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A Look at the Summer that Was 2: Still Looking at the Summer that Was
Since I ran out of room last week, we’re going to continue evaluating the summer blockbusters and see if they lived up to the hype or not.

Superman Returns The hype: Superman returns (get it?) to the big screen after a long absence. Previews looked amazing and a whole lot of people were excited and skeptical of this film. The reality: I’m still not exactly sure why, but this movie sort of ended up being a failure in the eyes of Hollywood. Expected to do huge number, Superman has only seen a haul of 360 million worldwide. That sounds like a lot of money until you hear that the movie cost just shy of 300 million to make. Heck, My Big Fat Greek Wedding made more than a 60 million profit. They’ve all but confirmed that there will be a sequel to Superman Returns and for the continued life of this new franchise I sure hope it can make more than a 60 million profit. Final word: I thought this was a beautiful film and a real winner. They’re adding back in nearly 20 minutes of footage to the dvd release and I think once you factor in the dvd sales and all the toys and videogames, it’s hard to call this movie a failure. Or at least, harder.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest The hype: Strangely enough, I don’t remember a ton of hype leading up to this movie. It was the sequel to the great pirate movie that had come before it. That was about it really. The reality: THIS MOVIE WAS HUGE. Still standing tall as this year’s biggest film, this movie has pulled in 960 million dollars worldwide. Take away the 250 million dollar budget and you’re left with 710 million dollars in profit. Just to clarify, THAT’S A LOT OF FREAKING MONEY! I really didn’t think the movie was that great, but apparently the population of Earth disagreed with me, as all of them went to see the film. Final word: No need for one. 710 million dollar profit. We all knew Depp was handsome, but 710 million handsome?

Lady in the Water The hype: M. Night Shyamalan is a popular director/filmmaker who has in recent years lost a bit of his shiny reputation. This film was a chance to win it back. The reality: As much as I loved this movie and I love Shyamalan, I really don’t think this was the big comeback movie he had hoped it would be. It got pretty slammed in reviews and so far has only made 50 million dollars worldwide. It had a 70 million budget, putting this film 20 million dollars in debt right now. Final word: While I still view him as one of our generation’s greatest filmmakers and storytellers, Shyamalan better strike gold on his next film, because after this movie did so bad, he’s on thin ice with the Hollywood folks.

COMICS
Not a whole lot going on in the world of comics this week. In case you missed it, Justice League of America #1 was really good last week. You should go buy it.

This may not seem like a big deal to some of the casual fans out there, but longtime X-Men editor Mike Marts is leaving Marvel and going to DC. The true value and skill of editors goes largely unknown to most fans, but the fact is that they are vital to the comics industry. Mike Marts is an incredible editor and whatever they put him on at DC, pay attention, because it’s sure to turn into an awesome book.

MOVIES
This weekend we’ve got at least one movie that is awesome, which is one more than most weekends. First up we’ve got Crossover a movie about super extreme hardcore underground basketball. Yeah, I know. Here’s what makes this truly hilarious though. The big evil corporate guy who is running this underground league is, are you ready for this, Wayne Brady. Hahahahahaha! Wayne Brady! Hahahahaha! I can’t even take that guy seriously when he tells me my Glaad ZipLoc baggies prevent freezer burn! He’s like a black Screech who can sing really well. Hahaha, Wayne Brady. Next up is the super freaky film The Wicker Man. This strange supernatural thriller starring Nicolas Cage looks so messed up that Satan probably tears your ticket as you’re walking into the theater. I won’t be seeing this one, but if you’re into really messed up movies about freaky ass children and all sorts of demon looking stuff, then be my guest and go see it. You freak. Finally, we’ve got the feather in my cap, so to speak. Crank. Poison in his veins, vengeance in his heart, the greatest tagline of the 23rd century, let me tell you. This movie, starring Jason Statham and Amy Smart, is so awesome that if you don’t go see it, life will punch you in the ear. Real hard like.

Now it’s time for the entertainment roundup weekly movie trailer of the week ultimate edition! The problem is, I couldn’t dig up anything cool this week. So just to mess with my best friend Chris, I’m leaving up the link to The Marine. Because really, why have a column if you can’t use it to torture your friends? CLICK HERE TO SEE FOR YOURSELF.

MUSIC
Some decent stuff releasing next week. Also, some not so decent stuff. Bday by Beyonce falls into the second category. By BDay she means barf day, because that’s what happens when you listen to her music. Revelations by Audioslave hits shelves next Tuesday as well. This band is pretty darn good, so I’m sure this album will be worth checking out. Really though, next Tuesday is all about Twist In the Myth by Blind Guardian. If you ever wanted to hear a bunch of German guys playing power metal and singing about dragons, wizards, and other sorts of general fantasy mayhem, this is your chance. A true and wondrous guilty pleasure. Anyways, anytime Blind Guardian is on the featured upcoming albums list at Amazon.com, you just know that there’s not much coming out.

Time now for the MySpace Music Pick of the Week! If you or a friend has a band let me know and I just may feature you next time! This week I’m going with a pretty hardcore metal band with the coolest name this side of the equator. War of Ages is a band prepared to rock your face off and single handedly defeat the forces of darkness, all at the same time. These guys not only make great music, but they are amazing musicians. Listen to it, love it, buy it. CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

TELEVISION
First up, I’d like to bring something to your attention. I’ve recently been introduced to a website that’s doing something pretty awesome. The guy running the show is named Geoffrey Thorne and his show is called The Dark. I’m not sure that there’s a definition for what he’s doing yet. Sort of episodic television presented on the internet, I guess that’s a good definition. The stuff they’re putting together is really exciting and new episodes should be starting soon. So CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT.

Other than that, we’re just a few short weeks away from the new television season. There are some exciting new shows (Jericho) and some really bad crap (The Class). In the meantime, we’ve got Prison Break already back over on Fox. So at least now there’s one show worth watching.

I guess that’s pretty much it. Wow, that just may have been the calmest Entertainment Roundup yet. Have no fear, I promise to really freak out next week.