The Dark Knight Batman's Competition in 2008

[TerryRL]

Stormin Normin,

Pixar took over production of "Toy Story 3" in May, shortly after the studio had completed its new deal with Disney. Disney had been developing the second sequel on their own prior to the deal, but when the ink was dry, Pixar put their own animators on the project.

November of 2008 is the target (albeit tentative) date for the movie.

As for Indy IV, it may or may not end up being the biggest hit of 2008, but it'll definitely be one of them (likely landing somewhere in the top 5). As for Ford's advanced age, this will probably be one of the film's running gags. Despite Indy being an "old man", he still finds himself in these harrowing situations. I have no doubt that the movie will be a fun ride.

Besides, Sean Connery was still a convincing action star well into his 60s (he was 65 when he made "The Rock"). I think Ford will be just fine for the action scenes.

 

[Super_Ludacris]

Yes. That's exactly what I'm telling you. Terminator 3 c'mon. Rocky 6...just too much and bad scripts ruined the franchise. This last film might actually be good but Rocky 6 is not a 150 million dollar blockbuster in the making. It's a small film. You're making bad comparisons. Star Wars is more comparable. Indiana Jones is not a musclebound boxer, he's not a terminator, etc...He's still agile enough to portray Indiana Jones. In the end if you have a good pitch and fill running time up with a great movie...it'll fill the seats.

But again who appoints the budget? Studios. What do studios care about? Demographics and what's the safe bet. Speilberg is Speilberg but he has never done a blockbuster where the lead was this old. Literally you can almost envision the studio shaking there head saying "its just not fresh its not sexy" and you can say there idiots for that but they decide the budget. $150 mil is a lot and they could be catious with it

And on top of that by default Indiana Jones 4 is gonna be mocked and be met with skeptiscim by the average moviegoer, radio shows, talk shows, comedians, bloggers, industry insiders that will mock the fact that there milking a franchise with an old aging actor. You can literally the carictures of Ford in the brown hat and jacket indy garb with a retainer and zimmerframe. So on top of that skeptiscm and mockery comes in. I dont see how as an Indiana Jones fan you cannot be at least concerned that there ruining the franchise regardless of how good the scripts. I mean how good can a script be that it can convince an audience that a 67 year old man can move like a 23 year old?
And this is why it's struggling to come out all these years. I understand your a bias Indy fanboy but you gotta smarten up and realise making this film could the franchise too and be an instant bomb. How can this not be at the back of your mind?

 

[Super_Ludacris]

Stormin Normin,
As for Indy IV, it may or may not end up being the biggest hit of 2008, but it'll definitely be one of them (likely landing somewhere in the top 5). As for Ford's advanced age, this will probably be one of the film's running gags. Despite Indy being an "old man", he still finds himself in these harrowing situations. I have no doubt that the movie will be a fun ride.

Besides, Sean Connery was still a convincing action star well into his 60s (he was 66 when he made "The Rock"). I think Ford will be just fine for the action scenes.

But this is the thing, Indiana Jones is an action character and using him being an old man as a running gag is not a clever or funny thing at all, its almost self-mockery and not in a good way. Critics will pick up on this

I mean runnig gag? Seriously that's an awful thing to do

And let's look at Sean Connery's last few action roles The Rock (critically ripped) and League of Extrodinary Gentlemen (also critically ripped and a flop) that's not a good look no one's gonna believe a 70 year old and 60 year old can jump and survive explosions and things.

 

[TerryRL]

I disagree. I think the public will still embrace Ford in the role. I believe the movie will be a big hit. How big a hit is anyone's guess, but I still think it'll be one of 2008's big money-makers.

And yes, "The Rock" was critically ripped, but it still became the second biggest hit flick of Connery's career, behind the last 'Indiana Jones' movie.

 

[CConn]

The past few years Ford has not aged well at all. Both physically and metally he just seems out of it. That's a big difference between him and Sean Connery; Connery still seems with it despite his age.

 

[explode7]

I dont think BB2 will make as much as BB1 since very few sequels do anyways. As for Iron Man, yes this movie can have what it takes to send it all the way and even over and above BB2 because if a craptastic movie like FF could challenge BB BO numbers anything is possible. I think Iron Man will be a more kid friendly movie than BB2 and have actual visual effects like spiderman to bring in the numbers something BB dont have.

 

[Robin91939]

Batman will have no problem handling Indianna Jones 4. Really, I don't see that being a problem.

IRON MAN will put up DAREDEVIL/BLADE like numbers, which isn't bad for a superhero of his notoriety.

INDIANNA JONES 4, assuming it makes it's projected release date, will be Batman's ONLY obstacle. However, with it opening in July, against possibly another movie I think people have forgotten, JURASSIC PARK IV, INIANNA JONES 4 will have competeition of it's own.

This is without even mentioning that it is likely that THE INCREDIBLE HULK will get another July release, adding MORE competition, for our man with a whip.

Also, THE INCREDIBLE HULK will be severly hurt by Ang Lee's adaptation. But, it's numbers will improve over its run, once people realize that this outing is a fun, popcorn, summer blockbuster.

With BATMAN 2 coming out in late May to mid June, it will only be effected minimally. BATMAN 2 will be victorious due to strength of schedule alone. However, having a VERY succesful first film that is still fresh in people's minds (and reknown as the best Superhero movie), great cast, villain, characters.....doesn't hurt one bit.

May: IRON MAN
June: BATMAN 2
July: INDIANNA JONES 4, JURASSIC PARK 4, THE INCREDIBLE HULK

BATMAN 2 will have legs, and a VERY healthy opening 3 weeks to clean house.

-R

 

[Advanced Dark]

But again who appoints the budget? Studios. What do studios care about? Demographics and what's the safe bet. Speilberg is Speilberg but he has never done a blockbuster where the lead was this old. Literally you can almost envision the studio shaking there head saying "its just not fresh its not sexy" and you can say there idiots for that but they decide the budget. $150 mil is a lot and they could be catious with it

And on top of that by default Indiana Jones 4 is gonna be mocked and be met with skeptiscim by the average moviegoer, radio shows, talk shows, comedians, bloggers, industry insiders that will mock the fact that there milking a franchise with an old aging actor. You can literally the carictures of Ford in the brown hat and jacket indy garb with a retainer and zimmerframe. So on top of that skeptiscm and mockery comes in. I dont see how as an Indiana Jones fan you cannot be at least concerned that there ruining the franchise regardless of how good the scripts. I mean how good can a script be that it can convince an audience that a 67 year old man can move like a 23 year old?
And this is why it's struggling to come out all these years. I understand your a bias Indy fanboy but you gotta smarten up and realise making this film could the franchise too and be an instant bomb. How can this not be at the back of your mind?

^ Jibberish. Indiana Jones 4 (if it comes out) will be the #1 film in the Summer of 08. Oh wait a second...Narnia 2. Forgot about that. Hmmmm. No Indiana Jones.

So it's like this:

1) Indiana Jones
2) Narnia 2
3) Batman Begins
4) Iron Man

*Die Hard will be in the top 10.

*Hulk 2 will be #3 if it's released in 08 but I think it's 09.

^&

 

[Robin91939]

^ Jibberish. Indiana Jones 4 (if it comes out) will be the #1 film in the Summer of 08. Oh wait a second...Narnia 2. Forgot about that. Hmmmm. No Indiana Jones.

So it's like this:

1) Indiana Jones
2) Narnia 2
3) Batman Begins
4) Iron Man

*Die Hard will be in the top 10.

*Hulk 2 will be #3 if it's released in 08 but I think it's 09.

^&

What about JURASSIC PARK 4?

I think this will be the shape up:

1.) THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PART II
2.) BATMAN 2
3.) INDIANNA JONES 4 (if it's released on time)
4.) THE INCREDIBLE HULK (if it's released on time)
5.) JURASSIC PARK 4 (if released on time)


BATMAN 2, and NARNIA 2 are the only two films in the top five that are even DEFFINETLY coming out.

-R

 

[Advanced Dark]

Jurassic Park 4? Depends. The last 2 sucked hard. They weren't even good by any stretch. No way Batman beats Indiana Jones it's impossible. It's not even imaginable. I understand this is a Batman forum but try not to be bias. I'm a Marvel fan and admit BB2 should outdo Iron Man. If Hulk is out in 2008 and done how it should be done it would smash BB2 because it's gonna be a hero comic book film like everyone wanted teh first time around. That'll likely be 2009 if they don't have a director soon.

 

[explode7]

I wonder what competition BB3 will have???

 

[Advanced Dark]

Hmmm you figure 2010-2011 so let's see as far as competing for box office dollars:

Fantastic Four 3
Iron Man 2
Spiderman 4
Wolverine 2
X-Men 4 or spin-off
Superman 2
Narnia 3
Live action Avengers
Hopefully another Hulk film.
Silver Surfer spin-off
Punisher 2 (LOL)

Jeez the list is lengthy.

 

[TerryRL]

Don't forget about "Captain America". Marvel and Paramount hope to have this one ready for release in either 2009 or 2010.

 

[Advanced Dark]

Oh yeah and Nick Fury, Ant-Man, etc...I think Thor and Namor will be further out due to their epic scale.

 

[AnimeJune]

Indy will be #1 period. End of story. Nobody cares about Indy LOL. Funniest post of the decade. Good one. LOL Nobody cares about Star Wars either. LOL

Yeah, but what street cred do the main players have?

George Lucas - his latest Star Wars "prequels" sucked HARD. He had three tries, and disappointed each time.

Harrison Ford - name ONE good movie he's been in in the last six years. Hollywood Homicide? Nope. Firewall? Heck no. K-19 - the Widowmaker? How 'bout Ford -60 - the BadAccentMaker? Dude's time is over - his fifteen minutes of fame are up.

The movie might have a chance if the plot is about an aged Indy handing the whip over to a younger heir character, be it son, nephew, pupil, whatever - hopefully played by Nathon Fillion.

If it's just Harrison Ford, it'll be a dud - a gaudy star vehicle, not to mention a star vehicle that, as a sequel to older, beloved films, will not be able to help but making audiences compare (unfavourably) the older Indy to the younger.

 

[explode7]

Ok how about BB4 if there is any???

 

[CConn]

Ok how about BB4 if there is any???

No. But I expect the info will start pouring in around 2010 or so, so stay tuned.

 

[mcflytrap]

The fact that he could do it wasn't the problem - the problem was that watching him do it while mumbling and overacting and crapping his pants on screen wasn't entertaining. I want a hot, virile Indy - not one who has to wear Depends so that he won't drop his lemonade while navigating a decrepid rope bridge.

You aren't fit to carry Harrison's bricks of **** to the ****ter. He is a movie god and you WILL respect him.

I seriously doubt you'll look as good and be in as good as shape as he is at 64. It's easy to talk smack when your balls haven't dropped yet.

And anyway, after you've bowed to the greatness that is Harrison Ford, you will learn to love his successor, the great Paul Bettany:

 

[StorminNorman]

But this is the thing, Indiana Jones is an action character and using him being an old man as a running gag is not a clever or funny thing at all, its almost self-mockery and not in a good way. Critics will pick up on this

I mean runnig gag? Seriously that's an awful thing to do

And let's look at Sean Connery's last few action roles The Rock (critically ripped) and League of Extrodinary Gentlemen (also critically ripped and a flop) that's not a good look no one's gonna believe a 70 year old and 60 year old can jump and survive explosions and things.

Basically what he said^

When I see a action movie the last thing I want to think is about how old the actor is - it completely takes you out of the mood. The Indiana Jones should be left alone - like the Star Wars films should have been.

 

[StorminNorman]

Harrison Ford is so great that Paul Bettany can throw him out a window, he can land on his face, get back up and then actually REBUILD the window - and then do this about 6 or 7 times.

 

[TerryRL]

The next five years are going to be very big for the comic book/superhero genre. Every studio will have a big-money comic book franchise in their fold.

DREAMWORKS
The Transformers

FOX
Daredevil (there will eventually be another one, minus Ben Affleck)
Fantastic Four
Silver Surfer
X-Men spin-offs (Wolverine, Magneto, Emma Frost, The New Mutants aka Generation NeXt)

NEW LINE
Iron Man
Shazam

PARAMOUNT
They have the rights to ten Marvel characters including Captain America and Nick Fury
Hellboy

SONY
Ghost Rider
Spider-Man (the biggest superhero franchise in the biz)

UNIVERSAL
Hulk
Namor

WEINSTEIN CO.
Sin City

WB
Batman
The Flash
The Green Lantern
Superman
Superboy (spin-off from Superman, what did you think they were going to do with Jason?)
Wonder Woman

 

[mcflytrap]

How do you figure in this age people will care? Unless your an Indiana Jones fanboy it's gonna be hard. The following happens

1) Harrison Ford has aged and convincing an audience that Indiana Jones can still runaway from chasing boulders is asking for just way too much susepended disbelief. From a Critical standpoint it gets ripped for milking a franchise that while a classic has had it's time.

2) Indiana Jones is less of an action adventurer and is more a discoverer or an investigator at his age (a la Connery as Indy's pops or something) But then that defeats the point of an Indinana Jones movie if he isnt doing this. It's like Rocky V or something.

They've always done a good job of showing Indy Jones to be more human than most "movie heros" and have always considered Ford's age in the films. He's a real person, he gets hurt, he gets tired, he just wants to go home sometimes. Ford likes to do as many of his own stunts as possible and it's most likely that many things that Indiana does in the film will be done by Ford in reality. I think the right Indy 4 script could be phenominal. And the fact that they are taking so long to get the script ready tells me it just might be.

There is plenty of interest left in the old franchise. It's been 17 years since the last film came out and with Lucas, Spielberg, and Ford's names attached once again....people will flock, it not for anything more than nostalgia. And once they are there, an excellent movie will keep them there and going back.

 

[mcflytrap]

The past few years Ford has not aged well at all. Both physically and metally he just seems out of it. That's a big difference between him and Sean Connery; Connery still seems with it despite his age.

How the hell can people say he has not aged well? You know, people ARE going to get old. Ford is almost ****ing 64 years old. Yes, he's getting up there. He looks much better than any other 64 year-old I know. He has most certainly AGED WELL for chrissakes....better than you or I probably will.

 

[CConn]

The next five years are going to be very big for the comic book/superhero genre. Every studio will have a big-money comic book franchise in their fold.

NEW LINE
Iron Man

UNIVERSAL
Hulk

WB
Superboy (spin-off from Superman, what did you think they were going to do with Jason?)

New Line and Universal no longer have the rights to Iron Man and Hulk. They now belong to Marvel and Paramount.

And the Superboy thing's just silly. *giggles*

 

[CConn]

How the hell can people say he has not aged well? You know, people ARE going to get old. Ford is almost ****ing 64 years old. Yes, he's getting up there. He looks much better than any other 64 year-old I know.

Yeah, he probably is in better shape than most 64 year olds. However that hardly means he's in prime shape to be hopping around like a man half his age.

I'm not exactly saying he can't do it, just that, even at his late age, I could see a 60-some year old Connery doing it more than Ford at the present.

He has most certainly AGED WELL for chrissakes....better than you or I probably will.

I'm made of adamantium.