Captain America

[Johnny Unusual]

Definitely pretty cool news. I'm a huge Whedon fan, Buffy is my favorite series in existence and I also love Angel and Firefly (& Serenity), and Dr. Horrible of course. Though Dollhouse was very bad in my opinion. And I do enjoy the Buffy comics that Joss writes.

But, none the less, Whedon isn't an all out 100% perfect "hell yeah" choice here to me. This is an insane project that is the most ambitious huge budget superhero movie yet, and simply put, Joss has never worked with a budget, and he's never done anything remotely like this. And much like the criticism Kevin Smith gets for being more skilled as a writer than a director, that might just apply to Joss as well.

Plus, has he ever directed something he didn't have a hand in writing? Though it's possible he will have input there.

All in all, good news, but while I love Joss, this is a big undertaking, its not an easy win.

A reasoned, rational debate.  How novel   

I'd say Joss's backgroud gives him a lot more heat coming into this than pretty much anyone else who's directed any of the Avenger's movies up until now, he knows how to work with multiple characters and REALLY understands pacing a big arc.  Besides possibly Bryan Singer, I can't think of anyone who's done anything even close to the style of film this is going to be.

I really look forward to Whedon doing some writing on Stark.  The charisma or Downey with the already well defined charming character and Whedon's crackling dialogue.  Looking forward to it.

When I sent a letter telling this news to a friend, I titled it "Whedon the Guardians"  I'm proud of my wordplay.

[Sharktopus]

I certainly have my misgivings about Joss directing such a huge movie, but I felt similarly about Jon Favreau. Also remember, Joss has plenty of experience working with large ensemble casts, which is a definite plus.

Bottom line? Thank the gods it's not Brett Ratner.

[Johnny Unusual]

I certainly have my misgivings about Joss directing such a huge movie, but I felt similarly about Jon Favreau. Also remember, Joss has plenty of experience working with large ensemble casts, which is a definite plus.

Bottom line? Thank the gods it's not Brett Ratner.

I just wrote a great sketch based on that last sentence.  It goes like this.

Doctor:  I have the results Mr. Johnson and the news I'm afraid... is not good.  You have lyme disease.
Patient:  I... I was afraid of that.  I mean, when I felt the symptoms, and looked them up online, I thought I was panicking.  Like it was all psychosomatic or something.  But I KNEW.  I KNEW. I... What's going to happen?  To me, I mean?
Doctor:  You're in stage one right now, that includes the rash and the flu-like symptoms you've been feeling.   Stage two includes unnatural lumps in your scrotum, earlobes or nipples.  You will also experience migrating pains in you muscles, tendons and joints.  You will also be subject to neurological disorders.  In  stage three you will be subject to a large number of ailments including vertigo, bladder problems, delusional behaviour.  Look, the list is pretty long, it may be better if you read about all of this.  I'll prepare some papers for you.
Patient: *horrifie/dumbfounded*
Doctor:  I'm sorry, the diagnosis came pretty late.  It's certainly not impossible to pull through but it might a struggle.  Either way, you will not get through this without a lot of suffering.  You're a strong man Mr. Johnson, you might be able to make it... but I can't make any promises.
Patient:  *breathes in deep, as if both frustrated and steeling himself.*  Well... Thank God it's not Brett Ratner.

[Thom_Serveaux]

I guess it goes without saying that 'comic book/superhero' movies are still, by and large a mixed bag of bad and good (leaning a little too much towards bad IMHO)  Still anyone remember 'Justice League Of America' circa 1997?

http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/_oBe9m9Q5eU&NR=1

By comparison, I liked the treatment of the Flash in the other CBS tv show...

http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/ea9sq9jH60M

[warofthebees]

Are you really comparing the recent superhero movies to the Justice League TV show? 

Hell, Ghost Rider wasn't even that bad.

[Sharktopus]

Are you really comparing the recent superhero movies to the Justice League TV show? 

Hell, Ghost Rider wasn't even that bad.

It wasn't even a real show. They never picked up the pilot. (A shock, I know.)

[warofthebees]

I always thought The Punisher would work well as a television series rather than a film.  Of course, it would have to be on HBO or Showtime to accommodate the violence and cursing

[Doctor Who?]

I always thought The Punisher would work well as a television series rather than a film.  Of course, it would have to be on HBO or Showtime to accommodate the violence and cursing

That would be cool!  Could it be aired in front of a dark and gritty version of The Shadow?

[warofthebees]

HBO really should put me in charge. 

Of course, if they did, it would be nothing but nonstop comic book movies over and over again

[Pak-Man]

Wonder if there's enough material out there, including all movies, TV shows, cartoons, etc, to start up a 24/7 Comic Book channel...

[Darth Geek]

Wonder if there's enough material out there, including all movies, TV shows, cartoons, etc, to start up a 24/7 Comic Book channel...

Hosted by Bruce Campbell.

[Tripe]

Wonder if there's enough material out there, including all movies, TV shows, cartoons, etc, to start up a 24/7 Comic Book channel...

Without a doubt you could run a daily Bat Block (two hours or so of Batman based entertainment) alone.

[warofthebees]

Wonder if there's enough material out there, including all movies, TV shows, cartoons, etc, to start up a 24/7 Comic Book channel...

Hosted by Bruce Campbell.

Why are you in my head, Darth Geek?

[Darth Geek]

Wonder if there's enough material out there, including all movies, TV shows, cartoons, etc, to start up a 24/7 Comic Book channel...

Hosted by Bruce Campbell.

Why are you in my head, Darth Geek?

It's comfy in here.

[mrbasehart]

Wonder if there's enough material out there, including all movies, TV shows, cartoons, etc, to start up a 24/7 Comic Book channel...

Disregarding any kinds of rights issues, I think there would be loads of material for a Comic Book Channel (which I think is a good idea, Pak).  From the Batman/Wonder Woman/Hulk/Spider-Man live action shows in the 60s and 70s, to the cartoons of the previous 20 years (plus a whole bunch of movies), it could be a channel I'd watch regularly.