Posted on June 6, 2008 in Books, Movies
This is the most violent graphic novel I have read yet and probably one of the most violent books I have read in a long time. I am curious about the upcoming movie adaptation, so I decided to read the graphic novel I never heard of. It was not worth it. It was violent, dark, depressing, and dystopic. Funnily enough, I do not think it was intended as nihilistic as other modern graphic novels tend to be, but that message is not clear. I think Millar intended it to be a hero’s journey for villains, and it has been described as “The Watchmen for villains.” I do not know if we are suppose to feel for the amoral protagonist Wesley. I considered him too immoral to actually care about. It was just too dark for me. I would not recommend this graphic novel.
Having said that, I am looking forward to the movie (it’s a good movie year I think). It is going to be a lot different from the movie in terms of plot. I will probably like the movie a lot more than the books. Fox in the comic books is modelled after Halle Berry (due to Fox’s similarity to Catwoman), but I’m glad it’s not Halle Berry because I like Angelina Jolie more. Similarly, Wesley was modelled after rapper Eminem, but a big part of the reason I want to watch this movie is for James McAvoy. I actually do not take issue with Eminem as much as some other people, but it was creepy reading the comics with him as Wesley. According to this behind the scenes featurette, the first 40 pages of the book are copied fairly accurately into the movie. The movie is going to be violent and R-rated. I am not into violent movies per se, but I am into humor/mindless action flicks once in awhile. I won’t mind the violence in the movie as much as the comics which always tend to be more violent than the movies. Actually, If they kept the plot of the comics as it is, I highly doubt anyone would want to see the film. This comics plot really does not have a wide appeal. So, this is one of those rare cases where I will probably like the film more the original and want them to change as much as they can from it.
Posted on January 21, 2008 in Movies
A list of 2008 (and beyond) movies that I would be interested in seeing. This is not the definitive list by any means. I am only including movies that have not yet premiered.
James Bond 22 – Come on, I love Daniel Craig. I have seen almost ever Bond movie. Matter of time really.
Mamma Mia – I saw the trailer for this during Sweeney Todd. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep? I am there!
Brothers – I really liked the original Danish movie, and apparently so did Hollywood. Maguire, Gyllenhaal, and Portman are going to star. Doubtlessly interesting.
The Dark Knight – I have been a Batman girl since watching TAS growing up. Nolan and Bale did a wonderful job in Batman Begins so this should be a fun ride too. I also adore Gary Oldman and Michael Caine.
Star Trek – The casting on this is awesome.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – Alan Rickman.
My Blueberry Nights – It’s a Wong Kar Wai film, so I’m there. Not too crazy about the cast even though I like Rachel Weisz. Jude Law does nothing for me, and this is Norah Jones’s first time.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – I liked TLTWTW, but that was my favourite Narnia book. This franchise has a lot of energy left in it.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull – Cate Blantchett is the villain.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – This sounds very interesting, and I hope to read the Fitzgerald short story. Brad Pitt is in it opposite Cate Blantchett.
Australia – My desire to see this film is due to my loyalty to Baz Luhramann.
RocknRolla – Guy Ritchie back to gangster movies. Gerald Butler is in the lead.
Iron Man – Initially, I unsure because I know nothing about Iron Man. Still, I have always liked Robert Downey Jr. as an actor, and Terence Howard is in it too. Very good trailer.
Wall-E – This sounds like a fascinating animated movie.
Blindness – Adaptation of the Jose Saramago book which is a masterful work. Julianne Moore has a lot to do as the lead, but if everything works, this could be excellent.
The Forbidden Kingdom – Director has done mostly Disney and premise iffy (American kid obsessed with kung fu time travels), but the extended trailer looks amazing. Shot in China, and starring Jet Li and Jackie Chan.
Wanted – James McAvoy, call me, but use your natural accent. Jolie does look hot in this too.
Jumper – When I saw this in the theatre, I was skeptical. The extended, longer trailer is a bit more compelling. I hope this becomes the post-SW success for Christensen.