Michael D Hamersky On Comics Presents...  Vinnie's Take On: True Grit - The 2010 Film (And A 'Comic Book' Connection!)    - - Top Photo:  A scene from the 2010 remake of 'True Grit' featuring the actors Hailee Steinfeld & Jeff Bridges. - Bottom Photo:  A scene from the original 1969 'True Grit' with Kim Darby & John Wayne. - Far Left Top Photo:  The 2010 True Grit film poster.

(Vinnie)  This past Saturday, my dad and I picked up the 2010 movie "True Grit" from Redbox.

  

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

(Michael)  Thanks, Vinnie, for writing up this blog that I'm posting this Friday morning!

First of all, there is a reason that I asked Vinnie to blog about this rental DVD.

I don't ask him to do that for every movie that we watch together, but I figured there should have been a comic book for the original film that was released back in 1969.

However, there wasn't one! 

Dell's Four Color series, which published 1,331 issues, including a LOT of Movie & TV based comics, had stopped in Apr/June of 1962.  So my memory is failing just a bit!

However, I came across this graphic novel, 'True Grit - Mean Business', when searching for the original John Wayne film!

I had not known about this publication being published, otherwise I would have rented the DVD sooner, when it came out on June 9th of 2011, as this remake of the original film didn't have the 'drawing power' for either Tina or myself to go see it on the 'Big Screen'.

The rental DVD had no additional extras, being a 'rental DVD' from Redbox.

However, this link will take you online to where you can read for 'free', the 27 page 'graphic novel', which is a semi-prequel for the new film. !

After reading this graphic novel, I definitely realize that this was a Coen Brothers movie.  Normally I would not take my youngest son to such a film playing a the 'Big Screen'.  This graphic novel is also 'graphic' in nature, but semi toned down for print.  The interior pages are in black & white, so that the blood n guts are not vividly etched in my mind after reading it.

Our society has come a long ways since 1969 when I first saw the original film with John Wayne, Glen Campbell and Kim Darby in it.  Now over 40 years ago... It seems that more and more 'remakes' are being made, or sequels to original film properties, (i.e. 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes').   Not everything has to be so darn grim n gritty does it?

I found myself missing the original film's actors.  John Wayne's portrayal could not be matched nor surpsassed by Jeff Bridges, nor Glen Campbell's by Matt Damon, IMO.  However Kim Darby's portrayal was matched IMO by Hailee Steinfeld. 

I wouldn't give this remake such a high comic book grade as Vinnie did.  But then again, he hadn't seen the original film before seeing the remake.  Looks like I'll have to rent the original so he can see the comparison between the two.  I think that those of you that have viewed this film either at the Big Screen or on DVD could do the same.  This film was one of John Wayne's biggest film roles.  He actually won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the original film!

Again, thanks to Vinnie for his review... And to the publisher of the graphic novel for making it available online to read! 

~ Michael

BTW, You can 'follow' this Blog by clicking the 'Follow' Button at this NetworkedBlogs app!  We currently have over 2,528 'Followers'!  Thanks to ALL of YOU that have already clicked that button!  And for those of YOU that haven't yet... I would appreciate it if YOU would!!!

~ Michael D Hamersky 

If I have it... You can find it 'Under The Big Top Of Comics' at:   ComicBooksCircus.com.

If it isn't available in my online 'Local Comic Book Shop, (LCBS), then you may be able find it in my Amazon affiiate link, as seen here:  Comics & Graphic Novels at Amazon!

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-------------- 'My Take' On the 2009 Film: 'SHERLOCK HOLMES' PLUS: Tina LoSasso's 'Mini-Take' on the Film! Above Photo: One of the Film's Many Posters! At the Top Left: Film Poster of Lord Blackwood - Played by Mark Strong At Middle Left: Film Poster of Adler - Played by Rachel McAdams At the Bottom Left: Film Poster of Watson - Played by Jude Law

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3167:

Last night we rented the DVD version of the Sherlock Holmes Film that was shown in theaters starting last Christmas Day of 2009.

I had some thoughts back then to see this film, because of the trailers, and TV commercials, but my wife Tina, who is a much bigger fan of Sherlock Holmes just didn't want to see it on the Big Screen.

Which was strange IMO, because she 'loves' Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr, and they were together in this film?!

Well, the Holiday Season went over pretty fast for us, and I never made the time to go see this at the Big Screen alone...

So when we had an opportunity to rent a film last night, after exhausting the last of the taped TV shows from this past season, I suggested she choose something from the Redbox kiosk while we were out picking a card for someone.

She didn't come up with anything, and I had in the back of mind this Sherlock Holmes film on DVD.  So that's what we went home with.

So what is this film about? Below are two promo blurbs from the time of this film being released:

"The game is afoot – and astounding! Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law put memorable imprints on the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in a bold reimagining that makes the famed sleuth a daring man of action as well as a peerless man of intellect. Guy Ritchie directs this dazzling adventure."

And: 

"Set in 1891, the film revolves around Holmes and Watson as they try to stop a conspiracy that could destroy Britain, opening with Holmes apprehending cult leader ‘Lord Blackwood’ (Mark Strong), who promises he will return from the dead and exact his revenge, while being led to the gallows."

So...What's 'My Take' on this Film?

Well, the actual film itself was NOT as action packed and as exciting as the trailers and TV commercials made it out to be, at least for me.

The actual 'Sherlock Holmes' property has been around for what seems forever, and I have over my many years of going to movies, and reading the books, and even the comic books on Sherlock Holmes was both intrigued by the re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes and yet not thrilled by total package.

Here's why: 

Sherlock Holmes, played by Robert Downey Jr., was just a little too different at times portraying Sherlock Holmes during the film. 

I was surprised at Sherlock's actions during the 'action' scenes, yet during the slower scenes I couldn't always make out what he was saying.

I enjoy Robert Downey Jr., as 'Iron Man' in those recent Marvel Films, he has the character 'Tony Stark' down pat.  Perfect, period. 

Not here.  Maybe it's the muttering of the lines, or the strange hat he wears during the film, but it just wasn't the Sherlock Holmes I've been used to during the years of reading & watching Sherlock Holmes...And Yes, I know this film was to be a 'reimagining' of the character.. 

And trust me, I've seen a lot of Sherlock Holmes from British productions since being married to Tina since 2001! 

Jude Law, who plays Watson in this film, came across too different as Watson for me.  Yet playing against Downey's Sherlock Holmes, was a more calming influence in the film. So I'm OK with this portrayal.

What's a film without a villain?  Well, in this case, Mark Strong's portrayal of Lord Blackwood was definitely creepy. Not over the top, yet not too unbelievable for me.

Usually the women in the Sherlock Holmes stories, (what women? LOL), don't really stand out.  In this film, Adler, played by Rachel McAdams, does.  Yet is she really part of the Sherlock Holmes 'Canon', that purists kept blogging about months ago?

I couldn't find a film poster for Inspector Lestrade, played by Eddie Marsan. I found his portrayal to be the most similar to what I've seen on film or TV productions in the past. I was fine with his role in this film.

Overall for this film, I would give it the comic book grade of Fine Plus (F+) 6.5 out of a 10.0 grading scale.  Not because of the film itself, as the film itself is beautiful in the scenery, the mood, the action, and the overall filming...But because it wasn't like the trailers and TV commercials that induced me to possibly want to see it on the Big Screen.  That would have been a lot of money for both of us to go to, AND I would have had to hear about from Tina after dragging her there, who...Well, I'll just post a few of her verbal comments starting here:

"I love Robert Downey Jr., but he wasn't my idea of Sherlock Holmes at all."

"He always uses his brains, not brawn."

"It's punch after punch after punch."

"Sherlock Holmes would take a person down with a punch or with his cane."

"Watson would come in and punch somebody."

"Jude Law as Watson, was NOT Watson."

(Note from Michael:  THAT from a woman who loves Jude Law.  I can't count how many films I've watched with Jude Law in the last few years!)

Tina's comic book grade for this Sherlock Holmes film: Fine (F) 6.0 out of a 10.0 grading scale.

Now that we are near the end of this review blog, I want to mention again the comic book aspect of Sherlock Holmes.

After all, this is 'ComicBookCollectors Blog.com', right?!

Well, believe it or not, there have been 24 different comic book titles, either one-shots or series, with 'Sherlock Holmes' as part of the title during the years, as seen by this link to the GCD web site!

You see...Comic Books are NOT all Zap! Pow! Cronk! type of reading!

The Sherlock Holmes comics with 'Sherlock Holmes' in the title, have been published by different publishers since 1975.  The one-shot to the left is the first with 'Sherlock Holmes' in the title that I could find.  I'm sure there were other series with Sherlock Holmes as a character, but this one was the first as a stand alone comic book title.  After the above reviewed film came out, I haven't been able to keep it in stock for sale, so there has been a renewed interest in this character since the Holiday Season of 2009.

One last thing before I wrap up this blog post:

The film itself is discussed of course at the Wikipedia entry for this film.  Plus the old web site that was originally for the promotion of this Film before and during the Holiday Season, has now gone to basically promoting the film on DVD, so I am providing you a link to that web site here. The old url for the film actually redirects you to the Warner Bros web site, which in turn directs you to the WB web store to purchase the DVD.

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,165 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our online comic book store carries many different genres of comics, magazines, graphic novels, and even DVDs like this one being blogged about today at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

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"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:     Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today...I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. I am reaching the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends soon, and I don't want YOU to be left out!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that!   The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768 on your laptop or desktop computer.   NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.

 

Vinnie's Take On: Avatar On DVD!          Above: Just One of the Film Posters Used to Promote the Avatar Film!  At The Top Left: A Toruk that Jake tames during the Film! At the Bottom Left: Vinnie - Today's Guest Blogger!

TODAY'S FEATURE - Blog #3144:

Today I'm pleased once again to have as guest blogger, Vinnie, who is writing 'His Take' on the Avatar Film on DVD that we rented this past Saturday night:

[SPOILER ALERT: This whole blog post is a 'Spoiler Alert', but with all the millions of people already seeing it, and talking about it...This is more of a review of the film from a tween's POV.]

AVATAR: 'My Take' On the Film Itself!

The movie is set in the year 2154, on a moon of the planet Polyphemus called Pandora in the Alpha Centauri star system. A company came to this planet to mine a mineral called unobtanium, for it's high value. Pandora's atmosphere, however, is toxic to humans, forcing them to use breathing masks. Pandora is mainly inhabited by a human-like species of blue-skinned, ten-feet-tall creatures, called the Na'vi. They live peacefully with nature, worshipping their goddess, Eywa. The scientists want to learn about the Pandoran people from within, so they create a hybrid of human and Na'vi, which they call avatars, that are controlled by a human through mental link by genetically matching humans.

I like the uniqueness of this movie. It brings many aspects up, that are normally overlooked, such as, the connection between a planet, and the creatures living on it. If one was without the other, the other couldn't survive. Also, the people of the planet need to care for their planet, for if we don't, the planet won't have anything to share with us. I also liked the array of imaginative creatures, like the Toruk, (which is pictured at the top left of this blog), a powerful flying predator that only five Na'vi have tamed, for its design and the creativity to make that animal up. They brought creatures in the movie that we wouldn't see in real life, making it even more so exciting. I enjoyed the vibrant colors that were in everything; plants, animals, just everything. That, I felt made the great movie even better.

 This movie is more suited for adults as there is quite a lot of cursing. There is also a lot of violence which isn't suggested for young children. I wouldn't recommend it unless that person was 10+ but suggested at least 13+. A good movie for a family with older-aged children.     

That's the end of today's guest blog by Vinnie...My thanks to him for sharing here today what we watched this past weekend!

If YOU liked his review on this Film, you may enjoy reading his reviews on:  Coraline, Ponyo, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Sonic the Hedgehog TPB Vol 1, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, just to name a few!   

AND My thanks again to all of YOU reading this blog and our archived blog posts, now over the 3,140 total posts in number!

~ Michael D Hamersky @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com

Note: Our online comic book store carries many different genres of comics, magazines, and graphic novels, including Sci-Fi, and MoNSTer Comics at:

http://www.comicbookscircus.com/

 

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"Hammering Out the Web For You Since May 12th, 1998!"       Note: If you are breaking into, or already work in the comic book industry or other pop culture productions, you are welcome to email us press releases, news items, and updates that you feel would be of interest to our blog readers. Including YOUR own works! To mail printed items to us for possible review, send to:     Make It So Marketing Inc. PO Box 130653 Carlsbad, CA 92013

My thanks to those of YOU that have read today's blog post! I do appreciate that! For those of you that didn't know me before today...I first set up as a 'dealer' at the 1972 San Diego West Coast Comic Con (SDCC) at the El Cortez Hotel. So I've been around comic conventions for a little while, LOL!   My wife Tina and I now have an on-line exhibitor (dealer) table at the first "virtual" comic con titled the "Facebook Comic Con" (FBCC)! You can view our dealer table and interact with us there on Facebook by clicking this link, which takes you to our table named: 'Facebook Comic Con | Make It So Marketing'.  So if YOU are a Facebook member, please 'join' our Facebook Comic Con - Make It So Marketing exhibitor table for updates, specials, links to this blog, and other wall comments that we post every day!     Also, if you are a Facebook member and would like to also join my Facebook Network, feel free to send a 'friend request' to 'Michael D Hamersky'. I am reaching the maximum of 5,000 Facebook Friends soon, and I don't want YOU to be left out!         ------------------- Talking about comics: if YOU are a comics creator, (writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, etc.), OR even a Comics / Magazine Publisher, feel free to contact me regarding YOUR works for a possible mention / review! I've made a special blog post about: "How To Best Submit YOUR Publication For Possible Review!" for those creators / publishers that would like to possibly have their publications mentioned or reviewed. Just click on the link provided in this paragraph! ~Michael @ ComicBookCollectorsBlog.com   WEB PAGE NOTE:  This blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently, sorry about that!   The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners. is blog post is written for the IE Browser standards. Chrome, Safarai, Netscape, Firefox and the others serve the page up differently. The screen display resolution is best seen at the setting of 1024 x 768. NOTE: All images and characters within this blog post are copyright and trademark their respective owners.