With Sony's latest Twisted Metal game now firmly shoved onto retail shelves with minimal fanfare and even less marketing, now seems like the perfect time to just go ahead and squeeze a movie out of the franchise, what with awareness of the series currently existing. After all, considering that David Jaffe has moved on to other things while his former studio, Eat Sleep Play, has decided to focus on social games, it doesn't seem altogether likely we'll be getting another game in this series any time soon. This is probably the highest level of "brand awareness" for all things Twisted Metal that we'll see for quite some time.

So, seemingly aware of this relatively narrow window of sudden relevance, Sony Pictures, alongside the Arad brothers (who are the central figures behind all of the Spider-Man movies released over the last several years, including the upcoming reboot), went ahead and made a deal with one of half of the writing/directing duo behind such glorious films as the Jason Statham-fronted Crank movies, as well as the soon-to-be-released Marvel sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, to helm a Twisted Metal film project.

Brian Taylor, the half of the pair not named Mark Neveldine, will reportedly be getting seven figures to write and direct the film, which will follow the plot of the game, such as it is. There will be a vehicular combat-oriented tournament, and it will feature characters like Sweet Tooth, Doll Face, and the enigmatic Calypso. Deadline's report even goes on to describe the concept of Twisted Metal as a "Faustian bargain" in which violent men risk their lives for great reward, which is officially the most philosophical bent anyone has taken in describing something that includes a clown with a flaming skull who drives a weaponized ice cream truck.

Why Mark Neveldine isn't part of this deal--the pair have, thus far, only written and directed films together--no one seems quite certain, except to say that the two do have other projects lined up together. Still, even one half of that pair ought to bring a comfortable level of insanity to such a project, not to mention a decided expertise in the subject matter. After all, Taylor already spent the last several months working with Nicolas Cage's own flaming skull on Spirit of Vengeance, and clearly understands the nature of what it means to be a "gamer," what with having essentially made the film equivalent of Grand Theft Auto on methamphetamines in Crank, and created the teenage-boy-controls-Gerard-Butler-and-makes-him-shoot-dudes-in-the-face thriller Gamer. I mean, it's right there in the title.

With Sony's latest Twisted Metal game now firmly shoved onto retail shelves with minimal fanfare and even less marketing, now seems like the perfect time to just go ahead and squeeze a movie out of the franchise, what with awareness of the series currently existing. After all, considering that David Jaffe has moved on to other things while his former studio, Eat Sleep Play, has decided to focus on social games, it doesn't seem altogether likely we'll be getting another game in this series any time soon. This is probably the highest level of "brand awareness" for all things Twisted Metal that we'll see for quite some time.

So, seemingly aware of this relatively narrow window of sudden relevance, Sony Pictures, alongside the Arad brothers (who are the central figures behind all of the Spider-Man movies released over the last several years, including the upcoming reboot), went ahead and made a deal with one of half of the writing/directing duo behind such glorious films as the Jason Statham-fronted Crank movies, as well as the soon-to-be-released Marvel sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, to helm a Twisted Metal film project.

Brian Taylor, the half of the pair not named Mark Neveldine, will reportedly be getting seven figures to write and direct the film, which will follow the plot of the game, such as it is. There will be a vehicular combat-oriented tournament, and it will feature characters like Sweet Tooth, Doll Face, and the enigmatic Calypso. Deadline's report even goes on to describe the concept of Twisted Metal as a "Faustian bargain" in which violent men risk their lives for great reward, which is officially the most philosophical bent anyone has taken in describing something that includes a clown with a flaming skull who drives a weaponized ice cream truck.

Why Mark Neveldine isn't part of this deal--the pair have, thus far, only written and directed films together--no one seems quite certain, except to say that the two do have other projects lined up together. Still, even one half of that pair ought to bring a comfortable level of insanity to such a project, not to mention a decided expertise in the subject matter. After all, Taylor already spent the last several months working with Nicolas Cage's own flaming skull on Spirit of Vengeance, and clearly understands the nature of what it means to be a "gamer," what with having essentially made the film equivalent of Grand Theft Auto on methamphetamines in Crank, and created the teenage-boy-controls-Gerard-Butler-and-makes-him-shoot-dudes-in-the-face thriller Gamer. I mean, it's right there in the title.

Noooooooo.

I bet it'll be shit.

I've never seen a Cranked and I can't imagine why Twisted Metal would need to be a movie.

My friend said he tried watching a clip of it once where the dude was screwing a chick on the street and a bunch of Japanese tourists cheered him on... so yeah, I imagine it's going to be a classy work of entertainment.

The degree to which I loathe anything clown related cannot be captured in text.

@BoneChompski said:

The degree to which I loathe anything clown related cannot be captured in text.

Do give it a go ^^

"Is Doc Miles gonna have to choke a bitch?"

I love crank, mostly because of Jason Steathem. Sure though it sounds like a good fit for a movie.

@GREENragdoll said:

hmmm....they needa get neveldine involved so he can use his skating + filming abilities.

am i the only one who likes crank?

they're like modern grindhouse C'MOOOOON

You're not the only one, I liked Crank because it didn't take itself too seriously.

No Nevdldine, no sale. They're a pair deal as far as I'm concerned; I don't trust one without the other.

@GREENragdoll: Crank: High Voltage is one of my favorite movies ever. Hell, I even kind of liked Gamer.

I love Crank. Even Crank 2 was amazing to watch.

Anyone who hates Crank is literally a hitler.

@GREENragdoll said:

am i the only one who likes crank?

I hate the idea of Crank and it took me a long time to see it, but once I did I was blown away, amazing movie. Didn't like the second one nearly as much.

Regarding the Twisted Metal movie, meh; why no God of War movie, that would be great.

@BoneChompski said:

The degree to which I loathe anything clown related cannot be captured in text.

Right there with you, man. "Clowns are scary!" is right up there with "bacon lol" or youtube thumbnails that prominently feature cleavage.

If they cast Sid Haig as Sweet Tooth/Needles Kane, and center on the action/horror elements than i'm in for a Twisted Metal movie.

Any half of the Cranked/Ghost Rider 2 team is a perfect match for Twisted Metal! I'm actually pumped for this, and hope it actually survives all the way to production. I wanna see this come out. I'm no fan of Twisted Metal's current "Black" tone, and I hope this guy will be able to bring the craziness back to the IP. This "torture porn" stuff may be the epitome of cool and hardcore to an 11 year old from 1995, but I personally can't stand it.

Also, I hope Nicholas Cage shows up in the film. Not as a character, mind you. I just think that Nicholas Cage fits in with the cast of Twisted Metal:) Perhaps he can ask Calypso to magically make his debt disappear should he win the tournament, so he can stop taking on movies like Season of the Witch? Or maybe he just wants to meet Elvis, or become Superman for a day? He's crazy like that.

If I go to screened.com, would I find the same story there? Would I Alex? Would I?

The Crank series is amazing.

@Winternet said:

If I go to screened.com, would I find the same story there? Would I Alex? Would I?

Yes.

I guess I'll play Twisted Metal: The Movie: The Game?

This is great fucking news. I don't think they could have gotten a better director. I just hope he gets the deference he deserves. The movie needs to be fucking insane, on a Crank 2 level.

"With Sony's latest Twisted Metal game now firmly shoved onto retail shelves with minimal fanfare and even less marketing"

Uhh... I'm actually interested in the game and I had no idea it was already out. Great job, Sony. As always.

So much potential.

Wow, I was actually just thinking about how cool it would be if they made a Twisted Metal movie. My idea was a little different though; I think it should focus on Sweet Tooth's life and history, since his character is actually pretty interesting in the new game.

I could not back this any harder if I tried! (I know the potential for a joke there, but I'm trying to keep it classy). However, I am curious to see how well Taylor works without Neveldine. I don't know how this works, but perhaps he could just bring him in on the project as something outside of co-director (perhaps as cinematographer).

Also, tossing in a left field casting choice here, but how about Mick Foley as Sweet Tooth?

David Jaffe as Calypso.

You know who would have been great as Sweet Tooth? Chris Farley. I can totally see him giving a Heath Ledger-esque performance. Such a shame he is no longer with us.

@Winternet said:

If I go to screened.com, would I find the same story there? Would I Alex? Would I?

yes

well we can be sure of two things here:

1. This movie will have action, lots and lots of action

2. It will definitely receive a warm reception from about 25 total people(Of which I proudly consider myself), and the rest will think it incoherent madness (a la Crank)

EDIT: For the reason as to why I was a fan of Crank and will be of this movie: When I found the crank series I was specifically looking to forgo plot of any sort and just watch insane shit happen all over the screen. That's just what I bargained for with Crank/2

@Nightfang: Thank you for your double clarification :D

David Jaffe should make the Twisted Metal movie. He's the only one who truly understands the series.

I don't even know what to think of this because Cranked 2 was SO BAD. They didn't push it so far that it became funnier; instead, they pushed it so far that was it was lame and uninteresting.

This film will not happen.

Also the crank films are awful.

If a movie like Death Race can be enjoyable for me to watch, I feel like this wouldn't be so bad in the right hands. There would have to be a primary focus on one or two characters though. Oh, and "in the right hands" is the key there.

I doubt it'll be any good, but I can dream!

I doubt it'll be any good, but I can dream!

@TheOtherSuperMarioBro said:

I doubt it'll be any good, but I can dream!

It may not end up good, but it'll be a hell of a lot of fun!

@The_son_of_X51 said:

I could not back this any harder if I tried! (I know the potential for a joke there, but I'm trying to keep it classy). However, I am curious to see how well Taylor works without Neveldine. I don't know how this works, but perhaps he could just bring him in on the project as something outside of co-director (perhaps as cinematographer).

Also, tossing in a left field casting choice here, but how about Mick Foley as Sweet Tooth?

Mick Foley as Sweet Tooth is fucking perfect. I love you so much.

Seems like a pretty good fit!!

I loved Crank, but Crank 2 was the WORST MOVIE ON THIS PLANET EARTH!!

@BisonHero said:

I don't even know what to think of this because Cranked 2 was SO BAD. They didn't push it so far that it became funnier; instead, they pushed it so far that was it was lame and uninteresting.

I think they pushed it off a cliff. Crank 1 was about Jason Statham doing crazy nutty stunts, but in Crank 2 he turned into like a stop-motion godzilla for 10 minutes.

Also he fought a head in a fish-tank, and like a disco pimp? And he went on a game-show in his mind for a while? Then he became like a Ghost Rider flame-on fire man.

Crank 1 was a fun, cool joke movie but Crank 2 was just fuckin weird.

Am i the only one here who LOOOOOOVES Gamer?

What the fuck Alex? This is the game has a shit ton of buzz and is one of the most preordered PS3 games in the US. It has more pre-orders than Halo 4. Fucking New Yorkers.

http://www.vgchartz.com/article/88823/usa-preorders-chart-11-february-2012-twisted-metal-ufc-ssx/

There's literally no one else that could direct a Twisted Metal movie!

I don't understand why no Neveldine, but I loved every one of the movies those guys made, and Sony couldn't have picked a better director for this movie. Well, unless they got Neveldine on board too obviously...

I'm confident it will kick all sorts of ass

Well, Gamer was utter shit, so there's that.

This is either going to be really bad in a bad way or really bad in an enjoyable way. The chances of it actually being a genuinely good movie don't exist.

Either way, the one thing that will ruin it most is if the people making it take it seriously.

@MikeGosot said:

Am i the only one here who LOOOOOOVES Gamer?

yep

@MikeGosot said:

Am i the only one here who LOOOOOOVES Gamer?

yep

@I_smell said:

I think they pushed it off a cliff. Crank 1 was about Jason Statham doing crazy nutty stunts, but in Crank 2 he turned into like a stop-motion godzilla for 10 minutes.

Also he fought a head in a fish-tank, and like a disco pimp? And he went on a game-show in his mind for a while? Then he became like a Ghost Rider flame-on fire man.

Crank 1 was a fun, cool joke movie but Crank 2 was just fuckin weird.

I dunno, the "Ghost Rider flame-on fire man" part I might have BARELY been able to accept as a "crazy nutty stunt" like Crank 1, except by that point in the film so many dumb things had happened that I thought the film was completely pointless. If the on-fire sequence was the most ridiculous thing in the movie, instead of one of the least ridiculous things, I think I could've given it a pass. Maybe.

Crank 2 is just such a different movie. Perhaps if I knew beforehand what to expect, I would've liked it more. But even then, it seems to be jack of all trades, master of none. The action stuff was alright, but not as good as the first movie and not good enough for somebody who likes goofy action movies. And the weird surreal moments don't happen often enough to turn Crank 2 into "one of those weird psychedelic, trippy, surreal movies that makes you WTF constantly" movies; those moments happen infrequently, and if they wanted the movie to be weird, why not make it "Chev Chelios has to do peyote once every hour or else he will die", instead of "has to shock his heart every so often".

Maybe it would've been better if they didn't call it Crank 2, and instead just made it into a totally separate movie "from the makers of Crank", or something. I don't think it was worth it just for the lame "somehow Jason Statham's character didn't permanently die at the end of Crank 1" joke and the lame "also one of the bad guys from Crank 1 is somehow still alive" joke.

And seriously, why did I have to see a dude get his nipple cut off? And why did they have to focus on it enough that I still remember?