The Wort Report

Max Landis presents ‘The Death and Return of Superman’

2012-02-11T20:34:00.004-05:00

This is the most poignant and hilarious deconstruction of DC Comics’ decision to kill off (and quickly resurrect) The Man of Steel back in 1992. Enjoy! (Via darosthemovie on YouTube)

Movie Trailers, ‘Star Wars’ in 3D and New Things to Buy

2012-02-11T15:02:00.001-05:00

Hey, everyone. I’d love to write lengthy posts about all of the geeky goodness that has been coming our way recently, but the whirlwind that is 2012 thus far is preventing me from doing that. As such, here’s a rundown of the big nerd news that’s on my radar these days. -Marvel Studios’ trailer for The Avengers debuted during the Super Bowl, and there was much rejoicing. Five years ago, could you

George Lucas Says ‘Nuking the Fridge’ Was His Idea

2012-01-21T21:07:00.001-05:00

Remember how Steven Spielberg claimed full responsibility for having our favorite adventuring archeologist escape a nuclear explosion by hiding inside a refrigerator in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Well, as it turns out, George Lucas is now willingly shouldering the blame for that much-criticized sequence. In a recent New York Times profile detailing the Star Wars

George Lucas Announces Retirement

2012-01-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Star Wars creator George Lucas revealed he’s done with big-budget filmmaking, and that Red Tails—now in theaters—is his final epic filmmaking endeavor. “I’m retiring,” Lucas told the Times. “I’m moving away from the business, from the company, from all this kind of stuff.” Although he’s given himself an “out” clause should a fifth Indiana Jones

Sex and Violence? In MY Comic Books!?

2012-01-20T15:31:00.000-05:00

I caught this news report from a Washington, DC, Fox affiliate about an hour ago on Topless Robot, and I’ve been nerd ragin’ ever since. In it, inept “journalists” wag their fingers at DC Comics for the company’s recent “New 52” relaunch and all of the sex, violence and adult themes publishers have unleashed on the youth of America ever since. “Batman and Catwoman having sex on the rooftop!” “A

Rick McCallum Sheds Light on ‘Star Wars: Underworld’

2012-01-14T23:01:00.002-05:00

At the Red Tails premiere after-party in New York on Wednesday, Entertainment Weekly caught up with Lucasfilm executive producer Rick McCallum to get some concrete answers about the highly anticipated live-action Star Wars television series, which was originally announced nearly seven years ago. McCallum confirmed that the series currently has the working title Star Wars: Underworld, and that

Happy Birthday to Me

2012-01-14T22:40:00.000-05:00

Since my life has become a whirlwind of sorts due to extensive work-related travel, I’m rarely afforded time to sit back and really soak in my experiences. One night I’m driving from San Antonio to Corpus Christi, TX, the next I’m embarking on a 3-hour journey to Laredo to stay at a hotel that literally hugs the Mexican border. I’m constantly in motion, and my free time is typically spent either

Bill Murray: ‘No One Wants to Pay Money to See Fat, Old Men Chasing Ghosts!’

2011-12-31T17:32:00.000-05:00

Bill Murray isn’t tight-lipped about his disinterest in returning as Dr. Peter Venkman for Ghostbusters 3, but a recent story published by The National Enquirer (yes, that National Enquirer), suggests that Murray finally received the script for review…and returned it to fellow ‘busters Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis in shreds. Since this story comes from the Enquirer, we should all probably take

Happy New Year, Wortmaniacs!

2011-12-31T17:13:00.000-05:00

Another year is in the history books and, regrettably, several weeks have gone by without a new entry from yours truly. As much as I love the fact that my job now takes me to new and interesting cities every week, my travel schedule has really cut into my “write about nerdy stuff” time. Frankly, when I’m not on the road or writing on very tight deadlines, the last thing I can bring myself to do

‘What Would You Say if I Pissed on You and Your Scientists?’

2011-12-09T19:02:00.001-05:00

Dayjob Orchestra are weird dudes. That is all.

Patty Jenkins Drops Out of ‘Thor 2’

2011-12-09T18:00:00.001-05:00

That was quick. Not long after being revealed as the out-of-nowhere director chosen to direct Marvel Studios’ Thor 2, Patty Jenkins has left the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog. Jenkins—who directed Charlize Theron in Monster—cited “creative differences” as the reason for her departure. “I have had a great time working at Marvel,” Jenkins told THR. “We parted on

Joker Creator Jerry Robinson Dead at 89

2011-12-08T23:46:00.001-05:00

Comic book artist Jerry Robinson, credited as the creator of The Joker, died on Wednesday in Staten Island at the age of 89, The New York Times reports. It’s long been contested whether Robinson or Batman co-writer Bill Finger were responsible for conjuring up The Clown Prince of Crime—in fact Batman creator Bob Kane contends that he and Finger were responsible for the character and that

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Prologue to Screen before ‘Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol’

2011-12-02T13:06:00.001-05:00

The rumors are true. MTV News reports that a six-minute prologue to The Dark Knight Rises will run on select IMAX prints of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol when the spy sequel hits theaters on Dec. 16. According to the article, the brief clip—said to be the film’s opening sequence—will only play before Ghost Protocol on screens using true IMAX 70 mm projection. A mere 42 screens in the

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is Set Eight Years After Predecessor

2011-11-26T17:40:00.001-05:00

Christopher Nolan’s third Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, is set eight years after The Dark Knight, the director noted in a recent interview with Empire. “It’s really all about finishing Batman and Bruce Wayne’s story,” Nolan explained. “We left him in a very precarious place. Perhaps surprisingly for some people, our story picks up quite a bit later, eight years after The Dark Knight.

Time to Meet ‘The Muppets’

2011-11-26T17:13:00.002-05:00

I’m typically not one to get into personal matters on my blog, partially because the stories of my life aren’t particularly exciting but mostly because it’s more fun to use The Wort Report to detach myself from reality and escape into the persona of a pop culture-obsessed geek with a penchant for rambling on about Star Wars and Batman. However, I can’t begin this review of Disney’s The Muppets

James Bond Returns to Theaters in 2012

2011-11-13T12:24:00.004-05:00

It seems as though updating The Wort Report on a basis that resembles anything close to consistent is impossible with my new work schedule, so I’d like to extend my sincerest apologies for the lack of activity this month. Between international travel and a lot more day-to-day responsibilities at the office, my focus has been elsewhere over the past few weeks as I’ve barely had time to relax (let

New ‘Batman: Arkham City’ DLC Introduces Nightwing as a Playable Character

2011-10-27T15:16:00.001-04:00

Damn, I really need to finish this game. A new DLC pack for Batman: Arkham City allows gamers to play as sidekick-turned-badass Nightwing (a.k.a Dick Grayson) in the critically acclaimed title. The download, available Nov. 1, also offers two Nightwing challenge maps and a Batman: The Animated Series skin for the character.Watch Nightwing beat up the bad guys in spectacular fashion in the trailer

Spielberg Talks ‘Indy 4,’ ‘Nuking the Fridge’ and the possibility of another ‘Jurassic Park’ Film

2011-10-27T15:04:00.003-04:00

It’s settled then. As much as jaded children of the ‘80s blamed Star Wars mastermind George Lucas for Indiana Jones’ refrigerator-aided escape from a nuclear explosion in 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, director and longtime Lucas collaborator Steven Spielberg claims full responsibility for the ill-received sequence.“Blame me. Don't blame George,” Spielberg said in a

‘Transformers 4’ on the Way?

2011-10-17T20:45:00.003-04:00

Wait, what? Didn’t Michael Bay say everything he had to say about robots fighting other robots in Transformers: Dark of the Moon? Well, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and the rest of the gang might be transforming and rolling out in yet another installment in the blockbuster series.Reportedly, Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner is in talks with Bay, studio partner Paramount

‘Thor 2’ to be Directed by…Patty Jenkins?

2011-10-17T20:26:00.003-04:00

Marvel Studios has confirmed that Thor 2—set for release on Nov. 15, 2013—will be directed by Patty Jenkins. Is this good news? Honestly, I don’t even know. According to a posting on Marvel.com, Jenkins directed Charlize Theron in Monster, and helmed episodes of Entourage and Arrested Development. So there you go.I’m disappointed that Kenneth Branagh won’t be returning for the sequel, as I

Not Going to New York Comic Con?

2011-10-14T01:21:00.003-04:00

Well, I am! And I’ll be tweeting updates and photos from the show floor. Follow me on Twitter (@James_Wortman) to join me in basking in the nerdiness of the East Coast’s preeminent pop culture extravaganza.

I’m Still Geeking Out About the ‘Avengers’ Trailer!

2011-10-14T01:08:00.002-04:00

It’s been two days since I saw it for the first time, but since I’m going to be spending my weekend wandering the halls of the Javits Center for New York Comic Con 2011, I figured I’d give the new trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers another look and…wowza.I was really hoping director Joss Whedon would capture the group dynamic between Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Iron Man

Trailer for ‘Marvel’s The Avengers’ Hits iTunes on Oct. 11

2011-10-06T21:02:00.003-04:00

Gearing up for the fanboy frenzy of New York Comic Con next weekend, Marvel.com has announced that the full-length trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers—yes, that’s evidently the official title now—will arrive on iTunes Trailers next Tuesday, Oct. 11.The ensemble flick featuring Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and other Marvel heavyweights will also be well represented at NYCC

Spoiler Alert! ‘Arkham City’ Will Be Off the Chain!

2011-10-06T20:21:00.003-04:00

I tend not to get all that worked up about video games these days, mainly because I never really have time to play them. However, after watching this extended preview of Batman: Arkham City (via MrKQgaming on YouTube), I might need to clear my schedule when Rocksteady’s Arkham Asylum sequel hits shelves on Oct. 18.Looking back on the parade of terrible Caped Crusader-based video games released

‘Arrested Development’ Movie, New Episodes Finally Happening!

2011-10-06T20:02:00.005-04:00

Well, this news is even more satisfying than a banger in the mouth! A film continuation of Fox’s Arrested Development—a brilliant series that was canceled far too soon—has been rumored and speculated upon by fans since the final episode aired in early 2006. However, those same fans (myself included) were delighted to learn just days ago that not only is an Arrested Development feature film in the

‘Ghostbusters’ Returns to Theaters!

2011-09-25T22:30:00.005-04:00

Charge up those proton packs, Ghostbusters fanatics! Our favorite paranormal investigators are bustin’ their way into theaters for a special limited engagement this October. Why? Because bustin’ makes them feel good, obviously! Plus, Halloween’s right around the corner, and I’ll take Peter, Ray, Egon and Winston over the latest crop of cruddy horror flicks any day.Variety reports that the

Six Things I’ve Realized Thanks to the ‘Star Wars’ Blu-rays

2011-09-22T20:18:00.010-04:00

The Blu-ray release of all six Star Wars films last week has inspired many fans to re-evaluate their relationship with the saga. Do I need to purchase these movies yet again simply because they’re on a new format? Can I forgive George Lucas for the prequels? Is The Empire Strikes Back really the best in the series? Will Han ever shoot first again?Like many geeks who wear their Sy Snootles and

The Company Behind New ‘Ghostbusters’ Slot Machine Has Tools, Talent

2011-09-22T19:07:00.002-04:00

And you thought Ghostbusters 3 was a gamble! IGT—the same company behind the Star Wars Droid Hunt machine I love so much – is rolling out a Ghostbusters-themed slot machine starring Mr. Stay Puft, Slimer and our favorite paranormal investigators. Well, it looks like Dan Aykroyd was the only cast member actually willing to lend his voice to the project, but they’re all represented in some form or

Wow, September Already?

2011-09-07T23:45:00.005-04:00

Greetings, Wortmaniacs! I know, I know. You’ve missed me. My updates have been fairly sporadic since July and I’m not posting nearly enough to sustain anything resembling interest in this blog. But the fact is I’ve been incredibly busy at work tackling new responsibilities—which will include a great deal of travel—and I’m trying to enjoy something resembling a personal life when I don’t have my

Dan Aykroyd Says ‘Ghostbusters 3’ Will Happen With or Without Bill Murray

2011-08-28T14:36:00.003-04:00

Mr. Dan Aykroyd, you’ve accomplished many things. You’ve been in some of the biggest comedies of all time—Caddyshack 2 notwithstanding—and you’ve used your celebrity to launch a pretty good brand of vodka with an aesthetically pleasing bottle. However, your fascination with making Ghostbusters 3 with or without the involvement of Peter Venkman himself, Bill Murray, is a bit troubling. In a

Yoda Puppet Gets Digitized in ‘The Phantom Menace’ on Blu-ray

2011-08-28T14:09:00.005-04:00

Don’t act so surprised, fellow nerdlings. As reported on /Film and a myriad of other movie sites, Lucasfilm and the folks at Industrial Light & Magic have made additional visual tweaks to the Star Wars films in preparation for the saga’s first-ever Blu-ray release on Sept. 16. Chief among these cosmetic alterations is the appearance of a completely computer-animated Yoda in The Phantom Menace,

Robert Downey Jr. Talks ‘Iron Man 3’ and Reuniting with Director Shane Black

2011-08-21T18:32:00.005-04:00

For whatever reason, it’s seemingly impossible for a film studio to churn out a compelling third installment in a superhero franchise. From Superman 3 to Batman Forever to Spider-Man 3, comic book fans typically acknowledge the third installment in a previously successful series as the point at which a combination of studio meddling and creative fatigue reduces formerly compelling protagonists

What if Ghost Rider Has to Pee While He’s on Fire?

2011-08-21T15:27:00.002-04:00

Such questions will indeed be answered in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, a sequel to Sony’s almost-terrible 2007 big-screen debut of Marvel’s Brimstone Biker. Nicolas Cage is back as Johnny Blaze, punishing evildoers with his flaming motorcycle, flaming vomit and—shockingly—his flaming urine. I don’t understand why we’re getting a Ghost Rider sequel, save for the fact that Sony probably

Anne Hathaway Sounds Off on Catwoman Reaction

2011-08-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

It’s no secret that comic book and movie geeks are hard to please, even when it comes to hot women in skintight leather. So I guess none of were surprised over the backlash against Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman duds in some leaked photos from the set of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. MTV News caught up with the Oscar-nominated actress, who had some interesting things to say about fans’

‘Game of Thrones’ Director Could Helm ‘Thor 2’

2011-08-07T21:09:00.002-04:00

Variety reports that Marvel Studios and Disney are eyeing Game of Thrones director Brian Kirk to electrify Thor 2, set for release on July 6, 2013.Thor pulled in $447 million worldwide under the directorial leadership of Kenneth Branagh, who has said he will not helm the sequel despite being invited back into the director’s chair. Following an appearance in next summer’s Avengers team-up film,

UPDATE: Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman Suit Revealed! Or Not!

2011-08-07T16:03:00.006-04:00

Late last week, photos of a catsuited Anne Hathaway straddling a Batpod—totally not a euphemism—made its rounds on the ‘net, generating a ton of speculation as to how Selina Kyle’s feline alter ego would factor into Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, which hits theaters next summer. On Saturday, notorious entertainment blogger Perez Hilton added more fuel to the fire with this

First Look: Henry Cavill as Superman!

2011-08-04T20:50:00.004-04:00

This Man of Steel publicity still of Henry Cavill wearing Superman’s iconic threads has been making comic book geeks lose their mind all day, and deservedly so. Judging by the shot, director Zack Snyder’s going to be putting a lot more emphasis on action this time around, which should be a welcome change of pace after Bryan Singer decided to make The Last Son of Krypton mope around for about 30

Wort Report Double Feature: ‘Captain America’ and ‘Harry Potter’

2011-08-03T19:35:00.007-04:00

And we’re back. It’d be no understatement to say that the last month was the busiest 31 days of my life, and after three weddings and my first-ever trip to San Diego for Comic-Con International I’ve been more than a little worn out. All that being said, The Wort Report is officially back as my life approaches something resembling normalcy.With all of my traveling in July my free time was fairly

Molto Bene!

2011-07-14T20:12:00.006-04:00

Hiya folks! I can honestly say that my trip to Italy this past week was among the greatest experiences of my life, and I’d like to extend heartfelt congratulations and thanks to newlyweds Chris and Katie Melfa. If not for their decision to do a destination wedding in Assisi, I don’t know when I would have made the journey across the Atlantic to see its awe-inspiring sights, nor would I have

Viva Italia!

2011-07-05T23:06:00.003-04:00

For the next week or so, I’ll be out of the country attending a wedding in Italy. As I enjoy a much-needed vacation, I’ll be mostly unplugged from Facebook, Twitter and the blogosophere. But don’t fret, Wortmaniacs! I shall return here soon enough.Until we meet again, stay nerdy!

‘Thor 2’ Will Electrify Audiences in 2013

2011-07-03T18:05:00.005-04:00

By Odin’s beard! According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney and Marvel Studios have agreed to move forward with a sequel to Kenneth Branagh’s Thor, slated for release on July 26, 2013.Although Branagh will reportedly not be sitting in the director’s chair this time around, he will serve as a producer. Chris Hemsworth is attached to reprise his role as the titular Asgardian God of Thunder.I’m

Michael Bay Brings the Boom with ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’

2011-07-03T17:20:00.006-04:00

Few films divide geeks quite like those in Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise. Upon the release of each movie, film fanatics typically find themselves in two camps: Either they laud the films for their brash evasion of complex storytelling in favor of bombastic excess and CGI smackdowns between giant robots, or they view their incredible box office success as a prime indicator of our cultural

Not So Fast, ‘Green Lantern’ Sequel …

2011-06-28T20:10:00.002-04:00

Although there were some early reports that Warner Bros. had greenlit (ha!) a sequel to the financially struggling (and pretty mediocre) Green Lantern film, Warner Bros. has affirmed that another film is not necessarily a guarantee for the ring slinging superhero, according to The Hollywood Reporter.The media outlet had previously reported that a followup to the Ryan Reynolds vehicle was a sure

Michael Bay Urges Fans to See ‘Transformers 3’ in 3D

2011-06-28T19:38:00.005-04:00

Based on the escalated marketing bombardment over the last few days, you’re probably well aware that Transformers: Dark of the Moon hits theaters worldwide tomorrow. Some of the early reviews are saying this is the best Transformers film yet, and while I’ll never quite forget how soul-crushingly idiotic the last film was, I’m kind of hoping director Michael Bay redeems himself with his third and

Well, ‘Green Lantern’ Pretty Much Sucks

2011-06-21T22:58:00.012-04:00

Given Green Lantern’s dismal reviews and disappointing $53.2 million opening weekend, it seems almost cruel to add yet another bad review to the pile. The movie has already been savaged by everyone from top-tier film critics to obsessive comic book fans to casual filmgoers on Twitter, so people who haven’t seen it yet have been given fair warning to stay away.But you know what? Screw it. I paid

Hey, a New Trailer for ‘The Muppets!’

2011-06-20T11:29:00.002-04:00

If you don’t crack at least one smile during this trailer for Disney’s The Muppets—opening this Thanksgiving—then you just might be a cynical douchebag. Happy Monday!

Oh Cap, USO Crazy!

2011-06-15T21:00:00.003-04:00

At some point in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger, Steve Rogers wears a ridiculous(ly awesome) version of his costume to entertain the troops as part of the USO. It’s a nod to the character’s iconic comic book appearance, and a low-res shot of Chris Evans in the getup has been making the rounds online. I stumbled across it on Topless Robot and reposted it here:As goofy as the

Shia LaBeouf Talks ‘Indy 5’

2011-06-14T23:26:00.005-04:00

Although Transformers actor Shia LaBeouf won’t be returning for the Hasbro franchise’s inevitable fourth onscreen outing—and neither will director Michael Bay—the 25-year-old actor is planning to reprise the role of Mutt Williams in a fifth Indiana Jones film.In an interview with MTV promoting Transformers: Dark of the Moon at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards, LaBeouf said that a sequel to Indiana Jones

Who Is Jimmy Mortman?

2011-06-14T19:48:00.004-04:00

WWE Superstar R-Truth is pretty upset with all the “Little Jimmys” of the world, especially some guy named “Jimmy Mortman” at WWEShop.com. I can’t say I’ve bumped into the guy around the WWE.com offices myself, but others have told me they see him all the time. Anyhow, he’s certainly rockin’ the bald look, which I can appreciate.Learn all about “R-Truth’s Least Favorite ‘Jimmys’” by watching the

E3 Trailer: ‘Gotham City Impostors’

2011-06-08T21:11:00.004-04:00

So, WB Games is releasing a downloadable Batman-themed multiplayer first-person shooter called Gotham City Impostors, which is kinda weird since Batman hating guns is kinda central to his character. As such, he’d probably be upset that civilians are dressing up like him and pointing shotguns at other civilians wearing Joker makeup.I’m fairly certain Gotham City Impostors makes no sense for a

Bryan Singer Talks ‘X-Men: First Class’ Sequel

2011-06-08T20:49:00.006-04:00

To be honest, I went into Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men: First Class expecting a trainwreck on the same level as X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Yeah, I’d heard the positive early reviews, but I had a really difficult time convincing myself that Fox had somehow turned this creatively troubled franchise around with a crowded prequel set during the Cuban Missile Crisis.Thankfully,

LucasArts Unveils ‘Kinect Star Wars’at E3

2011-06-08T20:18:00.006-04:00

Really? Really. Damn. Now I need to buy a Kinect. At E3 in Los Angeles, LucasArts debuted Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360’s motion-based peripheral. Naturally, I