In Defense Of: FOX Executives
Before, I start this - let me be clear about one thing. By writing this, I realize that I’m opening up a giant can of worms and I’m probably going to get a lot of poo flung in my direction. But I think this needs to be said, and besides, everyone likes playing devil’s advocate once in a while.
Unless you’ve been under a rock (laugh if you will, but sometimes clichés say it best) for the past few weeks, then you’ve heard or read about how unhappy people are with the programming executives at FOX. A few weeks ago FOX canceled Reunion and, as far as we can tell, Arrested Development has gotten the axe too. We’re all angry. They were both great programs, well written, and enjoyable. But as is so often the case with amazing TV shows… nobody seems to watch them.
We’ve yelled at FOX, called them various mean names (I like "jerk-faces"), and mulled over the realization that we’re probably not going to find out who actually killed Sam. But the fact remains - the ratings weren’t there. So put yourself in the shoes of whatever Rupert Murdoch underling had to make the call and give these two shows their walking papers. I don’t know about you, but I like my job… and I tend to do things that allow me to keep it. The shows weren’t performing and they got canned, end of story. Here’s a simple analogy: would you keep a puppy who won’t stop peeing on your leg simply because he’s got a cute face? If that were me, hello animal adoption center.
Now before a bunch of you get all high and mighty (you know who you are), let’s not forget that FOX gave AD a chance already. Ratings-wise, it probably shouldn’t have lasted as long as it has. It sucks that Emmy wins don’t dictate a show’s future (although in this case it arguably was why FOX gave it some more slack), but those who love the show know it’s good and that’s something they can’t take away from us. Group hug. And it’s not like we don’t have hope. There are interested parties in AD and maybe it will get a second life. I wish I could say the same for Reunion but I’ll get over that loss much quicker.
So yeah, it’s easy for us all to bash FOX. But it’s business warfare and these were the casualties. Believe me, I’m PO’ed too but unfortunately I get why this had to be done. Next time, just remember the puppy that won’t stop draining it on your ankles and hope that someone else is willing to put up with his antics.
Indiana Jones and the Case of the Disappearing Guns and American Flag
CHUD message boards compared the American and International version of the movie trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Agent of Chaos discovered that a bunch of russian soldiers with guns had been removed from the American version. Check out the photo above. I’m pretty sure that this change was probably the result of an MPAA request.
Someone on AICN also noticed that the American Flag is mysteriously missing from the international version of the trailer. It always seemed a bit odd and out of place to me in the American trailer. I don’t think a movie blog is the place to explore why the American Flag and U.S. patriotism has become taboo in the shadow of the Iraq war (we’ll let the political blogs explore that, as that is not at issue here). The fact of the matter is that Indiana Jones has never been used a symbol of America Patriotism. The use of the flag in the trailer feels extremely out of place. Friends of mine brought up this point and I’ve played devil’s advocate, saying that the American Flag was probably used in the film to establish the location. But truth is, it feels way out of place in the trailer. And if the international version proves anything (other than Ray Winstone has Computer Generated pants) it is that the shot was not needed (at least in the teaser).
Terminator 4 Concept Art Revealed, McG Speaks
McG has posted the first update on the official website for Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins, featuring our first look at concept art for post-judgment day Los Angeles. Click on the image below to enlarge. I think even the naysayers have to admit, it looks f’n cool.
But to play devil’s advocate: a lot of concept art for even bad movies looks cool. It’s also important to note that this is the first time McG has attempted to reach out to the fans to reassure them that his vision is not to ruin Terminator 4:
“Like you guys, I’ve been a long-time fan of the series and I understand your passion for the Terminator movies — and it’s my full intention to deliver a film that lives up to the previous three installments. I’ve spent time with James Cameron, spoken to Arnold Schwarzenegger, gone over the story with Jonah Nolan, and enlisted Stan Winston,” wrote McG. “Everything we’re shooting is designed to be tactile and real, you’ll be seeing a whole set of inspired designs you’ve never seen before, and best of all you’ll finally get to see some of the post-judgment day future that was only hinted at in the previous movies.”
McG also talks about the casting:
“John Connor will be pushed to the brink. And for me, Christian Bale embodies Connor’s strength and tenacity perfectly. And after visiting Sam Worthington on the set of Avatar, I know he’s perfect for his role,” writes the director. “As you know, Anton Yelchin is playing Kyle Reese, and his prep has been unbelievable. The guy’s been watching all three Terminators incessantly and he’s definitely going to capture the essence of the character Michael Biehn created in Cameron’s first film.”
The music video/commercial turned feature director says that he has already seen the first sequence they shot at Griffith Observatory cut together and claims “Anton and Sam are excellent.”
Discuss: C’mon guys, should we give McG a chance?