Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Entourage Movie Trailer

The movie trailer for Entourage has the gang back together for one last time.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Victory! Sony Has Decided To Release The Interview After All


Freedom of expression is back.  Sony is going to release The Interview after all.  The release will be on Christmas day and mostly in smaller "Art House" movie theaters.  It may not be the wide Christmas day release as originally planned but it is a start and video on demand will be coming shortly.  Score one for freedom and democracy!



more details @ TheWrap.com

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Fox Pulls The Plug On Gore Verbinski's North Korean Drama, Pyongyang

The latest casualty of the North Korean hacks and threats of violence is Gore Verbinski's new film, Pyongyang.  It was going to be set in North Korea and star Steve Carell.  The production company, New Regency, decided to cancel the film after its distributor, Fox, decided not to distribute the film.  Prior to the cancellation it was "green lit and fully funded."
Gore Verbinski shared his thoughts on the issue:

"I find it ironic that fear is eliminating the possibility to tell stories that depict our ability to overcome fear."

There is still the possibility of the film being produced elsewhere in the future but for now it is dead.


Remember when Hollywood stood up to dictators?


more @ Deadline.com

Update:

All of these recent events are starting to seem like a parody.
The F.B.I. has officially confirmed that North Korea is responsible for the Sony data breach.

Now the "hackers" have made further demands:

"Now we want you never let the movie released, distributed or leaked in any form of, for instance, DVD or piracy." It reportedly went on to demand that, "everything related to the movie, including its trailers, as well as its full version down from any website hosting them immediately."

And more bad news.  Paramount Studios orders planned screenings of Team America canceled allegedly so that they don't become targets of the North Korean regime!

 

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

North Korea Wins - Sony’s The Interview Dropped From Theaters

Here is the score: 

 Terrorist Threats 1,

Free Speech 0


Due to threats from North Korea, Sony’s new film, The Interview, will not be playing in most any major theaters in the United States.  The Interview was going to be a major Christmas day release but today movie theater chains have announce that they will not be showing the movie due to safety concerns.

So far the list of theaters with official statements include the following:

Regal
AMC
Bow Tie Cinemas
Carmike Cinemas
Cinemark
Cineplex 

Arclight Cinemas has not made an official statement as of 12 Noon today.

Seth Rogen and James Franco have not responded to the news but they have been seen with additional security due to concerns for their personal safety.  They have canceled  all promotional media even for The Interview.
more @ E Online

As of noon today Fandango still shows tickets available to purchase at local AMC theater.  I have a feeling that it will take some time to update their system.



At least one activist is not going to give in to threats from the dictatorship.  Human Rights Foundation founter, Thor Halvorssen, is planning on a "helium balloon release" of  The Interview.
He is planning to attach DVD copies of the movie and air drop them into North Korea.


They say that there is no such thing as bad publicity but Sony doesn't seem to think so in this case.   Perhaps the film is not very good and isn't worth the risk in light of the threats.

Either way it's a sad day for freedom and democracy.


 more @ Deadline.com

Updated: 1:15PM PST

The Interview is now officially dead!  Sony has pulled the plug.

No showtimes available at any ArcLight Cinema or AMC near Los Angeles as of 1:15PM  : (





Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Sony Hack: Footage Of Kim Jong Un's Fake Movie Death Leaked

North Korea Doesn't Like This One Bit


It's a bit of a spoiler, unless it's all a bad dream.

More details regarding leaked emails @ Gawker.com


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

New Mad Max: Fury Road Trailer

Check it...


I've seen an early screening of this movie and it is epic insanity!

Out May 15, 2015.

Monday, December 8, 2014

SNL's Take On Star Wars Teaser

Here is Saturday Night Live's spoof of the new Star Wars Episode VII teaser trailer.

 

So very tired?


Thursday, December 4, 2014

And Now The Terminator Genisys Official Trailer Is Here!



As usual they are giving too much away in the trailer.

more Terminator info here @  TerminatorMovie.com

John Connor looks around and what does he see, nothing but potential.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Monday, December 1, 2014

Time Trap, Funny New Short Film From Michael Shanks

Enjoy.


Written and Directed by Michael Shanks

A Hollywood agent should be calling soon, if they haven't already.

Excellent work.  Thank for this!


Monday, November 17, 2014

Jurassic World Website Is Live And Counting Down - The Trailer For Jurassic World Is Coming Soon!

The Jurassic World trailer is coming in less than 10 days. 


Can't wait!

Check out the countdown clock here @ JurassicWorld.com



more stills here JW mock corporate website @ MasraniGlobal.com

Jurassic Park YouTube channel @ Jurassic Park

Update:  The teaser for the trailer is here.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Simpsorama Couch Gag Is Here!

Simpsorama



From upcoming Simpsons Futurama mashup episode. 

The Six Million Dollar Man Is Coming And Inflation's Coming With Him

The long awaiting movie version of the popular 1970's television show has the green light!


Mark Wahlberg will be playing the Six Billion Dollar Man and Peter Berg will be directing.

It's about time!

more @ Deadline

Update:  A recent Southpark episode,
Freemium Isn't Free, has the poster, from the future?



Update Nov. 2, 2015:

The Six Billion Dollar Man gets an official release date and a new director.  Peter Berg is out and Damian Szifron is in as director.  This might be his first film in English.  Most of his work is in Spanish.
The Six Billion Dollar Man is due in theaters December 22, 2017




Star Wars: Episode VII Has Its Official Title

Star Wars: The Force Awakens


"The Force embiggens the smallest Jedi." 
Jedi Diah Springfield

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Hugh Jackman Co-Stars With Robots Again In New Trailer For Chappie


Not since Johnny 5 has a robot been so alive.


Chappie will be released March 6, 2015.

Hugh Jackman might also be hanging with robots again in Real Steel 2.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Marvel's Ambition Knows No Bounds - New Release Schedule For "Phase 3" Released

New announcements made at special event yesterday reveal the latest Marvel movie titles and release dates.


We will be swimming in Marvel movies at least until 2019!


more @ IGN

and




Wednesday, October 22, 2014

2001: A Space Odyssey New Trailer For UK Re-Release

Just as Interstellar is about to be released 2001: A Space Odyssey is going to be re-released in the U.K. for the first time in 40 years.


This new trailer reminds us that 2001 is truly a groundbreaking masterpiece .

Don't pass up the opportunity to watch 2001, as it was shot, in 70mm.
The re-release is due in the U.K. on November 28.


BTW, Quentin Tarantino's new movie The Hateful Eight will be filming in 65mm.
LONG LIVE FILM!

More info about the release @ hollywoodreporter.com

Thursday, October 16, 2014

In The Heart Of The Sea - AKA The Revenge Of Moby-Dick

Ron Howard's latest movie looks pretty amazing.


It sucks to be those sailors.

In The Heart Of The Sea is out in theaters March 13, 2015.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Game Of Thrones, An Animated Journey - Seasons 1 - 4 Recap

Unofficial Games Of Thrones Season 5 animated trailer.  
Don't watch if you haven't already seen seasons 1 to 4, many spoilers included.

Animation by Blackmeal.

Blackmeal does very nice work.  
Check out more of their videos @ vimeo.com/blackmeal

The wait is long but "winter is coming..."
 GOT Season 5 begins April 2015.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Big Hero 6 NYCC Sizzle Trailer Looks Great


Check it...

Can't wait!  Comes out November 7, 2014.

Jude Law In New BLACK SEA Trailer

Looks quite good...


In Theaters January 2015

Looks a little  familiar...


Awesome!

Brad Bird's Tomorrowland Movie Finally Has A Trailer


The Tomorrowland trailer is here, albeit a teaser trailer.


From director Brad Bird and writer Damon Lindelof.
This movie has been in the works for many years and most details have been carefully 
kept under raps.

Tomorrowland is due for release May 22, 2015.

New York Comic Con 2014 Has Begun - Watch It Live

NEW YORK COMIC CON 2014
MARVEL's LIVE coverage happening now!


More @ marvel.com

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

The New Ghostbusters Movie Has Its Director and Writer - Cast Coming Soon


 The new Ghostbusters movie officially has a director.  It is Paul Feig.  He is a long time director and producer know for television and films.   Some of his notable credits include Freeks And Geeks, Parks And Recreation, Arrested Development,  Bridesmaids, and The Heat.   The new movie is apparently not a sequel.  The studio is pursuing a new story line and hoping to launch a series of new films.   Paul Feig says "...it will star hilarious women."  That likely means that the hilarious men from the original Ghostbusters movies will not be included.  Original director Ivan Reitman left the project and original movie writer and co-star, Harold Ramis,  passed away in February.

Paul Feig's Twitter Announcment


Writer Katie Dippold, also of  The Heat and Parks and Recreation, has been called upon to write the new Ghostbusters screenplay.

Fans with hopes of a 3rd Ghostbusters sequel starring the original cast need to move on now.  Sadly that dream is over.  The new film isn't going to be glorious 1980's nostalgia but let's hope that it will offer something fresh, new, and fun.   There are only rumors about the cast and nothing official yet. It's a tall order asking anyone to live up to the original classic.  Good luck to all those involved.


The Original Ghostbusters Trailer

Ghostbusters Theme Song

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Spider-Man And Marvel Back Together Again?

Back on May 13, 2014 Max Landis, son of director John Landis, Tweeted about Marvel getting Spider-Man back from Sony.  He tweeted the following :

"crazy about Marvel getting Spider-Man back, that's gonna be bonkers."

followed shortly by...

"...there's a chance I wasn't supposed to tweet that."

...followed by...

"Ha Ha 5 months from now this is all gonna be real intersting."

He deleted these Tweets a short time later.   It's all very "intersting" indeed.

More about Landis' original tweets here @  Cosmicbooknews.com

As if on cue, 5 months after Max's Tweets, more rumors appear.  Sony is allegedly "in discussions" with Marvel regarding the possibility of allowing Marvel to use Spider-Man in future Marvel films.  The Amazing Spider-Man 2 didn't do so well at the box office and one could speculate that Sony may be weighting their options for the future of the popular character.  At this point there is no official confirmation so it remains to be seen where Spider-Man will end up.

More about this @ io9.com

Death And Return Of Superman Pitch by Max Landis


Friday, October 3, 2014

Fandango Scare Off Contest

Fandango is having a contest to win a walk-on role in a Blumhouse Productions film.
Blumhouse is know for The Purge: Anarchy and Amityville: The Awakening.


Blumhouse Productions Amityville: The Awakening Trailer

To find out more information and to enter the contest click below .

Fandango Scare-Off

Good luck!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Taken 3, Officially Called Tak3N?

Wait, are they really calling it Tak3n?  Yes.  Here's the trailer.



Due out Jan. 9, 2015

Final John Wick Trailer - Never Mess With A Man's Puppy!

There are dire consequences and repercussions when you mess with John Wick's puppy.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll get!


John Wick is out Oct 24, 2014

Currently getting 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes!
Typically scores drop as the release date approaches.

Skip the box office lines. Buy movie tickets in advance at Fandango.com.

New Interstellar TV Spot


Interstellar will be released November 7, 2014


Friday, September 26, 2014

Back To The Future - Complexity Of The Opening Sequence

This is the beginning of a new documentary that Jamie Benning is working on.



Jamie Benning has put together some very interesting "Filmumentaries" that provide some very interesting perspective on film making.

Find more here @ Filmumentaries.com

Thursday, September 25, 2014

New Jupiter Ascending Trailer

Check out the new trailer for The Wachowskis, directors of The Matrix, latest movie. 


Release date is February 6, 2015

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Steven Soderbergh's Edit Of Raiders Of The Lost Ark

For educational purposes Steven Soderbergh has re-edited Raiders Of The Los Ark and posted it on his website.   It is in black and white and the music is new among other changes.  It's and interesting take on this great movie.


Check is out here @ http:/Soderbergh's Raiders Edit

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Deadpool Movie Is Officially Happening! - Starring Ryan Reynolds

20th Century Fox has officially announced the greenlight for the Deadpool movie.


This test footage was created by Blur Studio a while ago.


Deadpool is due out in 2016.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Plastic Galaxy: The Story Of Star Wars Toys

Check out the teaser footage from the documentary Plastic Galaxy


Almost everything that can be said has been said about Star Wars.  There is a new documentary film about the phenomenon of endless toys that have been spun off from the Star Wars universe and the people that designed, sold, and collect them over the past 30+ years.
Special thanks to director Brian Stillman.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

‘Pirates of the Caribbean 5′: Orlando Bloom Confirms ‘Discussions’ About His Possible Return To Pirates Franchise

It's official, sort of...  Orlando Bloom is having "discussions" about returning to the role of Will Turner for the next installment of Pirates Of The Caribbean.


The new addition to the franchise is going to be called 
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

It's due to be released summer 2017.

more info @ uk.movies.yahoo.com

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Dwayne Johnson Confirms He Is Playing Black Adam



more Dwayne Johnson info @ twitter.com/TheRock

For those that don't know, Black Adam is the main villain from DC Comics' Shazam .


DC Comics had to change the name of the hero character from Captain Marvel to Shazam after a lawsuit from Marvel Comics.  

It's is about time to reboot the live action version of Shazam.  Check out the 70's TV show intro. Fantastic!

If you want To learn the origin story of Shazam watch the Warner Brothers animated movie.
It is really quite good.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Pixar's New Short, Lava - First Look


more @  Disney.com
and @ pixar.com

Ghostbusters Is Back In Theaters!

For a limited 1 week run, Ghostbusters is back in movie theaters.   If you have kids that are old enough it's time for them to see this movie.   You've probably seen it before but when was the last time you watched it in a movie theater?  It's a fun movie that is worth seeing again.  Don't miss this rare, one week only, opportunity.





It officially opens on August 29.  Check you local listings.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Lord Richard Attenborough 1923 - 2014 R.I.P.


Richard Attenborough as Lew Moran from Flight Of The Phoenix, 1965.

They always go in 3's, so it seems. First Robin Williams, then Lauren Bacall, and now Lord Richard Attenborough.  He is probably most well known, to people under age 30, for portraying Richard Hammond in the Jurassic Park films.  He has been acting for many many years.  He was also the accomplished director of many great films including A Bridge Too Far, Gandhi, and Chaplin.  He won two Academy Awards for Gandhi.  Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Sheila Sim and his younger brother David Attenborough, well known for narrating excellent nature documentaries such as Planet Earth.   He is one of the most accomplished British filmmakers and actors ever.   Richard Attenborough had a long and eventful life.

Film director Colin Trevorrow recently tweeted his own homage from the set of his new film 
Jurassic World.
"In Memoriam."


More from director Colin Trevorrow @ twitter/colintrevorrow

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Kari Byron, Grant Imahara, and Tory Beleci Are Leaving Mysthbusters - Sad News For Fans



Mythbusters has been one of the Discovery Channel's most watched shows since it began 11 years ago on January 23, 2003.  Today Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage announced that co-starts Tory Beleci, Kari Byron and Grant Imahara would be leaving MythBusters. They thanked them for being an important part of the show and explained that the show would be returning its original format with only Jamie and Adam performing experiments and busting the myths. It isn't clear why they will be leaving, if they have been asked to leave or if it's simply a decisions by Discovery Channel to change the format.  It could simply be an effort to reduce production costs in order to keep the show going with Jamie and Adam.  It's possible that contract negotiations went south.  Either way this is sad news to millions of fans and the end of an era for the Discovery Channel.  Tory, Kari, and Grand have proven to be a valuable part of the show. Their charisma and personality have added greatly to Mythbusters. They will be missed.

More @ mythbusters

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Comic Book That Includes The First Appearance Of Superman Could Be Yours

Just in case you are in the market for the very first comic book featuring Superman Action Comics number 1 is available for purchase on Ebay right now:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/311050328393.
The current bid is $2,000,100.00, as of 11AM PST Aug. 19, 2014.  There are still 5 days left in the auction so it's likely to go much higher.


Nicolas Cage’s copy of Action Comics #1 sold for  $2,161,000 back in 2011. That was a record for the time and this new copy is in allegedly better condition although they have both been given a CGC grade of 9.0.

You will have to be pre-approved to bid in this item.   You have until Sunday to place your bids
Good luck!

Update: The auction closed Sunday August 24, 2014
Final selling price $3,207,852.00!
A new record and the highest price ever paid for a comic book.


Paul Rudd As Ant-Man

Production has just begun on Marvel's Ant-Man. After a rough start and a change in directors from Edgar Wright to Peyton Reed, allegedly over creative differences, principle photography is underway.  Here is the first official picture of Pual Rudd as Ant-Man.


Photo: Zade Rosenthal/Marvel

details @ usatoday

more Ant-Man info @ marvel.com

Friday, August 15, 2014

Mark Hamill - Jedi Master

Check out this new picture of Mark Hamill sporting the older and wiser Jedi master look for Star Wars: Episode VII.



Every fan of Mark Hamill or just Star Wars should become a follower of Mark Hamill's Instagram.

"When 62 year old, you reach... Look as good you will not."

check out his Instagram page @ hamillhimself

and more Star Wars and movie news @ indierevolver.com

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Trailer For The New Disney Film Into The Woods

Another live action fairy tail story from Disney.


It is an adaptation of the 1986 Stephen Sondheim Broadway musical of the same name.

Making of Ghostbusters

A sequel to Ghostbusters has been in development for some time now.  It's easy to forget that almost every movie goes through this difficult process and there is an interesting article that explores the development of the classic original Ghostbusters film.

© COLUMBIA PICTURES/FROM EVERETT COLLECTION.


Read the article here @ VanityFair

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Make Up Legend Dick Smith Passed Away On July 30, 2014

The amazing artist Dick Smith passed away on July 30, 2014 at age 92.  He was one of the most prolific and influential make up artist from the bygone era before computer generated visual effects became the default option for creating creatures and special effects.  It's sad news but he had a long life and an amazing career that inspired millions.


There is much much more about his work here @ aintitcool.com

Monday, August 11, 2014

Robin Williams, July 21, 1951 - August 11, 2014 R.I.P.

I'm sad to report the news that Robin Williams has passed away.  His great body of work will live on.


Robin Williams stars in 4 films that will be released posthumously, including A Night At The Museum 3.  He will be missed. 

more on recent projects @ robinwilliams.com

more news regarding his death @ foxnews


Saturday, August 9, 2014

The Art Of John Alvin - Very Memorable Movie Posters


Sadly John Alvin died in 2008 but his work lives on.  A new book showcasing some of his artwork will be published soon.  The forward for his new book was written by Jeffrey Katzenberg. This new book will be available August 26, 2014.

Check out more of his work here @ johnalvinart.com 

Check out the details about the new hardcover book here @ Amazon.com


Sunday, August 3, 2014

Guardians Of The Galaxy Easter Eggs

There are quite a few fun Easter eggs in Guardians Of The Galaxy.  There is the obligatory end credits scene that we've come to expect but there are also many other interesting tidbits for the keen eyed fans to watch out for.





Check out the details here @comicbook.com

Updated:  Check out this Guardians Of The Galaxy Easter eggs in this video.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Kodak Film Deal Helps Keep Chemically Based Cinematography Alive For Now

The sale of Kodak motion picture film products has seen a very sharp decline in the last 10 years, over 90%.  Kodak discontinued the production of Kodachrome on June 22, 2009.   In 2012 Kodak filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.  The home of the Academy Awards in Hollywood was known as the Kodak Theater until the bankruptcy. It's now known as the Dolby Theater.  Kodak has attempted to reduce costs by closing plants and consolidated production.   FujiFilm stopped producing nearly all motion picture film products in March 2013.  Kodak was close to stopping production of all motion picture film so in an effort to keep film products available to film makers several Hollywood studios have made an agreement that will enable the manufacturer to continue production of motion picture film for at least for the next few years.  It involves guaranteed minimum purchases made by some of the major studios.  Many prominent film makers such  as Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino lobbied the studios on behalf of Kodak to make this deal happen.  It is sad but inevitable that the time is coming when photo chemical image acquisition will become a thing of the past.  Most audience members don't notice or care about this and can't tell the differences between digital and film projection at their local movie theaters.  Digital production has gradually become far cheaper than its traditional analog counterparts and film is no longer required at any stage of the production pipeline. It's an historical time in motion picture history.

There is an interesting documentary produced by Keanu Reeves that explores this ongoing transition from film to digital imaging.  It's available to watch on Netflix.  Check out the trailer.


Read the interesting details here @ WSJ.com

Updated Feb. 9, 2015:

News regarding Kodak's commitment to providing film @ Red Shark News

Lucy (2014) - A Disappointing Effort From Director Luc Besson

Lucy is directed by Luc Besson and stars Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman.  I would warn of spoilers but this review doesn't reveal anything that hasn't already been show in the trailers.  The trailers reveal the entire plot.  A powerful Asian drug cartel attempts to use a young woman, Lucy (Scarlett Johansson), as a drug mule.  They surgically implant a powerful new drug into her abdomen and force her to transport it internationally.  As per usual things don't go as planned and the package containing the drugs is ruptured and Lucy receives a massive dose into her blood stream.  This brand new drug has remarkable properties that result in her achieving Godlike powers.  The drug is so incredible that it even affects gravity.  These effects take place almost immediately.   Lucy uses her newly acquired power as she partners with a random French policeman and they work together to take down the drug dealers.  Lucy does almost all of the real work and the random policeman is just along for the ride.  Morgan Freeman portrays the worlds foremost neuroscience expert.  His theories on human evolution and the brain attempt to lend credibility the story that rests on the premise that most humans only use 10% of our brains and asks the question what happens if someone uses 100% of their brain?  While this premise is dubious on its surface it's also dubious below the surface.  There is an interesting exploration of evolutionary concepts by juxtaposing early human and animal footage with modern man as Morgan Freeman narrates.

Watch the trailer instead of the movie.  It will save you about 87 minutes.


It could be described as a cross between Limitless and Akira but not equal to either of those superior films.  Scarlett Johansson makes a good effort, especially in the beginning, during the short time she is still human, but the material doesn't give her much to work with.   The story suffers from the problem of going too far too quickly in the first act so that what follows is almost meaningless.  This could be forgiven if the action sequences where fresh or spectacular but they offer nothing new or compelling.  The action quickly becomes like shooting rubber bands at Superman.  There is no danger of anyone getting hurt and we wouldn't care if they did.  Lucy doesn't live up to the legacy of fine films from director Luc Besson.  There are some tired car chases and gun fights.  He retreads over familiar action territory reprising scenes that are remarkably similar to those in The Professional, but not as good, down to a rocket being fired down a long hallway.   Skip this one and watch The Professional, La Femme Nikita, or The Fifth Element, in that order.  Perhaps if you have already seen all of these other films and Lucy is available through Netflix or cable it will make for a lite diversion but don't waste your time in the movie theater for this one.  You've been warned.

Rent it only if you are truly starved for entertainment.

Lucy is rated R for violence, disturbing images, and sexuality.

Lucy - 1h 29m - Action/Adventure

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Mad Max: Fury Road Early Review, Kind Of...

I have had the privilege of watching Mad Max: Fury Road and I have an early review.  It is, in a word, insane!   That is all that I can say about it for now.  Check out the trailer for a glimpse of the insanity.


It is expected to receive a PG-13 rating when it is released on May 15, 2015.

New Trailer For Christopher Nolan's Interstellar - New Footage

Interstellar Trailer 3!


See more Interstellar news @ interstellarmovie.com

Update: You'll need the access code 7201969,
the date of the moon landing.

Hercules (2014) Movie Review - Adequate Lite Entertainment

Hercules is directed by Bret Ratner known for the Rush Hour comedies and X-Men: The Last Stand.   It tells a new story of Hercules beyond the familiar myth. The story picks up after Hercules legendary 12 labors.  The events of the 12 labors are quickly glossed over in a montage that recaps of events leading up to the events in the film.  Hercules is the leader of a small band of fighters.  His wandering band of mercenaries are basically bounty hunters.  They have an assortment of hard to pronounce and hard to remember Greek names.  Hercules and his crew meet with great success as swords for hire but he remains haunted by the mystery behind the death of his beautiful wife and children.  He is hired by the king of a local city to help deal with an army of marauders that threaten to take over his kingdom.  Hercules must face this challenge by training the cities inexperienced army and leading them against an evil army that greatly out numbers them.  Hercules primary tactic that he imparts to the soldiers he's training involves the importance of forming a wall of shields.  "Nothing can defeat a shield wall."  Really?  Nothing?



This movie is not a fantasy film in the tradition of Clash Of The Titans or Sinbad.  Everything that happens is presented as the truth behind the legend.  It's the "real" story of Hercules.   It's as if someone decided that the interesting mythical adventures of Hercules' have been told too often and now is the time that we should see the less interesting true story of the mortal Hercules.   It lacks depth or compelling story telling.  The events portrayed in the film should be engaging but they come across as cartoonish.  No one appears to be in serious danger.  We don't know any of the characters well enough to care about them.  This is an all too common problem in films.  They rush right past the characters and directly into the action as if today's audience has an attention deficit.  Hercules succeeds in most of his endeavors far too easily.  The problem may also be due in part to the PG-13 rating.   An R rating would have allowed for more realistic battle violence.  It comes across as a PG rated Conan The Barbarian.  It has a bigger budget and is slicker looking but it isn't nearly as interesting to watch.  Hollywood finds itself in a difficult position.  On the one hand it wants to tell interesting stories for adults but it also needs to sell lots of tickets.  Rated R movies don't make as much money and with big stars come big budgets so we rarely see these types of films with an R rating anymore. It's hard to imagine John MiliusConan The Barbarian or Road Warrior rated PG.
The movie has a great look and feel and a cast of excellent actors that give their all.  Dwayne Johnson and John Hurt are good as always.

The film is available in IMAX and 3D but watching in 3D adds very little to this film.  Hercules is adequate lite entertainment appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Burn, Rent, or Buy?   Rent it.
PG-13 1h 38m - Adventure/Action

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Mad Max: Fury Road - First Look From Comic-Con


Looking forward to this...

Update:  I've seen Mad Max: Fury Road.  It's insane!

Meet The New Wonder Woman - Gal Gadot

There she is, Wonder Woman, as seen in the upcoming 
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice


Gal Gadot was Miss Israel in 2004 and is best know for her supporting roll in Fast & Furious 6

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Marvel Announces A Sequel To The Not Yet Released Guardians Of The Galaxy

At Comic Con today Marvel announced a sequel to Guardians Of The Galaxy.  This suggest that they have a lot of confidence in the Guardians and that it is going to be a big hit at the box office.  That remains to be seen but from what I have seen of the film the confidence is justified.  Until the past few months of heavy marketing many had never heard of them and now there is a strong and growing fan base for the Guardians.  With so many great merchandising possibilities, Rocket, Groot, and the other characters that appeal to kids and adults alike, it's likely to be a cash cow for Marvel for years to come.  Making this announcement so early will help to secure the talent involved for the sequel and excite fans that now have two Guardians movies to look forward to watching.



The sequel's release date is July 28, 2017.

Find out more here @ Marvel.com

Friday, July 25, 2014

The Death Of Superman Lives - Trailer

In the 1990's Tim Burton was signed by Warner Brothers to direct Superman Lives with Nicolas Cage as The Man Of Steel. There is a trailer for a new documentary that will explore the events surrounding the development and eventual cancellation of the project.




The First Official Image Of Ben Affleck As Batman

There have been quite a few fakes but here is the first official image of 
Ben Affleck wearing his batsuit!


Why so serious?  Oh, his parent where killed and stuff...

Get more here @ DCcomics.com

Thursday, July 24, 2014

George R.R. Martin's Take on Marvel's The Avengers - SDCC 2014

Hear George R.R. Martin's Take on Marvel's The Avengers at SDCC 2014


It's very interesting to hear George R.R. Martin's thoughts on Marvel characters and stories.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Pirates Of The Carribean V Announced

Pirates Of The Carribean V has been officially announced and has a release date of July 7, 2017.
 Pirates V

This is too far in the future to think about,  reserving judgment for now...

Find out more @Disney.com

Friday, July 18, 2014

Robocop 2's Cain Robot with Phil Tippett


Phil Tippett is one of the best stop motion animators ever.  He's know for Star Wars, Dragon Slayer, RoboCop and many other movies with great visual effects.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Friday, July 11, 2014

Check Out This Blog Dedicated To The Alien Series

More than 30 years after the original Alien film the now classic movie and Alien design still continues to interest and fascinate people.  It's a great part of cinema history and there are a lot of interesting aspects of the design and production to study.  The STRANGE SHAPES blog is dedicated to all things to do with the Alien films, also including Prometheus.  What's important is that it features original Alien stuff.  There are nice images and information for any fan.  Please take a look.

Alien mask design 

Check it out @ alienseries

Monday, July 7, 2014

I Just Watched 17 minutes Of Guardians Of The Galaxy And...

...and I can't wait to see the rest of it.  If there is one genre that we see too little of it's Space/Action/Adventure/Comedies and Guardians Of The Galaxy is one that I'm very much looking forward to seeing.  Even more now that I've had the opportunity to watch 17 minutes of the film.  There is some terrific action and a lot of great characters in this movie. Rocket, the character that has the appearance of a raccoon but is not a raccoon, is very memorable.  Also released today was a new extended look trailer.



There are less than three weeks to wait!  If you have access to IMAX 3D that is definitely the way to watch this movie when is comes out August 1.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Star Wars: Episode VIII and IX Director Chosen - Rian Johnson




After J.J. Abrams finishes Episode VII he will not direct the sequels that follow.  It was just announced that the next two films, Star Wars: Episodes VIII and IX will be written and directed by Rian Johnson, best know for the his recent film Looper.  This sounds like good news to me.

More details @ deadline.com

New Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Trailer

  How many more of these are there going to be?