X Marks The Spot

I have to make a confession. I’m a little apprehensive about prequels. Yes, you can thank George Lucas for destroying all ideas of prequels for me. The Star Wars franchise took a hit with a younger crowd as Jar-Jar destroyed a mysterious world with a bunch of gibberish and made us old Star Wars nerds look silly for our excitement. So when it was announced the next X-Men film would be a prequel (for lack of a better word), I was very panicky.

I have to admit I like the way the movie casting is taking shape. James McAvoy has been cast as Professor X and Michael Fassbender of Inglorious Basterds fame has been highly courted to play Magneto. Both are incredible actors who will bring honesty to the role. It also knocks down a very early rumor that the movie wasn’t going to be a prequel. Well, I don’t think they would cast two young hunks if they weren’t going to start over. I also saw the writing on the wall with the last Wolverine movie.

Fassbender is a solid choice. We will soon be judging his work in Jonah Hex. His ability to show power and soul in a character has landed him a series of roles in the next few years. If you think you will get sick of seeing Sam Worthington, wait until you see Fessbender’s resume. It is very long.

In addition to the quality casting going on, they seem to have landed (or near landed) director Matthew Vaughn. He is the director of Kick-Ass and Stardust, two films I enjoyed thoroughly. He has a very different feel for movies. Timing seems to be his forte. He knows when to show passion in a film and he knows when to kick it into high gear. If he has Fessbender and McAvoy to work with, I expect nothing but high quality.

Now, onto the critique of the week. There are rumors (many, many rumors) that Kim Kardashian is being touted to play the lead role in the next Lara Croft movies. I was not a big fan of Angelina Jolie, but she did do the part justice. I do think she is a good actress. I just have no idea why people think she is pretty….because she’s not.

Anyway, I think Kardashian is a super lousy choice for this role. She is all package and no substance. In essence, she is the complete opposite of Jolie. She looks good, but can’t act. Please seek another actress. Please. Seriously.

One final note of interest is word that Ryan Reynolds is really nailing the part of Green Lantern. How do I feel about this? I feel the people making the movie are the ones saying it. Of course THEY will say he is good. Secondly, I’m worried about the “leak.” Hollywood leaks never happen on accident. They are carefully designed. I question the motives of such a leak. Why reassure fans his performance is good? Shouldn’t it be a given he is good? I’m sure they didn’t cast him because they thought he sucked. Or maybe they did. Who knows?