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Super 2008…The Year Of The Super Hero
Written by Vince Pettit | Sunday, February 17, 2008 |
This year sees the release of six big budget superhero movies, in this feature we look at the big releases of 2008, the basic story, our opinions on the film along with release dates, links to trailers and official websites.
Iron Man
They Say - Tony Stark is a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Stark builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. When he uncovers a villainous plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man.
We Say - Looks great! The first big release of the year for superhero and comic fans, Iron Man has been greeted with a lot of good response. A recent Superbowl TV spot has excited fans, with what looks like a good mix of humour and action! Robert Downey Jr seems to be perfect for the lead role and Samuel L. Jackson is set to make an appearance as S.H.I.E.L.D. member Nick Fury.
Cast - Robert Downey Jr, Terrence Howard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Samuel L. Jackson
Release Date - 2nd May 2008 (UK)
Trailers - http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/ironman/
Official Website - http://www.ironmanmovie.com
The Incredible Hulk
They Say - The Incredible Hulk kicks off an all-new epic of one of the most popular superheroes of all time. In this new beginning, scientist Bruce Banner desperately hunts for a cure to the gamma radiation that poisoned his cells and unleashes the unbridled force of rage within him. Living in the shadows-cut off from a life he knew and the woman he loves, Banner struggles to avoid the obsessive pursuit of his nemesis, General Thunderbolt Ross , and the military machinery that seeks to capture him and brutally exploit his power.
We Say -It seems that Ang Lee completely missed the mark with Hulk in 2003, so we are hoping that this time around Ed Norton and friends can help give the Hulk some street cred back! Initial reactions to Ed Norton being cast as Bruce Banner was met with some surprise, but after seeing the initial press photos of Norton as Banner, I can see that it can work.
Cast - Ed Norton, Liv Tyler, Tom Roth, William Hurt, Robert Downey Jr
Release Date - 13th June 2008 (UK)
Trailers - Nothing official yet!
Official Website - http://incrediblehulk.marvel.com
Hancock
They Say - There are heroes… there are superheroes… and then there’s Hancock. With great power comes great responsibility… everyone knows that… everyone, that is, but Hancock. Edgy, conflicted, sarcastic, and misunderstood, Hancock’s well-intentioned heroics might get the job done and save countless lives, but always seem to leave jaw-dropping damage in their wake. The public has finally had enough, as grateful as they are to have their local hero, the good citizens of Los Angeles are wondering what they ever did to deserve this guy.
We Say - A film about an bumbling superhero? Doesn’t sound all that great on paper does it! Although with Will Smith playing the misunderstood hero, from what we have seen of the trailers, it looks good! Personally I’m a Will Smith fan, so I’m looking forward to this anyway, but even if I wasn’t… I’d go check it out in the cinemas. This is the way a funny superhero movie should be done (take note Superhero Movie!).
Cast - Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman
Release Date - 2nd July 2008
Trailers - http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/hancock/
Official Website - http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/hancock/
Dark Knight
They Say - With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman has been making headway against local crime…until a rising criminal mastermind known as The Joker unleashes a fresh reign of chaos across Gotham City. To stop this devious new menace–Batman’s most personal and vicious enemy yet–he will have to use every high-tech weapon in his arsenal and confront everything he believes.
We Say - This was looking to be a great film with the hype machine just starting up when the tragic news came through that Heath Ledger had been found dead in his apartment after an accidental overdose. This makes his character in the film, The Joker, even more spooky as this is Ledgers last complete role. The marketing is said to be being moved away from The Joker and focusing more on the other villain, Two Face. I personally think they should carry on with the plans they had and use the Joker to promote the film. All that aside, the trailer looks great and this is THE film we are all looking forward to!
Cast - Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Cillian Murphy
Release Date - 25th July 2008
Trailers - http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/thedarkknight/
Official Website - http://thedarkknight.warnerbros.com/
Hellboy II
They Say - After an ancient truce existing between humankind and the invisible realm of the fantastic is broken, hell on Earth is ready to erupt. A ruthless leader who treads the world above and the one below defies his bloodline and awakens an unstoppable army of creatures. Now, it’s up to the planet’s toughest, roughest superhero to battle the merciless dictator and his marauders. He may be red. He may be horned. He may be misunderstood. But when you need the job done right, it’s time to call in Hellboy.
We Say - I’ve only recently watched the first Hellboy, not sure why it took so long to do so, as once I watched it I loved it! Hellboy II is looking great from the teaser trailer and photos that have been released. Another great thing about the lead up to this film is the frequent updates from director Guillermo del Toro on the Hellboy website.
Cast - Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Luke Goss
Release Date - 22nd August 2008
Trailers - http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/hellboy2thegoldenarmy/
Official Website - http://www.hellboymovie.com/
Punisher: Warzone
They Say - Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle sets his sights on overeager mob boss Billy Russoti. After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias: Jigsaw. With the “Punisher Task Force” hot on his trail and the FBI unable to take Jigsaw in, Frank must stand up to the formidable army that Jigsaw has recruited before more of his evil deeds go unpunished.
We Say - Third attempt to break the market with The Punisher, both previous movies slated by fans, hopefully Marvel will pull something out of the bag for this one!
Cast - Ray Stevenson, Domic West, Julie Benz
Release Date - 12th September 2008
Trailers - Nothing official yet!
Official Website - http://www.marvel.com/movies/The_Punisher.Punisher:_War_Zone
Superhero Movie
They Say - After being bitten by a genetically altered dragonfly, high school loser Rick Riker develops superhuman abilities like incredible strength and armored skin. Rick decides to use his new powers for good and becomes a costumed crime fighter known as The Dragonfly. However, standing in the way of his destiny is the villainous Lou Landers. After an experiment gone wrong, Lou develops the power to steal a person’s life force and in a dastardly quest for immortality becomes the supervillain, The Hourglass. With unimaginable strength, unbelievable speed and deeply uncomfortable tights, will the Dragonfly be able to stop the sands of The Hourglass and save the world?
We Say - This is one superhero film we’re not that bothered about! Spoof films have come and gone, trying to achieve the same status of such greats as Airplane!, Hot Shots and Naked Gun, this film looks to be a bit of a flop…like last years Epic Movie! There will probably be a few laughs in there, but I personally wont be rushing to see this!
Cast - Christopher McDonald, Leslie Nielsen, Marion Ross, Jeffrey Tambor
Release Date - March 28th 2008
Trailers - http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/superheromovie/
Official Website - http://www.superhero-movie.net/
And that concludes our round up of this years superhero movies, check back next week for a look forward as we see what is in production and all the latest rumours surrounding the likes of Spider-Man 4 and Transformers 2.
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