The GoaT Roundup: summer movies 2010

At the outset, this summer seemed like it would be
disappointing. Now that essentially all of the major films have
been released, I can safely say that such was not the case for
me…at least not like I had expected. Action movies on the whole
left much to be desired, but there were a few overall bright spots.
I’m going to move through my summer favorites chronologically. Iron
Man 2 – this sequel is less deep and meaningful than the original,
but tons of fun nonetheless. Downey again portrays a nearly perfect
Tony Stark, as the story begins to hint at his alcoholism. Sam
Rockwell is appropriately slimy as Stark’s business rival, and
Mickey Rourke is very good as whiplash. And Scarlett
Johansen…………………….what was I saying? Errr… Don
Cheadle slips into the role of Jim Rhodes with no issues. Samuel L.
Jackson is mildly annoying as Nick Fury. The climax is tense and
mindblowing, and the setup for the upcoming Avengers movie is not
subtle, but exciting to anyone who ever enjoyed reading a Marvel
comic. Toy Story 3 – Woody, Buzz, and friends are given a beautiful
swan song in this funny, clever, deeply sad, and incredibly
touching tale of toys whose owner has grown up. In parts inspired
by One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, this movie is yet another
example of Pixar’s knack for delivering new variations on timeless
themes. Be ready for an emotional rollercoaster. Despicable Me – As
far as plots go, this one is fairly unique: a supervillain decides
to adopt three orphaned sisters in order to use them in his plot to
defeat his rival, but becomes unexpectedly attached to the girls
once they move in and get under his skin. Steve Carell is Gru, said
supervillain. Russell Brand is his assistant, Dr. Nefario. Neither
are recognizable, and both are quite hilarious in this unexpectedly
funny film that doesn’t add over-sentimental drivel and maintains
its light tone essentially throughout. Inception – My thoughts on
this movie are pretty clear. The interesting thing about this movie
is the polarizing effect it seems to have. People seem to really
get into it, or be lukewarm about it. It’s still my favorite this
summer, but only slightly ahead of… Scott Pilgrim vs. The World –
While this movie will not be for everyone, those who are of the
approriate era will appreciate the pop-culture pastiche that is
assembled here. Mostly a visually overcharged action movie, Scott
Pilgrim is also about getting comfortable in one’s own skin and
accepting oneself. Those who love Michael Cera will really enjoy
him here; those who hate him had best skip this one. Lots of
quotable moments and sharp supporting turns make this good film
great, along with a fun, overloaded soundtrack! Well, that’s it for
now. I’m hoping that the fall will bring some exciting
stuff…we’ll see!

An open letter to Christopher Nolan

Dear Mr. Nolan:

I hope that this letter finds you doing well. I am a huge fan, and I am writing in appreciation of films you have made that I have enjoyed, as well as to encourage you in your future endeavors.

My first experience with your work came when I saw “Memento” on a whim while it was playing in theaters. I had no idea what to expect. The non-linear…even reverse-linear storytelling made for a delightful upside down thriller. I enjoyed Insomnia as well, but found that I sympathized too much with Al Pacino’s Will Dormer in that I felt stressed and sleep-deprived by the climax. This is a good thing! The experience was appropriately exhausting.

Then it happened. You made a Batman movie. You filmed it partially in my city. I saw it on opening day, because, you see, I’ve been a Batman nerd for most of my life. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked it. Upon further reflection, however, it really grew on me. I came to love Batman Begins for its strong characterizations, tremendous cast, and its psychological and quasi-real take on the Batman world. I watch it often, usually followed by The Dark Knight. Again, I love this movie. The crime saga elements, Batman finding himself nearly powerless against an enemy, Heath Ledger’s untouchable performance, Aaron Eckhardt’s stalwart DA-turned-emotionally compromised murderer, the beautiful photography…all superb in my book. I had wanted to be an extra for this one, but I allowed someone to to talk me out of it.

Most recently, I thoroughly enjoyed Inception. The ensemble cast was a joy to watch, and the subtle complexities of the story are still rolling around in my head. I hope to catch one more viewing before the film exits theaters.

As you prepare your third Batman movie, I want to encourage you to tell the story that you want to tell. I know that you don’t need to hear this from me. Who am I to coach you in your career? I’m saying this simply to offer my support. It seems that there are two camps right now surrounding your work: those who admire it, and those who hate it. I feel strongly that a significant portion of the ‘hate’ folks are doing it because it’s ‘cool’ to hate things that are popular. Nonetheless, I think that this strong divide in opinion speaks volumes about the quality of what you have done thus far. It doesn’t help that we Batfans take our hero rather personally, and we each have specific ideas about how he should be portrayed. We’re VERY hard to please. The fact that a majority of us are behind you is a testament to the stories you have thus far given us.

I have my opinions about what would be best, but I want to see your story. You haven’t let me down so far. Show me how interesting the Riddler can be. Give my hero a fitting end. Make an epic cap to complete an epic trilogy. I’ll be there on opening day. At least once. More viewings will soon follow, I’m sure. I wish you the very best on this and other future projects.

Sincerely,
Steve Cannon

Essential Superheroes-on-film: a list

I’ll admit it…I was stuck for a topic today. I have yet to see Inception again, and my review of Scott Pilgrim is fairly complete after a single viewing. I can’t afford to go pick up Batman: Under The Red Hood. So as I sit here, unkempt and in PJ’s and still slightly cobwebby from my post work nap, it occurs to me that I COULD just talk a bit about the superhero films that matter to me and why I feel that they’re important. So…yeah. Why not?

These movies are not ranked in my estimation. Each one ‘gets’ its subject matter in one way or another, but comparing most of these movies is pointless and nonsensical…much like the first Fantastic Four movie!

I’m going to try to go chronologically. So we begin with…

Superman (1978) – Richard Donner’s vision of Superman and his world was based around the idea of verisimilitude, which is essentially making the fictional world seem real on its own terms. Donner and his fantastic ensemble cast succeed in doing just that, which was at the time more than anyone expected from a movie based on a comic book. Were it not for the character-based nature of this movie, none of the great superhero movies that we know now would have been made in similar fashion. Reeve is pitch-perfect as both Superman and Clark Kent, bringing a Cary Grant-like comic timing to the latter, while the former is played very straight and with real midwestern earnestness. Gene Hackman is very fun to watch as the maniacal mad scientist incarnation of Luthor, and Marlon Brando brings the appropriate gravitas to the role of Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father. Glenn Ford lends much humility to his brief scenes as Jonathan Kent, and Jackie Cooper nails curmudgeonly news editor Perry White. John Wiliams’ score is beyond iconic…it has come to represent the very character of Superman. The story continues in…

Superman II (Richard Donner cut) – I opted for this cut because it rings more true to me than the original. See, Richard Donner had filmed a lot of Superman II while still making the first film. He didn’t get along with the Salkinds, the father/son team who produced the Superman movies. After the first film was released and became a hit, the Salkinds fired Donner. They replaced him with Richard Lester, who brought more of a campy feel to the whole idea of Superman. Several years ago, at the request of fanboys like yours truly, Warner Bros. allowed Donner to put his version of “Superman II” together using unused footage and screen tests. The end result is significantly different, and I feel that the story has more real emotion. Even the love story works better! The great thing about Superman II, though, is that Superman’s limits are tested in nearly every respect possible. The level of drama was, I think, unexpected from the perspective of the many fans who saw this film.

Batman (1989) – Prior to the release of this movie, the dominant image of Batman in the eyes of the world was still Adam West doing the Watusi and dropping awful lines without flinching. Tim Burton’s original film, while far from perfect, did succeed in establishing Batman as a character that is practically operatic; shrouded in mystery, this Batman was part urban legend, part psychologically damaged little boy, and immersed in darkness. Nicholson’s Joker is very good, although it misses the mark slightly for me. He did succeed in making the Joker seem dangerous and unhinged, though. Keaton’s brooding Batman is shockingly good at times, considering how outraged fanboys were over his casting as Wayne/Batman. Elfman’s score is the most iconic part of this movie, and in my opinion it’s still one of his best.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm – If you missed this one, it’s ok. It just means that you’re not a geek. This 78 minute animated film noir was made by the creative team responsible for Batman: The Animated Series. It was released in theaters for all of a week, but found success on home video. The story gives possible insight into Batman’s past, including a serious romance and a possible long-forgotten connection to the Joker. I include this simply for the quality of storytelling. Also, I really enjoy Mark Hamill’s interpretation of the Joker and Kevin Conroy’s vocal realization of Batman. It’s not going to change your life, but it’s fun to watch and brilliant to look at.

Unbreakable – I’m as disappointed in M. Night Shyamalan as anyone these days. I haven’t seen “The Last Airbender” yet, but I was horrified at how bad “The Happening” was. I also hated “The Village.” But in Night’s early career, when the stories were more straightforward, I think he was much more effective. Bruce Willis is brooding and calm as David Dunne, an every man who is stalked by a handicapped art gallery owner (Samuel L. Jackson), who believes that David has super powers. The pacing is deliberately slow, but it works. I include this simply because to me it works and it’s very different from anything else in the superhero genre.

Spider-Man – To me, this was the first great Marvel Comics movie. It remains a very fun movie to watch! Tobey Maguire captures the nerdy, hopeless essence of young Peter Parker, and he makes Peter’s transition into Spider-Man incredibly fun to watch! Raimi uses NYC to great effect, and the Spidey costume looks great. Elfman’s score is once again a treat. I feel that Spider-Man proved that it is possible to stick reasonably close to your source material and still make an entertaining movie.

The Incredibles – Thank God for Pixar’s willingness to take a chance on Brad Bird’s crazy concept! The premise of a world in which ‘Supers’ are hated is at once brilliant and depressing. The manner in which this story plays out, though, is quite miraculous. By the film’s end, I feel exhilarated, moved, and wanting for more! Bird’s affinity for 1950’s/1960’s retro, along with Michael Giacchino’s slick score, give this movie a style all its own.

Batman Begins – Nolan’s decision to revisit Batman’s origins was a bold one, and it payed off. He’s smart to attract a first rate cast, all of whom are great, with the exception of Katie Holmes, who seems to be in over her head. This movie helps to establish that Batman, perhaps moreso than any other superhero, is a myth, and myths can be successfully retold. This telling is thrilling, psychologically interesting, and rooted in character study. Fantastic setup for its colossal sequel.

Iron Man – If you had told me ten years ago that they would make a GREAT Iron Man movie, I would have laughed until my sides hurt. I never expected this clever, funny, and exciting flick, which is 80% powered by Robert Downey, Jr. and his infallible likability. He’s a perfect Tony Stark. He’s intelligent. He exudes charm. He’s tortured. His casting, though brilliant, borders on typecasting. The fantastic effects are great to watch, but I really admire the message that those who make weapons have to take responsibility for how they are used.

The Dark Knight – This movie is very personal to me. I’ve been into Batman (as well as Superman) for most of my life. I received my first Batman comic in 1979. I was four. I’m pretty sure that that comic book pushed me to learn how to read. So to say that I know Batman would be putting it lightly. I loved the 1989 Batman when it was first released. I watched it obsessively. But deep down I was wondering if a movie could ever tell the complicated stories that were being told in the comics at that point. I had assumed not. Then “Batman Begins” came along. Christopher Nolan and David Goyer had captured the tone of DC Comics’ take on Batman! Who knew that they would get even more ambitious in the sequel? The Dark Knight is about four principal characters whose paths all intersect at one point. The principal characters are like points on a square. Batman is a force for good, but he’ll bend the rules to do what is needed…except for that one particular rule. To his right is Jim Gordon, who can’t bend the rules, but looks the other way as Batman does so. Then there’s Harvey Dent, a large than life DA who wants nothing more than to clean up Gotham. Completing the square is the Joker, a self-proclaimed agent of chaos whose sole purpose is to disrupt and cripple the city, bringing Gotham to its knees. Ledger’s Joker is a performance that defies description. Suffice it to say that he embodied for me the vicious, bent take on the character that I had always loved reading in the best comics. While the origin story isn’t really covered (obviously THIS Joker wasn’t dropped into a vat of chemicals), this version seems more classic to me, almost identical to the character’s first appearance in Batman #1 in 1940. While many don’t like it, I enjoy Bale’s Batman/Bruce Wayne as well! His inner turmoil is somewhat subtle, but totally right in my mind. The ambitiously complex plot gives the world that thes characters inhabit a sense of depth for me. In spite of its length, I could watch this movie every day.

Kick-Ass – Film adaptation of Mark Millar’s comic series tells the story of a world where superheroes are just crazy people with no special abilities running around in homemade costumes. Because the material is somewhat unique, I won’t give you a synopsis. I will say that the movie is funny, overly violent, and unique, although it borrows heavily in terms of cinematic style from Tarantino, at least in the climactic action sequences. Chloe Moretz as Hit Girl and Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy steal the show effortlessly. This movie is new on video and on demand. I recommend that you go track it down and watch it!

That’s my list for now. Remember that these are only opinions and could change at any time! For now, though, if you haven’t seem any of the above, please do so! I’ll be back tomorrow with a piece suggested by a fan…