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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.