Comic Book Fan

Have you seen the new "Catwoman" movie? Are you planning to go see it? Am I? NO!! As a comic book collector and fan I do not like what I have seen and heard so far. Usually I reserve bias until I see a film and rarely pay attention to critics (mainly because they hardly ever see things the way I do). 

Perhaps I should start by saying why this means anything at all to me and just where exactly I come off with this opinion not having seen the movie yet. I have seen some fantastic comic book movie adaptations. "Superman" was one of the first to make it to the silver screen in 1978 and Christopher Reeves made the role his own for several films that followed. Although the some of actors and writing for the 3rd and 4th films sucked, it was forgiveable as they kept the character of Superman more or less believable to fans. 

"Batman" -(1989) is a perfect example of how comic books should be brought to life. Tim Burton did a great job of capturing the dark knight on film and all the chemistry worked to the satisfaction of fans world wide! "Batman Returns" was good as well also directed by Tim Burton. Michelle Pfeiffer did the role of catwoman justice as she was athletic, cunning, and subtlety sexy. Then they gave up the great director and traded Keaton for Kilmer and the result was a laughable "Batman Forever".

Many producers and directors have followed the comic book cash cow idea to the big screen. But do they all do us comic book fans justice? Hell no! A lot of great comic book based movies have been released (Blade, The Crow, Spiderman, Spiderman 2, X-Men, and X-Men United) but unfortunately there have been some embarrassments as well.  The hype over "The Hulk" was high and comic book fans waited with baited breath to see what the CGI animations would do for the Hulk. It was a let down as the producers relied so heavily on the CGI they forgot to focus on the story and character.

"DareDevil" was forgettable, as was "The Punisher". So here comes "Catwoman" and from the very first trailer, I was like "What have they done to her?" Now, don't get me wrong, it has nothing to do with Halle Berry. I happen to like her and agree with my wife that she is a strong black female who is a great actor and has a lot to offer to any movie. She certainly shines in the previously mentioned X-Men movies . My problem is with the movie itself, and here again I have not seen it.

As a comic book fan I expect certain things before I see a movie especially in the trailers and the early reviews of other comic book fans. What I have seen, I do not like. The outfit is overboard. Berry has a great figure and again I am not knocking that, but Catwoman was always alluring and sensual without showing any skin. They changed her name, Catwoman has always been Selina Kyle, but not in this movie. And where is Batman? Part of the reason we love her and hate her is because of her interactions with the Dark Knight. You can't just take her out of the DC universe and not expect some resistence.

Now I understand that directors have their own vision and sometimes characters get re-invented but on the big screen it is harder to get away with. So it may be a good movie based on Berry's strengths and possibly a good plot, but it is not our Catwoman, the Catwoman of the comic book fans and aren't we the ones who they wanted to appeal to? Oh well, good luck at the box office but I am afraid that "The Bourne Supremacy" has already de-clawed Catwoman's share of the profits.   

 

• Today's Cure song is "To The Sky" from the Join The Dots: B-Sides and Rarities   Collection - (2004)  An unleased track from the 1987 Kiss Me,Kiss Me, Kiss Me sessions. The way the Cello bounces, the flute is sprinkled in, and the violins sway in the background are perfect for the flowery imagery and lyrics!
  

"And I was floating through the colours of a sky. Up to the stars and angels"

CJ