h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

May I also recommend, if you're still in download mood, Spy Kids (which might be better than you'd expect) and The Score, which certainly seems watchable; RdN helps, of course, and Brando's joining in the fun.

I took a look at the Shrek trailer too - not sure what to make of that.

And they're re-releasing the original Superman!

Well, they're certainly not rushing to produce the next one, are they?

Although that's not strictly true - they are making a Roswell-style Super-adolescent TV series (called 'Smallville'). But it's not quite the same on the big screen.

Where exactly did you stand on the whole 'Nic Cage 4 Superman' debacle?

You are kidding, aren't you?

About Nic Cage or Smallville? Neither, Miss K! Would I lie to you?

About Smallville I can say no more, but on Nic Cage there is plenty.

About 4 years ago, the following names were seriously attached to the long-awaited-and-still-awaiting Superman 5.

Tim Burton - director
Nicholas Cage - Clark Kent/Superman
Tim Allen - Brainiac (sentient Kryptonian computer that destroyed Clark's home planet)

There was such an outcry among the fanboys about Cage (and yet nothing about Allen) that WB went into fits of denial. That and disputes over who actually owns Superman (the kind of which have prevented the Spider-Man movie for a decade) have left Superman in the production equivalent of the Phantom Zone, Limbo, Hell, whatever you care to call it.

Mr Cage may be a fine actor, but Superman? He is also a bit lacking in the 'appeal' department.

One thing going for Cage is his build.

That guy from TV's JAG would be a reasonable choice. He's got the height, build and that mid-western accent as well. And from his show, he's had lots of experience at playing a boy-scout, which is an essential quality for Supes.

Found him, David James Elliott. Check him out on imdb if you're not familiar with the show.

Keanu Reeves (and not because of the last name)?

"Up, up and a-wohhh, dude!"

Still way too surfer-dude to wear the Big 'S'. Not really the right height or build either.

Remember Clark was raised as a Kansas farmboy. Modern takes would probably give him a bit more edge, but that mid-west naiveté should still be there.

"Up, up and a-wohhh, dude!"

Still way too surfer-dude to wear the Big 'S'. Not really the right height or build either.

Remember Clark was raised as a Kansas farmboy. Modern takes would probably give him a bit more edge, but that mid-west naiveté should still be there.

I don't know, I think Keanu could carry it off. He's the right age, he's cute, he's almost the right build. However, if he were offered the role, I think he'd turn it down.

Is Tom Hanks too old for the part?

And Wilson to play Jimmy Olsen?

Meg Ryan could play Lois Lane and they could call it "You Got Kryptonite".

I really think they should forget about Superman. There are plenty of other comic heroes - and villains.

There are certainly are, with more than 20 on the books for release at the movie theatre.

The current ones to focus on should be Spider-Man, X-Men 2 and The Incredible Hulk (directed by Ang Lee!).

Well, I'd go for X-Men 2, as that's the only one (I think) where women get a fair bash.

Actually you're right. Of the 20 or more comic based films on the cards, almost none of them have any strong female characters in them. The one shining exception to that rule, of course, is Wonder Woman, but that's been stuck in production limbo for as long as Superman 5.

She will be coming to the small screen though only in animated form. WW is part of the Justice League of America (JLA) animated series currently under production. WW is teamed up with Supes, Bats, Flash and Green Lantern, and a few others to form the Magnificent Seven of Superheroes.

The only other projects to stand out for the 'girlpower' factor include:

Catwoman: A live-action tv series, hopefully (but don't hold your breath) taking Selina Kyle back to her cat-burglar glory days.

Daughters of the Dragon: Another live-action tv series, featuring kick-ass private detectives Colleen Wing and Misty Knight. Knight and Wing were among the supporting cast of the classic Marvel comic book Iron Fist. Misty Knight, I recall, has a bionic hand.

Kung Fu superhero Iron Fist is, of course, getting his own movie. Ray Park (Darth Maul/Headless Horseman/Toad) has been cast in the lead role.

Well, I could be Wonder Woman - if they're prepared to make a few minor artistic compromises.

One problem has been that Supergirl, Batgirl and Wonder Woman have all been drips (check your American dictionary for definition).

Have been. Past tense. Batgirl (well, Batgirl 2 really - Joker crippled Barbara Gordon) is back with her own comic book and is hotter than ever. And the modern WW is a force to be reckoned with. She's now in Superman's power class, in terms of speed, strength and invulnerability. And she can fly without the aid of an invisible plane.

Can't really speak for Supergirl because they've screwed around with her origin so much, it's hard to know which one to talk about.

Spider-Girl on the other hand would be a good prospect for a movie. Peter Parker/SpiderMan's daughter in a future timeline. Dad has hung up his tights and now works as a forensic scientist. He wants a normal life for himself and his family. Trouble is, daughter May has inherited more than her father's smarts...

Any black superheroes, male or female?

I remember one good moment in the otherwise awful Supergirl film. Peter Cook, suspended in a cage from the celing, says to Faye Dunaway something along the lines of "not the old suspended-in-a-cage-from-the-ceiling routine". Unreal.

Black Panther has been in the works for some time, by Wesley Snipes' production company (guess who would be playing the lead role?).

Marvel's Black Panther tells the story of Heir to the throne of Wakanda, a small African nation, T'Challa wears the ceremonial garb of the Black Panther, his people's totem, and defends his country from outside invaders. Black Panther's strength, speed, agility and endurance are the equivalent of an olympic level athlete at peak condition. His senses are heightened, making him an expert tracker. Black Panther is also a gifted natural fighter.

BP would have to be one of the earliest black superheroes, spanning 30 years.

In the afore-mentioned Daughters of the Dragon, Misty Knight is African-American.

Black Panther? Rings a bell. Some infamous group, perhaps?