david goyer - The Screengrab

Maxed Out

Via, of all places, Latino Review, comes a review of the latest script from superhero specialist David S. Goyer (Batman Begins): SuperMax.

Although it hasn't locked down a distributor yet, SuperMax is generating tons of buzz in the cape-and-cowl nerdworld of superhero films, and we'd be very surprised if it doesn't land a production company by the end of summer. (Some sites have already assigned Matt Damon to the leading role, but this is the kind of speculation run amok that is endemic to the world of super-flicks.) We recently discussed how Marvel intends to make further inroads against rival DC in the movie business by taking a multiversal approach to its storytelling as they did in their comics of the 1960s; while it's not clear if this move will pressure Warner Brothers to do the same in DC movie adaptations, it's at least clear from the SuperMax script that they'll be dipping deep into fanservice, rewarding geeks with tons of cameos by popular DC supervillains, including the Joker, the Riddler and Lex Luthor.

Essentially, SuperMax tells the story of billionaire playboy Oliver Queen's transformation from self-absorbed layabout to crimefighting liberal crusader the Green Arrow, as well as his subsequent frame-up for murder. After the framejob, he's found guilty and transported to the SuperMax prison, a specially designed high-security penitentiary meant to contain super-powered threats. The movie quickly transforms into a race-against-time thriller, as Green Arrow must prove himself innocent and find out who framed him (and why) before the inhabitants of SuperMax -- many of whom he put there himself -- get their revenge.

Dark City Director’s Cut Sees the Light, Will No Doubt Rule

While my respect for the man knows no bounds, I cannot say that I have much love for Roger Ebert. My bitterness was born out of the one and a half star rating he had bestowed on The 13th Warrior. This guy gave Anaconda three and a half stars! Even Ice Cube punching a snake in the face and calling it bitch doesn’t warrant two full stars over solid John McTiernan action. I’ve continued to take issue with many, many things the man has said since but Rog and I will always agree on one thing. Dark City is awesome.

Review: Jumper

Editor's note: Starting this week, Nerve Film Lounge reviews and interviews will be folded into Screengrab.

Here's the score: Jumpers are people that can teleport. Bet you'd like to know how — well, too bad. Paladins are people who have been trying to kill Jumpers "since medieval times." Why? Couldn't tell you. Samuel L. Jackson says that, "Only God should have the power to be in all places." He usually says it as he unwraps a giant knife from some dusty cloth before stabbing a Jumper. I don't know if that's the Paladin motto or something. Jumper, as a movie, doesn't really tell you too much. It doesn't do much of anything, for that matter. Director Doug Liman opens the movie opens by having Hayden "Little Annie" Christensen talking about all the cool stuff he's done teleporting about the world that morning. We don't actually see Christensen doing these things, which might've helped engage us right off the bat. But Jumper tells instead of shows — and then, about a third of the way through, stops doing either.