But you hit the nail on the head, and it supports what I mentioned too. There used to be a lot of talk about making these movies, but Batman 3 and 4 put the breaks on a lot of things. So it wasn’t until Spider-Man that the industry regained its confidence and now there are about a DOZEN in serious development. Best casting I’ve heard so far is the Rock as Black Adam in Captain Marvel.

And now the industry is willing to pursuing offbeat titles. Constantine is a movie I really enjoy-but thank God I didn’t start reading the comics until after, because it is SO disconnected from the comic. I’m sure many true fans were VERY disappointed. And it’s a perfect example of what I was takling about; how the key person behind a movie really detrmins it’s success (quality and/or revenue). Frank Miller is behind Sin and 300 so they were done right. But after the RoboCop series decline he swore off Hollywood for a long time until somebody could PROMISE him his work would be ok. Rodriquez had to show him some test scenes first.

And again, with series it’s very hard to maintain that initial rush. Just ask George Lucas. But with superhero stuff, the first movie is usually the Origin Story and then they have to decide which arch to do as a follow-up. Iron Man 2 got approved last week and it looks like it’s going to be a focus on War Machine’s creation.

I think there have been some rare examples of successful comic movies that aren’t as well known as the above mentioned. You’ve got Hellboy, Constantine, Sin City, and 300 to start off. They were huge successes despite not being big name attractions. Comic to film adaptations are becoming accepted in film. This can be a positive thing. Like Dave mentioned, Hancock isn’t a published comic but people are excited for that because it looks fun. Same goes for The Incredibles. I thought that was one of the best comic book movies ever done.

Also, I think people keep remaking characters like Batman, Superman and Spider-Man because it is the same reason when you bring a new writer and artist aboard the books. To bring a fresh new vision on the mythos. How many writers and artists have tackled the life of these characters. There are so many incarnations from these creative minds, that it is always a welcome to see who else can bring something new to the table for them. Some end up being super successful while others have a cult following and then there are some that just never hit a mark. You’re going to have that.

Well I thought it sounded weird too if you thought about Downey from say the “Less than Zero” days, but once I thought about his addiction issues, dark hair and unquestionable ability to act it made PERFECT sense to me.

I think they keep doing Batman for the same reason they keep doing Superman or Spider-man AND it’s the same reason some people thought Speed Racer would be a good idea;name recognition. They’re picking characters based on how many people will know the character and want to see him in the in a movie.

But sometimes the character can be completely unknowns and the star will get people to the theater. The new Will Smith movie Hancock looks like it will be better than the Hulk movie. And it’ll probably draw big crowds.

…Perhaps its because he’s the only one who hasn’t had his genes altered in some freak accident or from another planet……hmmm?

I know Ed Norton’s Hulk seems ‘ehhh’ too, but, there is a chance I’ll try it out. On DVD…hehe!

I think you and I and a bunch of people all agree that the big two need to hire the right people and ‘trust’ them with their visions. I doubted Batman Begins but goddamn was I an instant convert after I saw it. I ended up kicking myself in the head for being so harsh on the early photos and trailers.

I gotta say man, I am NOT looking forward to the Wanted movie. I haven’t read the books but hope to soon. I skimmed through it and have been very intrigued. But the movie just isn’t hitting me in the right places for some reason. I think it’s because of Angelina Jolie.

Wish I had all day because I’d go and read all the other blogs you wrote. But, that will have to wait for another time! Gotta do it day by day to catch up since I’m new! Looking forward to your blogs though! They’ve been highly enlightening and a treat to read!