Comic Book Giveaway on 'Punisher' Opening Day
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - It's a comic book lover's dream come true.
When Lions Gate Films' "The Punisher" debuts nationwide on Friday, April 16, superhero fans will get more bang for their buck. While supplies last, each paid admission for the film will be accompanied by a special giveaway reprint of "Amazing Spider-Man #129" -- the 1974 Marvel comic book that featured The Punisher's first appearance.
The original comic book is currently going for over $900 on eBay.
In the comic, The Punisher is introduced as a one-man army taking on society's worst criminals. He's fooled by the villainous Jackal and mistakes Spider-Man for a bad guy. By the end, the two vigilantes realize they're on the same side and part ways to fight crime in America.
"From that first appearance ... Marvel readers responded very strongly to The Punisher, so much so that he earned his own comic," says Avi Arad, the film's producer and CEO of Marvel Studios. "We think the movie 'The Punisher' -- not to mention Tom Jane's incredible performance -- is going to make an equally lasting impression."
In the film, Jane stars as Frank Castle, an ex-Delta Force operative who seeks vengeance for losing his family. With no superpowers and only his intelligence, training and fury on his side, Castle transforms into a merciless vigilante known as The Punisher.
"Punisher" also stars John Travolta, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Roy Scheider and Samantha Mathis.
Tarantino Unloads Pulp Friction as 'Idol' Judge
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Oscar-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino is about to take on John Stevens and Jon Peter Lewis and FOX may want to institute a five-second delay. The gleefully profane writer-director (and semi-actor) will become just about the greatest guest judge ever in life when Tuesday night's (April 13) "American Idol" takes on Movie Theme Night.
Tarantino is a long-time "Idol" fan, even appearing in the studio audience last May. Of course, it isn't merely personal passion or altruism that brings him to the "Idol" set next week. He'll be sure to promote the release of his latest film, "Kill Bill: Vol. 2."
Tarantino's most recent television appearance was a guest spot on ABC's "Alias," which followed a pair of 2002 visits. The "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs" director also helmed the "Motherhood" episode of NBC's "ER."
He'll join Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell on the judging panel as the remaining eight Finalists perform songs from their favorite movies. Last season's Movie Night (with ubiquitous "Idol" favorite Gladys Knight as guest judge) featured highlights like Ruben Studdard's rendition of "A Whole New World" (prompting Knight to dub him the Velvet Teddybear).
Then, next Wednesday, "Idol" will welcome back Christina Christian, a Finalist from the show's first season. During the half-hour results show, Christian will sing her single "Forever or Never."