If the Hobbit does get made in the future, I can't imagine the role of Gandalf to be anyone other then Ian McKellen. After watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, I felt he owned that role. I don't think anybody can replace Ian Mckellen. Its like recasting Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. You just can't.

Well, Al, the role of Indiana Jones has been played by different actors in different stages of his fictional life. Among them, Sean Patrick Thomas, is in his late 30's now. If they replaced Ford with him, I wouldn't complain. He's also not a big name actor, and that also might be an advantage. (Or Ford can still play the older Indy, should the on/off again Indy IV get moving)

Now, as for the comments from the peanut gallery:

1) Highlander.
Yes, that second film. You want to know something funny? Last year they "improved" the FX for a double dip DVD renegade version by changing Red Skies to Blue. What director Mulcahy and producers Davis/Panzer forgot was this change made two new flubs, (a person has never seen blue skies; color is off in scenes) and it lacks additional DVD extras which are interesting because I at least wanted to know what they were smoking. I hated the film more (Renegade Version One slightly redeemed it- but the story was still cliched, hokey, copycatting the first movie...) but I still enjoyed the Roger Hall production design.
(Hall went on to be on several of the Hallmark TV movies like 'Gulliver's Travels')

However, A golden opponunity was missed- for the paradox of Highlander could be explained if Connor went back in time (the Prize was either go back to the orgin or stay, have children, have a buttload of knowledge and grow old-the old part hinteed in Endgame) and it was found out the rules are just part of a sick game. There can 'never' be only one, because immortals are still being sent into the future!

In any case, the Highlander III had the right idea, a better sequel, and it almost redeemed it. Andy Moorhan's Final Dimension (Quick! What studio released the film!) final showdown was washed out in red, nothing but soupy photography.

I loved the series. By the second season, they got thier bearings. The show ignores the possible future events in II (III could be...until IV) and it is hinted at that Kurgan and Connor were the only immortals left in New York 1985. (It could also be a paradox thing, with only Connor and Methos knowing fr sure what is going on; Connor goes mad)

Then came Endgame which ignored some events in I (it was Kurgan who raped Heather, not Kell; did Kell run into Kurgan?) ignores events in III (did Kell kill Brenda in the car wreck?No. Did Kell go after Connor's adopted son?No. Yet, Endgame says Kell kills off mortals close to Connor- but did III happen? One shot in Endgame makes an interesting note, as Duncan seems to have a glimpse of the Sorcerer's power) and even some events in the series! Then Connor goes out of character and hides. Note: Kurgan -or even Kane- could have taken Kell. Thus, Connor shoud take Kell. But can't.

Endgame was a waste of Donnie Yen, too. And lo, a director's cut!

The only way Highlander can make it back is if they bite the bullet and really get to The Source. As a 'trilogy' that I'm not so sure about. Note the film is helmed by Brett Leonard, who isn't too bad- so long as he isn't raping Dean Koontz, Stephen King* or Steve Gerber**. That doesm't impress me. Where's Greg Widen? Didn't he start this character? Didn't he helm 'Prophecy"?

*I loved the dirctors cut of 'Lawnmower Man.

**I hated 'Man-Thing'- a fave Marvel Comic of mine. The film was nothing like the Marvel Comics I read.

Enough of that crap. Let's move on to:

2) Back To The Future.
Last time I heard Huey Lewis was when they did a bunch of covers. 1998?99?
"Workin For A Livin'" one of the best songs. I would like to see Fox again, and have him become the the new Doc might be funny.

By the way, Ithought Fox was brilliant in Brain De Palma's 'Casulties Of War'.

3)Hobbit.
I predict: the two studios will back the film jointly, or, Peter Jackson will direct something for Sony after Hobbit, or there will be a trade of some kind. Yes, it wil happen.
Now, I hope they split the book in two parts- but that's just me.

4) Merry Christmas.

-Sealer out.

Merry Christmas everyone! John, Doug, Richard et al thanks for the great work you have done here this year. You have become part of my daily routine - really look forward to listening to your 'casts on the commute into work.

Keep up the great work and MORE movie reviews in your podcasts please!

1.)Cell Phones
How many people use thier cell phones to meet up outside the theatre?Will the signal be interupted then?
People should be able to have thier phones turned on vibration.
The only phones I hear anymore in the theaters are the ringtone adverts before the movie.
The Doctor on call thing is also a valid reason to need to be contacted.
I just wish they could send a signal out to interupt jackass people who feel the need to talk about everything on screen.

2.)Back to the Future 4
All for it.Even if it stinks it wouldnt take anything away from the other great films in the series.It would be very intresting to see what kind of movie they could make now.

3.)Hobbit
Needs it ,wants it.Gandalf needs to be McKellen.
Who would play Bilbo?Could they make Ian Holm look younger?
I would love for the movie to be two parts or 5 hours long.

Also if anyone but Jackson in New Zealand makes The Hobbit it would be the mistake heard round the world.

What the hell happened to the sound quality! Try Mono and not stereo for best quality with low compression.

Have not listened to the audio edition but will do when I get home and this comment is really about adapting "The Hobbit" to film.

As this is the much better book than any of the LotR trilogy, I expect it to be done in such a grand scale. The works, as in everything please. As for screenplay, can they please not tamper with it so much the way they did in the LotR films.

I am all for Sir Ian McKellen to reprise his role as Gandalf, who else can play Bilbo the best but Ian Holm, may these 2 actors present good health continue on until 2009, or even longer!

Has anyone out there heard about or seen 'Futile Attraction'? It's an original anti-romantic comedy from New Zealand director Mark Prebble and it's a blast! Let me know. You can find out heaps more about it (and even buy a copy on DVD) from: www.makemarksmovie.com

one of the main reasons Kill Bill 2 is so kickass:

number of people killed by the Bride in vol 1 - 89? 90?
number of people killed by the Bride in vol 2 - 1

so genius.

- How many people use thier cell phones to meet up outside the theatre? Will the signal be interupted then?

I managed to meet up with friends in all occasions just fine without a cellphone from 1988 to 1998. Calling someone an hour before you leave and saying "meet you in the foyer in an hour". Quite a hardship.

- People should be able to have thier phones turned on vibration. The only phones I hear anymore in the theaters are the ringtone adverts before the movie.

Why?

- The Doctor on call thing is also a valid reason to need to be contacted.

A doctor on call shouldn't be at a freakin' cinema in the first place.

This was the first time I downloaded it onto my IPOD. Glad I did, the audio edition of the movie blog is hilarious and far from boring!

Happy Holidays and looking forward to the next installment!

After listening to this and the last episode I couldn't agree more with the cell phone blocker. Because if they are not put in the next time one goes off I will kill somone. When I went to go see kingkong I had everyone in the back row on the cell phone or talking or even being a smartass making a comment. I told everyone to plz shut up. They did for about 15 min note I was not loud about doing this but everyone in the back could here me. Also note 2nd to back. Repeat of the 1st time I think they could tell I was getting POed with them. 3rd time I make an ass out of myself. I yell shut the hell up at them screaming at all of them saying stuff like I didnt come here to listen to smartass make comments and listen to mr.buisness men here blab on his cell phone. That made them shut up. I think I ruined the movie but I was happy that I told off those assholes. I dont go to the movies to listen to these guys nor do the other people there.

OoOoOooH cool the STUART of Cinemablend fame!

I managed to meet up with friends in all occasions just fine without a cellphone from 1988 to 1998. Calling someone an hour before you leave and saying "meet you in the foyer in an hour". Quite a hardship.-stuart

1.)Yeah I get that, before cell phones people found a way to meet.
I am not talking about your preference of connectivity.I was just curious about the way a signal would be interupted and how far it would spread.I dont find it a necessity to use a cell phone to go to the movies but people do use them and you see them using them outside theaters and if you couldnt then that would be bad for business.

People should be able to have thier phones turned on vibration. The only phones I hear anymore in the theaters are the ringtone adverts before the movie.

Why?-stuart

2.)The reality is if you do have your ringtone on in a theater during a movie you will be asked to leave,be booed at or sworn at.This is incentive enough for most everyone to turn them off.I have not had any ringtone fiasco at any recent moviegoing experience.What is wrong with vibration mode?Does anyone have a story of the movie being ruined because they could hear the vibration?
Having a cell phone ban at theaters just adds to the list of what theaters are imposing that keeps people away such as high food/ticket prices,and 20 minutes of comercials.
Mostly though I dont feel I need babysat by a theatre and you shouldnt either.

A doctor on call shouldn't be at a freakin' cinema in the first place.-stuart

3.)so where should a doctor be when he is not at the hospital?
waiting with patience and noble purpose at home starring at the phone?
no he is going out to eat and perhaps go to a movie.
If he is Doogie Howser he will return home and write in his journal and visit the movie blog and let us know that he was enjoying King Kong but he got word that Vinny had his face smashed in and while he couldnt save him he was there by his side as he uttered his dying words...."I am glad you are here,...tell Stuart he owes me five bucks"*coughs*dies*

also to everyone who feels the need to KILL anyone with a cell phone that interupts the movie.Calm down relax take a deep breath and go tell the theatre manager.Chances are the people will be asked to leave and you will get your money back or some free passes.
If you want to yell alot or stomp your feet or whatever go ahead and continue the cycle dumbassness get in your car and do the same thing on the road home do the same thing to the nightly news wake up on monday and do it on your way to work and then die at your crappy job.