• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rebooted

    Timothy

    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

    Timothy

    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)

  • “Shrek Forever After” Below Expectations

    Timothy

    Shrek Forever After performed below expectations at the weekend box office. The prior Shrek films garnered more success despite the latest movie having an inflated price. It’s argued that it could be the ticket prices, or movie-goers are already tired of 3-D, or that Shrek isn’t a strong franchise anymore. Others and I had mentioned the hiked up price is a bad idea despite the film being in IMAX 3-D, and it looks to be the case.

    The ticket prices reached a point where it’s competitor is the actual purchase of the movie itself. The distance between the experience of a movie theater and a home theater is edging closer; especially with talk of 3 -D TVs in development. Plus there’s the fact of watching films from the comfort of your own home and without inconsiderate movie-goers to put up with. The performance of Shrek Forever After should be used as a lesson that ticket prices shouldn’t be so obscenely high. It’ll only push movie-goers towards other options.

    Source: (The Week)

  • The Film Academy Sues GoDaddy

    Timothy

    The Film Academy is suing GoDaddy.com under the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act over domain names that abuse the Oscars’ trademark. The Academy stresses that domains in question might be monetized by users by using a “CashParking” program provided by GoDaddy; users along with GoDaddy profit from advertising revenue on parked domains.

    Benefiting from the trademark of another in such a way is a sketchy practice that shouldn’t be valid with a capitalistic and free market ethos. Frankly, I’d like to see the Academy win this lawsuit.

    Source: (Hollywood Reporter)

  • Comic-Con’s Future

    Timothy

    Comic-Con’s continued growth has organizers looking at other possibilities while San Diego plans on expanding their convention center to suit Comic-Con’s needs. A labor union in Anaheim recently warned organizers that a move there could jeopardize future events when there’s heated labor disputes.

    This works in San Diego’s favor even though Anaheim is still on the table — but will organizers really want to take the chance? The only con with San Diego is that Comic-Con is outgrowing the convention center, but with plans for expansion, it shouldn’t be a continued problem. The location works perfect for the event: hotels, bars, malls, and a trolley system that helps ease parking issues. All of these are within walking distance of the convention center. It’s convenient.

    Maybe I’m biased, but I firmly believe that Comic-Con should stay in San Diego. It was conceived here, and it should continue being held here. Each year it helps significantly boost our economy. We should carry through with the plan of expanding the convention center. It’s a San Diego landmark the city should work hard to keep.

    Source: (LA Weekly)

  • After These Messages

    Timothy

    We’ll be right back.  (Watching Lost)

  • James Franco Scores Lead in Planet of the Apes Prequel

    Timothy

    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

    Timothy

    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)