With the 2012 San Diego Comic Con having just concluded, and the release of The Dark Knight Rises just days away, moviegoers have many exciting things to look forward to over the next year. We're now six months away from The Hobbit, a year from the Superman reboot, and Iron Man 3 is currently in production. I thought I'd share my thoughts on these projects and more, and comment on their significance.
From the visionary director of The Lord of the Rings and King Kong, Peter Jackson returns to make The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which will arrive in theatres on December 14. This is a film which countless fans have been waiting years for, based on the beloved novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Starring Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Billy Connolly (Dain Ironfoot), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), and Andy Serkis (Gollum), this prequel to LOTR tells Bilbo's exciting adventure with Gandalf and a band of dwarves, and of how he comes to find the Ring.
With Jackson's previous works being virtually flawless, his innate artistic ability for storytelling makes this picture a guaranteed success. Furthermore, the equally gifted filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy) has collaborated with Jackson on the film's screenplay. At the Comic Con, over twelve minutes of footage were released for viewing pleasure, and fans were quite pleased. I know of at least one character in the film not found in the Tolkien universe, but aside from this there don't seem to be any major liberties from the source material. Either way, the trailer and online footage reveal how visually spectacular this film will be; and I feel that Martin Freeman will really compliment Ian Holm's performance in LOTR, while bringing something fresh and compelling to Bilbo's character.
Another exciting upcoming fantasy film is Oz: The Great and Powerful, set to release next Spring. Director Sam Raimi (The Spider-Man Trilogy) tells the story of the origins of the Wizard himself, portrayed by James Franco, and how he came to the land of Oz. The legendary Oz creator L. Frank Baum wrote over 14 Oz novels and short stories, many which influenced the classic 1939 film and Wicked, both the book and musical.
A trailer for this movie was released just a few days ago, and it reveals the cinematic brilliance and imaginative spirit presented in Raimi's previous films. Producer Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Huntsman) is also a very good choice, as I think his vision will really compliment Raimi's very effectively. Having seen Wicked on Broadway, Oz fans have seen hints of the Wizard's origin, but this film will explore his story in much greater depth. Other cast members include Mila Kunis (Theodora), Rachel Weisz (Evanora), and Michelle Williams (Glinda). So as long as Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire's script proves to be effective, I think this film will be an excellent addition to the Oz legacy.
Now for the Superman reboot, Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen). Now that it's been over 30 years since Richard Donner's classic 1978 film, and Nolan's Batman trilogy is at an end, it's time for DC to return to Krypton, and hopefully open up enough doors for a Justice League movie.
I have a few concerns regarding the cast, but I definitely approve of the production team (even though I wish Nolan was directing). Producers include Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven, and Emma Thomas; and the screenplay is by Nolan and David S. Goyer. This trilogy will be based heavily upon Red Son and The Death of Superman, along with other more modern Superman graphic novels. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Superman For All Seasons is a particular favorite of mine. Snyder says he approached this project as if this was the first Superman film ever made, setting high goals and really seeking to capture the essence of the character's story in a way like never before. Hans Zimmer is also certainly a worthy composer to live up to John Williams' iconic score in the original.
The film will star Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Russell Crowe (Jor-El), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Jadin Gould (Lana Lang), and Michael Shannon (General Zod). While Crowe and Fishburne are great actors, I don't really see them as the characters they're portraying here. Crowe is best in his action hero roles. I'm having trouble envisioning him as the elderly father/mentor figure from another world. And as far as Fishburne playing White, I'm not racist or anything, but I don't see the need in changing a well known character's race. I'd say the same thing if they made John Stewart white in a Green Lantern film. To me, someone like Ed Asner would be a great choice to play White, which he actually did in an animated film. Aside from that, I don't know much about Cavill, but he seems to look the part okay. I kinda wish Brandon Routh hadn't wasted his time with Bryan Singer's Superman Returns, and been available now. Overall, I think this series has a lot of potential so long as Snyder's vision is consistent with that of both fans and everyone at DC.
As far as the sequel to J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, little information is available at this time. Abrams is definitely returning to direct, with screenwriters Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Damon Lindelof; and it is rumored that Khan will be the villain. I've read some of the new comics, which are primarily based on episodes from the original series. With the 2009 film having such an appeal to hard core fans as well as those new to the characters, I have no doubt this film will be just as fantastic.
That's it for now. I look forward to reviewing each of these films, and I will keep my readers updated on all the latest movie news. Until then, Live Long and Prosper my friends.
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