Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Very Sad News Regarding Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds, mother of Carrie Fisher, has died of an apparent stroke today at age 84, just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher died from a heart attack at age 60.  


She was a prolific actress and singer with many great roles to her name including starring with Gene Kelly in Singing In The Rain.


One of the best musical numbers ever!
Her great work lives on forever.

R.I.P. Debbie Reynolds.  April 1, 1932 - December 28, 2016.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher 1956 - 2016

Sad news today that actress Carrie Fisher has died.  She suffered a heat attack on a her way back from filming in England.  Although she was said to be in stable condition yesterday she died this morning at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.   Carrie Fisher was the daughter of two famous parents, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher and worked in Hollywood most of her life.  She is best known for playing the character Princess Leia in the Star Wars films.  She performed other memorable roles in other films including The Blue Brothers.  She was also known as a writer for the autobiographical book Postcards From The Edge which was made into a movie released in 1990 .  Postcards From The Edge explored the drug problems and mental issues that she suffered.






She is survived by her mother, Debbie Reynolds and her daughter Billie Lourd
Carrie Fisher October 21, 1956 - December 27, 2016. R.I.P.


Thursday, December 8, 2016

New Trailer For Baywatch (2017)


Not sure this is a good idea.

Astronaut John Glenn Dead At 95

The last surviving astronaut from the Project Mercury space program has died.



John Glenn was portrayed by Ed Harris in the great 1983 film, The Right Stuff.


He was a great American hero.  R.I.P. John Glenn.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Director Tim Miller Is No Longer Directing Deadpool 2

Tim Miller has abruptly exited as director of Deadpool 2 citing creative differences with actor Ryan Reynolds.

Tim Miller

Ryan Reynolds

This news does not bode well for Deadpool 2 but don't give up all hope.  Stay tuned for news on director Miller's replacement.

more info @ Hollywood Reporter

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Monday, August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder 1933–2016


Gene Wilder died today at age 83 from complication due to Alzheimer disease.  His given name was Jerome Silberman until he adopted his now famous stage name at age 26.  His work includes many great films including Young Frankenstein and Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory which is still the best adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charley And The Chocolate Factory.  R. I. P.   Gene Wilder.


Thursday, August 25, 2016

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

What's Up With PG-13?


This video attempts to shed some light on the subject.
Warning:  Many F*** bombs.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Filmmaker Garry Marshall 1934 - 2016


Well known actor and director Garry Marshall has died at age 81. He was born November 13, 1934 in New York City.  He was a prolific writer and director up until his latest film Mother's Day(2016), starring Jennifer Aniston.  He was a writer for The Dick Van Dyke Show and many other shows from the 60's and 70's. He produced many well loved TV series including Mork And Mindy, The Odd Couple (70's, 80's, and latest version), Laverne And Shirley, and Happy Days. His best know film is probably Pretty Woman but he was a talented and prolific filmmaker that contributed a lot of great work to film and television.  Garry Marshall may be more familiar to younger audiences for his acting in the latest iteration of The Odd Couple and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.  His voice is heard on the animated series BoJack Horseman and episodes of The Simpsons.  He is survived by his younger sister, actress Penny Marshall, best know as the star of Laverne & Shirley.  His great work lives on.

R. I. P. Gary Marshall

New The Magnificent Seven (2016) Trailer

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

The Russo Brothers Are Developing A Warriors Television Series!

Joe and Anthony Russo, directors of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War, are developing a new TV series based on the 1979 Walter Hill film The Warriors.  Fans of the original film have reason to get excited.  The Russo Brothers have developed a reputation for creating original content and adapting existing material starting with the popular TV show Community and more recently with the adapting of Marvel comic book material.  They have managed to achieve box office and critical success.

more detail @ Deadline


It will be hard to top this classic moment.

IMAX Voyage Of Time Trailer


Brad Pitt narrates Terrence Malick's new Imax film.
Coming October 7th, 2016.

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Monday, May 9, 2016

Sound Design In Captain America: Civil War



What Makes A Pixar Movie


Some good points but there may be a chink in the Pixar story telling armor with The Good Dinosaur.
First Rule: Why does this story need to be told?  Not sure that it does.


Wednesday, March 16, 2016

New Trailer For Ben-Hur Remake




The William Wyler version is one of the greatest revenge stories ever.



It won a much deserved Best Picture Oscar.


The greatest chariot race ever filmed.

New And Final Daredevil Season 2 Trailer


Looking forward to it.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Thursday, March 3, 2016

The Power Of Editing On Full Display


Amazing work!  Thank you!

New Official Ghostbusters Trailer Is Here!



Reserving judgment for now.


Check out the "FanCut" version of the Ghostbusters Trailer.


An improvement but there's not much to work with.


The original is tough to beat.



Movie Review For Bone Tomahawk: Not For The Squeamish But Worth Watching


Bone Tomahawk had a limited release back in October 2015 but it deserves attention and a quick review.  It's simple.  A rogue tribe of cannibals has taken captives and a search party sets out to make a hasty rescue.  It's as if The Searchers and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre had baby.  It's more violent than your typical western but still old fashioned in its language and sensibilities. It's limited 1.8 million dollar budget doesn't take anything away from the story.  It likely serves the film better by forcing the filmmakers to stick to less expensive practical effects. The pace can be a bit slow at times but the fantastic cast. Kurt RussellPatrick WilsonMatthew Fox and others manage to keep things interesting even when not much is happening.  Kurt Russell's beard looks like it came directly from the set of The Hateful 8.  He and others give committed and convincing performances.  Bone Tomahawk has one of the most violent death scenes ever, among many death scenes.  Director S. Craig Zahler pulls off an excellent directorial debut.  Don't watch it if you can't handle violence.





 It's rated R for extreme violence.  Bone Tomahawk is currently available to buy, rent, or free via streaming with Amazon Prime.  It gets a solid 7 out of 10!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Sunday, February 21, 2016

New Pete's Dragon Teaser


Disney is going to remake every classic film and every ride at their parks into a movie.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Star Wars: The Despecialized Edition, Coming Soon?


Thank goodness that some people who love Star Wars have too much time on their hands.
A cease and desist order is likely coming soon, from Disney/Lucasfilm.  This is some amazing work and we thank you! 

Deadpool: Behind The Scenes




More at fxguide.com

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Los Angeles' 6th Street Bridge In Films



The 6th Street bridge is being town now.  It will be replaced with a stronger, safer bridge,  more sutible for earthquake prone California.  The original bridge will live on forever in films

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Visual Effects Reel 2015



There are so many great visual effects.  It's hard to pick a clear winner.


Thursday, January 14, 2016

New Superman Vs Batman Clip





...

One thing that's for sure, neither one of them is dying in this movie.

Update:  Conan's Youtube video working properly.

The OSCARS Nominations Live!

Alan Rickman 1946 - 2016


British actor Alan Rickman has died of cancer today at age 69.  He is best know for his portrayal of Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films.   Although his breakout role was as Hans Gruber he worked hard to avoid typecasting.  He was a talented actor of stage and screen.   He acted in a great variety of movies including the great comedy Galaxy Quest.

R. I. P. Alan Rickman.




Update:  CNN's very nice tribute



His latest film, Alice Through The The Looking Glass, will be released later this year.



Galaxy Quest



CBGB Trailer

Monday, January 11, 2016

Frank Underwood's Creepiest Moments Concentrated Into One Minute.




David Bowie 1947 - 2016, Dead At Age 69


David Bowie died from cancer today.  He had been diagnosed with the disease a year and a half ago.  He was a unique talent best know for his music.  Bowie was also and actor that performed in many interesting rolls.   A few of the more notable films David Bowie acted in are The Man Who Fell To Earth, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Absolute Beginners, Labyrinth, and The Prestige.  He will be missed.  R.I.P.


Saturday, January 9, 2016

Super 8 Film May Be Here To Stay, For A Little While Longer






There has been bad news regarding Kodak and its future in recent years.  The rapid transition of consumer and professional photography from  film to digital has been a big reason for the decline and Kodak filed for bankruptcy reorganization back in January 2012.  The advent of inexpensive digital cameras and digital editing have made movie making more convenient and less expensive than ever before.  30 years ago Super 8mm film was the most common way to record family vacation and home movies.  It was so beloved that it's become the title of at least 2 movies 8 mm and JJ Abrams' Super 8.   Many student filmmakers made movies using Super 8mm as a low cost alternative to 16mm and 35mm.   That was a long time ago and the film format that help start the careers of many young directors is making a comeback.  Kodak has reveal a new Super 8mm format camera, the first since 1982.  Kodachrome 40 reversal film has been discontinued since 2006 but a few options still remain.

Super 8mm Film Sample



"On film, there's a special magic on a set when you say 'action' and to the point that the take runs until you say 'cut,' that's a sacred time. I've always believed in the magic of movies and to me the magic is connected to film. When you're filming something on film you aren't recording movement, you're taking a series of still pictures and when shown at 24 frames per second through a lightbulb, THAT creates the illusion of movement. That illusion is connected to the magic of making movies. The fact that Kodak is giving a new generation of filmmakers the opportunity to shoot on Super 8 is truly an incredible gift." 
- Quentin Tarantino




Constraints help to push filmmakers to think before they act.   They are required to design and plan their productions more carefully.  The limitations can help creativity and increase the likelihood of producing quality work.  One 50 foot 8mm film cartridge will only allow shooting for 2.5 minutes, at 24 FPS.  You must think before you act or end up burning through all of your film.  Kodak plans to sell 50 foot 8mm film cartridges that include services in the price.  Kodak will process and digitally scan the film and upload it to the cloud for easy access. The audio is recorded via built in digital recorder. It's a mix of the old and the new technology.  There is no official word on the price but it's believed to eventually sell for $400 - $700.  Like it or not the analog film format is on its way out. In 20 years it's unlikely that you'll be able to find a roll of film anywhere except an antique shop.

It's a surprising move from a company that has seen the rapid drop in film product sales.

More info @ Kodak.com  and see the full specs here.







Kodak

New Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Trailer

  How many more of these are there going to be?