The Screengrab : iron man 2

Getting Darrined: When the Sequel Doesn’t Need You

Scott Von Doviak — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Out on the promotion trail for Fighting, Terrence Howard is still miffed about being replaced by Don Cheadle in Iron Man 2. “‘It was a very, very bad choice,’ fumed Howard, who played Iron Man's Army buddy Lt. Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the first film, to Parade magazine about Marvel Studios' decision to reboot the part with Don Cheadle in the role. ‘You don't make $800 million and then try and shake everyone down. That's not nice,’ he said to MTV News, exaggerating the film's worldwide box-office gross by a mere $200 million.”

As the L.A. Times reports, however, Howard is hardly the first actor to get the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” treatment when sequel time rolls around. Rachel Abramowitz has even come up with a name for it – getting Darrined, as in Dick Sargent replacing Dick York as Samantha’s husband on Bewitched. “Or perhaps being ‘Baldwinized’ is a better term, for Alec Baldwin, who starred as Jack Ryan in the movie of Tom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October but was replaced by the far more popular Harrison Ford for the next two installments.” (OK, but then what do we call it when Ben Affleck replaces Harrison Ford in the same series? Besides a terrible, terrible idea?)

One explanation for Darrenization is simple penny-pinching; in Howard’s case, he was actually the highest-paid actor in the original Iron Man and was asked to take a significant pay cut for the follow-up. Howard wasn’t having it, and “it didn't help that, as some critics pointed out, Howard struggled to hold his own against the razor-sharp comedic stylings of Robert Downey Jr., who played Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man.” Nobody seemed to miss Katie Holmes in The Dark Knight, in which she was replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal, but then again, Batman himself has been recast so many times, there’s probably not much reason to expect a consistent love interest.

The all-time greatest bit of sequel recasting isn’t even mentioned in the Times article. Of course I’m referring to the third Smokey and the Bandit movie, which was originally titled Smokey IS the Bandit and was allegedly shot with Jackie Gleason playing both roles – his traditional part as Sheriff Buford T. Justice as well as the one vacated by Burt Reynolds when he declined to play the Bandit a third time. I say “allegedly” because no footage or stills of Gleason in Bandit drag have ever surfaced, but the story is oft repeated that this version was screened for test audiences (including by Leonard Maltin in his movie guide). In any case, the finished Smokey and the Bandit 3 sees Jerry Reed taking over the driver’s seat for Reynolds, who does provide a brief cameo as the Bandit. Either way, the movie was a flop. Some roles simply weren’t meant to be recast.

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Spring Movie Poster Preview

Scott Von Doviak — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

It’s time for everyone’s favorite occasional feature, wherein I preview a handful of upcoming movies I know nothing about based solely on their posters. It’s like judging a book by its cover, but in motion picture form!

Dragonball Evolution (April 10)

An ordinary suburban paperboy is infused with superpowers when a meteor from deep space crashes into his crotch, leaving him with one giant glowing testicle he calls Dragonball! They said this controversial graphic novel was unfilmable, but when the new line of Dragonball action figures hits toy stores next week, the streets will be filled with kids hucking rocks at each other’s family jewels.

Is Anybody There? (April 17)

Michael Caine will have Academy voters in the palm of his hand with his warm, autumnal performance as Mortimer Digbottom, a retired mortician in Blandford-on-Stoatswallow who decides to accompany his grandson on a train trip to the spelling bee championship in London. The grandson isn’t participating in the spelling bee; he just wants to watch.

Mutant Chronicles (April 24)

If you’ve already watched Wolverine online and you still want to get your mutant on, here’s some dark, gritty apocalyptic action for you. Gloomy, underlit, over-edited and certain to be beloved by everyone who feels there simply haven’t been enough Underworld movies.

Fighting (April 24)

In Step Up, Channing Tatum was dancing. Now Channing Tatum is…fighting! Probably with his shirt off. I mean, he’s wearing a shirt in this poster, but I’m sure it won’t last. Terrence Howard co-stars as the guy who got written out of Iron Man 2.

Next Day Air (May 8)

Let’s see, we’ve got two guns in the foreground, which means action. But we’ve got comical expressions on the faces of the cast, which means comedy. Folks, I think what we’ve got here is one o’ them action-comedies I’ve heard tell about. I’m guessing some overnight delivery personnel got their hands on the wrong package at the wrong time. Also, the girl with the big boobs has a shirt that says “Protect Your Package.” If it’s a hit, the sequel can only be called Second Day Air.

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Screengrab Movie Poster Preview

Morning Deal Report: NeverEnding Story Still Not Ending

Scott Von Doviak — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Warner Bros. is rebooting The NeverEnding Story, thus bringing it another step closer to living up to its title. “The new pic -- which original producer Dieter Geissler also will produce and Sarah Schechter and Jesse Ehrman will oversee for Warners -- will examine the more nuanced details of the book that were glossed over in the first pic,” per The Hollywood Reporter. Yeah, that’s what remakes are usually all about – nuance.

Unlikely as it might sound, Dollhouse star Eliza Dushka is bringing a Robert Mapplethorpe biopic to the big screen. “Dushku has secured the exclusive rights and the full cooperation from Mapplethorpe's estate and has enlisted two-time Sundance grand jury prize winner and indie darling Ondi Timoner (DIG!) to helm the film, which is titled The Perfect Moment,” Variety reports.

Nick Fury fans, rejoice. Samuel L. Jackson has inked a deal to play the Marvel character for years to come. “The actor, who just weeks ago was seemingly on the outs with the studio over reprising his role as Nick Fury, agent of spy outfit S.H.I.E.L.D., has signed an unprecedented nine-picture deal to play the character in a series of Marvel movies,” THR reports. “The movies include Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers and its sequels. Also on the table is the possibility of toplining a S.H.I.E.L.D. movie, which is in development.”

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Morning Deal Report: Green Lantern Powers Up

Scott Von Doviak — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Casino Royale director Martin Campbell is in negotiations to helm a live-action version of the DC comics staple Green Lantern for Warner Bros. The power ring-wearing superhero is now “at the top of DC properties being set for movie treatment by WB,” Variety reports. “While the studio is hoping director Chris Nolan will follow its 2008 smash The Dark Knight with another Batfilm, DC projects such as Superman and Justice League were expected to happen quickly, but have stalled.” Aquaman – dissed again.

While we’re talking superhero movies, it looks like Ben Stiller and Tina Fey have joined Robert Downey, Jr. for another one – and it’s not Iron Man 2. The trio is “in negotiations to lead the voice cast for DreamWorks Animation's superhero lark Master Mind…The satiric film, with a screenplay by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons, concerns a brilliant superhero villain who loses his life's purpose when he accidentally kills his good-guy nemesis,” per The Hollywood Reporter.

While Ridley Scott is allegedly interested in bring Monopoly to the screen, another board game has beat the venerable classic to the punch. Yes, it’s everyone’s very first board game, Candy Land. Etan Cohen (Tropic Thunder) will write the script and Kevin Lima (Enchanted) will direct. I’m still holding out for Scorsese's Don’t Spill the Beans: The Movie.

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Morning Deal Report: Mickey Rourke’s Whiplash

Scott Von Doviak — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Mickey Rourke isn’t taking any chances with this whole comeback thing. Just yesterday we told you Rourke has joined The Expendables, and today The Hollywood Reporter has the scoop on The Wrestler’s role in Iron Man 2. “Marvel has been keeping a very tight lid on the script for the sequel, being written by Justin Theroux, but it is known that Rourke would play a tattooed Russian heavy named Ivan who becomes Whiplash, a man with deadly, technologically enhanced coils.” Wait, isn’t that Dr. Octopus? Anyway, Rourke won’t be alone in terrorizing fellow comebacker Robert Downey, Jr. – since one villain never seems to be enough for any superhero sequel, Sam Rockwell is also aboard as “Justin Hammer, a multibillionaire businessman and a rival of industrialist Anthony Stark, AKA Iron Man.”

Leonardo DiCaprio will try to Beat the Reaper. “The protagonist in the novel penned by Josh Bazell is a Manhattan emergency room doctor, whose life becomes complicated when a mobster recognizes the doc from his former life as a hitman who went into the witness protection program,” Variety reports.

It’s official: Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Bastards really is called Inglourious Basterds, and it now has a release date. The World War II epic starring Brad Pitt will reach theaters August 21st, courtesy of The Weinstein Company. Or is that the Winesteen Kumpanee?

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Morning Deal Report: Michael Douglas Eyes “Wall Street” Return

Scott Von Doviak — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:30:00 GMT

As we noted yesterday, Americans by the millions are looking to a talking dog to take their minds off their problems for a couple of hours. But what about those of us who want to wallow in the current economic crisis? Good news! Twentieth Century Fox is moving forward with a sequel to Oliver Stone’s Wall Street. And while there’s no word that Stone himself will return, the original Gordon Gekko, Michael Douglas, appears to be on board. Allan Loeb (21) will pen the return of Gekko, “who has recently been sprung from prison and re-emerges into a much more tumultuous financial world than the one he once lorded over.” Bad news, Two and a Half Men fans: Per Variety, “The Bud Fox character, played by Charlie Sheen in the original, will not appear in the latest incarnation.”

In comic book movie news, there’s been a major casting change over at Iron Man 2. Don’t worry, you’ll still get your Downey on. But fans of Terrence Howard, who was lined up to become War Machine in the sequel, prepare to get Cheadled. Yes, The Hollywood Reporter has the word that Don Cheadle will take over the role. “Marvel had no comment, but sources close to the deal said negotiations with Howard fell through over financial differences, among other reasons.” Maybe he just didn’t like the suit.

Rat Bastard is coming to a theater near you. Charlotte’s Web director Gary Winick will helm the tale of “a conman who plots revenge when his old partner steals the loot from their latest grift and hides out by posing as a chef for a family on New York's Upper East Side,” according to Variety.

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Top Ten Reasons The Dark Knight Isn't As Good As You Think It Is

Andrew Osborne — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:44:00 GMT

Yes, the first hour is great: a non-stop thrill ride, a tour de force. And Heath Ledger gives a mesmerizing performance, and we’re all very sad that he’s dead. I’m not even being sarcastic: his recent films indicated a phenomenal range, and he seemed like a nice enough guy, and I’m always very sorry when smart, decent, talented people die far too young (while Cheney continues relentlessly on).

And I understand how and why The Dark Knight made so much money. After all, we’re all stuck at home this summer, since God knows we can’t afford to drive or fly anywhere, and movie theaters are air-conditioned. Even my lovely Polish bride (who friggin’ HATES all the usual summer superhero blockbuster crap) ponied up the bucks to go see Christian Bale, et. al. on the big screen.

But people...get a grip. It’s not the best movie ever. It’s not even as good as Iron Man, ferchrissakes.

And I’ll give you ten reasons why...but DON’T keep reading if you haven’t seen the movie yet, ‘cuz the following post is spoiler-tastic to the max. Okay...you’ve been warned. Spoilers ahead.

1. It is, at the very least, half an hour too long. Probably more. Long movies are fine...movies where you feel every second of the too-long length? Not so much.

2. It is WAY overpraised by critics because it features the last complete (and potentially Oscar-worthy?) performance by Heath Ledger. Need proof? Okay, which of the following awesome, iconic comic book movie performances were mentioned as potential Oscar contenders?

(a) Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman in Batman Returns, (b) Jack Nicholson as The Joker in Batman, (c) Danny De Vito as The Penguin in Batman Returns, (d) Christopher Reeve as Superman in Superman, (e) Any other performance in a comic book movie ever.

(Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow doesn’t count...that was a movie based on a theme park ride. Not the same thing at all.)

3. It’s a comic book movie that addresses topical themes like America's response to terrorism. And has nothing particularly interesting to say.

4. So...the evil genius who outwits the cops at every turn, terrorizes the city and kills a judge and the police commissioner is finally captured and then...left un-handcuffed in an interrogation room with a cop (in a department riddled with corruption)? The cop in question turns out to be dumb rather than crooked but...uh...Hannibal Lecter got strapped to a stretcher with a hockey mask just for eating a few people. I’m just saying.

5. Speaking of that scene where the Joker gets caught and then gets away (you know the one I mean?)...so they don’t have metal detectors in Gotham City police headquarters? That might, for instance, detect a bomb in someone’s abdomen?

6. And, okay, I know the Joker is an evil genius and all...but considering he tells Batman exactly where to find Rachel and Harvey Dent and the Caped Crusader and Gordon leave on their rescue missions at exactly the same time...how exactly does the Jokester arrange it for Gordon to arrive at Rachel’s location just a few seconds too late? (Pay attention...this question will be on your SAT.)

7. The whole "bombs on the ferries sequence" (with the cameo appearance by everyone’s favorite, The Magical Negro, i.e., the token appearance by the wise black character who shows whitey how to be a better whitey)? Lame. Oh, so lame. (Oh, wait a minute...I forgot Morgan Freeman also has a major role in the film as, uh...a wise black character who shows whitey how to be a better whitey.)

8. Did I miss something, or is this just sloppy screenwriting? Eric Roberts tells Gordon he’s had enough of all the Joker agita. As such, he tells Gordon exactly where to find the Joker. Cut to the Joker on a boat with all the surviving mobsters (except Eric Roberts). The Joker makes a speech, then burns a pile of money and a Chinaman. Then....leaves. Did Gordon have a senior moment, or was that just sloppy screenwriting that NOBODY INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION SEEMED TO NOTICE?

9. Let me get this straight: the Joker kills a bunch of people, lays waste to the city and burns off half of Harvey Dent’s face...but the plan is that Batman will take the blame for Harvey Dent’s death in order to keep the good people of Gotham from getting bummed out. Because, of course, nobody in Gotham City would believe that the Joker killed Harvey Dent...even though the Joker tied him up in a room with a bomb and burned off half his face, then blew up the hospital he was in. No, much better plan to blame Batman. Good thinking, guys.

10. And Batman doesn’t kill the insane, indestructible, unstoppably evil Joker...why? Oh, right. Principles. Like when he didn’t kill Harvey Dent and resisted violating the civil rights of everyone in Gotham City...oh...wait...

Yeesh.

Related stories: How Batman Is The New Beatles, Fitting Farewells - The Top Ten Great Final Films, Screengrab Review - The Dark Knight

Morning Deal Report: The Unholy Steven Spielberg/Diablo Cody Alliance

Scott Von Doviak — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Readers of the Morning Deal Report (or any of my other nonsense), take note: vacation beckons me, so I will be posting sporadically over the next two weeks or so. Please, for the sake of the children, keep your grieving to a minimum. Now on with your regularly scheduled briefing.

As you may know, Steven Spielberg and Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody are collaborating on a Showtime series, The United States of Tara. Now, Variety reports that Cody is scripting an untitled comedy for Dreamworks that, like Tara, is based on an idea by Spielberg. No details are available, but I do have to wonder how Spielberg came to the conclusion that Diablo Cody is the vessel through which all his wondrous notions shall be realized. There seems to be a distinct difference in sensibilities here, but maybe it’s just me.

Meanwhile, you knew it wouldn’t be long before Iron Man 2 started revving up, especially once Jon Favreau started whining on his MySpace page that he hadn’t been hired to direct it yet. (This has since been rectified.) Now the super-sequel has a screenwriter. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Justin Theroux has been tapped to pen the follow-up due in April 2010. If the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because Theroux is best known as an actor. David Lynch fans will recall him from Mulholland Drive and Inland Empire, but Theroux also has a screenwriting credit on the upcoming Tropic Thunder.

Finally I have to tell you about the Billy Joel documentary Last Play at Shea, which will capture the piano man’s upcoming concert at the soon-to-be-demolished Shea Stadium. Why do I have to tell you about this? Only because of this great Variety quote from producer Steve Cohen: “We wanted to approach this like a Ken Burns documentary, looking at Billy and Shea Stadium’s place in the pantheon of New York.” Yep, the Civil War, baseball, jazz…and Billy Joel. That, my friends, is America.

Related:
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Adams v. Marvel: Iron Man Turns to Crime?