September 20, 2011 : So The Dark Knight Wasn’t Perfect
Being a Batman fan, it’s no shocker that I enjoyed The Dark Knight (although I still believe Heath Ledger shouldn’t have won the Oscar). At the same time, I find Christopher Nolan a bit overrated (which is evidenced by my claim that The Betrayal is better than Memento because it didn’t require the gimic of playing backwards).
Further proof comes with the in-depth analysis of an action sequence in The Dark Knight, which highlights some shortcomings with Nolan’s direction.
The thing I like most about this video is that it isn’t malicious towards the film or Christopher Nolan. After all, Nolan might not be the best director, but his movies aren’t horrible (something that can’t be said about Michael Bay’s work). Instead, it’s an informative video that provides several tips about editing and direction.
posted by Pi Visuals at 9:04 am
Tags: Batman0 Comments | Post a comment
December 14, 2010 : Batman’s Supporting Role
I finally got around to watching the newest Superman/ Batman movie, Apocalypse.
After finding out that Kevin Conroy and Tim Daly were voicing Batman and Superman, it peaked my interest. Unfortunately, the plot was more about Superman and the background of Supergirl. Batman played more of a supporting role, which should never happen. When it comes to story involvement, Batman is like cowbell – more is better.
Besides an alright story, the character design was off putting. They were going for more definition facially, among other things – but it strayed too far from the traditional look and seemed to hurt more than it helped.
With all that said, it was still worth a viewing. After all, it did have Batman in it. Besides, Darkseid’s mythology is somewhat interesting.
I don’t think anymore Batman/Superman movies are currently in development, but it would be sweet to see something with the Joker and/ or Lex Luthor (although that’s been done).
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:30 pm
Tags: Batman , Kevin Conroy0 Comments | Post a comment
November 8, 2010 : Halloween: Villain Style
It’s a little late, but here’s a few pics from Halloween – 2010.
So I went as the Joker – accompanied by the beautiful and devious Harley Quinn. I first got into Batman via Batman: The Animated Series. So it was only fitting to base my Joker off that series. Plus, I think it’s still a little too cliche to dress up as the Joker from the Dark Knight (the movie still rocks, though).
Unlike some previous years, just about everybody recognized who I went as. Sadly, not quite as many people got Harley’s costume – at least until they saw me next to her. But more people than not got it. It’s worth noting that I tried to make that bizarre smile for every picture I was in – something that felt both fun and creepy.
In addition to Harley Quinn, I also spent my night with Edward Nigma… aka The Riddler.
His costume was also pretty sweet. Too bad the Riddler won’t be in The Dark Knight Rises. I’m sure Christopher Nolan would have had some interesting spins on the character.
posted by Pi Visuals at 11:20 pm
Tags: Batman , Halloween0 Comments | Post a comment
October 16, 2009 : Kevin Conroy: Best Batman Voice Ever
A few weeks ago, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies came out. It’s the newest direct to video animated film in the DC Universe. Besides the fact that the story involves Batman, it also has Kevin Conroy doing his voice (not to mention Tim Daly reprising his role as Superman).
The character designs are slightly different from the Justice League days but not significantly. They still look pretty sweet, which is more than what could be said for The Batman and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. In any case, this is a must see on my list.
As a side note, other people in the movie include John C. McGinley (some know him as Bob Slydell from Office Space while most know him as Dr. Cox from Scrubs) and Rachael MacFarlane (Hayley from American Dad and also the brother of Seth).
posted by Pi Visuals at 3:28 pm
Tags: Batman , Kevin Conroy0 Comments | Post a comment
September 15, 2009 : A Villain’s Villain
Being a huge Batman fan goes hand in hand with being a fan of the Joker. This article on The Joker’s 10 Craziest Kills was a great read.
As a side note, Harley Quinn is pretty cool, too.
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:07 pm
Tags: Batman0 Comments | Post a comment
January 3, 2009 : America Likes Animation (and Action)
Check out Box Office Mojo’s link of the Top Domestic Grossing Movies for 2008.
A few notes of interest:
- Four of the top ten films were animated (Wall-E, Panda, Madagascar 2, and Horton).
- The top two films were based off of Comics (Dark Knight and Iron Man).
- Pretty much the rest of the films were of the action persuasion.
While these are just the domestic figures, the international numbers won’t change the general landscape of the year’s top movies.Â
Either way, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the big bucks is in action and special effects. The shocker is how successful some of the animation films did this year.
posted by Pi Visuals at 7:56 pm
Tags: Animation , Batman , Pixar0 Comments | Post a comment
August 15, 2008 : The Crappier Side Of Super Heroes
With Batman killing at the box office, this was too funny to not mention:
The 7 Crappiest Super Heroes In Comic Book History
There are definitely some classics on this list. Whoever greenlit ‘The Whizzer’ must have been on their way out of a job and wanted to stick it as much as possible to their-soon-to-be former company.Â
As for Batman, that movie just keeps on truckin’. It should soon pass the original Star Wars for #2 on the alltime highest grossing film in North America. However it should be pointed out that those numbers are not adjusted for inflation.Â
As with anything else worth knowing, if you need to find something out, use Wikipedia.
Adjusted For Inflation                   Unadjusted For Inflation
And yet again Wikipedia has provided a great bit of conversation at your next dinner party (when you are bored and want to be an ass). Thanks, Wikipedia. You rule!
posted by Pi Visuals at 12:01 pm
Tags: Batman , Wikipedia0 Comments | Post a comment