December 2008 Archives

Jeffrey Dean Morgan stars as The Comedian in a scene from the film, "Watchmen." (AP Photo/Warner Bros. Clay Enos)

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- An attorney for 20th Century Fox says the studio will press its case to delay the release of "Watchmen," but a rival studio says it plans to release the film as scheduled.

U.S. District Judge Gary Feess last week agreed with Fox that Warner Bros. had infringed its copyright by developing and shooting the superhero flick, casting some doubt on its March 6 release date.

Feess said Monday he plans to hold a trial Jan. 20 to decide remaining issues.

Fox claims it never fully relinquished story rights for the graphic novel from its deal made in the late 1980s, and sued Warner Bros. in February. Warner Bros. contended Fox isn't entitled to distribution.

Warner Bros. said in a statement released Monday afternoon that it won't move the movie's release date and still thinks it will win the case, either at trial or through an appeal.

Who knew that Jennifer Aniston and a cute dog would be a juggernaut?

The doggie movie "Marley & Me" starring Aniston and Owen Wilson made $51 million over the Christmas Day opening weekend pummeling director-writer Frank Miller's "The Spirit," which made $10.4 million.

I usually go to a movie on Christmas Day every year... yes, I chose "The Spirit," but what do you expect the Modern Mythologist to do?

Run home and cower from my wife's wrath for making her watch it? OK... I didn't cower, I took the bashing like a man. And this is after I said I wouldn't make her see another Eva Mendes flick. We expected to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," but family festivities rendered us too tired for a two-hour and forty-five minute film at 10 p.m. So the new movie that was under two hours and didn't star Aniston or Adam Sandler was our choice.

And heck, I just had a morbid curiosity to satisfy.

The reviews are hitting fast and furious at Miller and his vision for "The Spirit" -- some have not been very good. I'm not a hardcore review guy, but the movie isn't something I would recommend to everyone. There were illogical plot elements, an overabundance of Miller-style narration and even Samuel L. Jackson couldn't save it for me.

On the other hand...

The movie is visually impressive. Except for a point where there was a bloody moment that ended up looking like bird-crap splashed everywhere because of the film's colors. There were styles of campy, over-the-top performances that were entertaining from Mendes and Scarlett Johansson among others.

I could see some people digging on that stuff. In fact, the next morning I stopped at one of my regular coffee spots and one of the baristas I know to be quite an artsy person, had some nice things to say.

ARTSY BARISTA: Did you guys see "The Spirit?"

ME: Yup.

ARTSY BARISTA: Wasn't it awesome?

The earnest enthusiasm in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. It told me that while there is no general audience for something like "The Spirit," there will be a cult audience that will sing its praises while they buy it on DVD.

At the San Diego Comic-Con, Frank Miller will be greeted like a hero by this contingent and they will tell him everyone didn't understand this film like we did -- It'll be just like how no one loved "Blade Runner" at first. Way to go Frank!

This audience will be small but this group of viewers will be the ones to appreciate the visual audacity and the tossing of typical old plot logic to the winds. Why not? If it's art done by a popular comic artist-writer then you have the option to appreciate this film, love it or hate it, as an expensive piece of pop art.

I thought about all that as I sipped my coffee and hoped I was only hallucinating because I haven't had my caffiene fix yet.

We'll discuss more about Frank Miller later...  

OBITUARY: Singer, actress with a trademark purr played Catwoman on TV in the '60s.

By Polly Anderson
The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Eartha Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality, has died, a family spokesman said. She was 81.

Andrew Freedman said Kitt, who was recently treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, died Thursday in Connecticut of colon cancer.

Kitt, a self-proclaimed "sex kitten" famous for her catlike purr, was one of America's most versatile performers, winning two Emmys and nabbing a third nomination. She also was nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys.

Her career spanned six decades, from her start as a dancer with the famed Katherine Dunham troupe to cabarets and acting and singing on stage, in movies and on television. She persevered through an unhappy childhood as a mixed-race daughter of the South and made headlines in the 1960s for denouncing the Vietnam War during a visit to the White House.

Through the years, Kitt remained a picture of vitality and attracted fans less than half her age even as she neared 80.

When her book "Rejuvenate," a guide to staying physically fit, was published in 2001, Kitt was featured on the cover in a long, curve-hugging black dress with a figure that some 20-year-old women would envy. Kitt also wrote three autobiographies.

Orson Welles called her the "most exciting woman in the world." She was single much of her life, though romances with the rich and famous peppered her younger years.

After becoming a hit singing "Monotonous" in the Broadway revue "New Faces of 1952," Kitt appeared in "Mrs. Patterson" in 1954-55. (Some references say she earned a Tony nomination for "Mrs. Patterson," but only winners were publicly announced at that time.) She also made appearances in "Shinbone Alley" and "The Owl and the Pussycat."

Her first album, "RCA Victor Presents Eartha Kitt," came out in 1954, featuring such songs as "I Want to Be Evil," "C'est Si Bon" and the saucy gold-digger's theme song "Santa Baby," which is revived on radio each Christmas.

The next year, the record company released follow-up album "That Bad Eartha," which featured "Let's Do It," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy."


In 1996, she was nominated for a Grammy in the category of traditional pop vocal performance for her album "Back in Business." She also had been nominated in the children's recording category for the 1969 record "Folk Tales of the Tribes of Africa."

Kitt also acted in movies, playing the lead female role opposite Nat King Cole in "St. Louis Blues" in 1958 and more recently appearing in "Boomerang" and "Harriet the Spy" in the 1990s.

On television, she was the sexy Catwoman on the popular "Batman" series in 1967-68, replacing Julie Newmar who originated the role. A guest appearance on an episode of "I Spy" brought Kitt an Emmy award in 1966.

"Generally the whole entertainment business now is bland," she said in a 1996 Associated Press interview. "It depends so much on gadgetry and flash now. You don't have to have talent to be in the business today.

"I think we had to have something to offer, if you wanted to be recognized as worth paying for."

Kitt was plain-spoken about causes she believed in. Her anti-war comments at the White House came as she attended a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson.

"You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed," she told the group of about 50 women. "They rebel in the street. They don't want to go to school because they're going to be snatched off from their mothers to be shot in Vietnam."

For four years afterward, Kitt performed almost exclusively overseas. She was investigated by the FBI and CIA, which allegedly found her to be foul-mouthed and promiscuous.

"The thing that hurts, that became anger, was when I realized that if you tell the truth - in a country that says you're entitled to tell the truth - you get your face slapped and you get put out of work," Kitt told Essence magazine two decades later.

In 1978, Kitt returned to Broadway in the musical "Timbuktu!" - which brought her a Tony nomination - and was invited back to the White House by President Jimmy Carter.

In 2000, Kitt earned another Tony nod for "The Wild Party." She played the fairy godmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" in 2002.

As recently as October 2003, she was on Broadway after replacing Chita Rivera in a revival of "Nine."

She also gained new fans as the voice of Yzma in the 2000 Disney animated feature "The Emperor's New Groove."'

In an online discussion at Washingtonpost.com, shortly after Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman won Oscars, she expressed satisfaction that black performers "have more of a chance now than we did then to play larger parts."

Kitt was born in North, S.C., and her road to fame was the stuff of storybooks. In her autobiography, she wrote that her mother was black and Cherokee while her father was white, and she was left to live with relatives after her mother's new husband objected to taking in a mixed-race girl.

An aunt eventually brought her to live in New York, where she attended the High School of Performing Arts, later dropping out to take various odd jobs.

By chance, she dropped by an audition for the dance group run by Dunham, a pioneering African-American dancer. In 1946, Kitt was one of the Sans-Souci Singers in Dunham's Broadway production "Bal Negre."

Kitt's travels with the Dunham troupe landed her a gig in a Paris nightclub in the early 1950s. Kitt was spotted by Welles, who cast her in his Paris stage production of "Faust."

While on stage, she was daringly sexy and always flirtatious. Offstage, however, Kitt described herself as shy and almost reclusive, remnants of feeling unwanted and unloved as a child. She referred to herself as "that little urchin cotton-picker from the South, Eartha Mae."

For years, Kitt was unsure of her birthplace or birth date. In 1997, a group of students at historically black Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., located her birth certificate, which verified her birth date as Jan. 17, 1927. Kitt had previously celebrated on Jan. 26.

The research into her background also showed Kitt was the daughter of a white man, a poor cotton farmer.

"I'm an orphan. But the public has adopted me and that has been my only family," she told the Post online. "The biggest family in the world is my fans."

This is not the best holiday news for "Watchmen" fans who expected an easy resolution to the copyright dispute between Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox...
 

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled that 20th Century Fox owns a copyright interest in "Watchmen," potentially jeopardizing the superhero movie's March U.S. release.

U.S. District Judge Gary Feess of Los Angeles disclosed the decision in a written order Wednesday, The New York Times and Variety reported.

"Watchmen," based on the popular graphic novel of the same name, was shot by Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. Fox sued to prevent its release and Feess had set a Jan. 20 trial, but reversed course in writing that Fox at least owns the right to distribute the film.

Fox claims it never fully relinquished its rights to the story from a deal made in the late 1980s. Warner spokesman Scott Rowe declined to comment on the latest ruling.

A story in the New York Times provides a few more details.

Government forces hidden from the world-at-large attempt to harness the incredible powers of a select few -- or if not, destroy them.

Sounds like raw plot materials many of us have seen before, but the film "Push" proposes to provide us some limited mythology, some slick film making and a handful of veteran players who are not unfamiliar with the "comic book" movie.

Starring Djimon Hounsou ("Constantine"), Chris Evans ("Fantastic Four") and Dakota Fanning (The highly-anticipated "Coraline"), "Push" pits a number of very powerful psychics against each other in Hong Kong.

The trailer moves fast but some of the background information on what types of powers certain characters possess are pretty self explanatory. For more, check out the story in Splashpage.

I have not been blown away by every role played by actress Eva Mendes and despite that I am still a fan. But recently she has given me pause to rethink that.

I would put her fine dramatic turn in the barely-seen but oft-rented "Cleaner" way ahead of her work  in "Ghost Rider" or "Hitch." But after I peeped her comments in this video from MTV Splashpage  I called my wife and told her that I will no longer force her to see an Eva Mendes movie.

WIFE: Why?

ME: She dissed comic book readers.

WIFE: Ooooh... are you calling her out?

ME: Yes I am.

Ms. Mendes and actor Gabriel Macht were interviewed by MTV News movie editor Josh Horowitz about their roles in "The Spirit" and whether they read any comic books. Macht, who plays the title role in the flick, said he was looking forward to reading "Watchmen."

Horowitz got to Mendes, asked her the same thing and she said "no, no I haven't been reading." Horowitz jokingly responded "that Ghost Rider fans would be coming after" her harder than ever. To her credit, she honestly responded that she did not read comics and that "Ghost Rider" was the first one she ever read.

That's cool... an actor can prepare themselves for a role anyway they think works best. I have directed and worked with actors before and their various methods of preparation for a part is something I respect. I'm not the kind of  geek who needs an actor to be familiar with every aspect of a comic book character they're playing. They are, after all, making a motion picture and not a printed comic book.

However, I am the kind of geek who doesn't like to get kicked in the teeth.

Ms. Mendes continued her answer by saying she is attracted to stories that have a strong theme of good vs. evil and then told Horowitz she is surprised when someone lets her know stories like "The Spirit" are "derived from a comic book or comic book characters."

And she said "really?"

Really, Ms. Mendes?

I'm sorry that's a shock to her but MOST comics have a strong theme of good vs. evil.

But that's not the icing on the cake. The diss-dessert is served when she tells Macht that it's cool that he's into comics but when she's in the airport or something you don't see her with some LOWLY comic book -- it's with a copy of "The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand" or "Atlas Shrugged."

Watch the video because Horowitz and Macht's responses are priceless. Their retorts almost make me feel vindicated. ALMOST.

I don't want to pick on Eva Mendes anymore because she probably just had a bad interview day and is just another victim of the comic book industry's bad P.R. In the minds of many, comics are lesser reading. The kind of responses Mendes gave are similar to ones I've heard from some family and friends who don't know any better.

Even the increasing number of new films based on comic book material in the coming years and the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe nominations for Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" are not enough to offset this perception.

The "Watchmen" graphic novel is one of Time magazine's 100 greatest novels and the themes in that tale are a bit more complicated than simply good vs. evil.

Maybe we just haven't crossed the threshold of "real book" respect to the general public. That or Eva Mendes just doesn't get it.

The studios are working to put together a screen adaptation of "Atlas Shrugged." So who's got more game -- Ayn Rand or Batman?

I guess we'll see.

For those of you who haven't seen this Alberto Vargas-style depiction of the original Silk Spectre played by Carla Gugino in the film "Watchmen" then check it out. Gugino plays the first Spectre and mother of Malin Akerman's current Silk Spectre we posted about here.

You can click the picture here for a larger version of the artwork.

Gugino's likeness is used and the actress commented in Rick Marshall's accompanying story via Splashpage that "physically I'm more from that time anyways, so it was cool."

Very cool indeed.



 
 

By ROBERT JABLON
Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Majel Barrett Roddenberry, "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry's widow who nurtured the legacy of the seminal science fiction TV series after his death, has died. She was 76. Roddenberry died of leukemia Thursday morning at her home in Bel-Air, said Sean Rossall, a family spokesman.

At Roddenberry's side were family friends and her son, Eugene Roddenberry Jr.

Roddenberry was involved in the "Star Trek" universe for more than four decades. She played the dark-haired Number One in the original pilot but metamorphosed into the blond, miniskirted Nurse Christine Chapel in the original 1966-69 show. She had smaller roles in all five of its television successors and many of the "Star Trek" movie incarnations, although she had little involvement in the productions.

She frequently was the voice of the ship's computer, and about two weeks ago she completed the same role for the upcoming J.J. Abrams movie "Star Trek," Rossall said.

Roddenberry also helped keep the franchise alive by inspiring fans and attended a major "Star Trek" convention each year, Rossall said.

"I think 'Star Trek' will always be her legacy," Rossall said.

"Star Trek" and its successors often focused on political and philosophical issues of the day. Roddenberry and her husband, who died in 1991, believed in creating "thoughtful entertainment" and were proud of the show and the passionate devotion of its fans, Rossall said.

"My mother truly acknowledged and appreciated the fact that 'Star Trek' fans played a vital role in keeping the Roddenberry dream alive for the past 42 years. It was her love for the fans, and their love in return, that kept her going for so long after my father passed away," her son said in a statement on the official Roddenberry Web site.

Born Majel Lee Hudec on Feb. 23, 1932, in Cleveland, she began taking acting classes as a child. She had some stage roles, then in the late 1950s and 1960s had bit parts in a few movies and small roles in TV series, including "Leave It to Beaver" and "Bonanza."

She met her husband in 1964 during a guest role for a Marine Corps drama he produced called "The Lieutenant." That same year, she was cast in the pilot for the "Star Trek" series as the no-nonsense second-in-command. The pilot did not appeal to NBC executives and a second pilot was made, although parts of the original later showed up in a two-part episode called "The Menagerie."

The couple married in Japan in 1969 after "Star Trek" was canceled. After her husband's death, Roddenberry continued her involvement with the "Star Trek" franchise.

She also was the executive producer for two other TV science fiction series, "Andromeda" and "Earth: Final Conflict."

By Ryan Riley, Contributor

The holiday season is well under way, and that means the time has come to shop for Christmas (or Kwanzaa, or Chanukah, or Festivus) present for friends, family and loved ones. If you have someone in your life that is a self-professed comic book geek and are having trouble finding a suitable present for them, this series of articles is meant for the likes of you. If you are a self-professed comic book geek and simply want to scope out some of the goodies to be had this holiday season for yourself, these articles are also for you.

This final installment will highlight the best of the rest of the items available for purchase this holiday season for your loved ones or for yourself. If I had to place them in a category it would be "miscellaneous". I know that doesn't sound promising, but read on and I think you'll be suitably impressed.

Green Lantern Abin Sur Power Ring & Battery (DC Direct, $249.95)

Being a Green Lantern fan, this one is obviously my favorite of the bunch. This is a replica of the power ring and power battery bequeathed to Green Lantern Hal Jordan by his dying predecessor, Abin Sur. Besides being a very true-to-life representation of Hal Jordan's badge of office, it's also functional (after a fashion). Just place the ring against the face of the lantern and it lights up as if it's recharging the power ring. I dare you not to recite the Green Lantern oath when you have this bad boy in your possession. Of course, if you're the type of comic book geek that would actually want to own one of these (like I am), it would probably be nigh-impossible to fight the temptation. Just keep it behind closed doors if you don't want those nice young men in those nice white coats to come and take you away (ha ha, ho ho, he he)!

500 Essential Graphic Novels (Collins Design, $24.95)

A book that lists graphic novels doesn't seem like such a great gift at first, since you'll likely be pointed in the direction of Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, etc. But because there are 500 graphic novels in this book there are bound to be many books that not only have you not read, but you probably never even knew existed. Each book chapter focuses on a different genre, with each entry containing a concise plot synopsis and a star rating. This is obviously a great gift for an avid reader of graphic novels, but because it also provides an age-rating system it lets parents of a younger comic book geek know which books are suitable for their children and which aren't. If you're a parent that encourages their child to read comic books but don't want books like Transmetropolitan or Scalped to warp their fragile little minds, this is the gift that keeps on giving.

Heroes - Hiro's Sword & Sheath (United Cutlery, $189.99)

Now you too can own the sword once wielded by Takezo Kensei on the TV show "Heroes". This limited edition collectible blade is a faithful recreation of the slick sword that Hiro Nakamura ganks from Linderman's collection. The sword is made from a tempered, hand-forged steel blade, a leather-wrapped handle, a rayskin-covered grip and an engraved brass "helix" on the hilt. It has a wood sheathe and includes an ornate wooden display stand. It must be stressed that this is not a toy, and any sword should be handled carefully, but if you want to strike a pose by holding the sword and scrunching your face like Hiro, knock yourself out. The only people that will be injured will be the people that lose their breath laughing at your antics.

1:6 scale The Joker Collector Figure (DC Direct, 175.00)

I have seen many of the figures based on Heath Ledger's Joker, and for the most part I have been rather unimpressed. None of the figure sculpts ever seemed to get his likeness quite right. Then I saw this figure at the DC Direct website and was blown away. This collectible figure looks to capture the sheer anarchy that was Ledger's Joker in the masterfully filmed "The Dark Knight". The resemblance is dead-on, the figure itself has 32 points of articulation and the accessories, including painstakingly sewn fabric clothes, Joker playing cards, the trademark switchblade and interchangeable hands, are logical. Of course, the price tag ensures that the figure is not a present for the young'uns to play with around the Christmas tree (unless you've got a Mark Cuban-style bankroll), but it is by far the best-sculpted Joker figure to be had, and serves as the perfect gift for any Batman enthusiast.

"300" Spartan Helmet Prop Replica (Neca, $59.95)

If you want to get a comic book and/or movie-based prop for your loved one but don't have a lot of green in the wallet, the Spartan Helmet prop replica from the movie "300" is the gift for you. It is a fiberglass replica of the helmets worn by the Spartan soldiers in the movie based on the Frank Miller comic book. There were only 5000 of this limited edition replica made, and the price is such that the average consumer can purchase it without too much buyer's remorse.

Blade Movie Replica Stakes (United Cutlery, $69.99)

These replicas of the silver stakes used by Wesley Snipes in all three "Blade" movies are a sleek and stylish, yet inexpensive gift to give to your comic book geek this holiday season. The set comes with three polished aluminum stakes with removable end-caps, an adjustable nylon sheath and a display that can either be mounted on your wall or stand on its own. There are lots of other Blade movie replicas available as well, but not only is this set slick-looking, it is also the least likely to harm someone in the wrong hands.

Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Replica (Underground Toys, $17.99)

You've got my friends Ross & Heather to thank for this gift idea. Ever wonder what to get the Doctor Who fanatic in your life? Look no further than this replica of the multi-purpose tool that has gotten various incarnations of the time-travelling Doctor out of many a jam. Among its features are a button-activated light with requisite sound effects from the show and a hidden ultraviolet pen that writes in "invisible ink" with a UV light to see the invisible writing. If you don't appreciate the novelty of writing you can't see with the unaided eye, you can always switch to the alternate standard pen tip. Sadly, it won't pick locks or take down an annoying co-worker, but it is nonetheless a well-made and somewhat functional replica.

The DC Vault (DC Comics, $49.95), The Marvel Vault (Marvel, $49.95)

Both of these books have been touted as a "Museum in a book", and taking a look at the contents of each book, the description is very apt. The DC Vault comes with artifacts like a Junior Justice Society of America decoder ring from 1942 and Public Service Announcement pieces featuring Superman & Batman, while the Marvel Vault has past treasures like a recreation of the famous Marvel No-Prize and a membership to the Merry Marvel Marching Society. And both books offer a comprehensive look at the history of each company, from their humble beginnings to the evolution of the characters that have defined their existence. Either one of these books are a wonderful gift for comic book enthusiasts of any age.

Thus ends the gift guide

Hopefully these articles gave you some ideas on what to give the comic book geek in your life. In any case, if you are still at a loss for what to get them you can always stop at your local comic book shop to solicit some advice from the experts or get a gift certificate so they can choose their own gift.

Bad guys going up against this Sherlock Holmes better not get caught because he may beat you down.

SlashFilm has the photographic skinny on this not-so-skinny Holmes played by the resurgent star Robert Downey Jr.

Director Guy Ritchie is at the helm of this new take on "Sherlock Holmes" and I hope the heat on Downey Jr. post "Iron Man" brings some back to Ritchie. The guy has terrific visual and editing skill and I am pulling for Holmes to work out.

I don't mind talking up Ritchie too much even if his film "RockNRolla" did not get a lot of love from the critics. Too many things can go wrong in making a movie sometimes and maybe this pairing is the right opportunity for Ritchie to get something back on track.

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD



For those who didn't brave "The Day The Earth Stood Still," here is a higher than average quality version of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" trailer.

I'm trying to I.D. all of the characters who flashed briefly across the screen. Of course there's Gambit and Sabertooth, but is that Lady Deathstrike in there? And who is the kid making like a glow-worm?

If you guys can guess, drop me a line.

By Ryan Riley, Contributor

The holiday season is well under way, and that means the time has come to shop for Christmas (or Kwanzaa, or Chanukah, or Festivus) present for friends, family and loved ones. If you have someone in your life that is a self-professed comic book geek and are having trouble finding a suitable present for them, this series of articles is meant for the likes of you. If you are a self-professed comic book geek and simply want to scope out some of the goodies to be had this holiday season for yourself, these articles are also for you.

This second article will highlight some of the more prominent comic-based DVD/Blu-Ray's and video games that are available to buy for the holidays.

Videos

The Dark Knight (Warner Home Video, $14.99 - $64.99)

OK, "The Dark Knight" is an obvious choice for this list, and is clearly destined to be the most popular comic book-related film purchase of the holiday season. And with Heath Ledger scoring a "Best Supporting Actor" nomination from the Golden Globes, it's sure to prove even more popular. But if you really want to go for what George W. Bush would refer to as "Shock & Awe" from your friend or loved one, then get them the limited edition bundle. It comes with "The Dark Knight" Blu-Ray disc and a miniature Batpod accessory. Among the special features are aspect ratios of 2.40:1 (normal) with Imax sequences in 1.78:1 ratio, special "making of" featurettes and 6 episodes of a specially made news show that one might see on a Gotham cable network. It also features a digital copy of the movie that you can view on your PC any time, and the BD Live feature, which you can use to record your own video commentary with the film. You could use it to make your very own "MST3K" commentary, or you could actually use your powers for good. It's all up to you.

Iron Man (Marvel/Paramount, $14.99 - $64.99)

The hype surrounding "The Dark Knight" kind of overshadowed the other great comic book-based film that came out this year, "Iron Man". Robert Downey Jr. just owned the screen with his portrayal of Tony Stark, and the fact that he has been tapped to play the character for an "Iron Man" sequel and an upcoming Avengers movie just speaks of how confident Marvel is in his performance. This film also has multiple versions of the film available for purchase, but the one that stands out is the limited edition gift set. It comes with the two-disc DVD, a collectible Iron Man mini-bust and a $50.00 gift card from Sideshow Collectibles. The DVD features an impressive 7-part documentary that gives a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. This gift set is indeed a kick-ass gift to give to the geek in your life.

Robot Chicken Seasons 1 - 3 (Warner Home Video, $29.99)

This is the perfect DVD series for the nostalgic geek in your life. For those of you not in the know, "Robot Chicken" makes use of toys and stop-motion animation to create one of the most irreverent comedy shows on television. Anyone that grew up in the 1980's will get a kick out of Voltron getting into a dance battle with a nimble Ro-Beast. Nowhere else will you be able to see your favorite comic book characters getting on each other's nerves while living together under one roof in the "Real World: Metropolis", or watch Brainy Smurf solve a series of murders in the Smurf Village ala the movie "Seven". Many of the episodes from each season have commentary by series creators Seth Green & Matthew Seinreich, deleted sketches and lots of other features.

Justice League: The New Frontier (Warner Home Video, $19.99)

This animated movie is an adaptation of the comic book mini-series Justice League: The New Frontier by Darwyn Cooke. And other than the "Sin City" movie, this film is likely the most faithful adaptation of a comic book made thus far. So it is very safe to say that if the person you are getting this film for has read the book, they will definitely enjoy it. And it's also a great gift for the Silver Age enthusiast, as the story perfectly meshes the sensibilities of 1960's storytelling with a compelling, intelligently-written plot that rivals most contemporary comics. It boasts an all-star cast with names like David Boreanaz, Neil Patrick Harris and Kyra Sedgwick, and the Special Edition contains featurettes that show how the film was created. This is the perfect gift for fans of Silver-Age comics.

Video Games

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe - Kollector's Edition (Midway, $59.99)

This is the most recent video game offering featuring DC comic book characters, pitting them against the mainstays of Mortal Kombat. Ever wanted to see Batman go toe-to-toe with Scorpion or watch the ultimate catfight between Catwoman and Kitana? If so, this is the game for you. The Kollector's Edition boasts a print with artwork by fan-favorite artist Alex Ross and a 16-page mini-comic with art by Midway's John Tobias among other things. Fans of Mortal Kombat will have to get past the fact that they will be unable to perform fatalities on DC characters. DC fans will have to let go of the logical notion that there is no way in heck the majority of the MK characters would stand a pig's chance at a barbecue against someone like Superman or The Flash. If you can get over those preconceptions, MK vs. DC looks to be a well-made fighting game.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (Activision, $19.99)

OK, this game is now over two years old, but it is still one of the finest examples of how a comic-based video game should be made. Activision has done this style of action/RPG many times in the past, most notably with the X-Men franchise. But Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is where they took things to the next level. Its story brings together the most popular members of the Avengers, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four along with others like Spider-Man and Daredevil to battle an alliance of super-villains led by Dr. Doom. Besides the slick, tight gameplay, you also get alternate costumes for each character that come with different stat bonuses. If the Marvel geek in your life has not yet gotten this game, he or she will kick themselves for missing out on it once they play it.

Justice League Heroes (WB Games, $19.99)

Here is another title that is a bit out of date, but it is to the DC Superheroes what Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is to Marvel. Justice League Heroes is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure pitting the members of the Justice League against the forces of villainy in the DC Universe. Featuring a story written by Dwayne McDuffie, the head writer on the "Justice League Unlimited" animated series and the current writer on the Justice League of America series. As you guide your team of heroes through the storyline you determine what abilities they gain as a result of gaining levels. Because of its age, this is a title that you can pick up on the cheap without scrimping on quality, which is more important than ever given the state of our economy.

Iron Man (Sega, $29.99)

This game was based on the "Iron Man" movie, and while very few movie-based games are as good as the parent material, this game came fairly close. It places you in the jet-boots of Tony Stark as he goes up against terrorists that are using his company's weapons to kill innocent people. You have access to all of the weaponry at Iron Man's disposal, as well as the ability to use the enemy's own weapons, like surface-to-air missiles, against them by catching them and throwing them back. This game is pretty well-executed once you get used to the controls, and it is visually stunning. It is perfect for the fan of the comic and/or the movie, but be sure to keep them away from the booze when they go to play it. You don't want them to be that much like Tony Stark.

Disasters always come in threes...

...and this column is no exception. The final article in this series will highlight some of the miscellaneous, harder-to-find gifts for the comic book geek in your life, like prop replicas, collectible figures and books. See you guys next time.

By SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES -- Hugh Jackman will host the 81st annual Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Friday.

Telecast producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon called the Australian actor "a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star."

"He also has style, elegance and a sense of occasion," Mark and Condon said in a joint statement. "Hugh is the ideal choice to host a celebration of the year's movies -- and to have fun doing it."

Jackman, recently named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive," won an Emmy in 2005 for hosting the 58th annual Tony Awards in 2004. He also took home a best-actor Tony that year for his performance in the musical "The Boy From Oz."

Perhaps best known as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movie franchise, Jackman recently starred in Baz Luhrmann's romantic adventure film "Australia" with Nicole Kidman. He was out of the country Friday for a promotional tour for the film and wasn't immediately available for comment, his representative, Alan Nierob, said. Jackman has never been an Oscar nominee, but was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in 2001's romantic film "Kate & Leopold."

His other movie credits include 2006's "The Prestige" and 2004's "Van Helsing." Jackman also served as a past presenter on the Oscar show. The 40-year-old actor and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, have their own Oscar -- their 8-year-old son Oscar Maximillian.
 
The couple also have a 3-year-old daughter Ava. With new producers, a new set director and even a new music director, the Academy has been hinting at an all-new look and feel for this year's Oscars telecast on Feb. 22. Jackman's selection is a departure from the Academy's standard of big-name comedians.

Jon Stewart hosted the ceremony in 2008 and 2006; Ellen DeGeneres was the 2007 host. Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg have also hosted the show in recent years.

 
Photo By The Associated Press

I'm always happy to hear when audiences are ready to show some love for a science fiction film... especially when there's, um, very little commercial competition at the box office.

But 'tis the season a flick like "I Am Legend" could drop and make a killing at the box office. ($77 million on its opening weekend.) And behold... Variety reports that Fox is making a push to release "The Day The Earth Stood Still" everywhere in the known universe.

OK, that's a over-the-top, but reports do say Fox will work with people at Cape Canaveral, Fla. to beam the film into space on the release date today. That means it should reach the targeted Alpha Centauri star system sometime between 4 to 8 years.

It's a strong strategy, because there will be three sequels before any Centauri critics can send us their reviews. (You made the joke in your mind too... I was just silly enough to write it.)

On the Earth front, let me clarify that there are only 3,560 or so domestic screens reserved for 'Day' and there will be about 7,700 international ones set up in approximately 90 markets. In other words, you can see this just about everywhere you go this weekend. 

Take a look at the trailer above again and try to forget that this is yet another remake and focus on what's really important...

1. Keanu Reeves surprised me in a movie almost everyone slept on -- "Constantine." So Neo may do it again in this film -- a film the actor describes as a "re-imagining" not a remake.

2. Jennifer Connelly still has the best eyebrows ever. Next to Jordana Brewster.

3. And this is being touted as the only flick showing the "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" trailer this weekend. And if I heard correctly from stragglers at the last San Diego Comic-Con, it is something to see.

Have you ever went to a movie just to see a trailer?

By Ryan Riley, Contributor

The holiday season is well under way, and that means the time has come to shop for Christmas (or Kwanzaa, or Chanukah, or Festivus) present for friends, family and loved ones. If you have someone in your life that is a self-professed comic book geek and are having trouble finding a suitable present for them, this series of articles is meant for the likes of you. If you are a self-professed comic book geek and simply want to scope out some of the goodies to be had this holiday season for yourself, these articles are also for you.

This first article will focus on some of the finer graphic novels that are currently available for purchase. Some of these books are pretty highly priced, but all of them will prove to be a worthy addition to your bookshelf, if for no other reason than they are mostly hardcover editions.

Absolute Watchmen (DC Comics, $75.00)

The trailer for the upcoming adaptation of this book touts it as "The most celebrated graphic novel of all time". There aren't a lot of fanboys that could make a convincing argument otherwise. Any comic book enthusiast worth their salt will have Watchmen in their collection. But this "Absolute" version of the book is an ideal present, as there probably aren't a lot of people that have this premium slipcase hardcover edition. With restored artwork & coloring by Wildstorm FX & John Higgins (the colorist on the original mini-series), you won't find a more visually stunning version of the book. It also contains 48 pages of supplemental material, like portions of Alan Moore's original script, concept sketches by Dave Gibbons among other things.

The Ultimates Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 Hardcover (Marvel, $29.99 each)

Like many other comic book fans, I was blown away by how well-done the "Iron Man" movie was. I even liked Edward Norton as Bruce Banner in "The Incredible Hulk". But the thing I was most impressed with was the fact that they were both interconnected with the intention of bringing these characters together (along with Captain America & Thor after their own films are completed) in an Avengers movie. This unprecedented film-making approach was borne largely from the work done on The Ultimates by Mark Millar & Bryan Hitch. Heck, "Iron Man" even snagged the idea of casting Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury from Millar & Hitch.

The Ultimates, like all of the other titles in Marvel's Ultimate line of books, takes the brainchildren of Jack Kirby & Stan Lee and gives them a more contemporary origin. In this case, Millar reinvented the concept of the Avengers as a government-sanctioned group of superhumans called the Ultimates. Some of the characters in the Ultimates are reimagined by magnifying personality flaws (Tony Stark as a functioning alcoholic, Hank Pym as an abusive, pill-popping headcase) while others are reinvented by Millar asking the simple question "Why have these characters been portrayed a certain way all these years?" Among his solutions to this dilemma were a Captain America that had no compunctions about using guns and a Hulk that went around eating people and robbing the corpse of an obese man for pants that would fit him. These books don't have any special features that you can't find in the normal trade paperbacks, but that's beside the point. This is probably the one Marvel book I would recommend to people that wouldn't normally read a comic book, it is that darn good.

Heroes Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 Hardcover (Wildstorm, $29.95 each)

As a fan of the TV show "Heroes", I will be the first to admit that the show has lost its way a bit. We're all hoping that that the writers will do something to make sure the series turn the corner before it jumps the shark, but until then you can content yourself by delving more into additional backstory from seasons 1 & 2. Both Heroes hardcovers collect the webcomics that were published on the show website between episodes. They are a series of vignettes similar in style to the mini-stories done in the Classic X-Men reprints back in the 1980's. In some cases they offer a little history lesson, such as Noah (a.k.a. HRG) meeting Claire for the first time or the first meeting between Linderman & Papa Petrelli in Vietnam. There are also other tales that offer substantial roles for bit-playing characters like Eden and Hana Gitelman (a.k.a. Wireless). It is a must have for any fan of "Heroes".

World of Warcraft Vol. 1 Hardcover (Wildstorm, $29.95)

This book is meant for the comic book fan that can't seem to tear himself away from World of Warcraft, the MMORPG from Blizzard that has taken many a gamer away from the outside world. With the "Wrath of the Lich King" expansion freshly released, these gamers have been pulled away again. This collection, which contains issues #0-7 written by comics icon Walt Simonson, tells the tale of an amnesiac human that emerges in Horde territory. After his enslavement by an Orc Shaman, he embarks on a quest to regain his lost memories that pits him against Horde & Alliance alike. This story could be just the thing to lure the gamer in your life from his PC long enough to open their Christmas presents and enjoy a holiday feast with your family before he or she disappear back into the land of Azeroth.

The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite Limited Edition Hardcover (Dark Horse Comics, $79.95)

I'll confess that I didn't really have high hopes for this book when I heard that it was written by Gerard Way, the lead singer of the Emo-charged rock group My Chemical Romance. But I have to give credit where it is due, it's actually a very well-written and well-conceived story. The Umbrella Academy tells the tale of seven children that were born of women that had shown no signs of pregnancy and developed superpowers. They are brought together and adopted by a millionaire inventor to save the world. They disband, only to come back together when their adopted father dies. This unique story has the potential to get the Emo-kid in your life into comic books.

Bone: One Volume Edition (Cartoon Books, $39.95)

This is the one comic book that I would heartily recommend for readers of all ages. Previously collected in multiple trade paperbacks that are now somewhat hard to find, this single edition presents the perfect point for new readers. Bone is so highly regarded that in 2005, Time Magazine touted it as one of the ten greatest graphic novels of all time. The story opens with the main protagonists are the three cartoon character-looking Bone cousins, the level-headed Fone Bone, the slow-witted Smiley Bone and the avaricious Phoney Bone are smarting from having been run out of their hometown of Boneville due to the antics of Phoney. After being separated and accosted by "stupid, stupid rat creatures", they end up in a mysterious valley, where they meet the lovely Thorn and her grandmother, Grandma Ben, whose hobbies include engaging in protracted footraces with cows. Bone is a wonderful blend of fantasy and humor, and would make a perfect gift for both adults & children.

Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall (DC/Vertigo, $29.99)

In the very first article I wrote for this blog I revealed that Green Lantern is my favorite superhero of all time. But there is a big difference between a great comic book character and a great comic book. In that regard, I'd have to say that Fables is my all time favorite comic book. The book is about storybook characters we all grew up with like Snow White, Old King Cole, the Big Bad Wolf, etc., that have been exiled from their homelands in other dimensions and are living in New York. That in itself is an intriguing notion, but it is the writing of Bill Willingham that makes Fables a must-read story. 1001 Nights of Snowfall is told in similar fashion to Neil Gaiman's Sandman: Endless Nights, featuring stories about many of the core cast of Fables that reveal both what led each character to escape their homeland and hidden, more sinister aspects of each character's origins. Ever wondered what really happened with Snow White and those dwarves or how the Big Bad Wolf gained the ability to blow away the houses of little piggies? This book has the delightfully dark answers. And because it is not part of the regular series, it is pretty safe to give to someone that is already a Fables fan as they might not have bought it for themselves yet.

In conclusion...

As always, if there is a great graphic novel gift idea that you think I left out, leave some feedback in the box below. Who knows, you might just know of a gift that I can have my lovely wife get me for the holidays.

In the days ahead I'll be writing subsequent articles in this series that will highlight gifts for comic book geeks in other media, such as DVD's, video games, collectible books and other items.

If you watched that preview of "The Black Panther" animated series I showed you last month you would have witnessed a more traditionally animated version of what is referred to as a "motion comic."

In that case, the actual artwork of John Romita Jr. on the "Black Panther" comic was captured and manipulated by a crew with motion graphics software (usually Flash but not always) and hooked up with a sound track, cut, edited and BINGO -- an animated program from a comic book.

While the Panther will debut on BET, Warner Bros. is making their move with the comic "Batman: Black & White" and offering it in episodic fashion on iTunes for .99 cents. I think the preview above via MTV Splashpage looks pretty good.

This style of animation saves on the expense of having a full team of animators and also translates the comic book experience to screens large and small. It's hard to explain, but to watch one of these is not quite the same experience as a fully-animated project or even a comic book -- it is obviously something else. Done carelessly it can be stiff. Done well and you may have something like the "Batman B & W" clip above.

I am curious to see how it fares on iTunes. There have to be newer means of bringing an audience to the comics medium other than print and in a more affordable way. This motion comics venture with the Batman project is something I plan to check out.

I'm sure there are numerous smarties in the comics industry who know they can't rely solely on guys my age to purchase the increasingly expensive print product forever. 

If you're going to turn some graphic novel/comic book into a live-action TV show then you could do a lot worse than Bill Willingham's "Fables." Well, ABC is apparently going to make a go of it as a one-hour drama.

Series writer Willingham has guided the Vertigo published comic for more than six years. It is going strong as far as I can see and I was not one of its devotees from the beginning. I came to "Fables" after I accepted that "Y: The Last Man" was winding down only two years ago. So I am in a perpetual state of catch-up on the series, but I will say this...

Unlike Vertigo's "100 Bullets" or (I know it's blasphemy to some) "Sandman," "Fables" appears to be among the titles that have the legs to be a continuing series without crashing. 'Sand' ended sleepily (I regret that) and "100 Bullets" will take a bow with its upcoming 100th issue.

This new series will reportedly be in the hands of the of the executive producers of "Six Degrees," Stu Zicherman and Raven Metzner.

My thing? Is this simply one of those types of shows that cannot be translated to live-action without losing a lot of its whimsy-in-a-real-world style?

The astute cats over at "Hero Complex" have more here.

What was that again? The "Twilight" director not coming back? I'm talking about Catherine Hardwicke, the holder of the record for the single highest grossing opening movie by a solo female director. Word has it that she is not going to be back to direct the sequel to "Twilight."

I thought when you did something super successful in Hollywood the natural thing is that you would be back for the follow-up.

OK, that didn't work out for Terrence Howard. (Don Cheadle slipped into the "Iron Man 2" role of Jim Rhodes.)

According to the article Hardwicke was reached for comment by Variety.

"I am sorry that due to timing I will not have the opportunity to direct New Moon," said Hardwicke. "Directing Twilight has been one of the great experiences of my life, and I am grateful to the fans for their passionate support of the film. I wish everyone at Summit the best with the sequel--it is a great story."

As it is with stories that break like this during the weekend, expect more on this as the day progresses. We'll have more later.


The image above is from a video interview Hardwicke did about working on the "Twilight" flick. You can click to view it.

I didn't want to at first but that trailer is gonna make me do it.

Why am I even talking about this movie?

1. It's got Michael Jai White in the lead (The main one of the many black victims of the Joker in "The Dark Knight" and he was also the lead in "Spawn.")

2. It looks to be darn funny.

3. There's a character named Chocolate Giddy-Up.

4. It's Blaxsploitation made to look so retro you may have to just see it to believe it.

For more check out the first full "Black Dynamite" trailer here. (There is some stuff cut into it from old flicks, of course.) and check out the one for GROWN UPS (I mean it) over here.

Those lucky cats from UGO dropped a video segment from the "Gotham Tonight" news show featuring a piece on the Gotham Police and the turmoil that has hit the city.

It's supposed to be one of the special features on "The Dark Knight" DVD which hits the streets (stores near you) Tuesday.

Enjoy!

You ever get that "get off my lawn" type of crotchety anger? When I get that way it's just annoying, when Clint Eastwood does it in this trailer for his new film "Gran Torino" it's fine art.

Not our usual type of thing but Eastwood always gets a pass here at Modern Mythology.

Zack Snyder director of the "Watchmen" film tells SCI FI that he has the current cut of the film to two hours and thirty-five minutes. Snyder says he is also working on the animated "Tales of the Black Freighter" which is a graphic novel within the graphic novel story.

'Freighter' will be released as a separate DVD when the film comes out in March 2009 and then integrated into the main film making the "Watchmen" DVD about "Three hours and forty minutes," Snyder says.

With our without "The Black Freighter" is "Watchmen" a big enough story that it deserves to be as long as it needs to be when it hits theaters? What do you think? Please drop me a comment and/or take the poll above and let me know.

Wired magazine reports that "Caprica," a spinoff of the critically acclaimed "Battlestar Galactica," will get a 20-episode run as a series in 2010.

We showed you the trailer from "Caprica" a while back. Click the image or here to check out the post and video.

I appreciate the idea as a one-shot movie to set up the 'Battlestar' universe and clarify some things, but... is this something that can carry a regular series?

The well-read and regarded "Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Eight" comic gives a nod to the animated series that didn't quite happen in the upcoming issue #20 written by Jeph Loeb.

There is an exclusive preview of about six comic pages and two preview covers at MTV Splashpage.

We mentioned the animated series and posted the trailer in an earlier post a couple months back. Was it something I wanted to see? Maybe... anything that can keep the Buffyverse alive for people who enjoy those stories is worth a try.

I am admiring the work of the "Buffy: Season Eight" comic series as it picks up from the regular TV series. However, comics are monthly and a TV series (unless it's on cable) runs twenty episodes or more per year in the U.S.

I'm not hating, I just want the comic to come out twice a month -- is that too much to ask?!  See the animated series trailer below.


 Above Image courtesy Darkhorse Comics