Jeffery Dean Morgan (Denny in "Grey's Anatomy) as The Comedian in "Watchmen"

Last weekend, “The Dark Knight” passed the $500 million dollar mark, shattering another movie record. (Why do we care how much something has made? I guess that’s another post)

The success of the Batman sequel is having a very dark impact on the future of comic book movies. In March 2009, Warner Bros. is set to release the darkest of dark comic book movies with the release of “Watchmen.”

“Watchmen” is based on the graphic novel of the same name. Graphic novels are what they call comic books these days…and the name change is justified. Comic books were much simpler and appropriate for youngsters. These days, graphic novels are not written for kids but for adults. And “Watchmen” released by DC Comics in the 80s, is widely regarded as one of the very best graphic novels ever published.

A friend recently loaned me his hard bound book edition and I re-read it. If you thought “Dark Knight” was too dark, “Watchmen” is pitch-black! Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, this is an inspired piece of work.

Here’s the premise…what if superheroes did exist? How would they be accepted by the public? Would they be accepted…or rejected?

A very different take on superheroes in "Watchmen"

Or would the public just think these people are off their rockers? That is part of the concept behind the story. It’s set in an alternate version of the 80s. Nixon has just been re-elected to a fourth term and the world is on the brink of World War III. (I told you it was bleak.) Superheroes have been outlawed. And someone is eliminating the few superheroes still around. 

As I write this, I can’t help enjoying the similarities with Disney/Pixar’s “The Incredibles,” the CG masterpiece released a couple years ago, written and directed by Brad Bird. Course, that animated classic was  light-hearted and told for laughs. There are very few chuckles in “Watchmen.”

This is not Superman. It’s not Spiderman. It’s not even “The Dark Knight.” This is a totally unique POV on the whole comic book genre written especially for adults.

I’m looking forward to the movie adaptation based on the trailer released earlier this summer. You can watch the “Watchmen” trailer here on TheIndyChannel.com. It looks faithful to the source material. And that means its gonna be very dark.

We’ll find out next March.

*****

Looks exciting…and incredibly dangerous.

Should be fun. Have a great weekend!

Heyyyyyyyyy!

After this summer’s stunning superhero success on the silver screen (how do you like that alliteration!) you can expect plenty more rubber-suited superheroes at the movies over the next couple years.

Earlier this summer Marvel Comics led off with “Iron Man” and the re-booted “Incredible Hulk.” “Iron Man” took off…literally. Marvel then took charge with reports of sequels to “Iron Man” (no word on “Hulk” yet) a Wolferine sequel to “The X-Men,” and eventually an “Avengers” movie. Can “Spiderman 4″ be far away (no word on if Tobery Maguire and director Sam Raimi will be doing that one…and when…but it will surely come.)

Recently, published reports say DC Comics and Warner Brothers had a “superhero summit” to develop a strategy for their comic catalog. DC publishes The Batman and Superman among other titles. Marvel and DC are the two major comic book publishers and in the recent movie successes are any indication, Marvel has been Kryptonite to DC…at least until “The Dark Knight” came out.

Many have complained Warners and DC have been too slow to unlock the treasure trove of characters like Marvel has done. Well, now they plan to catch up and exploit their characters.

So what can we expect to see from D.C.? A sequel to “The Dark Knight,” the biggest movie of the year is no doubt going to come. Christian Bale has said as much before “Knight” opened saying this Batman was conceived as a trilogy.

Another “Superman” movie (possibly called “The Man of Steel”) again starring Brandon Routh and directed by Bryan Singer (”Superman Returns”) will begin shooting in the next few months. (Hope its better than “Returns.”)

There is also talk of movies based on “The Green Lantern,” directed by Greg Berlanti, producer of TV’s “Brothers and Sisters” and “Eli Stone”) “The Flash”, “Aquaman” and finally “Wonder Woman.”

According to USA Today, all plans, though, depend on the course the studio charts in its summit. The studio is keeping details of its meetings under wraps, but issued a statement saying, in part, “We’re constantly looking at how best to exploit the DC Comics characters and properties.”

 Since Warner Bros. owns DC Comics,, they have first take on any DC heroes.

IF you saw “The Dark Knight,” you got a preview of what could certainly be the next big comic book movie. Zack Snyder, the visionary director behind last year’s sword and sandals graphic novel/movie “300″ is adapting “Watchmen,” the graphic novel many say is the best in the genre into a movie that will be released next spring. (I’m re-reading “Watchmen” and will post my take on it soon.)

Have a great weekend! 

Well, I saw “The Dark Knight” this weekend.

After all the hype and excitement, I really wanted to see this one in the large IMAX format. I saw it…at the only screening that wasn’t sold out on Saturday at the Hamilton 16 IMAX in Noblesville (a terrific new movie palace - more on that later.) The movie started at 9:15 in the morning.

I figured a Saturday morning at the movies would be fun. And it was. I was stunned to find a line at the theatre that early in the morning. But there it was. And the showing was virtually a sellout with only a few open seats here and there.

So am I surprised this movie broke all the box office records this weekend? Nope. What I am happy to report is that I thought it was a really, really outstanding motion picture and deserved all the attention!

On the Sandwich Scale, I give “The Dark Knight” a TEN. And since I saw it in IMAX, I’d give it an “11!” (Hey, Spinal Tap is an inspiration.)

IMAX is great…giant imagery and bone-shaking audio…this is the way to see a movie like “The Dark Knight.”

As far as the movie itself, it was dense, intense, and very dark…and enthralling. I was a fan of “Batman Begins” and this movie takes that set-up and ups the story to a whole new level.

Heath Ledger’s Joker is worth the price of admission.

Does he deserve a Best Supporting Actor? Why not? The guy is absolutely unforgettable. Ledger takes over when he’s on screen. As an actor, it’s amazing to think this is the same guy who played the tortured cowboy in “Brokeback Mountain.” In “The Dark Knight” he really creates a psycho that is in turns frightening, demonic, calculating and hilarious. Not an easy task.

I always thought Jack Nicholson’s Joker in Tim Burton’s version of “Batman” back in the 80s would be the definitive take on that character. That version of Batman was considered “dark” then. But it’s not even close to the level of sophistication and depth “The Dark Knight” offers.

I love this movie because its so much more than a “comic book” movie. Its an entertaining examination of good and evil and the limits of human compassion and endurance. Really, all this from a movie featuring a guy dressing like a bat and an insane clown. Good and evil. Light and dark. Two sides to every person (alter egos.) Duality plays a major role in “The Dark Knight.”

The whole cast is great. Michael Caine as Alfred; Morgan Freeman as Lucious Fox; Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent; Maggie Glynhall is fine taking over for the weaker Katie Holmes. But I was particularly impressed with Gary Oldman as Gordon, the cop that doesn’t have a particularly showy part…no special makeup or masks for this guy. He’s great. And Christian Bale is noteworthy for making us care about Bruce Wayne, the man behind the mask.

There have been plenty of comic book movies over the years. Starting with “Superman” starring Christopher Reeve through “Spiderman 2″ with Toby McGuire to this year’s “Iron Man” starring Robert Downey Jr. and now “The Dark Knight.” These movies are not the best just because they boast cool special effects. They are terrific movies because we care about the alter-egos behind the heroes. Reeve’s Clark Kent, McGuire’s Peter Parker, Downey Jr’s Tony Starke and Bale’s Bruce Wayne are great characters on their own. 

“The Dark Knight” is one of the year’s best movies. Christian Bale says this movie is part of a planned trilogy. There will be a part three and ”The Dark Knight” sets itself up brilliantly for the sequel. 

*****

The Hamilton 16 IMAX theatres in Noblesville are a great place to see movies. Digital sound and picture, great comfortable stadium seating and a clean and comfortable theatre. I can highly recommend it. And they have great prices, too! Most shows are only $5 between 4pm and 6pm! Great for the whole family.