JULY 29, 2010

One of the finest trailer mash-ups in a while: “Toy Story 3: Inception”. No comments necessary. Enjoy:

-PP

JULY 28, 2010

Better days…

“Sir knight? I’ve just pissed in my pants… and nobody can do anything about it.” – DANCES WITH WOLVES
-PP

JULY 27, 2010

In the “how could we forget?” category, in our recent recap of movie anniversaries this year (“Back to the Future”, “Jaws”, etc.), we forgot it’s the 30th anniversary of “CADDYSHACK”! For a list of thirty things you may not know about the classic comedy, click here.
-KV

JULY 26, 2010

This Warner Bros. video about Comic-Con is pretty decent, but there is one great moment at the end that is indicative of what makes Comic-Con great. Ryan Reynolds recites the Green Lantern oath to a kid fan. Good stuff:

-PP

JULY 25, 2010

Tommy Wiseau was out and about at Comic-Con, and answered questions about “The Room” being converted to 3D. He talked about more in this article, but the idea of finally using 3D technology for what it was designed – horrible, talky relationship dramas with few sets – caught my eye.

-PP

JULY 24, 2010

Earlier this year, here in THE LATEST, we reported that the original MST3K gang was back doing their show, but now it’s live, sans robots and called Cinematic Titanic. Turns out the MST3K-ers NOT involved in Cinematic Titanic have put together RIFFTRAX, where they provide audio tracks to movies that you can listen to at home when you watch the original movie. The trick here is they’ve expanded to current films like “The Lord of the Rings” and “Avatar”, whereas Cinematic Titanic sticks to the classic, crap films they’ve always goofed on. I’m so glad there’s room in the world for both.

To recap:
Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff and Mary Jo Pehl are involved in Cinematic Titanic, traveling to L.A. in Sept. and their whole schedule is here.
Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett are involved in RiffTrax. Read a Slant Magazine article here.
-PP

JULY 23, 2010

Mail Online is reporting that a man robbed a bank in New York dressed as Darth Vader. Best part of the article?

“Police in New York are now trying to trace the phantom menace”

The Sith Lord thief was described as “wearing the distinctive Darth Vader mask, a long black cloak and – slightly out of character – camouflage combat trousers.” Which means that soon he’ll be posing for photos in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, or slightly worse, the recently-booted-from-Hollywood-Blvd. costume characters will be getting firearms in their on-going desperate need for attention…
-PP

JULY 22, 2010

The title of this Heat Vision article is “Two more join Martin Scorsese’s 3D family adventure ‘Hugo Cabret’ (exclusive)”. Emily Mortimer and Michael Stuhlbarg are the two actors in question.

But…does anyone else have a problem with the words “Martin Scorsese’s 3D family adventure”? That stings a little. In my soul.
Read the article here.
-PP

JULY 21, 2010

A pug sings the theme from the “Batman” TV show. This is stupid. Enjoy:

-KV

JULY 20, 2010

Did the deeper and deeper levels of dreamscapes confuse you in “Inception”? The good folks at Techland put together a graph that explains all the levels of subconscious visited in the film. SPOILERS ABOUND, but if you want to get more in sync with that crazy-deep movie, check it out:

Click HERE to see it full size.
-PP

JULY 19, 2010

If you allowed indulgence for going nuts over the first-look of GREEN LANTERN, please further indulge a bit of fawning over Kristen Bell. Is she good in movies? What’s her best performance? Who cares, she is CUTE:

Happy 30th, Kristen.
-PP

JULY 18, 2010

Better days…

I think there’s just a couple o’ guys up there and this asshole is one of them! – “Silverado”
-PP

JULY 17, 2010

If you haven’t seen “Batman Vanishing”, do yourself a favor. We quote it all the time. A hilarious short that goofs on Batman’s disappearing act when he’s talking to Commissioner Gordon on the rooftop. Dig it:

-PP

JULY 16, 2010

Oh, hell YEAH!! GREEN LANTERN!! Martin Campbell directing (“Casino Royale”) and Ryan Reynolds looking spot-on. You’re talking about my favorite comic hero. Let’s get it on. Bring it, Comic-Con. No wise-ass comments here. Just soak it in. Green Lantern, fool. Hell yeah.
-PP

JULY 15, 2010

There’s been a follow-up to the Darth Vader Tom Tom ad. Shaping up into a pretty funny ad campaign, this is.

-PP

JULY 14, 2010

Marvel releases a new Thor photo, and a Shakespearean Actor/Director does some pre-emptive soul-selling!

Today on MTV’s Splash Page, Marvel Studios released this image of lead actors Chris Hemsworth (as Thor), Tom Hiddleston (as Thor’s mischievous half-brother, Loki), and Sir Anthony Hopkins (as the Asgardian All-Father, Odin) in costume together for the first time, which is all kinds of awesome:

What’s less awesome is…the remainder of the article, in which Marvel trots out Thor director (and walking embodiment of amazingocity) Kenneth Branagh AND next year’s Captain America: the First Avenger director Joe Johnston to expound the virtues of… (wait for it) …POST-PRODUCTION 2D-TO-3D CONVERSION…

My response?

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

(sigh) As always, hit the link above to read the article…oh, wait! I almost forgot to mention this tasty little tidbit they slipped in at the end:

David Tennant as Bruce Banner?!?! Wouldn’t that just set both of my little geek hearts all a-flutter… Absent from this rumor list is actor Mark Ruffalo, whose name has also come up today as a possibility for the role.

Stay tuned, True Believers!
-SB

JULY 14, 2010

The William Morris/Endeavor Talent Agency drops Mel Gibson…

…soon after America does.
-PP

JULY 13, 2010

A new trailer for David Fincher’s “The Social Network” is out. Check it out here, I don’t feel right posting it on Facebook…

-PP

JULY 12, 2010

EDWARD NORTON OFFICIALLY OUT OF THE AVENGERS: MARVEL STUDIOS’ ANNOUNCEMENT & THE NORTON CAMP’S RESPONSE

UPDATED!! 7:50 P.M. EDT
Norton himself has now weighed in on the recasting of The Hulk via his Facebook page.

This past Friday, Drew McWeeny (neé AICN’s “Hercules”) broke the story on his HitFlix blog that Marvel Studios was opting not to invite Edward Norton back to reprise his Incredible Hulk role as Bruce Banner in the upcoming Avengers film. This came as a bit of a shock, considering that Norton had mentioned his ongoing enthusiasm for returning to the role several times in recent interviews.

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige (pictured above with Norton on the set of the 2008 Incredible Hulk film) gave a rather pointed statement regarding the casting change to HitFlix, explaining the company’s reasoning:

“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 [Downey Jr. as Iron Man], Chris [Helmsworth as Thor], Chris [Evans as Captain America], Sam [Jackson as Nick Fury], Scarlett [Johansson as Black Widow], 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.”

Ouch. Norton rep Brian Swardstrom wasted no time in responding with some details that might surprise you about exactly how close Norton seemed to joining the ensemble. Perhaps most interesting is this little tidbit:

“When I said that Edward was definitely open to this idea, Kevin was very excited and we agreed that Edward should meet with Joss Whedon to discuss the project. Edward and Joss had a very good meeting (confirmed by Feige to me) at which Edward said he was enthusiastic at the prospect of being a part of the ensemble cast.”

Gee, kids; that sounds like actual confirmation that Joss Whedon is indeed helming The Avengers, doesn’t it? Regardless, we can all expect Marvel to trot out the director and stars of the film during Comic-Con at the end of the month.
-SB

JULY 11, 2010

Someone wiseguy went and turned clips of “Arrested Development” into an action movie trailer, so naturally, we applaud it. But, I couldn’t help but laugh not just at the concept, but at all the great episodes of that brilliant show. Perhaps even more important than this goofy video is this link where you can buy the entire series on DVD:
AMAZON.COM

-PP & SL

JULY 10, 2010

A DVD recommendation from our Movie Guy Justin to pass time on a slow new-release weekend:

Triangle (2009)

There isn’t any way to write a review of this movie without giving important info away (even the trailer tells you too much). So, I will simply say, it is a cerebral, suspenseful, and intriguing indie that delivers again and again. What you need to know…it is a horror film that isn’t too full of gore; rather, it centers more on story, than startles.

If you liked “Ghost Ship”, then DON’T see this movie. If you liked “Memento” AND you like horror, then SEE this movie.
3 stars
-JB

JULY 9, 2010

OH, HELL YES!! New material from Tommy Wiseau! I mean, how long can you continue to sell out midnight screenings across the country of your seven-year-old first film? They say this is Tommy Wiseau as we’ve never seen him before, but it’s certainly Tommy Wiseau as we’ve always wanted to see him…

-PP

JULY 7, 2010

Have you ever wanted to make your own life-size Jabba the Hutt? No? Well here’s a site that shows how other guys have done it. You don’t care about them? They’ve taken great care to be realistic in all their “Star Wars” costumes. You’d beat the shit out of them if you saw them at Wizard-Con? Wait, you wanna correct yourself and state for the record that you’d never actually go to Wizard-Con?

Go work your shit out and get back to us. In the meantime, here’s the Jabba “How-to”:
STAR WARS CRAFTS
-PP

JULY 6, 2010

DOES MGM SPELL S.O.L. FOR 007?

MGM’s accountant takes a new approach
with Daniel Craig’s contract negotiation

There’s a very strong possibility that the same MGM financial woes that screwed us out of a Guillermo Del Toro Hobbit have indefinitely rescinded James Bond’s license to…well, do anything, really.

According to FirstShowing.net (via reports from AICN and the UK Daily Mirror), Bond 23 hasn’t been delayed, it’s been full-on canceled, which may also mean Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond may be over as well.

Hit the link for details.
-SB

JULY 6, 2010

COMMANDER, TEAR THIS TOY BOX APART UNTIL YOU’VE FOUND THAT YAKFACE FIGURE…

This was just too cool not to post (courtesy of GeekTyrant):

-SB

JULY 6, 2010

IN A WORLD DESPERATE FOR REVOLUTION, ONE CHIMPANZEE WILL RISE…

“Sweet!  Lancelot Link is back?!?!”

Unfortunately, no. However, /Film has news about 20th-Century Fox’s Summer 2011 release of Rise of the Apes, a prequel to the Planet of the Apes storyline.

Now, before those of you who (like me) still struggle to get the skunk-stench of Tim Burton’s 2001 “reimagining” of POTA out of their nostrils automatically roll their eyes at this…

“Are you the guy who wrote this f@#$ing script?!?!”

…some aspects of the production sound promising:

-The majority of the simian characters will supposedly be created digitally, which would be worrying, except they are being produced by WETA Digital, whose work is pretty much unparalleled in creating photo-realistic creatures and animals, so that’s potentially cool.

-The cast (as of today) includes:

• James Franco (the Spider-Man series, Pineapple Express, General Hospital) as a young scientist on the brink of an Alzheimer’s cure using various primates as test subjects (naughty, naughty, Jimmy!)

• John Lithgow (Dexter, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Footloose, and The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension, ’cause anytime you have the chance to mention that flick, you’ve just gotta take it) as Franco’s father who, you guessed it, suffers from Alzheimer’s

• Slumdog Millionaire‘s Freida Pinto as the primatologist/obligatory love interest working with Franco

• and one of my favorite character actors, Don Cheadle (Hotel Rwanda, the updated Ocean’s [insert number here] series, Iron Man 2), in a role that hasn’t been defined yet

The linked update adds to the coolness of the casting by bringing Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings‘ Gollum, the 2005 King Kong) back to WETA’s mo-cap studio, performing the chimpanzee, Caesar, whose origin is the focus of the film.

When I started writing this entry for “The Latest”, it quickly degenerated from a factual blurb to a bit of a rambly-rant-thingy about Planet of the Apes, the complete text of which I’ll post later on, over in the “Opinions/Articles” section, for anyone with an axe to grind over the way the legacy of original film series has been squandered in recent years. Otherwise, hit the link for /Film‘s story, and their other headlines about the film as well.
-SB

JULY 6, 2010

TRON: LEGACY – SET VISIT

The guys from Collider were given AMAZING on-set access to “Tron: Legacy” last year, the only proviso from Disney being that bits and pieces of the video they shot would be released gradually over time, leading up to the film’s release at the end of the year.

This is the first of those bits. Hit the link above to check it (and the rest of Collider’s coverage of the film) out!
-SB

JULY 6, 2010

The 100 Cheesiest Movie Quotes of All Time.
CHEER as they include “The Room” and “Battlefield Earth”. BOO as they include “Lethal Weapon” and “Goldfinger”. Either way, you’re emotionally invested:

-PP

JULY 5, 2010

We saw this contraption at Hollywood & Highland in L.A. It’s a game where a kid can stand in front of a Wii-type machine and move things around a sorcerer’s workshop in virtual reality. It seems to be touring malls and shopping & dining districts. Check your local paper so you know where to avoid…
- PP

JULY 4, 2010

As we celebrate the 234th anniversary of the U.S.A., let’s look at our most notable anniversaries since then. We’ve already chimed in here at THE LATEST with our thoughts on the 35th anniversary of “Jaws” and the 30th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back”. Let us also not forget that this year is the 25th anniversary of “Back to the Future”, the 20th anniversary of “Die Hard 2″ and the 10th anniversary of the one-year anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace”.

God bless America.

Oh, and it’s the one year pre-anniversary of “Captain America”, in theaters July, 2011.
- SL & PP

JULY 3, 2010

The Saturn Awards – given every year by The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, recognizing excellence in the genre fields of movie and television – are not something I normally pay attention to. But maybe I’d better start, since a blurb I read tells me these were their top winners from last year (presented at their awards ceremony last week):

Best Science Fiction Film:
AVATAR
Best Fantasy Film:
WATCHMEN
Best Horror Film:
DRAG ME TO HELL
Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film:
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

These just happen to be my four favorite films from 2009. Way to go, Saturn!!!
-SL

Read the winner’s list here

JULY 2, 2010

WANNA SEE THE SPIDER-MAN CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT?

AICN had somebody down in Mexico who was able to grab photos and an actual video from the live casting announcement of Andrew Garfield as the new Peter Parker.

Click the link above to watch! Share and Enjoy, True Believers!
-SB

JULY 1, 2010

ANDREW GARFIELD OFFICIALLY CAST AS SPIDER-MAN!

The guys over at Geek Tyrant reported at 9 P.M. EDT that Andrew Garfield (Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, this year’s The Social Network from David Fincher, and from the “I-knew-I-recognized-him!” Department, the two-part Doctor Who episode “Daleks in Manhattan”/”Evolution of the Daleks” from Series 3) has officially been cast as the web-slinger in Marc Webb’s reboot of the Spider-Man franchise, due out from Sony pictures on July 3rd, 2012.

Click the link above for the story, which includes Sony’s official press release!
-SB

JULY 1, 2010

“Grace, Ferris Bueller is behind this. There is no doubt in my mind, and now, he’s got Sloane Peterson involved in this thing.”

Los Angeles prosecutors say they have charged “Ferris Bueller” actor Jeffrey Jones (doing his best Ted Levine impersonation) with failing to update his sex offender registration information.
Read the brief write-up in THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.
-PP

JUNE 30, 2010

SCOTT PILGRIM DIRECTOR EDGAR WRIGHT MOVING FORWARD WITH MARVEL’S ANT-MAN FEATURE

I’ve been a Wright fanboy since I first saw his freakishly awesome series Spaced, co-written by and starring frequent Wright collaborators Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes (neé Stevenson, both pictured above with Wright), on BBC America some years back. Since then, Wright’s two features, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz have helped cement his status as “ONE OF US!! ONE OF US!!” in the movie-geek community; his upcoming adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s BRILLIANT series of Scott Pilgrim graphic novels is arguably the film I’m personally most excited to see this summer.

So, it’s a real kick that his next project following Pilgrim is the big-screen debut of Marvel’s Ant-Man, the screenplay with which he’s been tinkering for a few years. Despite early reports that Wright’s Ant-Man would be more of a send-up of the recent crop of superhero films, MTV’s Splash Page quoted Wright as saying “…it’s a genre film. It’s about the level of comedy that Iron Man has. The idea is to make a high-concept genre film where it’s within another genre.” Wright also expressed a clear desire to keep the film just as grounded in the real world as the other Marvel films.

Click the link above to read the full story!
-SB

JUNE 30, 2010

STEVE CARELL IS LEAVING “THE OFFICE”

After next season, apparently. Dare one hope that David Brent may take over as boss? They could seed his character early in the season to set it up. It’s not as if Ricky Gervais’ movie career is exactly going gangbusters. (And even if it were, Carell has proven that you don’t have to slow down your movie-making schedule just ‘cuz you’re on a successful TV show).
-SL

JUNE 29, 2010

I wanted to post the new “Harry Potter” trailer, but felt compelled to also post the trailer for the first “Harry Potter” film. Watch ‘em both and be impressed with how mature and impressive the franchise has become. Right down to the WB logo, great care has been taken to “adultify” the franchise, and I think it’s worked, as all the films, from first to last, have been rather majestic:

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE

-PP

JUNE 28, 2010

The lost “Superman” movie REVEALED! Details on the Christopher Reeve sequel (SUPERMAN V) that never was.

Read about it here.
-PP

JUNE 27, 2010

This is awesome. For anyone who loved their Star Wars Kenner toys, and their dog. This guy got both.

-PP

JUNE 26, 2010

It’s been thirty years since “Airplane!” hit theaters? Surely, you can’t be serious?

I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley…
-PP

JUNE 25, 2010

“The Social Network” teaser trailer is out. When I heard a movie was being made about the founder of Facebook, I wasn’t all that interested. But Fincher changed that…

-PP

JUNE 24, 2010

Man, the things stars demand nowadays in their riders. Steve Martin is touring the country with his bluegrass ensemble and you wouldn’t believe the stuff he’s DEMANDING! (hint: it’s funny)

Read it at his website: STEVEMARTIN.COM
-PP

JUNE 23, 2010

Outside of maybe Iron Man, I’m not sure what these people are trying to accomplish, but apparently it’s the season to shoot glowing shit out of your hands…

-PP

JUNE 22, 2010

“35 Years Later, the Secret of JAWS’ Success is Revealed!”

35 years ago today, “Jaws” was released and was miraculously able to draw enough audience members away from “The Land That Time Forgot” and “Mandingo” to become the largest grossing movie of all time. It would, of course, only hold the record for two years, when “Star Wars” was able to beat “Airport ’77″ in it’s theatrical release.
-AW

JUNE 21, 2010

The Green Hornet trailer is here! (yes!) It’s also going to be in 3D. (no!) But it’s got Michel Gondry directing! (yes!) But it’s been pushed to January (no!). As you can see, it’s conflicting…

-PP

JUNE 19, 2010

As if they need to lure patrons into the theater…

Nevertheless, here’s another fun “Toy Story 3″ featurette with Ken!:

-PP

JUNE 18, 2010

Perhaps the best movie poster I’ve seen in years! And the movie looks good, too. How can you not see it? Clooney makes the best choices of any mega-star out there.

-PP

JUNE 17, 2010

Seen on the news…

-PP

JUNE 16, 2010

Hmmmm, let’s see….sweet release of death or watch “The Smurfs” trailer…?

-PP

JUNE 14, 2010

Here’s a strange little movie game brought to you by the folks at M&Ms. To celebrate dark M&Ms, there’s a painting that contains clues to 50 “dark” films. Name the films as quickly and correctly as you can!

Find the game here.
-PP

JUNE 13, 2010

In a summer of sequels, how did this one fall through the cracks?

-PP

JUNE 12, 2010

It opens in one week. One week, people. Book your plane ticket.

Read the NY Times article about one journalist’s experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter here.
-PP

JUNE 11, 2010

Great concept, great sport, and funny as hell. “Wax On, Fuck Off” is hilarious. Enjoy:

-PP

JUNE 10, 2010

On June 4th, we posted here that James Cameron was on the gulf oil spill and that his underwater adventure experience (he’s logged over 2500 hrs. undersea) would be an asset to the clean up. But who knew Mr. WaterWorld himself, KEVIN COSTNER, would be the next potential hero! Apparently, after the Exxon Valdez disaster, Costner’s sunk around $20 MILLION of his own money into developing a machine that de-oils water.

Read about it here.
-PP

JUNE 9, 2010

Mike Nichols will receive this year’s AFI life achievement award. He’s one of the rare talents to receive an Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy award. Expect a TV special about the award presentation sometime soon.

Read the LA Times article here.
-PP

JUNE 8, 2010

The costumed characters who populate Hollywood Blvd. have gotten the boot. The reason is aggressive panhandling and loitering. The potentially-classy Hollywood and Highland area was getting dangerously close to resembling Venice Beach. Since the sweep was enacted, there have been eight arrests. No word yet as to whether “shoot on sight” is enforced.

Read the LA Daily News article here.
And watch the short film “Superheroes: We Work for Tips” in The Movie Guys Video Vault.

JUNE 7, 2010

Ouch. They’re still spoofing COMEDIES. Don’t you see how that doesn’t work…?

-PP

JUNE 6, 2010

This article from livescience.com explains Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader as a psychological breakdown, rather than a product of The Force. In the end, that’s a WAY more interesting theory than dopey midichlorians. Read it here.

-PP

JUNE 5, 2010

Scroll down this page to Feb. 19 and you’ll see a compilation of “Wilhelm Screams” through the years. This was a running inside joke about using the same recorded scream over and over again in different movies. There seems to be a newspaper prop making the rounds in movie after TV show, too. It’s been compiled here.

-PP

JUNE 4, 2010

Hey, one BILLION dollars at the box office means you can do anything, right? The Jacques Cousteau of underwater movies is now on the case of the BP oil leak:

Read about the government enlisting JAMES CAMERON’S help in the gulf here.
-PP

JUNE 3, 2010

Here’s an exclusive deleted scene from the movie “Babies”:

You know, if this scene WERE actually in the film, I probably would’ve seen it…
-PP

JUNE 2, 2010

You know Ken, the famous boyfriend of Barbie. But there’s an exclusive get-to-know-him video now posted from the great folks at Pixar. Enjoy:

-PP

JUNE 1, 2010

I expect next Sunday’s MTV Movie Awards to be the most get-it-wrong awards show of the year, as usual. But DAMN, these promo ads with Tom Cruise STILL BEING FUNNY are pretty entertaining. Watch one, and the others automatically play afterwards:

-PP

MAY 31, 2010

Better days…

-PP

MAY 30, 2010

Man…I hate when studio BS screws movie fans…

Variety reported this afternoon that Gillermo Del Toro has dropped out of his directing gig on The Hobbit “due to the ongoing delays in getting the films greenlit.”

From the variety story: Del Toro made the surprise announcement Sunday on The One Ring web site, adding that he will continue to co-write the screenplays based on J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.”

“In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming ‘The Hobbit,’ I am faced with the hardest decision of my life”, Del Toro said in a statement. “After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien’s Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures.”

MGM has owned the rights to The Hobbit since 1969, and until their recent financial struggles (which also KO’d the next Bond film from getting started) had the financing deal worked out with New Line Cinema (the studio that produced and distributed The Lord of the Rings, in case you’ve been living in a sports town for the last decade and don’t know what a Hobbit is…).

This. BLOWS. Del Toro is the perfect guy to direct this (yes, I know it’s “these”, since the plan is to make two films: one to cover The Hobbit, the other to serve as linking narrative to The Fellowship of the Ring, but I’m not even banking on one getting made now, much less two…) if Peter Jackson’s not going to.

Note to New Line: if and when this finally comes around, you are ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN from allowing Michael Bay, Brett Ratner, or Joel Schumacher ANYWHERE NEAR IT, do I make myself clear?!

Sigh. Hit the link at the top of the post for Variety’s report, and click here to head over to TheOneRing.net and read the whole depressing story…
-SB

MAY 30, 2010

HOLLYWOOD, CA

The Movie Guys attended some pretty cool screenings yesterday. The great New Beverly Cinema, premiere revival house in Los Angeles, showed the funniest movie of all time, and this is not debatable – “GHOSTBUSTERS”. So funny, holds up so well, and the print was in great shape! Earlier in the day we went to see “Shrek Forever After” at the Director’s Guild Theater, and Shrek himself made an appearance. Hollywood is THE place to see celebrities….
- PP

MAY 29, 2010

A first look at Pixar’s new short, with some smart talk from the makers about animation. Look for “Day & Night” playing before “Toy Story 3″.

Read the Animation World Network article here.
-PP

MAY 28, 2010

Better days…

“Avenue Q” needs a rewrite…
-PP

MAY 28, 2010

Those of you reading this in small markets may not have had the film “The Human Centipede” play in your local theater. It’s the latest in completely mental horror. The plot: An evil doctor plans to surgically join his victims by sewing together their mouths and anuses, all in a row, so the food goes in at the front and comes out at the rear. They will move on their hands and knees like an insect, a centipede:

In celebration of this movie, a website has built a version of the old stand-up arcade game CENTIPEDE with this concept in mind. Enjoy.

The Human Centipede arcade game.
-PP

MAY 27, 2010

Speak like yoda want to, hmm? Say them, use this yoda-speak generator to create sentences the way the great jedi master would. Yes, hmmm.

The Yoda-Speak Generator
-PP

MAY 26, 2010

Earlier this year, Brittany Murphy died of pneumonia complicated by an iron deficiency, anemia and multiple drug intoxication. Now, her husband Simon Monjack has died. Heart attck? Grief? That has yet to be determined, but Brittany’s mom Sharon has had a lousy year…

Read the LA TImes article here.
-PP

MAY 25, 2010

Since “The Empire Strikes Back” was the high point of the six “Star Wars” films, and arguably one of the best films of the 1980s, I don’t believe there IS a cap we can put on 30th anniversary coverage. With that in mind, here’s a great fan video of an “Empire” trailer, re-imagined as a 1950s 3-D sci-fi flick. The research put in to old footage is awesome. Enjoy:

-PP

MAY 21, 2010

J.J. Abrams is just a bastard. A lucky, lucky bastard. The guy catches his first real break writing the screenplay for the Harrison Ford “I’m-gonna-take-my-shot-at-an-Oscar-by-playing-a-crippled-guy” movie Regarding Henry, so there’s an informal Star Wars connection. Alias let him play around with the spy genre for FIVE YEARS. Lost is…well, f@#$ing awesome, frankly, so it just sucks that he’s that cool, but I digress… Fringe is the first true spiritual successor to The X-Files that’s come along. Then there’s, oh, I dunno…STAR TREK, which his team found a way to MAKE COOL FOR NORMAL PEOPLE.

Those alone are a track record for Geek-Godhood, but nooooooooooooooo…he’s got MORE COOL STUFF coming up. We already got a taste of upcoming Bad Robot-y goodness with the trailer for the Abrams/Spielberg collaboration Super 8 about Area 51.

Today, The Hollywood Reporter broke the story that he’s developing a heist flick with Field of Dreams and Sneakers Writer/Director Phil Alden Robinson?!?!

Are you kidding?!?! Man, ALL the cool kids wanna hang out with this guy!! Click the link above to read about what a lucky, lucky bastard J.J. Abrams is. Jerk. (I kid, J.J. I kid because I love. Seriously. Call me.)
-SB

MAY 21, 2010

As if the folks at Pixar don’t already own a sizeable hunk of all the coolness in the universe, Story Artist Josh Cooley puts together a series of original pieces for an upcoming book called…wait for it…Lil’ Inappropriate Golden Book: Movies R Fun.

The book includes references ranging from The Godfather to The Professional (okay, maybe that’s not such a huge range…) to Terminator 2: Judgment Day (that one’s for you, Paul!).

Head on over to /Film for more info and images from the project. Too cool.
-SB

MAY 20, 2010

At the risk of beating this Empire Strikes Back anniversary thing to death, it’s a moral imperative that I, as not only a movie geek but one who teaches literature to teenagers, share this BRILLIANT article by Marc Bernardin over at io9. It’s like he took a snapshot of 7 year-old me’s reaction to it then, and made a time-lapse film of every thought I’ve had about it since. Wild. Awesome and wild.
-SB

MAY 20, 2010

As part of The Empire Strikes Back‘s 30th anniversary coverage, Rick Panna over at Crave Online posted this geektastic article about a recently-leaked, Leigh Brackett-written, pre-Lawrence Kasdan-doctored first draft of the Empire screenplay, when it was still simply titled “Star Wars Sequel”. Some really cool ideas in there that would have made for a WAY different film from the one we love. Hit the link above to check it out.
-SB

MAY 18, 2010

The first viral images from J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg’s upcoming Super 8 have hit the ‘net.

Given how freakin’ sweet the viral marketing was for Cloverfield (and, to be honest, how many additional layers it added to the story if you read through the content before seeing the film), I’m all kinds of jazzed to have it start up for Super 8. As far as I’m concerned, Abrams can do no wrong. His track record for innovative, character-driven drama (whether he was at the helm himself, or represented by another Bad Roboteer) pretty much speaks for itself.

Head over to movieviral.com for more coolness.
-SB

MAY 18, 2010

The 30th anniversary of my personal favorite movie of all time, The Empire Strikes Back, is Thursday, 5/20, and the official Star Wars site has been posting neat, rare goodies for a while now to celebrate.

Today’s update on SW.com actually comes from Maxim Magazine’s May issue (holy alliteration!); although not necessarily the type of photos you might expect Maxim to publish (guess we’ll have to wait for Jedi‘s anniversary in 2013 for those, nudge-nudge), there are a half-dozen cool behind-the-scenes pics from Empire to dig on.

Check them out HERE.
-SB

MAY 18, 2010

This is good news. Filmmakers getting to SUE for bad reviews would set a really bad precedent…

READ ON: Judge Dismisses Suit Over Variety Review
-PP

MAY 17, 2010

David Lynch’s new short film is really a 12-minute commercial for Dior starring the stunningly beautiful Marion Cotttilard. Naturally, it’s the weirdest commercial you’ll ever see…

-PP

MAY 16, 2010

Cannes 2010: Shia LaBeouf: We botched the last Indiana Jones

Too little, too late, Shia. But WELL SAID. It’s hard to believe over $700 million in ticket sales worldwide is a failure, but it WAS! INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL was a MASSIVE FAILURE. Next time, stop it when you’re in the middle of shooting it…

Read Labeouf’s Cannes interview in the LA Times Blog.

-PP

MAY 15, 2010

This is a letter from George Lucas to the creators of “Lost”. Not a joke.

“Congratulations on pulling off an amazing show. Don’t tell anyone … but when ‘Star Wars’ first came out, I didn’t know where it was going either. The trick is to pretend you’ve planned the whole thing out in advance. Throw in some father issues and references to other stories — let’s call them homages — and you’ve got a series.
In six seasons, you’ve managed to span both time and space, and I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I never saw what was around the corner. Now that it’s all coming to an end, it’s impressive to see how much was planned out in advance and how neatly you’ve wrapped up everything. You’ve created something really special. I’m sad that the series is ending, but I look forward to seeing what you two are going to do next.”

Wow.

The Source
-PP

MAY 14, 2010

REJOICE! A new film from Jean-Pierre Jeunet! This guy is the WEIRDEST, and brilliant. Creator of “Amelie”, “City of Lost Children” and the underappreciated “A Very Long Engagement”. His newest is called “Micmacs”. Behold:

-PP

MAY 13, 2010

The MTV Movie Award nominations are out. So, if you want the definitive thoughts of a reality TV station on who should win movie awards, tune in June 6th…

Read the nominee list here.
-PP

MAY 12, 2010

Some very insightful (and pessimistic) thoughts on the state of the film industry from Truly Free Film:

38 More Ways The Film Industry Is Failing Today
-PP

MAY 11, 2010

Sooooo, anyone go to the movies this weekend?

Notice anything shown in the trailer for Iron Man 2 that wound up conspicuously absent from the finished film?

Wanna know what happened to those scenes (and some others)? Check out io9′s story HERE.
-SB

MAY 11, 2010

If having the words “Amblin Entertainment” and “Bad Robot” appear on the same title card for a movie about Area 51 doesn’t get your geek-gears spinning on principle alone, watch THIS.

J.J. Abrams writing & directing.
Steven Spielberg producing.

Schuh.
WINNNNNG…
-SB

MAY 10, 2010

To use language familiar to the internet, UGH.

Men in Black 3 is greenlit. And it’s in 3-D…
-PP

MAY 9, 2010

SPOILER ALERT! You can watch the fastest version of the original “Star Wars” trilogy, told entirely with Legos, but they do give away the ending….!:

-PP

MAY 8, 2010

Ever wonder what happened to good ‘ol Doc Emmett Brown? Well, he went batshit crazy. This video explains.

-PP

MAY 7, 2010

So, I’m sitting in the Dome in Hollywood, waiting for “Iron Man 2″ and RDJ and Favreau show up unannounced to intro the film. Just about shit myself! Snapped this fuzzy pic in the dark…!

-PP

MAY 7, 2010

“Star Wars” voices are now available for your TomTom device. This introductory video is awesome:

-PP

MAY 6, 2010

Announcing Spielberg’s next project! Big Steve is the man, and “The War Horse” is his next project. Based on a popular novel about a boy’s search through war trenches for his beloved colt, the novel has already been turned into a play. Here’s a still:

Read the whole story here.
-PP

MAY 5, 2010

So, this will only be the greatest movie of the year. Happy Cinco de Mayo, everybody!

I can’t wait till Eli Roth makes a full-length “Thanksgiving”…
-PP

MAY 4, 2010

While it’s unfortunate that Bryan Singer’s existing commitments prevented him from directing Fox’s soon-to-be-in-production X-Men: First Class, I think that they picked a Kick-Ass replacement for him: Matthew Vaughn.

Kinda funny co-inky-dink that Vaughn was the original choice to direct Marvel’s upcoming Thor adaptation (now in the way-capable hands of actor/director/Shakespeare-wrangler Kenneth Branagh), and both X-Men: First Class and Thor are due out in the same summer…

Check out Slashfilm’s coverage, which includes Marvel’s press release, HERE.
-SB

MAY 4, 2010

I think we can all get behind Ebert on this one.

The great Roger Ebert rails against 3-D!.
-PP

MAY 4, 2010

“Pleeeeeeeeeease!!! Make Peeeeeace!!!!”

Nearly 30 years after the release of Jim Henson and Frank Oz’s co-directorial fantasy The Dark Crystal, the Henson Company issued a press release today with initial details about Power of the Dark Crystal, to be made in Australia by Omnilab Media, with the Henson Company executive-producing. The film is being designed for 3D from the ground up, and will be helmed by Daybreakers directors Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig.

Download the press release HERE.
-SB

MAY 4, 2010

After months of everybody already knowing about it, LOTR/The Matrix actor Hugo Weaving has finally been confirmed as playing the Red Skull in next year’s Captain America: the First Avenger, opposite Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers.

As awesome as the news is, I don’t know how threatening it’ll be when Weaving’s Red Skull calls out “Mister Rogerrrrrrrs…” to Cap…

Check out Marvel’s official press release on Weaving’s role HERE.
-SB

MAY 2, 2010

Can it be true? Can, as we Geeks have always somehow believed, Star Wars (the real one, anyway) truly be the answer to EVERYTHING?

After seeing this, I’m not sure why achieving stability in Afghanistan has always seemed so much more complicated on the news…

Read all about Jon Stewart’s elegant solution from The Daily Show HERE.
-SB

MAY 2, 2010

First glimpse of THOR:

-PP

MAY 1, 2010

OK, this is Hanson. But it’s cool.

Thinking ‘Bout Somethin’

HANSON | MySpace Music Videos
-PP

APRIL 29, 2010

Your mission: Go to The Apple Store. Mess around with the iPad. Leave the store with all the iPads you touched with The Movie Guys homepage proudly displayed! Go now.

-PP

APRIL 28, 2010

Walter Murch talks about cinema. You have sixteen minutes for Walter Murch.

Walter Murch: “Three Fathers of Cinema” from Old School Cinema on Vimeo.

-PP

APRIL 26, 2010

Happy Birthday, Big Guy! Is it possible you’re doing your best work at EIGHTY??!!!

-PP

APRIL 25, 2010

Recently recommended indie film “Drawing With Chalk” plays at the Newport Beach Film Festival this Tuesday, April 27. Congrats to them an if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth the pop-in!

CHECK THE SCHEDULE FOR SHOWTIME
-PP

APRIL 22, 2010

Wanna know how actors deal with on-set performance now that there’s SO much digital enhancement to the acting? Actors from “Avatar” and “Benjamin Button” will be at the Academy tonight (Including Andy Serkis)! They’ll be talking with FX people, and $5 will get you in to see the panel. Should be cool.

ACTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE.
-PP

APRIL 21, 2010

This is either the greatest news ever, or a total disaster waiting to happen. PLEASE BE GREAT!

WARNER BROS. RE-LAUNCHING LOONEY TUNES.

-PP

APRIL 20, 2010

SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING! MGM is running out of money, putting the James Bond franchise in jeopardy. Rich pricks reading this, please GIVE to the lion. Thanx.

THE ARTICLE
-PP

APRIL 18, 2010

Nothing to post today. Still mourning the loss of Renee Walker…

-PP

APRIL 17, 2010

Because NO ONE ELSE IN THE HISTORY OF MAN HAS THIS KIND OF TIME EXCEPT FOR BRAD BOURLAND, Brad Bourland brings you the TOP 10,000 movies of all time.

The List
-PP

APRIL 16, 2010

Thank the heavens this “Make Your Own Avatar” kiosk is touring the country, or people might never hear of this little film. Odd that it’s released on DVD on Earth Day so we can all celebrate Earth invading a foreign world and killing everyone on it!

-PP

APRIL 15, 2010

YES! I LOVED MST3K! And the original creators are back with a live show, doing the same nutty shit that got them famous in the first place. There are DVDs and downloads from their site, as well as a tour – CHECK IT OUT!

CINEMATIC TITANIC
-PP

APRIL 14, 2010

Grumble….

Scorsese’s next feature to be in 3-D
-PP

APRIL 13, 2010

Damn, I wanted to participate in this. But I’ll definitely see it!

STAR WARS UNCUT
-PP

APRIL 11, 2010

Better days…

-PP

APRIL 10, 2010

Meinhardt Raabe, Munchkin Coroner of Oz, dead at 94.

As coroner, I must aver
I thoroughly examined him
And he’s not only merely dead
He’s really, most sincerely dead!
-PP

APRIL 9, 2010

What’s hip in Hollywood? CASTLES! As these shots from “Clash of the Titans”, “Alice in Wonderland” and “Prince of Persia” can attest…

-PP

APRIL 7, 2010

Beavis, this may be the greatest video I’ve ever seen…

-PP

APRIL 6, 2010

How great is “The A-Team” gonna be?!!

Watch the latest trailer!
-PP

APRIL 5, 2010

George Lucas and Seth Green are combining ‘forces’ to create a STAR WARS comedy series.

Stop it, George. Honestly, please just stop.

Read the details.
-PP

APRIL 4, 2010

PBS is going to air the documentary “Food, Inc.” on April 21st. So, if you haven’t seen it yet, a free screening on TV gives you no more excuses!

Read the article
-PP

APRIL 3, 2010

Better days…

-PP

APRIL 1, 2010

Disney animation, though seeming destitute just a few years ago, has become quite the meeting place for brilliant minds.

Henry Selick moving to Disney
-PP

MARCH 31, 2010

There are two weird things about Spike Jonze’s new film.
- It’s not in theaters
- It’s sponsored by Absolut Vodka

But it certainly retains the surreal and dreamy feel of a full-on Jonze feature. It’s a 30 minute love story about robots called “I’m Here”. And it’s here:

I’m Here
-PP

MARCH 30, 2010

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WARREN!

…and our Movie Guy Steven says to take another look at “Ishtar”!
-PP

MARCH 29, 2010

The Movie Guys LOVE meeting brilliant celebrity filmmakers. But this weekend, we met Tommy Wiseau instead!

-PP

MARCH 28, 2010

It’s official, and probably not too far off-base. “Battlefield Earth” is the worst movie of the decade (according to the Razzie Awards). The writer, who adapted L. Ron Hubbard’s god-awful book, took it in stride and OWNED it. He gets major points for that.

Read about his in-person acceptance speech here.

MARCH 27, 2010

Then again, it’s supposed to rise from the dead in the form of a movie! You know we’ll be all over that!
-PP

MARCH 26, 2010

IFC has compiled a list of the 50 Greatest Comedy sketches of all time. Half the fun, of course, is arguing over whether they’re right in their assessment of the Top 50. I mean, if you don’t include ANY SCTV, there’s something wrong (“Half Wits”, anyone?). But the site IFC put together does include videos of the some of the best stuff EVER, like Monty Python’s “Argument Clinic” and SNL’s “Word Association”. Don’t miss them if you’ve never seen ‘em. Here’s the link:
IFC’s 50 Greatest Comedy Sketches

And because it’s not at IFC, you gotta see “Half Wits”:

-PP

MARCH 25, 2010

The Movie Guys are going to see “The Room” this Saturday. Are you?

The Room website
-PP

MARCH 24, 2010

Better days…

-PP

MARCH 23, 2010

I could’ve sworn that was Jennifer Lopez on the right and Alex O’Loughlin on the left…

-PP

MARCH 22, 2010

Your new Captain America…

-PP

MARCH 21, 2010

Hey, it’s your main Movie Guy Paul Preston here. Today is my birthday, so I’m posting what I want. Today, it’s the theatrical trailer for my favorite movie of all time. Dig it:

-PP

MARCH 20, 2010

Oscar-winning short film “Logorama” is online now (assuming it can live online now that the criteria for Academy Award consideration has been met and then some). This movie is insane, you don’t want to miss Ronald McDonald firing an uzi. Enjoy:

Logorama from Marc Altshuler – Human Music on Vimeo.

-PP

MARCH 19, 2010

The week after female-directed “The Hurt Locker” wins the Oscar for Best Picture, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel” becomes the highest-grossing female-directed movie in history. There’s such balance in the world…

MARCH 18, 2010

Better days…

-PP

MARCH 17, 2010

Please be true! These guys are the corporate-douchebags of the movie industry. Don’t let the door hit you in the we-censor-and-edit-movies ass:
Blockbuster considers bankruptcy protection
-PP

MARCH 16, 2010

Note to Joshua Newton, we’re comedians, not critics. At least as far as you’re concerned…:
‘Iron Cross’ Director’s Lawsuit Over Negative Variety Review Highlights Changing Status of Movie Critics
-PP

MARCH 15, 2010

Better days…

-PP

MARCH 14, 2010

Better days…

-PP

MARCH 12, 2010

ARCLIGHT CINEMAS, SHERMAN OAKS, CA

There’s gold in them walls! Arclight Sherman Oaks’ giant wall of movie posters is showcasing this year’s nominees, along with a crap ton ‘o’ Oscar winners from years past. From the old school to the classic to the new classics and everything in between.
- PP

MARCH 11, 2010
HOLLYWOOD, CA

Tonight, Movie Guys Paul & Cooter went to Cinespace in Hollywood for a screening of honorary Movie Guy Kevin Farley’s feature-length directorial debut, “Hollywood & Wine” (co-directed by Matt Berman). Pretty impressive cast of comics – Chris Kattan, David Spade, Chris Parnell, Kevin and his brothere John Farley, Horatio Sanz, and Norm MacDonald, pulling off the best, weirdest performance as Sid, a porno director who is just ODD. Sort of a mix between John Huston and Garrison Keillor, if everything either of them ever said ended in a perversion! Also, Nicky Whelan was very good, adding the realistic anchor to this boat-load of freaks. She’s the heart of the film. “Hollywood & Wine” should be available to the public soon.
-PP

MARCH 10, 2010

Better days…

-PP

MARCH 10, 2010

If you want to know the real story behind the wacky “Best Documentary Short” speech from last Sunday’s Oscars, Click Here.
-PP

MARCH 9, 2010

I’m gonna bypass any pithy comment here and just say that the idea of a sequel instead of a remake is the way to go. TRON: LEGACY. New trailer. Enjoy:

-PP

MARCH 9, 2010

As if Sandra Bullock wasn’t cool enough winning an Oscar. She also won the Razzie Award the previous day for the horrible “All About Steve”. But she showed up in person to accept the award (rare for a star her caliber, considering the dubious honor), and she charmed the pants off of the whole crowd. See the video:

-PP

MARCH 8, 2010

The real winners on Oscar night? All of us. ‘Cause there’s a new “Iron Man 2″ trailer…

Watch it HERE.
-PP

MARCH 7, 2010

They’re all winners.

The contents of the Academy Awards’ swag bag: Click here.

I don’t know how they fit them in a bag, but highlights include: A private safari trip in South Africa worth $45,000 for up to eight adults and eight kids, a $14,500 Monte Carlo trip, and a private-island vacation at a Turks & Caicos sporting club!
-PP

MARCH 6, 2010

On the eve of Oscar night, “Avatar” stands to win a bunch. Check out Cameron talking at a TED event. In fact, when you’re done, go into the archives and watch the TED lecture with J.J. Abrams. If you’re the kind of guy who gets hooked on things smarter than you, TED’s for you.

-PP

MARCH 5, 2010
HOLLYWOOD, CA

Turner Classic Movies is launching its first classic film festival. Get the details here.

Your chance to see great films on the big screen like “Casablanca”, “The King of Comedy” and “Saboteur”. Plus some living legends in person like Louise Ranier and Mel Brooks!
-PP

MARCH 4, 2010

Behold! The first time The Movie Guys have linked to Oprah.com.

Roger Ebert is the greatest film critic I’ve had the pleasure to watch and read for well over twenty years. The SIZE of his body of work is staggering. You can keep Kael, Reed and Schickel. Ebert brought intelligence and wit to his reviews and managed to make them palatable for all audiences. Despite a thyroid cancer that took his lower jaw and voice, his writing today is as immense and potent as ever.

It’s good to see Roger take advantage of an amazing technology that scoured over his TV reviews from the last twenty years, pulled words and uses them to formulate audible sentences for him via Stephen Hawking. Except, because of the exhaustive research, the computerized voice SOUNDS like Ebert!

It’s pretty cool. Watch Roger’s new voice at work at the link below.

Watch a video excerpt
-PP

MARCH 3, 2010

Speaking of movie posters, no less than Martin Scorsese has chimed in on them, listing his favorite of all time and pontificating on the importance of movie posters in capturing the “DNA of an era”. Mahty LOVES movies, and this is a great article, from Esquire:

Martin Scorsese’s 10 Essential Movie Posters
-PP

MARCH 2, 2010
BEVERLY HILLS, CA

As always, the Motion Picture Academy in Beverly Hills has a great lobby movie poster display going on. Now it’s the Best Picture nominees of 1936-43, each year they had ten nominees as they had this year. Runs through April 18th in the Grand Lobby Gallery, 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211.
Free.
-PP