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The Suicide Squad is a covert black-ops government strike team under Task Force X. The team is partially made up of imprisoned super-villains who agree to serve as expendable agents on life-threatening top-secret missions for the United States Government. In return, after sufficient service, the prisoners are granted full pardons for their crimes.
The Government does not officially acknowledge the existence of the Suicide Squad, and claims their missions as random supervillain attacks. In addition, there are other non-prisoner members such as Nemesis and Nightshade who participate in the team as part of individual arrangements. The Suicide Squad operate out of Belle Reve prison in Louisiana.
To prevent members escaping in the field, the prisoners are shackled with explosive bracelets programmed to detonate a certain distance from the field leader, who also wears a remote control that can detonate or disengage the bracelets as desired. Typically the field leader will be either Rick Flag or Bronze Tiger.
The group is largely run by Amanda Waller, although at times someone else will act as a cover for her, like when the existence of the Suicide Squad became public. The Suicide Squad has also occasionally left Task Force X and Governmental Control to work freelance.
The Government does not officially acknowledge the existence of the Suicide Squad, and claims their missions as random supervillain attacks. In addition, there are other non-prisoner members such as Nemesis and Nightshade who participate in the team as part of individual arrangements. The Suicide Squad operate out of Belle Reve prison in Louisiana.
To prevent members escaping in the field, the prisoners are shackled with explosive bracelets programmed to detonate a certain distance from the field leader, who also wears a remote control that can detonate or disengage the bracelets as desired. Typically the field leader will be either Rick Flag or Bronze Tiger.
The group is largely run by Amanda Waller, although at times someone else will act as a cover for her, like when the existence of the Suicide Squad became public. The Suicide Squad has also occasionally left Task Force X and Governmental Control to work freelance.
The Suicide Squad is a team of imprisoned super-villains who perform high-risk missions for the U.S. Government in exchange for commuted sentences. They are formally known as Task Force X. The team's actions are highly classified, and the government is able to deny any involvement by claiming that they are not responsible for the damages of a random super-villain attack. Their commander is Amanda Waller, who runs the organization out of Belle Reve prison. The Suicide Squad was created by Robert Kanigher and Ross Andru, first appearing in Brave and the Bold #25. (1959)
by The Centurion October 18, 2014
Get the Suicide Squad mug.Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is a 2002 American action film starring Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu. Liu (Sever) and Banderas (Ecks) play opposing secret agents who are supposedly enemies, but team up during the movie to fight a common enemy. The film was universally panned by critics, often listed among the worst movies ever made. In March 2007, the movie review site Rotten Tomatoes ranked the film #1 among "The Worst of the Worst" movie list, with 108 "rotten" reviews and no "fresh" ones. Financially, the film was also a box office failure, recouping just over $19.9 million of its $70 million budget.
Facts about Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)
1. The role of Agent Sever was originally written to be played by a man. Wesley Snipes and Jet Li were originally said to star, then Vin Diesel and Sylvester Stallone.
2. The 2001 Game Boy Advance game "Ecks vs. Sever" was actually based on an early script draft for this film and not the other way around. The game's producers later made a sequel to that game that was based on the finished version of the movie.
3. Grossed less than 30% of its budget at the box-office making it one of the biggest box-office failures in film history.
4. Rotten Tomatoes list this film as #1 on their list of "The 100 Worst Reviewed Movies of All Time".
Source: IMDB.
Facts about Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)
1. The role of Agent Sever was originally written to be played by a man. Wesley Snipes and Jet Li were originally said to star, then Vin Diesel and Sylvester Stallone.
2. The 2001 Game Boy Advance game "Ecks vs. Sever" was actually based on an early script draft for this film and not the other way around. The game's producers later made a sequel to that game that was based on the finished version of the movie.
3. Grossed less than 30% of its budget at the box-office making it one of the biggest box-office failures in film history.
4. Rotten Tomatoes list this film as #1 on their list of "The 100 Worst Reviewed Movies of All Time".
Source: IMDB.
Here is another fact about the film Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002) in which it (erroneously) places the FBI (United States) in Canada:
1. Among the most obvious plot holes noted by critics of the film is the fact that the FBI - an organization intended to work within the United States - is somehow working in Vancouver, Canada, causing costly shootouts with other Americans.
2. Factual error: Why are the FBI investigating and following their case if it's in Canada? The FBI or any other law enforcement agency in the US has no jurisdiction in Canada.
Source: Wikipedia, www.moviemistakes.com.
1. Among the most obvious plot holes noted by critics of the film is the fact that the FBI - an organization intended to work within the United States - is somehow working in Vancouver, Canada, causing costly shootouts with other Americans.
2. Factual error: Why are the FBI investigating and following their case if it's in Canada? The FBI or any other law enforcement agency in the US has no jurisdiction in Canada.
Source: Wikipedia, www.moviemistakes.com.
by The Centurion November 29, 2012
Get the Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002) mug.The Marvel Mangaverse is a series of comic books published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2002, with a sequel "New Mangaverse" released in late 2005 and early 2006.
The series depicts an alternate (or possibly two alternates, see below) Marvel universe, its characters drawn and portrayed in a Manga-like style. Three volumes were published for the series, two of which were connected by a continuing story arc with multiple Marvel characters, while the third and fourth series each started a new story and focused on a single character, which were Spider-Man Mangaverse and Jean Grey of an alternate version (apparently) of X-Men Mangaverse.
By 2005, Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005 has given the numerical designation of "Marvel Mangaverse" as Earth-2301. The majority of the artwork in the first volume was shared between different artists, each of whom delivered one issue, with book-ends by Ben Dunn, whose work is best known on the comic series Ninja High School. Dunn also did the entirety of the artwork for volume 2 of Mangaverse. The artwork for the five issue miniseries New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate was done by Tommy Ohtsuka.
The series depicts an alternate (or possibly two alternates, see below) Marvel universe, its characters drawn and portrayed in a Manga-like style. Three volumes were published for the series, two of which were connected by a continuing story arc with multiple Marvel characters, while the third and fourth series each started a new story and focused on a single character, which were Spider-Man Mangaverse and Jean Grey of an alternate version (apparently) of X-Men Mangaverse.
By 2005, Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: Alternate Universes 2005 has given the numerical designation of "Marvel Mangaverse" as Earth-2301. The majority of the artwork in the first volume was shared between different artists, each of whom delivered one issue, with book-ends by Ben Dunn, whose work is best known on the comic series Ninja High School. Dunn also did the entirety of the artwork for volume 2 of Mangaverse. The artwork for the five issue miniseries New Mangaverse: The Rings of Fate was done by Tommy Ohtsuka.
The Marvel Mangaverse is a series of graphic novels that used Amerime* style art. It was published from 2000 through 2002, and a sequel entitled "New Mangaverse" was published in 2005. The series was ultimatly left open ended, during the "Rings of Fate" story line, and was met with mixed reactions.
*Amerime: distinctive faux manga style characterized by lazy face designs based on decades-old Japanese anime & heavy hybrid American comic book style influences that clash. The end result is that the art looks neither American nor Japanese & the style is generally looked down upon by both comic book & manga readers. A popular example of the style's usage would be the cartoon Avatar: The Last Air Bender.
*Amerime: distinctive faux manga style characterized by lazy face designs based on decades-old Japanese anime & heavy hybrid American comic book style influences that clash. The end result is that the art looks neither American nor Japanese & the style is generally looked down upon by both comic book & manga readers. A popular example of the style's usage would be the cartoon Avatar: The Last Air Bender.
by The Centurion October 18, 2014
Get the Marvel Mangaverse mug.Fanboy Faceoff by ClevverMovies is an interactive online show on YouTube whereby the presenter of the show will discuss a hypothetical "fanboy face-off" involviing some of the better known fictional characters from the media of films, television, graphic novels, and video games to determine the winner. The internet show also provides viewers with the opportunity to vote via the comments section (YouTube) and Twitter (Twitter.com/ClevverMovies) for the protagonist they believe would win a hypothetical fight against another character or group.
A follow-up video, Fanboy Faceoff Results, provides the result of the fight as decided by the viewers.
A follow-up video, Fanboy Faceoff Results, provides the result of the fight as decided by the viewers.
The following dialogue (below) is a real example (abridged) of the host, Tatiana Carrier, discussing a hypothetical battle for the show, Fanboy Faceoff: ClevverMovies:
"It looks like many of you just can't get enough of the eternal battle between Marvel and DC. Today arguably two of the strongest characters each has to offer - Superman and Thor - go head to head in the latest Fanboy Faceoff!"
"...Like Superman, Thor, known as the God of Thunder, possesses superhuman strength, speed and stamina. He has the ability to fly using his magical hammer, Mjolnir which he also uses to deflect projectiles and smash his foes. He also has the ability to summon the elements like lightning, rain and wind. He is a skilled warrior and the strongest of all the Asgardians. He too has a high resistance to physical injury and is virtually invulnerable. Unlike Superman though, he has no direct weakness, though is vulnerable to extremely powerful magic.
With two such equally matched opponents this should definitely be a tough faceoff. Obviously if Thor is able to get his hands on some Kryptonite, there's really no contest, but what if that wasn't an option? Who do you think would win if the battle was fought on even ground? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ClevverMovies with the hashtag #CMFF. Until next time, I'm Tatiana Carrier, thanks for watching!"
"It looks like many of you just can't get enough of the eternal battle between Marvel and DC. Today arguably two of the strongest characters each has to offer - Superman and Thor - go head to head in the latest Fanboy Faceoff!"
"...Like Superman, Thor, known as the God of Thunder, possesses superhuman strength, speed and stamina. He has the ability to fly using his magical hammer, Mjolnir which he also uses to deflect projectiles and smash his foes. He also has the ability to summon the elements like lightning, rain and wind. He is a skilled warrior and the strongest of all the Asgardians. He too has a high resistance to physical injury and is virtually invulnerable. Unlike Superman though, he has no direct weakness, though is vulnerable to extremely powerful magic.
With two such equally matched opponents this should definitely be a tough faceoff. Obviously if Thor is able to get his hands on some Kryptonite, there's really no contest, but what if that wasn't an option? Who do you think would win if the battle was fought on even ground? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ClevverMovies with the hashtag #CMFF. Until next time, I'm Tatiana Carrier, thanks for watching!"
by The Centurion May 27, 2013
Get the Fanboy Faceoff: ClevverMovies mug.Michael John Douglas (born September 5, 1951), better known by the stage name Michael Keaton, is an American actor who became popular for his early comedic film roles, most notably his performance as the title character of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice, and later gained international fame for his dramatic portrayal of Bruce Wayne / Batman in Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns. He has appeared in various other films, including Night Shift, Mr. Mom, Clean and Sober, Pacific Heights and Jackie Brown, and has also provided voicework for Pixar's Cars and Toy Story 3.
Michael Keaton's career was given another major boost when he was again cast by Tim Burton, this time as the titular comic book superhero of the 1989 blockbuster Batman. Burton cast him because he thought that Keaton was the only actor who could believably portray someone who has the kind of darkly obsessive personality that the character demands. Warner Bros. received thousands of letters of complaint by fans commenting that Keaton was the wrong choice to portray Batman, given his prior work in comedies and the fact that he lacked the suave, handsome features and tall, muscular physicality often attributed to the character in the comic books. However, Keaton's dramatic performance earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, and Batman became one of the most successful films of the year.
According to Les Daniels' reference book, Batman: The Complete History, Keaton wasn't surprised when he was first considered as Batman as he initially believed the film would be similar to the 1960s television series starring Adam West. It was only after he was introduced to Frank Miller's comic book mini-series, The Dark Knight Returns, that Keaton really understood the dark and brooding side of Batman that he portrayed to much fan approval. Keaton later reprised the role in the sequel Batman Returns (1992), which was another critically acclaimed success, though also controversial for being darker than the previous film.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Keaton
According to Les Daniels' reference book, Batman: The Complete History, Keaton wasn't surprised when he was first considered as Batman as he initially believed the film would be similar to the 1960s television series starring Adam West. It was only after he was introduced to Frank Miller's comic book mini-series, The Dark Knight Returns, that Keaton really understood the dark and brooding side of Batman that he portrayed to much fan approval. Keaton later reprised the role in the sequel Batman Returns (1992), which was another critically acclaimed success, though also controversial for being darker than the previous film.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Keaton
by The Centurion May 30, 2013
Get the Michael Keaton mug.Blade II is a 2002 American vampire superhero action film based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Blade. It is the sequel of the first film and the second part of the Blade film series. It was written by David S. Goyer, who also wrote the previous film. Guillermo del Toro was signed in to direct, and Wesley Snipes returned as the lead character and producer.
The film follows the dhampir Blade in his continuing effort to protect humans from vampires.
The film follows the dhampir Blade in his continuing effort to protect humans from vampires.
Blade II (2002) Facts:
1.Donnie Yen, a martial arts star who plays a member of the Bloodpack (Snowman,) was also the film's fight choreographer.
2.David S. Goyer's original idea was to use Morbius as a primary villain, but Marvel decided they wanted to retain the rights to make an entirely separate franchise out of Morbius - i.e. a Morbius film, so the story was changed slightly and Jared Nomak was created to be used as the primary villain instead.
3.The phrase "a man without fear" is used in this film. This is another Marvel comic book reference, to Daredevil.
4.Pop icon Michael Jackson was originally going to have a cameo in the "House of Pain" sequence as a "Vampire Pimp" that Nyssa encounters as she searches the upstairs hall. Jackson had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts and the part was played by a Czech actor. The sequence was ultimately cut out entirely for pacing reasons.
5.During the fight with Nomak in the church part of the House of Pain, the stain glass wind is a replica of Dr. Strange's (another Marvel character who battles the occult) medallion, the magical Eye of Agamotto.
6.When Scud is introduced, he quips; "...The Dark Knight Returns." Goyer would go on to co-write with Nolan, the Batman Trilogy.
7.Wesley Snipes: (Sun Tzu) Snipes' quoting of Sun Tzu - "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," follows references to the works of Sun Tzu in many other Snipes movies including Passenger 57, Rising Sun and The Art of War.
1.Donnie Yen, a martial arts star who plays a member of the Bloodpack (Snowman,) was also the film's fight choreographer.
2.David S. Goyer's original idea was to use Morbius as a primary villain, but Marvel decided they wanted to retain the rights to make an entirely separate franchise out of Morbius - i.e. a Morbius film, so the story was changed slightly and Jared Nomak was created to be used as the primary villain instead.
3.The phrase "a man without fear" is used in this film. This is another Marvel comic book reference, to Daredevil.
4.Pop icon Michael Jackson was originally going to have a cameo in the "House of Pain" sequence as a "Vampire Pimp" that Nyssa encounters as she searches the upstairs hall. Jackson had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts and the part was played by a Czech actor. The sequence was ultimately cut out entirely for pacing reasons.
5.During the fight with Nomak in the church part of the House of Pain, the stain glass wind is a replica of Dr. Strange's (another Marvel character who battles the occult) medallion, the magical Eye of Agamotto.
6.When Scud is introduced, he quips; "...The Dark Knight Returns." Goyer would go on to co-write with Nolan, the Batman Trilogy.
7.Wesley Snipes: (Sun Tzu) Snipes' quoting of Sun Tzu - "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," follows references to the works of Sun Tzu in many other Snipes movies including Passenger 57, Rising Sun and The Art of War.
by The Centurion May 15, 2013
Get the Blade II (2002) mug.The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain appearing in DC Comics publications. The character was created by Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane, and first appeared in Batman #1 (April 25, 1940). Credit for the character's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for the Joker's design, while acknowledging Finger's writing contribution. Although the Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero Batman.
In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—and the paralysis of Batman's ally, Barbara Gordon. The Joker has had various origin stories during his over seven decades in publication. The most common story is where he falls into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane.
In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—and the paralysis of Batman's ally, Barbara Gordon. The Joker has had various origin stories during his over seven decades in publication. The most common story is where he falls into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane.
One of the most iconic characters in popular culture, the Joker has been cited as one of the greatest comic book villains and fictional characters ever created. He appears in a variety of merchandise, such as clothing and collectable items, real-world structures (such as theme park attractions) and references in a number of media. The Joker has been Batman's adversary in live-action and animated incarnations, including the 1960s Batman television series (played by Cesar Romero) and in film by Jack Nicholson in 1989's Batman and Heath Ledger in 2008's The Dark Knight (earning Ledger a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor). Mark Hamill, Brent Spiner, Michael Emerson, Richard Epcar, Troy Baker, and others have voiced the animated character.
by The Centurion December 24, 2014
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