According to IGN and some, the upcoming and yet so far Superman/Batman movie will take Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor back to its origin; a tattooed street punk with intelligence. The intelligent part we know about, but the inked up lunatic? The prospect of a dark modernised mastermind sounds appealing.
The video also touches on the Chinese whispers surrounding the potential plot.
Head over to ComicBook.com for more information and expectation regarding Zack Snyder's anticipated return to metropolis.
This is a follow up to the article covered by fellow entertainment writer Paul Saunders of The Journalist.ie.
Okay, let's start by saying that if this was Spiderman, Superman or any other "superhero" of that kind, we would have been so bored by now! You can't browse the internet without bumping into a nerds perspective of why Ben Affleck's appointment is a terrible idea, or, if you click the right button you just might be convinced by someone else on how the vision of Affleck in the bat suit is not a total disaster.
Warner Bros. have accomplished a divide in Batman fans with immediate effect. Believe in me when I tell you, your opinion will not change their decision, and John Roden's opposed petition will do no such damage either.
Before I give my own opinion of why Ben Affleck as Batman could work, let's look at what John Roden is saying to us on Change.org ;"His acting skill is not even close to being believable as Bruce Wayne and he won't do the role justice. He's not intimidating enough for the role of Batman. Batman is someone that strikes fear in the hearts of men. His portrayal of Daredevil was atrocious and he's not remotely close to an action star or a superhero. Please find someone else and deliver to the fans what they want".
There is only a certain amount of times the average Batman fan can use Affleck's performance in Daredevil (2003) as an excuse to rid him of future comic book movie opportunities. While Daredevil was mediocre, it was not all Ben Afflecks fault, after all the guy is an actor. He gets paid to do what he is told. Those who remember the movie will give it credit for its fighting choreography at least, no? Bare in mind if there was a flaw in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy it was the awful fighting choreography. Batman moved like a stiff gargoyle. Hardly a movie comparison but it wasn't all strawberries and cream when it came down to analysing Nolan's take and the Dark Knight Rises also has enough "croaks" to fill a nerd's blog.
Going back to Daredevil, where Ben Affleck played a kick ass blind super hero with a demented past. And while it may not have been the movie fans wanted, Ben Affleck was the best thing about it. Looking at movies such as Changing Lanes (2002), The Town (2010) and Argo (2012), can he act? Come on, of course he can. Didn't he strike "fear into the hearts of men" in The Town? He delivered two great performances in Changing Lanes and Argo also. If fans are shedding any doubt over his acting credentials, watch the above films.
Adapting to the "dark knight" if you like, may prove challenging, but he isn't inheriting Christian Bale's Gothic voice (thank god). As we know, he will play an older Batman in order to reference the apparent "epic" collision between himself and Superman. However that vision could change.
Would he have been my first choice? No. But even now I can't tell you who would have been. But what I can say is it would not have been Christian Bale. Talks of Bale being offered 50 Million to return appeared extremely false over time. Christian Bale is a man who knows what's right for this franchise and by him not returning is a great stance from the Welshman. Warner Bros. are clearly aiming for something a bit more "light" but with a touch of grit also. If fans of Nolan's trilogy really think Warner Bros are out to destroy the pattern left by Bale they would be extremely gullible. You would like to think that Nolan and co have had a strong input in granting Affleck the opportunity. That is what I believe, and that is what will keep my mind at rest.
Ben Affleck has the build and the inter changeable personality to pull off both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Forget Jersey Girl (2004), the man starred in Hollywoodland (2006), State of Play (2009), both serious enough and quite believable roles that have gone on to place him as the next Batman. It's a new era for both Superman and Batman movies and one might have to get used to the possibility of Ben Affleck playing Batman beyond the Man of Steel sequel. Out with the old and in with the new. As a huge Batman fan (I even like Batman Forever), it would only slightly damage my love for the character if Affleck was to have a "stinker", but then again, I just have to remind myself that it could have been George Clooney...oh wait!
We were teased before the new year with just under a minutes capture of what was to come in the trilogy, or the end perhaps? A sick commissioner Gordon, a washed up Bruce Wayne and a tired looking Alfred. Like poor Alfred had not already got his work cut out, he now has to deal with a multimillionaire who dresses up as a bat, more than once a year! Not forgetting a flash forward of who could cause the beginning of the end for the caped crusader, Bane! (yeah I used the term caped crusader...George Clooney flashback! Apologies)
Well, time went by, people lived their life and talked about how typically mean Christopher Nolan was to show such lack of activity upon the first trailer. Although lets not forget the term, Teaser? Yes, this is whats used to get Batman/movie fans going viral with their thoughts and opinions. (Vlogs...of course)
Anticipation is an extraordinary thing. It pays off when a second trailer is released, official. Two full minutes of Christopher Nolan's genius concept to be. The trailer shows us Bane, and the chaos to come. Hopefully Tom Hardy's Bane is as cold as he seems, although blowing up an entire football field isn't exactly a "sane" thing to do is it? . So Besides from the sneaky flick of Catwomen and washed up Bruce...again, the highlight of the release is the possible plot to the movie. Bane wants to end Gotham and its only hope for survival.
"When Gotham is in Ashes, then you will have my permission to die" Tom Hardy's Bane
So then there is the third and final piece to this ridiculous, yet acceptable build up to what could be the best super-hero movie ever. On that note, is it wrong to say super-hero? on the basis of it been Christopher Nolan's masterpiece? I mean lets face it, as much as Batman has a history of being the super-hero/caped crusader in the past, this trilogy seems far from a "Save the Day" novel.
There are numerous additions to this trailer. The intro shows Bane and his affiliates hijacking a plane, in mid-air! obviously! I can't help but flashback to the bank scene in the Dark Knight. We all remember the classic introduction to the Joker and what he was all about. A first taste of his tricks to come. Oh, and a grenade in the mouth! I would be guessing the hijacking of the plane might just be the intro to The Dark Knight rises. Why wouldn't it be? It will definitely work. Plus we would all be lying to ourselves if we say we are more excited to see the Batman than Tom Hardy's portrayal as Bane...?
"I will not bury you, iv buried enough members of the Wayne family" - Michael Cain's Alfred
So if the destruction of Bane was not enough to show in the previous trailer, this one will settle the mind, for a while anyway. We see two bridges in Gotham collapse, we see the football field again, which is still a cool scene. This trailer gains serious advantage in relation to others regarding specific characters in the movie. Catwomen for instance. Anne Hathaway? I'm not convinced. Not on the basis of her reputation as an actor, but Catwomen's overall presence and relevance to the movie is yet to convince me. Although the chemistry between Bruce and Cindy, of what we are shown anyway looks a brilliant blend. The dance scene in the trailer where Selina tells Bruce in the nicest way possible,
"Theres a storm coming Mr Wayne"...Cold and nostalgic in relation to "Batman Returns". Ps no matter the out-come of this movie, Michelle Pfeiffer will always be the true Catwomen.
"You dont owe these people anything" - Catwomen
The fact that Joseph Gordon-Levitt also joins the cast is anonymous. It was great to see his brief appearance and hopefully makes for a good character as I rate him highly as an actor. In fact, who is he supposed to be? I am guessing either a crazed Batman fan, a down in the dumps journalist, rookie cop perhaps? or, wait for it...ROBIN!!? (Please no)
So anyway the trailer shows more washed up Bruce Wayne. He seems exhausted, weak and bewildered. It seems this is were Bane takes advantage. But never worry, I am sure there is an eye-opening speech that Alfred has prepared for when master Bruce says "No more". There is an upgrade in Wayne technology of course. The bat-jet,...or plane or car. yes flying car. According to Batman, he tells Catwomen "It's not a car" (Horse throat). Batman? c'mon, it's a car, with wings. A pretty cool car that I cannot wait to explore with my beautiful ability to see. :)
That pretty much covers it until its release JULY 20. I will update my blog if necessary. Until then, good luck. Ps Below is an exclusive picture of Tom Hardy's Bane, without the suit! :)
Links to the three trailers released below.
* The Dark Knight Rises #3 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5VDDJlsD6I]
* The Dark Knight Rises trailer #2 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GokKUqLcvD8]
* The Dark Knight Teaser trailer [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-Sktgm0aD8]
It is a vintage bridge that connects Gotham City to Arkham Asylum. The mental institution, which is famous for stationing Batman’s arch enemies’ is over crowding by the month. Legendary foes such as Two-face, an individual most remembered by Gotham civilians as Harvey Dent, The Joker and Mr Freeze. These regularly combine affiliations to help escape the Asylum which has seemed to become simple routine.
Gotham City government is due to announce the opening of Arkham prison at midnight. The purpose of the building is to remove particular villains from the asylum. Prison officials have made a statement claiming the advanced landscape will be more capable of keeping foes such as the Joker on a 24hour lockdown.
Another reason for Arkham prison is due to Batman’s lack of ambition lately. Batman turns 55 this Thursday, as the citizens of Gotham slowly realise their dependant on an ageing hero is looking far more slim.
Reality checked in when an apparent rise of 50% in robberies and kidnappings emerged last month. Law enforcement believes this is due to certain individuals such as Scare-crow and Bane who are yet to be captured by the Bat. Other reports suggest a wide variety of prostitution has emerged, labelling poison Ivy and Harley Quinn the key organisers behind the ordeal.
These are some of many reports through-out the city that Batman has no knowledge of Gotham city, for the first time in years, is worried.
Joe Biden of the Gotham Mail spoke to Batman at an action figure convention in Metropolis yesterday. When asked about the newly constructed prison he said “I think it is a fantastic call from the government. Arkham Asylum was never strong enough to hold in them maniacs! I strongly believe whether you are classed as mental or not, certain individuals need to be transported to that prison ASAP!” With the apparent advancement and right technology, it can prevent anyone from escaping”.
Batman’s comments come at an appropriate time as certain house hold names such as Commissioner Gordon plea for Batman to retire. Gordon told the Gotham mail last week “If Arkham prison goes ahead, it will give Batman the ideal opportunity to retire. We think there will be a serious lack of work when this facility proceeds. Any possible crimes afterwards will be minor, nothing we can’t handle ourselves.”
Arkham prison is connected to the Asylum. It is located behind the asylum and is separated by surrounding electric gates. It will be on constant lock-down particularly coming up to Halloween. Prisoners from the asylum will not be judged on insanity rather their history of violence. The Joker and two-face are the first two announced to enter the prison.
The Gotham public will be curious to see the out-come of the new project and what the future holds for Batman. Batman was far from happy when asked about retirement yesterday at the convention and told brave Joe Biden “Who are you to say I should consider such a thing? Yes I will be 55 and I admit I am not as fast or skilled as I once was but let me tell you this sir. I can still pack a roundhouse kick to your wimpy ass and if the Bat mobile manages to pass the NCT tomorrow morning, I will be back patrolling the streets of the city I was born to protect”.
When Joe Biden asked the dark Knight about Robins recent drug charge he replied “No Comment”.
All the staff at Gotham Mail would like to wish Batman a happy Birthday if we don’t see him Thursday!
2011 was a pretty average year for movies. The big screen supplied us with more stinkers than greats! In my last post I listed the top 5 movies of 2011...in my opinion of course...although I was confident most would agree. :)
2012 looks promising. The following is a brief list of 10 exciting movies...and one to AVOID!
Enjoy.
Safe House
Starring: Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds.
Plot: Rookie CIA officer Reynolds is giving the ultimate task when former CIA officer gone fugitive Washington, is captured and taken into a "Safe house". The objective seems more than a simple protection assignment for Reynolds as it seems the law isn't the only group after Washington.
Reason you should see: Denzel Washington has been hiding lately. We all know his talents, particularly as the bad guy. Safe house looks along the lines of Training Day, which isn't such a bad thing. Also it should be good to see Ryan Reynolds play a more serious role...something he couldn't even do in Blade 3. (although it would be unfair to blame the crisis in that movie on one actor alone!)
I do agree in some trailers being awfully deceiving...in this case, I fail to agree.
Released Date: February
Rampart
Starring: Woody Harrelson
Plot: Harrelson plays Dave, a Vietnam vet and current police officer. Dave is as corrupt as they come. Patrolling the streets and dedicating himself to what he believes, is self justice. Dave continues to bend the rules until an incident is caught on camera of him assaulting a bystander.
Why you should see: Woody Harrelson, unfortunately isn't known for appearing in great movies. Sure, the Money train, Kingpin and White men can't jump were fun at the time? But they ain't no classics! Rampart is sure to give Woody the acting credits he deserves. We had "Bad lieutenant" with Nicolas Cage not too long ago but Woody Harrelson as corrupt Dave is going to blow Nicolas cage out of the water, not only for acting, but the overall movie it self.
Release Date: February 10th
The Dark Knight Rises
Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Michael Cain and Gary Oldman
Plot: 8 years have gone by, and Bruce Wayne and Gotham city face bigger problems upon the arrival of one of Batman's most feared enemies... Bane!
Reason you should see: If the trailer isn't a good enough reason for you too see, try sitting down and watching Christopher Nolan's previous work in this fantastic Batman trilogy!
Release Date: July 2012
Project X
Starring: Oliver Cooper, Jonathan Daniel Brown and Thomas Mann
Plot: 3 high school friends organise an off the hook birthday party to make a name for themselves leading to extraordinary events!
Reason you should see: Well, for the first time, the viewer might actually enjoy a documentary style movie and it is another hilarious comedy from the genius's behind the hangover. A very original looking movie, and once again, to brush off the documentary concept? it's safe to say it's monster free...and ghost if you like.
Release Date:March 2nd 2012
Prometheus
Starring: Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace and Patrick Wilson
Plot: A group of explores find themselves fighting to save the human race...(and themselves of course) after finding an exciting lead into the origins of mankind, leaving them into a terrifying battle across the universe!
Reason you should see: What started out as an "Alien" prequel was quickly squashed. But never the less, Ridley Scott makes this trailer look big....bigger than big! In fact, remember the first "Alien" trailer? of course you do. Prometheus has nostalgic written all over it. Epic.
Release date:June 2012
The Amazing Spiderman
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans
Plot: Peter Parker finds a clue to which he believes can lead him to the disappearance of his parents. His curious path See's him collide with, what could be Spidermans' next arch enemy, Dr. Connors.
Reason you should see: Being a Spiderman fan would a be a pretty darn obvious reason to see this remake, but also, I for one, and I am sure many will cancel plans to see if the spiderman franchise needed to be remade? hmm...one things for sure, the trailer is deliciously convincing.
Release Date: Summer 2012
Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie
Starring: Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim
Plot: Tim and Eric are two odd balls who receive a hefty loan of a billion dollars to make what they believe is going to be an epic movie. Their plan quickly goes down the drain, leaving both of them promoting a dying shopping mall to pay back the money.
Reason you should see: Because the trailer looks hilarious and very original. The last time I seen something look this ridiculous was Clerks, and Jay and Silent Bob strikes Back. I don't know if I should be aware of the two actors? anyway who cares. It's getting a good build up so far, so fingers crossed, it could be the comedy to see this summer.
Release Date: Summer 2012
Chimpanzee
Starring:.....
Plot: For the first time, cameras capture the life of a Chimpanzee family, focusing on a young chimp in particular, who eventually gets left behind to fend for himself in the Ugandan Rain forest.
Reason you should see: No doubt the documentary to see this summer.
Release Date: Summer 2012
Titanic 3D
Starring: Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet
Plot: A true story covering the tragic events of the Titanic disaster and a love story surrounding it.
Reason you should see: Well one, if you have not seen already, and two to get a chance to see what could be, one of the best attempts at a 3D movie.
Release Date: Summer 2012
The Avengers
Starring: Robert Downy Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johannson etc...
Plot: Finally after the tremendous build up, Nick Fury recruits a group of super humans known as the Avengers, and together they will save the earth. (Very Cartoon dialogue wasn't it?)
Reason you should see: Any fan of Marvel, or if you are just into genuine entertainment? this is for you. This would not be my particular choice of movie, given the fact I sat through "Thor" and "Captain America" last year....but the Hulk and Iron man also star, so hopefully it won't be as cheesey as previous marvel movies. Although I often forget the fact Marvel is now owned by Disney....:(
Release date: USA 4th of May, as for UK and Eire?
And my personal choice on what not to see this year!!!!
Rocksteady studios, Warner Bros and DC all pitch in once again to gift us with the highly anticipated sequel to Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City.
We were first given a taste of the next generation of Batman games back in 2009 when Rocksteady studios released Arkham Asylum. Batman gets himself into a right mess after capturing The Joker and returning him back to were he belongs, with the rest of the nutters at Arkham Asylum. We find out as we continued through, that the Joker, played by the brilliant Mark Hamill, had a devious plan all along. It isn't long before he gets free and goes on to run riots around Arkham Asylum, leaving Batman caught up in a game of Cat and Mouse. A genius game, and a great comeback from previous unsuccessful Batman games. The game, for ps3 and Xbox 360, received quality reviews and later went on to win the Bafta game of the year award.
Arkham City had a lot to live up to. Trailers before its release showed us the Landscape Batman was free to roam, and the villains you as Batman would come up against. It gave off, to me a slight hint that the crumbling of all of Batman's greatest villains into one game can come off rushed and unsuccessful......was Arkham City rushed or did it seem to me it failed to live up to the first? HELL NO!
The game introduces Dr.Hugo Strange. The genius behind the Arkham City prison. He controls everything from one room. For some apparent reason, he was given permission to store Gotham city's most dangerous criminals in a deserted Island outside Gotham.
The introduction to the game is quality. You find out that Hugo strange knows the identity of Batman, but he does not seem like he wants to tell others.....its like a dark secret they both chose to share with each other, and Bruce Wayne gives off the impression he trusts Hugo strange, although deep down Bruce knows there could possibly be something else strange is after?
Arkham Asylum was very original and although Arkham city is a sequel? it definitely manages to stay original. I mean, a brief list of who your up against. You have the Joker (obviously) again with the voice of mark Hamill. Harley Quinn, who never seems to fail as Jokers female apprentice. The penguin. Now the penguin seemed strange to me. He has this English accent, a very weird one at that. I would a loved to see Batman ask him what part of England he's from? anyway that one is new to me. Not forgetting the heartless Two-face, and the chilling Mr.Freeze (notice how I put chilling!?)
There is a few surprise villains I won't get into (I am trying to remain spoiler free!). Oh' and not forgetting the introduction of Catwomen which is also cool. I did find Catwomen frustrating though. Obviously she is not as strong as the Bat, but she does have little advantages. I definitely found the Hard difficulty I picked only came into play whenever the story moved onto Catwomen.
The combat in the game is just as good as the last, if not better.! Its definitely quicker, weather your Batman or Catwomen (I am yet to try Robin), you can perform a high combination of kicks and punches, resulting in a ridiculous amount of points when your doing the challenge maps. I think the highest I got was during the story mode, it was like a 24 hit combo? Apparently you can double that...if your good!
Once you complete the story, the rest of the game focuses around side missions. I have not completed the game long, and besides from doing one or two of the side missions, it seems a great new concept added to the game and will certainly keep you going for a while. Then there is a wide range of challenge maps. Extra Content such as Knightwing and Robin challenge maps can be downloaded on the playstation store.
Another good thing fans will enjoy is that Batman is strapped with all of his gadgets from the very start....after you break free as Bruce Wayne of course! The concept of upgrading gadgets and different moves is still there. Those who enjoy using their points to upgrade,will love it, although you can get through the story mode without having to add much to your belt. As for the overall percentage of the game, those who plan on doing the numerous amount of side missions, will need to upgrade their gadgets in order to get to out of bound locations.
As for graphics. I am all for graphics in a game, where in Arkham City's case, are quiet good. hey? it is no uncharted, but it will get there if continues on from it's predecessors. The view of the city when your creeping off a one a them gargoyle statues? is quality! as for the basics such as gliding around Arkham city stalking henchmen and helping people, it looks very well. It matches the same graphics as Arkham asylum, in my opinion, which definitely is not a bad thing. Gamesmaster magazine gave it 68 to 70 percent for graphics which might be a bit harsh. just a bit. As for Xbox and Pc? I couldn't tell you. My guess is it might look slightly better on the likes a them two consoles as great games for Ps3 can sometimes come off glitchy.
It is hard to fault Arkham city, given the gritty concept Rocksteady came with. It is everything Batman should be. As a batman fan I wanted more story, longer and even more unpredictable as it already was. It was a short game. Just like Arkham city, but maybe I just enjoyed it so much that the fun was over before I could say "To the bat cave"!!
So Arkham City did not seem the longest game in the world but hey? isn't that what the side missions are for? Unfortunately I found Batman's worst enemies, as sick as their reputation holds, for me they failed to give Batman a real challenge. The side missions are one of very few advantages over Arkham Asylum. And the feature of Killer Croc and The Scarecrow in the story of Arkham Asylum are the advantages over Arkham City. But speculation is I could come across one a these two in the side missions? who knows.
Arkham City is a classic Batman game! They used so much in it that I am afraid to say they probably will not come back with a third....But fans will definitely rest on the fact that both Arkham City and Asylum will go down with some of the greatest games to hit the playstation 3.
