Fanboy Fantasy Absolutely KILLER!

I just finished reading a graphic novel last night that I'd been meaning to finish for the last few months. This is odd, because it's a book that I'd been waiting for to hit shelves and was able to grab it at 8th Street Books & Comics in September - Freddy vs Jason vs Ash.

Like I said, it took me a long time to finally sit down and finish it. I guess life just got in the way, as well as my stubborn temperament. This was a book that I felt had to be enjoyed in the right atmosphere:

- Had to be read at night;
- Had to be read with complete silence; and
- Had to have my full, undivided attention.

So last night, I sat down and zipped through the last 50 pages or so. And I gotta tell ya, this book doesn't disappoint. It lives up to the legacy and credibility of each character's respective franchise, and cements a new future in possible sequels. A Nightmare on Elm Street's Freddy Krueger is just as evil and corny as ever, Friday the 13th's Jason Voorhees has never been more skull-crushing and unstoppable and Evil Dead's Ash Williams is still the blue-collar wise-ass we all love. The story keeps a solid balance between all three and borrows from each character's past on-screen adventures.

A little background info on this tale............

Freddy vs Jason vs Ash was originally issued as a 6-part comic series starting in October 2007. When the series wrapped this past spring, the entire adventure was compiled into one kick-ass looking graphic novel, which is really what I prefer. To be honest, I just don't get to the comic shops that often so I look like a moron trying to decipher what order the $3.00 paperbacks go in. For all I know, I could be buying Issues #5 and 9 of 12, then I'd be REALLY confused. Also, it's just not worth my time to buy ONE 32-page comic when I know I'll just be done in maybe a half-hour. I'd rather wait until a series is over and released as a WHOLE in graphic novel form, like some of the others I have. Anyway......

This war between three of horror's beloved icons was originally going to end up as a sequel to the smash hit 2003 movie, Freddy vs Jason. Jeff Katz, then an executive at New Line Cinema, wrote a treatment of the script that soon hit the Web and fans were hooked (myself included). Sadly, the film deal fell through for whatever reason and FvJvA was trapped in development limbo. In early 2007, Katz made the announcement that his treatment would see new life, this time in comic form. Later that year, the issues started hitting the stands and fans loved it. Talk of a sequel hit the Web just a few weeks ago.

I'm disappointed that FvJvA will never be a movie, but at least the idea still hit the mainstream public. Things could've turned out worse and this three-way fight to the death could still be in the minds of the writers, so I'm glad we at least have it in some form. And that's the amazing thing about comics and graphic novels - you can make anything happen to anyone. Freddy vs Jason vs Ash? Sure. Leatherface vs Michael Myers? OK. Batman vs Predator? Why not? (I've actually read that last one, not bad! Very out there, but not bad.) It gives new hope to aspiring writers, filmmakers and artists who get their ideas shot down by executives in designer suits, who say the idea isn't marketable or doesn't have mainstream appeal.

This story goes as such: After the events of Freddy vs Jason, Krueger is locked away in 'dream demon purgatory' while Voorhees is content in his surroundings at Crystal Lake. Meanwhile, Ash makes the move from Michigan up to Jason's turf to take a higher position at the new Super Duper S-Mart (inside joke to dedicated Ash fanatics), or so it would seem. Ash is really on the lookout for the Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead, and he believes it is hidden away in the old Voorhees home. Ash wants to get the book in order to destroy it once and for all, while Freddy uses what little power he has left to manipulate Jason once more, regain his strength and use the book's power to take control of not only the dream world, but reality as well. All of these elements make up a recipe for one of the coolest showdowns in (almost) cinematic history.

Indeed, this story was truly written for the fans. In a nod to the previous film, the main characters from Freddy vs Jason, Will and Lori make a return in the first few pages of this tale, only to **SPOILER ALERT** meet their fates at the hands of machete-swinging Jason. It's true horror movie cliche but it's only fitting.

The artwork on FvJvA is incredible. Everything from the Crystal Lake location to the guts spilling out of innocent victims looks bold and beautiful. It really stands out and you can tell this project was close to the artist's heart. You'd have to be a fan of these characters to give them justice in a comic form, and it shows on these pages.

I love the idea of this story taking place in the winter, too. That's never been done before with Freddy, Jason or Ash and it's really quite genius in how they pulled it off. In fact, the cold winter setting plays a large part in the final battle these guys engage in.

For my money, Freddy vs Jason vs Ash is one of the most well-written, excellently-drawn graphic novels I've seen in a long time. The concept is simple but very satisfying in the end.

My fingers are crossed that another series does in fact see the light of day. And judging by the final page in FvJvA, I'm sure they'll be back for more.

Keep 'em laughin',
D.

Comedy Duo Hits Most Cylinders

"Step Brothers" (2008)
Directed by: Adam McKay
Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Mary Steenburgen
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rut's Rating: 3.5/5

The actor/director team of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay return with "Step Brothers", an R-rated comedy co-starring John C. Reilly about two childish adults forced to co-exist after their parents fall in love and get married. It's new on DVD this week, and marks the third time Ferrell and McKay have collaborated on a comedy, following the 2004 classic "Anchorman" and 2006's "Talladega Nights".

"Brothers" definitely isn't for everyone. As mentioned, it does carry an "R" rating as there is a lot of four-letter words spoken by the characters. But if you liked movies such as "Old School", "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and "Superbad", then this one may be up your alley.

Brennan Huff (Ferrell) is 39 and unemployed. He lives with his mother. Dale Doback (Reilly) is 40 and unemployed. He lives with his father (Richard Jenkins). When their respective single parents start dating and get married, Brennan and Dale struggle to get along and the pair begin a series of pranks and jokes against each other to mark their territory. Eventually, the two find common ground and their minds revert to child-like states as they build forts, play sports and become close. However, when the pair is given an ultimatum by their parents and told to find jobs, they realize that they have to start acting their age and grow up.

I liked "Step Brothers". The movie doesn't try to be something more than it is and pretty much revels in it. I'm also glad to see Will Ferrell having to share the screen with John C. Reilly, someone who has just as much comedic talent. I got tired quickly of Ferrell's past on-screen antics, which pretty much consisted of the same role; an overly-macho, self-loving individual who usually is a superstar in some random sport (I'm still trying to get "Blades of Glory" out of my head.....*shudder*). Here, Ferrell is shy and docile in some parts and when he does become loud and bombastic, it doesn't come off as being overly obnoxious.

Reilly was my favorite in the film, though. His antics had me laughing out loud at most parts and his domineering behavior towards Ferrell's character shows off his comic timing very well.

The movie is geared for those who prefer adult humor and 90 minutes to kill. "Step Brothers" may not be in the comedy Hall of Fame with the likes of "Anchorman" or "Caddyshack", but it should provide a few big laughs, even if the toilet humor sometimes goes on too long. Overall, it's an ideal choice for those with a comedy craving and an empty Friday or Saturday night.

The Dark Knight Returns...

Movie Event Of The Year Doesn't Disappoint

"The Dark Knight" (2008)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan (Insomnia, The Prestige, Batman Begins)
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Running Time: 152 minutes
Rut's Rating: 5/5

The cinematic event of the year has arrived. Audiences have waited for it, fans have stayed up all night blogging about it, and the most dedicated Bat-fans made custom trailers and posters for it. After much hype and critical praise, "The Dark Knight" is finally here.

Here's the thing about this movie - its not just a movie. Its as much of an attraction as your favorite rock band coming to your city or the circus rolling through town. You plan for it, you make all the necessary arrangements and you don't hide your excitement. Standing in line for over 90 minutes just to get into the screening room (where you wait another half-hour) should be the norm with acclaimed blockbusters such as this, which is what I ended up doing.

I'd been looking forward to "The Dark Knight" since the ending credits rolled on the previous installment in this new, grittier Batman franchise, "Batman Begins". So, in the three years and one month since that film's release, I've been witness to - and enjoyed - all of the hype, discussion and marketing surrounding the new film. Leaked on-set photos, YouTube videos and secret web sites and games orchestrated by the studios peaked my interest and raised my excitement to near-catastrophic levels. Finally, on July 19 I was witness to "The Dark Knight".

And my expectations were blown to smithereens.

This film not only works as an incredible super-hero adaptation, its also just an amazing crime epic. Films such as "Heat", "The Departed" and even "Once Upon A Time In The West" sprang to my mind after I left the theater. If the film hadn't been about a guy dressing up as a bat to fight crime, it'd work as a simple cops and robbers flick. At a time when comic book movies are becoming the summer norm, this one has come along and set the bar to a sky-high level. And I truly don't believe another super-hero film will ever come along that matches the intensity, excitement and emotional overdrive as "The Dark Knight".

Director Nolan takes what he did in "Batman Begins" and simply turns the crank way up. He delves further into the world of Gotham City, where crime is still rampant and citizens are more scared than ever to walk the streets. Nolan has cemented his legacy with this film and I don't think another director could make a Batman film as brilliantly as he has. What I like most about Nolan's vision of Batman is his sense of reality. Things never become too far-fetched and Gotham City's decaying state and criminal masterminds are reflections of the society we live in. Its this ability that Nolan has that has made him and his films hugely popular with the movie-going public.

The dream cast that makes up the Batman universe will impress many who see the film. Too often, actors in comic adaptations don't seem to take the roles as serious as they should, but this isn't the case with "The Dark Knight". Returning cast members from "Batman Begins" include Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, Gary Oldman as Lt. Jim Gordon, and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, while Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes from Katie Holmes. The new players in Gotham City include veteran character actor Eric Roberts as crime boss Salvatore Maroni, Aaron Eckhart as District Attorney Harvey Dent and of course, the late Heath Ledger as Batman's most famous enemy, The Joker.

The story, inspired by events in Batman graphic novels such as "The Long Halloween" and "Dark Victory" goes as such: With crime starting to slowly decrease after the events of "Batman Begins", Batman intends on finally ridding Gotham City of its mob bosses in order to bring peace to the streets. But when a new criminal mastermind known as The Joker begins killing crime bosses and vows to continue his slaying until Batman reveals himself, the dark knight comes face-to-face with his greatest challenge and fights to stop the psychotic clown with help from Lt. Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, before chaos breaks out in Gotham once again.

Bale's second outing as Batman really caught my attention. In the first film, we're witness to him eventually becoming the Caped Crusader. In "The Dark Knight", he's full-fledged super-hero. He cuts down thugs with a flick of his fist and outsmarts entire gangs with intimidation and fear tactics. While all of it is impressive, throwing himself into a role is normal for Bale, who pushed his body to the limit in films such as "The Machinist" and "Rescue Dawn". The action sequences and fight scenes show that Bale will do whatever it takes to make it believable and exciting for the audience, of which it undoubtedly succeeds in doing. But the emotional side of Batman was what I liked the most. There are things that happen in this film that will show another side of the Gotham defender most people haven't seen, and I was caught up in the emotion of it myself.

Gary Oldman's performance is much more noticeable than it was in "Begins". His role as Jim Gordon is a favorite of mine; he's sympathetic, endearing and so darn trustworthy. Yet at the same time, he's frazzled and almost helpless in keeping the order in Gotham City. Oldman is one of my favorite actors and too often he's cast as the antagonist of a film. Its new to see him as a respectful police officer but its an impressive performance. He sees Batman as perhaps the only person he can trust, but at the same time can't afford to rely on just one man in a costume to bring balance to a corrupt city. Gordon knows what his responsibilities are and Oldman shoots this character full of emotion.

Aaron Eckhart's performance as Harvey Dent was arguably the most impressive. As even the most casual Bat-fan knows, Dent eventually transforms into the disfigured, split-personality sociopath known as Two-Face. And from start to finish in this 2 1/2 hour epic, we're witness to his fall from grace. He goes from a public-defending, widely-respected official in the Gotham court rooms to a horribly-burned, depressed soul with violent mood swings. All of this is very believable. Eckhart gives Dent a sense of realism that's hard to avoid, and his descent into madness is heartbreaking, even though knowledgeable movie-goers know its coming.

Of course, the thing that all the critics and fans are talking about is the late Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker. Ledger, who passed away suddenly from an accidental overdose of prescription medication last January is definitely the scene-stealer of "The Dark Knight". His interpretation of Batman's greatest nemesis is nothing short of a complete transformation and a testament to the powerful ability that the young actor had. His Joker is psychotic, intense and funny in that 'Is he joking or is he gonna kill me?' sort of way. Ledger has given the audience a gift; he reportedly checked himself into a hotel room for 30 days in order to study The Joker's character and perfect his mannerisms. The result is something that will be hard to top, if not impossible. That unstable voice, the unnerving body language, violent outbursts as sudden as a shark attack. Ledger's final completed performance is arguably his greatest, and perhaps no scene shows that more chillingly than his final confrontation with Batman, telling his foe "I think we're destined to do this forever, you and I". The Joker will always be there in Batman's mind. He's finally met his match after taking on crime bosses and gun-toting thugs. In The Joker, Batman sees the very thing that made him don the cape and cowl. With a performance that's being called Oscar-worthy, its a sad shame that Heath Ledger isn't here to enjoy his much-deserved success.

"The Dark Knight" is one of those rare gems in Hollywood. It fires on all cylinders and the resulting product is virtually flawless. An engrossing, expansive script, a visionary director, a top-notch cast, amazing cinematography, and a beautiful and sometimes haunting musical soundtrack. I bought advance tickets for the film online, waited out a thunderstorm in the theater parking lot and then sat in line for an hour and a half just to get my seat in the screening room.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

There's no such thing as the perfect film. But "The Dark Knight" comes closer than most.

"We're Back, Baby!"

“Futurama: Bender’s Big Score” (2007)
Directed by: Dwayne Carey-Hill (TV’s “Futurama”, “Drawn Together”)
Starring: Voices of Billy West, Katey Sagal, John Di Maggio, Phil LaMarr and Al Gore
Running Time: 88 minutes
Rut’s Rating: 5/5

If you remember back about nine years ago, the Fox Network debuted an animated TV series called Futurama, where a pizza delivery boy named Fry accidentally winds up getting cryogenically frozen on New Year’s Eve 1999. He wakes up 1000 years into the future, where he quickly becomes acquainted with a very distant relative, Professor Hubert Farnsworth, and his group of employees at package delivery business Planet Express, including Bender the robot, one-eyed Leela, and the lobster-like Dr. Zoidberg. The show quickly became popular and in my opinion, stood out from other animated shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy. Unfortunately, the show became a victim of ever-changing network programming schedules, pre-emptions and less-than-stellar promotion. After 72 episodes and five seasons, Fox dropped the axe on Futurama in 2003.

However, just as in the case of Family Guy, Fox has decided to resurrect the cult phenomenon - just not in the form of new weekly episodes. Instead, series developers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen have been given the green light to produce four feature-length Futurama movies, each debuting exclusively on DVD. The entire cast and crew are back, and this first one is entitled “Futurama: Bender’s Big Score”.

I had concerns about the quality of the movie at first. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be able to live up to or match the originality and humor of the TV series. Luckily, my fears were put to rest within mere minutes. The writers and voice-over actors haven’t forgotten what made the show so good in the first place, and I found myself laughing out loud a number of times throughout the movie.

In Bender’s Big Score, the Planet Express crew begin by taking some not-so-subtle jabs at Fox, renamed the Box Network. From there, the gang parties at a nude beach, where a group of aliens get all of them to sign a petition and its revealed that Fry has a tattoo of Bender on his buttocks. Unfortunately, the aliens were tricking the entire group into signing over the Planet Express business, which they then take over and slip Bender an “obedience chip” into his hard drive, making him a slave to do their evil bidding. Soon, its discovered that the tattoo on Fry’s body is really a code for time travel when looked at extremely close. The aliens, with their ability to sniff out information, get Bender to retrieve different treasures and artifacts from hundreds of years ago, but everyone soon discovers that when people travel back in time, they come back with a body double. This twin is ultimately doomed in order to prevent a potential paradox from occurring.

Also, Leela begins dating a man named Lars, which makes Fry jealous to no end. After Lars proposes to her and Leela agrees to marry him, Fry, heartbroken, uses time travel to go back to 1999, wanting to forget about his evil alien employers as well as his memories of Leela. What follows is a detailed series of events involving time travel and the use of many body doubles.

Bender’s Big Score doesn’t take itself too seriously, but at the same time it doesn’t get overly silly and over-the-top. The writers and creators look to have taken their time in writing the script, and have done a great job in keeping with the continuity of certain events that happened in the original TV series. I loved the movie because it simply was funny, creative and kept in tone with the same spirit of the show. It didn’t have that arrogant presence as if to say “Hey look! We’re finally a movie! Yay US!” like The Simpsons Movie from last summer. I strongly feel that if you loved the show, you’ll love this movie. Simple as that. As well, look for an extended cameo from former Vice President and Global Warming activist Al Gore, who has some pretty funny lines.

I’m also looking forward to the next three coming out on DVD, which I believe will have a span of several months between each release. Until then, Futurama fans just play the waiting game.