Iron Man forges $100 million opening weekend box office
So we have a couple of movie reviewers here at the Miramichi Leader and I don't want to steal their thunder but I will say Iron Man rocked. Fantastic. It looked great, they stuck to the basic premise of the character. When Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Tony Stark I immediately thought it was brilliant and he didn't disappoint. Great performance. I may go see it again.
I don't think I'm alone in liking the movie or wanting a second viewing because the movie took in $104 million over the weekend at North American box offices. That's impressive. What's even more impressive it the film has taken in $97 million overseas for an opening weekend total of $201 million. The movie is hotter than those Vanity Fair photos of Miley Cyrus (I know, I know that was inappropriate).
By way of comparison the second place movie was the Patrick Dempsey vehicle Made of Honor which took in just $15.5 million. The romantic comedy was suppose to appeal to women while the men were at Iron Man but the screening I went to had about a 50/50 gender split so I guess we've over-estimated the appeal of McDreamy.
Warning: before going any further there be spoilers ahead. Consider yourself warned.
Expanded universe
Iron Man is the first film from Marvel Studios, essentially a movie division of Marvel Comics. The company started up the venture so they could a) have more control over their intellectual property when films get made avoiding garbage like Hulk and Elektra and b) increase their profits from those movies.
Another benefit of having these film produced by the same studio is the potential for cross-overs and an expanded universe, not unlike in the comics themselves. For example after Hulk bombed a few years ago Marvel regained the rights and is rebooting the franchise with The Incredible Hulk starring Edward Norton in the lead role. But in that film Robert Downey Jr. makes a cameo appearance as Tony Stark.
If you didn't stay until the Iron Man credits were done you missed another cameo, this time by comic book uber-geek Samuel L. Jackson as S.H.I.E.L.D. head Nick Fury (the Nick Fury of Marvel's Ultimate Universe is based on Jackson's looks). He informs Stark there are other heroes in the world and sets up the possibility of a future Avengers movie.
Very cool stuff. Marvel really has their act together at the box office unlike their Distinguished Competition.
Bye, bye Lex
According to the CW network Smallville will be without it's main villain next season. Michael Rosenbaum, who has played Lex Luthor for seven seasons on the series, is leaving the show.
To fill the void a new female villain is expected to step in and most curious enough Doomsday is expected to appear. As comic fans will know Doomsday is the mindless monster who "killed" Superman back in the 90s during the "Death of Superman" event.
While Rosebaum is leaving the show producers have not ruled out guest appearances.
EW top 19
Entertainment Weekly's website (www.ew.com) has their list of the 19 best comic book movies ever. It's a good list honestly. Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns makes it, which I disagree with because I hated both films, but otherwise there are some good choices. I was especially glad to see films like Ghost World, American Splendor and A History of Violence made the list.
He's back!
What might be the worst kept secret in comics (at least last week) is Barry Allen, the silver age Flash, has returned to the DCU. Last week's DC Universe No. 0 is narrated by the character, although he hasn't officially reappeared in costume but writer and DC golden boy Geoff Johns has said it is Allen.
The character originally died 23 years ago in Crisis on Infinite Earths. The character had been killed off after years of declining sales had lead to the cancellation of his regular monthly series.
Speaking of DCU No. 0, the book, which is essentially an advertisement for upcoming storylines, has sold out and a second printing has been ordered.
Virgin Stan
Marvel and comic legend Stan Lee is partnering with Virgin Comics to create a new comic universe. The company is part of billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin corporation. Lee will apparently create an entire new shared universe of characters for a series of graphic novels to be released in 2009.
WB returns
In 2006 The WB and UPN networks merged to form the new CW. Now The WB is set to return as an online network (thewb.com) airing reruns of shows like Smallville and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The company is also launching kidswb.com which will feature kids show from WB and Looney Tunes cartoons.
Self promotion
Allow me some time to shill. On May 24 at at 7p.m. at the Ecole Carrefour Beausoleil auditorium there will be a production of Astonishing Tales. This play is a three-act comedy that focuses on a series of outrageous events that happen at a comic book shop. All proceeds go towards juvenile diabetes research so it's for a good cause. I actually wrote the script so if you want anymore information or are interested in tickets contact me at the email address below.
Interface
If you'd like to share some thoughts feel free to do so at mclaughlin.darcey@miramichileader.com
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