Thursday, April 30, 2009

Trailer: Adam

The first trailer for writer/director Max Mayer's film "Adam" has finally hit the net. "Adam" has been highly talked about since this year's Sundance Film Festival and after viewing the new trailer I can see why. The film looks like a very well put together dramedy with what seems to be two unique characters. "Adam" stars Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne along with Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, Frankie Faison and Mark Linn-Baker (Yes, Perfect Strangers). "Adam" releases July 29th most likely in limited release. Checkout the trailer below...

What say you? Will you be seeking out Adam come July 29th? Strikeback...

Trailer 2: Transformers 2

The highly anticipated 2nd trailer for "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" has just hit the net and it is spectacular! I loved the first film and the sequel looks to be as good if not better. The trailer features alot more plot development, more Transformers, confirmation that Megatron is indeed back, and some nice footage of Devastator! For those of you who lust for Megan Fox, there enough of that as well (including some jean cut-offs that might as well be g-strings). "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" releases June 24th in both standard and IMAX presentations. Checkout the trailer below...

What say you? Will Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen be as good if not better than the first? Strikeback...

Trailer 2: G.I. Joe

Despite all of the negative press that has been circling Stephen Sommers "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" relasing August 7th, I am holding out hope that I will at the very least be able to just enjoy it. This week a new trailer of the film has been released and I have it here for you below. The newest trailer does provide a bit of optimism that "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" wont be complete dribble.

It should be noted that when Stephen Sommers signed on as director, did anyone really expect the best possible G.I. Joe movie? Were talking about a director who has given us nothing but popcorn action films that thrive on cheap thrills and jokes. It is not like Paramount hired Christopher Nolan, Bryan Singer or Sam Raimi. I intend to watch "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" as a light-hearted action film and I will desperately try to not let this film ruin my love of G.I. Joe. I anticipate that from all of the leaked photos, they have indeed royally screwed up Cobra Commander, however at least Joseph Gordon-Levitt is playing him. Anyways, checkout the trailer below...

What say you? Has Sommers destroyed G.I. Joe? Will you take this film with a grain of salt or hold it to the highest standards? Strikeback...

Trio of The Hangover Posters

Three new character posters have found their way onto the web for "The Hangover." Each one is funny, but they instantly remind the on-looker of the 40 Year Old Virgin poster that seems to have become a common place with male comedies. Todd Phillips newest comedy looks incredibly funny and should prove to be a perfect summer comedy. The film stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and the hiliarious Zach Galifianakis as three friends who head to Vegas for a Bachelor party prior to the wedding and end up losing the groomsmen during the what appears to be a widly drunken adventure. The trailer for "The Hangover" released March and did not disappoint. "The Hangover" releases June 5th in wide release...scroll down to see the 3 new posters.

Click any pister for higher resolution
What say you? Does The Hangover look funny to you? How great is the Mike Tyson cameo? STrikeback....

Monday, April 27, 2009

Videodrome Remake in Works

Another classic film is about to be chewed up and spit out into a remade form. The next film to fall to the remake gods is the cult classic Videodrome, directed by the amazing David Cronenberg. The news is a hard pill to swallow and doesn't excite me in the slightest. Videodrome while not being one of my favorites of Cronenberg's it is still good and has me asking if a updated story would even work in today's highly technological society, furthermore why the hell is a remake necessary?

The original 1983 film starred James Woods as Max Renn a sleazy Executive of the UHF channel 83 in Canada. He decides to air snuff television in which viewers watch as real-life people are murdered. The show transfixes viewers into deep hallucinations leading to brain tumors and self-mutilation.

Variety reports that the reboot or remake will update the story into today's world. "The new picture will modernize the concept, infuse it with the possibilities of nano-technology and blow it up into a large-scale sci-fi action thriller." Ehren Kruger has been hired to pen the script and will co-produce the remake with long time associate Daniel Bobker. Kruger doesn't give the biggest vote of confidence, his other writing efforts include The Skeleton Key, The Brothers Grimm, Reindeer Games and my personal favorite Scream 3 (note the sarcasim). No word on a release date or director as of yet...more news to follow as it develops.

I am not at all a big fan of remakes, I can see where in some instances why they work, but the wide majority of them just seem like a huge waste of time. Videodrome has a Criterion edition, shouldn't that alone ban it from a remake? Probably not, ask Arnofosky how his Robocop remake is coming. First and foremost, we should allow younger generations a chance to see some of the older classic or cult films and let them pass judgement on the originals. Take for example Videodrome, most likely a majority of the young generation have never seen the original and now, why would they? Secondly, was the original Videodrome that popular that Universal needed to jump at the idea of it? Videodrome was and is, a cult film, much like Cronenberg's other films i.e. Dead Ringers and Scanners. The film was only in theaters 10 days in 1983 taking home $1,194,175 total opening weekend in the #8 spot. Videodrome's domestical total were a whopping $2,120,439. Lastly (and this one is getting tired), have all of the ideas dried up in Hollywood? Is there nothing original to write about? I don't think every single comic book has been optioned yet, I am sure Hollywood could crap out some more generic horror, romance and comedy films with the latest and hottest actors and actresses in them. I hate to rant, but it is necessary....leave classic and cult films alone, let them stand the test of time, instead of cheapening and raping their very exsistences.

What say you? Have you seen Cronenberg's Videodrome? Would you want to see a remake? Are you tired of remakes or do they kickass compared to the older versions? Strikeback...

Sunday, April 26, 2009

30 Days of Night Sequel

Steve Niles recently broke his silence on the possibility of a sequel to the 2007 film, 30 Days of Night that starred Josh Hartnett and Melissa George. He talked with MTV News and revealed not only will there be a sequel to the comic book adapted film, the script is already written. He also reveals that the sequel may be headed for a direct-to-dvd instead of a theatrical release, but remains optimistic of the potential for the comic to become a franchise.

Niles tells MTV, "There will be a sequel. The script is in. I’ve been working on it with a buddy of mine, Ben Ketai, who directed the last round of the online webisodes." He added, "The script is based on ‘Dark Days.’" "Dark Days" was the sequel to the original comic and followed Stella Olemaun (George) as she heads to Los Angeles seeking retribution for her husband Eben's death, from the local L.A. vampire population.

Steve Niles revealed to MTV News that because 30 Days of Night only made a $70 million dollar box office gross, the sequel will most likely face the direct-to-dvd treatment. "We didn’t hit that magic $100 million, but I had a long talk with Sam (Sam Raimi),” Niles devulged. "He called me and just said, ‘Don’t be too quick to judge this direct-to-dvd market, especially with the sci-fi market.’" Niles continued to show hope with the direct-to-dvd market by saying, "This way we’d be able to do all the comics. We won’t have the massive competition of the box office, and theoretically, we could move on to ‘Return to Barrow’ and to the other series and short stories." So it seems we will definately get more 30 Days of Night, but it won't be in theaters, instead on dvd. More news as it develops....

What say you? Will you continue to follow the series on dvd? Did you like the first film? Strikeback...

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Top 10 Movies: Dramedy

Schofizzy's Top 10 Movie list conitues this week with the category of Dramedy. Dramedies have always been one of my favortite genres of film. The ability to write seemless dialogue that is genuine and always feels real is a true talent and every film on this list definately deserves it's ranking. Every director on this list is also one of my favorite directors and always has my attention fixated on their next projects regardless of what they may be. Without further ado I bring you Schofizzy's Top 10 Dramedies....

Multiple Wolverine Endings

There has been alot of debate and stories back and forth surrounding "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" since the leaked workprint of the film. Fox was clearly enraged their material got out ahead of time, and rightfully so. The exec's quickly released a statement saying, "Last night, a stolen, incomplete and early version of X-Men Origins: Wolverine was posted illegally on websites. It was without many effects and had missing scenes and temporary sound and music." Note the part that say's "missing scenes" because this week members of press have began to start seeing the finished or theatrical cut of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" and it is the exact same film with only score, sound mixing and special effects completed, but no new scenes to back up the "missing scenes" statement.

Yesterday, First Showing confirmed the earlier reports after seeing the Fox lot screening of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" hosted by director Gavin Hood, but added that the finished film will feature mulitple "easter egg" endings. Are these the "missing scenes" the execs eluded to, the answer is not clear, but the theatrical cut will have multiple endings that will be attached to different reels and digital presentations across the U.S. The version First Showing saw featured Deadpool and Hood would not reveal how many there are exactly. My take, although it feels like a last-minute scramble to get audiences in the theaters come May 1st, the easter egg endings are always a sweet bonus! They usually allow viewers to know what other Marvel films they can expect too. In this case, I do hope Deadpool could get a spin-off, just as long as he is done right! What could some of the other endings be, perhaps we might see a setup for "X-Men: First Class"?

Update: It has been confirmed that a 2nd "easter egg" ending will feature Wolverine in a setting we have all hoped for, Japan!

Gavin Hood did talk to the crowd about the specific differences between the workprint that was released and the theatrical cut. He said, "there was 400 unfinished visual effects shots and that there was no score, unfinished sound mixing, and unfinished coloring." First Showing did make sure to point out that Hood did not mention anything about differences in footage.

Regardless of whether "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" is good or bad remains to be seen for most and either way, I will be taking the whole family to go see it. All of my kids are super excited and I am too. Hugh Jackman has always been a perfect Wolverine and Liev Schreiber looks to play Sabretooth fairly well. I am not expecting a Spider-Man, Iron Man or The Dark Knight level film, but more on the lines of what we've seen with Incredible Hulk, Ghost Rider, Punisher: War Zone, Daredevil, or the Fantastic Four films. Which are just entertaining popcorn comic book films, that are not intended for deep thought and reflection, but more so just a rousing good time.

What say you? Will you be seeing X-Men Origins: Wolverine in theaters? Have you watched the workprint? Strikeback....

X-Men: First Class Details

X-Men: First Class is a wonderful 8-issue comic that was created back in 2006 ending in 2007 by Jeff Parker and penciled by Roger Cruz. The original issues followed the teenage Beast, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Iceman and Angel while they attended Professor's Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. It was announced last year that Fox had decided to give the series a film treatment and more recently, "X-Men: First Class" news has been swirling, so it felt necessary to sum up the details to date.

Josh Schwartz, creator of The O.C., Chuck and Gossip Girl was hired to pen the script. The film will be a prequel and not a spin-off or a re-boot. The film will follow young Scott, young Jean and young Beast in their first year or as the first class of the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning. The film is planned to become a potential franchise watching key X-Men as they grow up. The film will be a lighter touch to the X-Men franchise and will provide both laughter and action.

Producer Lauren Shuler Donner has revealed most of this news through her interviews with SciFi Wire and Comics Continuum. Her are some of the highlights from her interviews. She first spoke about where in the X-Men Universe the story will take place and where they intend to take the story, "It is the first class of Xavier's school, way back when, so it's young Scott, young Jean, young Beast and that'll be really fun. I think (the plan) is to follow some of the characters into their own stories, and weave them back into the X-Men world." "And hopefully First Class will become its own franchise and we can follow them as they grow up." Shuler Donner later talked about how the film will be a lighter treatment than the previous X-Men films have been and what it is like to do a teenage based film, "I like kids. I did produce Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo's Fire. I do like those kind of teenage movies; I really do. Part of it takes me to my roots. It's action. There seems, to me, to be more humor, or more potential for humor. I really like that idea. The relationship ... I don't want to get into what the script is about, but it provides a bit of a lighter touch to the franchise."

More "X-Men: First Class" news as it develops....

What say you? Are you game for a more kid friendly X-Men movie? Have you read X-Men: First Class comics? Strikeback...

Trailer: H2

Rob Zombie's "H2" teaser trailer has finally hit the net and I have it here for you below. The first trailer to anticipated Zombie sequel gives us a taste of where the Myers story will go under the helm of Rob Zombie. The trailer opens with a flashback of the night Laurie shoots Michael and a bit of her stay in the hospital (much like the original 1981 Jon Carpenter sequel) and then fast forwards to two years later. We get some great shots of Michael tormenting and this week's revealed photo of hooded Michael standing face to face with a young boy in a very similar costume gets flushed out a bit with the boy asking Michael, "are you a giant?" The trailer is good and keeps my anticipation bubbling, however I do have one gigantic concern, Sheri Moon Zombie.

Rob Zombie insists on over-using his wife, Sheri Moon Zombie, in all of his films. The trailer reveals Deborah Myers (Moon Zombie) plays a pivotal role in Michael's path of destruction and I am not so sure this is going to sit well with me. If you saw the first Zombie Halloween, you know Deborah Myers commited suicide and it appears from the trailer, Zombie found a way to still give his real life wife a role in the film. Anyways I will save absolute judgement until I see a final product, but for now Schofizzy's a little skeptical. "H2" releases August 28th. Scroll down to see the trailer...

What say you? Do you like where Zombie is taking his sequel? Strikeback...

Two More Find 'Inception'

Not much has been revealed about Christopher Nolan's next film "Inception" except for a brief synopsis and the cast, well this week two more talented actors have joined the film. Both Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Michael Caine have been confirmed to have roles in the Nolan scifi film that is “set within the architecture of the mind.”

Joseph Gordon-Levitt will be replacing the role James Franco had to abandon due to scheduling conflicts. He will be playing an associate of DiCaprio's character. Gordon-Levitt is a phenominal actor who has really grown a helluva lot from his early days on Third Rock from the Sun, so much so I generally want to see anything he does. Michael Caine who is absolutely brilliant, will only have a small part, but has become a common place in every Nolan film. This will be Caine's fourth film with Christopher Nolan. Caine told In Contention, "Just a tiny part. Chris and I are very good friends so I’ll do that little part. I think I’ll work about three days. It’ll be extraordinary, wait until you see this one. I think if I say another word he’s going to kill me!"

Gordon-Levitt and Caine join an already exceptional cast including Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page and Leonardo DiCaprio. "Inception" releases July 16th, 2010. More news to follow as it develops...

What say you? How great is Inception's cast? Will a Nolan scifi be a nice departure before another Batman film? Strikeback...

Thursday, April 23, 2009

TMNT Origins: Live Action

It is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 25th anniversary this week and at the New York celebration The Mirage Group has confirmed they will be returning to the live-action sphere with the Ninja Turtles. The film will focus specifically on the origins of the crime fighting foursome with a hopeful release date pending for 2011.

Scott Mednick is producing the film and has said that the film will follow the original comics. "The original dozen comics created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman are some of the best source material one could hope for." Which means we should get a far grittier take on the Ninja Turtles than we saw from the original live-action films. I wouldn't bank on that though, there is no way the film will be R rated and I will be surprised if it even warrants a PG13 rating.

While the Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello are ultimate badasses, do we really need another origin story? I don't think so. The original live-action film covered it fairly well. I would rather just get right into the meat of the story and the action rather than spend 45 to 60 minutes setting up the Turtles backstory only to have a lackluster ending that has us craving more action. The Mirage Group could very well stick to the early years of the Turtles without having a origin story. I just hope we get a darker Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rather than a kid friendly one, but I fear the later is a no-brainer from a marketing standpoint. Oh well...

Update: Peter Laird, co-creator of the original comic series tells MTV, "I can say that at this point there are a lot of positive feelings about a Batman Begins-style ‘reboot,’ which would, of necessity, include a retelling of the Turtles’ origin story." Laird continued by adding, "I would also be into an all-new story, if it was decided that that was a more desirable direction. Either way is fine with me, to be honest!" Laird did finalize that the reboot will not just be the first comic. He said, "Simply telling the story of what happened in the first issue of the ‘TMNT’ comic book would be a pretty short movie, so I suspect other things from the Turtles’ history in the comics might be brought into it." The co-creator also added that Shredder is a must if it is infact a origin tale, while April O'Neil and Casy Jones have also been mentioned as definate possibilities for the live-action reboot.

What say you? Do you want to see a origin TMNT live action film? Should it be kid-friendly or get the new dark treatment? Strikeback...

Elm Street Has its Nancy!

News broke yesterday that the Samuel Bayer remake of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" has found its Nancy! Bloody Disgusting reported that Rooney Mara will take on the role of the lead female Freddy haunts in the Platinum Dunes film. Mara will join Jackie Earle Haley playing Freddy Krueger, Kyle Gallner (Haunting in Connecticut) playing Quentin and Thomas Dekker (Sarah Conner Chronicles) as Jesse. Shooting is set to begin next month in Chicago with a April 16th, 2010 release date planned.

Rooney Mara isn't a wowing casting, but she is definately a fresh face like Heather Langenkamp was in the 1984 original. I honestly can't say anything negative about her acting because, I haven't seen any of the crap she has previously been in. Mara much like the rest of the cast is primarily young and newbie actors that can get the job done on the cheap. Platinum Dunes knows full well they really don't need any big names for the teens, they will already have a solid fanbase ready to watch.

In other Nightmare news, Twilight co-star Kellan Lutz has also been cast in the Elm Street remake as Dean a popular high school jock. Lutz played Emmett Cullen in Twilight. Lutz is currently filming Twilight's sequel "New Moon" in Vancouver, but will be scheduled for later dates to shoot his Nightmare scenes.

Bloody Disgusting also has a breakdown of the teens setup and development in the remake. "Dekker will play "Jesse", the alpha male trying to get back together with his girlfriend. Mara plays Nancy Thompson, the girl who can't wait to leave town after graduation. Those young dreams will prove to be dust as the duo join Kyle Gallner (Quentin), in the role played by Johnny Depp in the 1984 pic, as fodder for slasher Freddy Krueger, being played by Jackie Earle Haley."

What say you? Is Rooney Mara a good pick for Nancy? Do you like how the cast is shaping up? Strikeback...

Predators and a Machete

Today we have two news bits coming from Sin City director Robert Rodriguez. Variety is reporting that RR will finally make good on his promise to make a full length "Machete" film and will also be producing a prequel to the Arnold Schwarzenegger scifi film Predator for FOX called "Predators."

The first bit to this story is very pleasing. The faux trailer in Grindhouse was hysterical and I have hoped that Rodriguez would actually make a feature length version. RR will be working outside of any major studios and using his Trouble Maker Studios to film "Machete" which stars Danny Trejo. RR will be co-directing the film with his long time editor Ethan Maniquis. The two intend to begin lensing in June at Trouble Maker Studios in Austin Texas. If you have never seen the faux-trailer, Machete is a Mexican ex-Federale with a gift for wielding a blade, who hides out as a day laborer and is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator. No word whether "Machete" will be a direct-to-dvd liked originally planned or a theatrical release, but my money is on the first option. Call me ignorant, but I just don't see "Machete" being that big of a box office draw, eventhough I'd pay to see it on the big screen.

The second news scoop I am very skeptical about. Now while I loved the original Predator, I really don't know that we need a prequel. I love Robert Rodriguez too, but between "Red Sonja," "Barbarella" and now "Predators" I think RR should stick with his original ideas whether producing or directing. Why re-hash all of these old properties when he can come up with cool new material? RR is currently slated to direct "Nerveracker" which is from his original script along with looming "Machete" and the completed "Shorts" which looks funny enough for a kids movie and all of these titles are RR's original ideas. That said, I am sure that RR can bring something fresh and new to the Predator franchise, but for now I am unthrilled at the prospect of yet another, yawn, Predator film.

What say you? Have you seen the faux trailer for Machete? Does RR doing a prequel to Predator excite you? Strikeback...

Eclipse Has a Director!

Nikki Finke reported back on Tuesday that "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" may have found itself a director. Yesterday, the news was verified by Summit Entertainment via Variety. So who is the third director for the third film in the saga, none other than 30 Days of Night and Hard Candy director David Slade.

The news is quite exciting and after a day or two of reflection really has my anticipation bubbling. It also continues Summit Entertainment's option to choose a new director for each Twilight film. Slade is a much stronger choice of Chris Weitz, who is currently film the second film in the Twilight Saga, "New Moon." Slade is no stranger to vampires nor teenage angst after directing 30 Days of Night and Hard Candy and should be able to handle the material flawlessly.

In other Twilight Saga news, Empire Online has our first look at the wolf pack in the currently filming "New Moon." The image features newbie actors Chaske Spencer, Alex Meraz, Kiowa Gordon and Bronson Pelletier who are all of various Native American decent. The image leaves something to be desired for the male audience, but I am sure female tweens are oohing and aahing at the site of the shirtless quartet. Take a look at the image below...

Click the wolf pack for higher resolution
What say you? Is David Slade a perfect choice to direct Eclipse? Are you a Twilight fan or hater? Strikeback...

Two More Join Iron Man 2

THR has revealed that Clark Gregg and Kate Mara have been casted in "Iron Man 2." The sequel to the critically acclaimed Marvel film has been filming since the beginning of April but we are now seeing some secondary characters being flushed out.

Clark Gregg will reprise his role as Agent Phil Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. while Kate Mara's role has not been revealed as of yet. Gregg returning as the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is not surprising considering "Iron Man 2" will further setup the Avengers film.

Mara's role however can begin a whirlwind of speculation as to who she will play. The strong money is on Sharon Carter or known as Agent 13 for S.H.I.E.L.D., Carter is Steve Rogers aka Captain America's girlfriend and would be a nice setup role. Other roles Mara could be possibly be playing is another female that Stark swoons into bed, Janet Van Dyne aka The Wasp (previous reports have lead us to believe Eva Longoria will play her), or some huge longshots could even be She-Hulk, Spider-Woman, or Ms. Marvel.

More news to follow as it develops....

What say you? Are you eagerly anticipating Iron Man 2? Who should Kate Mara play in Iron Man 2? Strikeback...

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

2 More Stills of Myers in H2

It's seems that every other day I am posting a new image of Michael Myers or a new scoop on the Rob Zombie sequel, and quite honestly, I couldn't be happier! From what I have seen so far, I am actually more excited for the sequel than I was Zombie's first attempt at the Halloween franchise. The two new images below have a bit of controversy behind them. Scroll down for the details on the images...

The first photo shows Michael Myers in his usual attire in a basement. The image is what we have come to expect from Halloween and is menacing enough but is definately overshadowed by the 2nd photo. The second image shows Myers in his hooded sweatshirt out of his normal cover-all's and Shattner mask face to face with a young trick 'r' treater. The interesting aspect to the 2nd photo, is that the youngster is wearing the very same costume we all know so well from the original Halloween and Zombie's first re-boot. It is unclear if Myers is dreaming or if he is actually standing in front of a random kid who is wearing a identical costume, but regardless, the image is daunting!

The controversy behind these two new images is that the second photo (Face-to-face) was actually published on Zombie's myspace first, but then quickly removed. The first photo (basement) was then added to replace the intial (face-to-face) image. So it seems someone slipped up, but luckily for you, Schofizzy was able to save the image and I have it for you below. Checkout the two new photos below....

What say you? Are you ready for H2? Did you like Zombie's first effort? Strikeback...

Kick-Ass Reveals Hit Girl

Matthew Vaughn's film adaptation of the comic book "Kick-Ass" created by Mark Millar has been in production since the 2nd half of last year and is due out late 2009, but today comes the first official still of Hit Girl from Empire Online. Chloe Moretz plays the young assassin in the ultra-violent film adapted from the comic. The new image features Moretz in her school-girl costume as Hit Girl posed with silenced-handgun in a hallway.

Hit Girl, for those of you who have not had the opportunity to read the outstanding comic, is a 12-year old assassin who has been trained by her father, Big Daddy. Hit Girl aka Mindy Macready saves Kick-Ass aka Dave Lizewiski from certain death taking out over a dozen henchmen in the comic. Hit Girl is highly trained in both sword fighting, gunplay and will definately be kicking some ass in the upcoming film. Enough chatter checkout the new photo below...

Click Hit Girl for higher resolution
What say you? Have you read Kick-Ass? Will you be seeing the Vaughn film? Strikeback...

Monday, April 20, 2009

'Lovely Bones' Images

Our first glimpse at Peter Jackson's latest movie coming our way "The Lovely Bones" adapted from the novel of the same name hit the net today via USA Today and Empire Online, but I have them here for you to gander at. "The Lovely Bones" was written by Alice Sebold and follows a 14 year old girl Susie, who is brutally raped, murdered and dismembered. Susie becomes stuck in between Heaven and Earth (some have argued a personalized Heaven) being forced to watch as her family and friends try to move on with their lives. Susie must deal with the choices her family and friends are making, while also coping with her own death.

Jackson spoke about the perception that the film could be a bit of a downer, but he argue's it is optimistic. "I found the book to be curiously optimistic, I felt inspired by Susie's struggle to come to terms with her own death. In the face of overwhelming grief, she finds hope. She holds on to love, and by doing so, she transcends the horror of her murder." Jackson also spoke about the after life in the film and the representation of Heaven or where Susie is stuck. "It's God-less in the sense that when Susie dies, she finds herself caught in a place between Earth and heaven — she is in an 'In-Between,' as Alice Sebold calls it. When she moves on, we're happy for audiences to imagine this new world in whatever way makes them comfortable," Jackson eluded.

For those of you who have read "The Lovely Bones" you know how wonderful it is and to have Peter Jackson directing it, definately gives hope to a novel that seemed unmakeable. Adapting any novel to film is not easy and more times than not, we have seen director's crucify and butcher our beloved books. However, after what Peter Jackson has done with Lord of the Rings, he at least deserves a shot and has me eager to see a final product. "The Lovely Bones" releases December 9th but untill then, we have these images below....

What say you? Does The Lovely Bones look like something you'd go see? Does having Peter Jackson's name instantly bring credit to the film? Strikeback...

Robin Hood's New Look?

USA Today has the first image of Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood film called "Nottingham." The image is cool, but what is confusing is the report says it is Robin Hood's new look. The official quote reads, "He doesn't have the old Robin Hood tights. He's got armor. He's very medieval. He looks, if anything, more like he did in Gladiator than anything we're used to seeing with Robin Hood." Um, sorry to burst their bubble, but Crowe's wardrobe pictured looks in the same vein as the Kevin Costner or Aero Flynn Robin Hood's. This doesn't look anything like a Gladiator. It could definately be that the studio is holding out on some of the gladiator-esque garb, because this images screams Men in Tights! Take a look at the photo below and you decide....

Click Robin Hood for higher resolution
What say you? Does this say Gladiator to you? Will Scott's Nottingham be a bust at the box office? Strikeback...

Saturday, April 18, 2009

ShoWest Transformers Footage

Michael Bay has uploaded the footage from "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" he showed at ShoWest on his website! The footage is awesome and only hightens my anticipation for "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" even more. The footage opens up with LaBeouf speaking with Bumble Bee about going to college for about a minute, the rest of the footage is essentially expanded footage from the previous trailers. Highlights include a sneek peek at Devastator, Jetfire grumbling, Optimus Prime looking like he is getting his ass kicked again and for those of you who might care, Megan Fox undressing. So anyways checkout out the new footage below. "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" releases June 24th.

Update: Michael is a little bitch and decided to remove the footage, hope you got to see it while it was up, if not, he says the footage will be cut into the new trailer that will be attached to "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" releasing May 1st.

What say you? Does Michael Bay's sequel look as good if not better than the first? Strikeback...

Review - Crank: High Voltage

Last time we saw Chev Chelios, he was falling out of a helicopter to what seemed to be certain death. Upon impact however, Chev is instantly scooped up by the asian mafia who still have plans for battered man. The mafia removes his indestructible heart only to replace it with a electric heart that requires constant jolts of energy in order to keep Chev alive. With a limited amount of power and time, Chev must race against the clock to find his heart and seek revenge on anyone who gets in his way.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Review - 17 Again

A separated 30-something father whose life isn't going the way he expected it pines over going back to high school and changing his life for the better. Unexpectedly, Mike O'Donnell wakes up to find himself 17 again, leaving him the opportunity to rewrite his life. Mike returns to high school in order to land the basketball scholarship he gave up his first time around, but also finds himself in the same school as his teenage kids. Mike becomes caught between his own desires and the future of his children leaving him to question his decisions all over again.

Hooded Myers in H2!

If you have been following anything regarding Rob Zombie's sequel to Halloween you know full well that we will get to see some different looks to Michael then we may be use to from his previous films. Images have been released of Tyler Mane on set filming without a mask and more recently, Rob Zombie has posted a image of Myers wearing a tattered mask online. Today however comes two new pictures that has me a bit more intrigued for "Halloween 2", "H2", "Halloween: The Devil Walks Amoung Us" or whatever the hell they are going to call it.

The first newest image released of Michael Myers shows him wearing the same mask that was recently posted, but features him wearing a meancing hooded jacket. Instead of the cover-all's we have seen Myers in the past, he has his head covered by a rather large hoodie. The new look is definately working for me, more so, I am glad to see Rob Zombie stepping outside of Carpenter's original story and actually giving us a completely new tale. The second photo shows Taylor Mane in the same hoodie, but without the mask. It is not clear if this second picture is taken from the film itself or just a photo taken of Mane while on set, but not necessarily filming a particular scene. Either way both pictures deliver a darker tone to Michael that I had hoped Zombie would take him.

Rob Zombie also talked a bit about the reports that Myers would not wear a mask for about 70% of the movie on his blog. He said, "Their have been reports and rumors that he only wears the mask 25% of the time or not at all. Well, the truth is the movie is just now being edited so the exact percentage of mask wearing is unclear at this point. But fear not, Michael is seen wearing the mask as much if not more than you've ever seen him wearing a mask in any Halloween film." More than any other Halloween film? Wait a tick, Myers has his mask on for 99.7% of the time in all of the previous 8 Halloween films (Rob Zombie's Halloween excluded). So is Zombie saying he will still have it on most of the time or not? More news as it develops, but untill then checkout the 2 new photos of Michael Myers....

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What say you? Do you like the hoodie? Strikeback...

Top 10 Movies: Comic Book

We all have our favorite movies of all time, but what about in specific categories? I thought I would begin a Top 10 Movies blog and each week post a new category. This week, one of the hottest genre's in film right now, Comic Book movies! I am sure that you may argue the placement of some of these films, but all deserve their position in Schofizzy's world. Take a look at my rankings below and tell me what your Top 10 would be....

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Trailer: The Hurt Locker

A couple days ago the official trailer for Kathryn Bigelow's newest film "The Hurt Locker" hit the net. I had the opportunity to see this film at the beginning of the year (Review) and it currently remains my favorite film of 2009. It is an explosive and riveting experience that I recommend everyone see. The newest trailer is outstanding and is a perfect representation of what to expect from the heartpounding film. "The Hurt Locker" releases in Los Anegeles and New York on June 26th and will expand into July, so if your in the area or if it comes to a town near you, I highly recommend you take a drive and see this film! Until then, checkout the trailer below...

What say you? Are you ready for an intense realistic thrill ride into the life of a U.S. Army EOD team? Strikeback...

Review - The Hurt Locker

An elite U.S. Army bomb disposal team in Iraq is assigned a new Sergeant. Their new Sergeant, Staff Sergeant William James, is highly trained however equally reckless. The team must learn to work together while enduring the deadly cat and mouse game of disposing bombs that could be hidden anywhere within the sprawling city.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

More 'Expendables' Stills

Last week we got our first glimpse at some set stills of Stallone in action filming "The Expendables" in Brazil. This week some new stills have been posted on the official "The Expendables" Blog. The new stills look to be following the scene from last week's set stills. First, we see Stallone (Barney Ross) running along what looks like the same dock. The second still features Steve Austin (Dan Paine) and Eric Roberts (Monroe) jumping off a dock escaping from an imminent explosion. The thrid photo features Stallone (Barney Ross) and Statham (Lee Christmas) seaside as well.

Eric Roberts had this to say about his first day on set filming: "Today I was attacked by Jason Statham (Lee Christmas) firing a machine gun from a dive-bombing fighter plane, nearly burned alive by napalm and had to leap into the freezing Bay of Mangaratiba to save my ass." Roberts is clearly detailing the released image and goes on to say a bit more on the official blog. More news to follow or checkout Ethelmae's Blog for up to the minute "The Expendables" updates. Checkout the new images below...

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What say you? Will The Expendables live up to it's initial hype? Strikeback....