More Iron Man 2 Casting News

Hey Readers. Today VANTAGE gives you guys even more casting news from the anticipated sequel, Iron Man 2.

Variety is now reporting that Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) is in talks to join the feature film. She is currently up for the role of Natasha Romanoff.

Natasha Romanoff is a Soviet super spy who's alter ego is the Black Widow, a femme fatale who sports a skintight black costume that is enhanced by high-tech weaponry.

If the role does go to Emily, she will be joining Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, and the recently announced villains, Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell.

Iron Man 2 is set to go into production this spring with the hopes for a May 7, 2010 release date.

With all these casting news appearing online, I can't help but get a little excited. I mean, the casting of Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell is just awesome! I think that they're absolutely perfect for the roles! And now this! I think that it's an excellent idea to bring in the Black Widow! I'm sure that the Iron Man fans out there will appreciate that! I myself am not a huge Iron Man fan so I only really have a vague idea of the Black Widow character, but I'm guessing a love triangle will be played out in the film.

What do you think? Comment!

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Rourke And Rockwell For Iron Man 2 Villains

Iron Man 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the monster hit Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The movie is currently in production, and the question on everyone's mind is, who will the villains be this time around?

9 1/2 Weeks star, Mickey Rourke is in talks to play a Russian character named Ivan, who becomes a man with deadly, technologically enhanced coils. Variety reports that his character will ultimately become The Crimson Dynamo. He is considered to be the "evil version" of Iron Man because he battles Iron Man with a nuclear powered armor.

Charlie's Angels star, Sam Rockwell is also in talks to play Justin Hammer, a multibillionaire businessman who is the rival of Tony Stark.

Rourke and Rockwell could join an already star-studded cast of Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle, who is replacing Terrence Howard as Rhodey.

This movie definitely sounds like it's gonna be packed with more action than the original. Two villains? Sounds bad ass, I just hope that they don't lose focus of the story cuz the story is what makes the movie. CGI is just the cherry on top. I do however, love the fact that they're featuring The Crimson Dynamo. The fight scenes between the two should be very exciting.

What do you think? Comment!!

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Weekend Review: Sumo Sam

I'm sure a lot of you already know about this place. Its the Japanese resto that seems to always be packed on the 2nd floor of the Rockwell Powerplant or the top floor of Shangri-La Plaza. So is it packed for good reason or just for show?



I decided to do this review for a few reasons, firstly, there hasn't been that much interesting news lately and two, we were there for lunch this afternoon and something about it was bothering me. Anyway! Lets get down to it...

Sumo Sam tries to be a modern type of Japanese Resto, with some items that the west has created such as the Philadelphia Roll (salmon, mango, philli cream cheese), steaks that have a western feel, and bacon coupled goodies, but at the same time it still has the traditional sushi/sashimi, teriyaki/tepanyaki and ramens. Its menu is actually pretty extensive with a lot to choose from to satisfy picky eaters. The ambiance looks modern, (the only thing that gives it a Japanese tone are the plates and anime-looking servers) but still very comfy, but not Japanese. Are having nice surroundings and a presentable, large menu enough? Judging that it seems like its always full, the resto must be doing well, but in my book, its not a place I'd recommend or go to willingly.

Prices are average for the upper class, with sushi and entrees starting at around P250 up to well over P1k. A group of 5 people should have an average bill of around P2000 plus plus (making it over the minimum wage). Food is below average for its cost and service unreliable. Having been to both branches numerous times (not by choice), the service is sometimes good and sometimes bad, so you're in for a little service-poker to see which you get.

"So why is it always packed?," you may ask. First thing that comes to mind is it's location. "Thats it?" Yup! Well, this is from my Vantage, and food is definitely relative, but my rating for this would be 1 out of 5 stars. Why? There are so many other restaurants to choose from. A more inexpensive alternative would be Teriyaki Boy, where spending roughly P200 can satisfy your tummy. In my opinion, Sumo Sam is a restaurant that claims to be Japanese, yet has no Japanese taste, and Japanese is my favorite type of food! Sure you have the sushi, but thats just raw fish. Meals don't have that Japanese flavor and the bottom line is, its a restaurant that fools you by telling you its Japanese when its not. When you do get the good service, it is... good. To those who like this restaurant, then its large menu does it job by giving you a lot to choose from, whether you feel like having sushi, steaks, seafood, noodles etc... But for me, having a large menu is meaningless when the food feels fake.

Last word... irregular service standards, ambiance is only nice when sitting inside the restaurant (because there are tables outside as well), a lot to choose from... but whats the use when its not good?

First Iron Man 2 Set Photo!!

Iron Man 2 director, Jon Favreau has released the very first set photo of himself and cinematographer, Matthew Libatique on the set of Tony Stark's house, which is clearly under construction.

While we're talking about Iron Man 2, I'd like to discuss the topic of the problems they had with casting. A few months ago, we posted about the casting of villains, Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell, as well as Emily Blunt as The Black Widow. The rumors surfaced how Rourke was unhappy with the salary he was being offered, and that Emily Blunt was gonna be replaced by none other than Scarlett Johansson. Internet buzz went crazy over this, with speculations connecting all the way back to the re-casting of Terence Howard's character, Rhodey. Are these actors really being underpaid? Well, the good news is that some light has been shed over the matter!

Jon Favreau was interviewed during Oscars night, and he said that Fox has decided to exercise their option to cast Emily Blunt in their upcoming film, Gullivers Travels, therefore making her unavailable for Iron Man 2.

With regards to Mickey Rourke, he was quoted saying, "he isn't officially cast but that he is a fan."

Robert Downey Jr. also said that producers are still hard at work at casting Rourke as a villain. He was quoted saying, "they are slaving away for a hot script" for Iron Man 2.

Now could all these sudden cast changes affect the film? Probably not. But if you ask me, I think that they should definitely cast Mickey Rourke. Rourke, who successfully pulled off the biggest comeback in history, is definitely a hot ticket now....and I can totally see this dude playing a bad-ass villain!! And as for the role of Black Canary, I'm really just either/or on that matter. I mean, both actresses are fine as hell, and I'm sure both would do a great job! Hey, as long as you got Downey Jr putting on the suit, then I'm a happy camper.

What do you think? Comment!!

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