Beneath Wayne Manor

Electronic Bat-Cave Still Active!

2008-04-13T22:51:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

I just made an amazing discovery! The electronic Bat-cave that Batman and I made about 6 years ago (and have made 0 updates to in about 4 years) is still active! If you have seen our 3rd and 4th episodes but were never blessed with seeing the 1st and 2nd episodes, you should log on because we have a lot of material up there, especially how Batman and I came to be heroes!

Here's the link: www.angelfire.com/empire/batmanandrobin

WHACK!,

Robin

Origins of the Derivative? Part II

2008-04-05T16:55:00.005-04:00

Citizens,

Just who is the Derivative and where does he come from? Well, believe it or not, he has not been just imagined by Joey and I. The character of the Derivative actually exists elsewhere. When Joey and I were in High School, we shared the same Calculus I and II classes. In Calculus I, we watched this very unusal video called the "Creepy, Crawly World of Calculus."

The video tries to use stories mixed with "horror" elements and comedy to explain Calculus. It's a very interesting idea. Anyway, the episode to explain the Derivative's origins is quite simple. A math nerd sets a really high curve on a test. The jocks in the class get mad at him and throw him into a science lab, which explodes leaving him covered in black polka dots. The nerd gets mad and dons a white sheet covered in polka dots and becomes the "Derivative" with one mission: eliminate those pesky jocks!

The Derivative you see in our stories is much more tame. He's just out to make a lot of money. However, his costume and name was completely inspired by this movie! In case you've never seen the Derivative up close, here he is in a shot from Episode 2: Newton's Newtons.

Unfortunately, this is all Batman and I know about the Derivative of Gotham City. He just showed up one day and has been causing problems for you good citizens ever since! Currently, the Derivative is at large. If you see this man, you should be warned he is armed (with knockout gas) and considered highly dangerous! Contact your local law enforcement who can then alert Batman and I to capture that terrible thief!

ZOOM!,

Robin

Origins of the Derivative?

2008-03-29T21:01:00.003-04:00

Citizens,

Much appologies for the laps in communication the past couple of days. Dick Grayson has had a busy week and didn't have much time to become "Robin." However, my extended abscence has given me plenty of time to think of fresh material to satiate all of your Batman hunger!

I don't have much time to post now, but I will leave you with this tantalizing thought: Where did the Derivative come from? What are his origins? And, what is his future in the Batman universe? Holy Two Part Posts Batman! Tune in tomorrow, Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel! One hint: The best is yet to come!

THOCK!,

Robin

Batman vs. Predator?

2008-03-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

Yes, that does sound like a silly premise. However, I have found a fanflick on YouTube that has this very match up! The film is quite good (I found out they only had a budget of 30k for it... :-P). And, to date, I think it is the best interpretation of the Joker I have seen.

This is definately worth a watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjp0I_okX0w

BIFF!,

Robin

Favorite Robinism?

2008-03-24T01:47:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

Inspired by my last post, I felt I should share with you my favorite Robinism from our 4 Episodes of Batman. What, was my favorite line I delivered?

For those not familiar, a Robinism is a line where Robin punches his fist and says to Batman, "Wow! Holy..." and the following line must use alleteration and reference something Batman directly said.

For example, in Episode 1, Batman and Robin rush into the movie theater only to find it empty. Robin promptly says, "Terrifying Theatrics! No one is here!"

In Episode 3, The Derivative uses knockout gas on the Duo to a great effect and Robin screams, "Great Gasious Granades! It's gas!"

In all honest, my favorite Robinism I ever delievered was, "Holy Taxation Without Represenation Batman!" This line comes from Episode 3 and is said right after Comissioner Gordon says the Gotham Liberty Bell has been stolen.

I'm not sure really why I like that line so much. I think it's pretty original. You don't see it coming. Also, I delievered it with such energy in the final take we used that it always makes me laugh.

Of course, there are many favorite lines I have to say. But, this one will always hold a special place in this crime fighters heart!

THUMP!,

Robin

Not a "man", a "Henchman!"

2008-03-23T00:18:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

In honor of Easter, I thought I'd give you two glorious posts to reveal over today! Holy Estatic Easter Suprises Batman!

You may be wondering what my favorite joke we pulled in the course of our 4 Episodes of Batman. To me, I'd honestly have to say it was in Episode 1. Batman and Robin learn the Derivative is hiding out in a movie theater. They rush in but the movie is rated "R", so Robin can't go in. So, I'm hanging out in the lobby when a strange man (who happens to have the word "Man" on his tee-shirt) comes up to me and asks me if I'd like some refreshments.

Now, I SHOULD have known not to take refreshments from a stranger. But, you have to remember that Robin is just a young boy and Batman wasn't there to guide him. Also, in case you don't remember, all the bad guys in the show have signs on their shirt that say "Henchman" on them.

I order a glass of milk from the man. He gives it to me and Robin faints, clearly a victim of poision. At that point, the "man" reveals that the "hench" part of his sign was covered up and he is really a henchman!

Every time I see that I laugh and I can't believe the original 60s show didn't ever do something like that. I mean, with everything being labeled, it only makes sense that to "disguise" your true identity, all you have to do is cover up your sign!

SLASH!,

Robin

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T00:11:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

From us at the Bat-Cave, may you and your loved ones have a blessed Easter and rejoice in our Savior's Ressurection Day!

Your Faithful Servants,

Batman & Robin

Grayson

2008-03-22T11:52:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

Have you heard of a movie called "Grayson?" I doubt you have. In fact, there is no such movie. There is however, a trailer for a movie named "Grayson."

Holy Stupifying Situations Batman! What could all this mean?

Well, in Hollywood, two chaps wanted to make a trailer to showcase their talent. All that being said, the trailer is quite good and would make an interesting movie. The plot is that Batman is mysteriously murdered and Dick Grayson, now in his 30s, comes out of retirement to try and catch his killer. It looks fun to me (mainly because Robin is the main character!) and worth a watch! Hope you enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiZuvJ48MZ0

OOF!,

Robin

Robin and Robin Hood?

2008-03-22T11:44:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

Did you ever wonder where the idea for Robin and his costume came from? According to the late Bob Kane, it actually came from Robin Hood! His costume does have a rather medevial feel to it when you're looking at the boots, shirt and mask.

But, perhaps, maybe what REALLY happened is Robin went back in time and inspired Robin Hood to dress like him. Of course, we'll never really know...

THUNK!,

Robin

A Little Less than Four Months to Go...

2008-03-19T11:41:00.003-04:00

Citizens,

I'm sure by now you have all heard about the release of The Dark Knight coming to theaters! The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, is looking to this hero to be as good as the first! It's scheduled to be released in a little less than 4 months on July 18th. Batman and I will probably find some unique way to show our support for this other Batman and applaud his crime fighting efforts (we all know who the real Batman is anyway!)

If you haven't seen the trailer or heard much about it, check it out here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/

Personally, I'm excited to see the Joker in action! (my favorite comic book hero) We'll keep you posted about any plans for Batman and I to see the film (on opening day of course!)

ZOKO!,

Robin

The Adventure to Phantom Fireworks!

2008-03-18T23:07:00.003-04:00

Citizens,

It's been awhile since Batman and I posted here. And I realized in a post I made 3 years ago that I promised to tell you all about our misadventure to find some fireworks to use in filming! Now, I know the loyal legion of you have been checking this site daily and asking yourself "Why Robin! Why won't you tell us?!" Today, my friends, the day is here.

Back in the summer of 2004, Batman and I were talking about making Episodes 3 &4. We had talked about many upgrades to the episodes like costumes, environments and props. One of those things we sought to upgrade was our knock out gas. As I already said, we used baby powder and flour to a great effect. However, nothing quite has that knock out gas feel as colored smoke flying in your face.

Batman and I talked about many possiblities. The cheapest and easiest solution was to seemily buy some smoke bombs. These devices can be lit and will produce a large amount of smoke within seconds. Plus, the smoke is multicolored. With Gotham City being located in MD, we decided to try and locate some smokebombs online. However, we soon discovered that fireworks companies could not ship to MD nor could you buy the smoke bombs in MD. If we wanted to buy the smoke bombs, we had to go out of state.

Fortunately, Batman and I had heard of a rather large Firework company that was just over the MD line in PA. While Batman and I had never actually visited the Fireworks company called 'Phantom Fireworks' we were moderately certain that we could find it. We knew that it was "just up Route 15 somewhere." So, rather than look up the store, call for directions or even mapquest it we just jumped into the Batmobile and headed off.

Batman and I drove for a long time. We were having fun talking about how great the knockout gas was going to be. However, after a while, we realized that we had been driving on 15 for a while, had been in PA for a while and no Phantom Fireworks was to be found. So, after a few more minutes of driving, the Duo agreed that we needed to pull over and ask for directions (the Bat Map was down.)

We pulled into a Texico gas station and jumped out and went into the convience store. I sauntered up to the counter and asked the attendent where Phantom Fireworks was. The look I was given was one you never want to see a doctor give you when they're operating on you. She looked back at me and said she had no idea what I was talking about. I confidently told her that it was around here somewhere and she countered with that she had lived in this area most of her life and had never heard of a phantom fireworks before.

Dejected,Batman and I jumped back into the Batmobile and decided it was time to head back to the Batcave and marked the mission as failed. Upon returning we looked up the actual location of Phantom Fireworks and discovered that it was actually not "just up 15 somewhere." Rather, it was just up route 70, the exact opposite way where we had been looking.

The moral to the story? Before you start in on something, make sure you know what you're getting into!

KA-BABP!,

Robin

Episodes 3&4 are finally complete!

2008-03-18T23:00:00.002-04:00

Citizens,

I bet you thought Batman and I were done! But, we're not. I have some exciting news! After a long break, the Dynamic Duo are back! Batman did what I could not do. He put Episodes 3&4 onto DVD. And, the best part is you can now view them on youtube! Just simply follow this link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTHTJtCgKPU and become one of the many thousand people who have viewed the adventure!

BIFF!

-Robin

Cape Size

2005-10-27T00:47:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Apparently, the size of your cape matters a great deal in the super hero world. Have you ever looked at your favorite heroes closely? To be blunt, Batman's cape is longer than Robin's. Why is this? Perhaps it is because Robin is more acrobatic and needs less fabric to get in the way? The actual reason is because a longer cape is more mature and Robin, being a small boy, would probably trip over his cape or get it stuck in something nasty as many unfortunate super heroes find out in the movie, "The Incredibles" Naturally, Robin has something to look forward to when he finally becomes a teenager! Screw driving the batmobile batman, give me a longer cape!

CRASH!,

Robin

If the Shoe Fits...

2005-10-09T21:22:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Have you ever wondered what your favorite super heroes wear as footwear? Why, rain boots and women's cowboy boots.

Wait...that didn't come out right? Oh yeah, it did.

When Batman and I were building our costumes, one of the harder items to find was footwear. Thus, we had to (as with most things) customly make our own. Believe it or not, the base for both of our shoes were as listed above: Batman wore rain boots and Robin wore women's cowboy boots. We spray painted the shoes the right colors. Batman was lucky, regular spray paint worked fine for him. But, for me, I had to find a special kind of spray on shoe polish (kelly green...who wears shoes that are kelly green aside from Robin?!) that was very difficult to find. Acutally, my mom found it for me in a tiny junky shoe store in a mall in Frederick.

Next, we had to cut the boots to the right size. Batman mearly trimmed his to a point to add the bat effect. Mine were slightly more tricky. I had to watch the "Batman" movie several times before I finally understood the pattern for Robin's shoes and cut them with great care using a leatherman knife I had.

Finally, we sewed them up to add duribility. Batman added a zipper (which I helped install) to his boots of justice. Let's just say that until you have sewen through leather and rubber, you do not know the meaning of pain in your fingers. But, the end products were faboulse except for one overlooked detail...

Remember how I said my shoes were WOMEN'S cowboy boots? Well, I could fit into them. But, wearing them for longer than ten minutes almost reduced me to tears. And you can forget about that action hero stuff: running, jumping, and fighting. Therefore, we tried to shoot most of the action from the waist up. For the scenes I had to be in my death traps, I squished into them. But as soon as the camera stopped, I kicked them off and switched to my tennis shoes. This little habit ruined a few shots we had to re-take because, well, Robin just can't wear old nikes in a fight scene. So, the next time you see a picture of Robin, give him a salute. I bet those boots are more uncomfortable than you can imagine.

ZOW!,

Robin

The Ultimate Reason Why Batman Rules

2005-09-29T12:11:00.000-04:00

Cititizens,

There is one reason why Batman is the best super hero ever. He is listed in Mr. Watterson's "Calvin and Hobbes" Comic strip. I think that sums it up.

SWOOSH!,

Robin

Knock Out Gas

2005-09-27T03:10:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

This neferous gas has thwarted Batman and I multiple times. For those of you who do not know what knock out gas is, it's name implies its action. A villian will spray Batman and I with it to render us immoble and him free to either escape or put us in a death trap (that always seems to be happening.) However, after this has happened to us multiple times, Batman and I use the advanced science labratories in the bat-cave to come up with pills that render each kind of knock out gas ineffective on us. Thus, the villian is in for a sure surprise when he tries to gas us again!

Now, how does this relate to our movies? Simply, the form of knock out gas has changed through the episodes. When Batman and I were filming episode 1, we did not have a large budget and were pressed for time. Thus, our knockout gas became baby powder, squeezed out of a tube in someone's face. Episode 2 saw a slight upgrade, flour (which I got a good sizeable amount straight to the face. My old costume still has flour stains on it). However, episode 3 and 4 is where Joey and I broke down and bought a fog machine to give it that actual gassy look. It was quite satisfying for the derivative to raise his arm...er sheet, and spray us with some gassy substance which induced much coughing and caused us to collapse (unfortunately for me, Batman actually collapsed on my head during one take)

Unfortunately, we were unable to figure out a way to make the gas multicolored as in the TV show. For a while, we contimplated buying fireworks but this proved to be expensive as any fireworks vendor required us to buy 50 dollars of product before actually selling us 10 dollar smoke bombs. Batman and I even went on a small adventure to Phantom Fireworks in PA to try and get some cheaper. But, that my friends, is the topic for our next post.

CRUNCH!,

Robin

Late Nights

2005-09-25T03:53:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

As you can see, I have just returned from a session of crime fighting. However, in all seriousness, the late night has caused me to ponder on something in the Batman universe: late nights. Bruce and Dick spend all day as their normal selves. But, when dangre strikes, they leap into action. This keeps them running around the city at all hours of the night (although I imagine that Robin is back in time to get to bed at a good hour). Still, it must be rather draining on them. How would you like to pull a full day of school/work and then go fight baddies for a few hours? Not exactly easy huh? Well, once again Batman and Robin show how super they truly are, enduring all fatiuge to bring you safety and justice. Now, that my friends, is what a real super hero is.

POW!,

Robin

The D in "Duo" is for Destruction

2005-09-23T11:39:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Batman and Robin are the most famous crime fighting duo in history. Their strengths compliment each other perfectly. Batman's intelligence and power is balanced by Robin's wit and speed. When they fight as one, evil dooers beware. It has come to my attention that for this reason, people have often looked down on Batman saying that he needs a sidekick to get things done. Unfortunately, they could not have been more wrong.

You see, unlike every other super hero, Batman and Robin have to face countless henchmen plus the villian(s). When was the last time superman fought a small army by himself with the same basic potential? In other words, since superman has all his powers, when was the last time he fought a whole horde of supermen? You see, Batman faces off daily against goons trained in fighting and with some pretty cool gadgets like him (ever see the Book Worm's magnet gun?) But, do you see other super heroes doing this? The answer is no.

Could Batman take down 1 villian and his henchmen? With all certainty, probably yes. But, how about 2 or 3 villians? The odds become tougher. Enter the Boy Wonder. Combinded, Batman and Robin are enough to take down a horde of evil dooers while Ol' caped butt Clark Kent is too busy going, "WAAAAH! Lex gave my enemy (singular) some kryptonite! I don't know how to win! WAAAAAH!" Maybe Kent should take a leaf out of Batman's book and learn the power of the Dynamic duo instead of spending his time whinning. At the end of the day, it's just occured to superman he needs to use a lead suit to save the city while Bruce and Dick are sipping milk at Wayne Manor humbling observing the city they helped save. I rest my case.

ZWANK!,

Robin

Is your head tilted?

2005-09-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

The next time you watch an episode of your favorite 60's tv show and mine pay very close attention to the screen when the show films a villian in his hideout. If it feels like you have to tilt your head to keep the screen level then you are dead on and nothing is wrong with your eyes.

The creators of the show actually filmed the villians at a slight slant. Why? Because, they are slanted individuals without the normal look on life. Seriously, who in their right mind invests all the time and effort to build a death trap for Batman and Robin and then hire all those henchmen just to rob a bank with a flare? But, then I guess you could ask why a man with millions of dollars would dress up like a bat and that, my dear friends, would be sedition.

THOCK!,

Robin

Batman Applies to Real Life

2005-09-21T13:20:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Have you ever carefully watched a Batman fight sequence? Usually what happens near the end is every villian and henchman rushes over and starts to whale on Batman. It is then Robin who grabs a rope and swings, jumps on a cart, or rides some other device into the crowds and knocks everyone off of Batman.

This has led me to the conclusion that the modern police force and the military are missing the true awesome power of riding a cart into battle. Clearly it has great potential as shown on "Batman". But, perhaps, this is only a feat a super hero can accomplish? I mean, let's face it. To ride a cart and jump off and knock down about 10 people takes some pretty stupendious skill. Let me wrap this post up by simply concluding:

Kids, don't try that one at home. Yup.

BAMB!

Robin

Word on the Street

2005-09-20T19:27:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I know most of you have been sourging the internet daily as I do to look to see if there is any word out yet about the next Batman movie to come from Hollywood. Basically, "Batman Begins" was not going to fill the role some gave it as a prequle to the tim burton batman. "Batman Begins" is exactly that, the beginning of a new chapter. From the ending of Begins, we know the next villian is going to be the Joker. So, the next question is, who is going to play him? The word on the street that I have heard has impressed this crime fighter significantly. Rumor has it that Mark Hamill is right now in the minds of producers and directors.

Huh? Luke Skywalker?!

Yup. But, aside from his most popular role, he also did the voice of the Joker for the past few years for every batman cartoon to come out. The man's voice is perfect. If anyone has ever seen someone good voice act, they are 9/10ths of the way there to making the full character. So, my full belief is that Mark Hamill can play the Joker the way he does in the cartoon. Funny, Insane, and deadly. You gotta love it. More updates as more developements are found!

BIFF!

Robin

The Big 100

2005-09-20T02:30:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

This glorious post marks the 100th post in this blog! I sure do feel accomplished keeping the bat-cave warm and comfy while Batman is off battling crime in Russia. And speaking of crime fighting, this crime fighter has his duties to do!

DWPOW!

Robin

Milk Does a Body Good

2005-09-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

As a film studies major, I just wanted to call your attention to one of the very suttle, and yet humorous punches made in "Batman" (the 1966 movie of course ;-)) In film, there is a french term called "Mis-en-scene." Basically, it means controlling all the visual elements in a shot to convey a point. My favorite example is in the movie, "The Godfather" a ganster walks into a bar and the door is covered in fish designs. Later in the scene, that ganster is killed in the bar and is sent to, "sleep with the fishes."

So, what does this have to do with Batman? Namely, in most scenes Batman is scene holding a drink. But, have you ever looked at what the drink is? Joey and I have concluded that it is indeed milk. Milk held in a brandy siffter. Point being? I think it is a very humerous joke by the show. Bruce is serious, yet childish. I love it.

And, loyal to the tradition, you will see Joey and I have interwoven this theme into our movies. In most of the Wayne Manor shots Joey drinking something from a margarita glass (because I don't own a brandy sifter). Yes, it is milk. Does Joey like milk? Nope. Does he like doing multiple takes while having to drink milk? No. His solution? Drink as little milk as possible. To his credit, Joey did have to drink a very large thing of milk for his role as Batman at one time. In our first episode Joey and I had a shot set up where Batman and Robin are rushing off to save the day when they come across a tray full of fresh milk that Alfred has left them. Robin argues they don't have time but Batman hushes him with a speech on the value of milk and so Batman and Robin consume the two rather large wine glasses full of milk. Of course, we kept laughing hearing Joey's speech so we had to stop several times and re-fill our glasses. None of which was very fun and produced that weird sick feeling when you drink/eat too much dairy. But, we got the shot done. Finally, it is poisioned milk that leads Robin into the clutches of the derivative when he drinks a spiked glass of milk at the theater.

In other words citizens, milk does a body good. But, if a strange man comes up to you wearing a "henchman" shirt and offers you a drink, don't accept it least you fall into a manical madman's clutches!

ZWANK!

Robin

Batman the Animated Series

2005-09-10T19:25:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

After reading over the posts, I was surprised to find that Batman never commented upon the great wonder of Batman the Animated Series. I'm sure most of you remember it, the classic beginning, the great griping two part episodes, and Mark Hamil as the Joker. In this super hero's mind, this show was better than Batman Forever, Batman and Robin, and even some aspects of Batman Begins. This show truly looks at Batman as someone keeping their promise to protect gotham, no matter what the cost. The characterization of Robin and Batman's relationship too is great. It's just priceless. In tribute, I have posted a few of my favorite quotes to enrich your lives:

[Holding a picture of his dead wife] Mr. Freeze: I failed you. I wish there were another way for me to say it. I cannot. I can only beg your forgiveness, and pray you hear me somehow, someplace... someplace where a warm hand waits for mine.

The Riddler: My, my, my, can we actually have a brain beneath that pointy cowl of ours?

Batman: Red Claw, a woman?
Red Claw: Do you have a problem with that?
Batman: Not at all. I'm an equal-opportunity crime fighter!

[Discussing Batman over a poker game]
The Joker: He sure gets around for one guy.
Two-Face: Yeah, well that's where you're wrong. I don't think it is one guy.
Killer Croc: Huh?
Two-Face: The way I figure it, Gordon's got a bunch of 'em stashed someplace like a S.W.A.T. team. He wants you to think it's one guy, but...
The Joker: Ah, you're always seeing double.
The Penguin: It's obvious our cowled friend suffered some crime-related trauma when he was younger. Perhaps an over-anxious mugger blew off a piece of his face.
The Joker: Sure, he could be all gross and disgusting under that mask! Uh, no offense, Harv. Two-Face: Just deal.
Killer Croc: Well, you know what I think?
The Joker: Not the robot theory again.
Killer Croc: Well, he could be.

Harley Quinn: Gee, boss, you really know how to put the fun in funeral.

Bruce Wayne: I know it must be very difficult.
Dick Grayson: If only I could have stopped him! I saw him coming out of the tent! I knew he didn't belong there!
Bruce Wayne: I know. You keep thinking, If only I had done something differently. If only I could have... warned them. But there isn't anything you could have done. There isn't anything either of us could have done.
Dick Grayson: Your mom and dad? Does the hurt ever go away?
Bruce Wayne: I wish I could say yes. But it will get better in time. For you. That I promise.

Two-Face: [finishing his "almost got him" Batman story] ... And if it weren't for this blasted coin... I would have got him.
The Joker: Gee, that's too bad, Harv, but I guess you'll always come in second. Anybody else want to go?
Killer Croc: [hits the table] ME! There I was, holed up in this quarry, when Batman came nosing around. He was getting closer... Closer...
Poison Ivy: And...?
Killer Croc: I threw a rock at him!
[everyone stares in dead silence]
Poison Ivy: So, Harvey, when became of the giant penny?
Killer Croc: It was a big rock...
Two-Face: They actually let him keep it!

The Joker: [to Harley, enraged, after she has nearly succeeded in a plan to kill Batman that the Joker had abandoned] But you had to explain it! A joke is't funny if you have to explain it!

The Joker: [singing] Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg, batmobile lost a wheel, and Joker got away!

[flashback on the Penguin's "almost-got-him" Batman story]
The Penguin: Greetings, Batman! You have taken the bait, as I knew you would. Now, prepare to meet your end, within my Aviary of Doom!
Poison Ivy: [interrupting] Aviary of what?
The Joker: Yeesh, Pengers! How corny can you get?
The Penguin: Fah! Just because you mundane miscreants have no drama in your souls! Anyway, there he was in my av... uh, big birdhouse...

Robin: You were right, y'know, not bringing me along. You knew I'd take it too personally. Batman: It wasn't that, Robin. It wasn't that at all. Zucco's taken so much, caused you so much pain. I couldn't stand the thought that he might... take you, too.
[pause]
Robin: Come on, partner. It's been a long night.

[On a stakeout]
Robin: If I knew it was gonna be this long, I would have brought my homework. You sure about this extortion ring?
Batman: Uh-huh.
Robin: It's been four hours.
Batman: Uh-huh.
Robin: You still think they'll show?
Batman: Uh-huh.
[pause]
Robin: Lucky for me you're such a good conversationalist.

Selina Kyle: You've got to admit there's something between us.
Batman: Yes. It's the law.

D.A. Janet Van Dorn: I see now there's a need for what you do. But I'm still going to work towards a city that doesn't need Batman.
Batman: Me too.

OOF!!,

Robin

Unprecedented

2005-08-30T08:44:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Robin here. As you know, Batman has left for Russia leaving me incharge of the bat-cave! Holy Unexpected Circumstances! Robin has never been in the spotlight without batman! What will happen and can our hero keep Gotham safe until his return? I would like to think so. So, continue to read this blog as it shall not die. For, why would Gotham's dynamic duo let go their civic responsibility? Indeed.

Seeing as how I will shortly be late to class, I will leave you guys with an interesting thought. There have actually been three robins in the course of the Batman universe. The first one was of course, my favorite, Dick Grayson. Eventually, he got fed up with Batman's solitary ways and left to become Nightwing. Batman replaced him with a street punk he found and trained. He was never quite as good as Dick and eventually got himself killed by the Joker. Finally, Batman's third Robin is Tim Drake.

Simply put, being Robin is a tough job. Not only does Batman get most of the credit (deservably so) but, he's a tough boss. I'm sure if I really was Dick Grayson, it would be a tough life to live as well!

A Fond Farewell

2005-08-17T13:37:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

This will most likely be my last post on this blog. As many of you know very soon I will be leaving for Russia to study a year abroad. As a result, I will not be keeping up this blog. The two main reasons being one, I have another blog, An American Catholic in Russia, that I will be keeping up and I only really have time for one. Two, the misadventures of Kenn and myself will be put on hold for at least a year. So I will have even less to blog about. (I must say that keeping a blog based solely on Batman this long was quite an accomplishment.) Of course Kenn may still post once and a while, it he'd like, and the blog will remain up in case we ever decided to start blogging again. I am merely giving you all the ok to stop checking regularly.

I feel a bit disappointed with how this summer went, Batman is still unedited, the VHS to DVD of the previous movies has failed (stupid out of sync audio), and we still have no script for our next project. Oh well, it was fun, I just wish you guys could have seen the new Batman, it was really good.

Well so long and good luck everyone, and please feel free to check out my new blog at catholicinrussia.blogspot.com.

Batman out!

(P.S. Don't worry, I'll never hang up the cape)

Geniusness

2005-07-27T14:16:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

More News on the DVD front. It should make you happy to know that I have solved a very deadly DVD debacle that was plaguing me for several weeks. I was attempting transfer the original 2 episodes of our Batman series onto DVD from video. Unfortunately because the pinnacle software I was using is stupid the audio was horribly out of sync with the video, making it impossible to watch. Yesterday, I successfully fixed the problem. By working the software a bit and fiddling with the capture time I managed to keep the audio and video in sync. You can expect the DVD to be completed by this weekend.

As far as the episodes 3 and 4 go, well ... we're trying people. Hopefully, I will be able to get some of the footage from Kenn soon and speed up this editing process. Bear with me, I am NOT going to Russia with this thing incomplete!!!!!

I have also increased my skills at DVD menu editing (I'm at least a level 13 by now). This past weekend I completed burning The Empire Strikes Back onto DVD, that's the original edition people! The menus are really cool. They have music and video, its looks great (I mean great for $100 software).

Bat-Pole Woes, Part 2

2005-07-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Robin the boy wonder reporting in again from the secret location of the Derivative's Office Hideout! Well, actually, I am at work. But, the office I am in is where Joey and I filmed the Derivative's Office for episodes 3 and 4. As today is kind of slow, I thought I would finish my post on the woes of the Bat-poles. And true to Batman style, let's begin in this way:

So far we have seen:

- How Kenn and Joey constructed the Bat-poles
- How we planned/shot the sequence of entering the bat-cave
-How we planned to operate the bat-poles

Holy Super Special Effects Batman! The best is yet to come!

So, anyway, the first scene we filmed with the bat-poles was the bat-cave scene. We did two different shots: one of Batman and Robin sliding in full costume and jumping off the poles and running off, a shot from the ground of us sliding down into the camera. (For triva purposes, these shots were where Joey and I initially decided to "tape" our wide angle lense to my camera, since it would not fit manually. This later became our style for the duration of the filming.)

Joey and I decided to mount the poles by jumping on them at the same time and sliding down at a controlled rate. Initally we had talked about jumping off ladders (off screen of course) and sliding down the poles. This we reasoned would be difficult and dangerous and thus we decided upon just jumping as high as we could, tucking ourselves up as much as possible once on the pole (to increase the length of the ride) and sliding down. Now, remember how in my last post I described our base as unstable? Well, nothing changed! So, it not only became a shot which required extensive coordination to jump/slide down at the same time. But, Joey and I had to be balanced enough not to knock over the poles. This was acutally quite difficult and in this scene and ensuing scenes, we ended up tiping the bat-pole frame over and falling off at some odd angles. Thankfully, no one was injured. This was probably due to the fact that we were only sliding at total of about 3-4 feet before we hit the ground seeing as the poles were only 7 feet.

Or was that really a blessing? Yes, as I found out, much to my horror that by having only 7 feet of actualy pole (5 or so feet which is on screen), the distance of the slide is very limited, producing a very shortand seemingly almost worthless shot. To make matters worse, our shots always began with Batman and Robin just at the top of the poles. And, that's right, you guessed it, this makes it very hard to link various shots together to create the effect that Joey and I are sliding down a shaft into the bat-cave. However, remember how I said we broke the bat-cave shot up into 2 shots? It turns out that that one shot of us sliding down onto the camera is what saved our necks and made this effect actually look ok. That critical shot allows us to have a transition between Bruce and Dick hitting the automatic costume changer to being in full costume. If we had not take that shot, as I didn't want to initally, we would have been stuck with Bruce and Dick sliding out of a shot but Batman and Robin starting already in the shot and thus making all the effort to build and shoot the bat-poles worthless. Lesson? When you film a movie, film lots of angles and do lots of takes.

Anyway, our first Bat-pole scene went well, despite the problems of balancing. It's acutally a fine art, I must say, to jump on a pole, slide down wearing tights and cowboy boots without knocking the set over. It's all about having a nice controlled jump followed by a nice controlled descent. Further, Joey and I had to jump on at the same time to prevent an unbalance in the poles. The best thing about this shot was this was the first time Joey and I actually saw each other in full costume and together on film. And let me tell you, the effect was just amazing. When you spend a whole summer working on building a costume, scripting an episode, and getting it together to see all your hard work bear fruit is just purely...amazing and is one of the few privillages reserved for film makers.

But, not all the memories with the bat-poles were happy ones. Unfortunately Joey learned the hard lesson about being a male and what the blunt force of a metal rod can do to ones groin when there is a high speed collision. Specifically, the scene I am talking about is the filming of the study scene in Wayne Manor. The set up was Bruce and Dick running over to grab the poles and slide into the bat-cave. Well, Joey and I were a little rushed because we were trying to rush off to see a showing of Spiderman 2. Thus, we were trying to get everything we needed done in a hurry. That probably contributed to it. Also, Joey's nack for sustaining injuries while filming also probably helped. Anyway, whether it was the rush or the nack, Joey managed to injure himself sliding down on the bat-poles not once, but twice. Painful? Yes. Hilarious none-the-less? Certinally.

Finally, our last and final shot of batman was with the bat-poles as well. It was the shot in which Bruce and Dick would slide past the Automatic Costume Changing (ACC), flip the switch, and slide out of sight. This scene had one large problem: we did not have an ACC. So, in the theme of the film: if we don't have it, just make it we made an ACC. I found a black electrical box in my basement. I think it was a connector to a TV or a VCR. Then, we just taped a bunch of glow sticks to it and made one of the glow sticks a handle. It looked...well, terrible. But, it was a prop and I believe it is only on screen for a duration of about 2-3 seconds, if that. However, the ACC added a new challenge for us: Can we slide down the bat-poles, hit something, and keep sliding without unbalancing ourselves? The answer: No! No! No! No! err..yeah, Yeah! No! Basically, we shot the scene about 6 times and of those times, we could only use 2 takes because the rest of the time, Joey and I tipped the frame and went crashing off camera. So, that's another tip for sliding down the bat-poles kids: keep it simple.

But, truth be told, the Bat-poles are one of my favorite effects in the film. They were just one of those elements of the 1966 show which, even if you see today, you think of Adam West and Burt Ward. Further, when Joey and I wanted to re-vamp our Batman movie and do it bigger and better than we did before it was a must and even though it provoked rage and frusteration and didn't come out nearly the way Joey and I planned, I am still very happy we filmed with them. As of right now, the Bat-poles are safely stored in a shed in the middle of my woods. Will they ever see action again with our dynamic duo? well, maybe if Joey and I ever make a 5th and 6th episode. But, they will definately be longer the next time. So, until that time, the bat-poles will lie safely in my prop warehouse until the heroes of justice need them again.

ZOKO!

Robin

We have lost another in the Batman Universe

2005-07-20T17:16:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Once again I bring you some sad news. James Aparo, illustrator of Batman and other DC comic characters has died today at age 72. Mr. Aparo began working for DC in the late 1960's and has drawn characters such as Batman, the Green Arrow, Aquaman, and Spectre. You may not know this but I am also a fan of the Green Arrow, who reminds me a lot of Batman in his personality and views on fighting crime. Mr. Aparo brought Batman, and others, to life in the comic books he drew, he'll be missed and lets, at least on this blog, say a short prayer for the repose of his soul.

Quid Custodes ipsos custodiet

2005-07-18T19:35:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Who guards the guardians? I was watching an episode of the Justice League Unlimited last night, a very good one too, one of the season enders. Basically the episodes culminate a season of tension between the Justice League and a secret government organization. Neither trusts each other and of course Lex Luther (and Brainiac although Lex is unaware) are playing both sides. It ends with Lex using the Justice League space station to blow up the secret government org and blame the Justice League, who then loss the support of the public and almost cause a war, but in the end give themselves up. Long story short Luther and Brainiac are defeated and the world is save. Superman (wuss) wants to disband the league, but Green Arrow is like DUDE NO WAY! (not his exact words). Superman hits his gut back and is like ya dude what was I thinking we did save the world. Anyways Arrow is walking away and Batman asks him "Quid custodes ipsos custodiet?" Green Arrow leaves without answering but oh man, Batman is so Cool!! In a future post I plan to relate this to "The Dark Knight Returns," which I just read.

Stay Tuned ... you know how it goes!

DVD Update

2005-07-13T17:38:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Wow, it has been quite a long time since Kenn and I started editing our latest film, Episodes 3 and 4 of our on going Batman series (Which for some reason has a striking resemblance to the old Batman series of the 60s, ya weird).

Since it has been months, I thought I would give you an update on where we are. Well first off, I have made some progress on getting Episodes 1 and 2 onto DVD, Actually once I figure out this stupid OOS problem with pinnacle it will be done (OOS is out of sync referring to the video and audio for you low techs out there). Seriously pinnacle software seems to have a lot of trouble going from VHS to DVD, but fear not I will prevail.

Kenn, much to some of you alls' disbelief has made some progress on the editing of 3 and 4. Trust me he's been a bit busy lately and it the little things take so long. Anyways, some progress has been made, and to speed the whole thing up we've decided to try and split the editing load. I'll hopefully get the footage for 4 and take some of the burden off of Kenn. With this and everything that is going on we hope to have the film done by the end of July. I know that's way past when I said, but hey better late than never and trust me its worth the wait. Oh it will be done this time, I'm not going to Russia with this thing incomplete!

90 POSTS!!

2005-07-11T21:50:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

That last post was my 90th, that's awesome!!! Kudos to Blogger for adding a post counter to my blog profile page.

The Dark Knight Returns

2005-07-11T21:32:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

As some of you my know one of the blogs I, and many of you, which is why you would know about it, read, Catholic girl talk, has been leading a summer book club with a couple other blogs in our little blog ring, as I like to call it. (Oh man that was a lot of commas, I don't even want to begin to think about whether that was grammatically correct) Well the book for July is the graphic novel "The Dark Knight Returns" Obviously this wouldn't be much of a Batman blog if I didn't bring this to everyone's attention. Surprisingly enough I have not read this yet, although I know the story cause I read a summary. So this was a very good excuse to go out and buy a graphic novel (cough comic book cough cough) Anyways the discussion starts July 15th. I'll be posting about it and so will Catholic Girls Talk and Catholicae Testudines.

A Shameful Plug

2005-07-07T21:11:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Some of you may know and some not, but in about two months I will be in Russia. I'll be studying there for a whole year. Yes both sad and awe inspiring, Batman in Russia. Anyways cause this is Kenn and mines blog I feel I can plug another blog if I feel so inclined.

Well, visit catholicinrussia.blogspot.com

No, I'm not in Russia right now, but I've still got plenty to say before I go.

A quick thought

2005-07-06T20:09:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Expanding from the comment I made on Kenn's tiny post I was talking to a friend of mine who attended a showing of the new Batman cinema production. She made the comment that I had been laughing (I corrected her, I was snickering) throughout the whole movie. Now this was true. I did in fact snicker at most scenes in the movie, even ones that weren't suppose to be funny, maybe even a couple of the sad scenes. What can I say, I can't help it. With my immense knowledge of Batman I see all Batman history and culture references. Either way, just a warning, if you watch Batman with me I will be snickering throughout the whole movie.

Bat-Pole Woes, Part 1

2005-07-06T08:29:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Greetings! It is I, Robin again writing in with more bat-trivia. But, first off, a Bat-movie update. We are almost through editing Episode Three, just a few more bits to go. Being the savy editor that I am, anymore detailed information is strictly reserved for Batman. However, I will satisfy your appetiet for our completed project with another tale from the super hero vaults. I entitle this one: "Bat-Pole Woes."

For our third and fourth film, Joey and I wanted bat-poles. Previously, our entrance into the bat-cave was to leap through Joey's garage door and into the cave. This, obviously needed to be changed. Besides, everyone knows that the bat-poles are one of the defining moments in any batman epidsode. When that bookcase opens up, you know it's game time. The masks are going on and someone is going to get KAPOWED! Even the Joker had a ride on the bat-poles once and you can bet he enjoyed it, that is until Alfred turned on the reverse bat-pole slide and sent him flying back up until the police arrived.

Therefore, bat-poles were a must. However, the only way to truly create this illusion would be to build a set very similar to the one they used in the show. After looking at some blueprints from the set used to create the illusion, it became blatently clear to Joey and I that they way the 1970's show was done was by the use of 3 sets: 1) a very deep closet with the poles built into the roof and ceiling with the book case (this allowed the desent into the cave. 2) a long shaft with the poles (the descent into the cave with the automatic costume changer) 3) the cave itself with an additional 6 or 7 feet of pole space to create the slide into the cave shot, in costume. Joey and I groaned upon realizing this because we could not exactly remodel our homes to follow the needed construction prints. We entertained finding a house that was being built which might give us the nessicary shaft or large space needed for the poles, but quickly ruled that out at the thought of crimial charges.

What we needed was a mobile set that we could transport between locations. Thankfully, we didn't have to go far. Our Stately Wayne Study was Joey's living room and our Bat-cave was Joey's garage. But, we only had about 9-10 feet of ceiling height to work with. So, after a trip to home depot (the movie makers store) we determined we could buy 2 sturdy metal plumbing pipes. I then figured out how to construct a base that could hold these poles in place. The base was not a very complicated design. I took a two by four, but it in half and used a scroll saw to cut out the needed holes for the poles. Then, I used two bolts to refasten the base. The poles themselves were about 7 ft in length. Everything seemed to work fine. The base held the poles up fine and I could slide down them without hurting myself. Further, everything fit in the back of my truck, so they could be transported. Now that we had our poles, how the heck would we film the whole entering the bat-cave sequence?

Joey's living room did not have the proper space to fit a bookcase. Also, we knew it would be impossible to have us hit a button and the thing to actually open up to a shaft. However, we did determine that a small bookcase Joey had in his room could be moved downstairs to cover the entrace of his basement. We could then situate the lense of the camera to include just the shot of the bookcase. This was a brilliant discovery because, previously, our ideas had been to move a bookcase in front of a sliding glass door at either Joey's house or my house. We decided on this because we could adjust the size of the hole and such to fit the bookcase. But, it had the huge problems of 1) being outside (so we'd have to film at dark and pray no bugs were flying around in the background 2) no drop off for a sliding into the cave effect. So, the basement was a huge and a brilliant idea.

The shots were starting to come together in my head. Joey would flip a switch or something (we hadn't deterimined what device to enter the cave with yet). The next should would be us running and jumping onto the poles and sliding out of sight. Then the camera would fade out. It was a brilliant idea, the basement provided the needed shaft like apperatus and we could put the poles far enough back on the basement steps that we could run, jump onto the poles, and slide out of sight.

Wait a minute... did you say, "steps?" Somehow in my mind, steps, running, and jumping down into a basement does not sound like a good idea. Add the addition of costumes and you have a full blow, while surely comical disaster. The idea may have worked except remember, the only thing holding the poles together was a bolted two by four. Further, Joey and I had enough problems keeping the poles level on solid ground and trying to slide down them together because there was no lateral support for the device. Just our own downward force and balance to keep the poles upright. Fortunately, Joey pointed this out to me. When filming, I tend to be the director that is just like, we need to do this shot and latches onto the first concept that enters his head. Just like the time I ran, jumped, and rolled down a small hill with my camera because I thought it would look good. It did, but it hurt, a lot. Thanks to Joey, we avoided a very messy accident that would have surely have gone something like this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Filming the Batman Movie"
Scene 3: Joey's House

(Joey and Kenn are whispering excitedly. They place the poles into position and set up the camera. They take their spots for their run.)

(Cut upstairs to the bedroom of Joey's mom and dad. They are fast asleep. Suddenly, there is a loud bang, followed by a sickening crack.)

Mom: What was that?

Dad: It sounded like it came from the basement.

(They exit. Cut to downstairs.)

Mom: Joey?

(Mom goes to investigate the livingroom. Camera stays behind dad. He walks to the basement door. At first, he is not sure what he sees. Quickly, he determines that there is a metal pole jamed into his basement ceiling. His eyes follow the pole down to the steps of the basement which reveal two limp bodies.)

Dad: Call 911 honey. ...they did it again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After many nights discussing this problem, I finally came up with the answer of how to film this scene. I was so obsessed with filming the episode just like the tv show that I never considered alternative ways to film the scene. Joey's living room had a very large entrance to it. Instead of a doorway or a walkway, they just did not install a wall. It's very spacious and attractive. Also, perfect for filming a bat-cave. Here's what we did:

Shot 1) Joey hits the switch
Shot 2) a CU of the bookcase being pulled open to reveal the poles in the basement
Shot 3) back in the living room, the poles are set up in the large entrace. The camera is put behind them and elevated slightly. From this angle, it looks as if we are filming from directly behind the batpoles, in the cave. Low lighting in the hall way helped achieve this effect. Joey and I run and the camera, jump and slide off screen.
Shot 4) CU of bookcase sliding back into position, fade out.

Brilliant huh? It looks fairly decent too. Now, to conclude this entry on the bat-poles I will wrap up with how we decided to operate the bookcase. In a technical sense, it was just Joey and I pushing/pulling from off camera. But, in the show, the bookcase is operated by a switch inside a bust of William Shakespear. The top opens, the button is pushed and the bookcase opened. That should be a simple prop to procure, right?

WRONG!

Joey and I combed ebay, online stores, value city, craft stores, costume shops, etc. trying to find a shakespear bust. After a few weeks of looking, we decided to settle upon any bust. After a month went by, we got desperate. We could find busts of Shakespear to use, but they were very expensive, made of stone, or too small. We wanted a plastic bust because we figured that a plastic one would be the easiest to modify to contain a switch. Once we exhausted our supply of shakespear sources, we moved on to other famous busts. I found some nice busts of the founders, but they were again too expensive of made of stone. Finally, we abandoned our online approach and hit the streets.

After seeing an elephant bust in a store, Joey came up with the idea that lawn orniments may be our best bet. So, we began to look for them. The best statues we came up with were a statue of a young boy and two small angels (I suggested they could symbolize bruce's parents), both of which were in the range of $30.00 dollars. After some discussion Joey and I decided to find another way. Afterall, why spend $30.00 on a prop we would use about twice and were not happy with? Joey briefly suggested we make a bust, but upon reconsideration of our combinded artistic skills, we realized that just because we could sew a little did not mean we could craft a bust of shakespear or anyone else other than "Round-up", the wal-mart smiley.

Joey and I decided we could make the entrance to the cave basically anything you would use to enter an secrete passage. Something like playing a note on a keyboard, pulling a candle stick, or hitting a button. Joey and I decided upon the latter. Joey took a small brown jewlery box and spray painted a top of a water bottle red. He then inserted it into the box and placed it on a small table near the center of the room. Viola! A secrete button in the box. The prop does not look too bad and is only on screen for a few seconds up close. But, for all pratical purposes it looked great. Now, you know what really gets at me?

When I was at Stratford-upon-Avon (shakespear's birthplace in England) they were selling great busts of Shakespear by the dozens. I almost bought one so we could re-shoot that scene. Man, sometimes you just get so mad, you can't. Anyway citizens, I have taken up enough of your time for today. Check back soon because there are more bat-pole misadventures to discover. In my next thrilling issue you will learn:

-how joey injured himself, multiple times
-how to slide down a bat-pole
-bat-pole limitations and miscaluations
-the auctomatic costume changer
-filming errors

Holy Captivating Caper Batman! The best is yet to come!

THOCK!,

Robin

Something from the past

2005-07-04T11:40:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I found this little gem somewhere on the internet. Seems Batman and Robin have been celebrating the 4th of July for some time. I will say that the artists of the 1940's may not have been very worried about being PC, or maybe its the fact that we were at war at the time. Whatever, I find this rather odd.

Happy 4th

2005-07-04T11:31:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Happy Forth of July to all my fellow law abiding citizens. On this day of celebration I, Batman, wish to give a word of caution to all who plan to celebrate today. Remember, sparklers are all fun and games until someone gets a small shock from a tiny spark. Gloves save arms! Be like Batman and wear flame, acid, explosion, and spark proof gloves when you celebrate America's independence.

:) Happy 4th everyone

So did you see me?

2005-06-24T13:31:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

You know, I've been waiting and waiting for days for someone to say something about my cameo in the new Batman movie, but no one has said anything. I don't get, I was in several scenes in the movie. Remember? I played Chief O'Hara!! Gees, you guys don't believe me, FINE! Look I have proof, here is a picture of me in a scene with Christan Bale and Morgan Freeman.

This has nothing to do with Batman

2005-06-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Although this is a Batman blog I wanted to let everyone know that I have accomplished something amazing. I have succeed in burning my copy of the original Star Wars A New Hope, not the special edition, onto DVD. It's great, I got menus and everything. I feel special because you can't get this in stores, you have to own the originals and burn them yourself. I plan to burn the whole original trilogy onto DVD. Bask in my amazingness!!!

Interesting Movie Numbers

2005-06-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I found a really interesting site called Box Office Mojo. It has just about all the money related information about a movie you could ever want. Of course I was looking at the info on Batman, what attracted me was the fact that Batman Begins is the 11th highest Wednesday opening movie, actually beating out Shrek 2 and Pirates of the Caribbean, even Return of the Jedi (although that is 1983 figures) that's pretty good, especially when the last Batman movie was Batman and Robin. Its also been rated the 3rd best movie by the users of this site. Ya it was a very awesome movie. Check out this site, its pretty cool.

More Reviews

2005-06-15T20:26:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I don't pretend to know how to write, so my review was mainly my opinion, if you want a very good review of the movie (and one I pretty much agree with) check this one out.

Batman Begins REVIEW!!!

2005-06-15T16:53:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I have just seen the movie, and I bet you'll waiting for a great review. I'll start with my first impressions. The movie was awesome, two thumbs up, 5 stars, 10 out of 10, whatever you want to call it, it was great! Seriously, I'm not just speaking as a Batman fan, it was great. It was Batman at his best, I think the biggest improvement over all previous movies was the fight sequences. Batman has finally been shown in his full fighting form. The fight scenes are fast and the all parts flow together. The style is quick and blinding, as you watch Batman take on 6 guys at once you fell thrown into the action. The camera moves with the fight and many hits are unseen, quicker than the eye. This is a huge leap from the fights of Batman and Batman Returns, where the fight scenes were short and could barely be called martial arts.

Christian Bale was a great pick for this movie, and he does a brilliant job portraying the developing Batman. We see Batman struggle to find the path to true justice. Bale is joined by some movie veterans like Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox), Michael Cain (Alfred), and Liam Neeson (Ducard). Plus we meet some younger faces like Katie Holmes (Rachel Dawes) and Cillian Murphy (Scarecrow). I can't really complain about any of their performances, this movie has an all-star supporting cast. Oh and Michael Cain as Alfred, he was great.

SPOILERS
The plot was well written, if you were expecting it to follow anything from the comic books you will be disappointed, but the plot is clearly inspired by plots from the comic. It is pretty much you standard superhero movie plot, the origins and roles of many characters are twisted a bit to fit a two hour movie, so you can't really complain there. That being said the movie does a great job introducing the characters and giving time to those who need it, Batman getting the most, obviously.

I really like the Scarecrow, he was the twisted kinda evil badguy you would expect him to be, but ends up even more insane in the end. Ra's Al Ghul was just as mysterious as I had hoped and in my opinion of the end of the movie I just have two questions for you, are you sure you know what happened to Ra's and are you sure you know who he is.

Ok so that was my take on the movie, lets go a bit deeper. Fear plays a huge role in the movie, pay attention to who uses it and their motives, I found that struggle rather interesting (hint: remember when Batman's Dad is talking about the Bats that scared Bruce). One of my favorite parts is when Batman is interrogating the Scarecrow, who is a little "high" at the time. The movie also focuses a lot on justice and repentance, which I also enjoyed. I don't want to go into too much cause I want all of you to enjoy the movie too.

END SPOILERS
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, it was dark and totally Batman! Please give me any comments you have after you see it too, I especially want to hear from those who didn't like it, assuming that's even possible!

Wednesday, June 15th 2005

2005-06-15T00:59:00.000-04:00

IT BEGINS, TODAY!

Batman Begins

2005-06-15T00:51:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I can only assume that all of you are sitting there scratching your heads thinking, "Duh gee, didn't he go to the midnight showing of Batman? Duh where's his review?" True, this being a Batman blog most likely implies that I am crazy about Batman and do anything Batman related and throw money at whatever looks like Batman. Well, that's pretty much true, but I don't really have the money to throw at the moment and I am pretty lazy.

See the only midnight showings where kinda far and I'd much rather go to the first showing in the morning, which will be cheaper anyways. Don't you all worry, I'll have a review up hear real quick after I see it in about 12 hours. It will be great.

(Oh and I do plan on seeing it in costume, I just need to wait for Kenn to get back from England, I mean you can't just go as Batman, you need Robin!)

England

2005-06-10T23:53:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Do all of you remember a while back when the new story broke about Batman in England? Remember, Batman was caught trying to scale Buckingham Palace. Well I just thought I should inform you that our good friend, Kenn aka Robin, is in fact in England right now, in London actually. So be on the look out for anymore news reports about Batman or Robin in England, because there is a good chance that its Kenn.

Batman in England (Robin had already been arrested at this point)

Where have I been?

2005-06-06T21:11:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I know, I know, its been a week since I 've posted, most likely the logest stretch since I started this thing. Well, just so you know I' pretty lazy, in addition I've been job hunting and man do I hate job hunting, I hate it!

Anyways, I just want to let everyone know that as we enter the final days before Batman Begins you really should keep checking back here, except a very good, very detailed(but not spoiling) review.

Here is a little taste of what the movie's first review said, and I quote, "Batman Begins throws down the gauntlet and says: beat this." That's simply awesome!

Bat Babies

2005-05-30T22:13:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

To confess I was actually playing around on search engines to see what made my blog pop up and I stumbled onto this from Gid's Blog. You guys just have to see these pics. Batman and Robin only a few years old and still ready to fight crime! Yes ladies, Batman and Robin were very cute kids, no denying it. Here are a couple more pics

New DVD cover

2005-05-30T16:20:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

So on Kenn's suggestion I decided to rework the cover for our DVD. I think this is a lot better.

P.S. and of course you are welcome to download it for a movie poster, but only as a movie poster.

Morgan Freeman Gets It

2005-05-30T15:58:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

As I am always on the up and up with Batman News, I came across this article. It's about an interview with Morgan Freeman, who plays Lucius Fox (anyone who knows Batman lore should know who that is). He talks about Batman Begins and why he chose it to be his first action film. Allow me to paraphrase, it seems that Freeman is a Batman fan due to the fact that Batman is a superhero, but has no superpowers. Now, I liked Morgan Freeman before this, but now he is clearly that best actor in the world.

This is Awesome

2005-05-29T22:42:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Ok you have to check this out. Its an animated short about New Years Eve in Gotham. The best part is it stars Adam West as Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker and Dick Van Dyke as Commissioner Gordon. Not only that but it also has a guest appearance from an old friend from the 60's Batman movie. (Oh man Kenn you must watch this)

Holy Superheros

2005-05-27T17:20:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Some of you may remember a few of my posts awhile back about Batman and the Trinity. Well, searching the news I recently came upon this article. Rather interesting take on superheroes I'd say.

Here's the book if your interested.

While looking for this book on Amazon, I also found several other books like this, one you might want to check out is called Who wants to be a Superhero? Plus I found a couple books on how to be a superhero, supervillian and how to take over the world. Enjoy!

We a suffered a great loss

2005-05-23T12:34:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

No joking in this post. I don't know how many of you have ever seen the old 60s Batman TV series, it's great, check it out. With regret I have just found out that Frank Gorshin, who played the Riddler on the series died last Tuesday. Mr. Gorshin was by far my favorite villain on the old series, and easily one of the best actors to guest star on the show.

Click here for the news article

Something To Think About

2005-05-23T12:02:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

For some reason I have had several conversations with friends about movies and character development. I was discussing with a friend the merits of the movie Gladiator, my friend said he did not like the movie because it had no character development and therefore no plot. I on the other hand love this movie. The cinematography, with my friend conceded was very good, but also the story, the acting, the design and effects all came together to make a good movie (in my opinion). After thinking about his argument, I could not come up with a example of character development. But do you really need character development to have a plot? In a sense no, Gladiator clearly had a plot, but compare it to the new Star Wars film, Revenge of the Sith, definitely some character development there and it definitely contributed to the plot. Actually it did make the plot possible. How can you have Anakin turn to the dark side without some character development on his part, you can't.

So with one example we have a movie with no character development and yet it did have a plot, it had a problem, a struggle, and solution. We have another example of a movie with character development and a plot that is clearly dependent on that. I guess the question then becomes is plot dependent on character development or is character development dependent on plot? Looking at these two examples, I would conclude that it is in fact character development that depends on plot. Why, let me explain.

Look at the plot of Gladiator, a Roman general is told he will succeed the Emperor, but the Emperor's son murders his father secretly and takes the throne. The general is to be killed, but escapes. The general returns home to find his family dead and, half dead himself, is captured by slavers and made a gladiator. The general then must continue to survive until he can right what was wrong. I wonder if the plot really calls for character development. The whole point is that the general remains committed to his beliefs and continues to fight for them despite everything, how can you develop a character that is supposed to stay the same? Ok, so yes character development is dependent on plot, but they are connected and a good plot should compliment character development and vice versa. I think the movie could have been better with a better plot, but it was good with what it had. I guess you should then ask if a movie needs a plot with character development to be good.

Anyways, why did I go through all of this? Batman and Batman Returns have been charged with not developing Batman as a character. This is true, but as I just explained the plot did not really call for his development. Now going to my second question, yes I do think the a plot that includes character development will be better than one without it. The new Batman movie, Batman Begins, does, or should, have a lot of character development. What does this mean? It means that this new movie promising to be better than all previous Batman movies and a very good film.

2005-05-18T16:21:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Ok so this is a picture of us filming at Frederick Keys stadium (The Keys are the orioles A minor league team located in Frederick, Maryland) That would be Kenn/Robin in the lovely white sweater and dress pants with the video camera in his hand. He was filming some location shots while I took his picture cause I had nothing better to do. As you can see from the guy in the orange shirt, filming in a public place with lots of people attracts attention. Not to mention that we really had to speak up to be heard by the camera. So I'm sure we managed to confuse many people, especially since the scene called for us to laugh, a lot. Anyways I would just like to say that if you every see two guys in Batman and Robin costumes walking around town with a video camera, you may stare but don't sprint over to them with a picture of Adam West and Burt Ward (the other Batman and Robin) and flag them down so you can compare costumes, that's just rude. Especially since maybe Batman forgot to wear his belt and the whole scene is now ruined!

End of the Semester Heads Up

2005-05-18T16:09:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Well, for those of use in college, the semester has come to a close, only a few exams remain and soon it will be summer break forever. Unfortunately crime doesn't take a vacation, a break, or even a nap! No, the dynamic duo is always on the job and quite shortly that will be the editing job. If you've been to this site before you may have seen some pictures of our newest Batman movie, if not I'll post some more. Well very soon many of you will be able to watch it, those of you who live near me (will see about putting some clips on here for the rest of you). Kenn has committed himself, no not to a sanitarium, but to completing the editing job started last summer. And once I return home I plan to help him. So watch your Bat-phones people cause the best summer blockbuster ever is coming, and soon!

One month to go

2005-05-17T19:56:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

You all may be getting a little tried of the amount of time I spend commenting on the new Batman Movie. Well, all I can say is this is a Batman Blog, what do you expect?

Anyways, I missed posting on the actual date but this will be good enough. We are officially under one month until Batman Begins hits theaters on June 15. I know, I know you are all so excited, I am too. Again I feel the need to reiterate the fact that I will be attending the first showing of the movie in costume, hopefully Kenn will be too, because its more fun that way. In case you haven't been reading some of my posts lately, this movie looks really really good. Be sure to check it out!!!

What does Wales have to do with Batman?

2005-05-15T16:24:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I was ready a story about Christian Bale and learned something I didn't know. First off congratulations to Bale, he has a new baby girl, that's awesome. But let me quote from the story, "The hunky Welsh actor." Welsh? Did anyone else no that? I had no idea Batman was Welsh, how interesting. Now you don't usually hear much from Wales but I must say by giving the world another Batman, they have definitely risen in admiration in my book.

Another Batman Movie update

2005-05-15T16:13:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Unlike most of you, I'm sure, I have been checking the Batman Begins official website almost everyday. You see, the site has been very slow to update itself; various sections remaining incomplete. There is actually some pretty neat stuff on the site. Click on the comics link and check out some classic Batman comic cover art (although only one is available now). Anyways today they finally updated the contest page, Uraa!!! They offer some nice prizes, $10,000 in electronic goods or premiere tickets and lost o other stuff.

You want a link? Well just look to your right under newest Batman.

Give me money

2005-05-12T02:16:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Well, I believe this item may be a tad to rich for my blood, but any donations would be most appreciated. eBay's Batman auction

Warner Bros makes a good point

2005-05-11T10:20:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I was looking for various news on the upcoming Batman movie when I stumbled across this article. Let me quote "The new series of films is apparently considered a fresh reboot of the character and his mythology." What does this mean? I'll tell you, or you can just read the article. It means that all our favorite old villains, The Joker, The Penquin, Two-Face, who died in the previous series (Catwoman never died remember). Now as much as I really like Batman and Batman Returns, this possibility makes me salivate. Getting Batman's archrival The Joker back in action would be so great. Expect big things from this renewed franchise.

5 Weeks to Go!

2005-05-10T11:29:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

In case you haven't been keeping count the new Batman movie, Batman Begins, which clearly promises to win every single Oscar this year, even animated and foreign films, is only 5 weeks away. I know you have all marked your calendars, but marked them again, you don't want to miss this event of a lifetime.

For more info check out the official website for the movie, linked under newest Batman, its a good site, flash and everything, it even changes appearance from morning to night.

An interesting thought

2005-05-09T00:51:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I had an interesting thought while watching TV today. I saw that Marines commercial about the guy climbing the cliff to demonstrate how tough, yet rewarding it is to become a Marine. I'm a softy for our boys and girls in uniforms, I think they're one of a kind. But of course my mind drifted to Batman. What if you walked up to a cliff and the sunlight reflected an image of Batman (or another superhero I guess, wouldn't be as cool through) and you just started to climb the cliff. When you got to the top you were saluted by Batman who then turns into smoke and flies into you, turning you into Batman. Like, the Marines its not a bad way to represent what it takes to become a superhero. The struggle, the hard work, the sacrifice, yes all very inspiring.

Log on to gobatman.com to become a superhero of one

Batman sighted in England, Again

2005-05-06T14:44:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I must repeat, that this man is not the real Batman. Although I understand his cause, Batman would never advocate breaking the law. Still this pretender does seem to be learning, this time he did not break the law, and he followed the instructions of his fellow allies, the police. You see kids, you can protest without breaking laws.

Anyway, it looks as if Fathers for Justice are at it again. You may remember a few months ago when Batman was caught climbing Buckingham Palace. He was seen again at a polling center trying to get inside to protest. Seems the Police turned him away at the door. Check at this article and another I found from a week ago.

Batman

Batman and Mr. Incredible

Lack of Sleep

2005-05-06T13:52:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Robin here once again. With Batman and I undergoing finals, we don't have very much time to sleep. This brough to mind a post you might enjoy: sleeping hours while filming a movie. As I have already said numerous times, filming is one of the hardest hobbies you can have. It's emotionally draining as well as physically draining.

Most shoots last for about four hours. All that time you are on your feet, running around, trying to do things as fast and as well as you can do them so everyone can leave on time. It's great! But, it's worse than running a race. Also, most shoots were done either late at night or early mornings on the weekends to accomodate the work schedule of both Joey and I. End result? You pull and 8 hour day at work and then pull 4 more on your own time. That's 12 hours or work for a day. Starting to feel the drain?

I know I sure did. Last summer, when I did my cross country time trial I ran the slowest I had ever run. I had done more training than ever but for the past few nights, I had filmed with Joey until 1am or 2 am and then gotten up at 7:00 am to go to work. Simply put, filming and sleeping do not go well together. Joey and I actually filmed the bat-cave scenes from about 11 pm - 3 am one night because that was the only time we could work out. Making a film takes stamina. I guess that's why I'm a super hero.

THWAK!

Robin

The Batman Trinity Update

2005-05-02T20:50:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I don't know how many of you caught my little discussion on the Trinity and DC superheros, but I thought I'd repost this update on it from the comments section. Mainly because any comments on the Wonder Woman question would be most helpful to me.

"I was actually thinking about Wonder Woman in particular as I was coming up with the first three. I think the first choice that comes to mind is Mary, but I quickly turn this away. Wonder Woman just doesn't seem to connect with Mary in the way she needs to, they don't share that distinct feature I 'm looking for. Now Dr. Fate and Spectre are a little different. Both have rather other worldly powers, Spectre's actually coming from God, and both are part of a line Dr. Fates and Spectres. I see these two as Archangels. Spectre associated with St. Michael and Dr. Fate more like St. Raphael. I get St. Raphael from the Dr. Fates thing with balance and St. Raphael's role in Tobit (maybe a stretch but these are all stretches). Spectre has a clearly good vs. evil attribute, defintely a connection with St. Michael. I've also been trying to place the Green Lantern for a while too. I think St. Peter or the Popes in general could fit him. The Green Lantern is suppose to be a Guardian or caretaker of the sector he is given, kina like the Popes being caretakers of the Church on earth.

Anyways, Wonder Woman is still a mystery, although I can't say I am the biggest source of knowledge when it comes to her. This will probably bug me until I can think of something."

The Batman Begins 400

2005-05-01T14:59:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Unless you are a die-hard NASCAR fan, you probably didn't know that the title of this post is the title of an upcoming NASCAR race. Yes the Batman Begins 400 at the Michigan International Speedway on June 19. The race has been named in honor of the new film coming out on June 16.

Now I'm not a NASCAR fan, in fact I hate NASCAR, I think it is loud, boring, and way to long for me to give anything close to a care about it. Not to mention a rather bad experience involving a country music station (Oh man oh I hate them and country music in general) and a supposedly "free" trip to a Florida NASCAR race. Ya, I guess "free" in stupid speak means lots of money that we won't pay you back for even though we said we would. Well, this is a little of topic and maybe a bit confusing, I'll just say this. A friend and I won a "free" contest, that turned out to be very not "free" and now I hate NASCAR and Country Music even more than I thought possible.

Anyways, despite my hatred I would attend this event. I mean who could pass up an opportunity to see the actually Batmoblie from the new movie in action, its the pace car, pretty cool. Plus one of the stock cars has gotten a Batman make-over (hmm possible TV show idea).

Check it out, and go if you can!

Quiz Show

2005-04-29T01:02:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

After some inspiration from my roommates I wasted some time on the internet and found a couple superhero quizzes. I obviously I was Batman for the good ones, that last one is just weird, I mean that's what I get for being honest!

I am Batman for this quiz

This one too

Actually, Bat-girl on my first run through with this one, little weird but whatever. At least I came out Batman on the second try (Third try Nightwing, hmm).

Props

2005-04-27T02:39:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I don't know, my I'm up to late and maybe I'm just crazy, but have a look at one of the props Kenn and I created for our movie. I think the label speaks for itself. We constructed it from glowsticks, tape, and some kind of black box that I don't remember where we got.

All I can think of when I look at this thing is how many times we shot the scene we used it in. We made it for about 2 seconds of film, to be seen as Bruce and Dick slide down the bat-poles. Hm... let me rephrase that. We spent about an hour making this prop and setting up this scene for 2 seconds of film. Ok did that make sense? Anyways, It took so long to figure out how to slide down the pole and hit the switch just right to make it go down, but not fly off the box.

What can I say, no one else will laugh at this scene except Kenn and me. Oh well, if it makes me laugh, I'm happy.

800

2005-04-27T02:16:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Looking over Batman comics I just realized something. Batman's comic series, Detective Comics, has run for 805 issues, that's pretty incredible in itself, but the more incredible thing is that issue number 800 came out November 2004, the same month as my birthday (21st birthday that is). Coincidence? I think not! (to quote the Incredibles). I find that really cool and rather humorous, for a variety of reasons, none of which I can think of right now other than the fact that Batman hit 800 on my birthday!

DC comics and the Trinity

2005-04-25T17:26:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

This post as come up from an argument I had with a friend a few days ago. My friend was wearing a shirt naming Jesus as Superman, of course I set out to correct this heresy. Now, I don't want to say Jesus couldn't be Superman if he wanted to, of course he could, my point is that if you are going to assign superheros to the Blessed Trinity you ought to do it right. Here is the correct assignments:

God the Father: Superman
Jesus Christ: Batman
The Holy Spirit: Martian Manhunter

Ok why is God the Father, and not Jesus, represented by Superman. First Superman is not human, neither is God. But Christ was 100% human, as well as 100% God. Playing off of this Superman has no flaws, I don't mean weaknesses we all know about kyptonite, but he is completely Good, he doesn't have the human weakness we find in other superheros. Superman is much more God then Jesus.

Batman is a good superhero representation of Christ. Batman is human, yet at the same time he is Batman. Um ... let me explain. Batman is in a way 100% Bruce Wayne, he has a life, friends, a childhood, he has felt pain and suffering, and more, but he is always Batman, he is always 100% the superhero, the inhuman creature of the night. At the same time Batman is subject to human flaws, anger, fear, and basically human limits. This feature of Batman fits well with the dual nature of Christ, at least as far as superheros go.

Some of you may not know who is the Martian Manhunter. He is a member of the Justice League, a shapshifter, telepath, with superhuman strength, and one of two surviving Martians from Mars. Why is he a good Holy Spirit? The Manhunter is frequently the glue that holds together the Justice League of America(JLA) He keeps everyone in contact with his telepathy, he can change his form to fit the situation and is a very good mediator between Superman and Batman when he is needed to be. Kinda reminds you of the Holy Spirit right?

Now remember this is a DC comics comparison with the Trinity, not Marvel. I say this because Spiderman also as a good case to be compared with Jesus. Spiderman's whole thing has to do with sacrifice and stuff.

Priceless

2005-04-24T22:57:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

There are some things in this world that you just have to sit back and say, well at least that turned out right. I gotta say that is one of those times, despite everything that went wrong in our filming, the things that go right make it all worth it. Although I have to give all credit to my mother for pulling this one off.

The Dark Knight Returns

2005-04-22T01:47:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Looking around, I've found a nice storyline to a little comic series called The Dark Knight Returns. I think you can guess who this is about. If you were looking for an example of a fight between Batman and Superman, this is it. If you don't want to read the whole thing skip to the bottom of the page. If I may spoil it for you, Batman wins, and proves once again he can kick anyone's butt that he wants to. Check it out.

2005-04-19T14:40:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

A dark figure stands alone on the top of a skyscraper.

He is tired, worn down.

His battles have been long and hard-won.

Suddenly something shimmers in the corner of his eye.

He turns, a light, it breaks the darkness.

A pinpoint,

far off,

and coming closer.

He stares, the light grows brighter.

The wind moves his cape,

the light becomes brighter,

he squints.

Its too much to look at, too bright to see.

As if the Lord Himself has called all the earth to attention.

The pain passes.

The dark figure peers into the light.

Another comes forth from within.

The dark figure shudders,

the darkness has passed him,

he feels the joy surging within.

His lips breath one word,

on name,

Benedict.

Viva il Papa.

Two Months to Go!!!!

2005-04-18T10:06:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Sunday marked two months until Batman Begins comes to theaters. The wait is almost over. I suggest leaving the date, June 17, open because you won't want to miss this huge event (especially when certain people plan to go to the premiere in costume *wink* *wink*)

New face of Ads

2005-04-15T09:09:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I found this recently from the Cinematical. I thought you all might be interested in the nest generation of advertisement, advertising in MMorpg (Massively Multiplayer online role playing game). Now I must congratulate the Matrix Online for choosing to advertise such an awesome movie (never mind the fact that it is a paid advertisement). But honestly who doesn't associate Batman with the Matrix, at least the first movie, I mean they're like peanut butter and jelly. I guess cool things stick together (he he get it? he he, ah you don't care). Either way next time your playing an online game, be on the look out for ads, because seriously that's the whole reason people go online right?

Holy Catastrophic Casting Complications

2005-04-15T01:18:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I thought I'd reflex real quick on yet another problem Kenn and I have run into with our great filming adventure. I think the best way to do this is to start with an example. The main villain, the Derivative, in all our four episodes wears a white and black polk-a-dotted sheet over himself. During the course of the first two episodes, the Derivative was played by at least 5 people. You only notice this if you can hear the differences between their voice, and their height, and acting style, and ok its pretty much obvious. We did slightly better in the second two episodes, only 3 or so people played the Derivative. Why do I tell you this? Because my friends, filming movies take s a lot of people to act the parts, not only that, but all these people need to show up on filming days. Whenever Kenn and I are discussing how many actors we need for a scene, we always start with our ideal situation. We quickly realize we are dreaming and discuss the probably number we can get. Anyways, this will go on for a while and we end up with the minimum number of people to shoot a scene. This number is usual 2, Kenn and me, even in scenes with around 5 actors needed, at least more than two an any given shoot. So ya, we never have enough people and their are always casting problems. It kinda sucks, not the casting problem but the fact that it happens so much that we accept it. I think we dream of having one actor for every part and each actor showing up for all the scenes we need him for, ah what a life that would be. All I can say is thanks to everyone we con into helping us, you guys are one step ahead of the millions of people I hear beg me to put them in our movies, but never show to film!

2005-04-11T17:47:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I know many of you have been complaining on end about "Where's the new Batman Movie?" and "I want to watch it now, wnaa wnaa, baby poo boo..." And so on. Well claim it we've been busy! But I still think you guys deserve something so I thought I would share with you the movie poster for the film, this is official folks so fell free to download it and make it your desktop.

I'm sorry, I've started

2005-04-11T17:33:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Ok I can't stop thinking about it now, I'm referring to my previous post, I mean Val Kilmer and George Clooney, arghh, gosh!, they suck so bad. They were horrible Batmans and should never ever do another movie again. Except they did, oh well, moot point.

But seriously, I liked Michael Keaton, I think he is a good actor, and even if he's not, he was a good Batman. Aww man honestly nothing good from the first two movies went to the second two, gees. Regardless of your opinion of Michael Keaton, if you have one, seriously Val Kilmer Sucks!, I hate him, I don't like any movie he is in and if I did now I don't, so there. He had no idea how to play Batman and I unfairly place much of the blame on his shoulders, sorry Val. Now George Clooney, ok so I like Ocean's Eleven, and other movies his done, but this one was a bad choice, to be honest not much he could of done with his meager acting skills to save it anyways. Georgey boy inherited a failing series, a horribly script, a horrible director, a horrible supporting cast(I mean come on Governor Arnold?), so what would you except. None the less I still hate him as Batman.

Where's Adam West and Burt Ward when you need them!

Now is the time

2005-04-11T17:30:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I feel a good rant is in order today. As you may know, at least from ready the previous post that there is a recent series of 4 Batman movies, which is most likely about to gain number 5. Well let me rephrase that, there is a series of 2 Batman movies, about to gain a third and 2 other Batman movies that attempt to destroy everything that is good and loving in the world, also they told me you guys look like dorks. But that's beside the point, which is Batman Forever and Batman and Robin are a mockery of modern film making, Batman, and life in general.

Point one, different directors.
The first two movies, Batman and Batman Returns, were directed by the brilliant Tim Burton, whom you may remember from A Nightmare Before Christmas. My friends, Tim managed to grasp the very essence of Batman, the whole reason Batman is so awesome. Batman is dark, it is heavily influenced with aspects like fear, vengeance, death, and justice. Batman doesn't live in some happy little universe were no one dies and the good guys always win. For one that's boring, who wants to listen to a story if they already know the outcome. Batman was born through death and vengeance, works through fear, and sacrifices everything for justice. The first two Batman movies do capture this, thanks too the director. They are dark, bullets actually hit and kill people, I don't mean that people need to drop left and right but haven't you every watched a movie seen where about a million bullets are flying through the air but no one gets hit and no one dies, its stupid, annoying, and unrealistic. Basically Tim Burton created a World of Batman the fit perfectly with the comics and therefore with the tone of Batman.
Now lets look at the other 2 movies. These two pieces of cr*p are filled with flashing neon lights, idiotic dialogue, painfully poor fight scene, and most importantly absolutely no dark, no death(kinda), no spirit of vengeance, and laughable justice. The whole feel of the first two films is gone, neither of the two subsequent directors managed to capture anything about Batman. Now I am being a little harsh on Batman Forever, that one is not nearly as bad as number 4, but to be honest Jim Carey was the only good point of that movie. Oh and I hate Val Kilmer, I hate him so much, don't get me started, please.

Anyways, point one pretty much spells it out for you I won't bore you with my other big beef.

Bat-Movies

2005-04-10T04:04:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I feel that with the newest Batman movie forthcoming from Hollywood, Batman Begins, I should give you a little run down on the various movies available so far.
Batman Begins is actually the 5 movie in the current Batman series (i.e. starting with Batman from the late 80's) I guess I could also call it the 0 movie, as it is supposed to take place before the other 4, thinking a little more into this I suppose I might be calling movie 1 in a new line of movies, since I do not yet know exactly how close it will follow the lore of the previous 4 (that rhymes yo).

Anyways I'm getting off topic, lets start from the beginning. There are actually more Batman movies then you might think, today I'll be sticking to the live action ones. You might remember a post or two a while back about the Batman Movie Serials, Batman and Robin, from 1949. This seems to be the first live action film of Batman and its rather interesting. I think it follows or begins the action we will see later in the 1960's series with Adam West and Burt Ward. This series of course led to the next Batman feature film, Batman. Although this one is so similar to the 49 version in style and plot lines, it was actually meant to be funny. This movie is followed by the 1980's, Batman, and its sequel, Batman Returns. Now, yes it is true that Batman Forever and Batman and Robin are part of this series, I think everyone ought to understand the distinction between them. The first two were directed by Tim Burton, an awesome director, the last two were directed by who the heck cares they both sucked anyways. But this is not the time to get into that. I simply wanted to give you all a quick timeline into the world of Batman cinema.

Cool

2005-04-08T17:19:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I think you guys ought to know something, its really important. Guys seriously, Batman and Robin are like totally awesome. I thought you guys would like to know, and you should. If you don't believe me you should watch the Justice League a little bit more. Only Batman can save the world by while being looked up and under a stasis field so he can't communicate with his telepathic friends. He still manages to turn everyone in the evil gang against each other, escape, and beat the crap out of the joker, and this after being poisoned.

Diamonds

2005-04-08T17:06:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I don't know if any of you knew this, but diamonds are the key to some pretty cool inventions. For example, diamonds are the power source of a rather interesting machine I recently read about. This machine has the ability to control all moving vehicles. Now you may be skeptical, but I have seen it in action and I will tell you its pretty amazing. Ok so Batman and Robin have just found out that the wizard has stolen this really cool machine and needed to find out how it worked. They interviewed one of the inventors, and he gave them a demonstration. They only had a prototype so I only saw it work on a little toy car and train, but it worked and it was amazing. And yes it did run on diamonds, so of course Batman and Robin recommended that all the diamond suppliers in the city be guarded. Of course they police did not do this until it was too late. Oh well, I guess some people never learn, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!

Superman? More like super lucky

2005-04-04T12:03:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

Robin here again. It seems my guardian has been arguing for some time, who is the greater of the two? Batman or Superman? The same old answer I hear time and time again is the following, "Oh, Superman has his strength, speed, can fly, and lazer eyes. Batman doesn't have any super powers. If he couldn't use his gadgets and stuff like kryptonite, he'd be worthless."

Now stop right there. I hate this arguement for two reasons:

1) By denying Batman his advantage, (ie- his gadgets) it would only be fair to deny superman his powers.

2) It's saying Batman's intellect isn't a as super as it is. He's the world's greatest dectective after all!

Behold minions of Superman, you shall lose today. Tremble at my arguement, in four parts:

I. The comparision

First, I find it funny that people say Batman in inferior to Superman. Yet, when you hear a comparison between two heroes it is always these two. Not Flash, not spider man, not wolvieren, etc. Batman against Superman. That is at least implying that the two heroes are good enough to face off. Otherwise, why would we have the comparison in the first place when there are so many heroes with "powers" to rival superman's?

II. Using Kryptonite is cheap

Wrong. If Superman can fly, have super strength, and all his host of other powers, he must also be subject to the consequences of those powers. And that is invairibly kryptonite. In my knowledge, the times Superman has been devoid of his powers he has no problems with kryptonite. It's when he's in full possesion of them that he is in trouble. Besides, kryptonite can be stopped by one thing: a lead suit. Honestly, if you were superman and you were going to fight a mastermind like Batman, shouldn't you count on him having some kryptonite? And shouldn't you be smart enough to show up wearing lead? Hey, if you're that dumb to come to a fight unprepared, you deserve to lose in my opinion.

III. If Batman didn't have his gadgets, Superman could destroy him!

Maybe so. But that again, as I stated earlier, this is unfair. Think about it. It's taking away one hero's strengths and making him fight the other hero at full strength. If Batman is denied his gadgets, Superman should be denied his powers. Then the match would be even. It would be man against man. And who would win in a case like this? Last time I checked, Superman fights more with his strength than actual fighting moves. Meaning, he relies on his superior abilities to win. Batman, on the other hand, is a master of martial arts. Superman's fighting tactics are made obsolete by the loss of his powers while Batman still has considerable strength. Thus, Batman would more than likely win this fight. It is a testament to another reason why Batman is superior to Superman: he is more versititle.

IV. Superman can beat Batman if he doesn't use kryptonite, even with his gadgets.

Wrong. If you recall, Superman's powers come from the Earth's sunlight. As long as he's exposed to the sun daily, he retains his powers. Now, if Batman can freeze the Gotham river and crack the Joker's laughing gas formula, you can certinally bet he could either A) block out the sun or B) make the sun red to devoid superman of his powers or C) a mix of A and B. In this situation, Batman would certainly win because it would be Batman at his full strength and Superman at no strength.

I believe I have attacked all the arguments outlined by all Superman fans. I hope this puts it to rest once and for all: Batman is the superior superhero

ZOKO!

Robin

Close ups

2005-04-04T01:56:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

I was thinking earlier this evening about one such close up "incident" Kenn and I had in filming Batman (Kenn you ought to know what I am talking about already).

This happened on the last day of filming for the second episode (the last finished episode so far, hint hint). We were wrapping up the final fight scene and due to a lack of actors were having to play double roles, I was playing both Batman and Sir Isaac Newton. Um if you don't know the plot just accept the fact the Sir Isaac Newton was in a Batman episode, I'm not explaining that now. I had just shot a scene as Newton and realized I had to shoot the next scene as Batman. Batman needed to deliver a heartwarming yet educational speech on the dangers of time travel and the space time continuum. I was tried and we were running out of time so instead of changing costumes I said, "I'll just my mask on and we'll shoot a close up of my face." Ya that was a smart idea. You see this mask was made with a hot glue gun, cheap fabric and cardboard. In otherwords, it looked incredibility real and not stupid at all. Anyways the following scene gave a very nice and long look at this mask very close up. A word of advice, if you make a costume in one day and it costs under $20, avoid close ups as much as possible.

Super

2005-04-04T01:29:00.000-04:00

Citizens,

After arguing for hours about what makes a hero "super," I have come up with a list of requirements. First of it is not having a super-human ability (a.k.a like Superman) Why does this not count, well for one having a super-human ability does not mean that person will be a hero. There are enough villains with super abilities to prove that point. Now wait you say, having superpowers does not make you a superhero but a superhero needs superpowers to be super? Well, I beg to differ. Look at it this way, if Superman had all his super abilities but lost every battle he fought, would he be a superhero? Lets define hero as someone who sacrifices his life for those of the innocent. Now, I don't mean life just in the physical sense. I think Aunt May put it best, "Sometimes to do whats right we have to give up what we want, even our dreams." Thats a hero, we see heros everyday, we saw many on 9/11, tragedy seems to bring out the hero in a lot of people. But what, then, turns that hero in all of us into a superhero? A superhero is one who shows extraordinary and exceptional virtues. One a superhero is 100% committed to justice and the protection of those in need all the time. Two a superhero has the resolve and ability to beat all obstacles. And three a superhero must exemplify him or herself beyond all other heros. Batman clearly fits this characteristics and well deserves the title of superhero. In fact I can't really think of any superpower Batman really needs or would be needed to improve him. (If anyone thinks they know better than be, please be my guest and comment) This requirements are not impossible to meet, just look at Pope John Paul II. I think he qualifies as a Superhero and also deserves the title (Assuming he becomes a Saint and doctor of the Church we should be calling him Super Pope Saint John Paul II, doctor of the Church). I'm sure if we looked hard enough we could name a couple more superheros in our world, they're not just confined to comics and movies ya know!

A Summer of Adventure

2005-04-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

Robin here again. You know, I was thinking the other day making the Batman movies Joey and I have done have to be some of the best summer memories I have. After my last post about the grind and push of filming, the question to this is "why?" For the answer, I defer to Adam West.

Adam West once said that when he was playing Batman, every day for work he got up and pretended to be Batman. His "business meetings" were with Commissioner Gordon. His "daily doings" were fighting the Joker, the Penguine, and a slew of other villians. Seriously, when we were all kids, how many times did we pretend to be super heroes. How awesome would it be to be hired to play super heroes all day?

Well, this is what Joey and I did. Even though we weren't paid, we spent the whole summer fighting crime and being super heroes. How cool is that? I mean, you can go to the beach. You can go to amusement parks. You can go camping. But, nothing and I mean nothing stands up in a conversation when your friends at college ask, "So what did you do this summer?" and you can answer, "Oh, well first I rode in the Batmobile, only after fighting and beating up 6 tough bad guys, only to escape from a large oven, and then beat up 6 bad guys again and save the city from a diabolical mad man." There is nothing on this great earth that could top that.

KAPOW!

Robin

Memory of Costume Making

2005-03-31T17:31:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

Robin here again. I just had another memory I thought you would enjoy: how joey and I made our costumes. I won't tell you the whole story now, because that is a story worthy of at least a two part episode! Holy Jaming Journal Entries!

Needless to say, Joey and I turned his living room into a costume shop when we were making what we call our "hero costumes" (the good ones) versus our "classic costumes" (the bad ones). It was insane. Fabric was everywhere. There were pictures of every angle we could find of batman and robin lying on the table.

I was seated at a table working on sewing a zipper on joey's boots. Joey was curled up on the floor designing a pattern for my cape. It was at that point I realized that it was a friday night and I was making a batman costume. I laughed and asked Joey, "Did you ever think that on a saturday in july you'd be sewing?" and he had to laugh and say no. Yeah, I think the thing we both remember fondly about Batman is the lengths we went to to make the project accurate. And that was just the beginning.

KAPOW!

Robin

The Technicals of Film Making

2005-03-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

Robin here. I know most have probably been wondering: Batman is on the scene here. Where has Robin been? Robin has been learning a very hard lesson: classes + internship + leading club + girlfriend = no time to be a super hero.

I thought I would take the time in this post to talk about some of the technical aspects of film making. For the most part, this has been my side of the dynamic duo. Batman has helped on numerous times with ideas and concepts: many of which saved us hours at a time. And that is exactly what I am getting at: the time spent doing the actual filming.

It was the last few weeks in June 2004. Joey and I sat down to plan out the rest of our movie. In other words, what days we were going to shoot which scenes. For the most part we assumed we had a month to film 2 episodes of Batman (30 minutes each). Easily, we planned we had to shoot about 2-3 scenes weekly. In other words, good bye summer. We had to fit filming around work which became a huge challenge due to Joey's rapidly changing work schedule. Plus, Joey and I were on the set for about 5 hours a day. 1 hour for prep and then actually 4 hours of shooting.

And lets not forget the problem of finding extras. We had a huge problem of getting people to fill the roles of both villians and heroes. The biggest problem was finding the same people to play the same roles (a huge problem in our first and second episode.) For the most part, we kept the same cast through out the film, but with a few minor problems.

In short, filming is a huge sucking of time. I don't even want to go into editing. Seriously, you can edit film for like 6 hours and barely get anything done. Trust me, I know. Well, as I always think when I load up the truck to go film another scene of a project:

It isn't the filming I love. It isn't the editing I love. It isn't the scripting I love. The only parts of making film that make it worth while are the drive to the location imagining how awesome and problem free the shoot will be and the first time you show the film. Those feelings alone are enough to make it worth while to this super hero.

KAPOW!

Robin

Batman 1949!!!

2005-03-28T22:22:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

I was shopping in the all awesome Target and I struck gold! I found a copy of a Batman movie I did not even know exisited.

Batman and Robin, made in 1949, it is comprised of 15 episode shorts. Its black and white and I now own a copy. Let me explain just how awesome this movie is. First off the plot, Beware, the villianous Wizard has set his sights on fair Gotham City. The Wizard has stolen a device that allows him to control all moving vehicles! Horrible Heavens!! Now Batman and Robin must track down this madman before it is too late. With the help of crack photographer Vicky Vale, Batman and Robin have no time to lose.

Ok, awesome I know, but what there is more. This spectacular movie has such actors as Robert Lowery as Batman, Johnny Duncan as Robin, Jane Adams as Vicky Vale, and most importantly Lyle Talbot as Commissioner Gordon(This is a treat as you might remember Mr. Talbot from a little movie called Plan 9 from Outer Space, um ya thats right awesome)

This is so amazing, I know, you must see it!!!

2005-03-24T10:24:00.000-05:00

They told me there was nothing out there, nothing to fear. But the night my parents were murdered I caught a glimpse of something. I've looked for it ever since. I went around the world, searched in all the shadows. And there is something out there in the darkness, something terrifying, something that will not stop until it gets revenge.

...

Me.

Citizens,

Its come to my attention that some of you may be unaware of the actual plot and storyline of Hollywood's latest Batman film. Let me fill you in...

When I say fill you in, I mean with what makes it so cool, not the actually detailed plot. In this beginning we will see Batman's training and his first fight with a supervillian, The Scarecrow and Ra's Al Ghul (Which means Death's Head). Ra's Al Ghul is an awesome supervillian, you may never of heard of him, but he is a immortal man, by way of the Lazarus pit he found, and is bent on destroying all life to recreate it under him. He also has a daughter who has been a love interest for Batman on several occasions (Actually, Batman was selected to be her bride and rule the new world with Ra's in their very first meeting (um ya he refused)). The Scarecrow is the perfect villain for this movie in so many ways, the most important being fear.

The Scarecrow's hitch is fear, he uses mind altering drugs and scare tactics to induce great fear in his victims. The opposite to this is Batman, who uses fear to terrify criminals. He takes the fear that they play on to accomplish their evil goals and turns it on them. The subject of fear, gives way to a possibly deep and most certainly dark movie. Trust me, this will be a must see.

Batman Begins Update

2005-03-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

I know you all are on the edge of your seats waiting until June 17th so you can see the new Batman Movie (Hollywood's, not mine). Since this is true you have all probably been checking the official website everyday for new updates. In case you haven't done it today yet, you should. A new flash version of the site has been added along with some new desktops. I know, I know, pretty exciting, well don't let me hold you back go ahead and check it out.

Sacred Quest

2005-03-24T10:05:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

After a long and exhausted search I am happy to announce an end to my sacred quest. I have searched high and low and have finally come found the answers and proof I longed to possess. Stay tuned for the results, due to follow shortly.

The New Face of Batman

2005-03-21T01:09:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

Recently, some of you have asked me who is playing the new Batman in the newest Batman flick, Batman Begins. Many of you have somehow decided that I now must know every person every associated with Batman, or something to that extent. Truthfully its annoying and sometime I feel I have better things to do then answer your painfully obvious questions. Either way you were right to assume that I know everything, I do, yes its both a gift and a curse.

Well for all of you wondering exactly which Hollywood dreamboat is set to play me in the new movie, I shall no tell you. Its Christian Bale. Um, ya, I didn't really know who he was either but apparently he was in the Psycho remake and Swing Kids. For any of you who have seen Swing Kids you can probably catch the sarcasm in this, because that was the best and most brilliantly acted, directed, and written movie of all time. (Well, ok it wasn't really that bad, but something is wrong when everyone watching the movie burst out laughing at the end. Its a Spoiler so I won't say what happens, but needless to say its not a happy moment.) I feel he will do a good job, the trailer looks awesome, I have link to it to your right (New Batman, duh...)

It Begins

2005-03-19T23:57:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

Something as come up from the depths, it has surfaced like a hungry sharkand wil stop at nothing to complete its goal, just what has begun, I can not say just yet, but know you have been warned...

Who is this Masked Man!!!

2005-03-18T01:55:00.000-05:00

Any information on the whereabouts of this dangerous menace should immediately contact the Gotham City Police, he is considered unarmed and very dangerous!

Batman in Turkey

2005-03-18T01:42:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

I have just found out that Batman in fact has a whole city to his name. Yes Batman, Turkey, named after the Batman River, which is clearly named after Batman, most likely after he saved their entire village and quite possibly the whole world. It has a population of about 237,00 people and is apparently big in oil production.

Sacred Quest Update: This is going in the file, I mean come on, where's Superman's city, nowhere that's where! Thither!

False Face!!!!

2005-03-18T01:25:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

This could be considered a sacred quest update, kinda.

So I was doing some research for my sacred quest and I stumbled onto something an interesting little fact about one of my personal favorite Batman series, Batman Beyond. In case you've never seen this awesome show I'll give you a little background. Batman Beyond takes place in the future. The original Batman, Bruce Wayne has gotten on in years and must use a very hightech suit to continue his crusade. But he decides to hang up his cape when he comes too close to killing some petty thug. For a while Gotham is without the Batman, until a spunky young teen, Terri Nyginus, stumbles onto Bruce's secret and takes the suit without permission to try and avenge to death of his father. His father was killed by one Mr. Powers the CEO of Wayne-Powers, Bruce Wayne's old business. Of course Terri doesn't know its Powers who ordered the hit. Anyways Terri and Bruce eventually decided (well Bruce eventually decides) to let Terri take up the mask as the new Batman in this futuristic Gotham.

Well that was a long explanation of a small point I am making. It seems that one of the villains in a Batman Beyond episode is named False Face. Now to any of you who know the 60's series, you will recognize False Face as a villain from that. So its a nice (and hilarious to me and most likely Kenn) little homage from one Batman to the another.

Groucho Marks

2005-03-17T02:18:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

I would just like to thank Mr. Marks for all his help in the filming of four Batman episodes. Mr. Marks guest stared as Comissioner Gorden, and did a fabulous job. Thanks you very much.

Hot Glue

2005-03-17T02:07:00.000-05:00

Citizens,

That last post brought back some rather awful memories on the many uses of hot glue Kenn and I have found during our movie career. I'd like to list just a few for you...

1. Gluing together a Batman mask, while it is on your head (bear in mind sewing is for sissies)
2. Attaching your cape to the rest of your costume, also while wearing it
3. Attaching Bat symbol to chest of shirt you are "just borrowing"
4. Gluing homemade pockets to a belt (This by the way does not work well for some reason vinyl and spray painted leather don't glue together)
5. Finally getting feed up with no working glue on your belt and ingeniously restoring to thousands of staples for a very useful staple gun
6. Drawing a Bat symbol on your newly craved out belt buckle
7. Reattaching the arm of Groucho Marks (Well this may not have actually happened but close enough)

What we have learned, hot glue is hot, and fabric does not lessen the pain, even on your head, hot glue is an excellent may to make raised designs on just about anything.