the buzz log

Over the years, Batman has starred in dozens of video games. Sadly, the vast majority left gamers as moody and depressed as Bruce Wayne. Now, at long last, Batman has an interactive adventure worthy of his name. "Batman: Arkham Asylum" hits shelves today and is blowing up in Search.

For the most part, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Yahoo! Games calls it "the greatest comic book game of all time" and 1Up.com says it's "the best digital Batman simulator we've seen to date." Lofty praise, but searchers are also interested in some of the game's specifics.

Lookups on "batman arkham asylum villians" are up 40%, proof that gamers want to know which baddies they'll be going up against (the Joker and the Riddler are two of the most infamous adversaries in Arkham).

Also buzzing — achievements and trophies. Folks who play the Xbox 360 version earn "achievements" for progressing through the game (PlayStation 3 gamers earn "trophies"). They aren't worth anything (aside from bragging rights), but Bat-fans still care enough to search.

Another trend we've spotted: spoilers and walkthroughs. Even though the game has just hit, would-be Dark Knights are seeking every advantage they can get, whether its cheating or not. Probably a good idea — after all in this game, the inmates are running the asylum.

Filed under: Video Games, Batman

Why so furious?

Some fans of "The Dark Knight" feel the blockbuster got cheated out of Academy recognition for best director and best picture, but at least they have a chance this weekend for box office payback. The Christopher Nolan vehicle's not the only snubbed film opening in wide release this week. Could a perceived Oscar snub be as powerful an audience aphrodisiac as a nomination? At least in the Buzz Multiplex, a statuette isn't required to be among the three top-searched movies on Yahoo! this week.

1. The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience (PG-13). Just one day after the anniversary of Heath Ledger's death, his posthumous action-adventure film gets another release in movie theaters. Audiences can get a close-up reminder why Ledger snagged the Oscar nomination for best supporting actor, and aggrieved fans can show their support. The IMAX version includes six sequences using special cameras, but international theatergoers prone to nausea have a choice of only 29 other screens to avoid the effects. MTV.com lists the rundown of theaters hosting Batman and Joker's return.

2. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (R). Oscar wouldn't touch this horror-thriller with a gold-plated 10-foot britannium pole. Still, R-ratings aside, searchers 13-44 have developed a thirst for the third in this money-making series, which makes this either the lowbrow group-date movie of the week or the dysfunctional family compromise. Sorry, sweet Kate Beckinsale won't be reprising her toothy role as a bloodsucker in love with a werewolf. Instead, Rhona Mitra plays the female vampire lead in this prequel—popular, yes, but Mitra reaps only half the lookups of her predecessor. People most into underworld clashes? Online searchers from Kentucky, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.

3. Revolutionary Road (R). Best supporting actor, art direction, and costume design were all the Academy was willing to consider for this critically lauded melodrama, and denied Kate Winslet (nominated for Best Actress in "The Reader") a chance to double her odds. The suburban drama, now in wider release, still beckons mostly to women especially from Dallas-Fort Worth, Seattle-Tacoma, and New York City.

Filed under: Movies, Oscars, Comics, Batman, Horror

"The Dark Knight" is the second highest grossing movie of all time. There was never much doubt that another sequel would get made. The only question was which villains would terrorize Gotham City—and which actors would play 'em.

Both questions have apparently been answered. Michael Caine, who plays loyal butler Alfred, let loose that Johnny Depp will play the Riddler and Phillip Seymour Hoffman will do his best waddle as the Penguin. Sound familiar? It should because the rumor mill predicted it months ago. Eat your heart out, Woodward and Bernstein.

Ah, but wait. Reps for Mr. Hoffman are being a bit cagey about whether the portly thespian has signed on. The Oscar winner contends that he hasn't even been offered the role. However, he also says he wouldn't rule it out as a possibility. (Perhaps he's holding out for final monocle approval.)

Meanwhile, it looks like all systems are go for Depp as the Riddler. According to several blogs within the Buzz, Johnny described the idea of playing the enigmatic villain as "fun." Indeed, few bad guys are as delightfully hammy as the Riddler. But if Heath Ledger's haunting take as the Joker is any indication, expect Depp to turn in a much darker performance. We're a long way from Jim Carrey's spandex-clad interpretation, kids.

Filed under: Movies, Batman