BATMAN-ON-FILM.COM's "DC COMICS ON FILM" - Coverage of DC Comics-based Movies

Del Toro Has Big Plans For "Justice League Dark" Movie
Posted by Jett on Tuesday, February 26, 2013
I so hopes this pans out!

Here's the latest on "Justice League Dark" from potential director Guillermo Del Toro (via TOTALFILM.COM...

"I am going to be presenting my storyline to DC and Warners of where I want to take this universe. We do have a writer, but until that is firmed up, I have to keep it a secret. I hope it happens. It's going really really well. I'd love to use the origins that are proper to each character. I love the idea of Jason Blood as a paladin and a knight. I love the entire Constantine mythology, the Dead Man mythology, the Alex Holland Swamp Thing mytholog It's like meeting old friends. I grew up with Demon Etrigan, with Swamp Thing, with Deadman, so these are characters that are near and dear to my heart."

Warner Bros., make this happen, PLEASE!

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SUPERMAN: UNBOUND Trailer/Details
Posted by Jett @ 12:00 PM on Monday, February 4, 2013

Via Warner Home Video, below you'll find the trailer for and details about the upcoming DCU Animated film, SUPERMAN: UNBOUND.

SUPERMAN: UNBOUND is coming to Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and For Download via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on May 7, 2013.

Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release "Superman: Brainiac," SUPERMAN: UNBOUND finds the horrific force responsible for the destruction of Krypton – Brainiac – descending upon Earth. Brainiac has crossed the universe, collecting cities from interesting planets – Kandor, included – and now the all-knowing, ever-evolving android has his sights fixed on Metropolis. Superman must summon all of his physical and intellectual resources to protect his city, the love of his life, and his newly-arrived cousin, Supergirl.

The film’s stellar voicecast is led by Matt Bomer as Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as Brainiac, Stana Katic as Lois Lane and Molly Quinn as Supergirl.

Guillermo del Toro Confirms DARK UNIVERSE (AKA "Justice League Dark")
Posted by Jett @ 10:00 AM on Monday, January 7, 2013

Via IGN, Guillermo del Toro has confirmed that he's working on a DC Comics-based film called DARK UNIVERSE. The movie's hero lineup includes Swamp Thing, The Demon, John Constantine, Deadman, The Spectre, Zatara and Zatanna.

"I'm working on it. I'm writing the outline and we're already in talks with a writer. A very, very good writer. People are probably going to be happy with who we have chosen. He accepted. I've been courting this writer, who I think is the perfect guy for this job. We're doing it. Hopefully it will happen."

"The movement for this happened before [THE AVENGERS]. They already galvanized to launch JUSTICE LEAGUE and they were galvanized to make their universe cohesive. They are really, really -- with [MAN OF STEEL] -- very, very confident with what they have. They are now feeling they have two pillars. Batman and Superman. There's a foundation that now they can build on."

For the full interview, click on the link provided above.

The news continues after the jump!

The Villain of JUSTICE LEAGUE Will Be...
Posted by Jett @ 10:00 AM on Monday, December 3, 2012

Per "El Mayimbe" over at LATINO-REVIEW.COM, the villain for the upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE film will be...

Darkseid. Oh boy! It doesn't get better than seeing Batman on film fighting a god and not regular badguys like Two Face, The Joker, The Riddler or The Penguin. For the full story, hit the link above.

Del Toro Hopes HEAVEN SENT (AKA JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK) Happens
Posted by Jett @ 3:00 PM on Friday, November 9, 2012

Via MTV, director Guillermo Del Toro is totally on board with a helming a DC Comics-based, "Supernatural Justice League" movie. Check it out...

"When somebody asked me about 'Justice League'…I'm not involved in 'Justice League.' I am discussing…I've been discussing with the fans and I've been very, very open about how much "Swamp Thing" was key when I was a kid. Comics in Mexico came on the first two days of the week. Around Tuesday and Wednesday I would go to the newsstand on my bicycle and I would get "Swamp Thing" every time it was available and I loved Jack Kirby's "Demon". I love Constantine and all that. You know, I've been pursuing doing something with them for many, many years. Hopefully it'll come to pass. But we are still just discussing."

As I've been saying, MAKE THIS HAPPEN WARNER BROS.!

Warner Bros. Planning a "Justice League Dark" Film?!
Posted by Jett @ 3:00 PM on Friday, November 2, 2012

As someone who is a big fan of The Spectre and Deadman, this is great news and I'm already on board!

According to my friends over at LATINO-REVIEW.COM, director Guillermo del Toro is keen on helming a DC Comics-based team-up film called HEAVEN SENT. This film would feature the best of DC's supernatural heroes -- Deadman, The Spectre, Swamp Thing, John Constantine, Phantom Stranger, Zatanna, Zatara, Sargon and Etrigan The Demon -- teaming up to fight, well, some sort of super-evil I'm sure. For the full story, visit LR via the link provided. One more thing...

Listen to me Warner Bros., DO THIS AND DO IT NOW! What a fresh take on the comic book superhero movie genre this would be!

Will Chris Nolan "Godfather" the DCU on Film?
Posted by Jett @ 7:00 AM on Friday, June 8, 2012

According to a new article over at VARIETY.COM, Warner Bros. is actively prepping films based on their staple of DC Comics characters.

We learned earlier in the week that Will Beall is writing a script for a potential film Justice League film, while Michael Goldenberg has been tapped to pen a script based on Wonder Woman.

We already know that Batman on film will be rebooted shortly and it will be produced by Chris Nolan and wife Emma Thomas. Of course, the Nolan’s have already served a similar role in bringing Superman back to the big screen with next Summer’s MAN OF STEEL. The VARIETY piece strongly hints that Warner Bros. will try to get Mr. Nolan to oversee the DC Universe on film.

Besides JL, Wonder Woman, the Batman reboot, and MAN OF STEEL, Warner Bros. is also developing films based on Lobo, The Flash, Aquaman, the Suicide Squad , Captain Marvel/Shazam and either a sequel or reboot of Green Lantern.

And maybe, just MAYBE, the folks in charge over at Warner Bros. are starting to get it. Check out this quote from the article: "According to sources close to the development process, the studio learned that when making a superhero pic, it needs to tap creatives that genuinely understand the characters the way Joss Whedon was comfortable with THE AVENGERS."

Uh, ya think?! Anyway...

Come on Warner Bros., hire Chris Nolan to “godfather” these films, bring on filmmakers who "get" these great characters and start getting them out there!

Beall Tapped to Pen JUSTICE LEAGUE
Posted by Jett @ 7:00 AM on June 6, 2012

Per VARIETY.COM, Warner Bros. has hired scribe Will Beall to pen a script for a potential JUSTICE LEAGUE film. According to the report, this hire took place sometime last year (2011). Here's an excerpt...

Beall has yet to turn in his "Justice League" script, though he has become a favorite scribe of Warners. He's writing the studio's "Lethal Weapon" reboot and its remake of "Logan's Run," which is expected to reteam "Gangster Squad" thesp Ryan Gosling with his "Drive" director Nicolas Winding Refn. Warners will release "Gangster Squad" on Sept. 7.

Warners originally tried to mount a "Justice League" movie several years ago, with George Miller directing from a script by Kieran and Michele Mulroney. That iteration was set to star Adam Brody as the Flash, Megan Gale as Wonder Woman and then-newcomer Armie Hammer as Batman. Back in January 2008, the studio cited a lack of tax breaks as the main reason it pulled the plug on the project, which also needed a rewrite that wasn't possible because of the writers' strike.

DC Comics is a vital component of Warner Bros.' intellectual property, as "Green Lantern" scribes Marc Guggenheim and Michael Green were tapped to write "The Flash" for director Greg Berlanti, while another "Green Lantern" scribe, Michael Goldenberg, was hired to write "Wonder Woman." Additionally, Brad Peyton is working on a new draft of "Lobo," while John Kamps and David Koepp are developing "Spy vs. Spy" as a potential directing vehicle for Ron Howard. WB also developed the "Aquaman" property several years ago.

So, will this JUSTICE LEAGUE have a different continuity from the upcoming MAN OF STEEL and the already-announced Batman on film reboot which will be produced by Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas? Interesting to say the least. For the full story, click on the link provided.

Laurence Fishburne is Perry White in MOS
Posted by Jett @ 8:00 AM on 8/3/11

Per HERO COMPLEX, Laurence Fishburne has been cast as Perry White in MAN OF STEEL. Click on the link provided for the full story.

GREEN LANTERN 2, THE FLASH Still in the Works
Posted by Jett @ 9:00 AM on 8/2/11

According to a report via HERO COMPLEX, Warner Bros. is still interested in a sequel to GREEN LANTERN and says it needs to be "a little edgier and darker with more emphasis on action." The reports also says that GL director Martin Campbell -- though he has a contract to helm a sequel -- probably will not return.

The story also mentions the "in-development" movie based on The Flash saying Warner Bros. has a "solid script." For the full report, click on the link provided.

Cavill Talks MAN OF STEEL
Posted by Jett @ 10:00 AM on 7/26/11

Henry Cavill talked to MTV at SDCC '11 about his upcoming turn as Superman in MAN OF STEEL...

MAN OF STEEL hits theaters in June 2013.

MAN OF STEEL - Summer 2013 Release
Posted by Jett @ 2:53 PM on 7/21/11

Via BOX OFFICE MOJO, Warner Bros. will release the Zack Snyder-directed, Chris Nolan-produced MAN OF STEEL on JUNE 14, 2013. I can dig it.

Lennix Joins MAN OF STEEL Cast
Posted by Jett @ 9:36 AM on 7/9/11

Per VARIETY's SHOWBLITZ.COM, Harry Lennix is joining the cast of MAN OF STEEL and play a high-ranking military officer named "General Swanwick."

Live-Action Wonder Woman Film in 2013?
Posted by Jett @ 3:40 PM on 7/5/11

According to BOF's offspring website, MODERNMYTHMEDIA.COM, DC Entertainment/Warner Bros. are still developing a live-action Wonder Woman film and even targeting a 2013 release date. For more details, click on the link provided for the full story.

Personally, I'm all for a Wonder Woman film. In fact, I've long wanted to see -- and advocated -- a World War II-era/period piece when it comes to Wonder Woman on film. But WB drug their heals and now Marvel's beat 'em to the punch with such a concept with the upcoming CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. *sigh*

Meloni in MAN OF STEEL
Posted by Jett @ 8:43 AM on 6/25/11

According to HEAT VISION, Christopher Meloni is in final negotiations for an undisclosed role in MAN OF STEEL.

UPDATED! Via NYMAG.COM, Mr. Meloni is will be playing a "general" in MAN OF STEEL.

Julia Ormond to play Lara in MAN OF STEEL?
Posted by Jett @ 2:25 PM on 6/22/11

Per DEADLINE, Julia Ormond will probably play Superman's Kryptonian/natural mother Lara in MAN OF STEEL.

Wow, Kal-El/Clark Kent's going to have 2 hot mamas (sorry, I couldn't help myself!) in this film.

Russell Crowe to be Jor-El in MAN OF STEEL?
Posted by Jett @ 9:00 AM on 6/21/11

Sorry to be a bit late on this one, but I'm on VACATION...

Per VARIETY.COM, Russell Crow is in negotiations to play Jor-El -- Lara's baby-daddy -- in MAN OF STEEL.

That would be GREAT casting IMO and I hope it pans out. But am I the only one that finds it a bit funny that Crowe was always rumored to play Superman back in the day?

All kidding aside, this would be akin to casting Marlon Brando in the same role for SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE.

HAWKMAN Film in the Works
Posted by Jett @ 9:20 AM on 5/31/11

It seems that Warner Bros./DC Entertainment are in the process of hiring writers to pen a movie based on DC's Hawkman. Here's the published logline...

Part INDIANA JONES/DA VINCI CODE, part GHOST tentpole about the fictional superhero that appears in D.C. Comic books. He used archaic weaponry and large, artificial wings attached to a harness made of the Nth metal that allows flight. Most incarnations of Hawkman work closely with a partner/romantic interest named Hawkgirl or Hawkwoman in his fight against supervillains. Based on the DC comic.


Hawkman

While I've never read a Hawkman comic book outside of The Justice League, I'd love to see a movie based on the character. The more DC characters on film the better. (SOURCE: BLEEDINGCOOL.COM)

Michael Shannon Talks MAN OF STEEL Audition
Posted by Jett @ 11:39 pM on 4/12/11

Check out the video below of Michael Shannon discussing the auditioning process for MAN OF STEEL. Shannon was recently cast as General Zod in the film.

MAN OF STEEL hits theaters "December-ish" 2012.

Michael Shannon cast as General Zod in MAN OF STEEL
Posted by Jett @ 3:59 pM on 4/10/11

This is cool.

Michael Shannon has been cast by director Zack Snyder as "General Zod" in MAN OF STEEL.

"Zod is not only one of Superman's most formidable enemies," said director Zack Snyder. "But one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don't. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, making him perfect for the role."

Nice. As long as Superman kicks some ASS in this film, I'm fine -- though I did quite like SUPERMAN RETURNS. Anyway...

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Chris Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

MAN OF STEEL hits theaters "December-ish" 2012.

Henry Cavill Talks MAN OF STEEL
Posted by Jett @ 10:00 AM on 4/3/11

Here's a short video via MTV of the new Superman -- Henry Cavill -- talking a bit about THE MAN OF STEEL...

Amy Adams Cast as Lois Lane in Superman Reboot
Posted by Jett @ 8:19 AM on 3/28/11

HERO COMPEX is reporting that Amy Adams (THE FIGHTER) has been cast as Lois Lane in director Zack Snyder's Superman reboot.

“There was a big, giant search for Lois,” Snyder told HC's Geoff Boucher. “For us it was a big thing and obviously a really important role. We did a lot of auditioning but we had this meeting with Amy Adams and after that I just felt she was perfect for it.”

The Superman reboot hits theaters in late 2012.

Kevin Costner Confirmed as Jonathan Kent in SUPERMAN
Posted by Jett @ 5:00 PM on 3/19/11

Via a press release from Warner Bros., Kevin Costner has been cast as Superman's Earth-Dad, Jonathan Kent.

In the PR, director Zack Snyder says, "Jonathan Kent is the only father figure Clark has ever had, the man who was there to help Clark understand what he was meant to do in the world as Superman. Kevin will be able to communicate the quiet strength of this rural American man who raised the greatest super hero of all time."

Agreed. And I also agree with ALL casting that has taken place to date. And I will remain "cool" as long as my role as Crazy Quilt can "crossover" from TDKR to TMOS. I've just got to get cast first. ;)

THE MAN OF STEEL, or whatever it's eventually titled, hits theaters in DECEMBER’ish 2012!

(I totally DIG KC's soul patch! But mine's better.)

Diane Lane Cast as Martha Kent in SUPERMAN
Posted by Jett @ 1:00 PM on 3/3/11

Via a press release sent to BOF from Warner Bros. Pictures...

BURBANK, CA, March 2, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Oscar®-nominated actress Diane Lane will play Martha Kent, the only mother Clark Kent has ever known, in the new Superman movie to be directed by Zack Snyder.

Snyder stated, “This was a very important piece of casting for me because Martha Kent is the woman whose values helped shape the man we know as Superman. We are thrilled to have Diane in the role because she can convey the wisdom and the wonder of a woman whose son has powers beyond her imagination.”

Lane will star with Henry Cavill, who was recently announced as the new Clark Kent/Superman.

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

Slated for release in December 2012, the new Superman movie will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

I LIKE this casting! Kinda out of the box and fresh.

Kevin Costner Up For SUPERMAN Role?
Posted by Jett @ 2:00 PM on 2/21/11

According to DEADLINE.COM, Kevin Costner is up for an unspecified, but "key role," in director Zack Snyder's Superman reboot. Pa Kent? Perry White? Jor-El? Grant Morrison?

UPDATE! According to LATINOREVIEW.COM, Costner is playing Jonathan Kent in TMOS.

1st Image of Cavill as Superman...Sorta
Posted by Jett @ 12:00 PM on 2/17/11

Check out the cover of the new issue of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY that features Henry Cavill as Superman. Well, kinda...

Said Cavill on his audition as The Man of Steel...

"All I could think was: Oh, god. They're going to look at me and go 'He's not Superman. Not a chance.' The actor inside me was going: You're not ready! You're not ready!"

And director Zack Snyder on Cavill...

"He walked out, and no one laughed. Other actors put that suit on, and it's a joke, even if they're great actors. Henry put it on, and he exuded this kind of crazy-calm confidence that just made me go 'Wow.' Okay: This was Superman."

For more on the casting of Cavill from the EW piece, visit my good friends over at THINKMCFLYTHINK.COM.

And of course, the Superman on film reboot -- seemingly titled THE MAN OF STEEL -- hits theaters in late 2012.

Henry Cavill Cast as Superman!
Posted by Jett @ 2:46 ^M on 1/30/11

Now this was great casting.

Brit thesp Henry Cavill has been cast as Clark Kent/Superman in the Zack Snyder-directed Super-reboot. Here's an excerpt of the press release via the fine folks at Warner Bros. Pictures...

“In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S-Shield.”

This was the guy that I thought should be cast for the part and have thought this once I knew Brandon Routh wasn't coming back -- so I'm very happy with the decision.

Props to Zack Snyder, Chris Nolan, and David Goyer for going out and getting a hell of an actor for the part -- and one that looks like Superman to boot!

THE MAN OF STEEL, ahem, "flies" into theaters December-ish 2012.


Henry Cavill

THE MAN OF STEEL Is Totally Snyder's Baby
Posted by Jett @ 10:33 AM on 12/7/10

Chris Nolan's days of "Godfathering" the the Superman reboot -- THE MAN OF STEEL -- is over. According to a HITFIX.COM report, Nolan's producing partner wife Emma Thomas had the following to say about TMOS...

Thomas said Nolan is so single minded when making a picture it’s hard to get him to work on anything else. And she made it clear that in the case of “Superman,” Nolan and David Goyer just had an idea they couldn’t believe wasn’t being explored by Warner Bros. And with Zack Snyder now on board as director, Nolan will be busy making “The Dark Knight Rises” and “we are handing it off to him.” So, take note anyone out there thinking this will be a strange Nolan/Snyder partnership. Thomas reiterated that they brought it to an appropriate screenplay and it’s now Snyder’s picture.

An Aquaman Movie Coming...Eventually
Posted by Jett @ 11:33 AM on 12/1/10

According to SCREENRANT.COM, Warner Bros. does want to bring Aquaman to the big screen -- like in 2015 or so. Seems the studio considers Arthur Curry a "3rd tier" character and plans on producing films based on The Flash, Wonder Woman, as well as another Green Lantern film first -- and that doesn't include 2012's THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (Batman) and THE MAN OF STEEL (Superman). For the full story, click on the link provided.

DC Entertainment: No Justice League Movie Planned
Posted by Jett @ 12:11 PM on 10/9/10

My prayers (and *ahem* lobbying efforts) have been answered!


DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. have no plans for a live-action Justice League film, according to DCE's Geoff Johns. Here's what Johns had to say on the matter while speaking at the New York Comic Con...

"I’m going to speak frankly. I think our characters are bigger than Marvel’s.” [I'd rather we spend time building each character on his or her own rather than] 'smashing them together.'"

Well said Mr. Johns and it's the right move. I never understood why DC would want to copy Marvel when it comes to these films anyway. If Marvel wants to "smash them together" for THE AVENGERS, let them. DC does have a lot of great characters that can be turned into quality, long-lasting live-action movies.

Now you all will have to excuse me as I'm going to go celebrate this news with a cold beer and a happy dance. (SOURCE: SLASHFILM.COM)

It's Official: Zack Snyder Lands A SUPER-Gig!
Posted by Jett @ 6:30 PM on 10/4/10

Via the HEAT VISION BLOG...

Producer Chris Nolan and Warner Bros. have hired director Zack Snyder (WATCHMEN) to helm the new Superman film, THE MAN OF STEEL. Snyder says that he is "psyched" to land the gig -- I'm sure he is! "I defintely expressed my love for the character and interest in seeing him treated right," Snyder said of his meeting with Nolan and WB. "The character deserves to be loved. It’s his time."

THE MAN OF STEEL is scheduled for a Holiday 2012 release.


"Jett" and director Zack Snyder at the
SUCKER PUNCH party at San Diego Comic Con 2010

Nolan Looking For Super-Director
Posted by Jett @ 1:58 PM on 9/21/10

According to DEADLINE.COM, SUPERMAN/THE MAN OF STEEL producers Chris Nolan and Emma Thomas have a list of potential directors and it includes: UNSTOPABLE's Tony Scott, LET ME IN director Matt Reeves, BATTLE: LOS ANGELES's Jonathan Liebesman, Duncan Jones (SOURCE CODE), and WATCHMEN helmer Zack Snyder. The report states that Nolan and Thomas have already been meeting with candidates and will sumbmit their choice to WB in the next few weeks.

Scribe Offers Updates on THE FLASH & GREEN LANTERN
Posted by Jett @ 4:44 PM on 8/2/10

In a interview with COLLIDER.COM, screenwriter Greg Berlanti said the following in regards to the status of the script for THE FLASH, "We’re just getting into the script. We’re just starting...so that’s about where we’re at."

As far as the upcoming GREEN LANTERN, the scribe offered the following, "It’s a feast for the eyes. Martin Campbell is an amazing director, and it’s going to be a pretty incredible film."

GREEN LANTERN hits theaters next Summer on June 17, 2011. THE FLASH will dash across the silver screen -- hopefully -- sometime in the near future.

GREEN LANTERN Animated Series Coming Soon,
THE FLASH Movie Close To Greenlight, And a SUPER Holiday 2012!

Posted by Jett @ 10:27 AM on 5/28/10

Big things are happening for 'ol Hal Jordan.

First, Green Lantern is coming to the big screen in 2011 in a live-action film, and now it's been announced that an animated GL series in in the works.

According to the HEAT VISION BLOG, GREEN LANTERN: THE ANIMATED SERIES is coming to The Cartoon Network in the second year after the release of the live-action film.

In addition, Warner Bros. has said that a movie based on The Flash is close to being greenlighted. Not only will be be seeing The Flash on film soon, but films featuring Wonder Woman and Aquaman are in the works. PLUS...

That Superman film/reboot that is being "godfathered" by Chris Nolan is being targeted for a Holiday 2012 release.

It's Official: Chris Nolan "Godfathering" THE MAN OF STEEL!
Posted by Jett @ 9:10 AM on 3/10/10

In a wonderful interview with HERO COMPLEX, Chris Nolan confirms that he will oversee a Superman on film reboot called THE MAN OF STEEL. Also, he pretty much confirms that BATMAN 3 is on the way and he is directing. CLICK HERE for the full B3 story.

GREEN LANTERN Starts Shooting In March '10
Posted by Jett @ 6:45 PM on 1/6/09

Via MTV's SPLASH PAGE (according to the blog of visual effects supervisor Karen Goulekas), GREEN LANTERN has officially got the green light from Warner Bros. and shooting will begin in about 10 weeks.

BATMAN ON FILM © 1998-2006 William E. Ramey. All rights reserved.

A BOF Film Review - "BREAKING DAWN, Part 2" by JoAnne Hyde (11.16.12)

TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN, Part 2
Author: JoAnne Hyde
November 16, 2012

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SYNOPSIS: The astonishing conclusion to the series illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.

It’s finally here! Amidst much fanfare and advance publicity, the final installment in the Twilght Saga series, Breaking Dawn: Part II wraps up the story of the Cullen clan of vampires, and thusly, the love story of Bella and Edward. Fans will not be disappointed with the conclusion, especially since a dramatic twist has been added to the ending. So, if you’ve read the book 100 times, there will still be surprises for you.

All of the beloved cast members return: Kristen Stewart (Bella), Robert Pattinson (Edward), Taylor Lautner (Jacob), Peter Facinelli (Carlisle), Elizabeth Reaser (Esmee), Ashley Greene (Alice), Jackson Rathbone (Jasper), Nikki Reed (Rosalie), Kellan Lutz (Emmet), and Billy Burke (Charlie). I’m listing these names just in case you’ve been stranded on a desert island for the past 5 years and don’t know who these now-famous actors are. I’m also assuming that you’ve seen Breaking Dawn: Part I because this film is a continuation of the story in the truest way. They were filmed back-to-back, so production was actually completed in 2010. If you’ve somehow never seen the previous four films, there are still enough references to them in the context of this film so that it will make sense. Actually, I don’t see any of the five installments as stand-alone films, except maybe the first one, Twilight.

Breaking Dawn: Part I ended as newly-wed Bella gave birth to a daughter, conceived with her vampire husband, Edward. The only way to save her life was to make her a vampire also, and the film ends when Bella opens her now-red vampire eyes and begins her new life. Breaking Dawn: Part II begins with that same shot of her vampire eyes in her transformed body. Bella and Edward’s new happiness with their daughter Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy) is short-lived, however, as word of a vampire child mistakenly gets back to the Volturi. The terrible threesome – Aro (Michael Sheen), Caius (Jamie Campbell Bower), and Marcus (Christopher Heyerdahl) – vow to destroy the immortal child and the Cullen clan along with her. Dakota Fanning returns as Jane, along with Cameron Bright as her twin Alec, as the Volturi’s chief weapon. Jane can inflict paralyzing pain with her mind, while Alec can render a victim blind and deaf.

Meanwhile, Bella learns that Jacob has imprinted on Renesmee and will defend her to the death. Jacob finds a way to include Charlie in Bella’s life without endangering him, so all is well for a time. Then, Alice foresees that the Volturi have raised an army of witnesses and, by the first snowfall, will arrive in Forks to “punish” the offenders. Carlisle, hoping to prevent a fight to the death, gathers vampire friends from around the world to witness to the Volturi that Renesmee is not an immortal child, and therefore not a threat. However, if the Volturi will not accept this, the Cullens and the wolf packs vow to fight.

The Denali clan of vampires who share the Cullens’ lifestyle of not killing humans were introduced in Part I: Tanya (MyAnna Buring), Irina (Maggie Grace), Kate (Casey LeBow), Eleazar (Christian Camargo), and Carmen (Mia Maestro). They agree to help the Cullens and try to convince other vampire friends to do the same. In the novel, most of the vamp friends rounded up by the Cullens played a larger part, but in the film, only a few of them do. Lee Pace does a fine job playing Garrett, who’s been around since the American Revolution and loves a good battle against unjust authority. The Egyptian clan – Amun (Omar Metwally), Kebi (Andrea Gabriel), Tia (Angela Sarafyan), and Benjamin (Rami Malek) – get a good bit of screen time. In fact, Benjamin is responsible for some of the more impressive special effects since his character can affect the elements. The Ticuna Indians from the Amazon rainforest, Senna (Tracey Heggins) and Zafrina (Judith Shekoni), peak some interest, as do two Ticunas who appear only in the final scenes – Huilan (Marisa Quinn) and Nahuel (J D Pardo). They prove to be instrumental in the outcome of the story. Also of interest are two millinea-old, spooky-looking Romanian vampires, Stefan (Guri Weinberg) and Vladimir (Noel Fisher). If I’ve left out any of your favorites, I do apologize, but I’m not trying to write a book here!

The main reason for most to see this film, apart from the maniacal fan worship of Pattinson and Lautner, is the phenomenal twist added to the plot. You will be surprised, but if the reaction of the preview audience is any indication, you’ll also be pleased. The production qualities of the film remain high, and the actors are all true to their original interpretations of the beloved characters. Unfortunately, the drama between real-life couple Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson almost overshadowed the excitement about the final chapter of the Saga. The cheating break-up, and possible on-again make-up, between the two generated great sympathy for Pattinson and near-pariah status for Stewart. Sadly, some fans have trouble distinguishing between the actors and their roles. To many, they are Bella and Edward, and separating reality from fantasy remains a difficult task. I wish these actors well in their quest for new roles.

GRADE: A

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cussing the auditioning process for MAN OF STEEL. Shannon was recently cast as General Zod in the film.

MAN OF STEEL hits theaters "December-ish" 2012.

Michael Shannon cast as General Zod in MAN OF STEEL
Posted by Jett @ 3:59 pM on 4/10/11

This is cool.

Michael Shannon has been cast by director Zack Snyder as "General Zod" in MAN OF STEEL.

"Zod is not only one of Superman's most formidable enemies," said director Zack Snyder. "But one of the most significant because he has insights into Superman that others don't. Michael is a powerful actor who can project both the intelligence and the malice of the character, maki BATMAN-ON-FILM.COM - "BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD" - Episode Previews & Reviews

Batman isn't going at it alone this time!

From Warner Bros. Animation comes the latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise. Our caped crusader is teamed up with heroes from across the DC Universe, delivering nonstop action and BATMAN-ON-FILM.COM - "The Best Animated Batman TV Series Episodes" by Chris Clow (2.10.13)

The Best Animated Batman TV Series Episodes
Author: Chris Clow (Follow @CHRISCLOW)
February 10, 2013

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sible possibility that's absolutely, positively impossible, there's perfection in every panel.

Snyder has tapped into something truly special here. Batman will obviously survive whatever The Joker is planning. Isn't that The Joker's plan anyway? The safety of his soul, however, may be another matter entirely.

We already know The Joker is Batman's number one fan, but the backup co-written by Snyder and James Tinion IV finds him similarly seeking to urge the very best out one of Batman's rogues in a manner that only The Joker can. The jagged, urgent lines of Jock and the captivating colors of David Baron are always welcome in Gotham's dirtiest, darkest corners, with some truly memorable imagery accompanying The Joker's party preparations. I'd love to see Jock and Baron on a regular Bat Book again, but only if it's written as well as BATMAN. This is also one of the first backups I've read in a while that truly felt entirely on par with the main story.

BATMAN #15 knows where you live. It sees where you sleep. So give in to the inevitability and just let it in. - John Bierly

GRADE: A+