Author: Timothy

  • Emma Stone in New Spider-Man Film

    In earlier reports actress Emma Stone was in the running for the part of Mary Jane Watson in the new Spider-Man film starring Andrew Garfield. Much to everybody’s surprise, Stone has secured the role of Peter Parker’s first girlfriend Gwen Stacy. Some were pessimistic about the choice, saying that another redhead has landed a role for a blonde — but then came another surprise: Emma Stone is a natural blonde.

    “The chemistry between Andrew and Emma was stunning and made Emma the clear choice.  At the heart of the story of Peter Parker is not only the amazing Spider-Man, but also an ordinary teenager who is wondering what he has to do to get the girl.  Andrew and Emma will bring everything audiences expect to these roles, but also make them their own.”

    -Marc Webb

    It’s certainly a twist of events no one was expecting. I’m still in awe that Emma Stone wasn’t cast as Mary Jane. She has the sultry voice that would suit Mary Jane very well. Nevertheless, I’m entirely looking forward to the new Spider-Man film.

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][LA Times’ Hero Complex][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Dwayne Johnson in Action Movie Faster

    In July I wrote a post about Dwayne Johnson’s new action film Faster. A new trailer has been released showing how relentless Johnson’s character is on his path of revenge on the killers of his brother. It’s violent; it’s badass; and Dwayne Johnson is finally back in form in an action film. I’m stoked.

  • Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance News

    Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance continues moving forward with negotiations with actors Idris Elba and Johnny Whitworth. Elba will play the role of a monk who must find Ghost Rider. On the other side of the coin will be Whitworth’s character who is a criminal the devil recruits to find the son of Johnny Blaze (Ghost Rider).

    The plot for the new Ghost Rider film deals with Johnny Blaze staying low in Eastern Europe while grappling with his curse. Things don’t go smoothly as a sect recruits Blaze to battle the devil.

    In July I expressed disappointment in the fight scenes and the feel of the first movie. The film lacked any real impact. It was merely going through the motions. The villains didn’t feel like a threat. In fact, none of the antagonists felt imposing.

    Like I said in July, if there’s going to be any chance of success, they’ll need to focus more on the horror elements of Ghost Rider. It’s more horror than action. Use its strengths instead of ignoring them. Don’t try to fit Ghost Rider into a certain superhero mold. He’s a horrific antihero. Use that.

    I’m still pessimistic over Nicolas Cage reprising his role as Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider, but who knows? Directors Brian Taylor and Mark Neveldine just might get a performance out of Cage that will be more in tune with Ghost Rider.

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  • Zack Snyder to Direct Christopher Nolan’s Superman Film

    Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are bringing in a new Superman film that will be produced by critically acclaimed Christopher Nolan. And Nolan’s screenwriter for Batman Begins David Goyer is busy penning the script for the Superman movie. What else? Recent negotiations has locked in Zack Snyder in the director’s seat.

    The screenplay supposedly has a Richard Donner connection — which might only be in its villain: General Zod — which I hope is the case. I enjoyed Richard Donner’s Superman films, but the influences should be more heavy towards the comic books.

    Zack Snyder is a surprising but welcomed choice. He always has loyalty towards source material and wanting to do it justice. His past visual style with Dr. Manhattan in Watchmen had a sense of wonder, which would match well with Superman. And it’s Snyder. We can expect real fight scenes — something that was sorely missing from Superman Returns.

    The collaboration between Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder is really exciting. They have different styles, but together there’s a lot of potential. And they both know it.

    “In the initial meetings, he’s been super amazingly smart and also amazingly kind, filmmaker-to-filmmaker. I have great respect for him. The process has been amazing so far, and it looks like nothing but pluses.”

    -Zack Snyder about Nolan.

    Warner Bros. intends to reboot the Superman franchise to lead the DC Comics adaptations much like Marvel’s own movie universe. So far on paper they’re off to a good start.

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  • Looper starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt

    From writer and director Rian Johnson comes the film Looper. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, and Emily Blunt. Endgame Entertainment is producing.

    Gordon-Levitt portrays one of the killers for the mob. Sounds simple, right? Well, the mob are from the future and they send people back in time they want disposed of. It helps keep the authorities off their trail; the murders are entirely too complicated.

    Soon enough a man (played by Willis) is sent back to Gordon-Levitt’s character who he recognizes as his future self. He hesitates killing the man, who seizes the opportunity to make his escape.

    To save himself, Gordon-Levitt must find his future self and kill him; all while his future self is tracking down a little boy who is apparently the key to his survival. And murder him.

    It’s an intriguing premise. It’s unique. And it’ll be interesting to see how the onscreen chemistry between Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis turns out. And let’s face it: Who isn’t ecstatic to hear that Gordon-Levitt is starring in a time-travel action movie?

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  • Comic-Con in San Diego is Extended

    In May I wrote a post on Comic-Con‘s future. The event has been growing considerably and there’s been talks that massive expansions are necessary to keep Comic-Con in San Diego. And time was ticking with a contract that expires in 2012.

    Recently there has been concern about nearby hotels hiking up prices during the convention, which became part of the negotiation for a new contract. A new contract has been set to keep Comic-Con in San Diego for five more years. Hopefully with plans of the convention center being expanded and hotels negotiating to use discount rates, Comic-Con will continue beyond five years in San Diego.

    What can I say? I’m bias. I’ve been attending Comic-Con for over a decade, and I live here. Comic-Con started here, and it should keep San Diego as its home. I’m happy with the extension.

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  • Jared Harris Cast as Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes 2

    Sherlock Holmes 2 by Guy Ritchie continues moving forward with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as the title character, along with Jude Law as Dr. Watson; Noomi Rapace is set as the female lead. Joining them as Sherlock’s older brother Mycroft Holmes is Stephen Fry. And the latest news? Actor Jared Harris from the show Mad Men has recently been cast as Sherlock’s nemesis Moriarty.

    Sherlock Holmes 2 is scheduled for a December 16, 2011 release.

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Heat Vision][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

  • Nine Inch Nail’s Year Zero Moves Forward as HBO Miniseries

    In 2007 Nine Inch Nails released a concept album entitled Year Zero. Coupled with it was an alternate reality game to further the concept that dealt with a fictional future where politics leaned heavily towards evil intentions and fanatics drowned out sanity.

    Trent Reznor wrote the album during his frustrations with the Bush Administration, but put a spin on the music instead of writing a straightforward protest album. With a dash of science fiction in a form called, “The Presence”, Year Zero had an underlining horror element.

    Now, why am I talking about it? Because Year Zero is finally moving forward to become a miniseries like Reznor has hoped for. Daniel Knauf of Carnivale is penning the pilot with BBC Worldwide Productions as the studio. It’s planned to be an HBO miniseries — which is smart, given the subject matter. There’s no word yet on a release date.

    Sure, the inspiration for the concept is now dated, but the story was captivating. And there’s a lot that can be expounded on in a television format. It’s bound to be a very intriguing miniseries.

    [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][LA Times’ Hero Complex][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]