The Dark Knight Returns Fan-Made Poster

Alright, I swear this is my last Dark Knight post...at least for a little while. What you see below ISN'T an official poster for The Dark Knight sequel, which hasn't even been announced yet and for all we know may not be happening. It's a fan made one and if I were Christopher Nolan I would give this guy a call right now and buy the rights to this very creative piece of work. What most jumps out at me at first glance (aside from the absurdly high level of professionalism) is the attention to detail.

It's tough to make out here (you can click to view it larger) but the Two-Face article is written "by Vicky Vale" and anyone doubting The Riddler wouldn't fit perfectly into Nolan's world would have to seriously re-think that after looking on the far right. Re-imagining Riddler as some kind of Zodiac killer type (complete with ciphers and codes) is brilliant and a different, darker take on the character no one has suggested yet.

Actually, the whole poster gives off a Zodiac vibe, with traces of Nolan's own Memento (the tattoos on Riddler's hand). It's tough naming two more appropriate movies to seek inspiration from. This fake one-sheet encapsulates everything the next film SHOULD be and if it were a real poster released by a major studio it would probably make my list of the best movie posters of the year. Now, the only problem is making a film that could live up to it.

Source: Cinematical

Fantasy Casting: The Dark Knight Sequel (Part II)

In the first part of my Casting The Dark Knight Sequel blog series I revealed my picks for Catwoman, Penguin and Mr. Freeze. Now here are the contenders for Riddler, Joker and Poison Ivy along with my final selection for each.







RIDDLER











Johnny Depp-I don’t like it at all. Sorry, but I’m just so sick of Depp playing these loner, misfit freaks that I cringed when I heard his name mentioned as a serious possibility. I’m hoping that out of some warped loyalty to Burton he’ll turndown the role if he’s offered it. I’d just rather see another actor get a shot at this. Of course now that I said that I’m sure we’ll be hearing that Depp has been cast as The Riddler any day now. The silver lining here is that I had a similarly negative reaction to the casting of Ledger.

Robin Williams-What is this, 1995? Williams already lost this role to Carrey. Although Nolan did get a great, dark villainous turn out of Williams in Insomnia. Something to consider.

Jim Carrey-Out of all the possibilities of bringing someone back from a previous Batman installment this one is least likely to end in disaster. It could be interesting to see what Carrey could do with what’s sure to be Nolan’s much darker, more serious Riddler. Almost guaranteed better results than The Number 23. Still, this shouldn’t be done. Why remind people of Schumacher’s failed films?

Michael Emerson-Lost’s Benjamin Linus is the single greatest villain on television today, if not in the past decade. His performance this season resuscitated that show and if you think about it he’s already playing The Riddler on that series. It’s the exact direction Nolan’s version should take. But for fans of the show will this make the movie seem like just another episode? Furthermore, would those unfamiliar with him be willing to accept an unknown in such an important role?

Michael C. Hall-Yes! The star of TV’s Dexter would make the ideal cerebral assassin to match Bale’s Batman. The list of actors who can play Riddler is short mainly because we don’t have a clue where Nolan could go with the character. With Hall in the role we suddenly get a much clearer picture…and I like it what I’m seeing.

David Tennant-I don’t have a clue who this guy is but I heard he stars Doctor Who and is campaigning hard for the role. He’s been mentioned by everyone as a possibility. If anyone knows more about him please let me know. I have no idea so I can’t comment on his suitability.

Guy Pearce-I’m sure he’s only been mentioned because he starred in Nolan’s Memento, but Nolan isn’t like a P.T. Anderson who uses the same troupe of actors over again. He’d do a good job, but isn’t the best choice. Plus, what’s he gonna do, tattoo question marks and riddles all over himself?

Edward Norton-This can’t happen for a number of reasons such as the fact Norton is widely regarded as a pain in the ass to work with. Could you imagine the creative clashes between him and Nolan? Also, I’m sure Norton has sworn off superhero films after his horrible post-production experience on The Incredible Hulk. But we’re speculating on suitability not probability and Norton would knock it out of the park.

Ben Foster-This is a write-in pick I came up with and I’m shocked it hasn’t been brought up. Imagine the results if he brings the same kind of intensity to The Riddler that he did to his roles in Alpha Dog and 3:10 to Yuma. If the character is to be re-imagined as a complete raving psychotic Foster is the best man for the job.

Kevin Spacey-If you told me this choice 5-10 years ago I would have been completely on board. Now I laugh. He’s become a parody of himself with his villainous roles and helped drag down Superman Returns (as if needed to be dragged down further). I’d love to see him turn things around but we shouldn’t risk it here. His name on a picture nearly guarantees a creative flop these days. What a shame.

Crispin Glover- Consider this a joint pick for both Riddler and Joker since he was rumored for both for years and even actively campaigned for the latter before it went to Ledger. Just see Willard and try to tell me this guy wouldn’t make a sick, twisted, creepy Riddler. I guarantee you he’s at least on Nolan’s radar right now. And what a great comeback this could be.

Paul Bettany-Already has experience playing a creepy, sick villain in The DaVinci Code. If Nolan wants to go in that direction he’s a good choice and is one of the most physically imposing actors on this list.

David Hyde Pierce-Niles Crane as The Riddler? He’s only made everyone’s list because he bares a physical resemblance to the animated version but that’s beside the point. He does have a strong dramatic and theater background so the pick isn’t as silly as it looks, but it’s still really silly.

John Malkovich- We pretty much know exactly how this would turn out: Fine, but nothing special. If it were the ‘90’s and Malkovich still had some sadistic surprises left in him he’d be a candidate for a Burton or Schumacher installment. That time has passed and we need a fresher take.

Orlando Bloom- A few years ago I thought Orlando Bloom and Heath Ledger were interchangeable as actors. How wrong I was. Could Nolan work a similar miracle with Bloom? It's just the kind of casting stunt Nolan would pull.

Casey Affleck-Interesting. After his terrific work in ’07 I feel a lot better giving him a shot at it, but I’d still have serious reservations. He’s just starting to find his footing and may not have the screen presence yet to pull this off. We have to believe this madman is threatening human lives. We could make The Riddler low-key and intellectual but Affleck might be too low-key and intellectual.

William Fichtner-Remember the opening of The Dark Knight? Why it was so great. A lot of that had to do with this well-traveled character actor’s performance as the bank manager who took a stand. His character may or may not have died. We don’t know. If Nolan wants storyline continuity and the opportunity to give a deserving actor a promotion this is a great way to do it. Fichtner’s a criminally underrated performer capable of pulling off a transformation reminiscent of Eckhart’s Harvey Dent. Anyone familiar with this guy’s work through the years knows this choice has some serious weight behind it.

Anthony Michael Hall-While we’re at it let’s cast Judd Nelson as Mr. Freeze and Molly Ringwald as Poison Ivy. No, seriously Hall’s a good actor but his role as a TV interviewer in The Dark Knight was just a throwaway cameo that people are looking too far into. There’s really nothing on his resume that suggests he deserves a shot at this. He should consider it an honor he’s even being mentioned as a serious candidate in some circles.

Ed Harris-Actually somewhat physically resembles the original Riddler from the '60's televsion series, Frank Gorshin, but wouldn't bring the same silliness to the role. Despite playing a bunch of villains throughout his career I can't recall a time he was ever allowed to really cut loose. Nolan would give that to him. My only worry is he might be too dry to play such a larger than life character.

Geoffrey Rush-An underrated, overlooked choice who can play crazy and evil with the best of them. He's even gotten Oscar nominations for doing both separately so this would give him a chance to accentuate both those strengths at once. Tackling a scheming criminal mastermind would be a piece of cake for him and I could even picture him in a green suit (but hopefully it doesn't come to that).

Jude Law-Almost worked with Nolan once before on The Prestige until David O. Russell put Nolan in a headlock and forced him to let Law out of his contract so he could make I Heart Huckabees. Ironically, it’s his work that film that makes me think he could do this. Also looks the part.

My Pick: Michael Emerson
The presence appearance of Lost’s Nestor Carbonell as Mayor Garcia in The Dark Knight would lead one to believe someone with pull at Warner Bros. is watching the show. If that’s true then there’s a better chance than you think that Emerson’s name will come up at some point for this role. I have to remember I’m casting Nolan’s film not mine but this is a case where my personal favorite choice really is the right one for this sequel.

Unlike Catwoman I think it would help if The Riddler were older and more experienced than Batman so he can always remain a few steps ahead. He needs to be more of a psychological threat than a physical one and a true sociopath. He has to be believable as a genius while at the same time giving off a truly creepy and unnerving vibe, something Emerson specializes in. He looks like that strange man who lives down the street who you’re not quite sure about and it’s that degree of realism that makes him a perfect fit for Riddler. Just look at this guy. I’d even believe his name is Edward E. Nigma.

If you watch Lost you already know he can do it but even if you don’t he’d have you sold the second he appears onscreen. He’s gone untested in a big budget mainstream films, but he has more experience doing this kind of thing than just about anyone. After Ledger’s Joker you need as little drop off as possible for the lead male villain and Emerson would insure that. He's the only actor on here who I KNOW can do it. Having said that, casting Riddler is so difficult that I'd be forced to go in open minded whoever Nolan chooses. There's no question this character and Catwoman would be the strongest choices for villains in the next installment and carry the most creative potential.








JOKER









Mark Hamill-The voice of The Joker in the animated series was a serious contender (at least in the fans’ minds) for The Dark Knight. It’s been suggested that the sequel should be The Dark Knight Returns and take place 10 years later. If that’s the case no one but Mark Hamill should play him. That’s a big IF though. It sure would be great to finally see him in a meaningful role again. I was always curious what he was capable of outside of Skywalker.

Johnny Depp- Here we go again. Is already replacing Ledger in that Imaginary whatever it is directed by Terry Gilliam. I hate the word “replacing” though. Depp’s a great actor but I think he’s massively overpraised. Between being rumored for this role, The Riddler and appearing as The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s upcoming Alice in Wonderland I have to ask this question: When will this guy stretch a little bit. I think he’s slightly better for Joker than Riddler but it’s still an unequivocal “NO.” A small part of me thinks it could work, but that’s more a testament to Nolan than Depp.

Daniel Day-Lewis-This is out of left field but strangely it’s fitting because The Dark Knight does remind me a lot of There Will Be Blood. I’m not sure why exactly but it does. I think people have suggested this mainly because Lewis can do anything. Who am I to argue? They’re right. But I think I’d rather have him show up in Gotham City as Daniel Plainview than The Joker.

Robert Downey Jr.-Speaking of actors who can do anything. He’s probably going to be tied up with the Ironman sequel and a bunch of other things at the moment but he could step in and own this. Would you turn this guy down for ANY role? I wouldn’t.

Brad Pitt-I'm not sure why but for some reason I can kind of picture this. On paper it looks like a safer bet than Ledger did, but that could be precisely the reason it may not work. Of all the huge A-list stars he has proven over time to be among the most dedicated to his craft and unafraid of fully immersing himself in any role. There are actually a lot of similarities between him and Ledger as both worked hard to conquer inaccurate perceptions of their talents. It's a gamble, but a better gamble than some others.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt-What a compliment that he could step in for Ledger and not only would very few have a problem with it, the move would likely be highly praised. The best actor of his generation and he hasn’t even come close to his peak yet. That’s why I think it’s important that he continue to blaze his own trail, rather than have Ledger’s shadow follow him. I’d rather not mess with greatness and have him continue doing what he’s doing. But if we MUST, he might be the only actor I’d trust to pull it off. Can’t wait to see what he does with Cobra Commander by the way.

Michael Pitt-A similar pick to Levitt in that he’s an up and coming actor making risky choices and his role in Funny Games is proof positive he can mine the depths of evil when necessary. Much to my surprise, this possibility hasn’t really been discussed by anyone. He could easily do this.

Leonardo DiCaprio- He's due for a darker role and what better one to prove to the world he's at the top of his game than to step into Ledger's shoes and knock it out of the park. This part combines the artistic credibility and mainstream appeal that has been a hallmark of his career. Yeah I know, I'm really reaching here. I can't see this happening.

My Pick: No One
We need at least a one film break from The Joker, if not longer. To suggest it would be disrespectful to Ledger’s memory to have someone else play the role it is completely absurd, but it would be disrespectful to whoever tackles it to have his shadow hanging over them. Years down the line if they want to revisit the character I’d encourage it but we should let this rest for a while, and I think Nolan will. Plus, what more is there to do with him in this series? It’s time to move on to new villains. We already got our Joker.









POISON IVY








Runners-up: Isla Fisher, Cate Blanchett, Bryce Dallas Howard, Julianne Moore, Amy Adams

My Pick: Christina Hendricks
I was having huge problems casting this one and was about ready to give up. Honestly I think that’s because the character is weak and extremely difficult to translate to the screen (and this is coming from someone who enjoyed Uma Thurman’s performance in Batman and Robin, as silly as it was). I’d say there’s little to no chance of Poison Ivy appearing in the next film but I’d still give her much better odds than Mr. Freeze. I didn’t consciously try to pick a virtual unknown but it just happened and may work out better because the wounds are still so fresh from Schumacher’s film that a big star could bring back painful memories.

The actresses I strongly considered above are all great and you’d hear no complaints from me if any of them were chosen. The problem is a couple haven't proven they can radiate strength and power (at least at the level necessary for this role) and the two that can just wouldn’t feel right opposite Bale. That’s why I picked Christina Hendricks from TV’s Emmy nominated Mad Men. She has just the right mix of sexiness, mysteriousness and confidence that would work. You’d have to combine a bunch of different actresses to get someone better for this. In what little I’ve seen of her Nolan could take a chance on this problematic character and feel safe with Hendricks playing her. Or more accurately, not feel safe, which is what we should be going for.

Fantasy Casting: The Dark Knight Sequel

The floodgates have been opened. With The Dark Knight still going very strong and making a run for the highest grossing motion picture of all-time, speculation has popped up everywhere regarding a sequel. One of the most impressive feats of Christopher Nolan's film was how it challenged our perceptions of superhero villains are presented and who could possibly play them. Two-Face is presumed dead. The Joker is alive. Whether either of those two will show up in the next film is a crap shoot (although Eckhart is reportedly signed on for one more). Then there's the controversy of whether or not The Joker can, or rather should, be recast and who could possibly play him.

What I'll be giving you in these next two blogs is possibilities for villains and who could play them if there is a sequel. I'll be working under the assumption that both Nolan and Christian Bale will be returning, which appears to be the likely scenario at this point. I didn't want to be caught off guard with Nolan making a choice that isn't on here so this is very detailed. No stone went unturned and you get my thoughts on basically everyone you could think of and their suitability for playing Batman villain. I analyze pros and cons of the choice and make my final pick at the end. Some are strongly rumored, some are my ideas and others are picks discussed all over the net.
For the record I do think the next villains should unquestionably be Catwoman and Riddler but I run down possibilities for Penguin, Joker, Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy as well. I devoted the least amount of space to the latter two because I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell Nolan will use either of them for obvious reasons. Of course, there's no guarantee he'll even use any of these villains and may instead go for lesser known ones from the comics as he did in Batman Begins.

It'll be interesting to see what happens when the announcements are made (which should be soon) and whether I look like a casting genius, a complete moron or something in between based on my comments on these actors. I had to remember I was casting Nolan's movie not mine and did make my final choices based on who I thought would fit best in the world he created. It didn't matter whether they were a big star or an unknown, just that they were RIGHT FOR THE ROLE. I'd say there's a great chance you're about to read my thoughts on the stars of The Dark Knight Sequel, whoever they are. Welcome to Part 1 of 2: Catwoman, Penguin and Mr. Freeze.




CATWOMAN

Angelina Jolie-Here’s someone who’s made a lot of headlines recently as the current frontrunner. She’s even has the endorsement of the original (and best) Catwoman, Julie Newmar, which goes a long way in my book. I’m convinced the fact this possibility has been so harshly received by the public has everything to do with her celebrity status and nothing to do with her suitability for the part. Her casting would bring the film the wrong kind of media attention, but let’s admit it: She’d be completely in her element and nail this. You could even argue this is the role she was born to play. It would also tie up her schedule for a while so she couldn’t bore us with Oscar-baiting dramas.

Still, a part of me thinks she may have fit better in the Burton or Schumacher star-driven franchises than this one. I’ve spoken to many people who told me they’d be happy with anyone as Catwoman “as long as it ISN’T Angelina Jolie.” I’m not sure that’s fair. Everyone would expect Nolan to think outside-of-the-box in casting this but how funny would it be if he shocks us all by going with the most obvious choice? If he picks her I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

Kate Beckinsale-A very solid possibility but I’m not as crazy about this as everyone else seems to be. Has to be considered one of the frontrunners right now but I think there’s this tendency in the Batman fan community to consider anyone who has worn a skintight body costume in a comic book movie as the right choice. Don’t get me wrong she’s good, just not the best we can do. The choice is too mainstream and lacks vision (although the same could have been said for Eckhart and look how that turned out).

Emily Blunt- I like this. I like it a lot. I can picture it also which isn’t always the case with choices that look good on paper. She’s young but always comes across as an experienced pro. Could easily go toe-to-toe with Bale believably and radiates just the right amount of mysterious sexiness to pull this off. This couldn’t come at a better time in her career.

Michelle Pfeiffer-This name has only appeared on some people’s casting list out of respect for her work in Batman Returns, which I completely appreciate. I have no problem with her age but it’s time to move on and do something new…and she’d probably agree with me.

Maggie Gyllenhaal-One of the craziest rumors to develop recently is that Rachel Dawes is not dead and will be returning as Catwoman since Gyllenhaal is signed on for another film. If Nolan does cast Maggie in the role it’s a HUGE RISK considering all the groundless complaints that she was “too ugly” for the role of Rachel.

How will audiences react then if she’s cast as Catwoman, a character whose very essence hinges on physical attractiveness and sexuality? Again, I refer you to her work in Secretary. She could probably do this, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I want her to try. I prefer Nolan not go this route because it’s disappointing narratively and I wouldn’t want to see the weak Rachel character return in any incarnation.

Rosario Dawson-A top candidate. I get the feeling we’ve already seen a variation on what her Catwoman would be like in Sin City. She definitely looks and acts the part, but under Nolan how do we even know what that part is anymore? Great choice, even if there’s no real element of surprise or re-interpretation in it. I love Dawson, but we know exactly what we’re getting with her. Still, she has to be considered one of the top 3 or 4 choices on this list. Few would do it better.

Charlize Theron-Yawn. I just put her down because I felt obligated. Could she really bring something new and exciting to a re-imagined version of Catwoman? Not a chance.

Halle Berry-Some feel she deserves another chance. I don't. But major props for showing up in person to accept your Razzie Award. That film wasn't her fault but I have to admit it is kind of fun blaming her.

Nicole Kidman- I think she has the acting chops but her role in a previous Batman film (a Schumacher one no less) could prove to be too jarring, despite the fact she was great in it. We need fresh blood. She’s an awesome, underrated talent but just not the right fit here for Nolan’s universe.

Naomi Watts-If Nolan takes the approach once again of going for the best actor for the role then Watts is the best choice on here. She may be pushing 40 but it’s not an issue since she doesn’t look a day over 34. I could really see Nolan picking her and I wouldn’t complain. It fits with the casting decisions he’s made so far.

Rose McGowen-There’s only one filmmaker who would consider casting her as Catwoman and as of now Robert Rodriguez is not scheduled to direct the next installment. To be fair, I actually think she’d do a better job than many think and it is tempting to see how this would turn out. It’s a temptation I’ll resist though because there are much better choices. Considering her reputation as box office poison she might also be a better fit as Poison Ivy.

Sienna Miller-This is one of those picks that’s solid, but lacks vision and originality. She’s already playing The Baroness in the G.I. Joe film and I think this role may seem too close to that. Besides, there are way better options available.

Megan Fox-Well, we know she'd look great in the cat suit at least. One of the best qualities of The Dark Knight was that it didn't feel like mindless summer escapist fare. Adding the "hot and nothing else" Fox to the mix would give the film an unshakable aura of emptiness and superficiality. Her, um, body of work up until now doesn't give us any indication whether she could actually do it. Regardless, this is supposed to be a Batman film not a porno.

Shannyn Sossamon- I love this freakin’ choice! I was so happy when I heard her name mentioned as a possibility because it was always in the back of my mind. She’s about the right age and bears a frightening resemblance to the Catwoman of the comics. Pretty much untested as an actress though. There’s some risk here.

Eva Green- I’m not familiar with that much of her work outside of Casino Royale but for some reason I can actually see it. I’m not a big fan of hers, but this isn’t a bad choice at all. If you want fresh blood for the franchise it doesn’t get much fresher than this.

Tilda Swinton-Don’t worry this wasn’t my pick, but you’d be surprised how many people think it’s a good idea. I realize she’s a great actress but no one would pay money to see her play Catwoman. Can you even picture her with Bale? I’m all for picking great actresses but this is one of the worst choices on here. I could see her as Poison Ivy though.

Milla Jovovich- She doesn’t have the acting goods to pull this off. This is one of those videogame fanboy picks and nothing more. A C-level direct to DVD choice for what should be an A-level film.

Natalie Portman-What a joke. Honestly, I’m laughing just picturing her in the costume. The whole thing just doesn’t fit. For this to even be a suggestion proves how massively overrated her talents are.

Anne Hathaway-That her career has ascended to the level that she's being mentioned for this part is an accomplishment in itself considering how ill-suited she is for it. So let's call that a victory and end it because if she got this part over the other far superior choices on here you'd just have to tell me know how the film is. I probably wouldn't watch it. I'd say there's no chance of this happening but with Nolan you never know.

Keira Knightley- This is almost along the same lines as Portman but a little better since Keira has proven she can believably play a bad ass in Domino. But something still seems really off with this choice.

Olivia Wilde- No one has brought this one up and I'm surprised. Not only does she look a lot like how we'd imagine Catwoman to be she's one of the few actresses who looks like she could kick Batman's ass. She's also the only actress in this age range I'd seriously consider, but there are drawbacks. She might have the Jessica Biel problem-being too tough and unable to portray to vulnerable side. Plus, she still so new and green as an actress we have no idea whether she'd be able to hold her own alongside the likes of Bale, Oldman, Caine and Freeman. It might be interesting to see her try though. She at least deserves to read for the part.

Jessica Biel- It's a no go because of the above reason. You can also cancel out another actress named Jessica and Scarlett Johansson, who's probably too busty to even fit in the catsuit anyway. None of them can do this and I'd sooner re-cast Berry before giving any of them a shot. Having been through the wringer once before at least we know she'll show up motivated and with something to prove this time. Biel, Johansson and Alba have a tendency to phone it in and the latter you could argue can't act at all.

Rachel Weisz-No doubt she’d put on an acting clinic and this is another one of those names I could see Nolan going with but we can do better. Sometimes the best actress isn’t always the best actress for the part.

Thandie Newton-Here’s a choice that made more sense to me a few years ago. Definitely looks the part and kind of has an Eartha Kitt vibe going for her. Except she’ll have to act, and after watching her “performances” in Norbit and The Pursuit of Happyness I’m not sure I want to see her attempt that.

Selma Blair-A dark horse pick who has more going for her as an actress than she often gets credit for. Already has experience in superhero films as Liz Sherman in the Hellboy franchise but that role is child’s play compared to this. Underratedly sexy but like Jovovich it may seem to be too low rent a pick and there’s legitimate doubt whether she’s ready for something like this challenging.

My pick: Shannyn Sossamon
I can see her name on the opening credits, picture her with Bale, envision Batman WANTING HER and WANTING TO KILL HER. She even looks like a cat for crying out loud. I’m a little bias here because she starred in one of my favorite all-time movies (The Rules of Attraction) but a big reason why was her performance in it. She possesses the right mix of vulnerability and toughness and has a dangerous, off-kilter beauty that’s perfect for the part. There’s also this realism to her that would effortlessly slide into Nolan’s universe.

Much like her A Knight’s Tale co-star Ledger did with Joker, I could see her digging down deep and challenging our perceptions of what Catwoman can be. Also, like Ledger, up until now she really hasn’t been given the opportunity to stretch as an actor so any potential complaints about this choice are unfounded. There are better actresses listed up there but for all of them I could name at least a couple of reasons why they shouldn’t get the part. I can’t name one here. Of all my final choices this is my absolute favorite and I'd jump through the roof if she got it. May not be a major name but that would change if this announcement were made. Make the call Nolan. Do it.



PENGUIN


Philip Seymour Hoffman-This Oscar winner is at the top of the list right now and it’s not hard to see why. It’s just like Nolan to cast him and there’s absolutely no doubt he can provide an interpretation of Penguin we’ve never seen before in any medium. Menacing, intimidating turns in MI:3 and Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead should make us feel even better about it. Forget pencil tricks. Imagine what he’d do with an umbrella.

Bob Hoskins-If rumors are true and Oswald Cobblepot will be a seedy club owner and mobster (much like the comics) than the seasoned Hoskins should be considered a front-runner. It’s amazing this guy’s been around so long and hasn’t had a role like this to sink his teeth into. He might be one of our most underappreciated actors and it would be great to see him get a chance to shine. Not to mention the physical resemblance. The only two issues could be age because he would have to go toe-to-toe with Bale and the fact this pick almost seems too DeVito-esque.

Paul Giamatti-Did you see Shoot ‘Em Up? Even if you hated the movie (and I know many who did) you have to respect the intensity he brought to that villainous role. Who knew he had that him? He would probably be right at home in Nolan’s Gotham City.

Dustin Hoffman-I don’t know where this one came from but it’s been discussed for some reason. One of our greatest actors but completely unsuitable for this. I just can’t see Hoffman playing someone who’s a sinister threat to Batman, or at least Bale’s version of him.

Danny DeVito-Some are curious to see him take another stab at the character. It seems like I’m one of the few who liked what he did with it but since it's a new Penguin we should have a new actor. This isn’t a feasible possibility.

My Pick: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Well, it's not my pick but as much as I hate doing it I have to go with the consensus on this one. They're right. Sometimes the most obvious choice is actually the best. When I saw his name being thrown around as a strong possibility I kind of just shrugged it off as a far-fetched prestige pick. But now the more I think about it the more sense it makes. The choice may appear obvious only because he’s such a gifted actor but it’s anything but predictable what he’d do with the character in this realistic universe.

Rumors have been picking up that Penguin could at the very least have a small, introductory role in the next film and of all the casting choices on here this is one I’d wager has the greatest probability of happening (although it’s the least favorite of my choices). I’d much rather see Catwoman and/or Riddler. But if it does happen and Hoffman gets the part you won’t hear any complaints from me. He’s the best available for it.





MR. FREEZE

Runners-up: Patrick Stewart, Anthony Hopkins, Tim Roth

My Pick: Ben Kingsley
Yeah I know, a pretty boring conventional choice but a solid one nonetheless. I find it funny the short list of actors who could play Mr. Freeze has gone mostly unchanged in the past decade. Stewart, Hopkins and Kingsley were all rumored for this part in just about every installment of the Batman franchise but unfortunately for us all the role eventually went to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1997's ill-fated Batman and Robin. Of all the villains we could potentially see in The Dark Knight sequel Dr. Victor Fries is by far the one I'd least like to. It's so cartoonish I don't think Nolan would touch it but if he's really up for a challenge he could possibly have an interesting take on it. What that take is I have no idea but I'm guessing it would be much more realistically grounded than Schumacher's and wouldn't involve the character telling everybody "to chill out."

Anthony Hopkins would be too entertaining in a fun way and Patrick Stewart is just a watered down version of my pick for the part. I only listed Roth because he seems to appear on everyone's lists just for a lack of any other options. Oscar winner Ben Kingsley is the only person I can think of who physically resembles the character enough and has the dramatic gravitas to pull it off. If he plays it like his at all like his character from Sexy Beast we could be in for something special here. From what I've heard the Mr. Freeze from the comics is a dark, tortured soul with an involving backstory and considerable depth so there is some hope. I don't want Nolan to use this character but if he does I have this feeling he has an even better choice in mind and someone none of us have thought of.

COMING SOON: RIDDLER, JOKER, POISON IVY

TV on DVD: Weeds (The Complete Second Season)

Creator: Jenji Kohan
Starring: Mary-Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins, Justin Kirk, Kevin Nealon, Hunter Parrish, Alexander Gould, Romany Malco, Allie Grant
Original Airdate: 2006

***1/2 (out of ****)

I know what you’re thinking: Why would I review the second season of Weeds without having reviewed the first? Despite not reviewing the first season of the series I did watch it, and honestly, I wasn’t impressed. I was so unimpressed that I couldn’t even motivate myself to type my thoughts on it. Remember how Seinfeld was referred to as “the show about nothing?” Well, that was essentially my reaction to this show’s inaugural season. I felt as if absolutely nothing happened and was perplexed why it was garnering such high praise. I thought Mary Louise Parker’s acting work as a widowed pot dealing suburban mom was fine but nothing more and when the finale ended I had little interest in watching its sophomore season.

I definitely wouldn’t lose any sleep over not finding out what happened to the residents of Agrestic, California and was particularly annoyed that fine supporting actors were criminally underused. I thought the show had one angle (Mom dealing pot) and it wasn’t nearly as clever or interesting as the writers believed it to be. Nor did I understand why we were supposed to find it funny or connect with it on any meaningful dramatic level. She sold pot and that was it. But everyone I knew just wouldn’t let me hear the end of it and kept ranting and raving about how good the show was. They told me I was sure to love the second season. I’m glad I listened because they were right.

I’m all for second chances but I certainly didn’t expect to get the surprise I did when I unenthusiastically popped the second season into my DVD player. I’m happy to report that this season is not only a VAST IMPROVEMENT over the first but so much of one that it’s hard to believe it’s even the same show. What’s the opposite of a sophomore slump? If up until now the pot dealing came across as just a gimmick, in this season it ingrains itself into the fabric of the series, affecting the lives of every single character. The first season may have ended with a whimper but the second concluded with me on the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting the resolution to a thrilling cliffhanger.

I can’t say I liked every character but I sure ended up caring what happened to every one of them as each are given ample time to shine. Nancy Botwin may be about as deserving as Dina Lohan for a “Mother of the Year” award but the beauty in Parker’s performance is how she makes us not care and root for her anyway. No matter how stupid or selfish her mistakes are she convinces us that they come from a real place. It took a little while, but now I’ve finally gotten to see the show everyone was talking about. What a turnaround.

When we last left Nancy Botwin (Parker) in season one she was adjusting to her new life as a widower by dealing marijuana to continue her family’s middle class lifestyle. She also had to deal with the arrival of her lazy, freeloading brother-in-law Andy (Justin Kirk) and her expanding partnership with fellow drug dealer Conrad (Romany Malco) which evolves from just dealing pot to actually growing it. Her personal life takes a new turn as well when she ends up in a relationship with Peter Scottson (Martin Donovan), who she discovers is a DEA Agent in the first season’s somewhat underwhelming finale. Looking back now, it almost seems fitting the season would end on that note because it would be the first sign the writers would start to explore the rewarding creative potential of Nancy’s two worlds colliding.

If Season 1 was set-up then Season 2 is all pay off. At its start we know Nancy’s relationship with Peter has trouble written all over it and can only end badly but what surprised me most is how we got there and how many people it affected. Of course, Peter reveals himself to be far less than what Nancy believes him to be but the show is clever enough to give us some revealing moments with him also. He’s not exactly a bad guy, just someone with such a strong moral code and attachment to his job that he really believes he’s doing the right thing, as warped as it seems. It’s that small detail, evident in the writing and in Donovan and Parker’s performances that makes the relationship so believable.
That may be the storyline at the core of this season but there’s definitely enough other craziness on the side that will keep you fully entertained. The best of which is a hilarious battle for spot on the town council between the selfish, manipulative Celia Hodes (Elizabeth Perkins) and clueless. sleazy accountant (and client of Nancy’s) Doug Wilson (Kevin Nealon). This is one of those rare cases when two actors are paired together who have such unbelievable chemistry that you can’t imagine the two even being able to exist on screen without one another.

All my complaints about the squandering of Nealon’s talents in the first season are addressed as he’s given a huge role here to sink his teeth into and knocks it out of the park. All that trademark smug sarcasm that made him the all-time greatest anchor of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update is on full display here, except with a lot more depth to it. Perkins’ Celia I found to be just a crazy bitch in the first season and she still is, except this time there’s some humor and a few endearing qualities to go along with that bitchiness, and it makes a huge difference.

When we last left Celia she was a victim of both breast cancer and her husband Dean’s (Andy Milder) infidelity but now she’s in the driver’s seat taking control, which is where she belonged all along. Of all the hilarious sub-plots this season, Celia finds a way to be involved in most of them. Whether it be her husband getting tasered out of his job, her outrage at her lesbian daughter Isabelle (Allie Grant) starring in commercials for plus-size children’s wear or her mission her mission make Agrestic a “drug-free zone” she hardly gets a breather this season and neither do we. Most memorable Celia moment: Finally getting her comeuppance courtesy of Nancy’s youngest son Shane (Alexander Gould) at her ridiculous (bordering on delusional) anti-drug lecture featuring a Sasquatch.

It’s funny how last season I nearly slept through depressing home movie footage of Nancy’s ex-husband in the writers’ failed attempts to show us how his death affected her and the kids, but this season their grief is instead evident IN THEIR ACTIONS. Like her son Silas’ (Hunter Parrish) relationship with a deaf girl escalating far past where it should and Shane’s pre-pubescent curiosity. The latter results in a masturbation speech from his uncle that belongs in the television hall of fame.

Speaking of Andy, he dedicates himself to becoming a Rabbi so he can get out of serving in Iraq. Even the most unlikable, one-dimensional character, Nancy’s supplier Heylia (Tonye Patano) is given a hilarious sub-plot involving a militant Nation of Islam leader. And just when I thought this couldn’t get any better Zooey Deschanel shows up as Andy’s crazy ex-girlfriend. I’m still trying to figure out how her performance managed to exceed my unrealistically high expectations. She’s may be the only actress who can make stalking seem adorable and the worst part of her guest arc is knowing eventually it’ll have to end. If I had to pick a lowlight of the season, it would be the contrived (but thankfully brief) appearance of Snoop Dogg. Why did someone have to tell him about this show?

On paper all this seems like too much but amazingly it isn’t because the series’ never loses its focus on Nancy and her struggle to just get by and determination not let her family down. Despite making horrible judgment calls left and right she’s able to keep it together and push forward. This is the season that won Parker the Emmy and what impressed me most about her performance was how grounded and in control it seemed at all times despite the insanity of the material. You really could picture a woman like this living in your neighborhood and chances are you wouldn’t mind, pot dealer or not. There is a moment when Nancy finally does break and it has such a huge emotional impact because we were building toward it for so long.
When the finale ended I felt like I’d been put through the wringer in terms of what you can experience during one season and now I wouldn’t dare argue its far superior to nearly all the crap being trotted out by the major networks these days. Not to mention it's also really fun (but impossible) to guess which artists are performing the opening theme, "Little Boxes" for each episode. A lot is jammed in but nearly all of it clicks, thanks in no small part due to Parker’s amazing performance and the efforts of the supporting cast.

It isn’t the best show on television, or even the best show on Showtime (I think we all know what that is), but I can’t recall a series ever taking such a leap creatively from its first to second season. Not only is knowledge of the first unnecessary to enjoy the second, I’d say everyone should start at 2 and just save themselves the trouble. It's what I should have done. This is a darker, funnier and altogether better effort. It remains to be seen whether the show has hit its creative peak here or they’re even bigger surprises in store for Season 3. But that I even care is a great sign.