Category Archives: Movies

Avatar is coming back to IMAX 3D for a limited two week run with new footage

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Here’s what you need to know.  James Cameron’s epic Avatar is coming to back to theatres for a limited two week run from August 27 to September 10.  It will only be shown in IMAX 3D theatres and will include “eight minutes of additional, never before seen footage.”  So, if you haven’t seen the highest grossing movie of all time yet this is your chance to catch it the way it was meant to be seen–in IMAX 3D.  And if you have seen the movie and enjoyed it the first time around, you might be interested in kicking back a second time to catch the new bits of footage.  The movie looks fantastic in IMAX 3D because it was shot for that particular medium.  If you purchased the movie on DVD or Blu-ray and haven’t see it yet, hold off on that until you’ve seen it in 3D.  Trust me, it’s worth it.

[Via MarketWatch]

Andrew Garfield is the new Spider-Man

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Goodbye Tobey Maguire.  Hello Andrew Garfield.  “Andrew who?” you ask.  He’s a 26-year-old Brit who is best known in the UK for his film Boy A.  In the U.S. he’s appeared in The Other Boleyn Girl and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus and has roles in the upcoming movies The Social Network and Never Let Me Go.  After a falling-out between previous Spider-Man director Sam Raimi and the studio heads, Sony Pictures decided to scrap Spidey 4 and start from scratch with a Spider-Man reboot that will focus largely on Peter Parker’s teenage years in high school.  An official press statement shares the pertinent news:

After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012. The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt. Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Director Marc Webb ((500) Days of Summer) on Garfield as the new Spidey: “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”  Look after the break for the full press statement.

Will Garfield be able to pull it off as the next Spider-Man?  Somehow he was able to beat out fan favorites Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief), Anton Yelchin (J.J.’s Star Trek), and Aaron Johnson (Kick-Ass).  The only concern I have is his age.  At 26 years old, I’m worried about how they plan to make us believe he is a teenager.  Lerman, who is only 18 years of age, feels to me like he’d fit the suit best.  With a release slated for 2012, the studio has plenty of time to transform Garfield just as they did with a young Maguire back in 2002.

[Via SciFiWire] Continue reading Andrew Garfield is the new Spider-Man →

Pee-wee Herman flick is in the works, with Judd Apatow producing

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Oh, what wonderful news this is!  After making a successful comeback in his new “Pee-wee Herman Show” revival at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, actor Paul Reubens is ready to bring his act to the big screen with some help from funnyman Judd Apatow (Talladega Nights, Knocked Up, Superbad, Walk Hard, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Step Brothers, Pineapple Express, Funny People, Get Him to the Greek).  I mean look at that track record!  Moving on… Apatow has signed on to executive produce and Paul Rust (Inglourious Basterds, I Love You, Beth Cooper) will pen the script to what’s being described as “a gigantic adventure.”  The yet-t0-be-titled flick will be Pee-wee’s first movie since 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, a strange and wild movie directed by a young Tim Burton and scored by Danny Elfman.  “Let’s face it, the world needs more Pee-wee Herman,” Apatow tells Variety.  Agreed!  “I am so excited to be working with Paul Reubens — who is an extraordinary and ground-breaking actor and writer.  It’s so great to watch him return with such relevance.”  Reubens shares the same excitement.  “There is no one like Judd in our business — he loves comedy with emotion and heart, and he sees what we do as art.  I can’t believe I’m getting this opportunity to be working with him.”  A director and release window have not been decided on yet.

Need your Pee-wee fix now?  Reubens is getting ready for a short stint on Broadway beginning October 26 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in NYC.

[Via Variety]

Trailer: Paranormal Activity 2

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It’s baaaaaack.  The demon thing that took over Katie (Katie Featherston) has returned in a sequel to 2009’s hit screamfest Paranormal Activity.  This teaser trailer for Paranormal Activity 2 is just as creepy and mysterious as the original’s.  So what do we have here?  Multiple security camera shots, a baby, a whimpering dog, and a silhouette that resembles the actress Featherston (leading me to believe that the story will continue with the same demon that terrified us in the first movie).  Paramount is taking the same route with the sequel–no casting information has been spilled in order to sustain the veil of realism that made this franchise so widely popular and successful.

Paranormal Activity 2 (missing) babyParanormal Activity 2 easter egg

If you take a closer look at the trailer you will notice two things.  In the last frame at the end, we see a still of the baby’s room through the eyes of the security camera.  But this time around the baby (and dog) are no longer in the scene.  But look in the mirror!  The baby is standing up in his crib!  And what’s that scibbled message on the carpet?  It reads “what is happening to hunter?”  Oh sweet lord what is happening to that innocent little baby?!

You’ll have to wait and find out when PA 2 hits theatres October 22.  Kip Williams directs, Oren Peli (writer/director of the original) exec produces.

[Via ScreenRant]

Teaser trailer: The Social Network

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The Social Network aka The Facebook Movie stars Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland) as Mark Zuckerberg, Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, as well as Brenda Song (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody), Andrew Garfield (the next Spider-Man), and Rashida Jones (Parks & Recreation).  It’s directed by David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), and executive produced by Scott Rudin, Kevin Spacey, and Michael DeLuca.  Like the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich, the film will focus on the founding of Facebook and all of the internal battles that took place.

I have to say that this teaser is rather bland; it has not piqued my interest in the least to want to see this movie, and that’s what trailers are supposed to do.  If there’s one rewarding aspect to take away from it it’s the amazing score that’s being provided by Trent Reznor (of Nine Inch Nails) and Atticus Ross.  “…when I read the script and realized what [Fincher] was up to, I said goodbye to that free time I had planned,” said Reznor on his site.  He calls the movie “really fu**ing good.  And dark!”  Look after the break for the theatrical poster which reads, “You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies.”

[Via Pitchfork; Wiki] Continue reading Teaser trailer: The Social Network →

Teaser: The Smurfs

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The Smurfs are making their way to the big screen next summer in a live action/CGI animated feature-length film directed by Raja Gosnell (Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Scooby-Doo).  Since this is only a teaser trailer, it’s difficult to read what the plot of the movie is.  Here’s how the Wiki page describes it:

Set in the Middle Ages, the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) discovers the Smurf’s village and chases them into some woods. The Smurfs get scattered and Clumsy Smurf (voiced by Anton Yelchin) wanders into a “forbidden” grotto and some of the other Smurfs follow. Since it’s also a blue moon, a magical portal within the grotto transports them into Central Park in New York. They take shelter with a married couple (Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays) and try to find a way back to their village before Gargamel finds them.

The live cast includes Hank Azaria as Gargamel, Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Jayma Mays (Glee), Sofía Vergara (Modern Family), and Tim Gunn (Project Runway).  The voice actors include Jonathan Winters as Papa Smurf, Katy Perry as Smurfette, Alan Cumming as Gutsy Smurf, George Lopez as Grouchy Smurf, Gary Basaraba as Hefty Smurf, Anton Yelchin as Clumsy Smurf, Fred Armisen as Brainy Smurf, John Oliver as Vanity Smurf, Paul Reubens as Jokey Smurf, Kenan Thompson as Greedy Smurf, B. J. Novak as Baker Smurf, Jeff Foxworthy as Handy Smurf, and Wolfgang Puck as Chef Smurf.

The Smurfs hit theatres in 3D on August 3, 2011.

[Via Wiki]

James Cameron’s next 3D project? The Black Eyed Peas

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Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am revealed in an interview with Vibe that the eccelctic group will be filming a movie in 3D with Avatar director James Cameron at the helm.  According to Will the movie will follow the band on tour across the world and it will have a storyline that he describes as “dope.”  He humbly says, “We have the biggest director, because we are the biggest group on the planet.”  Cameron has yet to comment on the project.  It’s slated to release sometime early next year.  Having seen the U2 in 3D movie back in 2008, I can say I’m stoked to see what Cameron and the Peas can put together.  I was highly impressed with the U2 movie (it introduced a sense of realism and coupled with the impressive surround sound it felt like you were in the crowd).  Cameron is the 3D king right now, and the Peas are constantly pushing the envelope with sound and visuals.  If anyone’s going to make a 3D film based on a current band, these are the players to make it happen.

[Via MTVNews]

Short film: Mortal Kombat (A MUST WATCH)

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On Tuesday this viral video hit the ‘Net and quickly garnered critical acclaim.  After watching this extremely well produced short film based on the classic video game Mortal Kombat people everywhere began to speculate.  Was this a teaser trailer for a reboot of 1995’s Mortal Kombat film or was it just a fan-made work of art?  Shortly after its arrival it was discovered that the seven-and-a-half minute short was directed by Kevin Tancharoen (director of 2009’s Fame) and it was produced in an attempt to pitch Tancharoen’s vision for a reimagined Mortal Kombat movie to Warner Brothers (as confirmed by actress Jeri Ryan’s Twitter feed).  Mortal Kombat: Rebirth was Tancharoen’s way of saying, “Hey WB, check out this video, see what I can do, and let’s talk about making a new Mortal Kombat flick.”

This mini-movie is nothing short of fantastic.  Though it takes place in the MK universe, the characters’ origins are based in reality.  Instead of attributing their abilities to the supernatural, each villain transforms into their malaligned selves due to psychotic breaks or hereditary disease.  These characters have mental and physical “issues” and they know martial arts.  That’s Tancharoen’s spin on the MK universe.  And obviously he retains the overall plot which revolves around the tournament.  From the intense fight sequence to the stunning camera shots and visuals, Tancharoen’s short deserves WB approval.  As Jackson Briggs was trying to convince Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion to enter the tournament to kill Baraka, Reptile, and the other villains I was instantly imagining and anticipating how the story would continue.  And then I remembered I was only watching a short clip on YouTube.  I have no doubt this masterpiece of a short will lead to a feature-length MK movie sometime in the near future.

MK: Rebirth stars Michael Jai White as Jackson Briggs, Matt Mullins as Johnny Cage, Ian Anthony Dale as Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion, Richard Dorton as Reptile, Lateef Crowder as Alan Zane/Baraka, and Jeri Ryan as Sonya Blade.  The fight sequence was choreographed by Larnell Stovall. Continue reading Short film: Mortal Kombat (A MUST WATCH) →

Les Grossman film is a-go

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Those of us who watched this year’s MTV Movie Awards were treated to a surprise appearence by none other than Les Grossman, the raunchy foul-mouthed producer from 2008’s Tropic Thunder.  Played to perfection by Tom Cruise, Grossman started the awards show off with one of his infamous rants and later interuppted a comedy sketch when he came on stage with Jennifer Lopez for a dance number.  Anyway, it appears as if the stint was done to reintroduce the audience to the character of Les Grossman and build hype for an entire movie based on him.  Cruise will star and produce in the upcoming Grossman flick.  He’s partnered with Tropic Thunder co-star and director Ben Stiller and producer Stuart Cornfeld of Red Hours Films to make this movie happen.  Michael Bacall (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) has been selected to write the screenplay.  Take a look at these choice quotes from the unorthodox press release that comes from Paramount:

Tom Cruise, along with Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld of Red Hour Films will produce and have secured the life rights to Grossman.

Grossman, best known as a mega producer, has most recently mentored talents such as Rob Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

Said Ben Stiller: “Les Grossman’s life story is an inspiring tale of the classic human struggle to achieve greatness against all odds. He has assured me he plans to quote, ‘F**king  kill the sh*t out of this movie and make Citizen f**king Kane look like a piece of crap home movie by the time we are done.’ I am honored to be working with him.”

When asked what the screenplay was about Grossman responded: “To quote my great friend Kirk Lazarus, ‘I don’t read the script, the script reads me.””

Adam Goodman, Paramount Film Group President said, “Everything I learned in this business, I’ve learned from Les. I started out as his assistant, and from the first day he threw his desk at me when I got his lunch order wrong, I have loved him like a father.

Yeah, this is really happening.  Look after the break for the full PR.

[Via Deadline] Continue reading Les Grossman film is a-go →

Concept images of Thor & Captain America emerge

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This week images of the next two Avengers have leaked into the wild.  First there’s Thor the Norse god who wields the Mjolner hammer.  (If you have not seen Iron Man 2 yet, make sure you stay for the credits for a sneak peek of said hammer.)  If you are doubting that this image of Thor is real, just compare it to the official still of Chris Hemsworth as Thor outed by Marvel a few weeks ago.  The concept image matches up pretty well if you ask me.  Thor is expected to hit theatres May 6, 2011.

Next we have the first (ever) image of what Chris Evans will look like as Captain America, the first Avenger.  And you know what, he’s looking pretty bad-ass.  From the mask to the sheild (which was also hinted at in Iron Man 2), the suspenders, and the kevlar red-white-and-blue retro-fitted suit, Cap appears ready for the big screen.  Captain America: The First Avenger, directed by Joe Johnston, is expected to hit theatres July 22, 2011.

Look in the gallery below for more concept images of Thor and Captain America.

[Via Collider; AintItCoolNews]

Want to take part in the Whedon/Spurlock Comic Con doc?

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Back in February E! News spilt the details of a Comic Con documentary to be developed by Joss Whedon (Dollhouse) and Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me).  Now we have an official press release that instructs how you can take part in the doc.  Here’s the pertinent details:

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, producer Thomas Tull, comic book icon Stan Lee, writer/producer Joss Whedon, and film guru Harry Knowles have joined together to bring audiences the feature-length documentary COMIC-CON EPISODE FOUR: A FAN’S HOPE – a documentary celebration of all things con-tastic!

We are looking to cast original, eccentric, funny, touching, and mildly obsessive people that will capture the excitement, enthusiasm, joy, and passion of comic book, anime, sci-fi, and fantasy lovers everywhere.

If Comic-Con International will be the highlight of your year and you have a story to share about your passion, let us know. Join the fellowship, take part in this epic documentary, and write us at [email protected]. Include your name, phone number, a picture, and tell us your story.

Do you think you have what it takes to star in a such a doc?  Then watchareya waiting for?  Send that email off to the powers that be and keep your fingers crossed!  Look after the break for the full PR.

[Via AintItCoolNews] Continue reading Want to take part in the Whedon/Spurlock Comic Con doc? →

‘Transformers 3’ finds Megan Fox replacement in Victoria’s Secret model

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Though Paramount has yet to confirm the news, multiple sources reveal that Victoria’s Secret drop-dead-gorgeous model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will replace Megan Fox as Sam Witwickey’s (Shia LaBeouf) love interest in the next Transformers flick.  Victoria’s Secret has gone so far as publishing this video that congratulates Rosie for making the cut.  And hot damn does she make a great replacement.  As much as I took pleasure in watching Megan Fox run for her life in the first two movies (she was the sole reason I went to see Transformers 2, really), I think Rosie will suffice, wouldn’t you say?  Out with the old, in with the new…right?

Production has begun on Transformers 3 with a release slated for July 1, 2011.  Michael Bay, your wish has been granted.

Note: Michael Bay directed an extended commercial for Victoria’s Secret back in December.  So yeah, there’s that.

[Via EW-PopWatch]