"Rome Sweet Rome" Reddit musings becoming a film

[Darren Dirt]

and I for one am intrigued by the "high concept" story

http://reddit.com/r/RomeSweetRome


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/14/rome-sweet-rome-reddit-thread-movie_n_1010758.html

Variety reports that Warner Bros has bought the rights to produce a film out of James Erwin's story, "Rome Sweet Rome," which began as a response to a Reddit pondering over whether a Marine unit could take down the entire Roman empire. The story, which Erwin will pen in screenplay form, brings a Marine Exploratory Unit to Rome in 23 BC, as a conspiracy to overthrow Caesar grows. They alter history, then have to put it back on track to return back to the present, where they were fighting in Afghanistan.

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For more, click over to Variety. To read the entire story Erwin created on Reddit, download the PDF for free.

[Mr. Analog]

This reminds me of a movie about a modern (70s/80s?) aircrft carrier that went back in time to stumble upon Japanese forces prior to the Pearl Harbour attack. I can't remember the name at the moment...

I'll say this; beats some crappy ass sequel.

Aha! The Final Countdown (1980)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Final_Countdown_(film)

[Darren Dirt]

This reminds me of a movie about a modern (70s/80s?) aircrft carrier that went back in time to stumble upon Japanese forces prior to the Pearl Harbour attack. I can't remember the name at the moment...

I'll say this; beats some crappy ass sequel.

Aha! The Final Countdown (1980)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Final_Countdown_(film)

the story gives me a vibe of something like The Philadelphia Experiment, or Millennium (a poorly-received film which was based on a well-received sci fi novel by John Varley)






but Rome Sweet Rome = sounds like something "different" than what hits 3000 theatrical screens nowadays; almost like a TZ/OL episode made to be feature length. Which is a good thing.

[Mr. Analog]

Like Stargate in a way

[Thorin]

Well, half their vehicles will grind to a halt in the first two days as they run out of fuel, then the Marines will have to walk everywhere (or commandeer horses).  Then the Marines will run out of ammo, as they're used to being continuously supplied rather than having to count every bullet and collect every casing.  Finally, Rome will recall several of its legions to protect the capital, and a month after the Marines came in they'll be faced with tens of thousands of well-trained infantry.  That's when they realize it's just a numbers game.

I guess it depends on how many Marines go back in time and how many of their supplies make it through.  But what I read was "Marine Expeditionary Unit", which has over 2,000 soldiers and a tow or three dozen aircraft and a hundred or more vehicles.  That's a lot of troops and materiel, which will require a lot of supplies.

[Mr. Analog]

If only they had a 1980s aircraft carrier...

[Darren Dirt]

Well, [logic rational criticism and whatnot]

You're forgetting that these are American marines. Team World Police folks. They are magical. They will win through the sheer power of patriotism and outloud screaming Chuck Norris Facts confidently while they roll into battle, Big Macs and Coca Colas in hand and video game instincts at the ready!

Plus, at the time of this story I am guessing Zero Point Energy will be available at the consumer level. Obv.

[Mr. Analog]

Pssh, Marines, ONE Green Beret could take over the Roman Empire with a knife and some twine...

[Thorin]

All I'm saying is this could be a good story if the adage "bullets win battles, supply lines win wars" is adhered to while it is written.  Of course, if it were a squad or platoon of well-trained special-ops soldiers a la Stargate going back in time, that would a) make it easier to connect b) set up smaller battles and c) make the supply problem less of a hindrance.

Pssh, Marines, ONE Green Beret could take over the Roman Empire with a knife and some twine...

Uh, he needs some gum, too.  Just to be chewing it and look cool while kicking ass.

[Mr. Analog]

Pssh, Marines, ONE Green Beret could take over the Roman Empire with a knife and some twine...

Uh, he needs some gum, too.  Just to be chewing it and look cool while kicking ass.

Gum is only issued during Alien Ops LOLOLOL