Django Unchained (2012)

Revenge is best served cold… just don’t forget to bring an umbrella since its going to “rain” big time!

Columbia Pictures in association with The Weinstein Company and A Band Apart present…

One thing that was evident in these types of films being produced for contention in the annual smorgasbord of award ceremonies is that people line up for the tickets at the cinemas to experience the true talent that these people have to offer, to inform, entertain and  entice whatever the case may be…

After leaving Miramax, co-founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein took matters into their own hands and never looked back. Today, the Weinstein Company never seizes its appetite for hauling award winners year after year they even had Jennifer Lawrence covet the prize in the touching film “Silver Linings Playbook” in the concluded Oscars’. While their strong production credits provided in the film was concomitant and fantastic giving this epic spaghetti western the trump cards it deserves!

The film was directed by and from the Original Screenplay which won his Academy Award, the man himself Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs)! Throughout the years with his career, starting from an actor and becoming one of the most influential directors in the last two decades, he has been known for the Tarantino watermark in which even Adobe can confirm that it’s absolutely his own repertoire! The blood, the violence, martial arts, gun-fu, the panning in of the camera at the actor and especially the revenge premise that always revs up the viewing public to scream for more!

He casted the multi-talented Leonardo Di Caprio (The Departed) one of today’s highest paid actors in tinsel town and known for his exceptional talent that even rivals Robert De Niro’s sublime diversity in portraying characters that truly invigorates the movie masses. He plays the part of Calvin J. Candie a rich and powerful owner of Candyland one of the biggest plantations in Mississippi. The actor made a very rare type of occasion in playing a villain focusing his energy every time he blows his top but having a calm demeanor and smart talk anyone who comes his way!

This guy, the man of the hour and my personal favorite Christoph Waltz (Water for Elephants) who bagged all three awards for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes, BAFTA’s and The Academy Awards reunites with the Director for the second time since “Inglorious Basterds”! I saw the type of acting he displayed in the lack lustred moreover a box-office bomb “The Green Hornet” nevertheless he has this humorous and sincere take on serious situations that I really find so genuinely consistent. David O. Russell should cast him soon in his upcoming projects as well since it is the Director’s main selling point.

But going back to Christoph’s role and performance, he plays a wandering German Dentist who was actually a Bounty Hunter employed by the Government to seek out varmints and bring them back either dead or alive, his name was Dr. King Schultz who needs a “Robin” in his daily adventures! Soon, he finds a group of slaves handled by the Speck Brothers and eureka, Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx (Collateral) portrays the title role, a man given a chance to get back his wife in exchange for his services. Django is the name; he and Dr. King went into a blood trail tracking down individuals in various towns while being trained so he could finally get his revenge to those who have wronged him!

Kerry Washington (For Colored Girls) is the long lost wife Broomhilda Von Shaft, separated from her husband and currently sold to the main antagonist. Kerry has been involved in good films as of late (please don’t include the Fantastic Four films) she carries herself very well showing that drama can be one of her strengths which proved convincingly gratifying. Their love never gave up that it made it sweeter when her man comes to the rescue which is beyond any doubt the end result of the film’s objective…well almost, since there are some more “bullet points” in the agenda of our heroes!     (pun intended)

I think that’s the major parts being tackled, before we forget our hunter is not the only one with a sidekick, even though Calvin had his guns, goons and gold he still has someone to rely on besides all the muscle! Samuel L. Jackson (The Spirit) has crossover time and space to fulfill his duties as an actor occasionally he does B rated films but never fails to impress when push comes to shove! His role was Stephen the caretaker of the mansion, he makes sure everything and everyone is in its proper place when his Master arrives. He whispers wickedly, assesses the motives of guests but annoyingly creeps me out as he stands besides Calvin while repeating his every single statement needlessly!

Though films were made in the imagination of its composite individuals, they do have different ways and means to share it with the audience and be able explore the world of cinema to escape from reality once in a while. That is what Quentin Tarantino did and he was criticized by doing so, in context the African community’s forefathers did went through grueling experiences from forced labor, hunger, torture and even killed for the sake of those who deserved better to walk this forsaken planet. Deprived from anything that would say the least, the point is we are bounded by our hurt and hate which should not be the reasons to inflict it back on those who have given us pain.

The story does that plus much more since it was how the Director sees his horizons, his perception to merely convey awful truths will be his concern to deal with but if it was meant with malice then it will be a different case entirely. The sensitive issues being depicted in the film that allows itself to be projected in the mainstream nowadays are media and the right of speech which runs rampant without compromise. We watch these films to explore the works of these Producers, Filmmakers and celebrities to show how their intentions either being revered or rejected…the die is cast simple as that!

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Hi-Yo White Spirit Horse take us away to the next reboot!

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in association with Walt Disney Pictures, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Infinitum Nihil and Blind Wink present…

I could still remember my Father promising me to watch the film but became too tired and went to sleep while my Mother and Auntie absconded me to the cinema to watch the 1981 film “The Legend of the Lone Ranger”. Although I have not fully understood what the film was all about, the sense of a masked man with his side kick hunting bad guys has inclined me to believe that there were heroes who will save the day (and return from the dead) no matter the cost!

The prologue was set in 1933 where a child in a cowboy suit enters a miniature museum in a circus, the curious fellow actually awakens a seeming mannequin who was actually a worn out American Comanche Indian whose life has turned to the worst while reminiscing his adventures with his partner in crime fighting, as he tells the young boy that he was really hungry and to”never take off the mask”…

The legend of the law man from the west originated from a radio series who was created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker that eventually spawned tv series both in live action and in animated form, films and even in comic books which also went through a handful of publishers from Dell Comics, Gold Key Comics, Hemmet’s Journal and Topps Comics were working to get the theme right but Dynamite Entertainment changed all that even giving The Texas Ranger an Eisner Award nomination in 2007. From so many reincarnations, Director Gore Verbinski (The Mexican) who also from the same minds who brought us the Academy Award Winner “Rango” unfortunately overused plots and ran out of steam from the seeming potential summer blockbuster!

You can actually see and feel the director’s penchant for comedic bantering between the protagonists let alone the action sequences that actually involves a follow through predicament after the other. More so, with all the ruckus, how could anyone survive being thrown hundreds of meters from a runaway freight train?

The western genre has been on a lockdown with lazy stories that incorporates vigilantism, supernatural stigma, futuristic hypocrisy and absurd technological advancements where studios and writers should rather focus on actual premises that validates historical accounts, to the men and women who contributed to building communities into states through developing business and partnerships while instilling the political as well as social responsibilities which made Americans known to the world even in this unforgiving era.

For a lead actor who hides in the shadows of his “supposed” sidekick, Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as John Reid, a lawyer turned spiritually ambiguous “Kemosabe” also known as “wrong brother”, the actor reminds me so much of Jason Segel and Brendan Fraser who are underrated in terms of delivering real, genuine acting and the thing is, I don’t question their comedy but I can only just see them as one trick ponies!

Armie had only a few films under his belt and so far he had not shown any improvement with his acting let alone his good looks and stature in which he was able to land the part of playing Batman in an unfinished Justice League movie. Same goes with his current role but without any backbone to give some it a little more levity with the audience. As stated earlier, his comedy is subpar let alone his delivery of characters being portrayed because I can still recall that The Lone Ranger is a class act with nerves of steel unlike his nephew’s great grandson!

The ever evolving and unorthodox Johnny Depp (The Pirates of the Caribbean) is Tonto the “foolish one”! The reliable actor who actually the only reason I watched this film but tagging along with Armie gets his mojos sober who reminds me of dumb super heroes that has better associates like “The Green Hornet” who by the way has the same last name. Johnny has always been a box-office magnet especially in his projects with Tim Burton but it had the same effect with Gore which only brings into presumption that the Western films are dried out of ideas.

While jumping the on the band wagon, long time collaborator Helena Bonham Carter (The King’s Speech) keeps her close working ties with Johnny and adding to the cast is veteran actor Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins) as rich man Latham Cole who were just there for support nothing more. At least William Fichtner (The Longest Yard) playing heartless, cold blooded villain Butch Cavendish put up more of a fight when it comes to delivering the goods.

From the start, the film had continuous delays in terms of ownership, lead casts finishing their respective projects and production problems in shooting. There was even a crew member who died while making it worse, chickenpox spread at one point. But not all were on a negative stand point, while traversing west side states, with Cinematographer Bojan Bazelli (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice), he was able to at least give the film’s epic landscapes with much definition and authenticity from Utah down to New Mexico (you can learn from here…I’m looking at you Jon Favreau).

With all the depravity and unfortunate circumstances it may have generally affected the viewing public’s interest in spite of tagging it with the hugely successful “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise along with the director and one of the main characters. It was complete in a sense of making it entertaining for the whole family but with all the ideas being thrown in to make it a constructive output, it deteriorated further with its typical proclivities of a western actioner while delving into clichéd plot of hijacking, locomotive train wrecks, quick draws and the appeal of no one is above the law with the exception of masked vigilantes (and people who wears dead birds on their heads and incite it as fashion statement).

In the end, it had funny moments courtesy of Johnny and that was it! There was no sense of direction on how to deliver the story, it was confusing and a lot of unnecessary segments that makes the predetermined film too long while adding insult was the cast (not all of them) who were not actually needed since it was all about the redemption and seeking justice aspect that clouded everyone even for the spirit that miraculously shows itself out of nowhere…

Open Range (2003)

A typical mundane life in the West until someone steps into your property and spits the wrong way for sure guns smoke and bullets will be the last thing you’ll see!

Cobalt Media Group in association with TIG Productions and Touchstone Pictures present

From the novel of Lauran Bosworth Paine of the same title! Open Range gives a wide view look of cattlemen who takes their livestock for an exercise while roaming free to graze the land, its water and grass! While privatized owners who migrated from different countries have another agenda which is to coral their properties and discourage these “minding their own business” cowboys from using their acquired by law resources!

Directed and Co-Produced by Academy Award Winner Kevin Costner (Wyatt Earp) he is Charles Travis “Charley” Postlewaite a sullen former soldier in the Civil War with a haunted past and a Lieutenant to the Boss, he is employed by Bluebonnet “Boss” Spearman an old timer with a heart of gold and integrity that commands respect from his close group of ranchers, played by another Academy Award Winner Robert Duvall (Geronimo: An American Legend) who makes their partnership believable but not effectively translated on screen (but don’t tell anyone his true name otherwise he’ll pistol whip you and chloroform you to death).

BAFTA Nominee James Michael Muro (Flicka) and known for his work in “Crash”, he had a long list of pivotal projects mostly coming from James Cameron’s films. The Cinematographer had given a bird’s eye view of the grey skies thundering over the horizon while encompassing the landscape with sunshine and torrential rains! Working back together with Kevin since 1990 since “Dances with Wolves” they have at least made a decent film with a good setting from the plains of Alberta, Canada that was definitive enough to carry the layout of the story!

Sir Michael John Gambon (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) an Irishman who rules by his shamrock fists! He plays town owner Denton Baxter who despises free-rangers loitering in his turf! Best known for his roles as Albus Dumbledore since 2004 in the Harry Potter series, he had made his character his own, being the main villain he controlled everyone even the law but it doesn’t mean he is above the law! He lets his bullies and bullets do the talking in his posse of a dozen men!

Charley can’t help but stare at the Doctor’s assistant. Smitten by her beauty Annette Benning (American Beauty) who plays Susan Barlow, a bride in waiting for a long time captivates the cattle rancher as soon as he laid eyes on her!  A strong willed woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and her heart (for heaven sake ask the girl out already).

Supporting cast coming from the late Michael Jeter (The Boys Next Door) and Diego Luna (Fade to Black) they play Percy and Button respectively and did very convincing parts for them to get noticed. Michael also worked with Kevin in the underrated post-apocalyptic film Waterworld!

The pacing of the story was drowning in the dialogue which is kind of ironic wherein very few lines were said in the first half of the film. While on the second half, even the Rain got his own character to play, setting up a huge backdrop for the story to be told with meaning and to ante-up the conflict between the two factions. But still, Charley and Boss just “talk” about their never ending plan to get even with the antagonist’s men or just find a way to get out of trouble!

Although, there were verbal quips that can make you rub your eyes from yawning too much and get back in the saddle. It’s not that I’m expecting the gunfight to commence right away but the screenplay was mediocre and the plot was too short to play out coming from simple premise!

On the other end, you can’t help but be frustrated with Charley’s staring and his advances become stale trying to show his inhibitions towards Sue. Now this is where the fun starts Sue started to change her tone upon learning that how his new found man reciprocates his feelings towards her. But since Charley is so busy being too serious and a lover boy, his Boss will deliver the comedic parts to give some enthusiasm going within the pure redundant dialogue since the film started rolling. Waking up their prisoners and serving them morning “music and “breakfast” was definitely one thing you can put a smile at!

The film conveyed the life of cattle ranchers trying to protect their livestock that’s the way their lives come into place and when push comes to shove there will definitely be riddled holes and dead bodies at the aftermath of this range wars which was absurd, scenes like Charley’s fans his SAA (Single Action Army) Colt Cavalry Model Pistol 16 times before reloading while Robert used his 1878 shotgun to blow a hole through a barnyard wall and sends his victim flying on the other side!

It was teeming with expectation from the audience apart from the flow of selected characters that just needs a little more drama and action! Except for the fact it had too much time trying to figure out how to get on with their intended objectives the story only picked the pace when and take another notch when Mose Harris played by Abraham Benrubi (Twister) was sent out to replenish supplies from a nearby town Harmonville but he never came back, he was searched by his friends until they met the town’s Marshall Poole played James Russo (Hidden War)by who seem so eager to make problems under his de-facto tyrant Baxter!

Kevin had his ups and downs in his lifetime work in the industry even taking other ways and means to pass the time like road trips his band Modern West has been making waves in the Country music scene! Here, his direction still needs some work also some balancing of too much or too little dialogue and screen takes. I think that Writers Craig Storper with the Author had a decent adaptation of the novel, it was well intended and story driven just to let it flow carefree while the audience watches nearby to experience the surrealism of a community gone amok without regard for casualties…well you can’t deny if it’s a good day to set things right!

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

“The Law of Celestial Mechanics dictates that when two objects collide, there is always damage of a collateral nature.”

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Silver Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures present…

From the continuing saga of the “World’s Greatest Detective” comes the sequel A Game of Shadows! Based on the popular works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the film was derived extensively from the story “The Final Problem” where the Author had to finally end the adventures of his fictional super sleuth and focus on his day job! Instead, with the public’s clamor and his mother’s strong advice…thankfully the game is still afoot!

One of British’s finest Directors is Guy Ritchie (Rock N Rolla) who makes a fantastic comeback not just for the characters but also in providing a well-written juxtaposed continuity! Guy gives it a bigger and better plot sending the “original” dynamic duo to save Monarchs and their countries from coercion to start a war! He maximizes his entire repertoire to give the audience all the amenities of action, comedy, drama and mystery! For the latter, not that much comparing from the first film but it helps to send the message across the border that someone with wealth, power and a whole new level of intelligence asserts himself to entangle the whole world in utter chaos!

Storytelling were given insight by both husband and wife Kieran (Paperman) and Michele Mulroney, they were able to set the tone to further access the life of the Detective also, to target specific the anti-thesis that elaborates the story in a grander scale! Mixing the right type of dialogue, the Writers were able to deliver the unsuspected “oxygen contraption” in the nick of time!

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man) and Jude Law (Repomen) returns to the big screen from their 2009 blockbuster hit Sherlock Holmes! They reprise their roles as the eccentric Consulting Detective and the always loyal Dr. Watson. Their off-put chemistry seems to be the tagline for the story to be conceived only as “brotherly love” not to be detrimental; it works on a given layer (as long as it stays there!)

Robert makes his portrayal so easy, his wit and comedy never falls flat in delivery and to his overall performance! Another strong asset was his understanding of Baritsu, the self-defence martial arts captured in its best form from a camera’s point of view to the viewer! Jude on the other hand, has given the “side-kick” persona into the well received Doctor, inexplicably fascinated with Sherlock both as a partner in crime fighting and as a friend! On a side note, it comes to a point in time where one has to get married while the other will have so solve crimes on his own…or so it seems!

Professor James Moriarty, an enigmatic and ruthless criminal mastermind, a math genius and dubbed by Holmes as the “Napoleon of Crime”! He was born and raised with wealth which gave him the best education, derived from Scotland Yard’s own notorious criminal files, his name was Adam Worth and to another malicious Astronomer Simon Newcomb who likes to destroy other scientists’ reputation for his own benefit!

You would really despise Jared Harris (To the Ends of the Earth)as he is absolutely demented, he gives life to the “would be world conqueror” having spun the enormity of his web of diabolical proportions has made him “interested “ with his recent endeavors for the Detective’s mind to keep busy!

A little tit-for-tat with the thief for hire Irene Adler played by the always alluring Rachel McAdams (The Time Traveller’s Wife) which jumpstarted the premise and sets it in motion! Other supporting casts were extraordinary even for Stanley the Butler! Stephen Fry (V for Vendetta) is the aloof elder brother Mycroft Holmes, an indispensable chap from the British Government who Sherlock says has far more intellect than he is but rather being stagnant leaving his younger brother to always do the leg work while Moriarty’s ace assassin Col. Sebastian Moran played by Paul Anderson (A Lonely Place to Die) the best sniper in the British Army who served in Afghanistan and was given a dishonorable discharge which was not disclosed as of the moment!

The film was entertaining but got lesser approval ratings on its dragging back-story and escapades, which should have been focused on the “bigger fish to fry”! I can say it’s a let go seeing that there were instances that was not necessary to linger on; one example would be the lost brother segment and the gypsy encampment scenes! It had an intriguing start that gave emphasis on what was going on between countries on the verge of conflict and culminating it to a very profound, gasping for air ending!

From the original standpoint of the Author’s “Final Problem” narrative, it says that Holmes was attacked a few times which correspond to the movie’s sequences from the thugs getting beaten by Holmes, one of them was carrying a cosh or in modern times is called a nightstick and another was the cannon fired which brought down a wall and bricks which flung all over the place including to Holmes and Watson’s direction. The shoot out and mortar heavy scenes in the forest were amazing using slow motion capture to visualize the veracity of ballistics toring up trees and flesh makes the word “incoming” better suited to be left unsaid…and just run for your lives!

An inquiry or better yet a statement cannot be set aside seeing that both protagonists at the Switzerland Peace Summit were “dancing” together! Why would the Director and Writer’s imply on something that was not even mandated giving the film more speculation on the “bromance” of the two! Are they pouring more gasoline into the fire?

Cinematography was handled once more by French 1992 Academy Awards and BAFTA Winner Philippe Rousselot (The Big Fish) where he incorporates a hands down pivotal screen shots from Greenwich, London to Strasbourg, France that invigorates the senses while fan favorite 2008 Academy Award Winner Hans Zimmer (Batman Begins) brings in his usual bespoke sound combining the fancy saloon piano while giving it a “kick” through an upbeat tempo from the string section! Making it fast paced with a mystery being hefty on the background!

Recently, I concluded the two outstanding series of Sherlock on BBC TV which they have made it so seamlessly written and unique in its own way! Showing how Writers Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat pictured the powerful and moving climax of Moriarty and Holmes in the episode “The Reichenbach Falls” while Director Guy Ritchie version made it direct and personal coming from the original work.

It got me applauding even when a chess game being played suddenly been inclined into a verbal stand-off while preparing for the inevitable “physical prowess” between the rivalry of the greatest minds on the planet! I didn’t realize how they would be able to encapsulate the fight scenes with so much detail and excitement which makes it so palpable!

Garnering more than $440 million worldwide is a genuine feat to accomplish seeing that it presents a certified blockbuster coming from the recent winter holidays! After this, there were two significant stories that culminate the pre and post hiatus of Sherlock Holmes death which should be tackled in the coming sequels… a Hound and an Empty House wouldn’t you agree?

 

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

“Never theorize before you have data. Invariably, you end up twisting facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Silver Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures present…

Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work on what transpired to be as the “World’s Greatest Detective”! Eccentric, true! Unconventional, absolutely! But most of all, one of the brilliant minds of his time! His character was given birth coming from idle days at the Author’s clinic located at Portsmouth, while waiting for customers; he would scribe his creation’s adventures and misadventures to pass the time!

His mentor from the university Joseph Bell was the progenitor, the image which Sir Arthur was trying to emulate for his new found hobby, having the same demeanor for intuition, deduction and inference and thus Sherlock Holmes was born to solve mysteries and fight crime as a Consulting Detective!

Running as if there was no tomorrow, Sherlock’s fleeting feet moves ahead from the Scotland Yard Police with two stern faced individuals who shows utmost concern on what they are up against! Yes, Sherlock Holmes is on the case! He needs to prevent a cult leader and practitioner of the paranormal from taking another victim but there is more to this mere supernatural forces alone…

Always full of energy, wit, courage and determination Sherlock Holmes is brought to life by Robert Downey Jr. (Zodiac) his portrayal could not have been taken better by another actor, he is passionate with his work  more so to his objective as a performer to his audience!  While the fast paced movements compliments the slow motion capture of “kicking ass 101” applying Baritsu to a given number of opponents, Robert’s fantastic display of choreography and understanding of the art has made these scenes flagrant and unforgettable!

His partner in “crime solving” is Dr. John Watson a former soldier who served in Afghanistan has made so much testimony for his roommate, friend and brother at arms! Jude Law (Contagion) provides not just bantering humor with his colleague but also pieces of advice and at times reprimanding for his unusual lifestyle!

Full of spectacular fight scenes and funny moments not just from the two protagonists but through the escapades they go to and the anonymities they need to solve before everything is too late! Having said, the performances of these two main protagonists were exceptional seeing that how someone like Holmes coming from his Bohemian lifestyle, vagrant and absurd has been changed into society’s respectable (almost) figures and this is thanks to the Doctor who seem undeterred to find a way (die trying) to at least sway the sleuth from living like a tramp and to add, avoid him from further experimenting on their dog!

No denying that he is one of the most sought out actors of this generation specifically playing the villainy of every hero, thwarting their efforts to seize the day until they all crash down to his will. Mark Strong (Robin Hood) does so impeccably his heinous crimes using both intellect and the dark arts of demonic rituals.

A thief, a friend and a lover Irene Adler is portrayed by Rachel McAdams (The Notebook) she has a penchant for stealing things even the heart of the Detective which makes him absolutely fascinated or even more, enamored by the young lass! Rachel exudes charisma, style and wit while trying to be a sincere while still acts as a double agent for a very influential figure.

The set-up in terms of timeline was very adequate, precise and concomitant from attire, manners not being flumped up in a narrowed down studio where a specific shot is just taken over and over again from the same stage. Even the Tower Bridge scenes were fantastic. Academy Award and BAFTA Winner Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot (The Tailor of Panama) has proven yet again to provide the audience sweeping scenes of the era while making it more appealing through seamless shots of old London!

It may seem farfetched seeing that it still did not contend to be the highest grossing films in the domestic front but it sure was a blockbuster in the box office upon reaching international shores reaching $524 million in its worldwide receipts. Surely a sequel is in waiting or rather someone is still not finished playing “games” with the Detective unless proven he is far better having the greatest mind in the world…or so it would seem!

CBM Adaptation: Striking while the trend is hot!

I recently came across Comixology and it’s a website where you can purchase and download comic books in digital format. Voted as 2012’s No. 3 Top Grossing iPad app, in here you’ll be able to dive into and immerse yourself on your own personal collection wherever you go as their tagline’s emphasis on  “buy once , read everywhere.” policy which enables readers to enjoy the services rendered with the use of current trend digital devices.

More importantly, I was able to see a whole lot of perspective with its diverse collection of 30,000 strong comic books waiting to get their own attention in a big way and we’re not talking about tv series adaptations but rather getting the spotlight on the big screen. Ever since Richard Donner’s “Superman” which got the audience from the get-go with their catch phrase “You’ll believe a Man can fly.” from here, everything was history and superheroes were never the same.

DC Comics got the first crack in the comic book movie phenomenon and was later tail-gated by Marvel Comics which spawned so many projects that became instant hits (and some misses) especially when Stephen Norrington’s “Blade” and Bryan Singer’s “X-Men” that paved the way for these films to be instant blockbusters usually in the Summer season to get the cash cow flowing.

Now, we do understand that in the last decade, it is only from these two major publishers that has been battling the front seat for supremacy although there were a few that are willing to contend but they still fell short of their well intended promises for their respective publishers and studios. Here are some on my list:

LADY MECHANIKA

Publisher: Aspen Comics

Creator/s: Joe Benitez

Publication Date: August 2010 (on-going series)

Genre: steam punk, detective, horror, supernatural  and adventure

An actress who could follow the footsteps of Kate Beckinsale and Mila Jovovich (well, much better in terms of acting) who loves action and adventure. Frontrunners could be Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes), Gemma Arterton (Hansel & Gretel) or even Emily Blunt (Looper).

Directors that can put this film into full effect are: Len Wiseman (Underworld), Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes), Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy). Each one has tackled past projects that deal with science fiction and combining it with the Victorian Era and all its punked pleasantries!

MOUSE GUARD

Publisher: Archaia Studio Press under Boom! Studios

Creator: David Petersen

Publication Date: February 2006 (on-going series)

Genre: fantasy and adventure

Imagine “Stuart Little” and their all over the place! It’s a tough world out there and these sentient mice are trying to survive the best way they can. Great voice acting and CGI is a must in order for this film to work while making sure the premise is derived from the actual story with authenticity and make it epic as possible.

Directors that come to mind are: Brad Bird (The Incredibles), Rob Minkoff (The Lion King) who can bring action, drama and comedy all of the same time!

PLANETARY

Publisher: Wildstorm under DC Comics

Creator/s: Warren Ellis and John Cassaday

Publication Date: September 1998 – October 2009

Genre: historical events, science, action, super heroes and mystery

As Warren stated, he wanted the series to be focused on the “superhero genre” rather than the superheroes themselves. It’s a combination of exploring phenomena that actually sets in historical accounts that would change the world. The film can be a huge potential for fans and the public in terms of covering different aspects of a summer blockbuster.

Someone who can utilize VFX “effectively” without relying on it to blow everything out of proportion! Think of “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”, “Sherlock Holmes”, “Watchmen” and “Hellboy” with the proper Director helming the lens, a smart screenplay and with a cast that can really bring intelligible dialogue. Any of the following directors could be tapped in to bring this team on the big screen: Anyone from Bryan Singer (X-Men), Christopher Nolan (Inception) and Vince Vaughn (Kick-Ass) would be perfect!

THE KILLER

Publisher: from Casterman to Archaia  Studio Press under BOOM! Studios

Creators: Matz and Luc Jacamon

Publication Date: October 1998

Genre:  action, assassins and crime

Now, this would be cool it was a narrative like “Sin City” with the noir and the inhibitions of the gun for hire this would be a certain treat for spy enthusiasts and at the same time make an impressive entrance compared to the likes of “Wanted”, “Hitman” and “Shooter”(ok, one is a video game and another was an adaptation from a novel)!

The premise was adapted from a French comic book and hopefully things will get into fruition as Paramount Pictures have made a deal with Director David Fincher and Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment as of to date and to take the film into new heights! Hope they hit the bulls-eye on this one or we’ll send in the wet works!

LOCKE & KEY

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Creators: Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez

Publication Date: February 2008

Genre: mystery, horror and fantasy

What happens when you put together juvenile delinquents, demon possession, doors to other realms and incorporate it with tons of murder mystery and you get Locke and Key!

The story was interwoven with arcs that allow clearer passage to the plot about how history can entangle so much adventure for the Locke Family and their oppressors. A TV pilot was on the get-go from Dimension films with big time producers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Steven Spielberg joining the fray but the series was never greenlit and still hoping for a film that can turn things around for this phenomenal best seller!

THE SIXTH GUN

Publisher: Oni Press

Creators: Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt

Publication Date: May 2010

Genre: action, supernatural and western

Western movies have been on a decline (“Jonah Hex”, “The Lone Ranger”) and although the genre works well with actual events, I believe that given the right story and direction will make it worth watching again.

Since, there has been a huge delay of the phenomenal fan favorite “The Dark Tower” from world renowned horror author Stephen King! The Sixth Gun can be the next shot in breaking the curse, this adaptation was actually given a green light already for a tv series but was unfortunately shelved by NBC.

Stating the obvious, since this is actually horror oriented and with some special effects involved, someone who can put the dread and significance of the story of this unwanted “gun” that needs to find its next owner before the evil dead does! We hope Sam Raimi (Evil Dead), Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai) or even The Coen Brothers (True Grit), with these Directors around, truly there will be blood!

DETECTIVE HONEYBEAR

Publisher: Creator Owned Comics

Creators: Alex Zalben and Josh Kenfield

Publishing Date: March 6, 2013 (digital release)

Genre: comedy, adventure, anthropomorphic and mystery

Think someone who can first voice this adorable cub (forget the Care Bears) this one sounds like he‘s still drinking milk from the bottle and loves to eat sandwich! Technicalities and visual effects is a piece of cake these days with films like “Scoody Doo” plus combine it with “Ted” there you have it.

“Big Bang Theory’s” John Ross Bowie playing Barry Kripke could serve well with this character. Seth can also direct while other Directors who could be interested are the redeemable Gore Verbinski (Rango), Chris Wedge (Ice Age) or even Seth McFarlane himself!

CHEW

Publisher: Image Comics

Creator/s: John Layman, Rob Guillory

Publishing Date: June  2009

Genre: police procedural, dark comedy and crime

So, in this case I would like to suggest some of these potential crowd pleasers that I have read and hopefully it will have at least an impact for the movie going public to recognize and consider contending in the very long line success of these fictional characters coming alive straight into your faces bub!

Sources say that Stephen Yeun (The Walking Dead) is now a front runner for the cibopath Detective Tony Chu who works for the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).