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King of Fighters movie trailer giving us Street Fighter flashbacks
We are conflicted, dear readers, over the assumed quality of the King of Fighters film adaptation, the debut trailer for which can be found after the jump. On one hand, we have the incomparable film chops of action heroine extraordinaire Maggie Q and former spiky-headed Jedi slayer, Ray Park. Also, the whole production is led by award-winning director Gordon Chan, so we at least know the hand on the film's rudder is gnarled with experience. On the other hand, it's another film based on the typically devoid-of-plot fighting game genre. If the precedent set by Street Fighter, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, Double Dragon, Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and Dead or Alive are any indication, we could be in for another theatrical trainwreck.
Uwe Boll is adapting everyone's favorite video game, Bloodrayne 3
At the risk of being repeatedly pawnched, we think we can accurately describe all of Uwe Boll's video game-based films as "wretched." However, we've got a theory for why that is -- his attempt to adhere to the plot of these games limited his otherwise limitless directing potential. Fortunately, that won't be a problem on his next film project: Bloodrayne 3: Warhammer, a film based on a video game which does not exist. We'll contact Majesco to find out if this means another Bloodrayne title is secretly in the works -- but let's be honest, now. This sounds a lot like some good ol' fashioned Bollnanigans. Bollshines. Bollduggery. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Dark Void film adaptation announced
Preemptively cutting off complaints that it strays too far from the source material, Capcom has announced a film adaptation of a game you haven't played yet: Dark Void, next year's promising third-person shooter from Airtight Games. In line with the agreement reached between Capcom, Reliance BIG Entertainment and Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment production company, Dark Void is primed as a "sci-fi action franchise and potential starring vehicle for Pitt." While the parties involved decide whether or not the movie is indeed the Pitt's, someone should probably point out that as far as starring vehicles go, a jetpack is probably the best one. Players will beat Hollywood to the punch and experience it for themselves when Dark Void lands on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on January 19, 2010 in North America and January 22, 2010 in Europe. Congratulations to Crusty Magic on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.
New Dexter trailer pushes iPhone's visual (and moral) boundaries
We use our iPhones for a wide variety of purposes: Keeping our enthralled Twitter audience informed, playing Home Run Derby MMOs, dueling with virtual lightsabers -- those sorts of things. We've never used it to play mobile murder simulators -- but by the look of the above trailer for Icarus Studios' Dexter, we'll be doing just that when the first episode of the game hits the App Store later this summer.Though it still seems to contain the scattershot gameplay that we saw earlier this year at GDC, it looks amazing for an iPhone game. If you're a fan of the show (and by all means, you should be), it might just be worth checking out.
Sam Raimi set to direct World of Warcraft movie (Update: It's official!)
Update: Blizzard just confirmed the story with a swift press release! Raimi's set to direct, and Charles Roven (producer of The Dark Knight) is set to produce. According to the presser, "the film will fall under Legendary Pictures' co-production and co-financing deal with Warner Bros." We certainly hope they've got deep pockets -- we imagine a World of Warcraft movie won't end up being a low-budget project. Original post is below. We know our stuff about video game news, but when it comes to film scoops, we usually bow to the expertise of Ain't It Cool News' Harry Knowles. Imagine our delight when we read a recent report from the heavily bearded entertainment reporter claiming that Evil Dead and Spider-Man creator Sam Raimi would helm a film adaptation of World of Warcraft. According to Knowles, confirmation of this story will be hitting Hollywood trade publications later this week or next. Where is this magical, magical news coming from? We have no idea -- but Knowles seems fairly certain. With Comic-Con just around the corner, and Blizzcon just around the corner that's behind that first corner, we're sure to hear more details soon -- if Knowles' report is accurate. [Via WoW.com]
Review: Terminator Salvation
Terminator Salvation is a truly terrible game. My reviews might occasionally sacrifice a touch of clarity in exchange for glibness or sesquipedalianism, so I find it important to write this review with its ultimate conclusion as its preface. The game is supremely awful, and you shouldn't buy it, rent it or play it. If that stern recommendation was all you were looking for, feel free to move on without reading the remainder after the jump. If you want a lesson in how not to make a game, read on. Especially if your name appears anywhere in the Terminator Salvation credits. (Yes, even you, Rose McGowan -- IF THAT IS EVEN YOUR REAL NAME.)
Rumor: Partial script for Driver film adaptation leaked
"DRIVER, 25, a test driver for Audi Germany in his mid-twenties -- a little Beckham, a little McQueen -- with munchy hair and intense blue eyes that show a focus that's laser-like."These precious words constitute the first sentence of the Roger Avary-crafted screenplay for the (currently on-hold) film adaptation of the Driver series. The first five pages of the "HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL" script (written circa fall 2006) were recently leaked to superannuation, an anonymous (but extremely reliable) gaming news source. We have no idea who did the leaking, nor are we entirely certain of the script's veracity. Still -- a blogger can dream. If you have the literate faculties to do so, please take the time to lose yourself in this all too brief masterpiece.Update: The mastermind behind superannuation contacted us, informing us that he (or she?) was the one who actually discovered the script. Good find, sir! (Or madam!)
Stranglehold film adaptation won't be ready for years
Things have been rough for the film adaptation of Midway and John Woo's 2007 gaming collaboration, Stranglehold. Fans of the 1992 classic action flick Hard Boiled (for which Stranglehold served as a pseudo-sequel) were disappointed to learn that the adaptation would be produced, but not directed, by John Woo. Also, the possible non-involvement of Hard Boiled star Chow Yun-Fat has sullied the excitement of the film's expectant audience.More bad news for fans recently surfaced in an Empire interview with Woo, who explained that the Stranglehold adaptation "won't be ready until years from now." Don't get us wrong -- we love hearing about creators of game-based movies taking their sweet, sweet time with their work, but we're afraid that any further delays could rule out the possibility of Fat's participation. He ain't exactly getting any younger.
Dragonball: Evolution coming to PSP in April
We salute you, PSP. Much like a brave (or fatally clumsy) soldier collapsing on a grenade before shrapnel pierces the entire squad's fleshy bits, Sony's portable platform has kept the latest licensed game all to itself. Based on the upcoming Dragonball: Evolution, which critics are optimistically calling "a film," this online-capable fighter comes to us courtesy of Namco Bandai.Featuring all the characters that fans will insist were ruined by the movie, Dragonball: Evolution promises explosive punches, unreasonably high kicks and Chow Yun Fat in surprisingly casual garb. Look for the manga-to-movie-to-game transition in stores this April. Gallery: Dragonball: Evolution
Max Payne trailer seems familiar, looks awesome
There has never been a movie based on a videogame that wasn't ... oh what's the word... non-ass. Sure, game-based films are always entertaining but that's always for the wrong reasons. After watching the new Max Payne trailer, titled Angels & Demons, we're starting to get hopeful for the flick. Taking the story from both Max Payne and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne the film look promising but like a short guy at a urinal, we're going to stay on our toes. Just in case.
Max Payne film rated PG-13, DVD to include "Gamer" cut
Film director John Moore has won a hard fought battle with the Motion Picture Association of America to secure a PG-13 rating for the upcoming film, Max Payne -- based on the first and second games from Remedy. Originally rated R by the MPAA, the director of the violent video game adaptation starring Marky Mark Wahlberg called the MPAA out saying the film was as intense as other summer blockbusters. Moore compared the situation to The Dark Knight, accusing the MPAA of sucking up to Warner Bros. when rating the comic adaptation, although Moore's choice of words were far more colorful. Of course the fight was based on dollars as Moore fought the R rating to secure a more financially viable PG-13 mark on the film which hits theatres on October 17. Fans of the game will be happy to know that the original uncut vision will eventually see life on DVD in what Moore calls, the "Gamer Dedicated Cut." But don't expect sunshine and rainbows now that Max Payne landed a PG-13 rating. "The movie you see in the theaters will be an intense experience and the movie you see on DVD will be as intense an experience with some extra sensibilities for people who really adore the game," Moore told GameDaily. [via Shack News]
The Daily Grind: Movies based on MMOs
Word is that there will be a new Conan movie next year, and that Age of Conan will tie in with it. Of course, the movie isn't based on Age of Conan; both are independently based on Robert E. Howard's pulp fiction stories. Nevertheless, the Massively office is now full of ideas for MMO-based movies.There have been rumors of EverQuest and World of Warcraft films in the past. Some would say there's a fundamental problem with the idea though: there's no story to adapt! Let's face it: movies adapted from computer and video games have usually been pretty damned terrible. But if there is a disconnect between the two different styles of storytelling, then maybe MMOs are the perfect games to adapt to film. Since they only provide a setting, screenwriters, directors, and producers can create a medium-appropriate story of their own.Then again, isn't that what they do most of the time anyway? What do you think; could an MMO be adapted into a good movie? Why or why not? And if it can, which virtual would would you lke to see on the silver screen?
Warner Bros. and Capcom confirm Lost Planet film, David Hayter to pen
Variety has confirmed that a film adaptation of Lost Planet is indeed in the works via Warner Bros. The script will be penned by X-Men and Watchmen scribe David Hayter, also known as the voice of Solid Snake. WB and Capcom are co-financing the film, with Warner Bros. having worldwide distribution rights. No details on the plot, but we've submitted our proposal for the film, which would feature LP main character Wayne Holden sneaking through a secret military compound on a remote island. It would be, dare we say, awesome?
David Hayter needs your help to write Metal Gear Solid movie
Don't misinterpret that headline -- David Hayter, who has voiced the role of Solid Snake since ... well, since Solid Snake could speak, doesn't need you to submit your fan fiction to help piece together the plot of the supposedly upcoming Metal Gear Solid movie (though we're sure he would find your homemade Otacon/Sniper Wolf erotic literature wildly fascinating). According to a recent IMDB post from Hayter himself, he needs fans of his work and of Kojima's epic series to email a certain Sony Pictures rep and politely suggest that Hayter be the one to pen the film's script. He's got the credentials to do so, having written screenplays for the first two X-Men movies and the upcoming adaptation of Alan Moore's Watchmen. We can also assume that he's played the game he would be adapting, giving him a significant edge over most screenwriters of ludologically-inspired films.
Capcom dates Clock Tower, Onimusha movies
This past Tuesday marked Capcom's 25th anniversary -- my how the time flies. However, instead of celebrating by taking body shots off of Kristin Kreuk, the company commemorated the milestone by attaching dates to upcoming film versions of two of its existing franchises.According to a post on Capcom's US blog, the adaptation of popular action-adventure series Onimusha is expected make its theatrical debut in 2011, with Silent Hill's Christophe Gans still attached to direct. Capcom also anticipates Clock Tower to take a giant pair of scissors to the big screen as early as next year, this one being helmed by The Hills Have Eyes II's Martin Weisz. Now join us won't you as we hold hands and blow out the candles on Capcom's birthday cake. And don't forget to make a wish for at least one of these to not be box office poison.
Leonardo DiCaprio to star in Nolan Bushnell biopic
A biopic about Atari co-founder Nolan Bushnell has been picked up by Paramount Pictures, with Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star, reports Variety. Although we feel "attached to star" is indicative of DiCaprio taking on the role of Bushnell himself, we guess it's equally likely he could star as Atari co-founder Ted Dabney or a paddle from Pong! Bushnell is also known for founding Chuck E. Cheese. The film, currently titled Atari, will be produced by DiCaprio's Appian Way.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Castlevania, Pac-Man film adaptations (re)appear on radar
The Castlevania film adaptation is stepping back into the limelight, and it's bringing a rather bizarre friend with him. Crystal Sky Pictures has signed a "$200 million theatrical slate financing deal" with Grosvenor Park to produce five films, according to Variety, with two of those being Castlevania and -- no, really! -- Pac-Man.Originally penned by Paul W.S. "I didn't make Boogie Nights" Anderson (Resident Evil), Castlevania was put on hold during the writer's strike. The adaptation is still being co-produced by Rogue Pictures. Crystal Sky Pictures is also producing the Tekken film with Sony's Screen Gems.If anyone's curious, here's our pitch for Pac-Man: The Film:It's the year 2185. Human life has been all but eradicated, and sole survivors scramble to collect resources in a labyrinthine cave of unknown secrets. Using their spherical harvesting pods, each team takes a turn gathering. But something goes horribly wrong as one expedition team gets trapped and is forced to finish its mission while running away from haunting memories of the past...
Afro Samurai hip-hops onto 360, PS3 this Fall
"Hip hop infused action adventure" news now, with Namco Bandai announcing a Fall 2008 release window for Afro Samurai, a video game adaptation of the popular animated series starring Mr. Samuel L. Jackson. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 game follows the acrobatic Afro as he seeks revenge for the murder of his father and "fights to become the number one warrior." The game will stick to the storyline established in the series, while adding material and background that's sure to be appreciated by fans.Of course, Samuel L. Jackson returns to provide dialogue, as well as the myriad of grunts sure to emanate as he kills enemies who are "affected by the beat of the musical score produced by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan fame." Lucky them.%Gallery-20741%
Gears of War film shoots for Summer 2010 release
Gears of War film producer Wyck Godfrey has told Coming Soon that the production company is shooting for a Summer 2010 release of the video game adaptation. Said Godfrey: "We've got our script on and a director we're about to attach. We'll hopefully make that early next year for the summer of 2010."The script was written by Stuart Beattie (Collateral, Pirates of the Caribbean), who recently said in an interview that the production will likely be heavy on green screen usage, à la 300. The Gears of War film will be released by New Line Cinema, with CliffyB as executive producer. You should probably get in line now, you've only got 24 to 27 months before this Romantic Comedy of 2010 marches into theaters.
Undertow team creating Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game's game
A new collaboration between renowned author Orson Scott Card and Undertow developer, Chair Entertainment, will see the popular sci-fi novel Ender's Game adapted into a series of video games "across all next-generation consoles, handheld platforms, and PC." The first offering is expected to begin development later this year and will be released in downloadable format. As the story of Ender's Game revolves around the protagonist's experiences within the "Battle Room" -- home to a simulation of futuristic combat -- it should come as no surprise to learn that Chair Entertainment's goal is to place players into the very same virtual environment. Turning Ender's fictional game into a "real" one certainly makes sly sense within the context of the book, though we would be slightly concerned if the people on our Xbox Live friends should start turning up dead. In a recently published interview, N'Gai Croal managed to catch-up with the Mustard brothers, Donald and Geremy, founders of Chair Entertainment. They described the Unreal-engine game with great relish, noting that the "the unique characteristics of the Battle Room will make a very compelling, competitive game play experience." Let's hope it can make up for the bad taste left in our mouths by one of their previous Card collaborations, Advent Rising. [Image: "Ender's Game(s)" by Penny Arcade]
