Kathemy

Does anyone want to make a guess how higher the int'l will be than the domestic box office?

I'm almost certain it will. No production company has better ties with China than Disney, and their decision to censor Dr. Strange's Tibetan upbringing is a political statement which has won them huge favor with the Chinese government. They probably know exactly what they can get away with, and what not, to secure a release. In other words, "travelling the astral planes" and "bending reality", sure. Summoning and convening with angels and demons, not so much.

Scarlet Witch is a mortal being, Enchantress is an immortal evil spirit that's been worshipped as a God. That probably stepped on a few toes, not that it is the only offensive thing to Chinese authorities. Perhaps it's harder to explain why Thor was allowed since you could argue he's an Asgardian God, but the films actually are pretty clear with them being mortal, they live and they die, they use technology etc etc. For an example of a movie which would Never Ever be allowed in China see "Constantine." And thanks for the positive response to last post, I actually thought I was being a bit vague.

It was rather okay but... well, to be honest it felt a little uninspired. It didn't add a lot of oomph on the graphic novel. The ending felt a bit off for a movie. Still I kinda liked it.

I voted for Adam West as Bruce Wayne - despite the cheesy material he rang the most true to me - and Christian Bale as Batman. However the only reason I voted for West as Wayne is that there is no option to vote for David Mazouz (Gotham.) I honestly think he's the best actor to ever take on that role.

My five cent on the piece: <Doux Reviews> <Suicide Squad> I don't normally give grades but I'd give this one a B.

Would Paramount greenlight a fourth film given that this one almost certainly will lose money? Unless I'm woefully mistaken...

The technical reason a film like Ghostbusters would be banned in China and not the Harry Potter franchise is that Chinese censorship prohibits works of art encouraging superstition. It's based on old censorship rules from then-Marxist China, especially its atheism. Films containing "God", "gods"... films suggesting there is some sort of empiric reasoning behind the worship of deities... are denied on principality. Generally speaking "magic" could offend but "ghosts" and "gods" are viewed as worse. And of course it doesn't help with Katana and her Japanese flag. It should be noted that China has deep grievances against Japan such as their refusal to apologize for the Nanking massacre. (Actually signed up just to respond... Might talk more about other things.)