2008 Year of the Comic Book Movie?
So is this the year of the comic book? 8 that I count are coming out this year. Already we’ve had, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, and Wanted. Still to come is:
Hellboy II: The Golden Army – July 11 – I am a big fan of the original. It definitely was a suprise hit. If nothing else Guillermo del Toro visually will present a stunner. Expectation: It’ll match the original.
The Dark Knight – July 18 – Batman Begins was one of the best comic book movies ever. Chris Nolan is back directing and I’m sure his vision will be amazing like del Toro’s and if nothing else the ARG has been cool. Expectation: Hopefully early positive word won’t raise expectations too high, but really Oscar for Ledger?
Whiteout – September 9 – A crime mystery at Antarctica starring Kate Beckinsale. I never read the comic, but need to pick it up. The comic has gotten good reviews and was nominated for numerous awards. Like A History of Violence, and Road to Perdition, I doubt anyone will connect this one to it’s source material. Expectation: Comics where you didn’t know the source have turned out well, I’m hoping this doesn’t break that tradition.
Punisher: War Zone – December 5 – I used to be a big Punisher fan, and the first movie was ok, nothing special. There’s so much potential here. I’d really like to see a movie focused on one man’s revenge on the people who murdered his family and the psychological trauma he’s endured from that and war. Like Iron Man, I’d update Frank Castle as an Iraq vet instead of a Vietnam. Expectation: Really low. The first was ok, and I don’t expect much more than this. It could go the Blade route and be a surprise underground hit. I’m more confused by the December release.
Will Eisner’s The Spirit – December 25 – I know where I’ll be Christmas Day. With visuals like Sin City, this movie, directed by comic great Frank Miller, has me giddy. I don’t know the source material too well, but the trailer so far is jaw dropping. I like what I see so far. Expectation: Like Sin City and 300 this one is high, and those other two didn’t disappoint.
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The December release is a good thing, when you look at what else was opening on that original release date of 12 September. You should come to the IMDB message board for Punisher War Zone and look for the FAQ thread. I think you’d be pleasantly surprised, trolls notwithstanding.