded me of something from Disney's Prince of Persia accompanied by trailer music used to promote Disney's John Carter (both of which may not be good signs) that already shows a very obvious CGI environment but then is followed by a carriage shot that looks like it was taken from Universal's Snow White and the Huntsman. However the shot after then seems to look like something from Paramount's Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. Then later on it starts feeling like a mix between stuff from Eragon and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. All those films I listed have pretty conflicting tones in their approach to tell fantasy stories (with the exception of John Carter which is more associated with Sci-Fi) yet as I stated before this film seems to have a fun action vibe. It is definitely showcasing itself to be a spectacle, something to have fun with rather than take seriously. Judging from the look of it however, the way that the trailer is put together doesn't really give a clear sign of whether or not that is what the movie is going for. Indeed the previews for Hansel and Gretel were more obvious with the whole fun vibe, while most of the other movies I mentioned were promoting themselves as serious films. This one...while it seems to be serious, all of the action scenes are saying, "shut up and have fun while we take your money!"

Who Would Watch Seventh Son?

If you happen to be a fan of ALL the films I listed in the "vibe" section then this film may be for you. However it really is hard to tell at this point whether or not this movie will be a winner for Fantasy Film fans. After all most of the films that I've listed above have been pretty mediocre. Yes, I personally consider the first part of The Hobbit trilogy to be mediocre. Mainly because the vibe from the Lord of the Rings is completely different from the vibe from The Hobbit. Not to mention the overuse of CGI. But I digress. In relation to this film however, it may be coming off as in between Eragon and Snow White and the Huntsman in terms of what to expect from Seventh Son. It may be good enough to satisfy  fantasy fans but may not be good enough to satisfy fans of the book. Yes, this movie is based on a book as stated in the trailer. I haven't read the books, but from fan reaction that I've read so far, it doesn't look to be too faithful. So I think it may be safe to say that fans of the series may not like this interpretation, the same way Eragon fans did not like the film. As for the average movie goer, you'd have to be a really big fantasy fan if you want to get your fantasy fix that's not from a book. As of right now, that seems to be all the target audience. Maybe some action and monster fans would watch it too, but as of right now, its hard to say.

Who Should Watch "The Heat"

The Heat - Movie Review

By the book FBI agent meets street smarts detective. Its a story that is all too familiar and has been done over and over again. This dynamic of polar opposites has been a facet of the cop genre in all of its different sub genres. The most prominent being located in the Buddy Cop genre which are mostly action comedies. This one is however a special case in that the two "buddy cops" are women.

Something that hasn't been seen before, in maybe a long time

I can't exactly recall when was the last time a buddy cop movie featured two women as the leading role. Whether it be a serious intense thriller, a silly action film, or a straight up comedy action film, I really don't recall any other movie featuring two women in the starring role of a buddy cop movie. I'm pretty sure that there have been some before, I'm just not aware of them. Some could argue that TNT's show Rizzoli and Isles could very well be a buddy cop genre, but that is a show not a movie. Perhaps there are some in the straight to DVD section. I should try looking into it, but the more I think about, if I can't recall anything for comparison then there probably wasn't that many anyway. And there definitely wasn't a pairing like this that I know of.

So is it worth it?

For the most part, yes it does. Was it amazing? Not in the slightest. So what makes it worth watching? The chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy. I'm not going much into the plot progression because that is given away in the trailers or if you've seen too many buddy cop movies then you know what happens. But it is this pairing that really makes it interesting to watch. The pair works great together with the material they are given. However McCarthy outshines Bullock in every single scene the two of them share together. There wasn't really a standout moment for Bullock in this film. Pretty much McCarthy's Detective Mullins was a dominating force that grabs the attention away from everyone else, almost turning into a one woman show. Of course to say that the movie would've worked if the focus was entirely on her character, that would be false. Bullock's Agent Ashburn offers a balance to the reckless behavior that Detective Mullins puts out. While I say she balances the scale, it still is pretty one sided in terms of who is overpowering who.

The film portrays Agent Ashburn as the focus of the film with Detective Mullins being the supporting role. Despite that fact, due to the dominating nature of Detective Mullins, it seems as if Agent Ashburn is the supporting role with a lot of character while Detective Mullins is a leading role with a lot of mystery. The dynamic between the pair is interesting on screen. If this film had been split into two movies with Bullock in one and McCarthy in the other it would be two completely different films. It could almost be arguable that McCarthy's film would dominate over Bullock's. Which is why in here they work so well together, however when they are separate, Bullock's character doesn't really seem all too interesting. She has a great detective skill set, sure, but there was not enough charm or wit in the same manner that Benedict Cumberbatch displays in BBC's Sherlock. Her character by herself may have made an interesting flick, but paired with McCarthy's character is what makes it a fairly entertaining one.

Verdict - Cliched but funny

Critical score: 6.5/10 - Melissa McCarthy is truly a force to be reckoned with

Who Should Watch "The Heat?"

My mother is a huge Sandra Bullock fan, but like her and probably many of Bullock's other fans they'll be slightly disappointed by how much she gets outclassed by McCarthy. Lovers of the buddy cop movie genre will find nothing new in terms of plot, but if you're interested to see how it plays out with two female leads, there really isn't' much of a difference. Except for maybe swapping the standard sexy female love interest for a slightly geeky male love interest then maybe that's one other thing that'll be different. This movie is fun, but not for everyone. Sandra Bullock fans will enjoy it, but will be wishing that her character is more like the one she played in Miss Congeniality.