Joaquin Phoenix as The Joker, New Set Photos

Joaquin Phoenix as The Joker, New Set Photos

On this episode of Comic Movie-10, Joe and Dan discuss the upcoming film featuring Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker. Unlike the Heath Ledger version some footage has already been released, sparking some excitement and discussion.\

Joaquin Phoenix Joker Makeup

In this case, Joker appears to be something of a cross between the Heath Ledger presentation, with his hair, but leaning a bit more toward the Cesar Romero rendition. They discuss the new makeup focusing on two aspects. Joe points out that blue triangles are used around the eyes with one pulling down into almost a teardrop. Dan thought all of this was fine but disliked the red nose. He admits that it is a minor issue for him. One he will eventually get over as very insignificant. Christopher Nolan had kept the Ledger makeup under wraps so that the presentation of the movie and acting took place at the same time. This is not the case with this new movie. So, there is a greater opportunity to anticipate the artistic impact.

Dan’s other concern is that this new Joker should not be a rip off of the Ledger performance. Joe isn’t so concerned with this as he is confident that Joaquin Phoenix will deliver something original.

The Killing Joke

It is pointed out that this is a movie about Joker’s origin that hearkens back to the great graphic novel, The Killing Joke. There is a scene that takes place in front of the Amusement Mile, and it appears to be a tribute to this comic. The action in The Killing Joke was set almost exclusively in an amusement park. Joe points out that this Joker has no chemical burns, and no physical scars. These are all psychological as this is a story of origin.

This movie is a “non cannon” DCU. They are calling it DC Black. In other words it will stand alone, unlike the recent Marvel’s movies that are connected and continuations. Joe and Dan are fine with this. They agree that it may be time for such a movie for DC. Perhaps it is better not to copy Marvel.

Joe asked Dan if there were any characters that he would enjoy seeing as cameos. Dan thought that anyone from The Killing Joke would be worth seeing. Getting the back-story on Alfred was what Joe thought would be interesting.

Some actors to look forward to seeing in this film are Robert DeNiro as a comedian, Zazzy Beets as Sophie Dumond and Brett Cullen as Thomas Wayne.

As always, the Kane’s ask what you think and invite you to contrubute. Leave your questions, comments, opinions, and as always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10.

Batman vs The Dark Knight

Batman (1989) vs The Dark Knight Movie Matchup

In this episode of Comic Movie – 10, the Kane brothers discuss the similarities and differences of the iconic films, Batman (1989), and The Dark Knight (2008). They focus not just on the classic comparison of the two Jokers but on the structure, as well as the diverse approach of each Batman.

What Did The Dark Knight Steal From Tim Burton’s Batman?

Joe and Dan point out that there were parallel key moments in both movies raising the question as to whether Christopher Nolan looked back to the Tim Burton version and included these significant events in The Dark Knight. It seems it would have been impossible to ignore Burton’s rendition since it was the most successful Batman movie as of 1989. Some of the key points include the kidnapping of Batman’s love interest in both instances and Batman’s mission to save her from the psychotic clown. Vicky Vale was abducted from the museum and Rachel Dawes from the party. This is where Batman and the Joker, in both movies, come face to face. According to Dan, there may be no greater adversity between hero and villain in all of comic book and movie storyline. Another common point in the two movies is the climax that occurs in the street, where each Joker displays his antisocial malevolence.

Jack Nicholson vs Heath Ledger as The Joker

Of course, the discussion includes the obvious comparisons between Jack Nicholson’s Joker and that of Heath Ledger. Nicholson’s Joker was a clown who murdered people. Ledger was a killer who happened to be a clown, rendering this version more frightening. Commissioner Gordon is unable to assess what drives Ledger’s Joker. Alfred, played by Michael Caine said of Ledger’s Joker, “He’s just there to watch the world burn.” Conversely, Nicholson’s Joker demonstrates an agenda. Like most bad guys, he wants power, money, women and revenge. Ledger’s Joker wants chaos. His goal is the destruction of societal norms in favor of anarchy. The Batman Joker wants to be “your” boss. The Dark Knight Joker wants to own “you.”

Michael Keaton vs Christian Bale as Batman

Joe and Dan go on to point out the differences in each Batman. The Michael Keaton Batman, wanted revenge for the murder of his parents. The Christian Bale Batman, wanted to save Rachel Dawes, Harvey Dent and Gotham City. He was clearly the more moral character. In Batman (1989), he states that he will kill the Joker and does. In both films the villain is left dangling from a grappling hook. It is not the intention of The Dark Knight to kill, despite the outcome.

In the end, Batman (1989) is the revered hero. He kills the villain, gets the girl and saves the day. In the Dark Knight he loses the girl, fails Harvey Dent, who becomes two-face. Batman (2008) ends up on the wrong side of the law regardless of having saved the soul of Gotham. Joe sees him as more truly the hero.

Do you agree or disagree with Joe and Dan? How do you think the two movies compare? Leave your questions, comments, opinions, and as always, tune in for the next episode of Comic Movie-10.

Henry Cavill Out As Superman

Who Cares if Henry Cavill & Ben Affleck Leave the DCEU?

On this episode of Comic Movie-10, the Kane brothers discuss the recent news about Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck leavening the DCEU. These two are currently playing Superman and Batman respectively. Joe and Dan recall growing up with these beloved characters and vent some frustrations with the recent portrayals in the current run of movies such as Superman “Man Of Steel”, “Batman V Superman” and The Justice League”.

Pointing out many highlights from the franchise so far, they go on to site the success of the Wonder Woman movie. Although some of the other films that are in the DCEU have not had the box office power that that film did by no means were any of them flops.

There are also many movies to come from DC such as Wonder Woman 84, A Flash movie and this December the Aquaman Movie. Keeping the train rolling for the universe are there any signs of a total reboot. One option that was talked about was just plainly starting over. The downside to that was losing actors that have already proven themselves in the films. Joe and Dan site how Gal Gadot and Jason Mamoa have knocked it out of the park and they can’t wait to see more from them. Rebooting the series would be a giant mistake to lose the rest of the characters. They do say that they look forward to seeing more of Ezra Millers Flash.

There rumors of the departure originate from several different places. First is that Ben Affleck has become a liability to the studio due to him reentering rehab for the third time. Henry Cavill posted a video on his Instagram showing him raising up and lowering a Superman doll to the tune of “Blue Danube” performed by barking dogs. “In our opinions neither of these things should warrant a rumor of them leaving, what is this middle school?”

The brothers discuss the possible additions to the Justice League that could possibly save the run such as Green Lantern, Martian Man Hunter and the Green Arrow. The Curiosity is if they add other characters would this keep the franchise running.

Do you have a possible solution for Warner Brothers? What are your thoughts on the possible departures of the actors from the series? Leave your comments, questions, and opinions, and as always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10!

henry cavill as batman

Would Henry Cavill Make a Better Batman?

On this episode of Comic Movie-10, the Kane brothers are discussing Henry Cavill and his portrayal of Superman. Cavill has played Superman in Man of Steel, and all the recent DCU Superman films. While there is no doubt that Cavill is in top physical shape and a great actor, the Kane brothers feel he might not be the best choice for the iconic role.

To start, Joe and Dan toss around the idea that Cavill would likely be a much better Batman. Why? This is because Superman is typically seen as a “boy scout” type of guy. He is kind and calm and willing to talk through problems, only fighting when it is absolutely necessary. Cavill’s character however is buff and dark with more of an attitude than the world has ever seen in Superman.

Although Superman has a pretty classic look, Joe points out that in The Animated Series, Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent looked basically identical except for the fact that one had glasses, while the other did not. Dan also explains that Clark Kent’s character does not necessarily need to be big and bulky, as his strength comes from the fact that the sun powers him, having come from another planet. Bruce Wayne on the other hand, is expected to be physically fit. For these reasons, along with others, the brothers believe Cavill would be more successful as a Batman than most of the recent Batmans, including Ben Affleck. It should be noted that while there have been Batmans who did not have serious personalities, they were not widely successful in the way others were.

In addition to taking a look at Affleck’s version of Batman, the brothers explain that if this new version of a rougher Superman did not exist, it is likely that Batman vs. Superman would have never existed. The Superman that most of us are familiar with would have talked out his issues with Batman and resolved the fight before getting physical. One major reason that both Superman and Batman have remained crowd favorites throughout the years is that they serve as foils for one another. Cavill’s version of Superman eliminates this aspect.

What do you think of Henry Cavill’s Superman? Would he make a better Bruce Wayne? Leave your comments, questions, and opinions, and as always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10!

5 Worst Superhero Movies

The 5 Worst Superhero Movies Ever

This episode of Comic Movie-10 explores Joe and Dan’s selections for the top five worst superhero movies of all time. In addition to their top five, they include honorable mention of the following movies, Superman IV, Steel, Green Lantern, both Ghost Rider movies, Spiderman III, and Batman Forever. If you thought those movies were bad, just wait until you hear their top five!

Coming in at number five is Superman III. The reason behind this selection is that the brothers feel the first two Superman movies were incredibly well done, while the third was disappointing. It not only lacked a storyline, but also had a likeable villain, who was not well fleshed out as a character.

At number four on the list, the brothers have placed the 2003 film, The Hulk, staring Eric Bana. It was such a bad movie that Dan points out that it took him multiple attempts to even finish the film. This is a difficult feet for comic lovers, as Joe explains that most superhero fans really try to stick through the rough movies, clinging to the positives. Only a few years later, the Hulk franchise was completely rebooted, considering the 2003 version was such a failure.

Third on the list is Catwoman, staring Halle Berry. While she is an amazing actress, who looked incredible in her suit, the film was cheesy with no solid direction. The brothers point out that the dialogue was corny, and the story felt as though the plot never picked up.

The brothers have placed Daredevil at the second spot on the list. Their reasoning for this is the lack luster of each character. They mention a scene where it appears that Daredevil and Elektra are battling each other at a playground for no apparent reason. The movies absence of a storyline, along with its boring villain, Bullseye, played by Colin Farrell, helped to create one of the worst superhero movies of all time.

And finally, number one on the list, the worst superhero movie of all time is Batman and Robin. Although the casting of this film would appear to have all of the makings for an incredible movie, that was certainly not the case. The brothers point out how Joel Schumacher’s involvement in the movie as director simply fell short after the direction of Tim Burton during the first two movies of the franchise. In addition, many of the characters were incredibly cheesy, including Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze, who is supposed to be one of the most exciting villains of all time. Overall, the story fell very short of people’s expectations.

The brothers want to know if you love any of these terrible movies, or if you feel there are other movies that should have made the list. Let them know by leaving your comments, questions, and opinions. As always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10!

Bruce Wayne to Btatman

How Will Gotham’s Bruce Wayne Become Batman?

On this episode of Comic Movie-10, the Kane brothers discuss the season 4 finale of Gotham, as well as their expectations and predictions for season five. Unfortunately, Gotham has only been picked up for ten episodes for the upcoming season 5. However, the good news is that the ending of seasons four ensures what is to come will be exciting and interesting.

At the end of season four, viewers see Bruce Wayne take full ownership over the city of Gotham, as he shows he feels responsible to stay and help save the city that is engulfed in chaos. Alfred, a former MI-6, who has trained Bruce in many ways, plans to escape the city and bring Bruce with him. However, Bruce says he feels he must stay and help the citizens of Gotham. In addition, Captain Gordon sends a symbol and afterward meets with Bruce on a rooftop. This is not only a major instance of foreshadowing, but also exciting for those who are true Batman fans.

The completion of the fourth season causes viewers to wonder what will happen next. In almost every version of Batman’s story, Bruce Wayne goes away for years to train in order to become the Dark Knight. Joe and Dan point out that Bruce’s training from Alfred is likely not enough to prepare him to become Batman. Does this mean season five will depict the training he endures, or will they jump ahead in time in order to show Bruce after his full transformation to Batman? The brothers point out that they could jump ahead and use flashbacks to show important portions of his training. This might make sense considering Bruce is currently in his late teenage years, where Batman is typically in his mid-twenties. In addition, the brothers question if Ra’s al Ghul will have a part in Bruce’s learning experience. Although he is assumed dead, viewers cannot be totally sure, and his involvement would be fitting.

Another interesting point to mention is that Gotham is known to be loosely based off of the Batman Zero Years comics, so Bruce’s path in Gotham could be similar to his route in the original comic books.

Lastly, the Kane brothers explain their feelings about the conclusion of the series Smallville (with Clark Kent only showing his Superman shirt under his button down, but never actually acting as Superman), and how they hope Gotham does not end this way, although there is the possibility that it could. Both Joe and Dan agree that this type of ending would not give justice to the anticipation that has built over many seasons, just as the ending of Smallville was in many ways disappointing.

How did you feel about the finale of Smallville? What about Gotham’s season four finale? What are your predictions for season five? Let the brothers know by leaving your comments, questions, and opinions, and as always, tune in to the next episode of Comic Movie-10.