Today at Comic-Con saw less news, but much more high-profile announcements. Most of the action took place in Hall H, which was bogged down with some serious line management problems, but we’ve got it all summed up right here for you.

The first big presentation of the day was from Warner Bros. First, the first footage from Green Lantern was screened. Although nothing spectacular, the fans enjoyed it overall, but were disappointed with the lack of Reynolds in the suit. This only confirms the fact that the suit is a work-in-progress. Still, I am looking forward to this film and hope that it can be a simple, fun superhero origin story, which we haven’t seen a lot of recently. Also, I’m looking forward to the more fantastical elements of the hero. Producer Donald DeLine said that many other Green Lanterns are featured and that the movie is part space opera, which is a good sign that they’re not ignoring that area of the Green Lantern mythos. And although the Green Lantern announcements are cool, DC has really not stepped up their game to challenge Marvel’s cinematic dominance. Geoff Johns is now in charge of their creative decisions moving forward, which is a great move, but the company has not centralized their film properties as Marvel has to such enormous success. Also, there was no word on Batman, which was a huge missed opportunity. Still, I’m hoping that after Green Lantern DC gets their act together and makes something great, maybe a Justice League movie? (Although I’m torn on whether or not Chris Nolan’s Batman should be a part of anything like that.) After a short Harry Potter trailer and panel, Zack Snyder came onstage for Sucker Punch. This new movie is based on his idea and stars an ensemble cast of women who are breaking out of a mental institution and includes Carla Gugino, Jamie Chung, Vanessa Hudgens, Jena Malone and Emily Browning. I’m not sure what to think about this movie, but the footage got a fantastic reception and it sounds truly unique. Hopefully the trailer gets released online soon so we all can see it.

Let Me In, the American remake of the Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In, has had an enormous 360 when it comes to the public’s view. After a period of resenting the fact that such a movie was being remade, it seems like every detractor has been shut up by footage from the upcoming movie. I know I wasn’t too excited for this, but now its definitely on my radar. Matt Reeves (Cloverfield), from what I can tell, is doing a fantastic job helming the movie. He talked about how Steven Spielberg gave him tips for interacting with young actors, and that is what has me most excited for this film. Both Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road) and Chloe Grace Moretz ((500) Days of Summer, Kick-Ass) have a lot of potential to give amazing performances and I hope they both pull it off. Check out this trailer for the film:

At this point, Hall H screeched to a halt after a fight broke out. It’s still unclear what actually happened, but the prevailing rumor is that someone asked another guy to move and when he didn’t, he stabbed him in the face with a pen. That’s speculation, but the scene was pretty grisly with blood everywhere and the victim being taken out on a stretcher, all with 8 or 9 cops in the vicinity.

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost then introduced their new film, Paul. In the movie, the duo travel to Comic-Con and then embark on a road trip to Roswell, New Mexico. On the way they meet an alien named Paul, who is voiced by Seth Rogen. Paul is directed by Greg Mottola (Superbad) and the supporting cast includes Sigourney Weaver, Jason Bateman, and Jeffrey Tambor. I am really looking forward to this movie as Pegg and Frost are consistently hilarious and the story is pretty original. Paul is not your typical alien – he basically thinks of himself as an everyday Joe. Road trips are always pretty fun so having one with this trio of comedians and an alien should be awesome.

Once again Jon Favreau showed his skill at captivating the geek demographic by creating huge anticipation for Cowboys & Aliens, his new movie starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, and Sam Rockwell. Although the idea is great, it takes skill to blend such two very different genres, but Favreau is going for a very Western feel. After explaining that he is trying to emulate the Sergio Leone/John Ford films of the 40s and 50s, while using practical effects from the 80s as well as CGI for the aliens, he decided to just screen some early footage. Although the crew has only been shooting for three weeks, attendees were very impressed by the scene. In a surprise appearance, Harrison Ford was brought on stage in handcuffs by two security guards. It was his first appearance at the convention and the crowd went nuts. This a natural reaction, of course, to the man who played Han Solo and Indiana Jones, as well as many other awesome characters. I hope Favreau can really nail the Western feel and deliver a really fun, interesting film due out next summer, July 29th.

Now the presentation you’ve all been waiting for: Marvel. What Marvel is doing with their properties on film is incredible. By going independent and forming Marvel Studios where writers can collaborate and come up with great, interlocking stories for all of their superheroes, the company shows that it knows what its doing. Hopefully the result will be incredible, but there are a lot of moving parts, and all of them must come together perfectly. Captain America was first, as a short teaser showed Chris Evans in full costume throwing the iconic shield at the camera. After some discussion, the filmmakers actually had some footage to show which involved Hugo Weaving as Red Skull searching for an artifact that has something to do with Odin. I really like the Indiana Jones/World War II period piece vibe I’m getting for this movie. I hope Joe Johnston can create a very good atmosphere and seeing Cap killing Nazis is going to be sweet. Next up was Thor, which is much farther into production. A lot of footage was shown, and I can’t wait to see the trailer. Apparently the costumes are not nearly as cheesy as they looked in the first images we were shown. Reactions were very positive, which is a relief. Finally, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige brought on The Avengers. After years of rumors, this movie is finally actually happening. The final lineup was announced: Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson, Scarlett Johansson as Natalie Rushman/Black Widow, Chris Hemsworth as Donald Blake/Thor, Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk (see the full cast in the photo from the event). It’s going to be insane seeing so many heroes on screen at the same time. I hope Joss Whedon can bring together all of this madness and deliver an amazing film.

Behold the cast of "The Avengers"

Well that was a very big day at Comic-Con, and while we knew most of this going in, it was still awesome to see all of these projects materializing before our eyes. Its going to hard, but we can’t fuel the hype too much. I’m looking forward to all of these films as much as anyone, but I’m not going to let the anticipation ruin my enjoyment of the movies as movies.

On Friday, Hitflix reported that Marvel would not be calling Ed Norton to play Bruce Banner/The Hulk in The Avengers. After giving it a few days, this news is definitely confirmed. Unfortunately, Norton is definitely out.

Let’s start at the beginning. Friday, Hitflix broke the story that Marvel would not be asking Edward Norton to return as The Hulk. On the surface it sounded as if the much-publicized disagreements between Norton and Marvel over The Incredible Hulk had continued, and that creative differences had led to the split. However, this was definitely not the case. Norton was very interested in returning for The Avengers, had been approached by Marvel, and was in the process of civil negotiations. He had even met with Joss Whedon, and everything was going smoothly until seemingly out-of-the-blue Marvel decided to “go in another direction.”

The next day, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige confirmed the news with this statement:

“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.”

Norton’s agent Brian Swardstrom, responded with:

“This offensive statement from Kevin Feige at Marvel is a purposefully misleading, inappropriate attempt to paint our client in a negative light. Here are the facts: two months ago, Kevin called me and said he wanted Edward to reprise the role of Bruce Banner in The Avengers. He told me it would be his fantasy to bring Edward on stage with the rest of the cast at ComiCon and make it the event of the convention. When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast. Marvel subsequently made him a financial offer to be in the film and both sides started negotiating in good faith. This past Wednesday, after several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions, but before we had come to terms on a deal, a representative from Marvel called to say they had decided to go in another direction with the part. This seemed to us to be a financial decision but, whatever the case, it is completely their prerogative, and we accepted their decision with no hard feelings.”

This led to a very vocal backlash at Marvel. Passing over Norton, a great actor who obviously loves the character, was bad enough. But the way they did it was even worse. I mean, Marvel has the opportunity to make the biggest geek movie ever and they’re dropping the ball. They already know that this movie is guaranteed to make a killing at the box office, but that doesn’t give them an excuse to forget their fanbase.

This whole ordeal just goes to show that Marvel isn’t as concerned with making a seamless bridge from their individual superheroes to The Avengers as we were led to believe. I’m sure that the movie will still be amazing to watch, but that break in continuity will hurt a little.

Yesterday, Norton released a statement of his own on his official Facebook page:

“As most of you know, I don’t like to talk much about the business of making movies because it means a lot to me to protect the audience’s fullest enjoyment of the ‘magic’ that films can have. But I am so appreciative of the outpouring of support from the fans of the Hulk and the Avengers that I feel it would be rude not to respond. So here goes: It seems it won’t work out for me to continue playing Bruce Banner for Marvel in The Avengers. I sincerely hoped it could happen and be great for everyone, but it hasn’t turned out as we all hoped. I know this is disappointing to many people and that makes me sad. But I am very sincerely grateful to Marvel for extending the offer and even more so for giving me the chance to be a part of the Hulk’s long and excellent history. And I really can’t thank the fans enough for how much enthusiasm you’ve sent my way about what Louis and I tried to do in our turn with the legend. It means a lot to me. I grew up with Banner and Hulk and have been a fan of every incarnation. I’m really proud, and very blessed, to have been one of them and will be thrilled to see him live on through other actors. Hulk is bigger than all of us, that’s why we love him, right?

So, Norton bows out with class. Still, this whole story is very disappointing. I’m curious to see who will be chosen to replace him. CHUD posted a rumor that Joaquin Phoenix was approached for the role but that has not been confirmed. Presumably, we will have an announcement at Comic-Con next weekend.

Kathryn Bigelow is one of Hollywood’s best talents. Never heard of her? Well surely one has seen her films as she’s done Point Break, Near Dark, and K-19: The Widowmaker. As far as female directors go, there’s something that separates Bigelow from the rest of the pack in that she can construct a good film. Yes, I know, the sex card comes out but truth is film is a male dominated world and there hasn’t been one female director to make a splash like Kathryn Bigelow. The woman just knows how to get the very best out of her films and in some cases can elevate the material she’s given to make it work. After a seven year absence Bigelow returns with The Hurt Locker, a film where there’s not enough good words in the English Dictionary to praise such a wonderful, great, and incredible piece of filmmaking it is.

Much is made of the film’s setting during the Iraqi war and while some may wish the political side of this was dipped into a little bit more, Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal are smart to keep the focus on the characters and story at hand. Where films like The Kingdom would try to make political statements over defining it’s characters, The Hurt Locker is too concerned with letting us get to know Sgt. William James (Jeremy Renner) Sgt. JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie), and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty). Their dynamic works in that each represents a face of war with James being the hot-headed, war junkie, Sanborn represents the most level-headed of the group, and Eldridge is someone who really shouldn’t be there to begin with. The film doesn’t tell us any of it though as Bigelow expects us to watch the characters actions rather than have a five minute dialogue scene on their feelings.

There’s no face villain in The Hurt Locker as it’s antagonist comes from an unlikely place. The movie takes a Taxi Driver mentality and presents it’s lead as it’s adversary. That’s really high praise, but that’s the first film that came to mind when . Sgt. James is off in his own world, operating on his terms. One may ignorantly argue that he’s essentially a rogue cop, and while that mentality does apply, the film shows a scene where a higher officer (David Morse) praises James for his efforts rather chew him out. Bigelow takes the time to make you get invested in James before showing what a crazy son of a bitch he truly is. Renner though, is flawless and will be made a leading man after this film. He’s utterly believable as a man who craves war and only has a passion for it. There’s a scene towards the end of the film where Renner perfectly delivers his final lines that sends a chill down one’s spine. They also paint him as a racist, evidenced when James pins Sanborn down and sticks a knife to his throat. No lines are shared to give an indication, just the actions of Renner.

If there’s a “hero” in here, a Johnny Utah if you will, it is Anthony Mackie’s Sanborn. This character could have easily gone the way of the tired “I hate you but will eventually respect you” stereotype but Mackie elevates him past that. He’s the character the audience attaches themselves to and sees things through his eyes. Should he “accidentally” kill James? Maybe, and Mackie’s ice cold delivery tricks the audience into thinking he might. While the film allows these two opposites to attract, it never fully establishes whether or not they “respect” each other by the end. Mackie seems to play him towards no, even when both James and Sanborn discuss what happens in the heat of war. Mackie’s never overdoing it or coming off weak, but just as a man who’s had enough. He needs to be just as great as Renner, and thankfully for the human race he’s perfect.

Balancing both Sanborn and James out is Eldridge, who represents the young minds who shouldn’t be in war. Bigelow shows him playing Gears of War flawlessly only to show how unstable Eldridge is two minutes later. In combat, real combat, the specialist isn’t so special as he’s nervous and jittery on missions. Eldridge is even paired with a colonel (played expertly by Christian Camargo) to evaluate his status. He finds some form of solace in the colonel, but even then he never feels right at home in Iraq. Geraghty dazzles to create a perfectly unstable character. He knows Owen doesn’t belong and gives him every reason to not be there. When he tells James “Fuck you,” there’s real conviction behind it that Geraghty doesn’t fumble.

Bigelow’s direction reigns supreme as she again proves she can do action better than most anyone working today. Pretty much, she just ran down the line and slapped the taste out of most directors touting their big action sequences for the summer. The Hurt Locker establishes itself with its opening sequence and never looks back. It’s an explosive opening, and gives off the impression things are going to go tits up at every turn. Alas they don’t as Bigelow performs like a magician, creating the illusion they will. Anytime James walks to disarm a bomb one is on the edge of their seat, gasping for air. The action doesn’t need a building to blow up or have fifty guys be mowed down by gunfire. Instead, the viewers are treated to action that relies on James disarming a bomb and making its audience wondering if he’s going to die.

Yet that isn’t where Bigelow takes folks like Michael Bay or Len Wiseman out behind the woodshed. This can all be summed up by two words: sniper battle. In one of the film’s best sequences, our trio and a group of mercenaries led by Ralph Fiennes are holed up in a trench as a terrorist sniper picks them off. There’s one, possibly two shots from the enemy point of view while the rest of the time one is anticipating the final blow. Nothing blows up and there’s no close-ups of any of the deaths. When the final blow does indeed come, Bigelow chooses to show a bullet shell bouncing off the sand in slow motion, much more effective than showing a dismembered body. Even after the bullets are done flying and Capri Sun comes into the picture, we linger in just a little longer to see Eldridge get his moment to shine. Like the rest of the film, one is biting their nails and shaking with a mix of tension and that feeling of awesome. They should, as it’s most likely the best action sequence of this year and last year.

Mark Boal’s script never makes us forget about the men in the middle of the mayhem however. As mentioned before, The Hurt Locker is too concerned with putting it’s story and characters first to add in any political mumbo jumbo that plagues every other Iraqi war film. One could place this story in any other war and you’d still come away with the same result. Iraq is just a background and Boal understands this, as does Bigelow. She shoots the picture very aggressively, being subtle with when and where the shaky cam is placed. She also knows where it doesn’t belong and perfectly frames her shots, particularly a scene with James at the end of the film. Bottom line, if a female is going to win the Best Director Oscar, now’s a perfect time.

The Hurt Locker is simply a product of what happens when all the great elements of filmmaking come together. It’s the closest thing to a perfect film we’ll likely get and absolutely lives up and surpasses all the praise it’s been getting. Kathryn Bigelow marks her return and let’s hope she’s back to stay. She’s helped by Boal’s tight script and some spectacular performances by it’s leads. Bigelow anchors the ship to make it rise head and shoulders above everything else that’s come out, or likely, will come out. The film is just pure greatness from the opening frame to its last, which right now makes it one of, if not the best film of the year.

Rating: ★★★★★ 

"I'm so awesome. Wait..who invited the director of TWILIGHT?!"

A beautiful thing happened at The Arclight today. As I stood drooling over the bomb suit from The Hurt Locker, I looked over at the showtimes from the films playing tonight. Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen had not sold out a single showing today to which some surprise came over me. Even more jumped in my body when I looked at the showtimes for Kathryn Bigelow’s opus. The 7:40 showing read “SOLD OUT” and for the first time since who knows when, a sense of faith was restored in movie watchers. Let’s forget that Jeremy Renner was doing a Q and A or that Transformers 2 was showing on a couple of screens. The fact is I saw that audiences still had a little bit of sense left in them.

The Hurt Locker is very easily one of this year’s best, if not THE best film of the year and largely that’s due to Kathryn Bigelow’s talent as a director. The woman just knows how to construct a film and hasn’t been a one-hit wonder like many female directors. Need an example of her talent? Point Break. What should by all means be a terrible movie is elevated to a great, entertaining film mostly because of her. With The Hurt Locker she’s given a much better screenplay by Mark Boal and showcases her talents wonderfully.

Nobuhiro Hosoki has an interview with Bigelow and writer Boal over at his website that you can listen to here. Just listening to this gives you a sense that Bigelow isn’t “just another pretty face” and can actually direct better than a good chunk of a male dominated field. Mark gets a few words in, but the entire thing is mostly Kathryn sprouting out her knowledge and genius with us.

Those lucky enough to be in L.A. and New York can bask in The Hurt Locker‘s awesomeness now. Everyone else has two more weeks to go for July 10th.

If I had my way, on June 26th everyone would find themselves in a theater seeing The Hurt Locker rather than latest Michael Bay fiasco. Unfortunately, this movie can’t come out on July 1st and the world couldn’t handle so much awesome piled into one week. This movie deserves your attention just as much as a Harry Potter, Transformers, or Final Destination. The film is being released by Summit Entertainment who is trying to make up for their mistake of making Twilight into a franchise by giving us Kathryn Bigelow’s Iraqi War awesomeness. While nothing can make up for unleashing that crap onto humanity, this might be the closest you’ll get. Those who haven’t heard of it (and shame on you) should know it’s been sweeping up the festival circuit and many are calling it one of the best, if not THE best film of the year. If the trailer wasn’t enough to convince you this movie would be an assault of kick assery, then maybe these two new clips over at Film School Rejects will convince you. Also below are six new images from the flick.

As stated, The Hurt Awesome….I mean The Hurt Locker opens June 26th. Let’s do the impossible and beat Bay at his own game! For now, enjoy these six new stills from the flick.