THE OBENSON REPORT

As a super-hero comic book fan, I mostly dug the first 2 X-Men flicks, the second especially, even though poor Halle Berry was given very little to do in each. The third one in the series really stunk! However, my opinions certainly aren't enough to persuade or dissuade 20th Century Fox from continuing on with the series - this time in what has come to be anointed a prequel, detailing the origins of the always cantankerous Wolverine, of course played by Aussie star, Hugh Jackman, who has assumed the role since the first film in the series, almost 8 years ago (wow, it's been that long? Time certainly is flying on by).

In what I think is an interesting, curious casting choice, Black Eyed Peas front-man, Monsieur will.i.am, (aka William Adams) is confirmed to join Hugh Jackman, and a short list of mostly impressive character actors, as yet another delightfully genetically altered organism (read mutant) who goes by the name of Wraith, described as a mutant with the power to turn himself translucent. This will be will.i.am's big screen debut, by the way. It'll be interesting to see whether the producers of the film alter his appearance for the role... will he keep his braided hair style? Will they make him shave? Will his mutant outfit be just as flamboyant? Will Wraith be as stylish with the multi-colored hats? Might there be a musical number thrown in just so he can perform? Questions... questions... questions...

The film will also star Liev Schreiber and will be directed by Gavin Hood, the South African filmmaker responsible for Tsotsi (didn't see it; no interest), as well as one of Variety Magazine's "Ten Directors to Watch." Gavin Hood is white, by the way.

And incase you were wondering, as I'm so sure you were, the word "wraith" is defined, according to Webster, as a ghost or specter; a barely visible gaseous or vaporous form.

All together now... Oooooooohhh... :o)

Anyway, you can read the entire article on EURweb.