Director Christopher Nolan talks with dream experts in preparation for ‘Inception’

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So I just got back from the midnight screening of Inception and I’ve been trying to come up with the best words to describe it.  It’s a brilliant, well thought out, and visually impressive film that will surely make you think.  It’s better if you go into the film knowing the least amount of plot detail, so I will keep it at that for now.  From all of the trailers released you must know that the movie focuses on dreams and dream states.  Director Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) conducted intensive research during the making of the film so as to make the foundational theories behind it believably sound.  The video above is a breif albeit stimulating glimpse into Nolan’s research.  Note: There are no spoilers contained in this video, just talk about dreams, REM sleep, and so on.  The really good mind-bendy stuff comes in at 3:35.  (And no, that is not Sarah Palin contrary to popular belief.)

[Thanks @timmyjoe]

Trailer: The Social Network

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When the first teaser for The Social Network hit the web I said this: “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.”  Another teaser trailer (look after the break) and standard theatrical trailer later, and I’m sold.   The Social Network, from director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin, will chronicle the rise of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.  Though this trailer contains much of the dialogue we’ve already heard in the two teasers, we finally get to put some faces to the words and everything just seems to work.  I really like the way the studio is marketing the flick as a dark(ish) tale of greed and business opportunity that pushes those involved to their limits.  And that fantastic rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” is the sweet cherry on top.  The Social Network stars Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Brenda Song, Andrew Garfield, and Rashida Jones and releases on October 1.

[Via TrailerAddict] Continue reading Trailer: The Social Network →

Trailer #2: Machete

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After releasing an “illegal” trailer back in mid-May, director Robert Rodriquez (and backing studio 20th Century Fox) approved this theatrical trailer for his upcoming bloody, over-the-top revenge fest Machete.  Watch as star Danny Trejo cuts his way through enemies with assistence from Cheech Marin, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Jeff Fahey, Don Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Steven Seagal, and Rose McGowan.  Lindsay Lohan, who was included in the first trailer dressed as a nun, is noticably absent here.  Here’s a nice synopsis for you:

Machete is a Mexican ex-Federale with a gift for wielding a blade, who hides out as a day laborer, who is double-crossed by a corrupt state senator. The feature version of the trailer finds Machete (Trejo) a renegade former Mexican Federale, roaming the streets of Texas after a shakedown from drug lord Torrez (Seagal). Reluctantly, Machete takes an offer from spin doctor Benz (Fahey) to assassinate McLaughlin (De Niro) a corrupt Senator. Double crossed and on the run Machete braves the odds with the help of Luz (Rodriguez), a saucy taco slinger, Padre (Marin) his “holy” brother, and April (Lohan) a socialite with a penchant for guns. All while being tracked by Sartana (Alba), a sexy ICE agent with a special interest in the blade slinger.

Machete opens September 3, 2010.

[Via Collider]

This is what Ryan Reynolds will look like as Green Lantern

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The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly (set to hit newsstands July 16) features the very first image of Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern on its cover.  The character looks pretty bad-ass to me.  And after proving he can kick some ass as Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, I have no doubt Van Wilder will impress as Hal Jordan aka Green Lantern.  Green Lantern, an upcoming sci-fi flick directed by Martin Campbell, is based on the DC Comic of the same name.  Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a test pilot who is granted a green ring that gives him awesome superpowers.  As one of many Green Lanterns, he is sworn to keep intergalactic order.  The movie also stars Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, and Tim Robbins.  It’s expected to hit theatres June 17, 2011.

[Via EW-PopWatch; CBR]

‘The Avengers’ will move on without Edward Norton as Hulk

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Hollywood is good at some things and bad at others.  Filling the role of The Hulk falls in the latter category.  Ang Lee’s Hulk (2003) starred Eric Bana as the genetically-enhanced superhero.  People didn’t like that movie so they started from scratch.  Louis Leterrier’s The Incredible Hulk (2008) introduced us to a new Hulk played by Edward Norton.  This reboot was better received by the fans and critics.  After it broke that Joss Whedon would direct the dream team consisting of Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Edward Norton, Samuel L. Jackson, and Scarlett Johannson, fans ’round the world were ready and willing to accept this group as The Avengers.  Then this hit the ‘Net: Edward Norton is out.  Entertainment site HitFlix got the exclusive scoop, and this is the statement they received from Marvel Studios President of Production Kevin Feige:

“We have made the decision to not bring Ed Norton back to portray the title role of Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert, Chris H, Chris E, Sam, Scarlett, and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks.”

What I’m getting from this statement is that the production team, including Whedon, did not get along so well with Norton, this led to creative differences, and utlimately to Norton’s exit.  But shortly this statement was released, Norton’s agent Brian Swardstrom of WME retaliated by calling Feige’s statement “offensive” and his comments “unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory.”  Apparently Norton met with Whedon and “several weeks of civil, uncontentious discussions” resulted.  In the end, though, Marvel “had decided to go in another direction with the part.”  Whatever the reason may be the fact remains so–Ed Norton will not play Hulk in The Avengers and Hollywood is back to the drawing board yet again with this apparent impossible to cast character.  The movie is still set for a summer 2012 release.

[Via Hitflix, here & here]

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]

DJ Hero 2 contributing artists revealed

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For about a month now we’ve known that DJ Hero 2 is releasing on all major consoles starting at $99 sometime this fall.  [Update: It releases October 19.]  What we’ve eagerly been waiting for is the official tracklist.  Though the mashups have yet to be revealed, we now know all 108 artists that will be featured in the game.  Some of the standouts include 2Pac, B.o.B, Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, David Guetta, Deadmau5, Dr. Dre, Drake, Eminem, Gorillaz, Jackson 5, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Lady Gaga, Metallica…ah who am I kidding?  The list is pretty stellar so just jump after the break to check it out.

[Via Joystiq] Continue reading DJ Hero 2 contributing artists revealed →

Music video: Brandon Flowers (of The Killers) – “Crossfire”

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Nine years after forming the alt-rock band The Killers, lead vocalist Brandon Flowers has decided to try it solo.  The album is called Flamingo and it’s due out September 14.  The first single “Crossfire” was released on June 21.  One helleva awesome music video was made for it earlier this month and it’s embedded for your viewing pleasure above.  In it Flowers finds himself in many situations where he’s held captive by ninjas.  And every time the sexy Charlize Theron is there to rescue him.  The music video was shot beautifully (thanks to direction from Nash Edgerton) and the combat choreography is really impressive.  And oh yeah, Flowers sounds great.  Something tells me he’ll do just fine ridin’ solo.  Peek after the break for a quick behind-the-scenes look at the making of the video. Continue reading Music video: Brandon Flowers (of The Killers) — “Crossfire” →

Behind the scenes with Mr Hudson

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Just last week UK artist Mr Hudson finally dropped his debut solo album Straight No Chaser in the U.S.  On his YouTube page Hudson posted a number of behind-the-scenes featurettes that show how much effort he put into making the record.  I embedded my favorite video above; it’s a peek at how the killer track “Time” was constructed.  The video shows how frustration can be turned into a fine work of art with some hard work and perseverence.  Watching Hudson figure out the song’s skeleton on the piano and then peering into the studio to see him listen to a mastered version of it is quite satisfying.  Look after the break for the making of “Anyone But Him” and “Everything Is Broken”, with appearences by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, respectively.  And if you haven’t downloaded the album yet, get it here.

[Via YouTube] Continue reading Behind the scenes with Mr Hudson →

Music video: Bethany Cosentino, Rostam Batmanglij & Kid Cudi – “All Summer”

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Converse (yes, the sneaker company) brought together Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend, and rapper Kid Cudi to create a collab track for their “Three Artists, One Song” campaign.  The song was released first (download it here), and a fun music video followed (watch above).  The song matches our current season pretty well, what with its upbeat tempo and catchy verses.  Say, don’t those papercraft heads look mighty familiar?

[Via DatNewCudi]

Lupe Fiasco’s LASERS is complete, release date up in the air

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It’s official: Lupe Fiasco’s highly anticipated third studio album LASERS is complete.  Lupe shared the news with his fans first via his Twitter account:

Lasers is out of my hands guys and gals…it’s done and that’s all I can tell you…when they drop it…they drop it…so drop it…

Now it’s up to Atlantic Records to announce a release date and it’s golden.  According to most sources, there’s no reason why it should not release sometime in this year.  While you’re waiting, go give the first two singles off the album a listen here: “I’m Beamin’” & “Shining Down“.

[Via Twitter]