Ben Affleck as Batman? Why Not?

I found the furor surrounding the recent announcement that Ben Affleck will portray Batman/Bruce Wayne in the upcoming Superman/Batman film to be completely silly. I remember the reactions when Michael Keaton was cast as Batman for the 1989 film (and again in 1992's Batman Returns). The fanboys were not happy, to say the least, but Keaton proved that he was a solid choice for the role. Affleck, like Keaton, is a talented and sometimes underrated actor and I suspect he will prove his worth in the iconic and coveted role. Of course, having a great screenplay and director would also help, so I am cautiously optimistic about the upcoming film, which is scheduled to be released in 2015.

DVD Recommendation: "Chasing Amy: The Criterion Collection"

After reading An Askew View 2: The Films of Kevin Smith, I decided to become reacquainted with a few of the director's older films that I have not seen for a while. Chasing Amy is at the top of the list, since it is my favorite Kevin Smith effort (and one I used to own on VHS tape). The film, which was released in 1997, holds up well and was ahead of its time in dealing with the complications surrounding contemporary relationships and issues of sexuality. As viewers might expect, there is no shortage of vulgarity and sexual innuendo, as well as commentary on popular culture, including Star Wars (a favorite Smith topic) and characters from Archie comic books.

Ben Affleck and Jason Lee star as comic book artists Holden McNeil and Banky Edwards, who also happen to be roommates and long time friends. Banky appears content to be single, but Holden is quite different and soon falls for Alyssa Jones (Joey Lauren Adams), who he meets at a comic book convention. Holden does not realize that Alyssa is a lesbian and learns that fact during a rather embarrassing scene in a gay bar, where Banky appears to enjoy seeing his best friend shot down. Despite the obstacle, Holden continues to spend time with Alyssa and falls in love with her. Perhaps he enjoys being self destructive, or maybe he really believes that she is "the one" and that they can somehow build a life together.

Alyssa and Holden become close, which angers Banky, who believes that Holden will end up with a broken heart and he has no trouble voicing his opinion. It appears Banky is jealous of the connection between Alyssa and Holden and is hostile towards her for the duration. After meeting with Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Kevin Smith), who is not so silent this time around, Holden receives uncomfortable information about Alyssa's past that threatens to derail their relationship, which is already on shaky ground. After an emotional and rather long argument with Alyssa, Holden decides to confront both her and Banky together and propose something unexpected, which is met with surprising reactions from both of them and creates even more interpersonal drama among the trio.

Kevin Smith serves as writer and director and excels at both jobs. He clearly understands popular culture and incorporates several clever and brutally honest observations that are delivered with perfection by the talented cast, especially Jason Lee, who is simply hysterical throughout the film. Indeed, Banky says what is on his mind at all times and that does not go over well with everyone. He simply does not care what anyone thinks or if anyone likes him, expect for Holden, of course. Smith also offers keen insight into romantic relationships and how sex can cause many problems, whether in potential heterosexual or homosexual pairings.

Chasing Amy is also perfectly cast by Smith and features solid performances from the aforementioned principal cast members, as well as a scene stealing supporting turn from Dwight Ewell, as Hooper X, an openly gay comic book writer who, like Banky, always speaks him mind. Frequent Smith contributors Ethan Suplee, Brian O'Halloran, Scott Mosier and Jason Mewes add to the enjoyment of the film, which also boasts a brief appearance by Matt Damon. Like many of Smith's films, there is an abundance of male actors who all seem to understand exactly how his words are to be read onscreen. Whether that is just great direction or a magic that Smith develops with his actors, I do not know, but it works beautifully in many of his projects and Chasing Amy may just be the best of the bunch.

The special features include Ten Deleted Scenes, Outtakes, Trailer, Audio Commentary, Special Insert: The Askewniverse Legend: A Guide to Characters in the New Jersey Trilogy, New Video Introduction to the DVD Edition from Director Kevin Smith and Video Introductions from the Cast and Crew, including a completely spaced out Jason Mewes.

By the way, regarding the Archie characters, I would not doubt that at least one of the main characters is actually gay, but a supporting character, Kevin Keller, was introduced as gay a couple of years ago. I suppose that was the easy way out for the writers of the Archie comic books, which continue to be popular, keeping Archie, Jughead, Reggie, Moose, Dilton, Betty, Veronica, Miss Grundy and even Mr. Weatherbee from exiting the closet any time soon. I wonder what Hooper and Banky would say about Kevin Keller?

Oscar Watch: Ben Affleck Directs and Stars in "Argo"

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

In the middle of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, a sly CIA agent decides to enlist the help of Hollywood bigwigs to pull off a ballsy mission - rescue six Americans who are hiding out in the Canadian embassy in Tehran. The agent, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), teams up with make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman) and producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) to devise a plan to create a phony sci-fi film, entitled Argo, to be partially shot in Iran. The "filmmakers" are looking for exotic locales to front as an otherworldly landscape. Mendez will be traveling alone and once he arrives in Iran, he will coach the hostages to be "experts" in some aspect of filmmaking, such as set design, and then escort them out of the hostile environment and safely back home.

It just so happens that Argo is based on true events and CIA agent Tony Mendez was able to successfully complete his mission. That is not a spoiler, as the information was declassified in the late 1990's, and the amazing story is now playing out on screens nationwide. Director Ben Affleck, who does double duty as lead actor, has crafted a pulse pounding film that will leave viewers at the edge of their seats, despite already knowing the outcome of the film. The screenplay, by Chris Terrio, expertly lays out the plan, as Mendez, Chambers and Siegel go to great lengths to make Argo look like the real thing. A script is chosen, tables readings are done, storyboards, which play a huge role in the success of the mission, are created, and the film receives the full press treatment. Despite the serious nature of the story, the screenplay is filled with several comedic moments, including a running joke about the titular fake film that Tony, John and Lester use to great effect.

Yes, the plan is ingenious, but the seemingly impossible task of executing it and getting the six men and women to safety falls upon Mendez alone, who is determined to successfully complete his task. Despite facing a number of setbacks and even receiving word from his superiors that the mission has been cancelled, Mendez remains undeterred, even when some of the Americans refuse to take part in the plan. However, if they do not leave Iran, they will surely be killed when they are discovered.

Affleck assembles a likable and terrific cast, including the aforementioned Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who are both outstanding in their respective roles. In addition, Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) portrays the no-nonsense and commanding Jack O'Donnell, a CIA official who uses his creativity and persuasiveness to do everything possible to assist Mendez. The talented supporting cast includes Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), Tate Donovan (Damages), Victor Garber (Alias) and the great character actor Philip Baker Hall (The Talented Mr. Ripley). However, it is Affleck who receives the most screen time and delivers the strongest work, as Mendez. He often looks beleaguered, but is steadfast in his belief that the plan will work. However, the level of responsibility that he feels is palpable and will endear him to viewers, who will root for him every step of the way.

Ben Affleck has created what is probably his best film to date. Considering his other films include Gone Baby Gone and The Town, that is quite an achievement. Argo should allow the veteran actor/director to once again receive Oscar consideration because his latest effort is, without question, one of the best films of 2012.