MAIL SHOOT

February 17, 2003

This is the place where we take a back-seat to you! That's right, we actually shut up long enough to give the readers a chance to speak out. So keep on e-mailing us with whatever's on your minds and you, too, can earn a chance at the anonymous "glory" that is seeing your name on a website. We promise not to mock you too mercilessly...

And now, as promised, we'll shut up and let you speak!

DAREDEVIL: From Page to Screen

"Drosei" writes: I have an idea for you. It's probably been suggested before. But it makes a lot of sense...

Instead of GUESSING about how a project will compare to the book (or comic) that came before it...

...why don't you just wait and actually see it? It makes a lot of sense and would probably make a better read than "I believe...," "I think...," etc., in the latter section of your articles. This way you can flat-out say if the writer or director did his or her job.

Just a thought.

Matt Savelloni responds: A good point, however, the main purpose of the of the column is to review the printed source, not the film. We have enough film reviewers on the site. My aim is to hopefully get people to actually read, instead of just going to the movies, but using the prospect of an upcoming film to crack the pages of a novel, comic book, short story, whatever. It's like using dessert as an incentive to get kids to eat their vegetables (well, not really, but I was too lazy to think of another simile). The end section is a simple commentary or outlook on the prospects of the film using the equation of:

source material + talent involved = film potential.

For instance, with Greg Iles 24 HOURS, I commented on the weaknesses of the book which would hamper the film unless corrected. Guess what? The filmmakers adapted it straight and the movie TRAPPED fell apart at precisely the same moment the book fell apart. I try to find the strengths and weaknesses of the people involved and match them to the characteristics of the source material: This is exactly what goes on in the real world of business, Hollywood or otherwise: you look at a candidate for a job (the talent), you study their criteria and experience (their filmography), and you make a judgment call as to whether or not they can perform the duties of the job (help make the film). In essence, the last section allows me to play Movie Studio or Movie Producer, aping the same process they go through when adapting a property for the big screen.

Long-winded response, sorry. Thanks for the feedback and I hope you're enjoying our site.

John writes: If it's prejudiced to be against Michael Clarke Duncan playing Kingpin because he's black, then it would be prejudiced to be against Nicolas Cage playing Shaft because he's white.

Ryall: Nicholas Cage played Shaft? Did he tell Sam Jackson he was going to do that?

Matt Savelloni responds: Any decision based on skin color is prejudiced in my book. There are some exceptions artistically, for instance, casting an African-American to play George Washington would be as ridiculous as casting a caucasian to play Malcom X. But this is a fictional character in a comic book and I was astounded at some of the uproar Duncan's casting caused. Truthfully, how many established actors are there of Duncan's physical stature who possess his range? Would fans rather see nonactors like The Rock or Tyler Mane as Kingpin simply because they're of a paler skin pigment? And most importantly, why, why, why, why in 2003 are people still hung up on the color of someone's skin?

Rest in Peace, Perfect

Jeff writes: I was blown away when I saw the opening blackout graphic of [Wrestler Curt]Hennig on RAW.

That said, I expect NWA TNA to do a better "tribute" this Wednesday night - he only wrestled a handful of horrible matches for them, but Curt was possibly the biggest name talent (other than Scott Hall) that the promotion has attracted in its existence.

"Heart failure" runs in his family, according to his sister. Right. How much of that will be attributed to enlargement of his heart due to steroids, similar to fellow Minneapolis native Rick Rude.

I remember the buildup to SummerSlam 1991 - Hennig was so banged up that he couldn't wrestle. He won his only tune-up match by countout, throwing a jobber out of the ring to the floor and kicking him in the head when he tried to get back in. He pulled out a gutsy performance versus Bret Hart, but was never the same, except for a couple of flashes against Ric Flair (the loser-leaves-promotion match on RAW and their early feuding on NITRO).

An Astute Reader

Ayda writes: Just wondered if you knew that the Japanese cat isn't really one-hand-clapping, but waving/beckoning good fortune (as in $$$) and good business into the establishment which they're gracing. At least, this is what I understood from Japanese-American friends. That gesture means the same thing in the Philippines (come) but the opposite (goodbye) in the U.S.

Ryall: Well, duh! ...actually, that logo was designed by our Webmaster Ming, so I'm sure that was just his nice way of wishing good fortune on me.

TV Wreckomendations

Marie writes: Wow, it's the second week of sweeps and there ain't shit to watch. I scrolled through the listings and it looks like a good week to catch up on my reading. I must watch Buffy but other than that, zzzzzzzzz. Thanks for the heads up.

Well, then, you'll be happy to know there's quality shows this week, like the final BACHELORETTE and JOE MILLIONAIRE and...man, you're right...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Stephen writes: I just read your article on Movie Poop Shoot regarding your TV recommendations for the week of Feb. 3rd. Of specific interest was your comments on Friday's choices. In the article you state that Friday is such a dead night for TV. I'm curious if you've ever watched Farscape, which airs on Scifi, Fridays at 8pm EST. If not, it's an excellent and inventive show, which definitely deserves a look. The reason why I write is that Farscape was not renewed for another season. Or, more accurately, it was renewed for two seasons (The current one included) and Scifi opted out of the next season, which had been planned as the final season. This cancellation came as quite a surprise to fans, as well as those behind the show. It has been Scifi's top original series for some time, as well as their longest running original series, currently in their fourth season. Personally, I don't go out of my way to watch anything on TV... Except for Farscape. I think it is one of the best shows I have ever seen, if not THE best.

I'm not asking you to promote or recommend anything that you don't agree with. But if you give the show a shot and like it, any amount of publicity towards the show would be helpful. Currently the creators of the show are still working on Scifi to bring the show back for another season, as well as looking for other networks where they might possibly be able to air the show. If it is at all possible, please take a look at this show this coming Friday and perhaps give an honest appraisal of it on the website. I think this could be beneficial to its chances of continuing.

Regardless, thank you for your time in reading this letter. If you have any questions, please feel free to write. Also, there is a website that goes into great detail regarding the show's cancellation, www.savefarscape.com. I would like to note that I am unaffiliated with that website. I am just an everyday viewer and major fan of the show. But I came across that site and think it might be a good source for you if you are more interested in the show. Once again, thank you for your time and consideration.

Ryall: Honestly? It's mostly a matter of me not wanting to repeat myself every week. It'd get dull, at least to me, if I kept saying "ALIAS is a great show, watch it!" every week. I do try to mix things up and not just take the easy way out each week; so there's that, and more than that is the fact that most of my "recommendations" are actually just cheap excuses to tell stupid little jokes. TV GUIDE and other places can give solid recommendations about shows but for me to do the same, that just seems like one more guy's unwanted opinion. So instead I try to mix it up by mentioning quality shows when they're on and also cracking lame jokes about awful shows. As for FARSCAPE, we've mentioned it and the Web site to help try and save it in the past; I also threw in a mention this week, just for you!

Luke DeWitt writes: So I thought television couldn't get any worse... I was wrong. I want to cry, and not because I am listening to Johnny Cash cover Nine Inch Nails. I am sitting at home, on this Thursday night and my friend calls me, she tells me to turn it to channel 7, ABC, because there was a show called "Are You Hot?". Of course I had heard of this on my beloved moviepoopshoot, so I figure it would be a laugh, but my god, I am totally sickened. To think that this, this monstrosity of a show could take the time spot once occupied by "Push, Nevada", one of the greatest shows to have come out in the past few years (any word on the DVD's coming out?)

Ryall: Nope. Doubtful at this point.

Anyways, this is just disgusting, I can't even write about it, but lord knows it will probably have the highest ratings, this is just disgusting though, telling people they aren't 'hot enough' what the fuck?? I mean sure, some of the girls are gorgeous, but then telling them they are not hot enough, wow, I don't have a sweet clue what they were smoking when they came up with this crack pot of a show. My God... for shame ABC, for shame...

Ryall: Yet the Mouse's house wasn't okay with the CLERKS ANIMATED show and they ARE okay with this mess of a show...huh. Not sure how ABC found a way to make ostly naked people seem REALLY unsexy, but they managed it.

Jen in CO writes: What is it with all these reality "stars" and their connection to the Porn world? I just read on TV Guide Online that Frenchie Davis (one of the better finalists on American Idol) has been disqualified for appearing in a porn flick! Like they said "Another week, another reality TV porn scandal..." I will be sorry to see her go, this years crop doesn't seem as good as last and she was one the better contenders!

Ryall: Yeah, the reality TV/porn connection...I don't know, maybe they just want to go the Traci Lords route and go "legit" and they figure that no producers of any of these reality shows actually has a screening process so they can sneak in. However, more likely, the producers DO know and they make sure that news gets out at just the right time so people will watch. I think people were starting to get bored with JOE MILLIONAIRE right when the news that the one woman was in bondage films was released. It IS interesting it keeps happening that way, though.

Pete Senf writes: Come on now, Chris. If you would have actually watched Jimmy Kimmel's new show, you would have realized that the Armenian Comedian was only on once (the same as Adam Carolla).

Ryall: By my count, Adam's now been on six times. Never really thought he'd be the guest host already, three weeks in. And among Jimmy's other old radio pals, you might have caught Dr. Drew Pinski on last Friday, too. I imagine his old morning show crew of Kevin & Bean will be along shortly...

He was bumped from the previous night because they ran long so he was on the next night. This same situation happens on Letterman a lot too. This is a really funny show (at least to those of us who actually watch it) Ryall: Yeah, I wouldn't have made these comments if I hadn't watched it. I like Jimmy and all, but I just don't see how he and Kathy Griffin comparing their e-Bay headshot value is good comedy. What's that talented writing staff doing back there?

that will hopefully get a chance to succeed, though it seems that ABC isn't really trying too hard to ensure that (not a lot of big name guests, no "corporate synergy" with ESPN and Disney, they won't let them show an image of Mickey Mouse). Try watching the show before judging though please.

Ryall: Again, why would you assume I've done otherwiese? One man's comedy is another man's Chevy Chase Show, that's all.

The last Friday that Snoop Dogg was on, they had one of the funniest bits on late night that I have ever seen. They had the national spelling bee winner, the regional winner (I think), and two rappers compete in a spelling contest, with Snoop delivering words. There's just something hilarious about a 10 year old white girl standing at the mic saying "GANGSTA, G-A-N-G-S-T-A, GANGSTA".

Ryall: I agree with that, and also that ABC could do more to get their stars on his show--Jen Garner is on Conan to promote DAREDEVIL, so it'd be nice if she also hit his show when back in L.A. But overall, the lack of comedy bits and live television just aren't doing the show many favors.

Miscellani

Scott writes: How dare you make fun of wrestling like that. Wrestling is a legit sport with highly trained athl……………Ya, I haven’t watched it since the Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkov either. Damn Commie Pinkos. Is Koko B. Ware still wrestling with his bird? Anyway, enough of that nonsense, congrats on the engagement. Thankfully you didn’t go the way of doing it when Jaws pops out of the water at Universal. I think that would have been a quick no, but a good way to kiss up to the boss. So here’s to many years of good fortune to you and the future missus.

I have to say a good recommendation on Kingpin. I loved the part where his hand comes off in the bowling ball. Bill Murry was just hilarious……….Oh wait…….. Seriously though, I think it’s one of the best 2 or 3 shows out there right now(not having HBO is seriously hampering me). Very daring, especially coming from NBC(American Dreams, Good Morning, Miami). Come on, it has Danny Trejo! Hopefully this will get picked up for more than the six slotted shows. This is definitely in my ever shrinking ‘must watch’(pardon the NBC pun) shows which is down to about four, thanks to crap on TV and PS2; evil, evil PS2.

Yes, you did hear right, French Connection 2. Although not nearly as bad as the Popeye Doyle TV show, staring none other than Ed O’Neil. Yup, Al Bundy as Popeye Doyle.

Ryall: Wow, what next, Al Bundy as Joe Friday?

Handi-Capable

Greg writes: Any plans for a PDA version (Avantgo, etc) of this site?

Ryall: That's actually a really good idea, even if it brings all kinds of other questions to mind; the site itself might just be too big for that, but it's worth looking into if enough of you think it'd be useful. What do you say, Poop while you poop?

Late to the Party

Greg writes: Just wanted to say that I just bought and watched Strike Back today, and enjoyed every second. This is what a DVD is supposed to be, so many times I get a DVD and the commentary is HORRIBLE! The director and some lighting guy talking about how this or that shot was done. This as with all the Kevin Smith movies is like coming home again, hanging with old friends and talking about there latest fun project.

Not to mention the tons of deleted scenes and other fun stuff, you guy's really try to put something out there for the fan's and I wanted to let you know it's appreciated. Great movie and an excellent DVD. Sorry to see Jay and Silent Bob go, but at least they went out in style. And will live on in my collection.

Danny writes: Well once again the internet has preven that yes there is somwhere worth going to and enjoying yourself. I must say that this is a rahter refreshing site (even if it was originally set up fpr a really bad string of jokes for jay and silent bob stike back. All i can say is keep up the good work.

Ryall: I have to say, I will never get tired of these kinds of e-mails...

We All Have Our Favorites...

Brad: I was saddened to learn that hardly any of Mitzi Gaynor's movies are available on vhs tape, never mind dvd! Is there a way we movie fans can push for certain movies to be available on dvd? Thanks, Brad.

Huh?

Kim writes: jay & silent bob, i just watched it and from the clue decided to check out if the web site they mentioned was real.

note: have you ever played with the board de wica, let the board be your body and the spirit be your guide.

Ryall: Huh?

Our First DD Review

Kevin Pocctar writes: how could they just slap this piece of shit out there? if spiderman is the citizen kane of comic adaptions, then daredevil is the heavens gate of said catagorie. they should of given the script to kevin to write it at least he'd give a shit about these characters, as opposed to avi arad, to whom they mean nothing but another paycheck. damn you marvel, GODDAMN YOU ALL TO HELL! i am so disappionted.

Ryall: So am I. In this e-mail. SPIDER-MAN is CITIZEN KANE? In what world? I have to admit, plot-wise, third-act-wise, execution-wise...DAREDEVIL blew SPIDER-MAN away. Really, other than my my initial enjoyment over seeing a boyhood favorite, Spider-Man, up on the big screen, DAREDEVIL was better in most every way. I really, really enjoyed it more than I expected. I swear, I don't get pans like this that just shit on a movie but don't give any real reasons why it was so bad. My major complaint about the movie? The music was awful and distracting. Everything else? Worked great for me.

Final Words of the Week

"Rod" (I'm guesing, since he didn't sign it) writes only this: hi my name is rod.

Pic of the Week

From this year's Toy Fair, coming soon:

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