Rumor: Zack Snyder's Next Movies Have Some Big Problems

[Lenny Magic]

The most interesting part of sucker punch as I can see in the trailer is a Samurai with a mini gun. Since that was in the trailer, I don't need to watch it now.

I'm still not sure whether I like Snyder's films, I tried to rewatch both 300 and Watchmen recently, and just found them to be quite boring. That said the first time I really remember enjoying them both (even after reading Watchmen over 3 times the month before the movie came out).

 

[Tireseas_v1legacy]

Superman: The short time frame is a *****. It probably would be in WB's interest to start negotiations with the estate very soon if they can't get the script finalized within six months.

I have a feeling that the third act problem is related to Superman just being too invulnerable without Kryptonite, which makes putting the character in a pitch extremely difficult.

Suckerpunch: I have a feeling this will be one of those nitch-movies that Snyder is really good at; not necessarily a massive hit, but definitely something that a proper movie-buff will remember down the road as at least a small footnote. After all, 300 was just really (and I mean really) good looking guys, some memorable fight scenes and dialog, all plastered around a comic-book art style and a very thin plot.

 

[Cap'n Ninja]

I'll admit I'm going to see Sucker Punch whether it gets critically panned or not, simply because the visuals look gorgeous.

I can't say I've ever been particularly sold on the whole Superman thing even as a concept, so the film is even less interesting for me. I hope they pull it up though, because I actually rather like Zack Snyder, and Christopher Nolan is pretty good too.

 

[SelectivelyEvil13]

Sucker Punch looked quite fun from a trailer (watching a bluray), so that sounds like a shame if it's a right mess. I would bet that 3D has something to do with this reported fiasco because CGI by itself has advanced to spectacular degrees until the outbreak of this latest trend that not everyone can pull off. Try telling that to Hollywood though without getting laughed out of the big wigs' board meeting.

As for Superman, I think it's karma for too many super hero/comic book movies pushed out in the recent years all at once. A good super hero/comic book movie once in a while is refreshing, but trying to replicate one's success again and again vying for movie franchise material is getting absurd. I may not be a big super hero/comic book fan, but I think that those who are could agree with "quality over quantity" and respect to the source material. Again, try telling Hollywood that without fits of laughter interrupting any flow of common sense. Superman at least has a good backing of talented leaders for the project, so I would not be surprised if it is pulled off well, especially compared to others in the rising genre.

 

[solidstatemind]

You know what I thought when I saw the 'sucker punch' trailer? I thought "I bet that movie would be good if you were on drugs..."

That is never a good sign.

I'll be brutally honest? I have never thought too much of Snyder's work. Even in 300, I was sitting there thinking to myself that the story was carrying it in spite of the direction, not because of.

 

[stiffy]

"It was bad; like, really bad. They're [WB] really not happy with it over there."

Is this "hollywood insider" who talked to NewYork insider a 14 year old girl?

The studios who gave Snyder MILLIONS to make a movie about talking/fighting owls and fund his own script that reads like and anime fanboy's wet dream have no room to complain when he delivers in kind. Whats wrong with the new Superman script? Not enough grousing or romantic entanglement. That wont fare well with the 18-24yr old female demographic? Maybe he's actually adding a violent physical confrontation in the 3rd act....ohh Superman is too heroic and iconic for that....lets have him cry for his illegitimate child instead!!!! Oh no! WB will have to compensate the family of his creators (one of whom was working at a post office when the Reeves flic came out). F that

 

[OldAccount]

Watchmen wasn't a critical success? Thats one of my all time favorite films. Anyway I honestly hope these rumors are bullshit. I'm a huge fan of Zack Snyder's work and had high hopes for Sucker Punch.

 

[zelda2fanboy]

So much hate and doom and dread in this world. "So like this one guy we don't know said a movie we haven't seen was bad. Like really bad." If I ever direct/write/produce movies I want to be uncredited. The internet is like high school. If your films are liked, you're mildly accepted, but not too much, because no one wants to be a fanboy. If your films aren't liked by the cool kids or they don't get enough advertising or fifty other things that are not in your control, you're a pathetic loser who can't do anything, even though you're a millionaire. It's not worth it. Start your own company and make movies anonymously.

 

[Aureliano]

I hate to say it, because I don't personally dislike Zack Snyder, but I hope his new projects do end up failing and he ends up working in a different industry. Perhaps he can put his talents to better use making the biggest-budget epic cgi gay porno ever.

Let's be entirely fair here after all: take 300. When every single man on the screen in a cast of like 20 dudes has bigger and more prominent tits than any woman in the film, something gay is going on. Oh, and blue penis in Watchmen? Yeah. That happened. Again, I don't dislike him, but I think he would fit much better in the gay porn directing scene than directing big budget blockbusters.

 

[Caligulove]

Sucker Punch always seemed like a great trailer- but nothing more.

As for Snyder himself, I really dont think hes a very creative director, or a very good one- 300 was good, but when you look at the graphic novel, you begin to realize that the movie's cinematography is practically shot-for-shot from the comic. I've heard some say that "that's what makes it a great adaptation" but I just can't see Snyder coming out and doing something original or creative, or at least not doing it very well.

 

[AngelicSven]

Isn't this the guy that wants Superman to fight a giant spider?

I really want Sucker-Punch to be good but it won't be.

 

[Aiddon_v1legacy]

hmmmm, I think Snyder is a completely competent director, but I don't see him as great. 300 was good (even if it was laced with homophobia and racism), but Watchmen was merely so-so due to Snyder's over-admiration for it (and let's face it, that book was best LEFT as a comic). I don't see Sucker Punch being anything more than pretty and swiftly forgotten; Superman I HOPE he does well as we need more DC films. My guess is that Nolan is merely helping Goyer with the screenplay. Anyway, I hope they work something out with Superman

 

[DevilWolf47]

WHAT?! A JACK SNYDER FILM MERELY LOOKS NICE AND IS ACTUALLY POORLY WRITTEN?! NOOOOOO!!![/massive sarcasm]

Big surprise, Sucker Punch is going to suck. How many people actually held out hope for that movie?

I was surprised to hear about another Superman movie and a 300 sequel just there, but i don't believe any of them will be worth watching.

 

[LogicNProportion]

Two things I must say:

1. Suckerpunch will be awesome if you want a good time and eye candy...like most, if not all of Snyder's films.

and

2. Superman is a nightmare to write/create for. He is a horribly dull and boring character. The people in charge of him need to realize this. Perhaps they should focus on the Flash. While the immediate problems are obvious on a movie for him, at least he is lulzy enough...

ALSO: A 300 sequel!? WHY THE FUCK WOULD THEY DO THIS!?

 

[theonlyblaze2]

On Superman: I don't think any form of media beside comics works for Superman, though I really think most of these rumors are just rumors.

On Sucker Punch: Come on...Your'e not watching that movie for the plot. You are watching it for hot chicks to fight Nazis in trenches while Zepplins explode over head and a rock dragon fights two giant Samurai Mechs on a castle. It isn't gonna win any Oscars.

 

[UberNoodle]

So let me get this straight:

A movie focussing very much on art, and with a weird premise involving fantastical and surreal situations, didn't sit well with the conservative, Joe Blo focus group chosen by the studios.

Yeah, of course. Blade Runner died at tests and under the critics. It was a flop. I'm not saying that Suckerpunch will be anywhere near that film, but I hope that we all realise that when studio people say that a film is a 'failure' or has 'problems in the 3rd act', they are most likely talking about SALES.

The 3rd act is when popcorn gets munched more ferociously. It is the point where a lost audience can be made to salivate for a protential sequel, or tell their friends and family to see the film. It is the moment when every studio pushes for a happy ending, to have ambiguity removed, to rearrange the plot to that everything is 'clearer'.

On top of that, you can bet that Snyder's target market was probably not well represented in the test screening. It is typical for those viewings to be dominated by the lowest common denominator - they are a majority and therefore the most profitable to please, or so the studios reason.

Test screenings are what put Shaolin Soccer in limbo for years, and ultimately drove Miramaxe to slice it to ribbons. Test screenings are what made CLiff Hanger add footage to show that a snow bunny hadn't accidentally been killed. They are a joke, and they are only there to show the producers that the money they paid can be regained.

As an another example, Babylon A.D. could have been an amazing film, but again, studio meddling 'in the 3rd act', but also everywhere, and badly done test screening, turned what was to be an accurate portrayal of a cutting novel into rubbish. Alien 3's original form was so different to the 'Studio Meddled' version, and those who've seen the Assembly Cut can attest. Back to Blade Runner, studio meddling got Ridley off the project at editing, and the voice over added in and OUTTAKES FROM THE SHINING added in for a happy ending!

So anyway, rant over. I want to give Snyder all the chances he can to get these two films right. 300 was great, Watchmen was too. The deciding factor will be, as his films rise in costs, is just how much of the control will be relinquished to the accountants and marketing folk in the studios. Film making is so much politics.

 

[DarkRyter]

Damn, now I feel kinda sorry for Snyder, cause I feel he would be the kind of director I would be if I were a director.

 

[Tuddle]

I will not believe Sucker Punch is going to suck or turn out as crap. I will refuse to believe it.

 

[titaniumChampion]

I had a problem with more than just one act of Batman, but the third act was where I gave way to a seething hate for anyone and everyone involved. I'm a big believer in the hero actually doing something heroic for an ending. The Dark Knight was lame compared to the ending of Batman Begins. It doesn't surprise me that they have a similar problem of making an ending that is compelling and worthwhile.

Superman Returns wasn't a terrible film, but I was letdown with the lack of action. Something Spider-man, and to some extent Iron Man, have in their favor are the super-villains that pose a threat to the hero. The Joker wasn't threatening to Batman, he was only a domestic terrorist, his whole existence was based on creating chaos. Collateral damage is one thing, but villains should be there to challenge the hero. Yin and Yang. It's how the hero and villain interact that is interesting, not just seeing the villain blow things up without the hero involved in any conceivable way.