Today’s Globe and Mail features a summer movie preview…so I figured now was the time to offer my own thoughts on the geeky movies to come…and then see whether my eventual reviews bear out these pre-release thoughts…
IRON MAN (coming May 2nd)
One of the few Marvel Comics super-heroes I ever collected, Iron Man is simply geek-chic on every level: a sarcastic ladies man, billionaire industrialist, mechanical & electronic genius, damaged alcoholic…he’s positively Shakespearean.
Director Jon Favreau may have also found his perfect Iron Man in Robert Downey Jr — a many noted for his many battles with alcohol and drugs, in spite of his brilliant acting talents. The combination may be fortuitous, and the trailers I’ve seen bode well…but I’m hardly going to cheer when that non-actress (and I’m being generous) Gwyneth Paltrow appears on-screen for the first time as Tony Stark’s love interest.
Anticipation Rating (out of 10): 8
INDIANA JONES & THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (coming May 22nd)
This will either be the best birthday present I’m going to get this year…or be a horrific disappointment. I tell myself that it can’t possibly be worse than Temple of Doom — which is easily the weakest film of the original Indy trilogy.
My worries primarily stem from the idea that Lucas/Spielberg/Ford are out of practice with realizing Indiana Jones on the big screen. BUT…if they DO manage to recapture the magic of the 1980s — that perfect combination of adventure, action, wit, and breath-taking amazement — then we’re home free. So come what may, I’m going to be there with BELLS on, cheering for another slice of my childhood, returning once more to make me giddy like the little fanboy I still am!
Anticipation Factor: 10
THE INCREDIBLE HULK (coming June 13th)
It’s not quite a rebooting, after the (apparent) disappointment of Ang Lee’s previous attempt (which I believe was far too intelligent a movie for the unwashed masses). But it has a completely new crew, new cast, and a new focus on the “running man” aspect of Bruce Banner…complete with the lonely man theme from the TV series.
But after watching the trailer…well, I have to say, I came away with the impression of a big budget super-film that might actually be…underwhelming. Can a trailer inspire and disappoint simultaneously? In spite of the superb casting of Edward Norton (who assisted with the scrip writing), I get the impression it might degenerate into a bog-standard monster smash up. I hope not…but in my book, it has a lot to live up to, as I thoroughly enjoyed the previous film.
Anticipation Factor: 6
THE DARK KNIGHT (coming July 18th)
It looks dark, creepy, moody, frightening, compelling…and carries an unearthly mystique, due to the early death of the new Joker, Heath Ledger.
Will it somehow taint the film? I’m sure there will be a serious boost in box office, based on (unfortunate) morbid curiosity…which is a shame. Batman Begins was an exhilerating surprise: full of rich characters, superb actors, and stunning direction. I’m hoping for a repeat of this magic formula, though even I’m curious by what the fallout from Ledger’s death will bring to the aura of this film on opening night. From the trailers, it seems that Ledger brings a manic, clinical psycopath to vivid, disgusting life…perhaps too well. Indications are that the role may have helped drive him over the edge…which makes for stunning art, but terrifying, sad reality. We shall see what happens…
Anticipation Factor: 9
