Category Archives: Movies

A Halloween treat: ‘Despicable Me 2’ trailer starring the Minions!

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Universal picked the spookiest holiday of the year to release a new trailer for their upcoming animated sequel Despicable Me 2. Like the teaser that came before it, this lengthier trailer stars the little yellow Minions as we watch them tuck one of the girls to sleep and then get abducted by aliens! And these are very picky extraterrestrial beings because they spit out the alley cat that mistakenly gets sucked up into the beam of light. The sequel’s official synopsis follows; unfortunately it does not offer much in terms of where the movie will take us exactly.

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster, Despicable Me, delighted audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In Summer 2013, get ready for more minion madness in Despicable Me 2. Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy animated adventure featuring the return of Gru (Steve Carell), the girls, the unpredictably hilarious minions…and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

Yes, Steve Carrell is back as the voice of Gru, who interestingly barely makes an appearance in this trailer. Other returning voice actors include Russell Brand, Miranda Cosgrove and Kristen Wiig. Al Pacino has signed on to voice the villain. Illumination Entertainment CEO Chris Meledandri produces and original directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud are back as well.

Despicable Me 2 is out July 3, 2013 and then the Minions will go on to headline their very own spin-off feature in 2014.

Happy Halloween!

‘Hobbit’ inspired in-flight safety video is a must-see for fans

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So you know those typically boring in-flight safety videos airlines make you watch before the plane takes off? Well I think I found one that you’ll want to sit through. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, that is. Air New Zealand has partnered with WETA Workshop to produce a Lord of the Rings / Hobbit inspired in-flight safety video featuring characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s expansive Middle Earth, as well as cameos by director Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis CGI’d as Gollum. If you can overlook the basic seatbelt instructions, I bet you’ll enjoy watching this wonderfully crafted clip called “An Unexpected Briefing” made by Air NZ who’s now calling themselves the “The Official Airline of Middle-Earth.” From the bare, furry feet to the Elvish ears to Jackson’s disappearing act, it’s an instruction video I wouldn’t mind watching before lift off.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is out December 14.

Disney acquires Lucasfilm Ltd., ‘Star Wars’ universe to expand in future films

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Hold on to your lightsabers. The house of Mouse is acquiring Geroge Lucas’ production company. In a deal that went down today, The Walt Disney Company agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction valued at $4.05 billion. In addition to acquiring Lucasfilm and all of its operating businesses including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, Disney now also owns the rights to popular franchises like Indiana Jones and Star Wars.

In fact, what really shook people today is that Disney already has plans to expand the Star Wars universe by producing at least three more films in the saga. Kathleen Kennedy from Lucasfilm will transition into becoming the President of Lucasfilm and will report to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn; at her post she will serve as brand manager for Star Wars and executive producer of future Star Wars films. Star Wars Episode 7 is being targeted with a 2015 release. Disney CEO and Chairman Robert Iger lays out the framework: “In 2015, we’re planning to release Star Wars Episode 7 – the first feature film under the “Disney-Lucasfilm” brand. That will be followed by Episodes 8 and 9 – and our long term plan is to release a new Star Wars feature film every two to three years.” In addition handpicking Kennedy to run Lucasfilm under Disney, Star Wars creator George Lucas will serve as creative consultant on future films.

In a press release, Lucas discussed his decision to sell his production company and how important it is to him that Star Wars continues on into the future. “For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next. It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”

Production on Episode 7 is already in the early stages. Kennedy and Lucas are sitting down with writers and discussing the direction they want Star Wars to go next. Jump after the break to hear what they have to say on the matter.

Instant reactions to the news on Twitter are mixed. Some say they feel betrayed by Lucas for letting his prized franchise fall into different hands. Others express their sheer excitement and think it’s about time the franchise was injected with fresh ideas from new filmmakers. No matter where you stand, Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm Ltd. is huge news–from the development of new propertied media to merchandising new collectable products–and the acquisition is sure conjure up major fanfare in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

[Via Disney] Continue reading Disney acquires Lucasfilm Ltd., ‘Star Wars’ universe to expand in future films →

‘Evil Dead’ remake trailer is red-band, as in blood red

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Cult classic horror film Evil Dead (1981) is getting a remake. Though a new director Fede Alvarez is steering the 2013 reboot, original helmer Sam Raimi and star Bruce Campbell have expressed their faith by contributing as executive producers. Raimi, along with Diablo Cody and Rodo Sayagues, also helped pen the screenplay. The synopsis should read familiar:

In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.

Campbell’s Ash Williams is no longer the protagonist. He is replaced by Suburgatory star Jane Levy and she is surrounded by Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas, and Elizabeth Blackmore.

Watch the extremely gory, violent, and quite terrifying red-band trailer. Nothing seems campy about this one. Jump after the break to see the trailer teaser (released yesterday) featuring commentary from New York Comic Con that’ll amp anticipation guaranteed.

Evil Dead rises again this spring on April 12, 2013. Continue reading ‘Evil Dead’ remake trailer is red-band, as in blood red →

UPDATE: ‘Iron Man 3’ official first trailer is here

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Update (10/23): As promised, Marvel has let loose the first full-length official trailer for Iron Man 3 today and it is mind-numbingly phenomenal. Tony Stark is having nightmares following the events “in New York” (aka The Avengers), Pepper Potts is in trouble, and at last we are formally introduced to Stark’s latest nemesis Mandarin (portrayed by Ben Kingsley) who believes there is no such thing as heroes. Voice overs from Iron Man and Mandarin, as well as crazy explosions and an epic score make this one exciting trailer that will surely induce a nerdgasm of intense proportions.

Eye official pictures from the movie at Apple Trailers. The short teaser has been relocated to after the break.

Previously: Today Marvel unleashed a trailer teaser (not even considered a teaser trailer) for Iron Man 3. The first real trailer is coming Tuesday, October 23, but the powers that be thought it’d be fun to tease the lengthier first look with this extremely brief, 17-second clip. Glean what you can from it, and then read the official synopsis below. Check back here on Tuesday for the upcoming trailer.

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black.

Iron Man 3 hits theatres May 3, 2013. Continue reading UPDATE: ‘Iron Man 3’ official first trailer is here →

Movie trailer roundup: ‘Carrie’ & ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ [Update: ‘Jack Reacher’ & ‘Skyfall’]

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First up is a teaser trailer for the anticipated remake of the 1976 film Carrie. Based on Stephen King’s 1974 novel of the same name, Carrie follows a sheltered high school girl who unleashes her newly developed telekinetic powers after she is pushed too far by her peers. The new Carrie White is played by rising star Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass, Let Me In), and her abusive mother Margaret is played by Julianne Moore. In the original Brian De Palma film these roles will famously filled by Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. The remake is directed by Kimberly Peirce (Stop-Loss) and it comes out March 15, 2013. By the looks of this tantalizing teaser, the new Carrie is shaping up to be a bloody good time. The gallery below contains gory and frightening images of Moretz and Moore in character provided by EW.

Jump after the break for more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer roundup: ‘Carrie’ & ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ [Update: ‘Jack Reacher’ & ‘Skyfall’] →

‘Avatar’ finally releases in Blu-ray 3D today

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After so many home release iterations, James Cameron’s Avatar can finally be owned on Blu-ray in 3D and you can watch it the way it was meant to be seen. The long-standing exclusive deal with Panasonic is officially over. The new release is called AVATAR Blu-ray 3D Collector’s Edition and according to a press release in full after the break, it includes specifically the original theatrical release on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, and DVD. There is no word on whether or not bonus content is included; it doesn’t look like it. As they say, take what you can get.

Purchase Avatar in 3D at Amazon for $24.99 today. *3DTV not included. Continue reading ‘Avatar’ finally releases in Blu-ray 3D today →

Kanye West drops “White Dress” for RZA’s “Iron Fists” soundtrack

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Wu Tang Clan leader RZA is about to make his directorial debut with The Man with the Iron Fists, a martial arts film that promises a bloody good time. The cast is led by Russell Crowe, Lucy Lui, and RZA, and the pedigree behind it is high with Eli Roth writing (with RZA) and producing and Quentin Tarantino is credited as “presenting” the movie.

With RZA’s background in mind, it should come as no surprise that the soundtrack for Iron Fists features a lineup of great rappers. They include Ghostface Killah, Talib Kweli, Raekwon, Pusha T, and Kanye West. The track headlined by Kanye West and produced by West, RZA, Tapez, and Boogz is called “White Dress” and it sits above for your listening pleasure. If anything it will take you back to Ye’s College years as you’ll instantly recognize the classic sound.

After the break you’ll find the full soundtrack tracklist plus a trailer for the movie. The music releases October 23, and the The Man with the Iron Fists hits theatres November 2.

Update: The entire soundtrack is now available to stream for free here.

01 The Black Keys and RZA: “The Baddest Man Alive”
02 Ghostface Killah, M.O.P, and Pharoahe Monch: “Black Out”
03 Kanye West: “White Dress”
04 The Revelations: “I Forgot to Be Your Lover” [ft. Tre Williams]
05 Talib Kweli and RES: “Get Your Way (Sex as a Weapon)”
06 Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and Kool G. Rap: “Rivers of Blood”
07 Method Man, Freddie Gibbs, and StreetLife: “Built for This”
08 24 Carat Black: “Poverty’s Paradise”
09 Killa Sin: “The Archer”
10 RZA and Flatbush Zombies: “Just Blowin’ in the Wind”
12 Corrine Bailey Rae: “Chains”
13 Pusha T and Raekwon: “Tick Tock”
14 Frances Yip: “Green is the Mountain”
15 The Wu-Tang Clan: “Six Directions of Boxing”
16 Mabel John: “Your Good Thing Is About to End”

Movie trailer: Anthony Hopkins is ‘Hitchcock’

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Is Alfred Hitchcock rising from the grave? No, but you might make a double take when you watch this trailer for Hitchcock, a biopic that follows the famed director as he attempts to get one of his most adored films Psycho into theatres. Directed by a Brit Sacha Gervasi, the movie is based on Stephen Rebello’s non-fiction book Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho and it stars Anthony Hopkins as a convincing Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Helen Mirren as Hitchcock’s wife Alma Reville and Scarlett Johansson and James D’Arcy as the leads of Psycho, Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins. The good-looking cast appears up to the challenge in this premiere trailer, and with a November 23 release date the movie will be up for contention at this year’s Oscars.

With Hitchcock releasing next month, the master of horror is getting the star treatment this year if you also factor in HBO’s upcoming TV film The Girl. This one stars Toby Jones as Hitchcock and it explores his questionable relationship with actress Tippi Hedren, the girl who starred in his films The Birds and Marnie, played by Sienna Miller. The Girl airs Saturday, October 20th at 9PM on HBO. The trailer sits after the break. Continue reading Movie trailer: Anthony Hopkins is ‘Hitchcock’ →

J.J. Abrams teases ‘Star Trek’ sequel with Conan

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Director J.J. Abrams sat down with Conan O’Brien this week and during their interview Abrams–against the studios wishes–shared with the audience a clip from the upcoming Star Trek sequel. And it has a name now, by the way; it’s Star Trek Into Darkness.

Get this: the clip is only three frames long. After you watch it unfold at the speed of light in the video above, jump after the break for a better look at what you think you’ve seen. Conan correctly predicted that the Internet would freeze frame the very first look at Zachary Quinto as Spock in a volcano. There really isn’t much that can be gleaned from this, but at least it’s something.

Star Trek Into Darkness releases May 17, 2013. Continue reading J.J. Abrams teases ‘Star Trek’ sequel with Conan →

Adele is selected to sing the new Bond theme song “Skyfall”, hear it here

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With every Bond movie comes a title sequence theme song. For Bond 23 aka Skyfall, the Grammy-award winning sensation Adele was chosen to produce the latest 007 track. She collaborated with producer Paul Epworth, the man who helped her turn “Rolling In The Deep” into the massive hit it has become. Adele’s vocals shine in this composition definitely worthy of the James Bond seal of approvement. What do you think? Thumbs up? Purchase the track at iTunes.

Skyfall opens November 9. And while you’re here, check out some snazzy posters in the gallery below.

Update: A new trailer that features Adele was recently whipped together. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Adele is selected to sing the new Bond theme song “Skyfall”, hear it here →

Movie trailer round-up: ‘Movie 43’, ‘The Lone Ranger’, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ & ‘Lincoln’

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First up is the very NSFW red-band trailer for Movie 43, a raunchy comedy that brings together the most unlikely group of actors under the same roof. The large ensemble cast includes familiar funny people like Elizabeth Banks, Kristen Bell, Anna Faris, Johnny Knoxville, Justin Long, Jack McBrayer, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Chris Pratt, Emma Stone, Jason Sudeikis, and Seann William Scott. Also thrown into the mix? A-listers such as Halle Berry, Richard Gere, Terrence Howard, Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts, and Titanic‘s Kate Winslet. So yeah.

Though the trailer doesn’t make it crystal clear, you will probably infer that Movie 43 consists various comedic vignettes. These segments were written by Rocky Russo, Jeremy Sosenko, Patrik Forsberg, Will Carlough, and James Gunn and they were received direction from a wide range of directors and even actors: Patrik Forsberg, Peter Farrelly, Elizabeth Banks, Steven Brill, Steve Carr, Rusty Cundieff, James Duffy, Griffin Dunne, James Gunn, Brett Ratner, and Bob Odenkirk (Saul from Breaking Bad!).

The highly inappropriate flick is lining up to be a hysterical laugh fest. It releases January 25.

Jump after the break for more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer round-up: ‘Movie 43’, ‘The Lone Ranger’, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ & ‘Lincoln’ →