crossplain pilgrim

I could go live with a Paul Verhoeven-directed "Conan."  Whatever his shortcomings (he can get a little over-heated), Verheoeven is no hack.  I cringe at the thought of another 20-something one-hit-wonder who sees film as an extension of video games. Verhoeven is a talented director with an A-list resume, a strong visual style, a proven ability to handle action scenes, and he has a feel for exotic themes.  He did a nifty medieval war flick, "Fire and Blood" back in '85, so he's no stranger to sword and slaughter.  His recent WWII film, "The Black Book" was excellent, so he still has the chops.  If he's in, count on an "R" rating.  Get ready for copious bloodletting, full front naughty bits and the outraged lamentations of the critics.  I've always thought Arnold might spoil the soup by intimidating some young director.  Verhoeven seems to have his respect.  People snicker about "Showgirls," but there's probably a few guys around here who have the unrated DVD on their shelf  No, I don't, but I do have "Fire and Blood," "Soldier of Orange," "Robocop," "Total Recall," "The Black Book," and "Starship Troopers."  I agree, however, that he's a long shot.

Well, it's hard not to like the guy when he talks about getting back to Howard if you want a smart Conan flick.  Albannach has a good point, however.  How many times have we heard some Hollywood pro talk about wanting to go back to the source and its just blowing smoke.  Every LA scribe wants to spin Conan in his direction.  I think Darabount would lean toward a Conan as Indiana Jones.  Still, it would seem ungracious not to cut him some slack based on the kind words for REH.

Well, he's already done empowerment of women. Don't forget "Kill Bill."

Hey, BarB! Another wonderful analysis. I've been working non-stop on a project, so I just had the opportunity to enjoy it. I've learned a lot about REH's verse on these boards thanks to you. Robert E. Howard was able to display a unique perspective on time as only a man for the ages could. Great stuff.

Speaking of that rumored "Spartacus" spin-off, Deadline Hollywood reports STARZ is considering a show based on Julius Caesar.  Whether this happens, it is said, will depend on how viewers warm up to actor Todd Lasance (above) who appears as young Julius in the fourth and final season of "Spartacus."  Mr. Lasance does not look like your typical Caesar, so I will wait to catch a few episodes before to opining on how well he fits the great man's sandals.