Wanted

This summer seems to be the season for films based on Comic books. So far Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk have been released, and now there is Wanted. Wanted is based on the comic by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones. The film is about an average guy named Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) who has a job that he hates, a girlfriend that cheats on him, fake friends and a horrible boss. After being targeted by a mysterious assassin and saved by a beautiful women named Fox (Angelina Jolie), Wesley is introduced into a world of deadly assassins known as the Fraternity, who are led by Sloan, (Morgan Freeman) and Wesley is taught how to become one. 

The film was a lot different then the comic book (which I am a fan of) but there were also several plot elements from the book incorporated into the film. Mark and J.G. were even Executive Producers so it seems that they were somewhat involved in the film. At the J.G. Jones panel at Wizard World Philly, he even mentioned that t

hey were treating them very well. Its good to see the creators involved in the film adaptations (Maybe Alan Moore would like the films based on his books better, if he had more say). The film was directed by Timur Bekmambetov and it was a really well made action film. It had a great story, had some amazing scenes and special effects. 

Also surprising is how awesome McAvoy is as an action star. He was a great choice for Wesley. The film itself had an awesome cast, other cast members included, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common, David O'Hara, and Chris Pratt. 

I would recommend this film to fans of the comic and people who haven't read them. It is definitely worth seeing.

Upcoming Comic Films

So it seems that every week a new film based on a comic book or a superhero is coming out. The biggest pictures of the summer are based on comics: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Wanted, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and The Dark Knight. Also this summer Hancock is coming out, which is about a superhero, or a person with super powers.

After the success of Iron Man, Marvel announced their upcoming film projects, which include: Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Avengers. Marvel seems to be everywhere right now, and consider they are behind my favorite comics, I am very pleased.

 MTV got the poster below, with the logo designs for the films.

In order news, there have been some posters released for the upcoming Spirit film (set for release at Christmas 2008). The film is based on the comic by Will Eisner, about a rookie cop who returns from the dead to fight against the evil forces in the city. The film stars Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jamie King and is directed by Frank Miller (Sin City). 

Robert Downey Jr.

It seems right now Robert Downey Jr. is one of the biggest stars on the planet. He seems to be everywhere. A lot of that has to do with Iron Man being such a hit. But he also has Tropic Thunder coming up in August (which I think has the potential to be hilarious). 

So if you decided to go to the cinema and you feel like you need a bit more Robert Downey Jr. or Tony Stark or Iron Man then check out The Incredible Hulk. Here is a teaser where we get a glimpse of Tony. For more Hulk clips and trailers, click here.

Robert has also been attached to some upcoming films, including Sherlock Holmes (By Guy Ritchie) and Cowboys vs. Aliens (a Dreamworks/Universal film).

Also here is a video from youtube. Its the Tropic Thunder Promo from the MTV Movie Awards. Enjoy!

Wanted

I know that I haven't talked a lot about Wanted, but I think that it deserves a post. I haven't been seeing a lot of advertising on t.v. for the film, but there is certainly a lot of buzz online. The film is based on the comic by Mark Millar and is about a group of super assassins. Having read the comic series, I can't wait for this film and the trailer itself looks amazing. James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman and Angelina Star in the film. The film opens in the states on June 27, so make sure you check it out.

Click here for the trailer

Also Empire Online has posted an amazing feature on turning the comic book into a film. The feature has new footage and interviews with cast and crew, so check it out here.

Iron Man

Iron Man is one of the best films based on a comic book. It may be better than Batman Begins. I have to see it a few more times before I make that decision. Iron Man was directed by Jon Favreau and based on the comics by Marvel. Tony Stark is a weapons manufacturer who sells his weapons to the U.S. military. While he is in Afghanistan testing his new Jericho missile he is attacked by insurgents using his own weapons and is kidnapped. During the attack he is caught in an explosion and shrapnel gets lodged near his heart. By use of an arc reactor he is able to keep the shrapnel from moving closer to his heart. The insurgents want Stark to create weapons for them, but instead he builds the first prototype of the Iron Man suit. After escaping from his captors, he no longer wants his company to create weapons, and instead wants to work on the suit and use it to help people around the world. 

Robert Downey Jr. plays the billionaire industrialist Stark. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Starks secretary Pepper Potts, Terrance Howard is Jim Rhodes, Stark's military liaison and friend. Rounding out the cast is Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane aka Iron Monger. I really enjoyed this film, and if you go to see it, stay after the credits for an extra scene. I'll give you a hint, it involves more then one agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.