The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the poster for the 84th Academy Awards®. The art features the iconic Oscar statuette alongside memorable images from eight films spanning eight decades: “Gone with the Wind” (1939), “Casablanca” (1943), “Giant” (1956), “The Sound of Music” (1965), “The Godfather” (1972), “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), “Forrest Gump” (1994) and “Gladiator” (2000). All the films featured on the poster won the Academy Award® for Best Picture, except “Giant,” for which George Stevens won the Oscar for Directing.
Supported by the tagline “Celebrate the movies in all of us,” the design is meant to evoke the emotional connections we all have with the movies. “Whether it’s a first date or a holiday gathering with friends or family, movies are a big part of our memory,” said Academy President Tom Sherak. “The Academy Awards not only honor the excellence of these movies, but also celebrate what they mean to us as a culture and to each of us individually.”
The public is encouraged to download the poster image to use as wallpaper and profile icons, and to share with friends. The image is available on the Academy’s website, www.oscars.org/poster.
The artwork was created by award-winning graphic designer Anthony Goldschmidt, and Mark and Karen Crawford of the design firm Blood&Chocolate.
Posters will be available to theaters in the U.S. and internationally, along with a theatrical trailer, which will begin screening on January 6.
The 84th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 5:30 a.m. PST in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.
UNDERWORLD AWAKENING brings a stunning new dimension to the epic battle between Vampires and Lycans, as the first film in the franchise to shoot in 3D.
Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrioress Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. The film also features Stephen Rea, Michael Ealy, Theo James, India Eisley, Sandrine Holt and Charles Dance.
Directed by Mårlind & Stein , UNDERWORLD AWAKENING will be in theaters January 20, 2012.
TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY STAR GARY OLDMAN RECEIVING 6-FILM RETROSPECTIVE IN HOLLYWOOD;
THE CONTENDER, DRACULA, JFK, PRICK UP YOUR EARS, SID AND NANCY ALSO SCREEN IN FREE 3-NIGHT SERIES CO-HOSTED BY KCRW;
GARY OLDMAN TO PARTICIPATE IN LIVE Q&A ON JANUARY 11th
Celebrating 25 years of one actor’s unforgettable screen performances, the ArcLight Hollywood (www.arclightcinemas.com) will host a 6-film retrospective of movies starring Gary Oldman. Regarded as one of the foremost actors of his generation, Mr. Oldman will be at the ArcLight in person on Wednesday, January 11th following a showing of Focus Features’ critically applauded Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, in which he stars as tenacious spy George Smiley – the latest in a career full of iconic characterizations.
Focus is co-hosting the free-admission 3-night series with radio station KCRW (www.kcrw.org), 89.9-FM in Los Angeles. Matt Holzman, host of KCRW’s Matt’s Movies screening series, will conduct the live Q&A with Mr. Oldman on the final night of the retrospective, following the 8:00 PM Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy screening on the 11th. The free tickets will be available only via RSVP through www.OldmanRSVP.com. KCRW will also be offering its listeners a limited number of giveaway tickets to the screenings.
The other films being screened in the series are Sid and Nancy (1986), which starred Mr. Oldman as punk-rock legend Sid Vicious, on Monday, January 9th at 6:30 PM; JFK (1991), in which Mr. Oldman played the infamous Lee Harvey Oswald, on Monday, January 9th at 9:00 PM; The Contender (2000), with Mr. Oldman as U.S. Congressman Shelly Runyon, on Tuesday, January 10th at 6:00 PM; Dracula (1992), starring Mr. Oldman as the title character, on Tuesday, January 10th at 9:00 PM; and Prick Up Your Ears (1987), with Mr. Oldman as celebrated playwright Joe Orton, on Wednesday, January 11th at 5:30 PM.
Focus Features and Focus Features International (www.focusfeatures.com) comprise a singular global company. This worldwide studio makes original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company operates as Focus Features in North America, and as Focus Features International (FFI) in the rest of the world.
Focus Features and Focus Features International are part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.
Nomination ballots for the 84th Academy Awards® were mailed today to the 5,783 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Completed ballots must be returned to PricewaterhouseCoopers by 5 p.m. PT on Friday, January 13, 2012. Ballots received after the deadline will not be counted.
Nomination and final Awards ballots are tabulated by PricewaterhouseCoopers to ensure that all aspects of the balloting process are conducted with fairness and accuracy.
Prior to mailing, the PricewaterhouseCoopers staff administers a thorough verification process to ensure that there are no duplicate ballots and that none are missing. In addition to being counted and sorted, the ballots are numbered to guarantee that each one is addressed to the appropriate Academy voter.
The 84th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.
From horror-mastermind Uwe Boll (House of the Dead, Bloodrayne) comes the adrenaline-fueled next chapter in the epic action / adventure franchise as IN THE NAME OF THE KING 2: TWO WORLDS battles on to Blu-ray and DVD December 27 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment… and guess what? WAMG is giving away copies on DVD!
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE A U.S. RESIDENT WITH A U.S. MAILING ADDRESS. 2. FILL OUT YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS BELOW. REAL FIRST NAME REQUIRED. 3. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: What is your favorite Dolph Lundgren line from a film?
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN THROUGH A RANDOM DRAWING OF QUALIFYING CONTESTANTS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PASSES WILL NOT BE SUBSTITUTED OR EXCHANGED.
Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables, Masters of the Universe) stars as Granger, a lethal, ex-Special Forces soldier who finds himself transported back to a mystical age of sorcery, dragons and savage hand-to-hand combat. This modern-day warrior has been summoned to defeat the forces of darkness and fulfill an ancient prophecy. But as he fights his way to the truth, Granger learns no one can be trusted — and one wrong move could cost him not only his life, but the future of his world.
With supporting performances from Natassia Malthe (Bloodrayne, Lake Placid), Lochlyn Munro (The Benchwarmers, White Chicks) and Aleks Paunovic (This Means War, I Spy), the IN THE NAME OF THE KING 2: TWO WORLDS Blu-ray and DVD are loaded with bonus material including Behind the Scenes, Commentaries from the Director and Writer plus more.
Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter @FoxHomeEnt
Dolph Lundgren Stars in the Action-Packed Sequel IN THE NAME OF THE KING 2: TWO WORLDS Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD December 27
Just in time for the new year, Warner Bros. has released their slate of films scheduled from January 2012 through December 2012. Some noticeables on the list include Christopher Nolan’s THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, WRATH OF THE TITANS, THE GANGSTER SQUAD, Ben Affleck’s ARGO, The UNTITLED JAY ROACH COMEDY on August 10th, Steven Soderbergh’s MAGIC MIKE, Alfonso Cuarón’s GRAVITY, Peter Jackson’s THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and Baz Luhrmann’s THE GREAT GATSBY. Below are a few new images, along with descriptions and trailers. From the lineup below, appears that Warner Bros. will be box office champs by year end.
JOYFUL NOISE
(L-r) DOLLY PARTON as G.G. Sparrow and QUEEN LATIFAH as Vi Rose Hill in Alcon Entertainment’s “JOYFUL NOISE,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Van Redin
In theaters on January 13
(Alcon Entertainment)
Director: Todd Graff Writers: Todd Graff Producers: Michael Nathanson, Joseph Farrell, Catherine Paura, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove Executive Producers: Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Timothy M. Bourne Cast: Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Courtney B. Vance, Jeremy Jordan, Kris Kristofferson
Musical Comedy. “Joyful Noise” is a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal. The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, but the people are counting on the Divinity Church Choir to lift their spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition. The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but the discord between its two leading ladies now threatens to tear them apart. Their newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill (Latifah), stubbornly wants to stick with their tried-and-true traditional style, while the fiery G.G. Sparrow (Parton) thinks tried-and-true translates to tired-and-old. Shaking things up even more is the arrival of G.G.’s rebellious grandson, Randy (Jeremy Jordan). Randy has an ear for music, but he also has an eye for Vi Rose’s beautiful and talented daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer), and the sparks between the two teenagers are causing even more friction between G.G. and Vi Rose. If these two strong-willed women can put aside their differences for the good of the people in their town, they–and their choir–may make the most joyful noise of all.
This film has been rated PG-13 for some language including a sexual reference.
(L-r) JOSH HUTCHERSON as Sean, LUIS GUZMAN as Gabato, VANESSA HUDGENS as Kailani, and DWAYNE JOHNSON as Hank in New Line Cinema’s family adventure JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Ron Phillips
(L-r) LUIS GUZMAN as Gabato, VANESSA HUDGENS as Kailani, JOSH HUTCHERSON as Sean, DWAYNE JOHNSON as Hank, and MICHAEL CAINE as Alexander in New Line Cinema’s family adventure JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Ron Phillips
(L-r) LUIS GUZMAN as Gabato, VANESSA HUDGENS as Kailani, MICHAEL CAINE as Alexander, DWAYNE JOHNSON as Hank, and JOSH HUTCHERSON as Sean in New Line Cinema’s family adventure JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Ron Phillips
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on February 10
(New Line Cinema)
Director: Brad Peyton Writers: Screenplay by Brian Gunn & Mark Gunn
Story by Richard Outten and Brian Gunn & Mark Gunn
Producers: Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson, Charlotte Huggins Executive Producers: Richard Brener, Michael Disco, Samuel J. Brown, Marcus Viscidi, Michael Bostick, Evan Turner
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzman, Kristin Davis
Family Adventure. In this follow-up to the 2008 worldwide hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” the new 3D family adventure “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” begins when 17-year-old Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. It’s a place of strange life forms, mountains of gold, deadly volcanoes, and more than one astonishing secret. Unable to stop him from going, Sean’s new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), joins the quest. Together with a helicopter pilot (Luis Guzman) and his beautiful, strong-willed daughter (Vanessa Hudgens), they set out to find the island, rescue its lone inhabitant and escape before seismic shockwaves force the island under the sea and bury its treasures forever.
This film has been rated PG for some adventure action, and brief mild language.
(L-r) JONATHAN DANIEL BROWN as JB, OLIVER COOPER as Costa, and THOMAS MANN as Thomas in Warner Bros. Pictures’ comedy PROJECT X, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Beth Dubber
In theaters on March 2
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
Director: Nima Nourizadeh Writers: Screenplay by Matt Drake and Michael Bacall
Story by Michael Bacall Producer: Todd Phillips Executive Producers: Joel Silver, Scott Budnick, Andrew Rona, Alex Heineman, Marty P. Ewing
Cast: Kirby Bliss Blanton, Jonathan Daniel Brown, Oliver Cooper, Alexis Knapp, Thomas Mann, Miles Teller
Comedy. “Project X” follows three seemingly anonymous high school seniors as they attempt to finally make a name for themselves. Their idea is innocent enough: let’s throw a party that no one will forget… but nothing could prepare them for this party. Word spreads quickly as dreams are ruined, records are blemished and legends are born. “Project X” is a warning to parents and police everywhere.
This film has been rated R for crude and sexual content throughout, nudity, drugs, drinking, pervasive language, reckless behavior and mayhem-all involving teens.
SAM WORTHINGTON as Perseus in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure WRATH OF THE TITANS, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Jay Maidment
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on March 30
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures)
Director: Jonathan Liebesman Writers: Screenplay by Dan Mazeau & David Leslie Johnson
Story by Greg Berlanti & David Leslie Johnson & Dan Mazeau
Based on characters created by Beverley Cross Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Polly Johnsen Executive Producers: Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Callum McDougall, Kevin De La Noy, Louis Leterrier
Cast: Sam Worthington, Rosamund Pike, Bill Nighy, Edgar Ramirez, Toby Kebbell, Danny Huston, Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson
Action Adventure. A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus (Worthington) –the demigod son of Zeus (Neeson)–is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity’s lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades (Fiennes) and Poseidon (Huston). The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld. Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus’ godly son, Ares (Ramirez), switch loyalties and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans’ strength grows stronger as Zeus’ remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth. Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda (Pike), Poseidon’s demigod son, Argenor (Kebbell), and fallen god Hephaestus (Nighy), Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.
SYLVESTER STALLONE as Jimmy Bobo in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action thriller BULLET TO THE HEAD, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Frank Masi
In theaters on April 13
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Dark Castle Entertainment)
Director: Walter Hill Writers: Screenplay by Alessandro Camon
Based on the graphic novel Bullet to the Head, written by Matz and illustrated by Colin Wilson Producer: Joel Silver, Alexandra Milchan, Miles Millar, Alfred Gough, Kevin King-Templeton Executive Producers: Stuart Ford, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Deepak Nayar, Courtney Solomon, Allan Zeman, Andrew Rona
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang
Action Thriller. Based on a graphic novel, “Bullet to the Head” also tells the story of a New Orleans hitman (Stallone) and a New York City cop who form an alliance to bring down the killers of their respective partners
THE LUCKY ONE
(L-r) TAYLOR SCHILLING as Beth Green and ZAC EFRON as Logan Thibault in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ romantic drama THE LUCKY ONE, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Alan Markfield
In theaters on April 20
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures)
Director: Scott Hicks Writers: Screenplay by Will Fetters
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks Producers: Denise Di Novi, Kevin McCormick Executive Producer: Ravi Mehta, Alison Greenspan, Bruce Berman
Cast: Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling, Jay R. Ferguson, Riley Thomas Stewart, Adam Lefevre, Blythe Danner
Romantic drama. U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive–a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. Learning her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.
(L-r) HELENA BONHAM CARTER as Dr. Julia Hoffman, CHLOE GRACE MORETZ as Carolyn Stoddard, EVA GREEN as Angelique Bouchard, GULLIVER McGRATH as David Collins, BELLA HEATHCOTE as Victoria Winters, JOHNNY DEPP as Barnabas Collins, RAY SHIRLEY as Mrs. Johnson, JACKIE EARLE HALEY as Willie Loomis, JONNY LEE MILLER as Roger Collins, and MICHELLE PFEIFFER as Elizabeth Collins Stoddard in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ thriller DARK SHADOWS, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Leah Gallo
In theaters on May 11
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures)
Director: Tim Burton Writer: Screenplay by Seth Grahame-Smith
Story by John August and Seth Grahame-Smith
Based on the television series created by Dan Curtis Producers: Tim Burton, Richard D. Zanuck, Graham King, Johnny Depp, Christi Dembrowski, David Kennedy Executive Producers: Chris Lebenzon, Nigel Gostelow, Tim Headington, Bruce Berman Cast: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Chloe Moretz, Gulliver McGrath
Thriller. In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet–or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth’s ne’er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, (Jonny Lee Miller); her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz); and Roger’s precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath). The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, played by Jackie Earle Haley, and David’s new nanny, Victoria Winters, played by Bella Heathcote.
(L-r) RUSSELL BRAND as Lonny Barnett, JULIANNE HOUGH as Sherrie Christian, DIEGO BONETA as Drew Bolley, and ALEC BALDWIN as Dennis Dupree in New Line Cinema’s rock musical ROCK OF AGES, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by David James
TOM CRUISE as Stacee Jaxx in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and New Line Cinema’s rock musical ROCK OF AGES, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by David James
In theaters on June 1
(New Line Cinema)
Director: Adam Shankman Writers: Screenplay by Justin Theroux and Chris D’Arienzo and Allan Loeb
Based on the musical “Rock of Ages” written by Chris D’Arienzo Producers: Matthew Weaver, Scott Prisand, Carl Levin, Tobey McGuire, Garrett Grant, Jennifer Gibgot Executive Producers: Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Michael Disco, Samuel J. Brown
Hillary Butorac Weaver, Janet Billig Rich, Adam Shankman, Chris D’Arienzo
Cast: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Malin Akerman, Mary J. Blige, Bryan Cranston, Alec Baldwin, Tom Cruise
Rock Musical. “Rock of Ages” tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake and more.
NICHOLAS HOULT as Jack in New Line Cinema’s and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure JACK THE GIANT KILLER, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on June 15
(New Line Cinema/Legendary Pictures)
Director: Bryan Singer Writers: Screenplay by Darren Lemke and Christopher McQuarrie and Dan Studney; Story by Darren Lemke & David Dobkin Producers: Neal Moritz, David Dobkin, Bryan Singer, Patrick McCormick Executive Producers: Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni, Alex Garcia, Ori Marmur
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor
Action Adventure. “Jack the Giant Killer” tells the story of an ancient war that is reignited when a young farmhand unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man, Jack, into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend–and gets the chance to become a legend himself.
(Middle) ALEX PETTYFER as The Kid/Adam, MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY as Dallas, and CHANNING TATUM as Mike Martingano in Warner Bros. Pictures’ dramatic comedy MAGIC MIKE, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Glen Wilson
In theatres on June 29
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
Director: Steven Soderbergh Writer: Reid Carolin Producers: Nick Wechsler, Gregory Jacobs, Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin Executive Producers: TBA
Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Bomer, Joe Mangianello, Olivia Munn, Riley Keough, Cody Horn, Adam Rodriguez
Dramatic Comedy. Set in the world of male strippers, “Magic Mike” is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Channing Tatum (“Dear John,” “Step Up”) in a story inspired by his real life. The film follows Mike (Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money
Director CHRISTOPHER NOLAN during the filming of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ action thriller THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Ron Phillips
In theatres and IMAX on July 20
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Legendary Pictures)
Director: Christopher Nolan Writers: Screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan
Story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer
Based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics – Batman created by Bob Kane Producers: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven Executive Producers: Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy, Thomas Tull
Cast: Christian Bale, Michael Caine,Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman
Action Thriller. The epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy.
ASHLEY GREENE as Kelly in Dark Castle Entertainment’s supernatural thriller THE APPARITION, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Stefan Erhard
(L-r) ASHLEY GREENE as Kelly and SEBASTIAN STAN as Ben in Dark Castle Entertainment’s supernatural thriller THE APPARITION, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Stefan Erhard
In theaters on August 24
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Dark Castle Entertainment)
Director: Todd Lincoln Writer: Todd Lincoln Producers: Joel Silver, Andrew Rona, Alex Heineman Executive Producers: Steve Richards, Sue Baden-Powell, Daniel Alter
Cast: Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan, Tom Felton
Supernatural Thriller. When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence that was accidentally conjured during a university parapsychology experiment. The horrifying apparition feeds on their fear and torments them no matter where they try to run. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural (Tom Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force…
This film has been rated PG-13 for terror/frightening images and some sensuality.
ARGO
BEN AFFLECK as Tony Mendez in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and GK Films’ dramatic thriller ARGO, a Warner Bros. Pictures release.Photo by Claire Folger
In theaters on September 14
(Warner Bros. Pictures/GK Films)
Director: Ben Affleck Writer: Screenplay by Chris Terrio
Based on a selection from The Master in Disguise by Antonio J. Mendez and the Wired Magazine article “The Great Escape” by Joshuah Bearman Producers: George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Ben Affleck Executive Producers: David Klawans, Chris Brigham, Graham King, Tim Headington, Chay Carter, Nina Wolarsky
Dramatic thriller. Based on true events, “Argo” chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis–the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. On November 4, 1979, as the Iranian revolution reaches its boiling point, militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. But, in the midst of the chaos, six Americans manage to slip away and find refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. Knowing it is only a matter of time before the six are found out and likely killed, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist named Tony Mendez (Affleck) comes up with a risky plan to get them safely out of the country. A plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies.
THE GANGSTER SQUAD
(L-r) SEAN PENN as Mickey Cohen and JOSH BROLIN as Sgt. John O’Mara in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ drama THE GANGSTER SQUAD, A Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Wilson Webb
In theaters on October 19
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures)
Director: Ruben Fleischer Writers: Screenplay by Will Beall
Based on Paul Lieberman’s series of articles entitled “Tales From the Gangster Squad” Producers: Dan Lin, Kevin McCormick, Michael Tadross Executive Producers: Paul Lieberman, Ruben Fleisher, Bruce Berman
Cast: Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Nick Nolte, Robert Patrick, Michael Peña, Giovanni Ribisi, Anthony Mackie, Emma Stone, Sean Penn
Drama. Los Angeles, 1949. Ruthless, Brooklyn-born mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) runs the show in this town, reaping the ill-gotten gains from the drugs, the guns, the prostitutes and–if he has his way–every wire bet placed west of Chicago. And he does it all with the protection of not only his own paid goons, but also the police and the politicians who are under his control. It’s enough to intimidate even the bravest, street-hardened cop…except, perhaps, for the small, secret crew of LAPD outsiders led by Sgt. John O’Mara (Josh Brolin) and Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling), who come together to try to tear Cohen’s world apart. “The Gangster Squad” is a colorful retelling of events surrounding the LAPD’s efforts to take back their nascent city from one of the most dangerous mafia bosses of all time.
GRAVITY
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on November 21
(Warner Bros. Pictures)
Director:Alfonso Cuarón Writers:Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón Producers:Alfonso Cuarón, David Heyman Executive Producer: Stephen Jones Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
Science fiction thriller. Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone–tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. The deafening silence tells them they have lost any link to Earth…and any chance for rescue. As fear turns to panic, every gulp of air eats away at what little oxygen is left. But the only way home may be to go further out into the terrifying expanse of space.
THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
(L-r) JAMES NESBITT as Bofur, MARTIN FREEMAN (front) as Bilbo Baggins, STEPHEN HUNTER as Bombur, GRAHAM McTAVISH as Dwalin, WILLIAM KIRCHER as Bifur, and JED BROPHY as Nori in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
MARTIN FREEMAN as Bilbo Baggins in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
MARTIN FREEMAN as Bilbo Baggins in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
IAN McKELLEN as Gandalf in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
IAN McKELLEN as Gandalf in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by Todd Eyre
(L-r) Writer/Director/Producer PETER JACKSON with MARTIN FREEMAN on the set of New Line Cinema;s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
(L-r) JED BROPHY as Nori, ADAM BROWN as Ori and MARK HADLOW as Dori in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
(L-r) JOHN CALLEN as Oin and PETER HAMBLETON as Gloin in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
(L-r) DEAN O’GORMAN as Fili and AIDAN TURNER as Kili in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
(L-r) STEPHEN HUNTER as Bombur, JAMES NESBITT as Bofur and WILLIAM KIRCHER as Bifur in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
(L-r) KEN STOTT as Balin and GRAHAM McTAVISH as Dwalin in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
RICHARD ARMITAGE as Thorin Oakenshield in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
(L-r) JED BROPHY as Nori, DEAN O’GORMAN as Fili, MARK HADLOW as Dori, JAMES NESBITT as Bofur, PETER HAMBLETON as Gloin, GRAHAM McTAVISH as Dwalin, RICHARD ARMITAGE as Thorin Oakenshield (center), KEN STOTT as Balin, JOHN CALLEN as Oin, STEPHEN HUNTER as Bombur, WILLIAM KIRCHER as Bifur, ADAM BROWN as Ori and AIDAN TURNER as Kili in New Line Cinema’s and MGM’s fantasy adventure THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo by James Fisher
In 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX on December 14
(New Line Cinema/MGM)
Director: Peter Jackson Writers: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson
Based on The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien Producers: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Carolynne Cunningham Executive Producers: Alan Horn, Ken Kamins, Toby Emmerich, Zane Weiner Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Evangeline Lilly, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, John Bell, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas, Aidan Turner
Fantasy Adventure. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever… Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
LEONARDO DiCAPRIO as Jay Gatsby and CAREY MULLIGAN as Daisy Buchanan in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ drama THE GREAT GATSBY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
(L-r) TOBEY MAGUIRE as Nick Carraway, LEONARDO DICAPRIO as Jay Gatsby, CAREY MULLIGAN as Daisy Buchanan and JOEL EDGERTON as Tom Buchanan in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ drama THE GREAT GATSBY, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
In theaters 3D and 2D in select theaters on December 25
(Warner Bros. Pictures/Village Roadshow Pictures)
Director: Baz Luhrmann Writer: Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce
Based on the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald Producers: Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Lucy Fisher, Douglas Wick, Catherine Knapman Executive Producers: Barrie M. Osborne, Bruce Berman
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Elizabeth Debicki, Amitabh Bachchan
Drama. “The Great Gatsby” follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.
GET CAPTIVATED BY ELIZABETH OLSEN IN THE GRIPPING PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
Featuring the Award Winning Short Film “Mary Last Seen”
Only On Blu-ray and DVD February 21
From 2011 Sundance Film Festival “Best Director” winner Sean Durkin, in his feature film debut, and featuring breakout star Elizabeth Olsen in her “Best Female Lead” Film Independent Spirit Award nominated role, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE arrives on Blu-ray and DVD February 21 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
After escaping from a dangerous cult and the watchful eye of its charismatic leader, a young woman named Martha (Olsen) tries to reclaim a normal life with her family. But the haunting memories from Martha’s past trigger a chilling paranoia — and nowhere seems safe as the fragile line between her reality and delusions begin to blur.
Supported by unforgettable powerhouse performances from Academy Award® nominee John Hawkes (Winter’s Bone, American Gangster) and Sarah Paulson (Down With Love, What Women Want), the MARTHA MARCY MARY MARLENE Blu-ray and DVD is rich with feature special features, including “Mary Last Seen,” the chilling short film by writer/director Durkin that started it all.
Pre-book date is January 25.
MARTHA MARCY MARY MARLENE Blu-ray Features:
● Mary Last Seen
● Spotlight on Elizabeth Olsen
● The Story
● The Making of Martha Marcy May Marlene
● A Conversation with Filmmakers
● The Psyche of a Cult
● “Marcy’s Song” Music Video by John Hawkes
● Theatrical Trailer
MARTHA MARCY MARY MARLENE DVD Features:
● Mary Last Seen
About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.
Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on Twitter @FoxHomeEnt
MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE BLU-RAY: (Catalog # 2277170)
Big kudos to the fine folks at MGM Limited Edition DVD-R! They’ve dug deep in the vaults for a true oddity in the world of cinema and television ( sitcoms, to be more precise ) ! I will tell anyone who asks that my absolute favorite TV situation comedy of all time is that early sixties gem ” The Dick Van Dyke Show” ( desert island, only one TV comedy, no hesitation! ). Well one of the few people with even more admiration and affection for this bit of comic perfection is comedy writer and pop culture master Mark Evanier. One of the sites I’ve bookmarked ( and if you love entertainment you should too ) is his website/ blog newsfromme.com . In 2007 he alerted his readers to DON”T WORRY WE’LL THINK OF A TITLE was airing on the Turner Classic Movie cable channel. He had seen it with his family while they were vacationing in Pismo Beach in 1966. It was playing on a double bill with WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE WAR, DADDY? He says that unlike that film, TITLE did not have a professional studio printed poster, but was promoted with a hand lettered sign! That should’ve been a clue to the film’s quality.
This is quite an oddity. I was shocked that Morey Amsterdam and Rose Marie had made a feature film toward the end of their time as Buddy Sorrel and Sally Rogers, and I had not heard of it. Well, it’s probably because it’s a tough slog to sit through. What little plot the film has concerns a group of Eastern European spies ( one of those made up, cold war spots ) who believe that Morey’s character is a defecting astronut. The film was shot in 1965 near the end of the Van Dyke series, and dates itself not only with the spy antics, but with a scene set at a college beatnik ( ! ) party. It begins with a caricature of Amsterdam ( maybe drawn by the multi-talented Dick Van Dyke? ) as part of the logo for Courageous Cal Productions ( ? ).The film has the flat look of a one camera sitcom of the era ( the end title says it was shot on the legendary Desilu Studios ) and even employs that wacky sped-up effect that many shows used to balance out some the old, groaner jokes in the script from co-producer/star Amsterdam. The film’s main interest is as a time capsule of TV comics of that era. Morey must have called on many of his pals to stop by for quick cameos, and it’s amazing who he got to show up. We get to see Van Dyke co-stars Richard Deacon ( in a double role as a diner owner and policeman ) and Carl Reiner along with Forrest Tucker, Moe Howard ( solo, sans stooges! ), Cliff Arquette ( as Charley Weaver ), Nick Adams, Milton Berle, Steve Allen, and Irene Ryan ( in her Granny outfit and driving the Clampett truck ). Comic actor Henry Corden ( who soon took over as voice of Fred Flintstone ) shows up as a clumsy spy and an actress named January ( ! ) Jones ( not the “Mad Men ” actress, but perhaps a relative? ) plays Morey and Rose’s diner waitress pal who inherits a bookstore.
The DVD-R is bare bones. Not even a trailer ( was one made?). I was hoping for either a commentary track with the still active Rose Marie, but Evanier reports that she has no fondness for this big screen misfire. Picure and sound quality is sharp and crisp. It’s not a cinema treasure, but if you’re an affeciando of sixties TV ( and of the Van Dyke show ) then you’ll want to add this to your DVD library.
We want to wish each of you safe travels, good food, and the happiest of holidays! We’ll see everyone back here in time to celebrate the best of 2011 and ring in the New Year!
Playing on select movie screens this weekend is a live recording of the National theatre of Great Britain’s 2011 stage production of ” The Collaborators ” written by John Hodge ( SHALLOW GRAVE ). This play is set in Moscow in 1938 as playwright Mikhail Bulgakov ( Alex Jenning ) is enlisted by the Soviet Secret Police ( headed by an agent played by Mark Addy of THE FULL MONTY and TV’s ” Still Standing” ) to write a play chronicling the young life of Joseph Stalin ( Simon Russell Beale ). Mikhail is reluctant, but begins work after his wife is threatened and his new play on Moliare is shut down. Things become even more complicated when Stalin decides to write the play himself as he gives Mikhail the task of handling some of his administrative duties. Director Nicholas Hytner stages the production as theatre-in-the-round as the action occurs in three main areas connected by ramps ans surrounded by the audience. Lightning effects and background music help to heighten the drama.
THE COLLABORATORS plays at St. Louis’s Tivoli Theatre on December 24 at 11 AM. For more information go to landmarktheatres.com or nationaltheatre.org/UK
