It’s another Tall Tale Radio/Comics Coast to Coast joint production! Justin Thompson of “Mythtickle” fame and I talk about the Summer Movies of 2010! Brian Dunaway and John Sanford couldn’t join us, but Justin and I couldn’t resist throwing in our two cents about Hollywood’s upcoming offerings of viewing pain and pleasure. Justin always has interesting things to say, and there are a couple of things we really disagree on, so it’s always a good time! Leave your comments…what do YOU think are going to be the top movies of the summer?
WARNING: There be spoilers here, especially about “Iron Man 2, ” which we talk about extensively in the beginning. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Interesting comments on the change from the 80s-90s films focusing on a hero from the down and out juxtaposed with the villain of the upper class. There has definitely been this change, but it was not the first time the roles have reversed. Look back to pretty much any Cary Grant movie (The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss, Philadelphia Story, His Girl Friday, etc.), or the ‘Thin Man’ series, or any other film from the 30s-50s, and you’ll more likely as not find the main character enjoying a life in high society. Probably due to the very real depression of that era. Wealth was more an answer to problems, whereas later in life, it has been seen as the cause of it.
(Side note: an awesome example of a comic stripe movie is ‘How to Murder Your Wife’, staring Jack Lemon, in which he plays an extravagantly wealthy comic strip artist. A must see.)
Ah man. I’ve not seen lots of these films, but hearing you chat about them wants me to line up the date-nights with my wife.
Tom: I’m addicted to your voice. Seriously, you could make the phonebook exciting. Yup. I’m hearing you saying “John Smith” forty times in my head with various inflections. And now I know everyone else reading this is too.
Seth! Yeah, I thought Justin had some great points…I don’t think I made that connection. But as you point out, it’s one of those things that changes over time…it’s really interesting what makes a hero and what makes a villain at various times. Smoking is a good example…in the 40s, the heroes smoked…now only the villains, and if they light up, they get an R-rating!
Flawd! Thanks for the compliments…I’m not sure I want to test out your phone book theory, but that’s usually what I say about Patrick Stewart or Ian McKellan.
I hope you’ve gone through some of the archives…let me know what you think!
I can’t say I’m pumped about any movies coming out this summer. I haven’t seen Iron Man 2 yet… I’m still resentful that all my friends told me the first Iron Man movie was appropriate for my 7 year old son. I liked the movie itself alright, and I agree that Downy is wonderful as Stark, so I have a mild interest in the sequel… but it will probably wait until it’s a rental.
I’ve never been a fan of the Shriek films, and I’m not sure I even need another Toy Story movie, to tell you the truth. Not pumped for The Last Airbender, either.
As far as the Avengers franchise is concerned… I’m not sure a good Captain America film can be made, and I’m pretty sure that Thor is un-filmable with live actors. We’ll see… I’ve never really been into Cap so I won’t be personally offended if they screw it up. Thor, on the other hand, is one of my favs of the Marvel pantheon, so my need for that to be great is pretty big.
Now, what I AM looking forward to is the new Tron film and the last 2 Harry Potter films, but those are well past the summer.
Rick! I was hoping you’d weigh in. I have to agree that nothing this summer thrilled me, really, aside from Iron Man 2. I really liked the first one, and I think the second does the series great merit and amps up the action and character. (As I like to say, it’s usually the third in the series that drops the ball, because all Hollywood sees is dollar signs, and they care less and less about the actual story. Honestly, especially with comic book movies, there’s no reason there couldn’t be an Iron Man 9, or a Superman 12. IF they paid attention to the story, which, of course, they don’t.
I have to say that I think Captain America could be done well, IF they really focus on it being a WWII film. It could be an Indiana Jones like period piece with great action and character. I’m never convinced it can be done, but hey…there’s potential. As for “Thor,” I share your reservations…I’m a huge fan, and even I know that the hurdles to overcome are huge with a modern audience…will they really react to a huge mythological story? Will the film makers reduce it to something much less in a misguided attempt to reach some mythical demographic? The only hope I have is that a friend of mine was a sound guy on the film for several months, and his spoiler-free opinion is that we’re in good hands. He says the script is strong, the sets and costumes are old-school magnificent and huge, and that director Brannaugh is treating it like a Shakespearean play…fathers and sons, mythic themes, honor and humility…so, ya never know. Shakespeare meets Marvel? That’s probably a risky approach, but also the right one.
I’m with ya on Tron…getting very pumped for that. Trying not to, because that’s the beginning of the road called “Disappointment.”
Tom, I’ve been a fan for a while now. I miss the odd episode, but I love coming back and listening to your show. You interview some of the most fascinating people in Web Comics which I would have otherwise never discovered on my own.
And you sound like Brian from “Family Guy”.
IM listening to this show. Im not sure what Jaiden Smiths characters name is in the new Karate Kid movie, but ill do the lines the best i can.
Jaidens mom: So, how do you like Karate?
Jaiden: Its not Karate mom.
so they did fix it.
I’m not easily impressed. . . but that’s imeprsisng me!