Category: Film

  • Scott Pilgrim on the Big Screen

    I’m not usually a fan of Michael Cera, but the latest film he’s starring in, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World looks to be a very fun movie. Also in the film are Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Chris Evans. It’d directed by Edgar Wright.

    Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is an adaption of the comic book series by Bryan Lee O’Malley. The premise deals with the twenty-something-year-old slacker named Scott Pilgrim and his obsession with Ramona Flowers, which leads to confrontations with her exes. Along the way Scott’s own exes reemerge to cause problems.

    The plot is simple enough, but there are sci-fi elements involved that adds to the comedy and story; portals, video game style fights, mystical powers, level-ups, and earning extra lives. Stylistically there’s a heavy video game influence. It adds to the charm of the story. The movie adaption looks like it’ll be a blast.

    You can view the trailers here.

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rebooted

    Deadline reports that Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures are rebooting the live-action franchise of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Platinum Dunes to produce; a production that usually focuses on horror films — and its most notable member being Michael Bay.

    The tone of the original comics for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were more serious, gritty, and violent. The humor was downplayed and more satirical. It’s safe to say that the original movie was in a similar vein. And as a child, I loved that film. The cartoons that followed were more lighthearted and relied heavily on humor. It was good, but it took the franchise in a different direction.

    It’s peculiar that Platinum Dunes is selected to produce the reboot since their track record is horror films while Nickelodeon is a company that provides entertainment mainly for children. It’ll be interesting to see whether Platinum Dunes will be adding a children’s movie to their list of produced movies or if Nickelodeon will be taking a chance and bringing back the darker tone of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Or maybe they’ll surprise us and make a film that balances the two.

  • The First Avenger: Captain America

    It’s been confirmed that Tommy Lee Jones will be joining the cast of Captain America: The First Avenger. It’s speculated that Jones will be portraying General Chester Phillips, the man who puts Steve Rogers in the program that ultimately turns Rogers into Captain America. I could see that being the case. The role suits him.

    Hugo Weaving playing the part of Red Skull is an inspired choice. His theatrical prowess will help bring the commanding presence of the antagonist Red Skull. Weaving has the ability to give “inspiring” propaganda speeches, and has already proven in V for Vendetta that he can emote without the use of his facial expressions. Hugo Weaving will make an effective Red Skull.

    Marvel Studios had to be careful with casting Captain America since he’s the character who leads the Avengers. They would need an actor who can not only play the role, but can convincingly order around Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. Chris Evans was the unexpected choice, especially since he’s already played the role of Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four. The guy has the charisma that can rival Downey’s, and he’s proven himself a capable actor for the part in Sunshine. He’ll do the part justice. And I look forward to his interactions with Robert Downey Jr. in the Avengers.

    Captain America: The First Avenger is shaping up nicely with the casting; and the premise taking place during World War II is a perfect judgement call. Placing Steve Rogers in any other war would’ve fundamentally change the character. In fiction and in reality, Captain America is a creation from during that specific time period. This film has massive potential, and I’m excited for it.

    Source: (SciFi Wire)

  • James Franco Scores Lead in Planet of the Apes Prequel

    James Franco is set to star in the prequel of Planet of the Apes. Entitled Rise of the Apes, the film will take place in modern-day San Francisco; the premise being the conflict between man and ape after an experiment that creates apes with equal intelligence of humans. Franco will play a scientist caught in the middle of the fray.

    James Franco does have the screen presence and acting chops to carry the film, but I’m disappointed about some of the decisions for the movie. The apes will be done entirely in CG instead of actors in suits — which may make it hard for actors to interact with each other. I would have preferred the suits for that alone, but hopefully they can pull it off better than the CG-fest that the Star Wars prequels were. Or even better: hope they change their mind during pre-production and bring the suits back. Use CG to enhance the effect, not to entirely create it.

    Source: (Flick Sided)

  • Select Movie Theaters Increase Ticket Price

    Select theaters will begin selling adult tickets for $20 each for IMAX, starting with the new Shrek film. Do I even need to expound on why this isn’t a good idea? Maybe shooting yourself in the foot to combat piracy is a good way to get sympathy purchases? Prices are already ridiculous. At this rate, theaters won’t compete with home theaters or piracy anymore. Smooth.

    Source: (The Wall Street Journal)

  • Spider-Man Reboot

    Sony plans on rebooting Spider-Man, which I consider a good thing since the prior films never really captured Spider-Man’s personality. They insisted that they want to distance the new film from the trilogy and focus on Peter Parker during his high school years. Again, I consider this a good thing.

    So why are they bringing in a screenwriter from the former films? Scriptwriter Alvin Sargent has been hired to polish the screenplay written by Jamie Vanderbilt. Does this means all of Spidey’s witty quips will be practically nonexistent and replaced with drama? Spider-Man does have his drama, but without his sarcasm, comic fans won’t be nearly as happy with the reboot.

    If Sony is smart, they would look at the recent success of Iron Man 2 and realize that a gritty drama is unnecessary. Fit the mood of the source material. If it worked for readers, it’ll work for viewers. Also, cast Logan Lerman as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. He’s right for the part and you know it.

    Source: (Heat Vision Blog)

  • Ewan McGregor Casted in Terry Gilliam Film

    Replacing Johnny Depp in The Man Who Killed Don Quixote will be Ewan McGregor, director Terry Gilliam revealed to Empire Online. He will be playing a modern day advertising executive who travels back to 17th century Spain. The titled character, Don Quixote, will be portrayed by Robert Duvall. The budget is set around $20 million.

    Gilliam was set to direct the film back in 2000, but after a series of unfortunate mishaps; ruined audio, a flash flood that destroyed equipment and changed the appearance of the landscape, and the original actor playing Don Quixote, Jean Rochefort sustaining injuries — production was effectively canceled. It was the epitome of bad luck for the project.

    It’ll be exciting to see Terry Gilliam and Ewan McGregor working together. And Gilliam is no stranger to small budgets; he knows how to wisely use the resources he has. Hopefully there won’t be any complications with the production this time. It deserves this second chance.

  • Judge Dredd Makes a Return

    Comic book character created by John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra, Judge Dredd, will be making a return; DNA Films spent over two years negotiating for it.

    Garland, Macdonald, and Allon Reich are set to produce; with Pete Travis directing, and the script by Alex Garland. The budget for the film is $45 million and will be filmed in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    I was a fan of Sylvester Stallone’s version of Judge Dredd despite it being campy, but this current project looks to stick close to the source material; with Wagner as a creative consultant, and the owners of the publishing company Rebellion/2000AD, Jason and Chris Kingsley as co-producers.

    Judge Dredd already seems to be shaping up to be a proper adaption for the comic book; with another co-producer in Michael S. Murphey, who had a hand in District 9. A smaller budget might work just fine, considering the people involved who are no strangers to it.

    Source: (Hollywood Reporter)