ROTTEN TOMATOES: Justice League of America Back on the Fast Track Comments

Justice League of America Back on the Fast Track

by Jeff Giles | February 28, 2008

Summary

Not long ago, George Miller's Justice League of America was rumored to be locked in development deep-freeze, a casualty of the writers' strike -- but now that Hollywood's scribes are back to work, Warner Bros. has JLA back on track. Back to Article

(1-51 of 51 posts) | Reply

Elixor writes:
on Feb 28 2008 05:43 AM

Put in back into freeze, then forget about it.

Maybe since the Warners lost out on another expensive garbage heap Emmerich flick, they'll have more funds to support Watchmen and T4. Two movies that I really want to work, but am worried won't deliver.

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John Z. Delorean writes:
on Feb 28 2008 06:05 AM

I'm with you, Elixor. If you can't do JLA on a grand scale then just leave it alone it's not needed with all the individual heroes getting their own movies anyway. Let's go Watchmen not so much T4 tho.

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romsy writes:
on Feb 28 2008 06:14 AM

omg, i was so happy when i heard they were freezing and retooling this project. but i guess they are moving forward with this poorly casted hunk of junk. man i cant wait to see this bomb next summer. Marvel i tip my hat to you guys for going about brining the Avengers to the big screen correctly. DC... Christian Bale is saving your butts for the next few years but what are you going to do when Nolan's Bat-trilogy is done?

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Shatter24 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 06:15 AM

Good grief! Why won't you die, "poorly devised, hip teeny-bopper, no-name Justice League hack" of a movie? The Avengers, when Marvel finally releases it in 3-4 years, will blow this movie out of the freakin' water. Despite a few Marvel misses, overall introducing individual characters in their own movies and then bringing them together for a big crises is prefereable to whatever the hell DC is trying to do.

Crash and burn, baby. Even if it wins whatever weekend it comes out, it will likely go the trajectory of Superman Returns, barely making back its costs and leaving any follow-up in permanent limbo.

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TombstoneLawDog writes:
on Feb 28 2008 06:49 AM

Not really adding anything new here, but I have such passionate contempt for this project it's worth it for me to largely repeat what Shatter just said.

When this disgusting, arrogant, misbegotten corporate sh#t-stain of a project bombs--and by every single piece of info I read about it being 'fast-tracked' or 'youth-cast' I become more sure that it will--I want people fired. I want egg-on-faces, I want public embarrassment, I want studio chiefs ridiculed. I want fat, middle-aged CEO's thrown out in the street. I want THIS to be the movie that stops the shameless whoring of ideas for the sake of a quick buck.

And while i'm imagining my perfect world, I want a pony.

..with Rachel McAdams and Lena Headey riding it.

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Bob* writes:
on Feb 28 2008 07:03 AM

Oh shut the *beep* up! I am so damn tired of all of you stupid comic book geeks! How do you know if this movie would be good or bad if isn't made YET?! And who the hell told you that because they will make this movie they won't make more Superman/Batman films (because let's face it, characters like Flash and Green Lantern doesn't work as standalone movies).

I think that they can make a fun good movie. And even if they make it "bad" so what?! At least they tried! All your comments are so arrogant and idiot that I am just fed up of you! If you don't want to watch then don't! But that doesn't mean that they shouldn't do it!

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dahluzz writes:
on Feb 28 2008 07:20 AM

Batman is being played by some kid named Armie Hammer Jr.? bwahaha. what a LOSER. they should have cast him in GI Joe or something.

but rest easy george clooney, you will no longer have the distinction of being the most embarassing incarnation of the caped crusader. This guy is going to look a complete goon.

fine hollywood, make your stupid movie. and fat cats, keep assuming that people will watch anything that involves costumes and powers. i'm looking forward to how big a disaster this is going to be.

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Shatter24 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 07:21 AM

Ditto on TombstoneLawDog, a pony w/ hotties riding on it is the way to go. I'll go see that instead of "teen" Justice League.

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TombstoneLawDog writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:10 AM

In reply to this comment (#1607000)
Wow. Methinks we've hit a nerve...

'At least they tried'

...Let's see what else this applies to:
> AT LEAST THEY TRIED to introduce Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin
> At LEAST THEY TRIED to make a Catwoman movie
> AT LEAST THEY TRIED, three times, to make Larry the Cable Guy a movie star.

Sorry man, I'm not buying. Half-assed isn't trying. And if you calm down for a second and read WHY people hate this project, it's because it bares all the earmarks of the studio *NOT* trying but rather ramming something together because they think this is the moment it will sell.

Here's the thing I always add (find my other posts for proof): I would LOVE to be wrong, because then we all get a great movie. I just happen to be pretty dam# certain I'm not wrong about this. I guess I'll trust you to be there if I am to let me know.

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Dark Knight jr. writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:12 AM

... I'm ashamed to be a fan of DC Comics when they pull this fodder from their anus'. Damn morons!

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Gimy writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:24 AM

haha...i love the "star" studded cast they keep raving about. if adam brody(no offense to him, i actually like the actor) is your "biggest star"...you have no stars. i think i'm back to being pumped about this. i love "what the h3ll was i thinking" movies and this being said to be on the FAST TRACK is a huuuuuuuge mistake. i hope its as entertainingly bad as Catwoman and Ghost Rider. i have a feeling with it being an ensemble...it'll be worse. c'mon, what guys...Paris Hilton couldn't be cast? that'd make this the ultimate hunk of sh3t...

and "bob"...you're right, this COULD be good. but look at how long its taken to get under way and the delays. how many times do you see this kind of drama even BEFORE shooting...and the movie turns out to be awesome?

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xenogears writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:37 AM

In reply to this comment (#1607416)
Agreed. I love DC but they need to take tips from Marvel when it comes to movies. So sad. And TombStoneLawDog, Great points.

To Bob* = You can't give brownie points for trying and it is a farely easy art to predicting ("pre" as in before, as in before the movie comes out because it is not made yet as you pointed out) a terrible film when it comes to these comicbook movies and so far they have hit all the points to make it suck.

1)Poor casting (essential when dealing with iconic characters known the world around, though not all are poor choices).

2)Terrible plot ideas (if killing off Superman and kicking out Batman ever crosses your mind for the first JLA movie plot you are mentally inferior to ants).

3)Bad timing (they haven't develpoed enough of the characters backgrounds to do the "team up" film yet as Wonder Woman, one of the main 3 heroes, has not had her own film yet).

Note how Marvel has created Spiderman, Hulk, Iron man, and even A Thor movie on the way Giving background to 4 main players and paving way for there "team up" movie Avengers.

All I'm saying is if you are going to do it and spend a large sum of money on it, do it right. This so far is not right. Besides these are our opinions and if you don't like them then don't read the comments section.

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ol92fordtempo writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:41 AM

so if they added big name stars like brad pitt or denzel washington, this would automattically change the project from "boo, no-name stars" to "this is going to be the best superhero movie evarrr". i don't get it. seems like all this complaining is redundant until the movie actually comes out. i think it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

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dedalus7 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:50 AM

This will undoubtedly be the GREATEST CINEMATIC ACHIEVEMENT IN THE HISTORY OF FILM!!! Take that Lawrence of Arabia! Eat it Citizen Kane! Roll over in your decrepit grave Battleship Potemkin! This will change movies in ways no one has yet forseen, no, it will change the way we look at the world. It will move us to tears, challenge us to stand up for the little man, make us better human beings in general. This movie is the second coming! It is time for reckoning people! Wake up and bask in the glory that will be Justice League of America!

Or not.

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salsafish writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:54 AM

Megan Gale's face looks way too ditzy for Wonder Woman, who (in the modern) shares more characteristics with Batman than she does with any other hero: conservative, cautious, vengeful.

If you don't understand how Batman getting kicked out is par for the course, you might want to read more JLA. He's always a fringe element, and frequently does things which angers the entire group. He keeps a robust file on how to defeat every other JLA member, for example.

I said it before: tell us more about Hawkgirl! The awesomeness of this character is that it is more like a real person than any other JLA member: Not much ego, not much moral preference, not much loyalty, has very commonplace opinions, has served as a double agent for Thanagar, but also is friends with the JLA members, and generally wins battles by yelling real loud and swinging a mace around. This is a superhero.

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Skittleman writes:
on Feb 28 2008 08:58 AM

I Wish they would stop making these rubbish films. it's kind of embarrassing. Especially when there casting abilities are about as good as a book on how to read.

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RoadDogXVIII writes:
on Feb 28 2008 09:13 AM

xenogears is right. Marvel (the film corporation at least) seems to be taking the correct way and sticking with the Marvel Movieverse, bringing all the actors - who played the roles of their respected superheroes - in the "Avengers". That is, if Jon Favreau is handpicked to direct. HE SHOULD!

Of course, the plot does have some resemblance of the comics. Superman was killed off by Doomsday, and Batman has done things to anger the group. REGARDLESS, that plot line a good film doesn't make.

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 09:26 AM

I hope this is good ittl probably suck, but Im optimist I mean come on it is George Miller.

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Bob* writes:
on Feb 28 2008 09:28 AM

In reply to this comment (#1607456)
Yeah that reminded me when Michael Keaton was casted as Batman in the 80's and the comic weirdoes like all of you wanted to boycott the film.

Again NOBODY KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. And yes they are your opinions but THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU'RE RIGHT.

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xenogears writes:
on Feb 28 2008 09:45 AM

In reply to this comment (#1607460)
Not what I am saying. I said poor chasting. Doesn't mean they need big name people.....just better.

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xenogears writes:
on Feb 28 2008 09:47 AM

In reply to this comment (#1607469)
For the First movie is not par for the course unless it comes in at the very end but they had the movie at starting off with Superman dead and Batman gone and that eliminates alot of fans from the get-go, something they don't want to do in starting a series.

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xenogears writes:
on Feb 28 2008 09:49 AM

In reply to this comment (#1607488)
Doesn't mean your right either but we don't tell you to shut the bleep now do we.

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MarkusCominToGETCHA writes:
on Feb 28 2008 09:57 AM

Who needs the Justice League when you can make a Captain America movie!! Is there no one working on a script or casting or anything to do with a Captain America franchise?? One of the most beloved and obvious choices to have his own line of films is just sitting on the sidelines watching Ghost Rider and the friggin awful Fantastic Four make sh*t movies and now he has to listen to these rumours?!? Captain America would rip JLA a new anal cavity

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nightbat666 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 10:23 AM

100 to 1 this movie is going to blow. There is no question, except how bad will it truly be?

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thereign writes:
on Feb 28 2008 10:39 AM

Bob* certainly has the right character for his avatar; a bull, since he's absolutely full of s.hit.

You come on these boards every time to rail at people for being "nerds" and "geeks". Hey, who's the geekier...the geek, or the geek-basher who has to sniff after his a$$ every time to make a troll-like comment?

As for Ajmk123, who we know is a certain jackass who was banned from this board once before by RT...maybe you should try thinking before you write again, and get banned...yet again.

JLA has a 99.9999999999999999999% probability of sucking the hard one--no matter WHO is cast as Green Lantern, Captain Racist(that would be you, Ajmk). Just accept it, live with it, then move on, fellas.

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dethburger writes:
on Feb 28 2008 11:09 AM

I've got too much respect for George Miller to get my panties in a bunch just yet...the man is far from a hack. His track record is 100% in my book.

Actually, thats the one and ONLY thing thats keeping my panties from being in a bunch.

GO GEORGE!!

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dahluzz writes:
on Feb 28 2008 11:22 AM

In reply to this comment (#1607724)
is "Babe: Pig in the City" part of that track record by any chance? and come on, "Beyond Thunderdome" was lame. he's done some good work, but what's 100% in your book is worth considerably less in mine.

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Shadowflare writes:
on Feb 28 2008 11:32 AM

Well, this news ruined my day. Dammit.

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dedalus7 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 12:37 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607735)
Your not a racist... you're just a homophobe with racist tendencies.

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Ghoulette writes:
on Feb 28 2008 01:04 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607814)
Most of DC's headliners are flatter than the paper they're printed on, and something is always lost in translation, so I don't expect this to be that great. I'd place it somewhere between Superman Returns and Catwoman, though exactly where it falls is anyone's guess. I don't mind the no-name cast as long as they can act. I'd rather have another Serenity than another In the Name of the King.

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kegorogers writes:
on Feb 28 2008 01:07 PM

hmm! So George Miller is directing; I didn't know who he was until I checked imdb.com. Well, Miller created Happy Feet and Babe - so that definitely qualifies him to direct Justice League (Maybe you have picked up on the sarcasm, if not then keep reading.).

I would put Adam Brody in the same category as Hayden Christensen, they both suck as actors. Plus, The Flash needs to be pithy and QUICK witted, which is not Adam Brody. Last time I checked The Flash wasn't slow or melodramatic; thus, why Adam Brody? Of course, it can be said that high priced actors/actresses don't always make the best superheroes, just watch Halle Berry as Storm in all the X-Men movies. I do mean watch her because that is all she has going on in X-Men; as a comic fan I was very disappointed.
Who the hell is Megan Gale or Armie Hammer Jr.? Hahahahahahahahahah, aaaah s**t!

Here are my choices for the Justice League:
Superman(rumored to be left out of JLA movie): Tom Welling
Batman(rumored to be left out of JLA movie) : Christian Bale
Wonder Woman : Katherine Heigl(w/training)
Flash : Ryan Reynolds
J'onn J'onzz : Djimon Hounsou/Jeff Goldblum
Green Lantern/Hal Jordan : Common
Aquaman : Matthew McConaughey
(Most of my choices will change, but Djimon Hounsou and Jeff Goldblum would be an interesting transition for J'onn J'onzz. And Matthew McConaughey as Aquaman would just be funny to see. My only concern is that Tom Welling may be too light hearted to play a movie version of Superman. Know me, I will go see it either way - even if it turns out to be complete garbage. I am trying to reserve judgement until I see Ironman because I think Robert Downey Jr. is a horrible actor.)

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xenogears writes:
on Feb 28 2008 01:54 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607834)
That sounds like a winning list although I loved Brandon Routh as Superman (He did a great job of mimicing Chris Reeves) and Superman Returns. It had some Deep drama and raised interesting questions like.... Does Superman have to pay child support? and what days does he get to visit? and what kind of daycare can handle that his kid? And is she ever gonna tell her boyfriend that he is not the father?.....the movie was deep!

.....So I'd want to see B. Routh as Superman but other than that you have listed the perfect cast. Ryan Renolds would be freakin Hilarious.

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Ecs5001 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 02:25 PM

Gahh this is pathetic! If anyone is helmed to be Superman in this film its Tom Welling! Wtf is going on with the casting choices?

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The Webslinger writes:
on Feb 28 2008 03:09 PM

Such ignorant people commenting on how terrible this film will be. Everybody hated on Batman Begins and Spider-man before they came out and look how they turned out. You cannot create opinions on films that haven't even been released yet. I think this is a great chance for some of the lesser known heroes of DC Comics to shine and give some of the lesser known actors portraying them a chance to be famous.

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Ghoulette writes:
on Feb 28 2008 04:37 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607912)
Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman are not lesser known heroes. They're easily on the same tier as Batman and Superman (okay, maybe not Aquaman).

I think the current Blue Beetle comic is screaming for it's own film, but that's just me. I'd certainly rather see that than another episode of The Blue Boy Scout Saga.

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kissman24 writes:
on Feb 28 2008 04:42 PM

Ugh. This is a movie that every fanboy should be excited about, but WB looks to be doing everything wrong. Casting Batman and Wonder Woman with nobodies is just a horrible idea. Yes, we all flocked to see "Batman Forever" even though they stink-palmed us with Val Kilmer, but it doesn't mean that we liked it as much as we could have if it were Michael Keaton. It DOES matter to us who is casted as these characters.

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Ghoulette writes:
on Feb 28 2008 07:10 PM

I just thought of something. Is it really the Justice League of America when two of their members are from space, one is an honorary alien, one is Greek, and one is Atlantean? The remaining members are American, sure, but enough of the heavy hitters are from somewhere else that the title doesn't make a whole lot of sense anymore.

Universal Justice League would be more fitting, I think.

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ZeroDigital writes:
on Feb 28 2008 10:54 PM

they should just do a standalone Flash movie, that would rock!

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dethburger writes:
on Feb 29 2008 01:15 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607734)
Babe: Pig in the City was great. Most people agree with this.
Thunderdome...I had erased that from my memory so well that I didn't even think of it in regard to this story.

My panties are starting to bunch a little.

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dethburger writes:
on Feb 29 2008 01:22 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607834)
You're right, someone who created Mad Max/The Road Warrior would have no idea how to direct an action picture...is my sarcasm showing.

Never heard of George Miller....tsk, tsk, tsk.

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dethburger writes:
on Feb 29 2008 01:25 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607834)
You're right, someone who created Mad Max/The Road Warrior would have no idea how to direct an action picture...is my sarcasm showing.

Never heard of George Miller....tsk, tsk, tsk.

Robert Downey Jr. ROCKS!!!

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kegorogers writes:
on Feb 29 2008 01:25 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607912)
I am not saying that the movie will stink, but DC has made some poor choices with it's comic lineup. In the future try not to include Marvel comic adaptations in your comment if you are referencing DC comic adaptations. Everyone knows that there is a difference between the caliber of movie being produced by Marvel and DC, sorry to have to point that out.( I hope that you were just eager to prove a point and forgot that Spiderman is based on a Marvel comic.) Besides I would compare The Avengers to The Justice League when making a point. Marvel was always better at stealing ideas, which is why their characters are more fleshed out; mainly because they learned from DC on how to sustain a comic series. (The old Apple versus Microsoft comparison but in comic form.) //End of my rant.

Personally, I hope you're right Webslinger because Daredevil with Ben Affleck and Michael Clark Duncan showed that bankable actors can't make a great comic movie. And I would like to see a racial debate about The Kingpin similar to what we have seen with the Green Lantern. For those of you out there, the Green Lantern started out being white(Alan Scott)and subsequent men took the role of the Green Lantern. It would be interesting to see the transition from Alan Scott to Hal Jordan and then to John Stewart. I think most readers are pigeon holing the Green Lantern into being white or black when he is both.
**If Miller directs a good action movie then we should see the death of Hal Jordan and the rebirth of the Green Lantern as John Stewart. That would be ideal depending on the timeline.**

Ultimately the success of the film will comedown to the villain(s), which has not been included yet. A hero is defined by the villain(s) that he/she faces. Someone comment on what villains they would like to see in the new movie. To start, I want to see Lex Luthor, Solomon Grundy, Bizarro and the emergence of the Legion of Doom.

(Reply to this)

kegorogers writes:
on Feb 29 2008 01:54 PM

In reply to this comment (#1608141)
It is the Justice League of America because the group was originally called the Justice Society of America. It changed in the 1950's to the current form, but I get your point.

* Superman is viewed as being strong, ethical and loyal, which personified America in the early 50's. (The old adage, go big or go home).

* Wonder Woman is a direct result of the feminist movement in America. She was created by a psychologist who saw the transition from traditional family values as women entered the workforce.

* I don't have an explanation for J'onn J'onzz, but I see him as a character that sprang from the space race or civil rights movement in America.

-I miss the immediate reflection of society in comics, but then again Captain America is dead because of terrorism. Aw, terrorism killed America...or did it? Time for another batch of super soldier serum.

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Marineboy writes:
on Mar 04 2008 11:16 AM

Fast-tracking = rushed production!

More superhero fodder, but no Superman or Batman? Well it's just not Justice League!!

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Thundaar writes:
on Mar 05 2008 09:27 AM

George Miller is a great director (see Road Warrior)but the idea of rushing a film does not sound like a good idea. Hopefully it will be done right and Miller certainly can handle the job.

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cuteview writes:
on Mar 05 2008 05:37 PM

S#IT!

No, for the love of God...Why?!? Why?!? Why?!? Damn! I pray and hope a stampede of Kangaroos stomps all over the sets for this movie if filmed in Australia!

Please, Jebus let it be so!

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Zephyr13 writes:
on Mar 08 2008 12:41 AM

I wasn't aware of the fact they are writing out Superman due to death... With the cast it sounds to me on the surface they are doing "Justice League 90210" which, unfortunatly will probably kill the prospect of any more films from the DC universe for a while. It seems that DC has had much more luck with TV than in the movies anyway, except when they did try to do a live action version of JLA in the 70's... I was hoping the Wonder Woman movie would come before this, but from the sound of it, I can kiss that prospect goodbye for good.

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RuinerxxSINCITY writes:
on Mar 09 2008 05:59 PM

I just threw up a bit in my mouth, this is SICKENING! It looks like the only thing that is going to stop this grave from being dug, is an asteroid landing on the whole cast while filming an ensemble scene!Congratulations WB because this JLA film is going to taint all your other DC comic movies. Thank god Superman has Singer, and Batman has Nolan, because those 2 characters are going to need all the help they can get to survive this atrocity. This film has probably had the most negative public outcry I have seen, atleast 85% of the comments I read are bad. You would think WB would notice this and atleast find a more seasoned director, or break down and pay for better actors. Nope when this fails the only reason WB can site is their own stupidity!

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Balrog1978 writes:
on Mar 12 2008 05:03 PM

In reply to this comment (#1607894)
Tom welling makes an OK superboy!! Those liquidy eyes and colgate smile can run the course of 7 seasons - but not a superman ... he's too boyish for a superman!!! NO.. Welling's an excellent Pre Superman Clark Kent . not more!!

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Sn8man writes:
on Mar 14 2008 10:56 AM

It's on thing to over guess the splendor of a movie, or lack there-of before it's made, correct. However, Bob, when movie exec's are simply putting in the trendiest hollywood retards just because they think it will sell the movie based on their popularity with kids who watch TRL, then we know that any and all focus on the films core will be lost.

This is my biggest gripe, Everyone knows the JLA, they know the history and origins of all the characters already, and we know that they have been together for a while. There is no need to portray them as teenagers or a young hip crowd. They are middleaged superheros. Not fashion models. Sure you can make Superman Boy Scout-ish looking if you want, but Batman needs to be rough and mental. Womderwoman can be beautiful, but she also needs to be known. And I'm pretty sure the ONLY reasons they picked Common to play Green Lantern is they are basing it off the Cartoon series, ad thus making him black, and two, Common is likes by the young demographic. I'm not saying he's a bad actor, let's face it, he's no Ja Rule. But the fact is, make it epic, make it believable, make it make me want to see it twice.

All in all, the questions will go unknown until we actally see the movie this is true, but as far as predictions, will it be bad, probably, will it be a commercialized train of endorsement crap, no doubt, will I see it anyway, I'm sure, just so I can bash it later..

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overthehead writes:
on Mar 27 2008 03:26 PM

Please change next week.
This will surely **** the Superman and Batman franchises.
Most comic franchises start to lose it after the second one.
If this exists in the same continuity as the other films, it will come out just in time to ruin both.

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