Jul 2 2009'Asteroids': That's a Movie Now
Solidifying the notion that film concepts are no longer so much actual ideas as much as notable words, the movie rights to Asteroids, the 1979 Atari game that consisted of absolutely nothing but a triangular ship shooting shapes that looked roughly like asteroids (and occasionally flying saucers), were just purchased by Universal after the studio won a four-studio bidding war. Yes, four studios were really eager to make an Asteroids movie. Because it's such a good idea for a movie.
It was a big score for Universal, as they're the studio making films based on Battleship, Candy Land, and Monopoly, so they have a reputation to keep up for making old, plot-free games into retarded movies. They needed this.
I can't help but think this is a mistake. Not the idea of making a movie based on a game of flying around shooting asteroids, but making a movie based on a game of flying around shooting asteroids that isn't Sinistar. At least then you've got an extremely antagonistic villain:
Too much of a COWARD, Universal?
Reader Comments
1. DreamFolder - July 2, 2009 2:04 PM
Careful IWS guy... the movie Nazis will get you. Or they will at least attempt to belittle you by calling you a troglodyte.
I can't help but wonder about what the soundtrack will be like. Will there be this steady, throbbing duh---duh---duh---duh beat underlying it that speeds up duh-duh-duh-duh as the asteroids get smaller and smaller? Will the appearance of the aliens be accompanied by an inexplicable high-pitched sinusoidal jamming signal? That would be sweet. When the asteroids break up, will you be able to hear it? That's important too.
2. Matt - July 2, 2009 2:26 PM
I bet it'll be in 3D! The new fad of Hollywood.....until James Cameron comes along and revolutionizes it in December.
3. Stuey - July 2, 2009 2:47 PM
I want what ever Hollywood is smoking.
4. mattk - July 2, 2009 2:59 PM
hhhmm..
Space Marine: "Dammit, Captain Josh Duhamel, we need to get this ship away from these Asteroids!"
Capt. Josh: "We're not going anywhere. Transfer weapons controls to me."
Space Marine: "What are you doing! We'll be crushed to space dust! All Ahead Full, ensign!"
Capt. Josh: "BELAY THAT ORDER! Fire all Starboard engines Fore and fire all Port engines Aft."
Space Marine: "What? But sir, we'll be spinning in place!"
Capt. Josh: "Exactly."
5. bro_mole - July 2, 2009 4:13 PM
Nice Mattk!
6. Baxter Pancake - July 2, 2009 4:50 PM
I hope Shia Labeouf is in this!
7. jaime - July 2, 2009 9:00 PM
OH MY GOOOOOOOD UNIVERSAL, ARE YOU BEING RUN BY A 2 YEAR OLD?
8. cj - July 2, 2009 10:24 PM
one of my favorite games when i was a kid!!!! YEAH!!!!
http://c-trainsentertainmentreviews.blogspot.com/
9. livingjetlag - July 3, 2009 12:16 PM
I'm following the progression that the studios are taking, and getting very excited about the release of the Pong! movie in 2012, which will be the last movie released before the world comes to an end. Coincidence? I think not.
10. Galtacticus - July 5, 2009 9:29 AM
There isn't even much of a story in the game.But on the other hand that leaves a lot of space for a story.
11. MrGutts - July 6, 2009 6:12 AM
The movie is going to be something like The last Starfighter back in the 80s
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087597/
12. wendy - July 6, 2009 9:17 AM
Yes sinastar! AKA Opiestar! "Ron Howard! Ron, Ron!"
13. Forlourned - July 8, 2009 2:03 PM
Don't forget the prison inspiring game turn to movie on 2011 called BreakOUT!
14. Andy - July 11, 2009 7:15 PM
There's already a trailer for the movie based on the Asteroids video game - see http://www.gamearena.com.au/videos/latest.php/45439