• Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye in “The Avengers”

    Timothy

    Jeremy Renner from the Hurt Locker is the latest actor in talks with Marvel Studios to join the cast of the Avengers. He would be casted as the hero Hawkeye.

    Hawkeye is the alias of Clint Barton, who was an orphan who ran away and joined circus. He was trained how to use the bow and arrow under the tutelage of the Swordsman and Trickshot until finding out that they’re criminals; leading to a violent falling out. Later, Clint is inspired by Iron Man to become a hero and became Hawkeye. Unfortunately he’s quickly mistaken of being a thief.

    On the run he meets and falls in love with the Soviet spy Black Widow. She tricks him into helping her try to procure Stark technology, which leads to several battles with Iron Man. Hawkeye is then convinced to go straight by breaking into the Avengers’ mansion to “apply” as a member. He becomes an Avenger and receives extensive training from Captain America.

    There will definitely be changes to his background for the movie since a big part of his past involves Black Widow, whose character was changed to be an agent of SHIELD in Iron Man 2. I’m glad that Marvel Studios will be bringing in other Avengers, and not just the big four who have their own films.

    Source: (Heat Vision Blog)

  • CEO of NBC Gets an Exit Package

    Timothy

    Comcast is poised to acquire NBC from General Electric. Despite denials from General Electric, sources say that NBC’s CEO Jeff Zucker has been telling friends that a deal has been finalized to give him an exit package. It’s estimated at around $30 million to $40 million. Despite the 28 percent fall in profit, NBC is paying Jeff Zucker for being an effective failure. And keep in mind this is the same man who essentially made the call to bump Conan off the Tonight Show to pander to Leno. Maybe the true American dream is to fail upwards? It seems to be the trend nowadays with suits.

    Source: (New York Post)

  • Scott Pilgrim on the Big Screen

    Timothy

    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.

  • Pigeon Detained For Spying

    Timothy

    A pigeon with a Pakistani phone number and address stamped on its body has been detained by Indian Police. Allegedly the pigeon landed in India from Pakistan with a message; it’s speculated that the pigeon is a spy. The pigeon refuses to cooperate with officials and won’t speak a word. It’s only a matter of time before it’s subjected to waterboarding. What a brave soul.

    Source: (My Fox LA)

  • 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)