Tuesday, September 30, 2008

IMAX Rollout for Revenge of the Fallen

Continuing with the current Hollywood trend, Michael bay will shoot scenes for Transformers 2: Rise of the Fallen with IMAX cameras. Variety reports that Bay will follow the same trend Nolan did with The Dark Knight and as Favreau has recently talked about with Iron Man 2, by shooting 3 scenes for IMAX. What does this mean? It means, Transformers 2 will be on IMAX dummy!

IMAX and Transformers seems like a match made in heaven, especially with Bay's typical camera work. Let's be honest, the 70mm images are no comparison to the traditional 35mm film, so why wouldn't any big action film want to utilize the format. The only drawback, is the ticket price when the film hits IMAX theaters. I have too many friends that forgo the experience because of the inflated ticket price. Myself, I havent missed one feature that has been presented in IMAX format to date (Scratch that, I have yet to watch Eagle Eye on IMAX, but plan to do so).

For those of you that have yet to catch on to the IMAX craze, here's an example of what you get when you pay the extra $5! The difference is absolute and once you've seen a film shot for IMAX, you wont ever want to go back to the normal shoebox's that can be called movie theaters. Anyways checkout the film cell comparison below. The top is traditional 35mm while the bottom one is IMAX 70mm.

Click the compared images to get higher resolution
Clearly IMAX is for big boys


Excited for Transformers 2:Rise of the Fallen on IMAX? I can't wait! As much as I think Bay is a joke in the directing world, I do love Bad Boys and Transformers!

Review - Star Wars The Clone Wars

The Star Wars saga continues with Clone Wars, in which Anakin Skywalker is assigned a young Padawan named Ahsoka Tano, who must help Anakin save Jabba the Hutt's son who has been kidnapped. Meanwhile, Count Dooku and his newest apprentice Asajj Ventress, will stop at nothing to ensure that Anakin and Ahsoka fail at their quest. On the front lines of the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the massive clone army in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side.

New The Spirit Trailer Gives Hope

The Spirit has had a lambasting of negative talk since its panel at Comic Con and not too much that has come forward has looked promising. The film looks overly stylized, basically Sin City with more color added in. The first trailer and footage shown at Comic Con were a disaster, which put tons of Eisner fan's into an uproar over the film they had been expecting for quite some time.

The newest trailer has provided a little bit of light to the film. The second trailer actually, is the first footage I have seen and liked. Everything else, as I said before, was a disaster. However, I will give credit to all the promo's and one-sheets, they are very strong, typical Frank Miller style. Again, this newest trailer gives the viewer a bigger look into the film and characters without the Spirit falling from lips and nazi Samuel L. Jackson images. Enough blabbing checkout the trailer below....




Am I crazy, or does this trailer actually make you want to see The Spirit again? I was ready to go see Marley & Me with the family on Christmas Day instead of The Spirit, but now the kids may be staying home with Grandma while Mom & Dad go see The Spirit.

Filth and Wisdom Trailer & One-Sheet!!

Filth & Wisdom is Madonna's first directorial effort (Yes, that Madonna) and it looks freaking outstanding! It stars Gogol Bordello's frontman Eugene Hutz as A.K. a cross-dresser who turns tricks for cash while dreaming of stardom with his band. Filth and Wisdom's official synopsis: a hilariously sexy tale of three roommates who must delve into mischievous and naughty behavior in pursuit of bigger and brighter futures. A Ukrainian immigrant, A.K. (Eugene Hutz), finances his dreams of ‘trans-continental superstardom’ with his band, Gogol Bordello, by turning tricks as a role-playing cross dresser. As A.K. literally whips the privileged of London into shape, he also secretly pines for the object of his affection, Holly (Holly Weston), an aspiring ballerina looking for her big break while moonlighting as a slippery stripper. Meanwhile, Juliette (Vicky Mclure) steals medicine from her pharmaceutical job in hopes of quenching her dreams of helping Africa’s youth. FILTH AND WISDOM is every bit as erotic and playful as it is poignant and touching, revealing the universal struggles we all face in our pursuits of happiness.

The film features stock footage and performances from Gogol Bordello! If you have not heard Gogol Bordello, check them out! They have an amazing sound routing from Eastern European folk music. They are definately one of my top band's as of late, and I constantly find myself listening to their various records. The band's music is also featured throughout the trailer below, it will give you a great example of their unique sound and amazing energy. Anyways checkout the trailer and one-sheet below....





Click one-sheet for higher resolution


Thoughts on Filth and Wisdom? Madonna looks like she may have a good thing going behind the lense.

The Soloist One-Sheet

Oscar Season is coming fast and The Soloist looks like it might be a true contender. Both Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. look phenominal in their performances and being based on a true story, let's just say, The Soloist isn't a long shot. The story follows the true story of LA Times journalist Steve Lopez who meets homeless man Nathaniel Ayers, who is a Juilliard-trained violinist. Checkout the one-sheet below....



Click the one-sheet for higher resolution


Thoughts on the Soloist? Best Actor is already looking crowded with Mickey Rourke, both Robert Downey Jr & Jamie Foxx, Frank Langella, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Phillip Seymour Hoffman all recieving heavy buzz from their November/December releases.

Dunst is "In" for Spidey 4 & 5

The always screeching Mary Jane Watson will be back in Spider-Man 4 & 5 and word from can mouth her self is, that MJ will continue to be played by Kristen Dunst. Kristen Dunst was asked at a recent screening of "How to Lose Friens & Alienate People" if she in fact would be back in the role of MJ. Dunst was very back and forth in her comments to say the least. She told MTV, "I'm in." She then quickly retorted and followed up by saying, “I’m not saying anything, I know there’s rumors…” Cryptic to say the least, sounds like she doesn't want to spill the beans prematurely.

It definately looks like Dunst wants to be back in the role and I assume Sony will want her back as well. But, could it be that Sony has bought in to the idea of a someone else playing MJ? I really hope so! I can't stand Dunst and think her only piece of work that was worth anything was "The Virgin Suicides" and I know I am not the only one. All she did in he Spider-Man films was get in the way. There is bound to be another far better actress that could assume the role and fans wouldn't miss a beat. Overall though let's face it, not too many roles have come her way since Spider-Man 3, so I am sure she is chomping at the bit to get back to work and get a real paycheck. With Raimi and Maguire back on board for the next two, I'm sure she wants in too.

What are your thoughts on Dunst back as MJ? Should Sony sign her for the next two or find a new MJ? Can MJ die already?

Monday, September 29, 2008

War Heroes Storm Sony

Mark Millar is a hot property right now in Hollywood, especially with Superhero films all the rage. Variety has reported that Sony has picked up the rights to Millar's current work, "War Heroes." Michael De Luca will produce the film while Sony and Columbia Pictures are currently looking for a writing staff to pen a adaptation from the 6-part series.

War Heroes follows a experimental military program that gives ordinary soldiers superpowers. When a small group of recruits break off to use these powers for a criminal enterprise, a hero rises from their ranks to prevent catastrophic results.

Wanted, which was optioned by Universal was a huge hit, Kick Ass has indie backing and is filming now, and now Sony picks up a series Millar hasn't even finished. He definately has a golden ticket right now in Hollywood and good for him, he deserves it! Millar is an awesome writer and I love everything I've read from him so far. Red Son is one of, if not the best Superman comic. His Ultimate X-Men and his entire Ultimate line (When are we gonna get Ultimates 3?). Wanted was a great book, but I hated the film. The film was too stylized for my tastes and the conversion from comic to film just didn't translate for me. Furthermore, Angelina Jolie is a terrible actress and should be blacklisted! But back to Millar, bravo! I am glad to see his properties being picked up!

Have you been reading War Heroes? Did you know Mark Millar a lost bet for $5,000 with Harry Knowles regarding the casting of the lead actor in Superman Returns?

Dual Identity For Crowe in Nottingham!?!

Nottingham, which is Ridley Scott's next film and fourth film in a row with actor Russell Crowe and fifth of their esteemed careers together, just had major news hit the net! MTV News is reporting that Crowe will be playing both the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood! They spoke with Ridley Scott at a recent Body of Lies press junket about the status of Nottingham and he was less than forthcoming, but gave a huge bombshell!

Scott told MTV News, "He’s playing both!” The only other addition Scott made towards Crowe's characters was, “a good old clever adjustment of characters. One becomes the other. It changes.”

This is probably the craziest and smartest news I've heard in a long while! Russell Crowe is outstanding in almost everything and the idea of he and Scott spinning a whole new idea on Robin Hood sounds fantastic. And this is definately a whole new spin on the story. It has been long talked that the film will feature role reversal of the Sheriff and Robin Hood, meaning Robin Hood is bad and the Sheriff is good. I am not sure how the hell they are going to pull this off, but Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe warrant my respect and attention.

Thoughts on Russell Crowe playing both the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood? How is this gonna work? Has Ridley Scott lost his mind?

Spring Time for Green Lantern?

The Green Lantern film has been moving forward towards a potential start date since WB unveiled their prospective DC comic films. We have seen the recent concept art a few weeks back. Greg Berlanti is confirmed to be directing the film and the recently positively reviewed script by Latino Review all point to a solid Green Lantern film shortly. To add to the mayhem First Showing has more potetnialy great news on the subject of the green ring wearing superhero. He spoke with producer Donald De Line who had some interesting tidbits to spill about the production start date.

De Line told First Showing, "a new draft of the script came in" and they're "gearing up to start shooting early spring." While it's not confirmed, he added that "it's coming together and I'm excited about it. Hopefully we'll make it to start gate. We're really close - really close."

Let's hope everything moves ahead smoothly and the film actually gets rolling in Spring. Another great DC superhero film would be nice. I am a moderate fan of Green Lantern, but his character has definate potential and from El Mayimbe's review, I am eagerly awaiting this release.

Thoughts on Green Lantern film? Are you excited for its release? Strikeback...

From Henry V to Thor!!

Kenneth Branagh is in final negoitations to direct Thor for Marvel Studios! The film is set to be released in 2010 and has yet to find it's lead, but new ground has broken today with Variety reporting that the famed thespian wants to direct the project.

Branagh who has graced the stage, the screen and behind the lense is one of my all time favorite actors. Anything he touches is usually gold and his version of Hamlet, is the only one that is worth watching (F the Mel Gibson version)! Branagh however hasn't done too much action since his first directorial effort back in 1989's Henry V, so the question could be raised, what is Marvel thinking? That should be instantly squashed if your consider Branagh's talents when it comes to Shakespeare, Thor the Norse god, seems right up his alley. I for one, am fully behind the idea of Branagh directing Thor, it means the viewer will get a well thought out film that will do justice to the Norse God and his world.

My only worry with Thor is, who the hell is gonna play him? Thor needs a definate star, some B-level talent will not cut it. I highly doubt viewers will pay the money to see Kevin McKidd as Thor (previously rumored for the role at one point). So who can Marvel acquire? Brad Pitt seems like a natural fit, but can Marvel land him? Daniel Craig could also pull it off quite nicely, but would Marvel be able to pry him away from the Bond series for Thor and The Avengers which release in back-to-back years? That could put a definate strain on the talented actor's schedule. Matt Damon might also work, but I really want him for Captain America! There definately are some cool perspective actors out there, but finding the perfect fit is definately a chore.

Mark Protosevich has penned a script for Thor which follows a disabled medical student named Donald Blake, who has an alter ego as the hammer-wielding Norse god Thor. I really hope this doesn't mean were getting Highlander, with flashback between both worlds, but it sounds very much like that is the case. I have felt that an origin film based in Thor world, would be a much better starting point, but clearly Marvel and their writing team has gone a different direction.

In related Marvel news, Marvel Studios and Paramount have locked in a deal that will allow Marvel to finance 8 films through Paramount over the next 10 years. So like Iron Man, Paramount will be financing Thor along with Marvel's other already slated properties including Iron Man 2, First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers.

Thoughts on Kenneth Branagh directing Thor? Who should play Thor? Does the relationship between Paramount and Marvel seem like a good one? Strikeback...

Outstanding Iron Man Concept Art

The Iron Man DVD releases tomorrow and I found these amazing concept art images from Iron Man. They include various looks the various Iron Man armors, War Machine and Iron Monger. There also a few images concieved by comic artist Adi Granov which are very good. I would assume most of this stuff will be on the DVD, but hey a sneek peak is always nice. Scroll down to check em out....



As always click the images for higher resolution



Just like the film, pretty damn amazing huh? To see all 37 of the photos click here.

Vorhees Unmasked!!!

Being a huge, HUGE fan of Friday the 13th series, I am more than stoaked that a revamp is coming our way! What makes it even better, is that it looks like the re-boot is gonna kick all kinds of ass! This doesn't look like the normal run of the mill remake/re-boots we have been getting, it looks like Platinum Dunes is bringing us a full-throttle Jason film and I couldn't be more happy!

I have some awesome set photos that come way of Horror Bid and they feature some new looks at Jason himself. Better yet, he's got his mask off in a few of them! The creation team behind Jason in the re-boot from what I've seen, read and reported on has nailed every angle of him! From what the creators have said and the footage they've shown, I am sold, and these new set photos prove it even further. Anyways scroll down for the new set pics....



Click on any of the pics for higher resolution


Thoughts on the new set pics? How badass does Vorhees look? To see all the photos check out Horror Bid.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Review - Choke

A sex addict who works as a coloinal reenactor visits his deranged mother in a private medical hospital trying to unlock her memories of his troubled childhood. The historical reenactor in order to pay for his mother's expensive medical bills, stakes out high class citizens in up scale restaurants in which he forces himself to choke, so that they may save him and feel sympathy, usually resulting in money.

Review - Boy A

A young man is released from prison and tries to restart his life with a new identity. With the help of a fatherly figure parole officer, the 24 year old begins to experience a coming of age that would have happened years ago, sans his prison stint for a childhood murder. Eventhough the young man tries to keep his true past secret, word spreads through the news and papers that the childhood murderer has been released, raising questions with people who surround him.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Review - Righteous Kill

A serial killer is on the loose and two thirty year partners of the New York City police force have taken the lead in the case. The killer is taking out justice on criminals who have fallen through the cracks of the criminal system. Deeming the serial killers motives to handle what the cops and criminal system could not. The two cops soon realize that they may be dealing with a cop serial killer who is very close to each of the cases that they are investigating.

Review - Mirrors

An ex-police officer take a job as a nightwatchman at a historical building and gets alot more then he is getting paid for. On his nightly walk-through's of the historical shopping mall, he notices something peculiar in the mirrors. The mirrors appear to be a gatewy into forces of evil that will stop at nothing to find the answers of Esseker. The spirits behind the mirrors soon lash out at anyone that comes in contact with the ex-cop, forcing him to discover the mysteries that are behind the coded message of Esseker.

Review - Lakeview Terrace

An inter-racially mixed couple move into their new home in a up scale so-cal neighborhood quickly find out that their next door neighbor isn't as inviting as they hoped. The couple would like to just fit in and settle down, however their neighbor has some very invasive tactics and a completely different agenda then allowing the couple to just settle in to their new home and neighborhood. To make matters worse the couple soon realize that their neighbor is a LAPD officer and takes matters of the law into his own hands. What could be safer than living next to a cop?

Friday, September 26, 2008

First Set Pics of Alice in Wonderland!!

We have our first look at Tim Burton's Alice Wonderland which is being shot in Cornwall, England. The majority of the set pics focus on young Alice being played by Mia Wasikowska.

As you can clearly see this isn't a computer screen or an empty stage like we've heard about for most motion-capture films, that's because it will be mixed. The film will feature both live-action and motion-capture. One would only assume that everything before Alice falls down the rabbit hole will be live action and the rest, in Wonderland will be in motion-capture. However there is some thought that Alice will be used in live action throughout the whole film. Clearly more to come. Scroll down to check out a couple more of the set pics and see all of them here.






Thoughts on our first glimsp of Alice in Wonderland? Are you anticipating the film? Or have you tired of Burton's normal routine?

Bill Murray Talks GB3!!

Peter Venkman himself had a few things to say at Fantastic Fest Thursday about the upcoming Ghostbusters sequel. It seems Murray has healed his wounds and may be willing to return as the deadpan Venkman! Murray said, "the wounds from GHOSTBUSTERS 2 are healed" and that he would be ready to come back if the writting staff does a good treatment on the third film. He commented further by saying, "And supposedly they have hired two guys from The Office to write a script. So that could work. I think that’s a good idea to get a fresh look at… I always liked the characters. The characters are fun. And we did have a lot of fun making the movie. The first one was really a lot of fun to make. And I think the first 45 minutes of Ghostbusters is about as fun as a movie gets.”

Murray did throw caution in th eway of the writers however by saying, “We didn’t have a lot of special effects in it. There were just a couple. It was just the funny characters in that world, and I like that movie because of it. The first movie had like 60 plate shots. The second movie had like hundreds. Those guys got their hands on the script early, and it was GONE. It went away. It was hard to wrangle because it was tied all around the effects without the story or the characters coming first. So, they are hard movies to write, and Dan really caught it with that first one.” So this is definately a we'll take a look at it statement concerning Murray reprising his role. If the script sucks, I doubt he'd do it just for the sake of doing (He's not Steve Martin).

So there you have it, Murray is open to the idea! How great is that? Now we just need a good script and this film should move along quite nicely. It has been so long that I have dreamed about at least one more go-round with the Busters, and seems like that date isn't that far off anymore!


Are you just as excited about the prospect of all 4 original Ghostbusters returning? Strikeback...

The Lone Ranger May Have a Leading Man

Aint it Cool News is reporting today that Mr. Heart throb himself may be in negotiations to play the Lone Ranger. Yep, George Clooney could be riding Silver along with Tonto at his side. Now the deal is far from getting done, but this is the closest thing we have to a strong contender for the role.

Electric Dreams is a big source for AICN and had this to say on the matter of Clooney as the Lone Ranger, "George Clooney has shown a lot of interest in the role of the Lone Ranger, and the studio's been talking to him about it." So there you have it, that is the best were gonna get for now.

Personally, I think Clooney is a perfect fit for the Lone Ranger and could do a great job sharing the screen with Depp. What worries me about the film, is how is Disney approaching it. Are we going to get a gritty western or more something like what Disney did with Pirates? I am hoping for the first but dread that we will get the later. The last thing we need is a campy western with Depp portraying a Native American. Does Disney remember Pocahontas? Can anyone say backlash!

What are your thoughts on Clooney as the Lone Ranger? Does he seem like a good fit? It's better than the original name being thrown around...Nic Cage!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Ughh...I Am Prequel

In rather disappointing news Warner Bros have decided to suck as much as they can out of I Am Legend and Will Smith and will be developing a prequel to the feature released that winter. Will Smith will reprise his role as scientist Robert Neville. Variety reports that the prequel will chronicle the final days of humanity in New York before a man-made virus caused a plague that left Smith’s character the lone survivor among a mutated mob in the city.

Spoilers ahead: (If you haven't seen I Am Legend you might want to skip the rest of this article)

The main reason this bothers me so much is, we've already seen it! I Am Legend did a good job of giving the viewer backstory including the scene where Smith loses his family. True we didn't see the ultimate climax where the entire city of New York is wiped out except Smith, but I Am Legend was a complete story and no need for a prequel/sequel. An example that comes to mind is Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. From the beginning of that family we see the same Hewitt family that is in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The only difference is grandpa's legs. You immediately realize, no one in the Hewitt family will die in the film, taking away any intesity the film tries to build. Here in the prequel to I Am Legend, we already know Smith is the last man in New York City, we know what he has lost, so alot of the potency is dampened.

My second gripe is the cgi vampire-hybrids. They were really terrible in action in the first film and unless they dramatically improve the concept and creation of them, it's going to be terribly straining. There was one great scene when Neville goes in after his dog and see the vamp's huddled together panting. Outside of that scene, they looked terrible! I really hope the creative team comes up with a different design to make them look more human-like. Considering this is a prequel and the earlier stages of the virus, they could appear to be less infected (just a thought).

Despite my opinon and I am sure many others, WB is moving forward with the project which is being co produced by Overbrook Entertainment and Weed Road alongside Warner. The studio has hired D.B. Weiss to pen a script that is based on an outline Smith and company have developed over the last couple of months. No production schedule has been set as of yet.


What are your thoughts on an I Am Legend prequel? Should WB leave the film alone? Did you know Will Smith turned down admission to M.I.T. to pursue his singing career? Strikeback...

Valkyrie One-Sheet!!

Here is our first poster of Bryan Singer's newest film Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise amoung others. The film has had quite a production and post-production in which the film has gone through re-shoots and has been shifted all over the calendar from December 2008 to Summer 09 and back to December 08.

The official synopsis goes as follows: At the height of WW2, a group of high-ranking German officers hatched a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, and seize power of the military command in order to end the war. The operation was codenamed "Valkyrie", for the emergency plan that was meant to be used in case of a revolt against the Nazi government. This plan had been modified by the conspirators to ensure their success, but for various reasons the plot failed when finally carried out on 20 July 1944. The conspirators of the inner circle were shot after a kangaroo trial or sentenced to death soon after.

Who knows how good this film will prove to be, but United Artists are definatley implying oscar buzz with the final release date. Oscar buzz is quite a statement for a film that has had such a covered and question production, but none the less, Bryan Singer's work in the past warrants me spending my time to see it. Valkyrie releases December 26th 2008. Anyways checkout the one-sheet below....



As always click one-sheet for higher resolution


What are your thoughts one the one-sheet for Valkyrie? Are you willing to see this film? Will this film help bring Cruise and Singer back into the good graces of Hollywood?

Megan Fox Rumored for Fathom

Fathom is a wonderful comic that was developed by Michael Turner in 1998 and was in constant on & off talks about being made into a feature film. The untimely death of Turner in June of this year, however made most believe that the feature would unfortunately never be made. Well the guys over at IESB have heard otherwise!

It seems that the film still has legs at 20th Century Fox and has been handed off to it's sister company Fox Atomic. Fox Atomic has for the most part mainly dealt with Horror films like Turistas, The Hills Have Eyes II and 28 Weeks Later, but have also developed or distributed films like The Rocker and The Comebacks. More recently they are distributing Jennifer's Body starring Megan Fox. Well it appears that Fox Atomic has contacted the star of Jennifer's Body to play the lead in 'Fathom.' IESB reports that Megan Fox has signed on this week infact to play Aspen Matthews which Fathom centers around.

Aspen Matthews is a surfing marine biologist who spends most of her time in the water and has a distant past that is unclear exactly what and where her origins are from. She was discovered and adopted by a naval officer after appearing on a cruise ship that was vanished for 10 years. She spends her time in deep marine discovery where she can unlock the secrets to her past.

Megan Fox is probably the best choice for Aspen, as they do look much alike, and men everywhere are in heavy panting just thinking of seeing an entire film with Fox in a swimsuit. I am about to set off alot of guys in disgust, but I dont really see all of the appeal! Megan Fox face is very awkward, she has massive amounts of freckles and her nose looks to be in the same family as Micahel Jackson current nose! The current photos of her in GQ only prove my point further. One can say that with her being held so high on a pedastool right now, it only gives me reason to find her imperfections. My main concern is can Megan Fox carry a film, and I don't mean on sex appeal alone. Her role in Transformers, is essentially to look hot and is only a minor character, in Fathom she will have to convince us that she is a leading lady and not just a piece of meat. Not so sure she can pull that off. Jennifer's Body may give us a better idea, but intial reviews of the film have been pretty bad.

This isn't the first comic book film Fox has been attached/rumored for either. Hack/Slash has also been supposedly in production, but not much of anything has happened in two years on it. Personally, I'd rather see Hack/Slash with Fox, but again not sure if Fox could bring the right intesity to the role. Hack/Slash is a brutal comic and a great read for a horror genre comic, but Fox may not be able to pull either of these roles off convincingly.

Thoughts on Megan Fox in Fathom? Have you read Fathom? Did you see the tribute to Turner this year at Comic Con? Fox has said that her favorite comic artist is the recently deceased Michael Turner.