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Post by Huw on Feb 5, 2014 13:57:31 GMT -5
Issue #119 : COMIC BOOK MOVIE CASTINGS: WHY DO WE CARE? Jesse Eisenberg was cast as Lex Luthor this week and the internet exploded. So, the Talking Comics crew dig into, not just, what they think of the man who was Mark Zuckerberg playing Superman’s biggest foe, but why we all get so bent out of shape about who gets cast in comic book movies in general. The gang also discussed Justice League: War and discusses the validity of winter preparedness in Arkansas with guest host Mara Wood. We also, of course, discuss Our Books of the Week, which include: The Unwritten Vol. 8, Furious, Serenity: Leaves on the Wind, Lil’ Sonja, Earth-2, Bad Dog, Thor: God of Thunder, and Happy Marriage.
What are your thoughts on the topics discussed on the show this week?
Share your opinions right here, folks!!
Annnnnnnnnnd… we say it on the show, but just in case you missed it, the Talking Comics crew on Twitter are:
Bobby: @bobbyshortle Steve: @dead_anchoress Stephanie: @hellocookie And Bob’s email is bobreyer@talkingcomicbooks.com
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Post by JediHunter66 on Feb 5, 2014 14:50:16 GMT -5
Bob quoting Jeff Goldblum was absolutely amazing!
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Post by Huw on Feb 5, 2014 14:57:42 GMT -5
Bob quoting Jeff Goldblum was absolutely amazing! Everything Bob does is genius!
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Post by JediHunter66 on Feb 5, 2014 15:09:22 GMT -5
Bob quoting Jeff Goldblum was absolutely amazing! Everything Bob does is genius! This is absolutely true.
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Turk
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Posts: 97
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Post by Turk on Feb 5, 2014 15:52:08 GMT -5
I liked what Bob said (And honestly I agreed to some extent with all of the hosts) about the way a comic title is portrayed in a movie is sometimes seen as the definitive version. To take it a step further or to rather make it more personal I would add that I have 0 friends that are into comics. My wife does not read but fully supports my love for them.
When I take my wife to see a comic book movie I hope that she loves the character the way I do. When it's a bad or inaccurate portrayal I feel betrayed by the makers of the movie. My wife looks at me and rolls her eyes and sometimes says "I can't believe that you like this crap!" and I say that "I don't like this crap, the crap that I like is much better!" and of course she just rolls her eyes some more and it's a little harder to get her to go with me next time. Next time instead we may see a romantic comedy.
I love ALL comic books movies. I truly appreciate the fact that people even try to make them. Anything to bring these characters to life is good with me. When they are wrong, or bad or both then it makes it harder to convert the non-believers. I'll even watch Rob Schneider as Batman as long as it's a private viewing for fans only.
EDIT: To be clear I don't rant on the internet about my hatred for actors or movies or anything really but I understand the passion and I understand why people get so upset but really in the end it's just a movie. If Batman/Superman sux I'll be ok.
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Post by Bob Reyer on Feb 5, 2014 16:55:27 GMT -5
I liked what Bob said (And honestly I agreed to some extent with all of the hosts) about the way a comic title is portrayed in a movie is sometimes seen as the definitive version. To take it a step further or to rather make it more personal I would add that I have 0 friends that are into comics. My wife does not read but fully supports my love for them. When I take my wife to see a comic book movie I hope that she loves the character the way I do. When it's a bad or inaccurate portrayal I feel betrayed by the makers of the movie. My wife looks at me and rolls her eyes and sometimes says "I can't believe that you like this crap!" and I say that "I don't like this crap, the crap that I like is much better!" and of course she just rolls her eyes some more and it's a little harder to get her to go with me next time. Next time instead we may see a romantic comedy. I love ALL comic books movies. I truly appreciate the fact that people even try to make them. Anything to bring these characters to life is good with me. When they are wrong, or bad or both then it makes it harder to convert the non-believers. I'll even watch Rob Schneider as Batman as long as it's a private viewing for fans only. EDIT: To be clear I don't rant on the internet about my hatred for actors or movies or anything really but I understand the passion and I understand why people get so upset but really in the end it's just a movie. If Batman/Superman sux I'll be ok. "Phily", Thanks for the nod of approval, as I'll come back to your post if public opinion turns on me! In the past, due to the limited technology, we would have been thrilled to see anything even resembling a super-hero on screen! With the film-making tools at hand, and so many supposed "fans" behind the cameras, why every super-hero film isn't The Avengers or Captain America in terms of their verisimiltude is beyond me!
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Post by dragonboy on Feb 5, 2014 19:29:14 GMT -5
New listener, great show!
I have recently made the move to comics after watching everything there is on TV and have come to the conclusion that it is nothing but a bunch of junk. I ditched my cable and have been enjoying Netflix, downloads, purchasing the shows I support, pod casts, and now it seems like the natural move is paper and digital comics.
RE: Justice League War - I would like to comment on the cursing comments you made on your show today. I agree that traditionally these "cartoons" have been made for children, but there are people like myself who are done with TV and who have completed the internet at least 3 times and are now looking for real content to watch that is not meant for a 6 year old. What is worse? Shazam swearing a few times or faces smashed in and necks snapped? - Besides, if parents purchase movies because there is a drawing of a super hero on it and they do not even look at the rating (takes 2 seconds) and find it is to violent for their child, they are the only one to blame.
I support the move to not so "Care Bear" animation and I hope they can pump it out by the truck load while at least keeping a few lines more traditional. They still need to preserve the good stuff and not loose it in the smashem ups!
Thanks!
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Post by Bob Reyer on Feb 5, 2014 19:51:50 GMT -5
New listener, great show! I have recently made the move to comics after watching everything there is on TV and have come to the conclusion that it is nothing but a bunch of junk. I ditched my cable and have been enjoying Netflix, downloads, purchasing the shows I support, pod casts, and now it seems like the natural move is paper and digital comics. RE: Justice League War - I would like to comment on the cursing comments you made on your show today. I agree that traditionally these "cartoons" have been made for children, but there are people like myself who are done with TV and who have completed the internet at least 3 times and are now looking for real content to watch that is not meant for a 6 year old. What is worse? Shazam swearing a few times or faces smashed in and necks snapped? - Besides, if parents purchase movies because there is a drawing of a super hero on it and they do not even look at the rating (takes 2 seconds) and find it is to violent for their child, they are the only one to blame. I support the move to not so "Care Bear" animation and I hope they can pump it out by the truck load while at least keeping a few lines more traditional. They still need to preserve the good stuff and not loose it in the smashem ups! Thanks! Welcome to the Forums "dragonboy"! Thanks for the positive review! Regarding "War", as I've said on these forums (and I'm pretty sure on the show?), I know that a lot of folks are going to love it, and that's great! You're also right about whose responsibilty it is to police the conent, but the "small print" on the rating would more-than-likely get trumped by the "brand name" of these heroes who for so long stood for something else. ("It's got Superman in it; there's probably just some fighting in it.") It was in that public interest that I felt it best to rattle off the words that seemed "off" for me (as well as the neck-breaking, eyes-melting, etc.), so that those whose sensibilities are in line with mine could make an informed choice. For everone else, your mileage may vary! Once again, welcome, and thanks for the cogent comment!
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Post by wjohnson22 on Feb 5, 2014 22:39:24 GMT -5
Great podcast this week and appreciate all the thoughtful, engaging commentary. Regarding why we care so much about casting and comic book movies in general, I'm wondering if others have experienced the following:
As a comic fan, I have an inherent defensiveness with regard to wanting comic books to be recognized as a legitimate art form and form of entertainment. I think this goes to what Bob was discussing on the podcast about how, sometimes, the creative forces behind comic book movies feel the need to "clean up" the source material to bring it up to a level worthy of the movies, and/or have "real" writers make adjustments to the story. This certainly isn't always the case, but even as comic books have gained more cultural acceptance, I know I have internalized the notion that I "get it," and understand that comic books are a legitimate art form, and am frustrated by feeling like I have to regularly defend my hobby. Maybe this helps to explain why many in our community (including myself at times) react so negatively to casting news or other creative decisions, in that we think it reflects the gulf between those who get that comic books are a worthy art form, and those, often in positions of power or influence, who feel that comics book material needs to be spruced up for mass consumption.
I commend Steve and others on the podcast for recognizing our tendency to go negative, and instead focus on celebrating all the awesome things happening with comic books and how far we've come in gaining legitimacy. I still may slip up at times and express a knee-jerk, negative reaction before giving time for more thoughtful consideration, but we're all works in progress, right?
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Post by othersummersbrother on Feb 6, 2014 1:07:50 GMT -5
Casting is similar to comic book creators in this respect; all I care about is content. If the story or (in acting) performance is done well, that's all I care about. Make a good product, and all the noise about casting or creators will take care of themselves. If Johns and Romita Jr. hit a home-run with a new Superman book, then what does it matter that they were put on the book in the first place. Let the product speak for itself, and if it falls flat, we can gnash teeth later. My hope is Eisenberg makes a good Luthor, but I won't cry about it.
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Turk
Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Posts: 97
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Post by Turk on Feb 6, 2014 7:56:36 GMT -5
Obviously some things have to be changed when adapting a comic to a movie. What works in print doesn't necessarily work on screen. They are just different mediums. As long as it is true to the heart of the story then it still works.
Maybe Jesse won't be good. Maybe he will. My knee jerk reaction is that he won't because my Lex Luther is a little older. A little more grizzled. A little more commanding. Maybe Jesse will give me something better. I don't know. Wither way I'll see the movie and judge after that.
I think about about actor choices like I think about music. There are have been some great remakes of old Songs and there have been some that just murdered the song.
Im sure that Jesse won't be the Lex that I want him to be but maybe he'll be better or maybe just good but different.
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Post by dragonboy on Feb 6, 2014 11:49:24 GMT -5
I think Jesse will be a major flop - my idea of Lex is a guy that understands the complexities of the universe coupled with pure aggression and god like drive to control everything he can. I feel that this comes with age, experience, and being screwed over by Super jerks far to many times. We need someone that looks pissed off, not a boy band reject.
Another note, we have Gal Gadot cast for Wonder Woman who is a tiny little thing that looks like she can blow away in the smallest breeze. Can you imagine her being thrown through a building and getting back up for another go? Wonder Woman is a warrior and a warrior needs to be cast for that part. Bridget Regan for Wonder Woman anyone? Now there is a girl that can pull it off, She has the body that can be built into a sword swinging Amazonian princess! Those swords are heavy and you need some good arms to swing em all day.
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Post by IncredibleD on Feb 6, 2014 12:41:07 GMT -5
Great podcast as always. As for the Lex Luthor casting news, i have never heard of Jesse Eisenberg before this.Doesn't look like a Luthor guy to me but who knows, he could be good.
Oh and thanks Steve for mentioning what the next book for the book club is going to be. I've bought Kingdom Come about a year ago on Comixology but never read it, so this looks like a good time to do it.
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Post by drocat on Feb 6, 2014 12:48:44 GMT -5
I think Jesse will be a major flop - my idea of Lex is a guy that understands the complexities of the universe coupled with pure aggression and god like drive to control everything he can. I feel that this comes with age, experience, and being screwed over by Super jerks far to many times. We need someone that looks pissed off, not a boy band reject. Another note, we have Gal Gadot cast for Wonder Woman who is a tiny little thing that looks like she can blow away in the smallest breeze. Can you imagine her being thrown through a building and getting back up for another go? Wonder Woman is a warrior and a warrior needs to be cast for that part. Bridget Regan for Wonder Woman anyone? Now there is a girl that can pull it off, She has the body that can be built into a sword swinging Amazonian princess! Those swords are heavy and you need some good arms to swing em all day. Well... Lex and Clark are around the same age, and so are Cavil/Eissenberg. Eissenberg is actually 30. My problem isn't his acting ability really... His role in Social Network somewhat closely resembles that of what Lex Luthor should be: full of himself, manipulative, rich, and evil. I think he could do a great job. The only problem I have with him is that he is pretty recognizable from other movies that he's in. There's also the problem where I think he would look REALLY weird as a bald dude, haha. Everyone (including myself at first) is on Gal Gadot's case about her physical size. I just don't understand this at all. Yes... she IS small. but she IS also tall. If Christian Bale can lose all that weight for the Machinist, and then gain it all back extremely rapidly for his role in Batman Begins, it is not impossible for Gadot to gain weight for this role. Video editing and effects are also to a point where they can make her look a little bit bigger if need be. I think people should get on her case about her acting ability rather than her physicality: she hasn't really proven to be amazing by any means... Will she commit herself entirely to this role? Will she be dedicated to getting in shape for the role? That's what is in question at this point. I can't see them signing her to multiple movie deals if they didn't think she was going to be a great actress for the part. This being said: I think the only actor we as a community are going to accept will be Jeremy Irons. Haha.
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Post by JediHunter66 on Feb 6, 2014 20:53:36 GMT -5
As a comic fan, I have an inherent defensiveness with regard to wanting comic books to be recognized as a legitimate art form and form of entertainment. I get into so many arguments with people over this who dont agree with it. especially when I say something like "reading my comic books" and I get the "Thats not reading its just drawings"....
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