THE HYPE IS BUILDING…

Every summer, as the big movies approach, I always feel like the following summer won’t stack up. In 2012, we got the ultimate superhero team up as Marvel unleashed The Avengers. Christopher Nolan completed his legendary Batman trilogy with The Dark Knight Rises. Spider-Man returned to the big screen with a completely new look. How would 2013 top that?

How about Iron Man 3, Star Trek Into Darkness, Man of Steel, Pacific Rim & The Wolverine?

COUNTDOWN | Top 10 Summer Movies 2013

Now that Marvel’s Cinematic Universe has kicked off with Iron Man 3, I think it’s time to look ahead and see what’s coming. Here are 10 big 2014 summer movies to look forward to:

10. ALL YOU NEED IS KILL

Tom Cruise returns to science fiction after saving the world in 2012′s Oblivion.  All You Need Is Kill is based on a novel of the same name by Hiroshi Sakurazaka with illustrations by Yoshitoshi ABe.  Here is a brief plot description from Amazon.com:

“There’s one thing worse than dying. It’s coming back to do it again and again… When the alien Gitai invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many raw recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to find himself reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On the 158th iteration though, he sees something different, something out of place: the female soldier known as the Bitch of War. Is the Bitch the key to Keiji’s escape, or to his final death?”

Sounds wonderfully strange.

REVIEW | Oblivion, Prometheus, Moon & Independence Day

9. GODZILLA

I loved Gareth Edwards ‘Monster’.  Now he gets to make the mother of all monster movies (with respect to Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim.)  Godzilla is THE monster.  Hopefully they can erase the memory of Roland Emmerich’s 1998 adaptation starring…  Mathew Broderick.

REVIEW | A Monster amount of character

8. DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Speaking of erasing bad memories… Rise of the Planet of the Apes was one of my favorite surprises of 2011.  It was a brilliant reboot that made me forget all about Tim Burton’s attempt.  This was Ceasar’s story and I loved his story.  Andy Serkis gave us one of the best motion capture performances of all time.  I can’t wait to see what the apes have planned for us in 2014.

REVIEW | Rise of the Planet of the Apes

7. FAST & FURIOUS 7

Rumor has it, Jason Statham will join the cast for the seventh installment as a villain.  This time, Saw alum James Wan takes over for director Justin Lin.  This series has seen unprecedented longevity and now boasts a cast that may rival The Expendables by Fast 9.  Will see if a new director can keep things fresh for Dom and his team.

XTRA | Fast Five is Rock Solid

6. TRANSFORMERS 4

I loved the first Transformers but I really hated the sequel Revenge of the Fallen.  The third installment was a return to form but now all bets are off.  Michael Bay is currently redesigning Autobots and Decepticons.  He’s bringing in an entirely new cast including Pain & Gain‘s Mark Walberg.

XTRA | Big Blockbuster Blogging: My first Transformers 4

REVIEW | Transformers Dark of the Moon?  Apology accepted Michael Bay

5. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDER

Marvel’s Cinematic Universe will certainly get a big boost when Captain America returns to the big screen.  I say that because the film will feature many prominent members of S.H.E.I.L.D.  The organization was one of the main ways Marvel connected their films from Phase One.  S.H.I.E.L.D was absent from Iron Man 3 and more than likely won’t be a major part of Thor: The Dark World either.  This may be the film that updates us on the universe as a whole as well as Captain America’s adjustment to the modern world.

Note: This isn’t technically a summer movie with an April release date but lets face it…  It is.

COUNTDOWN | Top 10 Moments: Marvel’s The Avengers

4. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

I enjoyed The Amazing Spider-Man.  The reboot managed to retell Peter Parker’s origin story without feeling like a shot for shot remake.  Andrew Garfield IS Spider-Man now.  His next challenge?  How about Jamie Foxx as Electro and Paul Giamatti as Rhino?  Not too mention the first appearances of Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn and his famous father Norman.

This has all the makings of a fantastic summer movie.

XTRA | Larger Than Life Movie Villains Revealed!

3. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

When Brett Ratner created X-Men: The Last Stand…  He literally destroyed the series.  Major characters were killed off and the whole thing felt like a rushed mess.  When you do that, it’s pretty difficult to create a sequel.  What did they do?  They brought in Matthew Vaughn to create a prequel.  The result was X-Men: First Class.  A fantastic movie that reminded us that the X-Men franchise has a lot left to give.

I don’t think anyone saw Bryan Singer returning for the follow up.  Regardless, the man who brought the X-Men to life before Ratner killed them all is back!  Now we get to see mutants from the past and present in one giant movie.  It may not be as big as The Avengers but this movie will definitely flex it’s Superhero muscle.

2. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

I still can’t believe this movie is happening.  I grew up with Ninja Turtles.  I had the action figures, the bed sheets, the Halloween costumes…  You name it.  I absolutely love the movies as well. (The first two at least.)  The thought of seeing the Turtles in a new live action movie with TODAY’S technology is thrilling to say the least.  The child in me is smiling.  I’ll be there on opening day.

XTRA | Hey! Jonathan Liebesman!  How about some Ninja Turtles Concept Art!

XTRA | Why the new Ninja Turtles movie is off to a great start

XTRA | Awesome Ninja Turtles Fan Art

1. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

Who are The Guardians of the Galaxy?  I struggled putting this above Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but it’s the unknown that intrigues me.  What does Marvel have up it’s sleeve?  No doubt this film will set the stage for The Avengers 2 and the villain Thanos.  Big superhero movies are normally reserved for well known franchises.  This is definitely a risk but I’m on board.  I love the idea of a Marvel movie set in space with characters I know nothing about.

XTRA | I’m glad I don’t know anything about Guardians of the Galaxy

COUNTDOWN | Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two: 10 Things I’m looking forward to.

XTRA | Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Two Round Up

Which Summer movie are you excited for?

Recently, news broke that Megan Fox was cast as April O’Neil in the upcoming Ninja Turtles reboot.  Personally, I’m okay with the casting.  I’m just thrilled that we’ve finally heard something new.  It’s a nice reminder that a new Turtles movie is on the way!

Casting of the titular heroes is ongoing but the Turtles will be CG so are they simply looking for voices?  Will the people they cast also perform on a motion capture stage? Either way, I’m a patient person and the big details can wait but…

I think it’s time we saw some concept art! 

I’m not asking for much.  Maybe a sewer location sketch or a teaser of the Turtles themselves.  I completely understand that these reveals have to be calculated carefully to fuel hype worldwide but COME ON!  This movie has been in development for a long time and delayed multiple times.

So far all we really know is the fighting will be in the style of ‘The Raid’ and that the film will be an origin story.  Other than that, director Jonathan Liebesman has been fairly quiet as he plans the next Turtle adventure.

So….. Hey!  Jonathan!  Can we please get a sketch or something!?  Die hard fans are clamoring to see the evolution of the Ninja Turtles!  At the very least, it would be awesome to see the world around them.  Some kind of hint at the visual style.  Anything!

With all the questions surrounding the ‘alien’ approach, the reason for the delay and script issues, now is not the time to ‘Abrams’ this project.  Having said that, I have nothing but confidence in this reboot.  It seems like they have everything under control and aren’t rushing anything until it’s perfect.  I hope.  Interviews like the one featured below (courtesy of Collider) go a long way.

As for Megan Fox, they wouldn’t have cast her if she didn’t fit whatever vision they have for April O’Neil.  At least it’s news.  I just want a sense of what that vision may be.  Looks like we’re waiting for the newly announced release date:

June 6th, 2014

In the mean time, click the links below for Ninja Turtles:

Why the new Ninja Turtles movie is off to a great start.

Awesome Ninja Turtles Fan Art

Top 10 Quotes: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

TALENTED ARTISTS…  I ENVY YOU ALL

It’s no secret that I’m slightly pumped for the new Ninja Turtles movie currently in development.  Over the last few weeks, I think I’ve covered the Ninja Turtles more than any other franchise in the history of this blog.

XTRA | Why The New Ninja Turtles Movie Is Off To A Great Start

XTRA | Top 10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Quotes

As I scoured the web for information on the new live action film, I came across hundreds of incredible fan art.  Dammit I wish I could draw!  I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to some extremely talented artists out there.

When searching for Ninja Turtles fan art, you have to start with David Rapoza.

His collection of Ninja Turtles fan art has been featured on hundreds of sites around the world.  I’m actually extremely late to the show but holy crap it’s impressive.

Another frequent image I came across in my travels was created by Nebezial and hosted at DeviantArt.

Further investigation revealed this piece featuring featuring Shredder & Krang by Nebezial.  Wow.

Here is a brilliant image by srmraider189:

How cool is this image of Super Shredder by Vassago?

This could easily go on forever but I just wanted to share a few.  So many other sites out there have featured Ninja Turtles fan art in the past.  I’ve included a couple great collections for your viewing pleasure.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – A Selection of 20 Awesome Fan Art

Amazing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Fan Art

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Awesome Fan Art

Epic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fan Art

Dawn of the Ninja Fan Art

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fan Art

FAN VIDEOS!

Is this the world’s biggest Ninja Turtles Fan?

MORE FROM THE ATHLETIC NERD

XTRA | Storyboarding When You Can’t Draw

XTRA | Confessions of a Wannabe Animator

XTRA | The Non-Artists Guide To Photoshop Addiction

DAMAGE CONTROL OR HYPE?

Here’s the thing…  Pitching a new live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie for today’s audiences is not an easy task.  Not only does it have to connect to new fans but it also has to please the millions of passionate TMNT fans who have been waiting years for a reboot.  Especially with all the technological advances filmmakers have access to now that they didn’t have in 1990.

When Michael Bay took over the franchise, people were skeptical but that’s what Michael Bay haters do.  I for one, enjoy Michael Bay movies.  They aren’t Oscar contenders but 2 hours of action, explosions, battles and laughs is time well spent if you ask me.

Yes, people groaned but then he hired Jonathan Liebesman to helm the film and slapped a release date of December 25th, 2013.  The haters were silenced.  Michael Bay was bringing the Turtles back!

Ahem…  Then he screwed it all up by telling the world his Turtles were from an alien race.  Or did he?

The fallout that ensued after his comments has been fascinating to follow but personally, I think the filmmakers behind the movie are thrilled with the response.  It made national news!  It rocked Twitter!  People everywhere were debating every syllable of that sentence.  People were angry and frustrated while others were intrigued and curious.

Regardless of what side of the line you stand on, people are talking.  The hype for this movie will now be massive as details emerge.  The last few weeks probably proved to the studio that a new Turtles movie was a good idea.

Now lets address the big ol’ alien elephant in the room…

Mutant Alien Ninjas…

Alien ooze? A planet full of talking Turtles?  Mis-used Alien technology?  Michael Bay did follow up by stating the mythology we all know and love remains in tact. It was simply expanded upon.  That could mean anything.  Did they change the origin to give them a reason to include Krang in the mix?

I think the Ooze is the Alien here.  I just don’t see a planet full of giant turtles especially because they still have to explain Splinter somehow.  Regardless, even the people who are angry about the ‘changes’ are going to be following this movie all the way up until it’s release.

Michael Bay and Co. know people are watching and it’s up to them to turn the doubters around.  How?

1. The design of the turtles.  Will they be suits or motion capture?  Combination of both?  What will they look like?

2. The Villain.  Shredder is pretty much a guarantee.  (Isn’t it?) With Shredder comes foot soldiers but what about the aforementioned Krang?

3. The Style & Tone.  Will this be Batman Begins with Ninja Turtles?  Dark and gritty?  Is that a world where Michelangelo can still scream ‘Cowabunga’?  How will they achieve that balance?  I think the tone of the 1990 original was spot on.

4. Stills, Trailers & Viral Content.  This one is tricky.  Until we get more clarification on the ‘alien’ comment, people are going to be skeptical but skeptics can always be turned if you WOW them.

5. Be true to the mythology.  People want The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  I really think that’s exactly what we are going to get.  The most encouraging comments I’ve heard through all of this came from the director himself:

“Look, it’s so funny—if everyone was such a die-hard fan, they would know that the TCRI canisters where the ooze comes from.  That is alien ooze.  Now I’m not saying what Michael said is exactly what the movie is, because we’re sitting in a room now figuring everything out.  So we don’t know, but we are like Michael said: we’re expanding it, and the expansion will be true to the mythology.  I promise you: fans will love it.”

Whatever mythology we’re building on or expanding is coming from that guy, Kevin Eastman’s head, who created the Turtles in the first place.  And so everything will tie in with the mythology; fans will be extremely excited with what we’re coming up with.  A lot of it is stuff he’s wanted to do for a long time, but just hasn’t had the opportunity because now we have the budget and things on this film to expand it in the right way.  And so, I’m happy that everyone is extremely passionate, and they will not be disappointed.  It’s all coming from the best possible place for this franchise.

We’re definitely into the action, but for me what’s more important than that is that it’s a story about brotherhood and friendship and responsibility.  Right now, I’m with the characters because those are what attracted me to the movie.  They’re the best characters I’ll have had a chance to deal with.” (Jonathan Liebesman)

More recently, Michael Bay defended the project while commenting on the title being shortened to Ninja Turtles:

“Paramount marketing changed the name. They made the title simple. The characters you all remember are exactly the same, and yes they still act like teenagers. Everything you remember, why you liked the characters, is in the movie. This script is being developed by two very smart writers, with one of the original creators of Ninja Turtles. They care VERY MUCH about making this film for the fans. Everyone on this team cares about the fans. Just give them a chance. Jonathan the director, is a major fan of the whole franchise. HE’S NOT GOING TO LET YOU DOWN.”

Below is a collection of links that chronicles the ‘controversy’ surrounding the film.  They are full of insight, opinions and features from around the web.

TURTLES FROM SPACE

Michael Bay talks Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by stuffwelike

Yup…  He said it…  Alien Race.

/FILM | Michael Bay Says the New ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Are Aliens

COLLIDER | Michael Bay Says the Turtles in New TMNT Movie Will Be Aliens, Not Mutants

SCREEN RANT | Michael Bay Responds to ‘TMNT’ Alien Controversy & Villain Rumors

FIRST SHOWING | (KRANG?) New ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Movie Makes Our Heroes Aliens?

CHILL OUT PLEASE?

/FILM | Michael Bay to TNMT Fans: “Chill”

COLLIDER | Michael Bay Responds to Fan Outrage over “Alien Race” TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

IN DEFENSE OF MICHAEL BAY

IGN | Turtles Director Talks Alien Hubbub

/FILM | ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Co-Creator Tells Fans to Give Michael Bay a Chance

/FILM | Other ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Co-Creator Says Michael Bay’s Take is “Awesome”

JOBLO | Director Jonathan Liebesman weighs in on this Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles business

THE GUARDIAN | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles latest! Original star voices support for remake

AROUND THE WEB

IGN | Hero Worship: The TMNT Controversy

ANOMALOUS MATERIAL | 10 Alternate Michael Bay Remakes Featuring Aliens

MOVIE LINE | Can We Please Not Have a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Culture War?

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ORIGINS

Wikepedia

TMNT.Wikia

NINJATURTLES.COM

THE ATHLETIC NERD ON NINJA TURTLES

Top 10 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Quotes

Why Ninja Turtles Made Me Cry

Wouldn’t It Be Awesome If Ninja Turtles 2 Featured Bebop & Rocksteady?

10 Flicks: Movies That Make Me Hungry

All Time Best: Let’s Do This! Movie Moment

Tatsu: The All Time Best Movie Henchman

Rainy Sundays: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Chronicle, Action Figures & The Super Power Dream

EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY…

I’m not saying the alien comment isn’t at least a little concerning.  I grew up with the Ninja Turtles and I don’t want to see their story changed.  But tons of film adaptations have changed major elements from the source material that is readily accepted now.  For example, the age of the Hobbits in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  Some people were extremely angry.  (Some probably still are) But they made those changes while staying true to J.R.R Tolkien’s work and people love those films.  Even the doubters are anxiously awaiting the new Hobbit films in 2012 and 2013.

Sometimes change is good.  I think this is a wait and see situation.  No matter what, the new movie is meant to be successful they aren’t out to screw it up on purpose.  I can’t wait to see what the new turtles will look like.  I can’t wait to find out more about the filmmaker’s vision for the franchise.

I’m looking forward to a brand new live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie!

IS A NEW TURTLES MOVIE FINALLY HAPPENING?

I’m obviously a lot older than I was in 1990 when the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was released. But I’m just as excited to see what a new Turtle movie would be like with today’s filmmakers and the new tech they have access to.

Earlier this week, I posted the top 10 Ninja Turtles Movie Quotes and quite coincidentally, the Turtles find themselves front and center around the net.

• /FILM
• COLLIDER
• IGN
• JOBLO

It seems that Jonathan Liebesman (Battle: Los Angeles, Wrath of the Titans) is in talks with Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes to helm a new film!  I don’t normally post news stories on this blog but I couldn’t resist.  Of all the remakes and reboots, this is the one I’ve wanted to see the most.

XTRA | Bebop & Rocksteady

XTRA | Why Ninja Turtles Made Me Cry

XTRA | 10 Flicks: Movies That Make Me Hungry