Rumors on the Riddler and Robin for Batman 3

The Movie Blog.com has reported rumors that three actors are being considered for the role of The Riddler. As of now, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Hardy are the names being thrown around. All three men starred in Nolan's Inception therefore it is no surprise why he may have narrowed it down to those three particular guys. Each actor is highly talented, extremely versatile, have worked with Nolan previously, and can definitely pull it off.

Some of you may not know who Tom Hardy is but he has been around for a while only picking up heat in the last year or so. Hardy also starred in Guy Ritchie's 2008 film RocknRolla, 2008's Bronson (where he put on 42lbs of muscle to play the title role), and the 2004 film Layer Cake (a great drug movie without all the addiction). Most importantly, in each film he clearly stood out from his co-stars. If either Hardy or Levitt get the role of the Riddle King be sure that their career will sky-rocket. While I have no problem at all with DiCaprio being casted as the villain I would rather see it go one of the other guys. Personally, I feel the character of The Riddler fits Hardy and Levitt's style a bit better than Leo's. I'm pushing of Levitt to get the part.

Lastly, IMDB has reported that an unknown actor by the name of Cody Sousa to play Dick Grayson aka Robin. IMDB has listed this as a "Rumor" so you can't take this seriously until its confirmed by Nolan himself and/or the studio. I'm somewhat torn on whether Robin should be in the third film or not. Previously, Nolan has been open with his feelings about Robin and that he would never be in his version of Batman. Has he had a change of heart? Who knows? I just feel that since this is said to be the last Batman film under Nolan's direction it would a bit late to bring in The Boy Wonder. With that being said, I'm very confidant that if Robin is in the third installment Nolan will treat the character correctly.

What do you guys think? Who's going to get the role of The Riddler? Should Robin be brought in or not?

Salt

Summary: Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) works for the CIA Russian Division. Out of the blue a defector walks in stating he has valuable information to share in hopes to gain asylum. He announces that a Russian sleeper spy is going to kill the Russian President in the few days. Unsure of the man’s motives, Salt dismisses his information as false. Things change drastically when the defector says the name of the sleeper assassin is Evelyn Salt. Immediately, Salt goes on the run in order to prove her innocence. As she runs, pieces of her past start creeping up to the surface forcing everyone to question who she really is.

Plot (B): As the movie progressed I became increasingly comfortable with the fact that Salt wasn’t as predictable as I thought it was going to be. There is more to this story than what you see in the trailers. During the course of the movie you will continually question who Salt is and where does her loyalty lie. The more we find out about Salt’s background the more interesting she becomes. Overall, I felt that this was a different approach to a post Cold War spy movie and it was rather refreshing.

Action (B): With her years of experience on the job Evelyn Salt is part spy part McGuyver. Being locked into a sealed room does not worry Salt in the least. She quickly improvises and makes a rocket launcher- like weapon out of a fire extinguisher, cleaning products; I think a coffee filter with crushed grins, and a hollow metal table leg. Twenty seconds later what does she have? A hole in the wall and way out. While that scene was original I felt that the other action sequences were somewhat conventional. I’m not saying they were bad. Just ordinary. Jolie did dominate all the physical attributes her character called for, which I liked because I hate spotting the obvious stunt double ie) Arnold’s in True Lies. However, Jolie’s character could and should have had more cuts and bruises on her body for some of the things she was doing. With each jump, kick, or fall her hair was perfectly in place and conveniently out of her eyes.

Acting & Dialogue (B): You can call her a home wrecker or a thief for stealing Brad away from Jennifer Aniston but when it’s all said and done Angelina Jolie is good actress. (By the way I could care less about that whole situation. It was just a good intro.) Jolie played her character well and I have always enjoyed watching her in these types of roles. Jolie presents Salt as a sexy woman that isn’t afraid to kick ass and get dirty. Furthermore, as any other assassin/spy she is emotionless, self-sufficient, smart, and deadly. I feel these attributes needed to be displayed for such a type of character. I was happy to see she was portrayed this way rather than some emotional wreck clinging to her so called innocence. Jolie did dominate the vast majority of the film leaving little room for her co-stars to shine. I say that with the exception of Liev Schriber (Scream, Defiance). Schriber, who has recently been named one of the Best Actors of Our Generation by Entertainment Weekly (rightfully so), stood out as well. He’s good in anything he does but most importantly Schriber provided a solid supporting cast mate, which complimented Jolie’s style. They would work well together if they both starred in a serious drama.

Sex Appeal (N/A): Typically, we get something worth seeing in an Angelina Jolie film ie) Gia and Wanted. But not in this case. Whaaaaaaaa!!!!

Director (B): Phillip Noyce has a great amount of experience in the spy world genre, which made him perfectly suitable to direct Salt. Some of his professional highlights are: Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger (both starring Harrison Ford and centered on writer Tom Clancy’s character Jack Ryan), The Saint (starring Val Kilmer and Elizabeth Shue, another film with Russian character influences), Sliver, and The Bone Collector (starring Jolie as well). While the last two are vastly different than Noyce’s other work they do have one thing in common: deception. It seems that Noyce is very familiar with it and does well displaying it in his films. While Salt is certainly not better than Patriot Games, or even The Saint in my opinion at least, Salt is a notable film on his resume.

Overall: B

Thor Trailer Released

Even though the Thor movie is a year away we have been given a special treat. Originally shown to the attendees at ComicCon now everyone has the pleasure to see the extended trailer. The nearly 6-minutes trailer gives you a good idea what the plot is. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, who played Capt. Kirk's father in the beginning of last years Star Trek, as Thor. Hemsworth looks the part to a T (no pun intended) and I'm totally psyched about it. In my opinion, he is now the third actor to perfectly portray a comic book character in terms of physical looks. The other two are Hugh Jackman for Wolverine and Robert Downey Jr. for Tony Stark/Iron Man. Anthony Hopkins plays Odin, King of Asgard and Thor's father. Thor is set to be released May 2011 so we'll have to wait a while...boooo! The film is directed by actor/director Kenneth Branagh. Check out the trailer section watch it.

Twilight: Eclipse

Before I explain my thoughts regarding the film I was being a good husband and took my wife to see the film. Big whoop! Wanna fight about it? (Anybody guess what current TV show that's from?) Looking back on it I should have just told her to sucker punch me in my balls every 20 minutes because it would have at least distracted me from the pain I was experiencing watching the movie.

I kept on hearing and reading how Eclipse was a good movie and by far the best of the series. While that may be the case it does not say much for the series overall. Eclipse was filled with cheesy and bad dialogue which made the movie drag on forever. There truly is no emotion behind the script, the characters, or the actors playing them. They are simply there and doing a job in which they're getting paid a shit load for. The action was okay at best but somewhat anti-climatic at the end. Everything I saw was so uninspired, uncreative, and predictable. I mean every time Edward and Jacob were exchanging heated words with each other it seemed like they were going to poke each other with their boners for Bella. It seems like there should have been a fight between those two guys because it would have made the story more interesting. There would have been more conflict and emotion to the story.

I honestly feel that the true fans are getting cheated out here. I 'm calling it now...10 years from now the young Twihards are going to mature and recognize how corny the series is. I heavily doubt the books were like that. From what I've heard they are written and depicted in a much different light....a better light! This is typical when a book becomes a movie and often understandable because its almost impossible to fit everything into 2 hours. However, it makes me wonder how/why a literary series with such popularity can't seem to translate well to the movie screen? If I were a fan I'd be pissed with what has been delivered. In some cases fans may not be disappointed with the series and that's totally cool for them. But like I said, I think they are being cheated.

What I really hate is having to deal with the people (on websites in particular) who hate on me for hating these movies. They come to the series' defense so quickly and say I'm the ignorant hater who can't let the movies just be. I'm sorry but those people are truly disillusioned. I honestly believe that they know the movies are shit so they become extremely defensive when something is said. People call these Twilight movies gay, I'll be honest I've said that myself, but in reality it's not gay. They're just very bad.

Overall: C-

By the way...do you see how emotionless they are in that photo? Now, picture that for two hours.

30 Great Movie Characters - Part III

10. Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump)- I think its safe to say that halfway through the movie everyone fell in love with Forrest Gump. Yes, he wasn’t the smartest person but what he lacked in intelligence he more than made up with heart, courage, kindness, and love. One thing that I always liked about Forrest was his life experience. Knowing that he was somewhat mentally challenged (and physically at one point) he did not let it impede on the type of life he wished to live. He put 110% into any activity he took part in. As a result, he became famous, successful, and rich. Along with Rocky, Forrest Gump lived the American dream...you all to do is believe and try.

Best Scene Saving his fellow soldiers from an air raid attack in Vietnam.

Best Quote- “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”


9. Ferris Bueller (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)- Okay, if you tell me that you never tried Ferris’ techniques to fake being sick and stay home from school you’re a liar. I vividly recall trying them out when I was in elementary school. Did it work? Fuck no! But it was worth a shot because Ferris was so convincing. I think everyone in their own way wishes they could be Ferris Bueller in high school. Not only was he popular but he was talk of the school and had a smoking hot girl friend. Ferris was a smart little bastard who was always three steps ahead of administrator Edward Rooney. For any high school student I think that is a pleasurable thought.

Best Scene- Mysteriously working his way onto a parade float and singing “Danke Schoen” by Wayne Newton and “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.

Best Quote- “Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around you once in a while, you could miss it.” Other words of wisdom.


8. Travis Bickle (Taxi Driver)- Travis Bickle is a man sick in the head. On the outside he seems like a quiet, nice guy who minds his business. On the inside Travis is a psychopath who is disgusted with society. He hates the filth, greed, and sex that plagues the very streets he drives. Moreover, Travis is weird and obsessive. His interpretation of a good date is taking a woman to dirty movie. His obsession centers around a 13-year old prostitute who believe it’s his duty to save her. Travis Bickle is one of DeNiro’s best characters and has become an iconic figure for film lovers.

Best Scene- The ending where he goes on a shooting spree killing a pimp and clients. This is followed up by Travis pointing a “gun” to his own head and “pulling the trigger”. That scene clearly represents his psychopathic behavior.

Best Quote- “You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Then who the hell else are you talking... you talking to me? Well I'm the only one here. Who the fuck do you think you're talking to? Oh yeah? OK.”


7. Vito Corleone (The Godfather) – Here’s a man who represents the Machiavellian philosophy. Through fear he obtained respect. Out of respect he was feared. He is the definition of the word patriarch and he is most beloved by his family. Vito set the bar for how a mafia gangster should correctly handle his business: efficiently, decisively, calculated, and most of all he wasn’t arrogant or let his temper get in the way unlike Sonny. Everything he ever did was for his family, both of them, which is another reason he earned the name of Don. Most importantly, Marlon Brando provided us with the best performance of his career and one of the best characters in the history of cinema.

Best Scene- Slapping a crying Johnny Fontane in the face screaming at him, “You can act like a man!” Also, when he was in retirement and informed Michael how his enemies were going to come at him. That is a man of brilliance.

Beat Quote- “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”


6. Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)- One of my earliest heroes. Indiana Jones lived an adventurous life filled with uncertain dangers but that never stopped him. He is another hero who is pure of heart and soul. Dr. Jones showed us that you don’t have to be a super-hero in order to save the day. All he needed some was a whip, a gun, his intelligence, and a big set of balls to get the job done. I’d also like to mention he had the coolest hat in the world, which completed his look. Even when it seemed his luck had run short Indy managed to pull something off whether it was through his skills, more luck, or even his charm. Finally, Indiana’s love and respect for history was what first fostered my own passion for it, so thanks.

Best Scene- Any scene that’s playing his iconic theme music.

Best Quote- “It’s not the years, honey-it’s the mileage.”



5. The Joker (The Dark Knight)- Michael Caine’s Alfred described The Joker perfectly. He said, “There are some men you just can’t reason with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” That quote accurately represents the type of person The Joker really is and we have Heath Ledger to thank for that. The Joker would be just as happy to blow up a building with thousand of people in it, as he would be lighting fire works. He has no sense of honor, no moral code, or any true reason to do the things he does. He just does things and as a viewer watching it will make you feel uncomfortable. As he said himself, The Joker is an “agent of chaos” who loves anarchy because it feeds his black soul.

Best Scene- Undoubtedly, his disappearing pencil “magic trick”. No one saw that coming.

Best Quotes- “Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I'm a dog chasing cars. I wouldn't know what to do with one if I caught it. I just... do things.” “I’m an agent of chaos.” And “This city deserves a better class of criminals and I’m gonna give it to them.”


4. Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs)- Beware anyone with the first name of Hannibal. The Romans had a problem with a Hannibal and so did everyone else in the Silence of the Lambs. Aside from Dr. Lecter’s homicidal and cannibalistic desires he’s an extremely dangerous man. His vast intellect and perceptiveness enables him to tap into someone’s mind allowing him to dissect their inner thoughts. It seems that Hannibal enjoys toying with his victims more so then the act of killing them. Even though Dr. Lecter is a psychopath he is a refined one with lavish tastes in culinary (mammal and human alike), classical music, and art. Much like Agent Clarice Starling or Special Agent Will Graham (Red Dragon), if you pose to be intriguing, a challenge, or unique to him Hannibal Lecter can be a formidable ally who will help you find what you seek. But don’t become too trustworthy for he is still a killer.

Best Scene- Carving off a guards face and putting it over his own in order to escape his prison via ambulance.

Best Quotes- "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti."


3. James Bond (Goldfinger)- The one and only, Bond. James Bond. 007 is by far the godfather of all spies and spy movies. He set the bar so high that very few have been able to reach it since his debut. Another personal childhood favorite James Bond is simply the man. He’s well cultured, highly intelligent, knowledgeable on various things, a charmer, radiates coolness and a suave manner, and is the biggest pussy magnet ever. I mean the women in these films practically throw their wet snatch at him and he doesn’t even care if he’s fucking the bad girl. It’s all done for the sake of the mission and Queen and Country. Moreover, 007 has the coolest spy toys ever, which makes his job more awesome. Even without the toys James is trained in various forms of combat and has a knack for getting out of sticky situations. (Although there have been many versions of Bond over the years, all with their own following, I am die-hard fan and a purist. Therefore, I only recognize Sean Connery as the true James Bond. He was/still is the best. Fuck you Roger Moore!)

Best Scenes- While making out with a girl he sees an on coming thug in the reflection of her eyes. As if his martial arts moves weren’t enough this scoundrel attempts to reach for James gun while in a tub. 007 slaps a fan into the bath tub and watches him fry.

Best Quotes- “Bond. James Bond.” And “My dear girl, there are some things that just aren't done, such as drinking Dom Perignon '53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That's just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs!”


2. Tyler Durden (Fight Club)- He told you the rules of Fight Club and then set your soul free. He told you that our meaningless jobs didn’t define who we are and then blew up several buildings. As he said himself he is everything we are not. What we fear to do or say he does with the greatest of ease. He is our inner truth represented by a monster with god like features. He show’s no fear of life, death, or the future. He only shows acceptance for what is to come. He is a cool, sleek talking guy that does what he wants when he wants without care. He isn’t nice. He isn’t the type of guy you want to take home to your parents. Why? Because he’ll pee in your soup and then splice a picture of a big dick in your parents 1973 wedding reel. You can’t deny his leadership abilities, his philosophical outlook on life, his sense of style, and skills for making bombs out of soap. He is Tyler Durden!

Best Scene- When Tyler encourages Lou, the owner of the bar they fight in, to take out his frustrations on his face. 30 seconds later Tyler’s face is completely covered with blood and he’s just laughing.

Best Quote- "You're not your job. You're not how much money you have in the bank. You're not the car you drive. You're not the contents of your wallet. You're not your fucking khakis. You're the all-singing, all-dancing crap of the world."


1. Darth Vadar (Star Wars-prequels)- By far he is the most feared villain in the history cinema and within the Star Wars galaxy. Any true Star Wars fan feared Lord Vadar at one point in their childhood. There are several factors that worked in Vadar’s favor that made him so feared and yet so popular: his tall dark presence which metaphorically spoke of the blackness in his soul, his limitless power of the Dark Side, the constant sound of that creepy respirator, and that expressionless mask which made him impossible to read. Whether he was angry, sad, or in a rare brief state of pleasure you could never tell through that mask. It hid his emotions while simultaneously representing who he was…dark and tortured, which in turn scared everyone. Another factor that has made Darth Vadar so great is his voice. The deep voice of James Earl Jones perfectly suited the Sith Lord and added more depth the character. Even though he may be merciful from time to time do not be fooled. After all he doesn’t have to be near you to kill you.

Best Scenes- Choking out an ignorant non-believer of The Force by simply closing his thumb and index finger together. Also, anyone of his entrances, which are always accompanied by his legendary music.

Best Quote- “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”

Hangover Sequel Is Set In...

ComingSoon.net has just confirmed that the sequel for The Hangover will be in Thailand! There were rumors that it was going to be in Mexico, which would have worked just as well, but director Todd Phillips decided on Thailand. I think this is a great idea because the culture is vastly different and whatever trouble the guys get into would be completely out of the ordinary for them. I foresee Alan unknowingly hooking up with a tranny! Ha!

New Trailer Posted: The Social Network

I just posted a new trailer called The Social Network. If you haven't seen or heard anything about the film it focuses on the creation of Facebook and person/people behind it. If you don't know who created the social networking site that the entire world has come live and breathe by his name is Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg created Facebook back in 2003/2004 as sophomore at Harvard. (I know crazy shit right...just a sophomore.) Zuckerberg is played by Jesse Esienberg (Zombieland) and as you can see from the trailer this is not some light and happy go lucky film. It's somewhat dark and very serious, which is extremely fitting since David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club) directed it.

Some people may think a movie about Facebook is stupid or too soon. I disagree. Facebook is the biggest social network site in the world. It literally changed the way people communicate and stay in touch with each other. It changed the way certain businesses are run. It changed how people meet each other. It changed EVERYTHING. Therefore, it's only appropriate that a movie has been created which illustrates its story. If you have any questions or comments you can leave it on my Facebook page ha! No, I'm serious about that please do!