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Tom Cruise & Sam Raimi To Collaborate On Wildstorm Superhero Project SLEEPER??

sounds cool by aportee	Aug 18th, 2008 11:59:34 PM
tom cruise making his comeback. What a good way to do it with a comic book movie. so will ed brubaker be doing the screenplay?
Oh yeah! This talkback will rule! by YouAreAllMyBastardChildren	Aug 19th, 2008 12:05:46 AM
Commence with the Tom Cruise/Scientology/alien roast! Yes, do it now, my little bastards. Come now, my bastard children, bring me teh funny!
Vaguely sounds like 1980s New Universe titles by JackRabbitSlim	Aug 19th, 2008 12:10:46 AM
Starbrand I think it was called - which I'm sure was a ripoff of some previous comic. What did the guy say? "The only new things are the history you don't know about."
Looks noir-ish by iamnicksaicnsn	Aug 19th, 2008 12:25:48 AM
Hopefully that equals good. He was great in Tropic Thunder, so hopefully the train keeps a rollin'.
Superheros don't advertise by hoorayforeric	Aug 19th, 2008 12:35:05 AM
Why is is it cool now to advertise or have comic movies in 40's style detective stories...they are not!! I like sin city...funny/cool. Tom Cruise did make me laugh in Tropic Thunder...but after Dark Knight...no superhero flick will compare...at least I hope it does...because Dark Knight was good..no..was incredible..and that's why I buy tickets to see movies!! I hope this is good..but I and many other "I's" have no idea who this is...we know the famous comic book characters and that's what we wanna see!!
I love how some people that make fun of Scientology....... by Riley Martin	Aug 19th, 2008 12:40:27 AM
....worship someone who came back from the dead (literally a zombie), and every Sunday go to a place to eat his flesh and drink his blood :D
I don't buy Cruise as a superhero by liljuniorbrown	Aug 19th, 2008 12:40:40 AM
I don't hate Tom Cruise or anything but his performances always struck me as just Tom Cruise being a pilot or Soilder or bartender. Maybe I've just never been a real fan of his work for some reason. Anyways 100 bucks says he's just producing this thing and will not have a role in it.
Sleeper sounds like Starbrand?.... by AnakinsDiapers	Aug 19th, 2008 12:41:28 AM
...really?....really? two properties couldn't be further from each other than those two are. I mean, wow. The Starbrand was a riff on green lantern or nova, in that a normal human gets cosmic powers from an alien source and hilarity ensues. Not only does the main character in Sleeper not have cosmic powers, but the origins of said powers is inconsequential. The comic was a crime noir story told within the wildstorm universe. The main conflict of the story was the ol "at what point do i cross the line from undercover to just another criminal", which gets worse when he gets involved with the redeemless miss misery. Since the Wildstorm universe approached government and their supersecret agencies as dark and corrupted from the word go, it lent itself to Brubacker's strengths as a noir writer.
great book, but they will neuter the movie just like they did wi by van_line	Aug 19th, 2008 12:43:11 AM

...just they did the movie "Wanted" by van_line	Aug 19th, 2008 12:45:35 AM
.
van_line, you don't have to try to fit everything you want to sa by Riley Martin	Aug 19th, 2008 12:47:59 AM

...say in the Subject field. Use the comment box too :D by Riley Martin	Aug 19th, 2008 12:48:38 AM

Sounds Too Much Like Mission Impossible And Alias? by Media Messiah	Aug 19th, 2008 12:49:15 AM
Tom, if you read these posts, or if someone close to you does, the right super hero project for you is Moon Knight. Trust me on this. I have been rooting for you to make it back on top for some time now...and this is the one. Bring in Joss Whedon to script, and or direct, and keep the budget under control, and I think you'll have something very special on your hands. And if you like my tip, give me a job, I could really, really use it!!!
i mock all religions equally...but by LabattsBleu	Aug 19th, 2008 12:50:08 AM
being raised from the dead by a higher being, as compared to flying modified 737s with alien souls on board? and then paying money to "level" up or exorcise those alien spirits? Sounds like someone's quick way to make a hoard of cash...oh wait...
just as long as Cruise doesn't try to be Sandman. by Amy Chasing	Aug 19th, 2008 12:58:27 AM
And why aren't there more films made from comics by Warren Ellis?
Moon Knight by Media Messiah	Aug 19th, 2008 01:06:43 AM
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Marc Spector is an American rabbi's wayward son. As an adult, Spector spends time as a heavyweight boxer, a U.S. Marine, and a mercenary. He becomes a skilled combatant and befriends the French pilot Jean-Paul DuChamp, whom he calls "Frenchie." While the pair work for the African mercenary Raoul Bushman in Egypt, the group stumble upon an archaeological dig whose crew includes Dr. Peter Alraune and his daughter Marlene. The dig had uncovered an ancient temple where artifacts included a statue of the Egyptian god Khonshu. Intent on looting the dig, Bushman kills Dr. Alraune. In response to Alraune's murder, Spector challenges Bushman to personal combat but is beaten nearly to death and left to die in the sub-zero temperatures of the desert night. Roaming Egyptians who worship the ancient Egyptian gods find Spector and carry him to their temple. Helpless before the statue of Khonshu, Spector's heart stops. Khonshu appears to him in a vision, offering Spector a second chance at life if he becomes the god's avatar on earth. Spector awakens, wraps himself with the silver shroud that covers Khonshu's statue, and again confronts Bushman. He defeats Bushman and returns to America with Marlene Alraune, Frenchie, and the statue of Khonshu. Deciding to become a crime-fighter, Spector creates a silver cloaked costume, based on the silver shroud, and becomes the Moon Knight. After his return to the United States, Spector invests the money that he had accumulated as a mercenary and develops a small fortune. To distance himself from his mercenary past he creates the identity of millionaire entrepreneur Steven Grant, using this identity to purchase a spacious estate. To remain in contact with the common man he also creates the identity of taxicab driver Jake Lockley. The Committee supplies Mark Spector (as spelled in the comic) with the name Moon Knight, his costume and weapons to hunt down Jack Russell. In Los Angeles, Moon Knight captured the Werewolf for the Committee, but then freed him and halted the Committee's plans.[1] In New York, after setting up his identities as Jack Lockley and Steven Grant, he then battled Conquer-Lord.[2] He then battled his brother Randall, alias the Hatchet-Man.[3]
never heard of this comic book by Mr_X	Aug 19th, 2008 01:13:09 AM
cruise, if you're gonna do a comic book hero / franchise at least make it a popular one. green lantern?
Hopefully they don't screw this up... by Pops Freshemeyer	Aug 19th, 2008 01:16:56 AM
Of course, they probably will. Would be a drag if they let Holden Carver walk away with a happy ending...
Crotchless Leather Wheelchair PRESENTS by ElvisPresLeeHorsleyHarveyOswaldO prahWinFreeJackHorkheimer	Aug 19th, 2008 01:18:07 AM
Enturbulator 009 - The worlds most notorious anti-scientology music. [br] For reals man, Google that shit. [br] p.s. If Tom Ruse is at level OT5 or beyond he is a superhuman according to COS teachings. He would by Hubbards own testimonials(considered infallible doctrine) no-longer be hindered by such trivial things as space, matter, energy, or time.
Agree, enought with the scientology bashing! by DARTHpatel	Aug 19th, 2008 01:18:28 AM
Scientology is as rediculous as every other major religion on earth. Can we just judge Cruise on his movies please. I mean even some of his recent movies have been entertaining if not great. MI3, War of the Worlds, and Minority Report were all pretty watchable. I'm not going to mention some of his iconic movies whic were obviously huge and iconic. The man is only like 45 years old. I'm pretty sure he still has something to offer as a movie star given his long track record. I just think all the Cruise bashing has gotten out of control.
Is Scientology similar to psychonauts and ego death geeks? by JackRabbitSlim	Aug 19th, 2008 01:33:04 AM
Can't stand the transcendental meditationists and their lot either, babbling about losing boundaries between personality and environment. I bet the loony bin is full of these astral adventurers and inner-journey freaks - its known as being bugfucked craaaaazy.
welcome back Media Messiah? by Sgt Rock	Aug 19th, 2008 01:33:53 AM
thought you got kicked out after all the script girl talk backs. Regardless, glad to see you still writing away.
Tom was GREAT as Jeffery Katzenberg in Tropic Thunder. by TooWhippy	Aug 19th, 2008 02:04:19 AM
I'm sold.
Is it wierd that I think Cruise would be a good... by blindambition238	Aug 19th, 2008 02:21:34 AM
Midnighter? And no, I'm not trying to make a gay joke.
www.exscientologykids.com by Etrigan_	Aug 19th, 2008 02:28:50 AM
Read it. Get informed. This doesn't look like a particularly interesting property. I'm surprised he wouldn't go with I higher profile character.
People do not hate Scientology for being an religion. by Sidepocket	Aug 19th, 2008 02:36:57 AM
People hate Scientology for breaking federal laws of many countries and actively ruining the lives and health of many including their own and anyone they consider their enemy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =-r8PMeWhlew
Hi Rock by Media Messiah	Aug 19th, 2008 02:38:43 AM
Nope...I'm still here. Glad to see that you are here too.
Commit with your passion, zeal, and (even more) zeal by ElvisPresLeeHorsleyHarveyOswaldO prahWinFreeJackHorkheimer	Aug 19th, 2008 02:39:39 AM
to admitting you are gay. It's ok Tommy. It's ok if you're gay. All The so-called "watchable" (what? a pile of dog crap is "watchable" also)would have much better with practically anyone else. "what a top notch fellow Hubbard was" - Wife Beating black-magick power-bottom who became a highly successful fraudulent guru who then died insane from abusing anti-psychotic meds while on the run from tax evasion and espionage charges. Man, it would make a great movie.
Les Grossman stole the show by california_mtz	Aug 19th, 2008 02:43:55 AM
I love pretty much every actor in Tropic Thunder and they all gave flawless performances but I must say that Les Grossman stole every scene he was in! I never thought I would ever say that. In fact, I want to see a sequel featuring Les Grossman! Dammit!
Doesn't Harry look handsome without a beard! by Marxeffect	Aug 19th, 2008 02:49:12 AM
Just sayin!
Harry would look handsome without his body. by TooWhippy	Aug 19th, 2008 02:56:46 AM

i'd like to see... by dingus khan	Aug 19th, 2008 03:02:38 AM
...sleeper play shirtless volleyball against green lantern, moon knight, and ice man. val kilmer's "ice man"...otherwise it's just overkill. (not todd mcfarlane's "overkill".
) by dingus khan	Aug 19th, 2008 03:03:04 AM

YES. by Galva	Aug 19th, 2008 03:05:01 AM
Great, great, great comic. I'm a little put off that Sam is just producing this (since... you know... everything he just produces has been just great), but Cruise wouldn't be bad casting. Please, oh please get Ed Brubaker on that script.
Also- by Galva	Aug 19th, 2008 03:06:02 AM
Damn well better be R rated.
Only took 4 weeks for a TDK gif. by Phategod1	Aug 19th, 2008 03:16:18 AM
What took so long HEAD GEEK
i want to see ben stiller... by dingus khan	Aug 19th, 2008 03:19:04 AM
...do a 'youngblood' movie. it could be so funny. maybe even keep liefeld's original dialogue. introduce 17 characters in the first 3 minutes...have them quip and fight. then, introduce 17 more characters...maybe give them the exact dialogue from the scene before. rob liefeld could ruin the comic book movie just like he ruined comic books.
'youngblood' movie. by dingus khan	Aug 19th, 2008 03:21:17 AM
the release date could be february 09, but not even start production until 2010. all of it in front of a green screen. create toys and trading cards. samuel l. jackson is already down...unironically.
phoenixmagi2 by RobertoInfiniteTHEMoonLander	Aug 19th, 2008 03:33:39 AM
"SO.... by phoenixmagi2 Aug 19th, 2008 12:03:23 AM its his life story then....also harry too late to get on the dark knight band wagon should have done this animation on opening weekend instead of giving us a less than stellar review and keeping your hellboy animation on until hellboy was done at the box office. if nolan was ur buddy this would have been up faster than yoko will go to ebay and sell all your shit(sic) after u die :) " Funniest/truest comment I saw on this website ever...Does anyone remember Harry's BLADE 2 review?
SLEEPER was a fantastic comic. by qemuel	Aug 19th, 2008 03:33:49 AM
Not sure how I feel about Tom Cruise playing Carver, though. He can be a solid actor at times, but the fact that this Talkback so quickly degenerated into Tom-bashing proves that his involvement would probably hurt the film. As for Sam Raimi...my feelings may still hurt from Spider-Man 3, but I'm willing to forgive and forget if he gives this one the dedication it deserves.
Harry's Blade 2 review by RobertoInfiniteTHEMoonLander	Aug 19th, 2008 03:39:50 AM
was the opposite of his Dark Knight review....It sounded like he was holding back for some reason....Anything by Brubaker couldn't be half bad, but I'm not much of a Tom Cruise fan. His last decent movie was The Last Samurai. Quoting Negrodamus from Chappelle's Show: Tom Cruise as the Last Samurai? Brad Pitt as The Mexican? I have an idea for a movie. its called 'The Last N*gga on Earth', starring Tom Hanks."
Tom Cruise shouldn't be allowed to WATCH... by pokadoo	Aug 19th, 2008 03:41:28 AM
...a Sam Rami film, never mind star in one! Right Sam? What next, Freddy Prinz Jr as Peter Parker?
With the exception of "looks noirish"... by Stefan McTierney	Aug 19th, 2008 04:21:38 AM
Everyone guessing at what Sleeper is like based on that description is wrong. It's a great comic. I'm not sure if Cruise is right for Holden (though he could be TAO, if TAO doesn't have to be Asian), and I'm not sure it'll be quite right after some content is cut to keep it at an R rating. But whatever, I'd love to see someone take a good crack at it.
They're remaking Woody Allen movies now?! by KnightShift	Aug 19th, 2008 06:00:25 AM
Whose nose will it be that Tom Cruise is out to destroy?
Damn You Michael Bay by MCMLXXVI	Aug 19th, 2008 06:30:43 AM
Damn You Michael Bay
Tom Cruise? by phaedrus007	Aug 19th, 2008 06:35:02 AM
You couldn't pay me to watch a movie that shit is starring in.
NO SKIN TIGHT COSTUME?! NO ROBOTIC EXOSKELETON?! by BringingSexyBack	Aug 19th, 2008 06:41:49 AM
Count me out!
I don't see why people hate Cruise. by dr sauch	Aug 19th, 2008 07:08:04 AM
And I don't think that his "career is ailing", as has been written on this site. What, because the tabloids have been making fools of themselves trying to "catch" him doing something bad? Because he's in a cult? Come on, in the scope of all things, Tom Cruise is one of the LEAST scandalous celebrities alive. Plus, he makes great movies. The only movies of his that have been bad are MI2 and.....MI2. I still look forward to his movies, he always delivers a good product. So shut up fat internet dweebs.
Moon Knight... by Kid Z	Aug 19th, 2008 07:11:55 AM
...wayward rabbi's son? Who finds the time to be a boxer, U.S. Marine and a mercenary? An African mercenary named... Bushman? A French guy who doesn't mind being called "Frenchie" (at least he's not an Inuit called "Pieface")? A lost temple? Surviving ancient Egyptians? Sub-zero temperatures in Africa? Gettin hired as basically a mercenary for an ancient Egytian god? A secret committee run by a comic book writer? Geez! Moon Knight's origin is weirder than Scientology! (Oops... now I'll get sued!)
Dr Sauch.... by spooky2k	Aug 19th, 2008 07:51:56 AM
Here, here! I get that some people don't like their movies to star egotistical or bad people, but it shouldn't matter. If the film is good does it make a bad person good? No. Does it make a good person bad? No. If anyone thinks I'm rambling, well, good for you. You see the waste of time it is to mull of an actors persona instead of the darn film!
sleeper is pretty amazing by jazzgalaxy	Aug 19th, 2008 07:56:12 AM
this could be a really good one.
media messiah by dingus khan	Aug 19th, 2008 08:46:29 AM
you are one hardcore moon knight fan. don't you post something about moon knight in every thread that mentions a potential comic book movie? i had no idea moon knight had big fans.
Remember Tom Cruise collaborated with Rob Liefeld... by BadWaldo s Revenge	Aug 19th, 2008 08:47:36 AM
to create a new comic book character for the movie project (name escapes me) circa 1993? Somebody provide more info on this. If I recall correctly, the proposed superhero project sounds incredibly lame and thankfully it fell through and Tom moved on. Rob Liefeld is an accomplished entrepreneur but aesthetically a terrible comic artist with wild deformation of feet and wildly exaggerated muscles. Hilarious review of Rob's work in a brief bio at NNDB http://www.nndb.com/people/083 /000099783/
TC is back in action by NiceGuyEddie19	Aug 19th, 2008 08:56:19 AM
He's gonna be awesome. After all the cheap laughs they squeezed out of him in Tropic Thunder, the moviegoing audience may be ready to become reacquainted with him as a viable action star. Welcome back TC! That was a long vacation on the planet Galgazon.
Here's the problem with Cruise as a superhero: by ArcadianDS	Aug 19th, 2008 09:19:48 AM

by ArcadianDS	Aug 19th, 2008 09:20:23 AM
he has no edit buttons. Also, unless the role of the leading lady is played by Billy Barty, then it looks like a sequel to Big.
rob liefeld/tom cruise collab? by dingus khan	Aug 19th, 2008 09:21:45 AM
i remember the creation, bad waldo s revenge... the character, bob barker, was bitten by a radioactive scorpion (a scorpion that bites). he is imbued with scorpion like qualities, like super strength, wall climbing, and shooting sticky venom. the costume is red and blue, with a black scorpion emblazened on the chest. pouches and shoulder pads and guns the size of microwaves. bob barker has a girlfriend, named jane mary, a red head... aaaaaa...i'm sick of this. the character that rob liefeld created for tom cruise was called "bloodbatman". he scowled and had weird anatomy. he fought saddam hussein. and decapitated him.
SOUNDS. FUCKING. TERRIBLE. by Mr. Nice Gaius	Aug 19th, 2008 09:21:52 AM
Seriously.
never read this by StrokerX	Aug 19th, 2008 09:24:12 AM
so i have nothing to post
SLEEPER was great and Cruise is all wrong for Holden Carver by SpyGuy	Aug 19th, 2008 09:49:27 AM
What about Thomas Jane? It's not like he has a lot on his plate right now. And how about Kate Beckinsale for Miss Misery?
Here's another reason why Herc shouldn't talk about comics by The Funketeer	Aug 19th, 2008 10:16:10 AM
Sleeper is not a superhero comic. I think a "hero" appears in maybe one or two panels of the entire series. That said, Brubaker is the best writer working today (yes Herc, he putting out better stuff than Moore and Ellis) and Sleeper is one of the best things he's done. I don't see Cruise in the lead for this but if he did, he'd have to be willing to be Tropic Magnolia Cruise and not Mission Impossible Cruise.
Tom Cruise Should Make Some Kind Of Scientology Movie by LaserPants	Aug 19th, 2008 01:02:10 PM
He could play a closet homosexual in his waning years as his career collapses around him due to various odd behaviors and cult membership, suddenly finding his inner hero, his THETAN CLEAR POWER WITHIN TO DEFEAT THE EEEEEEVIL XENU!!! SAVE US TOM CRUISE!!! SAVE US FROM THE EVIL LORD XENU!!! AIEEEE!!!
Brubaker Better Than Moore? by LaserPants	Aug 19th, 2008 01:07:52 PM
No way, man. I love Brubaker's stuff, but Moore is like the friggin' Stanley Kubrick of comics -- he's the greatest comics writer of all times. Period.
Cruise is all wrong for everything! by DigitalBeachWar	Aug 19th, 2008 01:27:11 PM
i will not see this movie if cruise has anything tied into it.
Well, Actually I Have A Better Character That I Authored by Media Messiah	Aug 19th, 2008 02:21:10 PM
To: Kid Z and Dingus Khan I have a great character that I created that is one one interesting MF...but in terms of known characters, I think too many people, the wrong people, would want too much involvement in a top tier character in terms of being known, from fans to studio and comic books execs. Developing the bigger characters always turns into a food fight, look at Batman, Superman, The X-Men, Spiderman, the Hulk, and Wonder Woman, etc.??? Moon Knight is such an off the radar character, that Cruise can do his thing without too much interference from outside or inside parties, making this a good charcter for him to explore. I love Cable also, but I think Fox owns the rights to all X-Men related characters. Lastly, as far as boxers, the military has boxers in their ranks trained for competitive sparring.
The Rob Liefeld/Tom Cruise Collab? by Media Messiah	Aug 19th, 2008 02:25:55 PM
The project went to Will Smith, it was called The Mark. Although Liefeld got no credit, it appears that Smith ordered that elements of that script be combined with elements of Tonight He Comes. The result(?), Hancock.
media messiah by dingus khan	Aug 19th, 2008 02:36:46 PM
you raise a good point...i wouldn't know if they dicked up moon knight's origin or not. whereas, when i saw x-men, i bit through a slab of marble because of the liberties taken. maybe stephen platt could do the poster art?
Amazing Comic by Cinemanimetal	Aug 19th, 2008 02:42:47 PM
Sleeper is one of my favorite comics! I'm a big Ed Brubaker/Sean Phillips fan and this is my favorite work from either of them. Tom Cruise would be horrible for this role (or any role for that matter. I have never once seen the man act. Even in tropic thunder it was the makeup that was doing all the acting. Though I did laugh whenever he started swearing at people. Sam Raimi can be pretty damn amazing though so I have high hopes for this if Tom Cruise is not involved. They should really try to get Brubaker to script it or at least have him as some kind of consultant. Scott Frank, who made the excellent noir The Lookout could also be a good choice for something like this. There's always Nolan bros. as well who could really make this great.
Sleeper is neo-noir by Genre_Boy	Aug 19th, 2008 02:43:40 PM
And Cruise is all wrong for the part. He might make a good villain or antagonist, but he's all wrong for Holden Caufeikd. Hopefully it just Cruise in there to produce. A better casting choice would be some ex-footballer like Vinnie Jones, though an unknown would be best -- best not only for the unconventional role, but also because it's a relatively unknown property. The other thing is that the story has HUGE crossover potential -- there are lots of people who can't be bothered with movies based on comic books. In the case of 'Sleeper', the story is broad and un-powered enough to attract a larger audience. Don't screw it up, guys and you could have the next 'Wanted' on your hands, guys!
Here Is A Review Of The Mark Script by Media Messiah	Aug 19th, 2008 03:15:24 PM
As you can see by this, the tone of the Mark is similar to Hancock. Although the character's powers have been altered, the smart ass talking character is the same personalty wise. The Mark Remember this project? Around last July it was last reported that THE MARK---the next possible "4th Of July" Will Smith event movie---was going to undergo a new rewrite and an entirely new plot. Rob Liefeld, who penned the original script, said he'd like to take another stab at it. That was last year. And as of now, it seems like THE MARK was on hold indefinitley. But word has it that Will Smith wants to make this his fourth of July film for 2003 (the summer after MiB2 is supposed to be released) and Universal, which acquired the rights two years ago, really wants to get this ball rolling since they've been spending a lot of cash on this project. Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich are still attached as exec producers but haven't really touched any of the project since last year (firing the X-Files scribes Glen Morgan and James Wong). This review is the first draft of the script, dated April 1998 by Rob Liefeld. Keep in mind that this draft was entirely rewritten three times (twice by those X-FIles scribes). But if you want to get a feel of what the movie's gonna be like...read on. This contains some spoilers, but as I will explain later, there is a 'new plot'. The story goes something like this: Througout time, a talismen of power has been passed down. This talismen leaves an irremovable 'mark' on the person's hand. Collins' super powers are exactly like the Green Lantern's: whatever he thinks of, he can make to fight villains. Now, try not to laugh: Moses, King Arthur, Christ, Joan of Arc, and dozens of other saviors in history have had this mark on them. The story opens up in World War II. After a quick twenty pages of Hitler looking for the Mark talismen (he'll 'Control The World if he does) and the good guys hiding the talismen, we flash forward to the year 2000. It's the end of the millenium and everyone's ready to celebrate in the most original of places, Manhattan. Enter New Yorker Mike Collins (Will Smith). One night, he happens upon a mysterious dying stranger. The nice guy that he is, Mike asks the guy if he's okay. Wrong move. The man grabs Mike's hand and transfers The Mark onto. Collins is the latest guy to happen upon this power, and boy, he's not ready. There's this group called the Disciples, a bunch of cloaked dudes that have been walking the Earth, teaching each user to use their powers for good (think a bunch of Morpheuses from THE MATRIX). They must locate and reach Collins in time before the forces of evil from across the galaxy get to him. Throughout most of this draft it's comic relief as Collins struggles to understand the source of this glowing mark, as he crash tests his powers. I didn't find most of this stuff humorous. Liefeld doesn't know how to write cheap laughs. Collins also hangs out with the obligatory love interest, who may not appear to be...well, what she appears to be (think TRINITY!). The Morpheous gang (oh sorry I mean Disciples) end up reaching Mike and teach him the limits of his new powers. What they also mention is that when Collins recieved his poweres, he also recieved the mission that every person who gets the Mark must complete: he's the center of an epic struggle for universal domination, in which New York will become the landmark for an epic battle between good and evil at the edge of the new millenium. The villain is yet again the same commanding bad ass (think AGENT SMITH) that always wants to pop a superpower cap in Collins ass. He NEEDS the Mark, for what reasons arent really explaind. He's the leader of the forces of darkness that want to Rule...well, you know. There's chase scenes, kung fu fight scenes and more chase scenes involving superpowers that sound like they can explode a budget past $100 million. The Big Kahuna climax ends up in New York City, as Good vs. Evil face off. Buildings explode. City blocks are leveled. This fight scene is like Agent Smith vs. Neo's fight scene, only that it's more ridiculous. Think the special effects in SPAWN were overdone and overkill? You ain't seen nuthin' yet. In the end, Collins saves the day, the girl, the world and the new millenium (it's this point in the draft where I was expecting Collins to break out in Smith's song, "Willenium"). Superhero stories are a dime a dozen these days in Hollywood. The key to making a hit superhero movie and a great one is to relate and invest in the main character. Feel what he's feeling, and his different emotions from being a normal guy to a superhero (hopefully M Night Shylamanan's UNBREAKABLE will do this justice). Superheroes are supposed to be sympathetic and heroic. THE MARK has none of this. The Mike Collins character is written like every other Will Smith character: he talks jive and is a wise ass. It's as if Liefeld wrote him as Smith's character already been established from ID4, MiB, and WWW. But when he gets his superpowers I was hoping for a complete 180 degree turn in his character. This guy has THE MARK. He never wanted this 'save the world' mission. He never asked for it. He wants to return the Mark, even if it means to the villains. But he can't...because if he takes it off, he'll die. People are chasing him, trying to kill him. He's supposed to be angered, confused and scared...but he just throws one liners and Will Smith Humor as he's being chased. Remember when the alien's chasing him in ID4? Is he scared? No, he's throwing jokes in the face of death. Well there are a lot more scenes like that in THE MARK. And if it's no surprise, Collins decides to keep The Mark at the end of the script, knowing that he must protect the earth from evil. It also surprised me that Liefeld wanted John Malokivch to play the main villian when the project was released....no matter how great an actor/villain Malkovich can portray, he can't top (or isn't written well enough) Hugo Weaving's Agent Smith. And Liefeld also said that he wanted to cast Jennifer Lopez in the role of the female lead (no, she's not gonna top Carrie Ann Moss' Trinity). And if the concept sounds too familiar....it is. THE MARK is basically THE MATRIX. Mike Collins is Will Smith's "Neo", except maybe not as dumb. The story is the same: the average joe finding out something's wrong with his world, seeing the light, getting superpowers, learning good from evil, fighting the villain and saving the world. Oh yes, throw in a little ENEMY OF THE STATE, when he's on the run from hunters, a little ID4 when he's being chased by alien creatures, a little bit of MiB where he tries out his new powers (no, there's no 'why do i get a noisy cricket' humor in here, but there is 'That''s What I'm Talkin 'Bout' humor in these scenes). This draft was written by Rob Liefeld. A lot of people don't think too highly of Liefeld, claiming that he has no artistic talent and all of his ideas are ripped off of great concepts. I haven't read Liefeld's works but I am aware what everyone's chatting about now. I'm also aware that Big Willie helped write the script and superpowers with Liefeld. Will is producer on this project, too so expect THE MARK song if the movie reaches the silver screen. But this draft of THE MARK is basically a mediocre mix of THE MATRIX and ID4. I went in expecting little, and that's what I got. Which brings me to the fact that Liefeld may be rewriting this script...with a new concept and a new title: MARK OF POWER (what a strikingly original title). He's now setting the story in World War II, and Hitler will still be on the prowl for The Mark. Instead of THE MATRIX, the style and tone will be like INDIANA JONES. And since no director or screenwriter can replicate the Indy films (THE MUMMY tried and failed), I can see where THE MARK is going if it sticks with this new concept: Big Willie Weekend will repeat Wild Wild West's dismal opening weekend business. As of now THE MARK has an annoying hero, a weak villain and a familiar story. Liefeld wants to turn this into a trilogy. I say go back to Screenwriting Class (if he even has gone there)....or hire a better writer. ---The Third King
SpyGuy... by Banzai Rootskibango	Aug 19th, 2008 03:17:29 PM
...don't you know that Thomas Jane is gonna be in a new HBO drama starring his giant cock? That's something on his plate.
Thanks Dingus Khan by Media Messiah	Aug 19th, 2008 03:21:50 PM
Remember, nobody began fighting over Blade until after it had become a successful film, and doing this type of movie, without major interference is 99 percent of the battle. Have you seen the latest on Watchmen??? Go to Nikki Finke's web site, Fox is really going after Warner over the rights for the movie. I'm surprised that AICN hasn't posted a full story on it...as Fox just got the advantage in the case thanks to the judge.
Woody Allen.... by Doggus47	Aug 19th, 2008 03:38:57 PM
But will it have Woody Allen in it?
GOOD CASTING by Gigolo Joe	Aug 19th, 2008 03:42:43 PM
Tom Cruise as a man who inflicts pain on others, seems impervious to harm no matter how many people attack him, and gets his strength from aliens? Sounds like TC in real life. Seriously, though, I am not a TC fan but I think he might actually do well in this role. He would look ludicrous in a superhero costume (a la his VALKYRIE outfit), but Carver doesn't wear one so that won't be a problem. And TC's (usually annoying) intensity might actually work for this role.
No, no, no by calrabjohns	Aug 19th, 2008 03:44:39 PM
I don't think I can put it better. On another note, why are people saying George Carlin is a Scientologist?
Soft by Etrigan_	Aug 19th, 2008 03:47:35 PM
Tom Cruise looks to be too soft for this role. That's just from looking at the pics provided in the article. The guy looks like a bruiser. Tom has never been believably tough. Am I right? Some of the things people have been saying about this makes me more interested though. I'm gonna check it out. Oh, and obligatory hail Xenu!
Was by calrabjohns	Aug 19th, 2008 03:54:59 PM
I meant was, if he was.
Daniel Craig by calrabjohns	Aug 19th, 2008 03:58:30 PM
That's who should be Holden Carver. Incidentally, for fans of Sleeper, read Alan Moore's complete Wildcats since it's related.
George Carlin was... by Etrigan_	Aug 19th, 2008 04:05:42 PM
...sane, so, no he wasn't a Scientologist. He was a great, intelligent, funny as shit guy and people like to connect him to all sorts of things. Carlin gives you instant cred!!!
No, no, no by calrabjohns	Aug 19th, 2008 04:09:23 PM
Kinda funny I'm using that again. I'm not saying he was, I read that in a thread recently on here. I thought some of those people might be here.
An American Carol by calrabjohns	Aug 19th, 2008 04:10:50 PM
Not trying to spam post. It was in that thread.
calrabjohns by Etrigan_	Aug 19th, 2008 04:11:39 PM
Gotcha...well' they aren't here yet!!!
Being impervious to pain is a superpower? by fiester	Aug 19th, 2008 04:17:44 PM
So that means anyone whacked out on PCP should start wearing a cape if they haven't already.
Sleeper is great stuff... by xsi kal	Aug 19th, 2008 04:28:44 PM
...particularly 'season 1'. I don't see Tom Cruise in it though.
Etrigan_ by calrabjohns	Aug 19th, 2008 04:29:39 PM
Does George still give me credit?
calrabjohns pt.2 by Etrigan_	Aug 19th, 2008 04:32:42 PM
yeah, any mention of George Carlin is sufficient...
I'm confused. by Napoleon Park	Aug 19th, 2008 05:41:42 PM
""Sleeper," which ran from 2003-05, centers on an operative whose fusion with an alien artifact makes him impervious to pain and allows him to pass it on to others through skin contact." Does he pass on his immunity to pain, or does he store the pain like a battery and then pass on the pain? Which would be the better superpower? Obviously making other people impervious to pain isn't much good in a fight.
The comic was GREAT! by Kabukiman	Aug 19th, 2008 05:41:57 PM
At least the first volume. Kinda fell out of comic reading for a while when the second volume came out. But the first volume was amazing. If it makes it to the screen with similar tone and not rewritten to shit (like Hancock was) then I'll be impressed. I hope it happens.
You think a guy worth 800 million give shit about HATERS! by The Founder	Aug 19th, 2008 05:47:15 PM
He really doesn't. Sorry to all the haters, but it's true. I have no problem with Cruise, never have. Probably becuase i don't give a shit about his personel life, like so many here seems to.
JUNK by thegreatwhatzit	Aug 19th, 2008 06:23:14 PM
Cruise walked out of a meeting (and, presumably, back into the closet) when enlightened that the studio gauged him as "too old" for MI4. This latest "superhero" debacle sounds about as phony as his marriage. Raimi--your ship, the S.S. Dignity, has sailed without you (BOOGEYMAN 2? You co-produced this cow turd? What were you thinking?).
Hating Hubbard not Ruse by ElvisPresLeeHorsleyHarveyOswaldO prahWinFreeJackHorkheimer	Aug 19th, 2008 08:49:06 PM
Little Tommy Cruise, the subject of the popular song "Secret Midget" is worthy of scorn and contempt but not hate. He is just a mediocre actor and a delusional follower type. He turns films into hollow Cruise vehicles and removes integrity like a body thetan. Plus he is only like 5'2" without those ginormous platform shoes he sports. Hubbard on the other hand was a liar a thief and a con-man who ran off with his best friends wife. Ok so that friend (Jack Parsons) used to buttfuck L. Ron Hubbard in an O.T.O. ritual know as The Babalon Working. Seriously man you couldn't make up a crazier story. As to "Sleeper" hopefully Brubaker says No Midgets! .............................. ..... Secret midget (X2) He was born into a world where midgets were illegal cause their farts, when huffed, gave powers to the ordinary people. So he built a hidden laboratory. Now he's fighting evil. He's a secret midget. He fought the robot commies that were sellin' crack. He fought the hair on Ed Asner's back. And the Mustache from Atlantis, when he stopped it's last attack. He's a secret midget. He's got cybernetic arms and legs that he built in the 80's. He's got all the dancin' moves, so he can drive the ladies crazy. He's a master of disguise, sometimes he looks like Patrick Swayzee. He's a secret... What's his secret? They're confused. Some say that he's Tomy Cruz. Some say Tommy's lover Bruce, but it's a secret midget. Oh Mr. Smith, you're so tall and mysterious. Oh Mr. Smith, you are as unto the Barcelona man. Secret... What a secret. Midget... What a midget. Secret... What a secret. Midget...
Memories-Of-Murder by Riley Martin	Aug 19th, 2008 10:20:21 PM
Um, that was kinda my point. But thank you for the clarification post for the slow ones... :D
"Miss Misery" by PotSmokinAlien	Aug 19th, 2008 11:45:24 PM
Way to rip off Elliott Smith, writers of uninteresting-sounding spinoff comic.
After watching Tropic Thunder.... by TheWaqman	Aug 20th, 2008 12:55:34 AM
I kind of like Tom Cruise again...just a little though. He's still batshit crazy.
Cruise would make a great Tao... by oxblow	Aug 20th, 2008 07:21:09 AM
...he's only good in those roles where you're not supposed to like him. Also, Daniel Craig is an awesome suggestion for Holden Carver.
Cruise's Good Performances by PotSmokinAlien	Aug 20th, 2008 09:35:18 AM
I kind of agree about Cruise only being good in roles you're not supposed to like him in, but I think it's deeper than that: I think he's only good when he's unaware of what is motivating him in his performance. He got an excuse to act all gay in Interview With The Vampire, he got to wrestle with the strain of putting up a hyper-masculine front in Magnolia, he got to abandon all expectations based on his physical appearance in Vanilla Sky, and got to poke fun at the only people in Hollywood more powerful than he is in Tropic Thunder... and those are the best performances I've ever seen him give.
The next Cruise flop by thegreatwhatzit	Aug 20th, 2008 01:45:33 PM
is VALKYRIE. Advance word is pretty bad. An anonymous UA suit admitted that "Tom Cruise plays his Nazi like one of Mel Brooks' caricatures, think HITLER ON ICE. It's been re-cut, re-dubbed and re-scheduled. But nothing can save it."
Did You See "Taps"??? by Media Messiah	Aug 20th, 2008 06:49:38 PM
Tom Cruise's greatest role. He was tremendous...and the role was unlike any other acting role he has ever had, before or since. I wrote a super hero character like that with Tom in mind...something unconventional, that you wouldn't expect for him to do. The character is really great.
Is Sam Raimi directing? by BloodyDreamer	Aug 20th, 2008 07:29:20 PM
Because if it's a movie about a guy that can't feel pain he would just take every chance he had to beat the crap outta cruise! That would be sweet!
Who the hell is Elliot Smith? by jmyoung666	Aug 20th, 2008 10:37:02 PM

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