Click here for more.
Click here for more.
Below are summaries of various reviews of comicbook screenplays. Please note they all contain SPOILERS. They are not, I repeat NOT, the definite script that will be used for that particular film (if one even gets made). Just because they are reviewed, has no bearing on any plans for future production whatsoever.
BATMAN 5
Probably one of the most rumored of all comic to film scripts.The script that was reviewed is supposedly receiving the most consideration though its hard to confirm such a statement. Anyway, the reviewed script was titled: "Batman:Darknight."
It was a darker script than the previous two Bat flicks, said the reviewer. The main antagonist is the Scarecrow with the Manbat (Cuba Gooding Jr.?) a second antagonist. This script was highly praised as it did a "remarkable job developing all of its characters." It was especially appealing for it has the public questioning, perhaps fearing, the existence of Batman -- just as Miller had done in his graphic novel.
Bruce Wayne does not have a love interest but instead it is the ManBat; whom the reviewer said was "the most fascinating element in the whole script."
The character of the Scarecrow used a variety of weapons but overall, the script was not overloaded with gadgets. There's one scene which the reviewer said was very "Legend of Sleepy Hollowish," which the Batman pursues the Scarecrow on horseback through a park.
Also unique with this script was the interaction between the two antagonists who are not allies but at odds with one another. The ManBat is described more as an anti-hero than villain.
Is Robin in this script? Yes, but away at college as Batman has retired and he is Gotham's sole protector. It is in college where he meets Jonathan Crane (Scarecrow) and Manbat's alternate identity. Eventually the dynamic duo reunite but in the end go their separate ways.
FANTASTIC FOUR
Another very positive review. this time about the "World's Greatest Comic Magazine."The FF movie has already been shot if you hadn't know but was quickly bought and shelved for a bigger budget feature.
This script starts off with the 4 in space on a Russian space station while investigating the science of matter transformation. They get trapped in a "molecular manipulation chamber" by a Victor Obretch who will later become the infamous Dr. Doom.
The story then revolves around a terrorist attack on NYC in which the FF are called to battle the evil Doom in his bid to mold humanity in his image.
The reviewer though was more enthralled by the script's ability to capture the familiarities of the comic book which has had folks reading for more than 30 years. The characterizations are believable: from Ben's disgrace of being a "thing," to Reed and Sue's arguments, to the playful banter between the Torch and the Thing. Add some intense action, lots of special effects sequences, and a explosive climax (in which the Torch goes supernova) creates a very exciting read.
THE HULK
Okay, so we had two good reviews. Now it's time for a few bad ones.Yes, the Hulk script wasn't very impressive according to it's reviewer though it wasn't all bad.
It's biggest problems are its villains. The Hulk has to battle three ex-cons, mutated into monsters, who only abuse their new found powers. What the reviewer found interesting is the writer places Dr. Banner (Hulk) in working for Amalgamted Dynamics, Inc. (Any T2 fans out there?) Anyway, the company wants to use gamma radiation to develop a super strong race of men and (this is where the story gets cliched) they test their radiation process on three death row cons. Banner gets bathed accidentally in the radiation and well you can guess the rest of the story from here.
IRON MAN
Wow--did the reviewer tear up this script.This was a script from two summers ago though its not known to me if its still circulating.
Tony Stark, millionaire, runs Stark Industries which develops a suit of armor to be used as a medical triage system. This suit could be used in various theaters from natural disasters to battles. So far so good.
Then the dreaded AIM, led by Modok, attempt to assassinate Stark with a smart bullet but the bullet gets "stuck" in Stark's chest and he must use the armor (known as the Redeemer) to save his life.
What next? Well, the reviewer had a hard time finding that out. It's not until page 90 of the 114 page script why AIM is after Stark (to duplicate the armor for evil purposes).
The reviewer stated that the script's characters were portrayed from flat/lifeless to inconsistent.. Also, it borrows/steals from many other superhero films (Superman, Robocop, Batman Returns) and is plagued with supervillians whom are there nothing more for FX effects.
Of all the reviews cited here, this one was the longest (8 pages) and by far the most negative.
SUPERMAN
Another bad review.While Kevin Smith's script was said to have promise, this script goes in the total opposite direction featuring the storyline from 'Death of Superman.'
According to the reviewer: "This script is DUMB." While the first twenty pages or so work, the writer then creates a Lex Luthor as a psycho -- "Joker minus the makeup." The reviwere to state: "Toss in cheesy dialogue, some less-than-believable action sequences and a muddled third act and you have one turkey of a screenplay."
Ouch--that hurts. Not sure where this script sits at the "bigwig's table" but expect to see another Superman film someday in the future. With Nick Cage as the lead? Well, that's a rumor that's still floating around. Anything is possible...especially in Hollywood.
Return to THIRD MILLENNIUM entertainment