Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Undiluted 07-08-05, 04:16 AM	So I checked www.imdb.com, and found that they're making a sequel to the disgusting abomination that was the D&D movie. Anyone got any info on this project? This is what I think WotC ought to do: Run a contest basically like the campaign search that gave birth to Eberron. Dungeons & Dragons is an amazing storytelling tradition already. Consider just how many people play D&D. Let's say you've got 10 thousand people who do (a very conservative estimate), and each of them submits just the ONE best campaign synopsis they've ever run. Then you took just the top one hundred of those. Allow me to list the movies that any of these 100 finalists would be better than: Dungeons & Dragons: The movie Van Helsing Scorpion King Elektra Star Wars Episode I Star Wars Episode II Judge Dredd And on, and on, and on... For all you naysayers out there: If you are ACTUALLY going to try and argue that you are incapable of coming up with a movie idea better than Van Helsing, I feel really, really, REALLY bad for your PCs. I think the main problem is that there's some sort of restriction with the writer's guild in Hollywood, and I know that Sin City's director had to resign from both the screenwriter and director guilds to make Sin City. Then again, Sin City made a crap-load of money, and was a really awesome film to boot...
MinusInnocence 07-08-05, 04:26 AM	I don't know much about the way the industry works but Robert Rodriguez's dilemma had more to do with the author of the original graphic novels being credited with writing and assistant directing. Seeing as how he had never done anything on film before, he was of course not a member of SAG or whatever organization made the big stink over it... and for his name to be on it, Rodriguez had to withdraw his name from the guild, too. That's the version of the story I heard, anyway. As far as writing is concerned... I'm pretty sure anyone can write a screenplay. Of course, this isn't what you're asking for; you just want a campaign synopsis from each contestant. Maybe they could be asked to submit a five page summary of the plot, main characters, the setting, etc. If they signed something saying they wouldn't claim rights to the ideas after submission (just as the submissions in the Campaign Setting contest officially became the property of WotC), there shouldn't be a problem.
ILL34GL3 07-08-05, 04:55 AM	I think the real reason Rob Rod left was the SDG forbade directing duos that weren't previously established as such. Ex. Wachowski Bros, Coen Bros, etc. The problem with the D&D movie is that some no-talent jerk bought the movie rights to D&D years and years ago, didn't bother consulting WOTC and made a horrible movie. Maybe one of the worst in cinematic history. And guess what, IT STILL MADE A GREAT PROFIT because idiots flocked to see it, despite (or perhaps because of) the bad reviews. So he's making another one. So if the first was a success, why should he change his formula of crapping in a blender and serving up his special milkshakes now?
Undiluted 07-08-05, 04:55 AM	I figured they'd do it similar to how they did the campaign search. They started with a first round of submissions where you submitted an idea of 25 words or less, then 100 words or less, then 10 pages, then 25 pages, then a 100 page synopsis for the finale. Something like that. But yeah, as it would become property of WotC, no problems there.
the artful dodger 07-08-05, 07:25 AM	As far as I know, WotC will be 'consulted' (a pretty vague term) for the sequel to the D&D movie. They don't have any real power to make decisions though, let alone that they'd get to decide on which script to use. Let's be absolutely clear about this: WotC have no rights whatsoever when it comes to this movie, aside from what the producers are willing to give them.
Azual 07-08-05, 07:54 AM	hehe George Lucas had to leave the director's guild because he wanted to put the credits on the back instead of the front for the Star Wars movies.
Solaris 07-08-05, 08:20 AM	As far as writing is concerned... I'm pretty sure anyone can write a screenplay. No way. I've read too many terrible screenplays. Screenwriting is an art, just like painting or composing; anyone can paint a ceiling or hum a novel tune, but they won't all (or even many) be Michelangelo or Mozart. Most people's attempts at screenwriting amount to properly formatted drivel. Most people can't write, let alone write a screenplay.
rbingham2000 07-08-05, 08:39 AM	No way. I've read too many terrible screenplays. Screenwriting is an art, just like painting or composing; anyone can paint a ceiling or hum a novel tune, but they won't all (or even many) be Michelangelo or Mozart. Most people's attempts at screenwriting amount to properly formatted drivel. Most people can't write, let alone write a screenplay. Unfortunately, Solaris is right. I'm looking into the art of screenwriting and filmmaking myself because I'm looking to get my stories out there to the world. And a lot of screenwriting has to do with crafting a good and engaging story, which not many people nowadays know how to do anymore.
rbrt_Spade 07-08-05, 10:11 AM	will anybody go to the movies to see it?
Bacon and Eggs 07-08-05, 10:28 AM	They should make a big ticker at the bottom like CMM does and it would show what the "players" are doing so that the movie characters react to them. Set up a typical scene in a bar Rogue tries to pick up hot elf maiden in bar with a weak line... d20 rolled... result = 4... Then you would see the reaction. Elf maiden punches Rogue... d20 rolled... 20! He is knocked out... ... Elf maiden receives 28XP
Nomad4life 07-08-05, 11:44 AM	As someone who has written a few screenplays, I wanted to say a few things on this subject. One important thing everyone needs to understand here is this: 1. Most screenplays are pretty good to begin with. 2. Most movies are NOT GOOD because this original screenplay gets butchered beyond all belief. In other words, you need to understand the entire film production process before thinking “Hell, I could write a better movie than THAT!” Yes, anyone probably could. The problem is that even if you did, the same thing would happen to it that happens to all other movies: The producer, editors, director, actors, and sponsors will spare no effort to ruin it. For example, say that we all got together and wrote the best screenplay of all time. Here’s what would happen to it: -The producer will immediately hire a team of editors to cut out half of our work, and “dumb down” the plot so that “the average American moron can understand it.” -Then, the sponsors (who all get a say in what goes into the movie because they’re paying for part of it) decide to replace these gaps with the only things they think the average person does understand: Big breasts, stupid explosions, and ridiculous stunts… Followed by as much product placement as the law permits. -The director then gets ahold of this new script (which at this point looks almost nothing like the original) and adds his own “touch” to it- usually in the form of badly interpreted scenes and a lousy cast. My point is this: Most movie ideas are actually not bad to begin with. It is during the production process that everything gets mangled, because there are too many people who have say over what goes into the movie = Too many cooks in the kitchen, so to speak.
Sinaz 07-08-05, 11:46 AM	Hey, don't knock Van Helsing... That may be the closest thing to a Castlevania: The Movie we'll ever get. ... besides the sequel to Vampire Hunter D... that was pretty damn Castlevania too...
lord warrior 07-08-05, 01:07 PM	As I said once, there is only one way to make D&D movie... Faerun is in dire trouble. Khelben and Elminster are meeting in Waterdeep, talking about how only one man can save the world. He will come soon. The doors are opening, and inside comes a man, boomstick in one hand, chainsow in his other metal hand. His name is Ash, housewares...
sfubear 07-08-05, 01:19 PM	Elektra had it's good part and neat concepts, of course it had some silliness in it to, but what are you going to do right. And screw having a movie set in the realms, that is only the worst idea i have ever heard, if they want a good movie that will blow peoples mind they will do dark sun or something that can't be identified as any of the settings P.S. army of darkness as a horrible movie Maybe they could do some kind of hybrid of all the settings, something that uses elements of all of them.
J Milburn 07-08-05, 01:31 PM	I know that films adapted from books never work out great, but im sure The cleric Quintet would make an awesome series of films, or at least alot better than 'the' dungeons and dragons film. I think it shows up the game. And yes, i totally agree with everything that the OP said.
meis8173 07-08-05, 02:55 PM	Before I go to see the second movie I would strangle myself with wet noodles and drop myself on my head... If they didnt do it well the first time... I Seriously doubt they'll get anywhere near doing right the second.
J.Augustus Rose II 07-08-05, 03:08 PM	Elektra had it's good part and neat concepts, of course it had some silliness in it to, but what are you going to do right. And screw having a movie set in the realms, that is only the worst idea i have ever heard, if they want a good movie that will blow peoples mind they will do dark sun or something that can't be identified as any of the settings P.S. army of darkness as a horrible movie Maybe they could do some kind of hybrid of all the settings, something that uses elements of all of them. You knock Army of Darkness while defending Elektra. You are a bad person. :P
Bruunwald 07-08-05, 03:26 PM	The reason I was against the original D&D movie is that the nature of the game precludes the use of recurring or static characters and events. D&D's charm is that all of us create and inhabit OUR OWN worlds through the game. We don't all subscribe to a single, uniform and universal world. That said, the only way to do a D&D movie right, is to show the connection between the people in the real world and the characters in the fantasy world. The best example I can think of for this sort of thing is The Neverending Story. Bastion is not only linked to Fantasia, he is its savior and its creator. That's the whole point of D&D: we create it. It is not presented to us. We present it to ourselves and to each other. I really didn't care about any of the characters in that awful D&D movie, because none of them were mine. However, I probably would sympathize, empathize and relate to a real-world character and his relationship to his creation in the game, just as I did with Bastion and his relationship with his beloved book.
Ilikan Holyaxe 07-08-05, 03:39 PM	yay for army of darkness! "This is my Boomstick!"... and I do not EVER want to see a wizard able to cast scincillating sphere not able to identify spells accuratly. Although the best thing they could possibly do for this is not to include the purple lipstick or really ugly armor.... Seriously, though, I have no idea what I should expect from a DnD movie.
Bruunwald 07-08-05, 03:39 PM	As someone who has written a few screenplays, I wanted to say a few things on this subject. One important thing everyone needs to understand here is this: 1. Most screenplays are pretty good to begin with. 2. Most movies are NOT GOOD because this original screenplay gets butchered beyond all belief. In other words, you need to understand the entire film production process before thinking “Hell, I could write a better movie than THAT!” Yes, anyone probably could. The problem is that even if you did, the same thing would happen to it that happens to all other movies: The producer, editors, director, actors, and sponsors will spare no effort to ruin it. For example, say that we all got together and wrote the best screenplay of all time. Here’s what would happen to it: -The producer will immediately hire a team of editors to cut out half of our work, and “dumb down” the plot so that “the average American moron can understand it.” -Then, the sponsors (who all get a say in what goes into the movie because they’re paying for part of it) decide to replace these gaps with the only things they think the average person does understand: Big breasts, stupid explosions, and ridiculous stunts… Followed by as much product placement as the law permits. -The director then gets ahold of this new script (which at this point looks almost nothing like the original) and adds his own “touch” to it- usually in the form of badly interpreted scenes and a lousy cast. My point is this: Most movie ideas are actually not bad to begin with. It is during the production process that everything gets mangled, because there are too many people who have say over what goes into the movie = Too many cooks in the kitchen, so to speak. There seem to be a lot of us here who write screenplays. ;) I would agree with you totally that many good screenplays get butchered by the process of making a movie. I would disagree that most screenplays are good. Maybe many - or even most - that are chosen to be films start out as good. But for every one that gets that far, there were thousands that were just too awful to read through the first time. And in some cases, there's no disguising that the screenplay sucked in the first place, even with something that got that far. Watch the original movies on Sci Fi sometime. Listen to the dialogue. These are screenplays submitted by people who want to be writers, that were picked up for cheap because nobody else would touch them. Sci Fi has some cheap company make a quickie film, and the result is often painful. A new one each week, each one worse than the last. So, do many good screenplays get turned into drivel? Definitely. Does that mean most screenplays in the world are good? Not at all.
Zémobiel 07-08-05, 04:08 PM	will anybody go to the movies to see it? no i will not go see it, certainly not, never, even if you give me tickets
Charles Ryan 07-08-05, 04:38 PM	A submission contest, like the one that resulted in the publication of Eberron, would be a pretty cool idea for coming up with a D&D movie plot. Unfortunately, it won't happen any time soon--but not for any of the reasons cited in this thread. Let me give you a little bit of the scoop on the D&D movie saga. Background: Many years ago, TSR (this was before WotC) licensed the rights to the D&D movie. The contract did not give TSR (and its successor, WotC) much ability to contribute to or oversee the movie, and the license basically can't be revoked and won't expire any time soon. So the licensee can basically make whatever movie they want, and we have very little ability to do anything about it. If it sounds to you like TSR made a pretty crappy deal for themselves, well, it sounds that way to us, too, but that's simply the reality of the situation. So the licensee made the first film, and we all know how that turned out. We had nothing to do with the making of that movie (though at the last minute they asked us to help market it, which we did a little bit). The licensee then basically transfered the license to another production company--Silver Pictures. You may have heard of them--they produced The Matrix among many other noteworthy films. Silver Pictures figured that, despite the horror that was the first D&D movie, they might be able to rebuild the credibility of the D&D brand in Hollywood. They weren't willing to lay out the huge budget of the first film, but they were willing to make a moderately-budgeted film for DVD release. If it seemed like it was a better, more popular movie, they could then make one or more additional films with larger budgets and bigger release aspirations. Again, WotC had no voice in any of these decisions. But, that was about to change! Where We Are Now: Again, Silver Pictures could make any movie they wanted, without our input. But they figured we might know something about what makes D&D, well, D&D, so they asked us for our input. They already had a script, and we were able to help them make the script more D&D-ish. We were able to send a representative to the filming location, and to provide a lot of tips on costumes, sets, effects, and so on. They took a lot of our advice. They also ignored a fair bit of it. I haven't seen the final film, but I have seen a couple versions in rough cut. (In other words, versions that didn't have final editing, effects, music, and in some cases dialog.) I can't tell you difinitively how good or bad this movie will be. But I can tell you this: The movie is much more true to D&D and the D&D experience than the first movie. The movie is much better than the first movie, in my opinion (though that doesn't necessarily say much). So now you know pretty much all there is to know about the D&D movie and its upcoming sequel. Will the second movie be great? Maybe, but you'll get no guarantees from me. Will it be a much better D&D movie? Almost certainly. Will the fans ever get a chance to submit their ideas for a future D&D movie? Not right away, but if this movie is better (and better received) than the first one, you never know what the future might hold.
Bulabase 07-08-05, 05:04 PM	Thanks for the info. It's good to see that WotC is involved this time.
the artful dodger 07-08-05, 05:18 PM	A submission contest, like the one that resulted in the publication of Eberron, would be a pretty cool idea for coming up with a D&D movie plot. Unfortunately, it won't happen any time soon--but not for any of the reasons cited in this thread.As far as I know, WotC will be 'consulted' (a pretty vague term) for the sequel to the D&D movie. They don't have any real power to make decisions though, let alone that they'd get to decide on which script to use. Let's be absolutely clear about this: WotC have no rights whatsoever when it comes to this movie, aside from what the producers are willing to give them. I guess I'm just chopped liver, hm? :weep: ;)
elven warriorXX 07-08-05, 05:46 PM	A submission contest, like the one that resulted in the publication of Eberron, would be a pretty cool idea for coming up with a D&D movie plot. Unfortunately, it won't happen any time soon--but not for any of the reasons cited in this thread. Let me give you a little bit of the scoop on the D&D movie saga. Background: Many years ago, TSR (this was before WotC) licensed the rights to the D&D movie. The contract did not give TSR (and its successor, WotC) much ability to contribute to or oversee the movie, and the license basically can't be revoked and won't expire any time soon. So the licensee can basically make whatever movie they want, and we have very little ability to do anything about it. If it sounds to you like TSR made a pretty crappy deal for themselves, well, it sounds that way to us, too, but that's simply the reality of the situation. So the licensee made the first film, and we all know how that turned out. We had nothing to do with the making of that movie (though at the last minute they asked us to help market it, which we did a little bit). The licensee then basically transfered the license to another production company--Silver Pictures. You may have heard of them--they produced The Matrix among many other noteworthy films. Silver Pictures figured that, despite the horror that was the first D&D movie, they might be able to rebuild the credibility of the D&D brand in Hollywood. They weren't willing to lay out the huge budget of the first film, but they were willing to make a moderately-budgeted film for DVD release. If it seemed like it was a better, more popular movie, they could then make one or more additional films with larger budgets and bigger release aspirations. Again, WotC had no voice in any of these decisions. But, that was about to change! Where We Are Now: Again, Silver Pictures could make any movie they wanted, without our input. But they figured we might know something about what makes D&D, well, D&D, so they asked us for our input. They already had a script, and we were able to help them make the script more D&D-ish. We were able to send a representative to the filming location, and to provide a lot of tips on costumes, sets, effects, and so on. They took a lot of our advice. They also ignored a fair bit of it. I haven't seen the final film, but I have seen a couple versions in rough cut. (In other words, versions that didn't have final editing, effects, music, and in some cases dialog.) I can't tell you difinitively how good or bad this movie will be. But I can tell you this: The movie is much more true to D&D and the D&D experience than the first movie. The movie is much better than the first movie, in my opinion (though that doesn't necessarily say much). So now you know pretty much all there is to know about the D&D movie and its upcoming sequel. Will the second movie be great? Maybe, but you'll get no guarantees from me. Will it be a much better D&D movie? Almost certainly. Will the fans ever get a chance to submit their ideas for a future D&D movie? Not right away, but if this movie is better (and better received) than the first one, you never know what the future might hold. OH YA!!!!!! i am seeing that movie, anything can be beter the the horror of the first one :yuck: i still have nightmares about it :nonono: well... hopfuly you WOTc guys did some good, if they took any of your word and put it in the movie, it is going to be good :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: i just hope it will have beter mindflayers then that crapy one in that guys head :yuck: MINDFLAYERS ROCK :88E: :88E: :88E: :88E: :88E:
was_fired 07-08-05, 05:48 PM	What I expect from a D&D movie? "THE SHADOW!?!" "The Shadow!" "the shadow."
elven warriorXX 07-08-05, 05:58 PM	What I expect from a D&D movie? "THE SHADOW!?!" "The Shadow!" "the shadow." ???? okay...
doctor_x 07-08-05, 06:25 PM	I think they should make a movie out of the classic 2nd Edition AD&D module "Tomb of Horrors," Gary Gygax's perennial PC killer. After the characters, those that are left, anyway, traverse a harrowing gauntlet of traps that Indie would **** himself over and monsters that would make Ash cry, they reach the antechamber and find... A skull on a pedestal? This was the first appearance of the notorious demilich, a monster so badass Wizards of the Coast has thus far only published it for the Epic Level Handbook. The player then says "**** me" and promptly kills himself with his own +4 vorpal bastard sword.
elven warriorXX 07-08-05, 06:30 PM	I think they should make a movie out of the classic 2nd Edition AD&D module "Tomb of Horrors," Gary Gygax's perennial PC killer. After the characters, those that are left, anyway, traverse a harrowing gauntlet of traps that Indie would **** himself over and monsters that would make Ash cry, they reach the antechamber and find... A skull on a pedestal? This was the first appearance of the notorious demilich, a monster so badass Wizards of the Coast has thus far only published it for the Epic Level Handbook. The player then says "**** me" and promptly kills himself with his own +4 vorpal bastard sword. YAAAAHHHH :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:
GreyLord 07-08-05, 06:52 PM	And Promote the movie they did Here's a promotion page... http://www.wizards.com/dnd/main.asp?x=movie/welcome%2C3 Seems somehow after the movie flopped and the DVD came out half the links mysteriously disappeared though...enthusiasm from Wizards must have died out a little??? A brief glimpse into history when they only saw the trailer http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,6723,00.html?yhnws The novel was published by Wizards of the Coast Of interest WotC bought D&D/TSR two years prior to the movie release (some might say three depending on what they consider timing and event wise). One would say they could have axed the movie simply by NOT supporting it, however they came out with Roleplaying aids and other material related to the movie... I would even be tempted to say that WotC had even a greater involvement, except that most of the information on the site, and other evidence has strangely disappeared from the internet... And could be that this last remnant will also disappear soon now that I've pointed it out??? (Though if one does enough searching on archives and other places they can still find remnants). Of interest to people however, the movie actually lost around 20 million at the box office according to some of the places that I've read. That said...though WotC did what I would categorize as FAR more than merely supporting the release of the movie (The movie novelization...I mean, come on, someone had to know enough about the movie to know how good...ahem...bad...it was, enough to write a LOT of online information, and to release a movie novel based on it), it should be said with emphasis that it wasn't their fault entirely. I hear that Soloman based it on his campaign, and there was a lot of weeping and whining on his part. I will make some predictions however. If the next movie tanks and fans hate it...WotC will deny being involved as heavily as it claims now. If it does well however, WotC will utilize it as they tried with the other D&D movie, as a product to promote D&D to a greater range of people and to increase those who are interested in D&D. That was why I percieved why they supported the first movie, to increase the amount of exposure of D&D to the general public...and though many hardcore gamers hated the movie (and I truthfully say it's the worst movie ever made), I think in some ways they DID succeed in that goal. Whether it was for better or worse on the otherhand...
elven warriorXX 07-08-05, 09:22 PM	And Promote the movie they did Here's a promotion page... http://www.wizards.com/dnd/main.asp?x=movie/welcome%2C3 Seems somehow after the movie flopped and the DVD came out half the links mysteriously disappeared though...enthusiasm from Wizards must have died out a little??? A brief glimpse into history when they only saw the trailer http://www.eonline.com/News/Items/0,1,6723,00.html?yhnws The novel was published by Wizards of the Coast Of interest WotC bought D&D/TSR two years prior to the movie release (some might say three depending on what they consider timing and event wise). One would say they could have axed the movie simply by NOT supporting it, however they came out with Roleplaying aids and other material related to the movie... I would even be tempted to say that WotC had even a greater involvement, except that most of the information on the site, and other evidence has strangely disappeared from the internet... And could be that this last remnant will also disappear soon now that I've pointed it out??? (Though if one does enough searching on archives and other places they can still find remnants). Of interest to people however, the movie actually lost around 20 million at the box office according to some of the places that I've read. That said...though WotC did what I would categorize as FAR more than merely supporting the release of the movie (The movie novelization...I mean, come on, someone had to know enough about the movie to know how good...ahem...bad...it was, enough to write a LOT of online information, and to release a movie novel based on it), it should be said with emphasis that it wasn't their fault entirely. I hear that Soloman based it on his campaign, and there was a lot of weeping and whining on his part. I will make some predictions however. If the next movie tanks and fans hate it...WotC will deny being involved as heavily as it claims now. If it does well however, WotC will utilize it as they tried with the other D&D movie, as a product to promote D&D to a greater range of people and to increase those who are interested in D&D. That was why I percieved why they supported the first movie, to increase the amount of exposure of D&D to the general public...and though many hardcore gamers hated the movie (and I truthfully say it's the worst movie ever made), I think in some ways they DID succeed in that goal. Whether it was for better or worse on the otherhand... ya it did, my friend eho NEVER heard of D&D started playing after he wached the movie. he now hates the movie and is one of my best players :)
pangalactic 07-08-05, 09:24 PM	I actually kind of enjoyed the D&D movie, in a it's-D&D-but-not-as-we-know-it-Jim, kind of way. *cowers*
elven warriorXX 07-08-05, 09:29 PM	I actually kind of enjoyed the D&D movie, in a it's-D&D-but-not-as-we-know-it-Jim, kind of way. *cowers* it is a good movie if you just keep telling your self "it's not D&D" over and over :)
Zman123 07-08-05, 10:30 PM	Hello, I have just submitted a module to Wizards of the Coast and also talked to the person who overlooks the submissions for dungeon magazine. I have met alot of people at origins and some of them will even take the time to look at your work. Maybe you should write a screen play for a Dungeons and Dragons movie yourself and show it to some of these people at the gaming conventions. Many of them are professional writers and could give you some good feedback on your work. Just a thought.... Zman (How Do you publish a Dungeons and Dragons Module) Forum Topic
purge05 07-09-05, 02:07 AM	if it was given to him, it would be just as great as the star wars series.
was_fired 07-09-05, 02:48 AM	yeah as great as the new trilogy... face it Lucas can't write dialog. Nor did he choose very good actors for the leading parts. Shown by the fact that a CGI image upstaged every single other major character.
SnowbearK 07-09-05, 03:49 AM	A skull on a pedestal? This was the first appearance of the notorious demilich, a monster so badass Wizards of the Coast has thus far only published it for the Epic Level Handbook. Hah! They fooled you, it's just the Head of Vecna. :P Seriously though, I really think Charles ought to simply copy that post of his, and have Mel STICKY THE MOFO TO THE TOP OF EVERY DAMN BOARD! This isn't news. This isn't new. This has been going on and being discussed ever since the first...ahem..."movie"...was ever announced, and now with the sequel there's a whole new batch of...the same damn questions. Really, I truly believe it needs to be stickied...not that anyone will ever actually read the stickied post, because Pelor knows they can't possibly find the answer to their question without making a post. It's not like anyone else could possibly have ever asked the question before...er...damnit I'm ranting again...ah well.
Ranger REG 07-09-05, 03:50 AM	So now you know pretty much all there is to know about the D&D movie and its upcoming sequel. Will the second movie be great? Maybe, but you'll get no guarantees from me. Will it be a much better D&D movie? Almost certainly. Will the fans ever get a chance to submit their ideas for a future D&D movie? Not right away, but if this movie is better (and better received) than the first one, you never know what the future might hold. Your statement sounds promising, but I do have one nagging question: How much involvement will Courtney Solomon be in the upcoming D&D film (and possibly the future franchise), since he is the current holder of the film right?
Tyler Do'Urden 07-09-05, 10:54 AM	If they just picked an existing campaign setting and did a movie in that, it'd be 100,000 times better than the generic D&Dish nonsetting they used in the last one. Who wouldn't want to see an Eberron movie or a Dark Sun movie?
Mr. Cheese 07-09-05, 12:39 PM	Charles, please tell me one thing about the next D&D movie, if you can. Will there be a f-ing love story in it?! :rant: I mean, come on, why does every movie have to have a frickin' love story! Heck, the SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE HAD ONE FOR PETE'S SAKE! :rant:
the artful dodger 07-09-05, 01:46 PM	I mean, come on, why does every movie have to have a frickin' love story! On the off-chance that you (assuming you're a guy) can sell it to a girl as being a romantic movie so she'll watch it with you (the chick-flick factor). I realize 'off-chance' is the understatement of the year in this case (we're talking about a D&D movie after all), but maybe those Hollywood bigshots are too clueless to understand that. :P
Vaalingrade Ashland 07-09-05, 02:38 PM	I liked the first movie as a comedy. (Sometimes, we still put it on and make gaming references) And Van Helsing was bloody good as a Universal monster movie. Things I want in the new film: - Beholder busting out with the eye rays - Kobold Traps. Lots of traps. - Halflings, damnit >_< - Magic weapons (Flaaaaaaaming..... Burst!) - A goramn dungeon that's not ten feet of walking followed by a huge treasure room with a supremely apathetic lich.
Callahan 07-09-05, 03:09 PM	see a good D&D movie would be: Conan the Barbarian, meets up with Gandalf, Jackie Chan and Bruce Campbell to do battle against Darth Vader.
the artful dodger 07-09-05, 03:25 PM	That'd be original at least, since the good guys would lose. ;)
Callahan 07-09-05, 03:41 PM	That'd be original at least, since the good guys would lose. ;) Denial can be an ugly thing. Also add, Mr.T as the Big T.
Ront Iron-Roar 07-09-05, 04:07 PM	My problem with the first movie was how they potrayed dragons. The people who made the movie chopped them up to much for god sakes. They were just the standard fire breathing lizards. Not the engaging bad-ass wyrms of regular DnD. Another thing, was the fricken Beholder? How in the hell did they get that thing to work for them? Hell, it didn't even have much involvement. The only thing I ever liked in that movie was the dwarf and the following scene. "See the problem with elves is they got no meat on their bones. What you need is a nice 250 pound dwarf with hair on her chin you can hang onto." followed by vulgar display of pelvic thrusting and the words."NYAH!NYAH!"
BrianCritchley 07-09-05, 04:26 PM	a d&d movie SHOULDN'T be made, D&D is simply a rulesset. they wanna make a "d&d movie" they outta instead make a forgotten realms, greyhawk dragonlance or whathave you movie
High Octane 07-09-05, 04:26 PM	Actually I have been trying to write a D&D movie screenplay myself. I never had any expectations of it getting published or anything, I just wanted to do it in my free time. The way I had it played out was that the first 10 minutes or so was actually a bunch of players setting up the game, starting with the DM on the phone having conversations with the players before the game, and slipped into the conversations was some of the specifics of the game, and a couple of jokes. The DM would say "The group level is 11-13." After the group is together, the DM starts storytelling and it fades into the game, giving a backstory. After that, the players are never seen again, but the DM still narrates. (Think Princess Bride) I honestly think a fully animated or CGI movie would be more appropriate, since that would separate the D&D world from reality. The background story would have the duke of an as of yet unnamed city falls into a trap where his soul is entrapped in a book (thief catcher). Next we see the city officials all almost panicing. The voice of reason ends up being archmage Daymont, who knows the only way to get the duke out is a "wish" spell (this is an especially powerful thief catcher). The spell wish has been lost for a century, however she has found one place where it resides. Within the tomb of the Kobold king it is said that Tenser's first spellbook is buried along with his other treasures. Unfortunately the tomb is located in the middle of the middle of the maze of the Drydeath badlands, a place where immense canyons form a maze. Not only that, but the Kobold King had his best trapmasters make his tomb, so anyone who tried to raid it would face the wrath of kobold ingenuity. Long story short, the archmage hires the cleric and explains the mission to her. She also suspects conspiracy, so she gives her the names of some advanturers since she knows she cant trust anybody else right now. The names include a drunken master monk, a half-orc Ranger/barbarian, and an arcane trickster. The trickster is actually a criminal wanted for many thefts, but the archmage assures that she has reasons she trusts him. Anyway, when the adventurers return after daring feats within the cavernous canyons and horrific trap-laden tomb, they return to find that the conspiracy has taken over the town government in a coup. The group now has to sneak in and destroy the new evil regime, restore the true rulers, and save the day.
Ront Iron-Roar 07-09-05, 04:35 PM	Another thing I wouldn't mind seeing. I'm tired of everyone seeing elves, humans, halflings, and dwarven heroes in the fantasy genre. For god sakes make a half-orc!
mrshupizdumaterinu 07-09-05, 06:39 PM	Faerun is in dire trouble. Khelben and Elminster are meeting in Waterdeep, talking about how only one man can save the world. He will come soon. The doors are opening, and inside comes a man, boomstick in one hand, chainsow in his other metal hand. His name is Ash, housewares... Best D&D movie. Ever. Though, probably only way for the D&D movie to be remembered by at least some audience is to make Dreamquest 2: Dungeons and Dragons.
Eric Anondson 07-09-05, 06:51 PM	Where We Are Now: Again, Silver Pictures could make any movie they wanted, without our input. But they figured we might know something about what makes D&D, well, D&D, so they asked us for our input. They already had a script, and we were able to help them make the script more D&D-ish. We were able to send a representative to the filming location, and to provide a lot of tips on costumes, sets, effects, and so on. They took a lot of our advice. They also ignored a fair bit of it. Can you tell us who the representative was? Were they on location long, or just a few days? Regards, Eric Anondson
protonik 07-09-05, 07:54 PM	I don't know much about the way the industry works but Robert Rodriguez's dilemma had more to do with the author of the original graphic novels being credited with writing and assistant directing. Seeing as how he had never done anything on film before, he was of course not a member of SAG or whatever organization made the big stink over it... and for his name to be on it, Rodriguez had to withdraw his name from the guild, too. That's the version of the story I heard, anyway. Miller has written movies before. He was also working on a Batman Year One project for Warner at one time, wrote the last two Robocop movies (though his scripts were butchered) and a couple of other things that escape me at the moment so it wasn't over writing credits it was because of shared director credit. According the Director's guild the director who directs most of the movie gets credited, not two of them etc. Example, Richard Donner nearly finished SUperman II before they released Superman I (they ran out of money and needed the revenue from I to finish II). Well, he had a falling out with the Salkinds (dirty players) and they had to reshoot a lot of Donner's footage, 65% in order to take away his credit as director of the movie. Jason
Zaxon D'Mir 07-09-05, 07:55 PM	[QUOTE=High Octane] The way I had it played out was that the first 10 minutes or so was actually a bunch of players setting up the game, starting with the DM on the phone having conversations with the players before the game, and slipped into the conversations was some of the specifics of the game, and a couple of jokes. The DM would say "The group level is 11-13." After the group is together, the DM starts storytelling and it fades into the game, giving a backstory. After that, the players are never seen again, but the DM still narrates. (Think Princess Bride) WOW! :eek: Dude, we are on the same wavelength. I too have thought that a D&D movie should begin with a group of gamers coming together with a fade into the actual fantasy part of the film. To me the whole movie should involve a roleplaying aspect. I honestly think a fully animated or CGI movie would be more appropriate, since that would separate the D&D world from reality. I think it should be more on the lines of the TV show Farscape. That show had great CGI, make-up and creatures thanks to the very creative Jim Henson people. It's amazing a show like Farscape got great story arcs and wonderful, layered characters but a major motion picture like the D&D movie got a half-arse script and a few forgetable actors. Jeremy Irons must have been desperate for cash. He was so much better in Die Hard III. But, on the animation argument. My daughters are hooked on this cartoon called W.I.T.C.H. Every epsisode thus far has been superior to that awful D&D movie.
Solaris 07-09-05, 08:12 PM	Jeremy Irons is a decent actor and so is Thora Birch. But in this, they were terrible. It's like Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, and Natalie Portman in the Star Wars prequels. When good actors do a bad job, it's usually a bad director.
Solaris 07-09-05, 09:05 PM	It's amazing a show like Farscape got great story arcs and wonderful, layered characters but a major motion picture like the D&D movie... Farscape also got cancelled, and the D&D movie got a sequel. Hollywood turns out trash because the industry exists, first and foremost, to make money. For the most part, art is a secondary consideration (when it's even a consideration at all).
GreyLord 07-09-05, 09:12 PM	Farscape also got cancelled, and the D&D movie got a sequel. Hollywood turns out trash because the industry exists, first and foremost, to make money. For the most part, art is a secondary consideration (when it's even a consideration at all). Is that so... So then explain again why D&D is getting a movie sequel??? Dungeons & Dragons; (2000) Budget: $35,000,000 US Gross: $15,185,241 Perhaps there's something else eh?
Solaris 07-09-05, 09:18 PM	The 50 million dollar worldwide gross would have something to do with it. The movie made a profit; enough of one that a sequel is justified. For another example: The Matrix. The first one did so well, that two sequels were immediately commissioned. The Wachowski brothers (despite their later claims to the contrary) did not have any story planned. In fact, the sequels wallowed, and almost died, while they were trying to come up with one. The sequels were made not because the writers had anything more to say, but because people stood to make a mint from it. I know that the money for films has to come from somewhere, and profits are good, and all that. My only original point was that studios make their money by selling to the masses. And if your target is the lowest common denominator, then you're not going to be producing great art. The Hollywood movie industry is, simply, a money-making machine. If you want art, you (almost always) have to look to independent films.
Lao, Ninja of the Dragon 07-09-05, 09:26 PM	You know what would be awesome. To see the planes, or at least one. Must...have.....Arborea :twitch:. I will be very angry if there are no outsiders.
Zaxon D'Mir 07-09-05, 10:00 PM	Farscape also got cancelled, and the D&D movie got a sequel. Hollywood turns out trash because the industry exists, first and foremost, to make money. For the most part, art is a secondary consideration (when it's even a consideration at all). A massive fan write-in campaign also brought Farscape back for a movie to wrap up the series. Farscape has a huge fanbase on the net. How many web sites are dedicated to the D&D movie? I ain't wastin' my time googling that one! And I doubt it very, very, very seriously if anything that positive was ever sent via mail (or email) to the powers behind the D&D movie to encourage them...no demanding them... to bring back...uhh...Snails.
Zaxon D'Mir 07-09-05, 10:04 PM	You know what would be awesome. To see the planes, or at least one. Must...have.....Arborea :twitch:. I will be very angry if there are no outsiders. No doubt! I'd love to see a CGI solar (with sword, bow and all) in the CGI Yoda style.
Eric Anondson 07-09-05, 11:00 PM	Perhaps there's something else eh? Worldwide gross, is the something else.
Charles Ryan 07-09-05, 11:47 PM	Your statement sounds promising, but I do have one nagging question: How much involvement will Courtney Solomon be in the upcoming D&D film (and possibly the future franchise)? Courtney Solomon is not the director of the second film. I'm not aware of him having any significant involvement in the film.
Charles Ryan 07-09-05, 11:51 PM	Charles, please tell me one thing about the next D&D movie, if you can. Will there be a f-ing love story in it?! :rant: I mean, come on, why does every movie have to have a frickin' love story! Heck, the SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIE HAD ONE FOR PETE'S SAKE! :rant: Unfortunately, I can't really tell you anything about the substance of the plot at this time. I was given access to the scripts and rough cuts on a confidential basis. I'm sure as we get closer to the film's release we'll have a bit more leeway to talk specifics, but for now I have to respect the studio's request that I not talk about plot specifics.
Charles Ryan 07-09-05, 11:56 PM	Can you tell us who the representative was? Were they on location long, or just a few days? The individual in question worked on D&D for many years, both at TSR and at WotC, and both in R&D and on the business team. This individual was instrumental in bringing you third edition. It's someone who knows D&D very, very well. I believe about a week was spent at the location. Not the entire length of shooting, but a good portion of it.
anarco_rata 07-10-05, 12:24 AM	mmm...clash of emotions....anarco confused... Well... i don't need to say the crapiness of the first movie... a film so horrid that my mind actually shuted down for a few weeks, trying to erase it, unsucesfully... two things i think about the next movie: 1) it could be good: Since Lord of the rings, the epic films have become popular, and some have been very good, so, with all this...epic-ness around, the movie makers would probably get some ideas on how to do things right (they already know how NOT to do things), charles r. has given us a little hope too, if WoTC is involved, some good can be done. 2)BUT:.... why would they name it D&d the movie: 2?? because its a secuel? then, god, that's bad... also, i think i saw that our all time favorite BBEG, the darkest sorcerer around, would be in this movie again.... im talking about: demodar!(or whatever...you really thing i remember his name?) that really makes me say: burn that movie! burn that movie TO HELL!
Eric Anondson 07-10-05, 02:25 AM	The individual in question worked on D&D for many years, both at TSR and at WotC, and both in R&D and on the business team. This individual was instrumental in bringing you third edition. It's someone who knows D&D very, very well. I believe about a week was spent at the location. Not the entire length of shooting, but a good portion of it. Very nifty. :ayyyy!:
High Octane 07-10-05, 03:54 AM	Courtney Solomon is not the director of the second film. I'm not aware of him having any significant involvement in the film. THANK YOU!
The Simple Seeker II 07-10-05, 05:28 AM	I'm sure as we get closer to the film's release... The film release...is not this year, as reported in some quarters, for the States...it has been slotted for January or February of 2006. But before coming to the Americas...the international release will be done first. I will be back later, with further comments.
ILL34GL3 07-10-05, 08:39 AM	Originally Posted by rbrt_Spade Only if I get an opportunity to see it without paying anything. Most likely, if a friend happens to get it on dvd.
the artful dodger 07-10-05, 09:51 AM	Most likely, if a friend happens to get it on dvd. Friends don't let friends waste their money. ;)
ILL34GL3 07-10-05, 10:00 AM	Heh, that's how I happened to see the first one. One of my friends bough the dvd. There's no stopping this guy from wasting his though. Just to give you an idea about him, he buys ANYTHING that the WB has crapped out (Dawson's Creek, Buffy, Angel) and any movie that has featured any of the actors from those shows.
Ranger REG 07-11-05, 02:52 AM	Courtney Solomon is not the director of the second film. I'm not aware of him having any significant involvement in the film. Not even as a producer or a writer for the sequel? If that's the case, then it IS beginning to sound promising. :cool:
lord warrior 07-11-05, 09:46 AM	Best D&D movie. Ever. Though, probably only way for the D&D movie to be remembered by at least some audience is to make Dreamquest 2: Dungeons and Dragons. Staring Ron Jeremy as Elminster :cool:
High Octane 07-11-05, 11:12 AM	Okay, here is a question, will the next D&D movie be an actual sequel? If so, then there is no hope. For one thing, most likely the original actors will all still be used. Since the movie lacked any actors with a career anyway, and the select few who had one all died. With almost no exceptions did the movie have any form of decent acting. Second, the characters themselves are bad. Plain and simple. Running down the line of people who would appear in the next one: Ridley: I dont even know what type of character he was supposed to be. My best guess is that he was supposed to be the charming rogue with a heart. This type of character is not bad in itself, but director writer and actor all failed miserably on it. His dialog was horrible, and his acting was atrocious (which is both the fault of the actor AND director.) Instead of coming off as charming and witty, he came off as annoying and trite. He had the type of attitude one would expect from a child who thinks he is a tough guy or a cool guy but instead is the type that people laugh at behind his back when they arent giving him wedgies and shoving him into lockers. The type of overconfidence that goes beyond annoying and headlong into delusional. Basically, he's a straight up poser. This is not the type you want for a protagonist. Snails: I had heard somewhere and we got some sort of vague indication at the end of the last one that Snails is returning. Assuming Marlon Wayans is desperate enough to come back to it and they dont hire someone even worse, the character himself is a worse version of Ridley who would ideally replace the "witty" charm of the protagonist with the goofy charm of the comedic sidekick. The failure is even more obvious than the one with Ridley. First, he talks in some sort of D&D ebonics. This breaks cannon beyond belief, but it does keep in line with the movie, since all the characters dialogue was more reminiscent of late 1990s American slang instead of a medievel type of setting. Overlooking that, Snails silliness was inappropriate. It looked more like it was someone trying to be goofy for no reason, which was in fact, the case. This character is both overexaggerated and cliche as the comic relief who only proceeds to make you see a comic trying to make you laugh at a part where there is nothing to laugh at, leaving you scratching your head wondering what is mentally wrong with the guy. The Mage (I dont know her name): I'm bad at remembering names but to be fair, her name was rarely used and was not memorable, I guess. Anyway, the actor in this case was relatively decent. She seemed to at least know what she was doing as an actor, and unlike other actors, was actually trying. She was also decently good looking. Of all the characters in the movie, she may be the only one I wouldn't be against appearing again. Her character was somewhat cliche, but not to the point of annoyance. Her dialog ranged from bad to horrific. You can tell the horrific parts because its the parts where she seems to not know what to do with it. The worst part about her was how she cast spells. That however, is the directors fault. In the end, there are a LOT of things wrong with the character, but they can all be fixed with a better writer and director. The Dwarf: Did this guy even HAVE a name? Why was he there? Why was he five feet tall? Why was his beard bright ORANGE? He lacks so much that I know that the only reason he was involved was to "Complete the set" so to speak. They needed a dwarf, they needed a fighter. This character was the most cliche of all of them. Overexaggerated more than you can imagine. It was as if he only existed to annoy you. The Elf: I was confused by this character until I found out that elf in the original edition of D&D was actually a class. This character was so empty that a vulcan would call her bland. Assuming she was some sort of elite ranger type, why did her apparant array of followers suddenly disappear? Of course you have to wonder why she was black. I understand that elves are aloof and mysterious, but she is almost as worthless as the dwarf. The Queen: Aside from being fairly cliche as well, she was as confusing a character as the rest of them. If she was actually queen, I would be SUPPORTING the bad guy in his campaign to usurp her. She is clearly sorely incompetant and utterly airheaded. All of her dialog was just an attempt to make sure the audience knew she was the good guy. It was insulting to my intelligence. Her dialog was amazingly vague, talking about how she thinks all people should be free and equal. She never mentions any specifics. What is it that the common people lack in rights? Can they not vote? Can they not own property? Is there slavery issues? Putting that aside, she also manages to have a surprising lack of resources for a queen. All she has is one advisor and a few elves and a rod that controls dragons. If that didn't strike you as odd, it was amazing how incompetant she was. She was utterly unwilling to use her power, she lacked any diplomatic ability, and she didnt even have control of her own guard. To top it all off, why was she so afraid of the senate? Afraid that she would be painted as a tyrant? So what? She was oddly willing to put lives on the line and her own integrity, but not her reputation? Paint us a competant ruler, PLEASE. Oh and brilliant move stepping off the dragon to announce to the main bad guy who had magic powers that he lost. Oh yeah, he has magic power, I think he'll try to kill you. The villain mage: Glad he died. Put poor Jeremy out of his misery. Poor dialog and an exaggerated character who wanted power and was so unbelievable that not even a great actor like Jeremy could find a way to play it in any believable way. Damodar (sic): I HEARD somewhere hes coming back. God I hope not. The actor playing him was so bad I seriously thought he was kidding. The whole lackey thing also got on my nerves. Also it makes you wonder why this guy was following the main bad guy in the first place since he was clearly mistreated. I dont know what was the deal with the head parasite, but if somebody put that in my head and was dumb enough to remove it instead of killing me, I wouldnt die protecting him. I would turn and hack that guys head off. Summing up, the characters are not worth saving. What little worth that exists in them is not worth saving the whole horrible batch over. Dump it and move on. Oh and use 3.5.
Eric Anondson 07-11-05, 11:32 AM	Oh and use 3.5. :thinks: :twitch: :uh-huh: :looloo:
NehpetsTtocs 07-11-05, 12:59 PM	My honest opinion probably isn't going to thrill anyone, but I can't see the public ever responding well to a DnD movie; on the other hand, I can't see the hardcore fans ever appreciating a movie that did appeal to the public. 1) Too many terms, insider lingo and the like, will restrict a casual viewer's ability to enjoy the film. Also, there is the Star Trek factor: Hard-core fans will berate casual fans for whatever they say about the film. 2) If insider lingo isn't used, and the story's foundations are altered to make a character driven plot, then there is a good chance many gamers will be offended. Lots of gamers love the math, rules, and structure of DnD. A story will be secondary to them. I can just picture people complaining about what did or didn't or couldn't have occured in the film. I love DnD, but I can't ever see it becoming a succesful movie, at least not for everybody. I didn't like the first film on any level. Not as a gamer, and certainly not as a seperate piece of entertainment. I'm not sure what that says about the previous film, if anything.
The Simple Seeker II 07-11-05, 01:09 PM	Hmm, I see that Charles forgot, or does not know, that a third sequel is on the plate and cooking. The following rumor as goes. is that, the Temple of Elemental Evil is getting the lookover. For those who have played the original and the revised verison, just pray that the respect is given to that material. For now, on the latter, is just a rumor, for the former, yes...preproduction is engaged for a third movie. *cough, cough* Someone, please buy back the licenese.
Charles Ryan 07-11-05, 03:03 PM	Okay, here is a question, will the next D&D movie be an actual sequel? If so, then there is no hope. None of the original characters except Damodar are in the second movie. (It is technically a sequel, but the first movie is pretty much ignored.) And Damodar no longer has blue lips.
Nomad4life 07-11-05, 03:07 PM	I would disagree that most screenplays are good. Maybe many - or even most - that are chosen to be films start out as good. But for every one that gets that far, there were thousands that were just too awful to read through the first time. And in some cases, there's no disguising that the screenplay sucked in the first place, even with something that got that far. Watch the original movies on Sci Fi sometime. Yes, obviously many scripts are pretty bad to begin with- I was talking about the scripts that were already picked to actually go into production. Most of these are simply "average" and get mutilated once they've been sold. Even so, you're really not joking about those movies on the sci-fi channel. It takes a LOT of tallent and effort to consistently produce films THAT craptacular. They must have secretly hired Uwe Boll to write and direct them all- Nobody else has that much raw capacity for abject failure. In any case, I would be quite interested in finding the original script for the D&D movie. I wonder if it started out as a soul-wrenching abomination, or if it was a pretty decent script that gained a million and three Dark Side points along the way.
The Simple Seeker II 07-11-05, 05:44 PM	If anyone to wish to know what has been transpiring with the movie...check this forum here (http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=94479)
Bruunwald 07-11-05, 07:50 PM	Sorry... double post!
Bruunwald 07-11-05, 07:51 PM	Yes, obviously many scripts are pretty bad to begin with- I was talking about the scripts that were already picked to actually go into production. Most of these are simply "average" and get mutilated once they've been sold. Even so, you're really not joking about those movies on the sci-fi channel. It takes a LOT of tallent and effort to consistently produce films THAT craptacular. They must have secretly hired Uwe Boll to write and direct them all- Nobody else has that much raw capacity for abject failure. In any case, I would be quite interested in finding the original script for the D&D movie. I wonder if it started out as a soul-wrenching abomination, or if it was a pretty decent script that gained a million and three Dark Side points along the way. I don't have a lot of hope for that script having been too good to begin with, for the simple reason of the unabashed geek factor going on behind the scenes. Watching the making-of on the DVD gave me the distinct feeling that the producers and director were too close to their own past games to have a clear understanding of what the film would have meant to someone else, or somebody removed from the game. So to me, it seems likely they would have greenlit any script with a mention of a beholder in it, however dreary. I don't know. I suppose it would be worth the read, if only to see how out of touch the writer(s) was/were. But I still feel it was the wrong direction to begin with. Something to tie a player and a character to one-another in an across-the-border-of-reality thing would have suited me better. I cite again, Neverending Story, and the connection between creator (Bastion) and creation (the characters in the story).
High Octane 07-12-05, 05:30 AM	I cite again, Neverending Story, and the connection between creator (Bastion) and creation (the characters in the story). I was thinking The Princess Bride myself, but I think its the same idea.
Adlar Hodge 07-12-05, 10:21 AM	None of the original characters except Damodar are in the second movie. (It is technically a sequel, but the first movie is pretty much ignored.) And Damodar no longer has blue lips. *falls out of chair rotflmao* ...and here I thought those blue lips were a magic item or something... Lipstick of intimidation This magic item, in a variety of colors, grants the user a +4 on Intimidate checks made while making eye contact with whomever they are speaking to. People not in view of the person wearing lipstick, or otherwise blind are immune to this effect and the weilder of the lipstick gains no bonus against them. Craft Wonderous Item; eagle's splendor; caster level 5; 50 charges; 1 charge per use; 1 use lasts 24 hours ...in all seriousness though... I hope that WotC has a strong opinion in the next DnD movie because it would directly have an effect on their product. If the movie is bad then what good is that going to do to get people into the game?
Charles Ryan 07-12-05, 01:30 PM	Hmm, I see that Charles forgot, or does not know, that a third sequel is on the plate and cooking. . . . I think my sources are a little more solid than a Yahoo group rumor. . . .
The Simple Seeker II 07-12-05, 02:08 PM	I think my sources are a little more solid than a Yahoo group rumor. . . . *My apologies must be given here, in your original statement, you made no mention of it. Hence my original reaction* Then if that is so...this is by no means, a confirmation or denial by this answer. And secondly, I have seen the report (http://www.moviehole.net/news/4469.html) on the web news for myself *correction:last year*recently. The 'third' sequel was being sent to the starting line. Which by the way, was given the greenlight, while the second film/sequel was in or near too, end of production. But a bigger question remains...will WOTC throw their support behind this film, correction, second piece/sequel. Whenever it gets released? And to be fair to you Mr. Ryan. I am one of the newshounds at EnWorld, in fact, if you wish...glance at the SCI FI Page, you can witness my work there. And lastily, to whom of what Yahoo site that you refer to, I will say this as a equal reply to your statement. They only get what is leaked *and that is a trickle* and what can be found in overseas sites *which is few and far between*. Generally, most of the time, nothing of it, is spoken here in the States. I will report whatever news piece that can be found, if warranted and has interest. So...in fairness to the general masses...what is there to interest them? Your reply...is awaited. Edited for the sake for clarity...ENGLISH TEACHERS!!! :D Update:Just to show how different web news site saw the franchise, including my own reaction at that time, back then. I found this news archive piece (http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=106197), 6*CineScape doesn't* of the 7 links, still work. Please note their reaction...
Sinaz 07-12-05, 02:19 PM	Then if that is so...there is no confirmation or denial by this answer. And secondly, I have seen the report on the web news for myself. On the third sequel inbound. Which by the way, was given the greenlight, while the second film was in or near too, end production. But a bigger question remains...will WOTC throw their support behind this film, correction, second piece. Whenever it gets released? And to be fair to you Mr. Ryan. I am one of the newshounds at EnWorld, if fact, if you wish...glance at the SCI FI Page, you can see my work there. And lastily, to whom of what Yahoo site that you refer to, I will say this as a equal reply to your statement. They only get what is leaked *and that is a trickle* and what can be found in overseas sites *which is few and far between*. Generally, most of the time, nothing of it, is spoken here in the States. I will report whatever is found, if warranted and has interest. So...in fairness to the general masses...what is there to interest them? Your reply...is awaited. OMG :yuck: This book is for YOU... The Elements of Style, 4th Ed. By William Strunk Jr. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/020530902X/qid=1121192186/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_ur_1/002-0014615-3675247?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)
The Simple Seeker II 07-12-05, 02:36 PM	OMG :yuck: This book is for YOU... The Elements of Style, 4th Ed. By William Strunk Jr. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/020530902X/qid=1121192186/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_ur_1/002-0014615-3675247?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) Hmmm, sorry, was on the rush, had things to do.
Sinaz 07-12-05, 02:47 PM	Hmmm, sorry, was on the rush, had things to do. I'm usually above such criticisms... but that last post was the proverbial straw. I've added the sentiments to my signature to be more passive about it. But whoosh. If there were such a thing as Grammar Police, you'd be sooooo sentenced to life for that. ;) ...now back to our regularly scheduled program...
The Simple Seeker II 07-12-05, 02:49 PM	I'm usually above such criticisms... but that last post was the proverbial straw. I've added the sentiments to my signature to be more passive about it. But whoosh. If there were such a thing as Grammar Police, you'd be sooooo sentenced to life for that. ;) ...now back to our regularly scheduled program... Well, I know the Grammar Police all too well, I am retired from the force. :D
vaskoff 07-12-05, 03:04 PM	I don't think they should make another D&D movie.....ugh the first one was painful. All the character felt contrvied, acted terribly, even the costumes were bad. A lot of the stuff I've never heard of in D&D (like the purple headed guy with three eyes), and the dragons were wimpy. It was a shame to see someone as sweet as jeremy irons brought down. I reccomend you go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons_2:_The_Elemental_Mi ght The story continues when the evil sorcerer Damodar braves a perilous whirlwind vortex to steal the elemental black orb he declares a sinister plan of vengeance against the kingdom of Ismir. Berek, a decorated warrior, and Melora, an amateur sorceress join four heroes representing Intelligence, Wisdom, Honor and Strength to battle against Damodar's growing army of gruesome creatures, flying harpies and an ice dragon to reach a vault room holding the orb. Together, they build their own army to retrieve the orb using elemental forces to defeat Damodar before he summons the sleeping black dragon whose omnipotent evil powers could lay waste to the entire kingdom. I wasn't aware damodar was a sorcerer. At least the plot sounds better A third film is apparently planned. oh dear me
Vrykolas2k 07-12-05, 11:03 PM	I think the real reason Rob Rod left was the SDG forbade directing duos that weren't previously established as such. Ex. Wachowski Bros, Coen Bros, etc. The problem with the D&D movie is that some no-talent jerk bought the movie rights to D&D years and years ago, didn't bother consulting WOTC and made a horrible movie. Maybe one of the worst in cinematic history. And guess what, IT STILL MADE A GREAT PROFIT because idiots flocked to see it, despite (or perhaps because of) the bad reviews. So he's making another one. So if the first was a success, why should he change his formula of crapping in a blender and serving up his special milkshakes now? I doubt anyone would go to see it. I won't.
Charles Ryan 07-13-05, 07:56 PM	Will WOTC throw their support behind this film, correction, second piece/sequel. Whenever it gets released? Yes, we absolutely support this film. Despite my groaning about the nature of the contract, it is a D&D license, and the licensee's goal is to create a movie that reflects D&D. We think we've helped them get closer to that goal with the second film! I will report whatever news piece that can be found, if warranted and has interest. So...in fairness to the general masses...what is there to interest them? It's the licensee's prerogative to release information about the film when and how they see fit--we don't step on their toes there, just like we don't with any other licensee. I think you'll see a lot more information about the film in the next couple of months, but ultimately that's up to them. We'll work with them to spread the word, but we're going to be following their lead. Update:Just to show how different web news site saw the franchise, including my own reaction at that time, back then. I found this news archive piece (http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=106197), 6*CineScape doesn't* of the 7 links, still work. I was able to get all 7 links to work!
elven warriorXX 07-13-05, 09:16 PM	The story continues when the evil sorcerer Damodar braves a perilous whirlwind vortex to steal the elemental black orb he declares a sinister plan of vengeance against the kingdom of Ismir. Berek, a decorated warrior, and Melora, an amateur sorceress join four heroes representing Intelligence, Wisdom, Honor and Strength to battle against Damodar's growing army of gruesome creatures, flying harpies and an ice dragon to reach a vault room holding the orb. Together, they build their own army to retrieve the orb using elemental forces to defeat Damodar before he summons the sleeping black dragon whose omnipotent evil powers could lay waste to the entire kingdom. GO BLACK DRAGON!!!! :cheer: :cheer: :w00t: :clap: :clap: :devil: :dancin: it would be a GREAT movie if the world is OBLITERATED :devil: and they can make a good one about eberron. i would love to see warforged.
Bra'k'aern 07-14-05, 05:11 AM	No doubt! I'd love to see a CGI solar (with sword, bow and all) in the CGI Yoda style. My god, that would rule. Imagine it resuing a party from an angry Pit Fiend. That's a climactic battle I'd pay to see on the big screen. I always figured the easiest way to make a good movie is to base it on existing novels. Seeing as the only D&D novels I've read are those depicting Drizzt Do'Urden, I like to see something on along those lines.
SnowbearK 07-14-05, 05:29 AM	I wasn't aware damodar was a sorcerer. Apparently, Damodar died a horrendously splat-ific death in the first one and is returning as an Undead. The second film also takes place a fair amound of time after the first, so it's conceivable that Damnedar picked up a few Sorcerer levels. Of course, this means one of two things. Either this is an Epic-level movie, or, more likely, in becoming Undead, Damodar "forgot" his former life and started as a 1HD Undead Whatever, and added Sorcerer levels after the fact.
Pfisiar 07-14-05, 07:47 AM	Well, I'm not sure that there is a way to make a good dungeons and dragons movie, since to encapsulate the entirety of the game is to encapsulate far too much information at once. That and the variaty of settings available for Dungeons and Dragons would seriously hamper any serious efforts to produce a movie, I should think. I am going to state here and now that a good movie based on D&D is not particularly feasable.
High Octane 07-14-05, 10:09 AM	I think Damodar was a sorcerer of some type. i remember him opening a portal in the first one. Why did they bring him back, and better yet, why did they bring back the same actor? He sucks as an actor. Its not just that movie, the guy was also in Highlander: End Game. He talked the same way. He is HORRIBLE. (By the way, Highlander: End Game was pretty damn awful. Not D&D awful, but bad.)
Knightfall 07-14-05, 01:25 PM	The second film also takes place a fair amound of time after the first, so it's conceivable that Damnedar picked up a few Sorcerer levels. The rumor is that the second movie is set over a 100 years after the first movie ends. Damodar (Bruce Payne) is the BBEG this time, and he is suppose to be some sort of undead creature now. (Don't quote me on that, however.) The plot is as "vaskoff" listed in his post. The movie also co-stars Mark Dymond and Clemency Burton-Hill as the main heroes, Berek and Melora. Other actors in the film include Steven Elder, Lucy Gaskell, and Roy Marsden, as well as Ellie Chidzley and Tim Stern. The director is Gerry Lively, and the key producers are Wolfgang Esenwein and Steve Richards. Both Cindi Rice and John Frank Rosenblum are listed as consulting producers on the film. All this info can be found on the IMDb page for D&D 2: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0406728/ Cheers! Knightfall
Sic Scoul 07-14-05, 09:38 PM	i agree the D&D movie was a discrace but van hellsing wasent that bad.
High Octane 07-15-05, 08:32 AM	A short report on Gerry Lively, the director of the second film: The good news is that the guy is a HELL of a lot more qualified than the last guy to make ANY movie. The bad news is this isnt saying much. Courtney Soloman, the first director, never directed a movie before in his life, nor did he go to film school. Im not sure what anyone was thinking letting him direct a 35 million dollar movie. Gerry Lively has directed a few movies, and been the cinemetographer of several. Oddly, the movies tend to be a lot different depending on which he does. His cinemetography listings is interesting. He was the cinemetographer of the film "Necronomicon". Thats right, they made a movie about H.P. Lovecrafts fictional book. From the trailer I gleaned that it was a sort of Friday the 13th type of horrow, the one that involves a lot of prop blood and rubber masks. By the way, the film also had Bruce Payne, a.k.a Damodar. This is both promising and very worrisome. The movie struck me as very campy. To be fair, it was before 1994, before computer effects became commonplace. The movie looked pretty bad. However, that was also 11 years ago. The promising aspect is that his work on Necronomicon sort of hints to me that he has some decent knowledge in the area of magical mythology. More importantly, he has worked with Bruce Payn before, even though he wasnt a director, he would at least have an idea of how to use him and how to get a better performance out of him. Lively's work in direction is limited. He only had 4 movies, and only 2 were big enough to justify some people commenting. Here is where it gets questionable. The 2 movies came out in 1999 and 2001. Windfall, the one in 2001, got horrible reviews from people and its rating ranged from 3-4. Darkness Falls, the one in 1999, however, got better reviews. Its rating got a weighted average of 5.5, which translates to "decent". His latest direction film got another bad score, but only had 21 votes. Lively seems CAPABLE of making a good movie, but the question is will he get the help he needs? Looking into the cast doesnt help, since most of the actors have never done movies that I have seen and for the most part HEARD OF, andthe acting experience is limited for most of them. Payne is the only one with experience. I looked over a few of the other crewmembers, specifically I looked into the siual effects supervisors. They've done films before. They've seemed to have done fair budget films before. One helped in the movie Troy. It is POSSIBLE that these people can make the movie aesthetically pleasing. The only problem: The creature designer.... never did creature design before. The list seems to engulf a ton of people who have made medium to low range movies. Is this movie capable of being good? Yes. Will it be? I doubt it.
Upper_Krust 07-15-05, 12:39 PM	Hey all! :) I have to say I am actually looking forward to the movie, I'm certainly willing to give it a chance in the cinema and if its anyway decent I will probably buy the dvd as well. I have seen the movie Necronomicon, and I must say I quite enjoyed it. Obviously it was a made for tv movie, so the budget for the effects wasn't amazing, but given that fact they were never offensive. In many ways the effects reminded me of Evil Dead 2 (though that is by far the better movie), both movies have a sort of tongue in cheek style, though its not as full on in Necronomicon. If you wanted tips on how to do great effects on a tiny budget you should watch the movie Zu: Warriors of the Magic Mountain: http://www.immortalshandbook.com/review3.htm
Ranger REG 07-18-05, 05:36 AM	The good news is that the guy is a HELL of a lot more qualified than the last guy to make ANY movie. The bad news is this isnt saying much. Courtney Soloman, the first director, never directed a movie before in his life, nor did he go to film school. Im not sure what anyone was thinking letting him direct a 35 million dollar movie. Because he bought the film right when TSR put it on the market. It's not like they do a seven-day waiting period for a background check, like they do with firearms. :P Then again, I'm not really thrilled about even the most qualified directors like Spielberg. Of course, who knew a New Zealander could pull of a good trilogy of fantasy films that I now used as my standardized bar of quality.
Mightyflapjack 07-18-05, 11:00 AM	I can make it even simpler. Rated "R" Worked for the first Conan.. it can work for DnD. Blood, Violence, little bit of elf chick nudity... we are golden.
GreyLord 07-18-05, 11:15 AM	I can make it even simpler. Rated "R" Worked for the first Conan.. it can work for DnD. Blood, Violence, little bit of elf chick nudity... we are golden. Oh yeah...of course. Anything rated R obviously must be a great movie... :rolleyes: I personally don't agree...and I'd add a heck of a lot more about what I think about a thought process that thinks that way...but none of it is allowed on the boards. However, many BAAAAAD movies have been rated R...in fact I think more of the terribly made movies have been rated R than rated G ironically (course it should be noted most G rated movies nowdays are either focused on little children, or animations by Disney or another company).
Helmed Horror 07-18-05, 01:02 PM	Well I for one am glad for the WotC involvement this time for the movie. I am most definatley one for the intro of the players getting ready etc. then the camera shifts from reality to the game. A PG-13 or R should be the tone. PG-13 would be better. but it should be a high-end PG-13, with as much violence, gore, swearing and nudity one can fit without it going to R. -HH
Mightyflapjack 07-18-05, 01:30 PM	Ok well I have this other idea: There would be this halfling rogue who would find a magical bracer. The bracer is actually an ancient artifact of unspeakable evil that must be destroyed in the fires of an ancient dwarven furnace. There would be a special advernturing party, called the "brotherhood of the bracer" that would quest to destroy this bracer. I can see it now.. it might even be a three parter... There would be the first movie called.. "Some fellows get on a ship for the bracer." Where they would all go to pickup the halfling with the bracer and take him to some enchanted kingdom. Then the second movie.. called "A couple of towers." Would expand on there journey past some dark and forboding ruins. The stunning conclusion would be in the third movie called "HEY! They king is back!" Where everyone would congradulate the halfling for getting rid of that bracer thing.
Callahan 07-18-05, 01:34 PM	Well I for one am glad for the WotC involvement this time for the movie. I am most definatley one for the intro of the players getting ready etc. then the camera shifts from reality to the game. A PG-13 or R should be the tone. PG-13 would be better. but it should be a high-end PG-13, with as much violence, gore, swearing and nudity one can fit without it going to R. -HH I suppose the scene with people getting ready (possibly Vin Diesel) features the Book of Erotic Fantasy.
Upper_Krust 07-18-05, 02:19 PM	Hey there! :) I can make it even simpler. Rated "R" Worked for the first Conan.. it can work for DnD. Blood, Violence, little bit of elf chick nudity... we are golden. I disagree. I don't think you need to show excessive violence to tell a good fantasy story. Lord of the Rings would not have been a better movie if each kill was precipitated by a fountain of claret. Likewise I don't think T&A needs to be gratuitous. Would Return of the Jedi have been a better movie if Princess Leia got her baps out in Jabbas Palace - to be honest, I don't think so. Either way, the shift from 'U' to '15' certificate would have halved the box office takings at the very least.
High Octane 07-18-05, 02:58 PM	Ok well I have this other idea: There would be this halfling rogue who would find a magical bracer. The bracer is actually an ancient artifact of unspeakable evil that must be destroyed in the fires of an ancient dwarven furnace. There would be a special advernturing party, called the "brotherhood of the bracer" that would quest to destroy this bracer. I can see it now.. it might even be a three parter... There would be the first movie called.. "Some fellows get on a ship for the bracer." Where they would all go to pickup the halfling with the bracer and take him to some enchanted kingdom. Then the second movie.. called "A couple of towers." Would expand on there journey past some dark and forboding ruins. The stunning conclusion would be in the third movie called "HEY! They king is back!" Where everyone would congradulate the halfling for getting rid of that bracer thing. Bracelet. And stop taking jokes from World of Warcraft that werent actually funny to begin with. :P Anyway, Im betting 10 to 1 they drop the rating from R to PG-13. PG-13 movies make a LOT more money on average.
Illion the Red 07-18-05, 04:07 PM	I always figured the easiest way to make a good movie is to base it on existing novels. Seeing as the only D&D novels I've read are those depicting Drizzt Do'Urden, I like to see something on along those lines. As long as the Drow abomination dies...I'm all for it!
Adlar Hodge 07-18-05, 04:15 PM	I can make it even simpler. Rated "R" Worked for the first Conan.. it can work for DnD. Blood, Violence, little bit of elf chick nudity... we are golden. I thought the "R" rating was because Conan was cursing Krom. *shrugs* :D :P
Adlar Hodge 07-18-05, 04:21 PM	Bracelet. And stop taking jokes from World of Warcraft that werent actually funny to begin with. :P Anyway, Im betting 10 to 1 they drop the rating from R to PG-13. PG-13 movies make a LOT more money on average. Actually if you wish to place a WoW joke in here... the characters would, at first, have to go around killing rabits and rats...then later on they could kill bigger monsters everyone would be given a controller in the theater to vote on what to do next it would be just like all the other MMOwannabeRPGs :D :P
kam_Islash 07-18-05, 05:25 PM	How to Do It Right: First the cast. Here are some fun charactr concepts: -Halfling rogue who is fond of the ladies. -Dwarf Fighter with two big dwarven waraxes. -Elf ranger who specializes in dual wielding Kukris -Female human cleric -Gnome Illusionist who plays pranks. -Tiefling sorceress. -Half Elf bard, who competes with the rogue for women. -Half orc Barbarian, who wants to own a bar. -Warforged monk Plots: Include Drow somewhere, possibly a powerful lady clric as the big baddie. If an adventurer dies, freaking True Ressurection! Its supposed to be DnD! In fact, have one character die so many times that it becomes comical. "You're getting expensive..." complains the cleric who just used a diamond worth 18,000. In fact, make the rogue the one that dies frequently. Just like in my current campaign. "It's a trap, what's the worst that could happen?" Gets hit by Wail of the Banshee and Dies "I've got the best reflexes on the prime! This trap should be a cinch even if I fail!" Gets killed by Destruction "Come on, it's not like ALL traps have a deadly spell that I can't dodge..." Gets hit by Horrid Wilting, then Meteor Swarm. Cleric checks her purse "You're going to have to start stealing diamonds if you keep this up..."
Ranger REG 07-18-05, 06:12 PM	I can make it even simpler. Rated "R" Worked for the first Conan.. it can work for DnD. Blood, Violence, little bit of elf chick nudity... we are golden. Nah. Many first impressions of D&D are nowhere near R-rated. The story have got to be good, the actors have to play their roles like they belong in the world and the world should be natural not sugar-coated artificial.
kam_Islash 07-18-05, 07:41 PM	Or better yet, a Drizzt movie!
High Octane 07-18-05, 10:35 PM	Or better yet, a Drizzt movie! I'LL KILL YOU!
Godzilla 07-18-05, 10:57 PM	What's so bad about Van Helsing? Am I the only who likes it?
Solaris 07-18-05, 11:07 PM	I thought it was crap. It only lived up to the first half of my expectation that it would be stupid but fun. Even the extremely cute Kate Beckinsale wasn't enough to salvage that turkey. Not that anyone else's opinion matters.
Robbinus 07-19-05, 09:15 AM	It's interesting to me how bad this movie is historically regarded. I went to see it when it came out in the theatres. I had been watching out for it ever since they started advertising it in "Dragon" magazine. So off I went to see it, by myself, when it was released. I have to say that I enjoyed it and didn't think about how "bad" it was at the time. I just went to have a good time and it seemed like the rest of the people at the movie did as well. No one got up and left, the laughed at the right moments, etc. It was only later that I found out what a financial bomb the movie had been in the States and how universally panned it was. I have the DVD and still watch the movie every so often.
AmanitaEata 07-19-05, 01:32 PM	As someone who has written a few screenplays, I wanted to say a few things on this subject. One important thing everyone needs to understand here is this: Great post. The main point I gathered from it is that you are very, very bitter. Excellent job on getting your point across!