Monday Morning Poll: Will Halo: The Movie Survive?
Filed under: Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Universal, RumorMonger, Fandom, 20th Century Fox, Newsstand, Games and Game Movies
Personally, I don't blame Fox and Universal one bit for pulling out on the Halo flick. Seriously now, a $200 million budget for a video game adaptation in the hands of a first-time director? They don't need a psychic on the payroll in order to see that those two ingredients alone make up the perfect box office suicide mission. Hmm, I wonder how many times the name Doom came up in conversation. Heh, probably in more ways than one.
Look, no one is arguing the fact that Halo is one very successful video game. That's obvious. But why on earth would you pour that much money into a film that's geared toward a certain type of audience, mainly people who play the game? Furthermore, would those same people actually spend the time and money to actually step away from the game to see the movie? I think part of the problem with video game adaptations is that fans like to feel as if they're in control of these worlds, not Hollywood. And so more often than not, the movie takes a little something away from the gaming experience. Especially if it sucks. Heck, you can throw Peter Jackson's name around more times than a dollar bill at an exotic dancers convention -- fact is, he's not directing the flick. Also, where's the female audience here? Oh, that's right -- there is none.
Will Halo: The Movie become a reality? Microsoft is doing all they can to not scare away every single potential distributor, but unless they get this budget down to around $100 million (and chances are they won't even make that back at the box office), then you can kiss this sucker goodbye.
So, I ask you: Will the film make it to theaters? And, for you hardcore fans, do you even care if a Halo movie exists at all?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-23-2006 @ 3:23PM
Scott K said...
I think the film will make it to theaters. This is not like every other video game adaptation out there. The game's creators are very, very careful with the story and what gets done to it by anyone and everyone who gets the chance to put their mark on the Halo universe.
I have played the game, but I like the Halo universe and story better than the actual game. I personally think you are underestimating the number of people (females included) that enjoy the games and the universe they have inspired. As a fan of that universe, I do want to see a well executed movie made about it, and all indications we have seen so far from Bungie have pointed to exactly that.
I know most video game movies end up pretty horrid. But everyone involved with this project is committed to the integrity of the film. It will work not only as a great experience for enthusiasts and casual fans of the games, but also for anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi/action movie.
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10-23-2006 @ 7:40PM
The Jeremy said...
Why doesn't Microsoft just self-finance this sucker? $200 million to them? Pfff. They still have between $30 billion - $60 billion in the bank from their monopoly monies.
Sheesh, they are going to blow a couple of billion on the Zune. In comparison, this flick would be a sure-fire investment.
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10-23-2006 @ 11:37PM
Drew said...
I think that the most important thing here is that no one seems to recognize the controversy of "The Master Cheif's Face". There's a ton of people out there that want to see it really badly, and tons who never want it ruined. One of the interesting things is that when the script was leaked, apparently they were going to show his face. If that remains true, tons of people aren't going to go see it, and a lot of people are going to complain.
Secondly, why is no one thinking of just getting a better director? (Say, uh, I don't know, Peter Jackson?) And speaking in those terms, why isn't the whole thing CGIed like Final Fantasy VII Advent Children was? That would solve tons of problems.
Thirdly, you pointed out that there is no female auidence. First off, there is, but everyone thinks there mythical. There not. Also, Halo 2 has registered a total of 600 million games played online, not to mention games played offline, and almost 50 million players played online, not to mention offline. With that many hardcore fans, I don't think you need a female audience. If you don't screw up the movie, then you'll reap up tons of money.
Which boils down to the central question. Can Microsoft pull their head out of their ass and do something in the right direction? Stay tuned, people...
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10-23-2006 @ 11:40PM
Drew said...
Oh, and before I forget, one other thing. If you think that everybody loves Halo because it's a game, and their in control, and that's why they love it, think about the Halo books.
Those things flew off the shelves like nobody's buisness. So how do you account for that?
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10-26-2006 @ 9:42PM
a different Drew said...
I agree with the fact that there is the success of the books, but you just said hat you wanted the HALO film to be CG like Final fantasy. I have to ask, are you high? are you on medication that impairs your thaught? Final fantasy sucked making HALO CG would completly ruin the film and fan-base
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10-27-2006 @ 5:39PM
gravemind said...
i will prolly never return here dont mind my spelling mistakes.
there are some female players. i think it might come out though doom the movie was powerfully bad it is becuse doom isnt meant to have that much story, but halo does. i think that if they did it in first person veiw the whole time more people might be interested that was my favorite part of doom the movie. it would give more of the fealing of playing the game. though it would not compare to controlling master chief.
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