Merry Christmas From The Informers

Happy Holidays from the Caped Informers! Hope it's a good one.

Remember be safe. Wear a condom. Have a DD. And if you do get hammered, don't go to Gotham City.

Analyzing The Batman Franchise (Pt. 2 of 8) : Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns (1992)

Directed By: Tim Burton

Batman/Bruce Wayne: Michael Keaton

Love Interest: Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Played By: Michelle Pfeiffer)

Villains: The Penguin (Danny Devito), Catwoman (MP), and Max Schreck (Chris Walken)

Score: Danny Elfman

High Points:

• Michael Keaton's Batman was serviceable, but still killed people.
• Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman was dark, mesmerizing, and seductive. Make note that I said her "Catwoman" and not her Selina Kyle.
• The opening fight sequence against the Red Triangle Circus Gang was fun. (Even though Batman burned some poor bastard to death).
• Bo Welch took over the Art Direction from Anton Furst and brought us a beautiful Gotham Square during Christmas time. (There was no reason for this movie to be set during Christmas other than Gotham looks cool in the snow).
• I will outright say that I fucking love Danny Devito in whatever he is in, so I give him props here for at least trying. (Christopher Walken sure as hell didn't)
• The Penguin wore his monocle. (For like a second)
• Bruce calls Alfred out for being a dickhead when he let Vicki Vale in the Batcave in the last movie.
• I will also say I dug the Penguin for Mayor angle. (It just could have worked better with the comic book version of the character)
• The Masquerade dance sequence when Selina and Bruce discover each other's alternate identities was an emotional charged scene.
• Catwoman and Penguin do a good job framing Batman for the murder of the Ice Princess. (Then decide to do nothing with this leverage)
• The sexual tension between Batman and Catwoman was so thick you could have cut it with a knife.

Favorite Line: "Seems like every woman you try to save ends up dead... or deeply resentful. Maybe you should retire." - Catwoman

Favorite Scene: The Bat, The Cat, and The Penguin finally meet; Batman fights Catwoman

Why?: Batman may all of a sudden forget how to fight, but that's probably becuase he was mesmerized by Michelle Pfieffer.

Low Points:

• Needless Biblical references: Penguin got thrown into river like Moses, then later on wanted to kill the first born sons of Gotham. He was also 33 years old in the movie like Jesus in the Bible. So if you are religious (I am not, but to each his own) this movie is try to tell you that the Penguin is the true God.
• Pfeiffer's Selina Kyle was underdeveloped and her transformation was totally unexplained. Were the cats that bit her fingers, magical street cats? I feel like you are more likely to get Hepatitis or herpes from street cats than superpowers.
• It felt like Batman was barely in his own film.
• Penguin's terrible plans were easily thwarted. There was no tension whatsoever.
• The only time any plan worked was when Penguin framed Batman for the murder of the Ice Princess, but less than 5 mins after that occurred it was resolved.
• What the fuck was leaking from the Penguin's mouth?
• Penguin gets the Tim Burton treatment. Instead of being a high brow criminal, he is turned in a deformed perverted freak, who wants to murder children.
• Batman stopped two of Penguin's schemes by jamming frequencies with Alfred. First he pumped in audio to destroy Penguin's mayoral run, then he jammed the signal that was guiding the penguin's with missiles. Batman really could have just stayed at home the whole movie if this was all it took to stop this chubby asshole. (Seriously Danny was a more menacing villain in Lethal Weapon 5).
• Hijacking the Batmobile had no rhyme or reasoning to it. Was Penguin trying to kill Batman? Or defame him further? Just made no sense.
• Max Shrek = Cliched greedy businessman played by Chris Walken, who really didn't give a shit.
• Once again Batman and Gordon's relationship is non-existent.

Worst Line: "My dear penguins, we stand on a great threshold! It's okay to be scared; many of you won't be coming back. Thanks to Batman, the time has come to punish *all* God's children! 1st, 2nd, 3rd *and* 4th-born! Why be biased? Male and female! Hell, the sexes are equal with their erogenous zones blown sky high! Forward march! The liberation of Gotham has begun!" - The Penguin

Worst Scene: Penguin's pump up speech. 

Why?: It was the worst line for a reason. It was just such a ridiculous moment.

Verdict: Tim Burton won a lot of good will with Warners Bros because Batman (1989) was such a finical success. So with that good will came more creative freedom for Burton when he worked on Batman Returns (1992). And with that creative freedom came Tim Burton's version of the Penguin, an ugly, deformed, perverted, plump, aquatic bird boy freak. A total and complete departure from the character's comic book counterpart. As I said yesterday, Tim Burton loves his freaks. So because he didn't have another Joker to toy with, he turned the Penguin into one. Well actually Tim didn't do it alone, the screenwriter Daniel Waters (Heathers) can take some of the credit as well. Besides destroying my boy Ozzie, Water's script contained zero tension because all of the problems presented to Batman were easily resolved. For god sakes Penguin's plot to kill the firstborns, that he was working on the whole film, was stopped in two seconds. All we got to see his Batman's hands grab the train driver. But despite all those problems, I still love this movie for some reason. Could it be nostalgia, or because I had a boyhood crush on Michelle Pfieffer's Catwoman, or maybe it's because I have a massive Danny Devito bias? I don't know what it is, but I watch this movie every year around Christmas. Gotham just looks great in the snow you know? But at the end of the day I got to give this flick a reasonable rating, so Batman Returns gets a 6.5 out of 10. Danny Devito was born to play the Penguin, the real Penguin, not this fucking strange perverted version. 

Now here is a real villain!

Thanks for reading. Stayed tuned for an analysis of Batman Forever tomorrow. And make sure to follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers or follow me @cstrand73 for all your comic book and Caped Informers news and stories.

Check out the rest of our look back at Batman's film history by clicking the link below.

Batman (1989)

More great are by Francesco Francavilla

Gotham "Selina Kyle" Review/Thoughts

This week's Gotham episode titled "Selina Kyle" surprising has very little Selina Kyle to go along with a very "by the numbers" procedural case.

Episode Description: Detectives Gordon and Bullock investigate a child trafficking ring preying on Gotham’s street kids, including Selina Kyle (Camren Bicondova). Meanwhile, Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) resurfaces in the countryside and begins to make his way back to GOTHAM, leaving victims in his wake.

High Points

• Jim Gordon and Barbara Kean are a solid moral compass
• Oswald's killing spree is fun
• Excited to see Mooney's power play against Falcone
• Professor Pyg?
• Bullock and Gordon remain an interesting pair

Low Points:

• Boring "by the numbers" case
• Absolutely no tension or suspension
• Lame ass kidnappers
• Lame shootouts once again
• Still hate Hardo Alfred
• David Mazouz's performance was cringe-worthy
• Unexciting case conclusion
• Episode titled Selina Kyle has little Selina Kyle
• Beginning to feel like just another network procedural

Verdict: Gotham's second episode did little to utilize the show's potential. Bullock and Gordon  go on a "by the numbers" no surprises case that gave the audience zero tension and zero connection to any of the kids being kidnapped except Selina. And she only spoke once before being nabbed. Sure McKenzie's Gordon and Logue's Bullock have an interesting working relationship but that main storyline was just a total dud. Thank god for Oswald Cobblepot and dare I say Fish Mooney. Ozzy's killing spree as he makes his way back to the city is a load of fun. While Mooney's future play against Carmine Falcone is the only story line I am actually interested in. So overall I give Gotham's second episode a 5.5 out of 10. Once again this show isn't bad, but it sure as hell isn't good. I hope the impending mob war and perhaps even Prof. Pyg help bolster this frustrating ordinary show.

Thanks for reading. What did you think of Gotham's second episode? Sound off in the comments. Make sure to check out my reviews every week and follow our live action tweeting of every episode @Caped_Informers and @cstrand73. See you next week folks!

Gotham Tweet of the Week:  @Caped_Informers "The Dollmaker! How many villains are we gonna see in season 1? Im expecting to see Victor Fries driving an ice cream truck by ep 10 now."

Emily Blunt in 'Batman V. Superman'?

Spanish website El Multicine is claiming that actress Emily Blunt (Looper) is up for a role in Zack Snyder's Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice. No one knows the validity of this rumor, but it's always fun to speculate. Blunt has been offered comic book roles in the past such as Black Widow and Peggy Carter, but the Edge Of Tomorrow actress passed on both. So I find it curious that now she would all of a sudden accept a role in DC's most important film to date. At this point who the hell would she even be playing? Catwoman? Silver St. Cloud? Hopefully if this rumor is true, Blunt will play a real comic character like those and not an "original creation" for the movie. Perhaps she would be a fellow Amazonian alongside Wonder Woman or Lex's loyal driver/assistant Mercy. Damn, this rumor is getting me excited and it's probably just a big pile of bullshit. Batman V. Superman: Dawn Of Justice is filming now and check out Emily Blunt in this week's Edge Of Tomorrow.

Source: El Multicine
Read More: ComicBookMovie

She definitely has a better shot at kicking Superman's ass than Jesse.

First 'Interstellar' Trailer

Interstellar is Christopher Nolan's (Dark Knight Trilogy) newest sci-fi flick. Rust Cohle, Alfred, and Catwoman must team up for a space mission of dire importance. Count me in!

Chris Nolan also always brings in the man, the myth, the legend Hans Zimmer to score all his films. Guaranteed amazing score. Hans Zimmer is the kind of guy who has been hitting home runs his entire career don't expect him to start hitting bloop singles.

 

Superhero Woman Crush Wednesday: (4/30/14)

Woman Crush: Emma Stone

The year was 2007, I was a plump sixteen year old watching Superbad in a theater with my father, when it happened. I saw a young beautiful red headed actress appear onscreen alongside a very plump Jonah Hill. I thought she had great timing comedic timing, but what really drew me to her was every word she spoke felt natural. Even though she was playing a role, you felt that a part of her really was the cool girl who you could joke about dicks and hymens with. Fast forward seven years later. With several projects under her belt and her real blonde hair finally revealing itself, Emma Stone has become one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses. In 2011, Emma nabbed the role of Peter Parker's first love Gwen Stacy. Her Gwen was intelligent, understanding, and beautiful. Emma brought her natural likability to the character and because of that, the chemistry between Gwen and Peter has been the highlight of the Amazing Spiderman franchise so far. In my book Emma will forever be that insanely funny cool girl next door. That girl who just has a smile that makes you want to smile. So check her out in The Amazing Spiderman 2 opening in theaters Friday.

"Easy, Bug Boy."

Check Emma kicks Jimmy Fallon's ass in a Lip Sync battle two days ago. Winning lip singing battles and being awesome is just the Emma Stone way.

-Christian 

Character Crush: Catwoman

For every great super hero, there is always a women who is either trying to rob him, get with him, or fight him. Today that woman is Catwoman. Ah yes Miss Selina Kyle is quite the character in Gotham City. Anyone running around in a black leather body suit who think she's half cat is A-Ok in my book. Plus the flexibility and the sneakiness doesn't bother me either. Although she has no powers or isnt even exactly a hero, Catwoman never stops amazing me. I bet you didn't know this but the chick can fight folks. She knows some pretty sweet combat moves, and knows how to make a great escape. Who wouldn't want that in a women? I'm not talkin about the creepy "I got attacked by cats so now I'm Catwoman". I'm talking about the classic Selina whose sly and knows her way around a good crime and robbery. So Bats, is it too much to ask to share and let us simpleton bloggers get a shot at Catwoman?? Well deserved character women crush for this Wednesday.

"My mother always told me never to get into cars with strange men"

-Brady

Fox's GOTHAM Releases Image of Future Catwoman Carmen Bicondova

Fox has released the first image of Carmen Bicondova as Selina Kyle(Catwoman). She has definitely nailed the bad ass look. Shes rockin' the black fish tights, the leather jacket, the half fingered gloves (not sure what those are actually called) but I dig it. Every week we get more and more being released about this prequel show. Here is the image let us know what you guys think in the comments!

Sources: www.fox.com/GOTHAM
              www.comicBookMovie.com

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BRUCE WAYNE!

On this installment of the Caped Informers, Christian, Dan, Karl and Ryan sit down and talk about Fox's upcoming Gotham TV show, as well as Arkham Knight, The Avengers, Sin City, Captain America, The Amazing Spiderman 2 and the Batman/Superman movie. Enjoy!

(Recorded 3/10/14)

Follow us on twitter: @Caped_Informers

Fox's Releases Official GOTHAM Logo and Synopsis!

Comicbookmovie.com has reported that Fox has now set up an official website and twitter account for it's new TV show Gotham. A short synopsis has also been released. Here it is for your viewing pleasure.

"Everyone knows the name Commissioner Gordon. He is one of the crime world’s greatest foes, a man whose reputation is synonymous with law and order. But what is known of Gordon’s story and his rise from rookie detective to Police Commissioner? What did it take to navigate the multiple layers of corruption that secretly ruled Gotham City, the spawning ground of the world’s most iconic villains? And what circumstances created them – the larger-than-life personas who would become Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face and The Joker? 
GOTHAM is an origin story of the great DC Comics super villains and vigilantes, revealing an entirely new chapter that has never been told. From executive producer/writer Bruno Heller (“The Mentalist,” “Rome”), GOTHAM follows one cop’s rise through a dangerously corrupt city teetering on the edge of evil and chronicles the birth of one of the most popular super heroes of our time. 

Growing up in Gotham City’s surrounding suburbs, JAMES GORDON (Ben McKenzie, “Southland,” “The O.C.”) romanticized the city as a glamorous and exciting metropolis where his late father once served as a successful district attorney. Now, two weeks into his new job as a Gotham City detective and engaged to his beloved fiancée, BARBARA KEAN (Erin Richards, “Open Grave,” “Breaking In”), Gordon is living his dream – even as he hopes to restore the city back to the pure version he remembers it was as a kid. 

Brave, honest and ready to prove himself, the newly-minted detective is partnered with the brash, but shrewd police legend HARVEY BULLOCK (Donal Logue, “Sons of Anarchy,” “Terriers,” “Vikings,” “Copper”), as the two stumble upon the city’s highest-profile case ever: the murder of local billionaires Thomas and Martha Wayne. At the scene of the crime, Gordon meets the sole survivor: the Waynes’ hauntingly intense 12-year-old son, BRUCE (David Mazouz, “Touch”), toward whom the young detective feels an inexplicable kinship. Moved by the boy’s profound loss, Gordon vows to catch the killer. 

As he navigates the often-underhanded politics of Gotham’s criminal justice system, Gordon will confront imposing gang boss FISH MOONEY (Jada Pinkett Smith, “The Matrix” films, “HawthoRNe,” “Collateral”), and many of the characters who will become some of fiction’s most renowned, enduring villains, including a teenaged SELINA KYLE/the future CATWOMAN (acting newcomer Camren Bicondova) and OSWALD COBBLEPOT/THE PENGUIN (Robin Lord Taylor, “The Walking Dead,” “Another Earth”). 

Although the crime drama will follow Gordon’s turbulent and singular rise through the Gotham City police department, led by Police Captain SARAH ESSEN (Zabryna Guevara, “Burn Notice”), it also will focus on the unlikely friendship Gordon forms with the young heir to the Wayne fortune, who is being raised by his unflappable butler, ALFRED (Sean Pertwee, “Camelot,” “Elementary”). It is a friendship that will last them all of their lives, playing a crucial role in helping the young boy eventually become the crusader he’s destined to be. 
GOTHAM is based upon characters published by DC Comics and is produced by Warner Bros. Television. Executive producer Bruno Heller (“The Mentalist”) wrote the pilot, which will be directed and executive-produced by Emmy Award nominee Danny Cannon (the “CSI” series, “Nikita”).

So finally we kinds have an idea of what to should expect. Gordon's story as a young detective on the force, taking on the HUGE case of the mysterious murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Also, we'll see the first connection he makes with Bruce. Another thing I really liked was that the show will focus on the origins of the villains we have come to love. So expect an early version of Edward Nygma or maybe even a Jack Napier sighting. As always keep your eyes peeled for more info about this show....

Oh and here is the official logo...

For More Information:

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/notyetamovie/news/?a=95895

http://www.fox.com/gotham/

Gotham Casts a Young Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle!

The Wrap is reporting that Gotham has found it's Bruce Wayne in the form of David Mazouz (Touch). He will be a young, but wise beyond his years version of our Dark Knight. The report also includes that newbie actress Camren Bicondova will be portraying teenage pickpocket Selina Kyle. Carmen reminds me of a preteen Michelle Pfeiffer. How will the show runners incorporate these two as regulars? I have no idea, but on a positive note its nice to see Selina and Bruce be of a similar age. Could some we see some young love brewing? It could be like Aladdin expect Selina is the thief  and Bruce is that prince that gets swept off his feet by a street rat. Then does that make Alfred the Genie? Wait, isn't this show about Jim Gordon? Never mind. Gotham will be filming its pilot soon that was written by Bruno Heller (Rome) and will be directed by Danny Cannon (Judge Dredd).

Read the report: http://www.thewrap.com/gotham-fox-bruce-wayne-david-mazouz