Friday, January 9, 2009

Raimi Spins Spidey Villain Web

"Spider-Man 4" isn't slated to release till May 2011, but that didn't stop Sam Raimi from starting the speculation machine on who the newest villain will be in the next feature film. Raimi told Empire Magazine, “I like it in the Marvel comics when Spider-Man fights Morbius,” said Raimi.

Hold the phone, did Sam Raimi just say Morbius? Oh no, it appears Raimi's Evil Dead days may be dripping over into Spider-Man. I dont think mixing the two-genres is a great idea and the comics of Morbius vs. Spidey were always lacking to say the least. Not to mention that vampires are on a bit of overkill right now with Twilight, HBO's True Blood, and the usual constant onslaught of vampire films each year. Unfortunately, Raimi thinks otherwise he continued by saying, “He’s really cool. A vampire! I like that combination of superhero plus supernatural.”

One thing to conisder is Morbius character in Spider-Man lore, is very closely aligned with the Lizard. So the two of them could very possibly be in the same film, utilizing some of the same research. Morbius is a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist that discovered he had a rare blood disorder, where his blood cells would dissolve. Dr. Michael Morbius secretly begins working on a cure, which of course he uses vampire bats, as the main source of his research. He later uses electrical shocks in combination with the vampire bat serum, which transformed Michael's body into a vampire-like being. He learns his abilities are super human strength, accelerated heeling, heightened agility, speed, reflexes and senses. He also had sharp claws and fangs resembling a vampire. Lastly, Morbius bones are hollow allowing him the ability to glide on air currents. Much like a vampire, Morbius must feed on blood for his strength, his thirst for blood becomes his ultimate dilemma forcing him to constantly searching for a antidote.

Morbius is a real bad choice for a couple reasons! He and Lizard are essentially the same and Raimi has already had two films of ground work with setting up Dr. Curtis Connors aka The Lizard. So why include him? Will Raimi have the two of them working together? Didn't he realize that the villain team-up didn't go over too well last time around? Kraven The Hunter would seem like more of a logical choice, if another team-up is a foot, which let's hope there's not! Why not Mysterio or another crack at Kingpin? Even Electro or Vulture sound like better villains than Morbius.Why not try a superhero team-up in the next Spider-Man? Remember Spidey's in New York and so is Daredevil and the Fantastic Four. I'd love to see Spidey teamup with Daredevil and take down the Kingpin.

Raimi who sounds like he is just randomly talking about his favorite Spidey villains within this quote, could definately just be stirring the speculation pot here. Enticing all of us who scour the net and sources looking for new tidbits to report. If Raimi does indeed really like Morbius, I am more for him doing that, then say being forced to do a character he hates. Does anyone remember Venom? Sam Raimi did not want to include Venom and was forced to by studio executives and look how that turned out. I would be much more inclined to allow him to do something he wants rather than what the studio wants, even if it is a lame vampire Spider-Man villain.

What do you think? Should Morbius be the next Spider-Man villain? Is Raimi merely speculating or should we put some weight behind this quote?

Lautner Still in New Moon

After the success of "Twilight" Summit Entertainment quickly greenlit the sequel and bumped up the financing for the second film called "New Moon." Some things were all hearts and moonbeams though, Catherine Hardwicke the director of Twilight was released of her services and replaced by The Golden Compass director Chris Weitz. Rumors also swirled that Taylor Lautner would not return in the role of Jacob Black for the sequel. The worry was that Jacob's character, who undergoes a dramatic growth spurt in the second Stephenie Meyers novel, would not work with the doe faced Taylor Lautner.

Well two days ago Chris Weitz posted a blog on Meyers website, stating that faith has been restored in Taylor and he would continue on in the role of Jacob Black. "I'm very happy to announce that Taylor Lautner will be playing Jacob Black in New Moon and that he's doing so with the enthusiastic support of Summit Entertainment, the producers, and Stephenie Meyer. The characters in Stephenie's books go through extraordinary changes of circumstance and also appearance; so it is not surprising that there has been speculation about whether the same actor would portray a character who changes in so many surprising ways throughout the series. But it was my first instinct that Taylor was, is, and should be Jacob, and that the books would be best served by the actor who is emotionally right for the part. I think that fans of Twilight the book and the movie will be surprised by the Jacob Black that Taylor will bring to the screen in New Moon; and I'm looking forward to working with him and the rest of the cast in realizing the film." It seems that Lautner stepped up his game and convinced producers and directors that he should remain. The young actor better known for his role as Sharkboy, from "Sharkboy and Lava Girl" has beefed up adding 19lbs to his physique and promises another 10lbs before shooting begins. Let's just hope that is not fat!

Before seeing "Twilight" I could have cared less about who was in the sequel, but after watching it, I am hooked on the series and am glad Launter will still be in the sequel. He was a strong character in the first film and it seems he has the chops to live this role out, even if it means growing a foot taller and aging 5 years! What I can't do is, get myself in the mindset to read the tween romance gargabe, (some pretty sappy stuff), but the film was strong and definately has me intrigued for more. What's better is that Bella comes to learn alot more about the werewolf clan of Jacob Black in "New Moon" with Edward taking a bit of a departure. So were in for more of a werewolf rather than a vampire story.

What say you? Have you seen "Twilight"? Does Taylor Lautner sticking mean anything to you? Can he pull it off?

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Last House on the Left Trailer

One of Wes Craven's most shocking films was and is The Last House on the Left. It was extremely brutal to watch and very graphic. Wes Craven has decided to go back to the well and remake it for a new generation. Craven along with Sean Cunningham producing will revisit just how far two ordinary people will go to take revenge on the individuals who harmed their daughter. The first trailer is outstanding! The remake appears to be in top form and I for one amd extremely excited for this one. The Last House on the Left is directed by Dennis Iliadis and stars Monica Potter, Garret Dillahunt, Sara Paxton, Spencer Treat Clark, Aaron Paul, Riki Lindhome and Tony Goldwyn. Check out the trailer below....


What say you? Does this look like a worthy remake? Have you seen the original? Strikeback...