The Walt Disney Company today released the teaser trailer and poster for Lucasfilm’s “INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY,” the highly anticipated fifth installment of the iconic “Indiana Jones” franchise, starring Harrison Ford as the legendary hero archaeologist, and directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Logan”). The film will open in theaters on June 30, 2023.
Starring along with Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory”), John Rhys-Davies (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”), Shaunette Renee Wilson (“Black Panther”), Thomas Kretschmann (“Das Boot”), Toby Jones (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Oliver Richters (“Black Widow”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”).
Directed by James Mangold, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981, is once again composing the score.
After global passionate fan calls to action and the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, HBO Maxand Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that it will exclusively world premiere Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the Warner Bros. Pictures/DC feature film Justice League in 2021.
Snyder surprised fans with the news this morning during a live online commentary of his film Man of Steel with Henry Cavill.
#ReleaseTheSnyderCut first became a passionate rallying social media cry among fans in 2017 and has not let up. From countless press articles and hundreds of thousands of social media mentions, it became a powerful global movement among cinephiles and comic book fans.
“I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality,” said Snyder.
“Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut has been a daily drumbeat in our offices and inboxes. Well, the fans have asked, and we are thrilled to finally deliver. At the end of the day, it really is all about them and we are beyond excited to be able to release Zack’s ultimate vision for this film in 2021. This could never have happened if it weren’t for the hard work and combined efforts of the teams at HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer.
“When Zack and Debbie shared the extraordinary vision of where Zack wanted to take Justice League, my team and our counterparts at Warner Bros. took it as a mission to solve the many issues that stood in the way,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer at HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS and truTV. “Thanks to the partnership at Warner Bros. and the relentless pursuit of the entire WarnerMax team we are able to deliver this incredibly exciting moment for Zack, the fans and HBO Max.”
“Thanks to the efforts of a lot people, we’re excited to bring fans this highly anticipated version of Justice League,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “This feels like the right time to share Zack’s story, and HBO Max is the perfect platform for it. We’re glad the creative planets aligned, allowing us to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.”
In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
The Justice League screenplay is by Chris Terrio, story by Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film’s producers are Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, with executive producers Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Jim Rowe, Ben Affleck, Wesley Coller, Curtis Kanemoto, and Chris Terrio.
Below are the highlights from the watch party on Wednesday morning:
The filmmaker brought a pile of storyboards from the film.
Mentioned his love of Hans Zimmer’s opening cue and how “Kryptonian animals took notice of Kal’s birth” in his explanation of storyboards. “They are the bible of the movie.”
“Kryptonian Council wardrobe was inspired by original Planet of the Apes movie. Art nouveau was the theme for the set and spacecraft and architecture of council chamber.”
“Wanted to connect Jor-El the planet and ancient qualities with flying creature and the natural order.”
“Genesis chamber concept was based on the art of the culture – Russell Crowe was shot in a pool in Vancouver and was a physical set.”
“The moon was broken long ago by Doomsday – he could be brought into this cinematic universe and I liked the character. Have him involved in the movies, if there was movies and to plant some Easter Eggs – for later.”
“Finding Earth and knowledge prior was a way to plant notion that they knew of it. Chance that the codex is an ancient Krypton DNA with various levels of DNA could be stored. Visually symbolic of an organic thing and had a text of thousands of years of info – like an artifact of religious nature, like monks.”
“Lots of fertility symbols in Jor-El’s and Lara’s chambers. All armor costumes was CGI – couldn’t move well with physical costumes especially during fight between Zod and Jor-el. Guns were made by WETA. Joseph Campbell’s quote is on Superman’s costume. “And where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god; where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves; where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence; where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world.”
Snyder said it shows, “A hero’s journey and spiritual enlightenment and a cool way to think about the world and Superman’s journey.”
“There were talks about only speaking Kryptonian early on with subtitles on Krypton. Couldn’t be as immersive or accessible but had a Kryptonian alphabet early on.”
“Some of the set was real during Zod and followers banishment to the Phantom Zone. Some of the beautiful set was CGI. Super fun sequence to see ship go into the Phantom Zone.”
Snyder originally wanted the House of EL symbol or logo on the front of the ship for audiences to see as it came to Earth.
“We had cooperation with Dept. Of Defense and Coast Guard.” The scene when Clark is underwater, the helicopter shot was real and Snyder was in it during filming..
“Lot of out of focus shots – to flesh out details of this natural world in reference to Superman and notion of an alien living among us. His way in and a close connection for Superman.”
“Photographed Kent’s Farm near Batman’s house – physical connection and was inspired to be Wayne’s home. Iconic pickup truck that was seen in a movies. Pa Kent and Young Clark was shot over many days for lighting purposes. A beautiful scene between the two actors and iconic reveal of Jonathan letting Clark know he is Superman and the reveal of the ship hidden in the barn. “You are my son” is a powerful flashback and memory of Clark’s.”
“I loved the notion that Clark was hitchhiking in one scene – he knew that something was important was happening as he tries to make his way in the world.”
“Amy Adams was an awesome Lois Lane and was blessed to get her to play the part. Special person and friend.”
“Glacier face and tunnel was twenty feet down – cool physical set. 20,000 years ago Kryptonians landed – on the computer is the surface of Mars and thought about having Doctor Manhattan in the scene. Easter Egg from Watchmen movie.”
“Big sci-fi spaceship coming out of the ice was cool. Shot
Lois on the Glacier in a day and went on location.”
Daily Planet and Metropolis was shot in Chicago.
History lesson between Jor-El and Kal. A liquid history lesson that was state “sponsored showing the propaganda of the planet. Gave Crowe his reveal of the House of El on his chest/costume. “
“Superman still had codex inside so it’s possible to rebuild the destroyed Krypton – so in a way Zod was right in saying Kal has the power too. Ancestor of the House of El’s family black suit is different than the red and blue inclusive suit the public sees.”
Snyder says the “First flight concept with him jumping first and realizes his power – be amazing and knows his responsibility that comes with his power. His fist down scene and he knows what’s happening – and his first flight.”
Shot at Kent Farm over many days.
Spaceship coming out of the Phantom Zone – design of it is a nonstandard flying saucer.
Snyder said he liked the idea of Clark drinking a beer. “You are not alone” and POV shot by Kal. Had a 1950’s sci-fi classic invasion story.
“Clark grew up in Kansas and part of who he is culturally – symbolically and the philosophy book. Had aspirations. He has respect and believes in his father, and farming is noble. But his destiny lies beyond. Grapples with it in the church scene and conversation with the priest. What will he be asked and sacrifices and asked to give – gives himself to what will be morally right.”
“Floating Superman facing the army. And then ludicrous to be in handcuffs but he knows its right – the idea of it. He understands that it would make humans feel better. Moral dilemma.”
“Human characters around that are also heroes. Shot outdoor scenes at Edwards AFB.”
“Interesting first contact with a Kryptonian and the dropship. Found throughout the galaxy. Sci-fi docking port. It’s an invasion film in a lot of ways.”
“Shows Superman is vulnerable when he gets onto the ship – world engine. Shows Zod and crew watching how they got out of the Phantom Zone. Zod is a genius and is able to transport them to Earth and they discover the old outposts and dropships. They want to transform Earth into a new Krypton, into an alien world. Transforming earth and superman into one of Zod’s followers.”
“Smallville battle was fun to shoot – a fight between Kryptonians on Earth. Multi Jor-els as AI’s in scoutship was a favorite sequence.”
“Shows Lois to the escapepod was exciting with all the Jor-Els.”
Snyder said the “Superman iconic reference to a ‘Savior’ as he falls is a powerful.”
Shot the IHOP scenes partially in Vancouver and Illinois.
Some wire work some CGI – tricky on the day of the battle in
Smallville.
Iconic scene where Chris Meloni acknowledges that Superman “is our friend” is a favorite.
Process of terraforming and notion that the idea of what’s happens to humans is strong and real consequence and when they call Superman.
Deborah Snyder joined Zack Snyder in viewing room.
Fight between Zod and Superman for the survival of Earth. “Favorite Hans Zimmer music cue is the Superman theme – simple and emotional. The first few notes is so cool and iconic. We used it in Batman v Superman. You know its him and a way to reprise the emotion over the 2, potentially 3 movies.”
“Shot inside a hangar in a real cargo plane at Edwards AFB with Lois – a spaceship for real inside the plane. The real AF guys had to strap it down and they were in the scene. It was fun to hear how the plane really worked. The cockpit was a set.”
“The fly-in was one wires with the actors, Superman and Lois – no CGI. Very tricky.”
“Shannon was wearing a full CGI costume, even with the dirt in his hand and was complicated. Both said Shannon was very funny between takes and they were lucky to get him for the role.”
“Destruction of Metropolis was complex from lighting to CG to shooting it. Lexcorp logo was fun to put in and reference – a bigger world,” said Snyder.
Zod running up the building was their favorite part – he cant fly
yet. And then sheds his armor – Zod is stronger than his armor.
“Difficult to shoot this scale through the city. Wayne industries logo on the satellite. Bruce Wayne is around in the city. He is looking up at the battle.”
Deborah said, “Superman saves the family and it was very controversial to kill Zod. But he ends up alone and we can debate but the real question, his legacy and he has chosen us over his people from Krypton. Torn a piece and reminiscent to not save his own people.”
Last day of shooting in the desert with Cavill was the final shot. Deborah added, “He looks so iconic here.”
And then Henry Cavill joined the pair on the VERO screening along
with a Q&A.
Cavill and the team discussed his first time in suit. Cavill said,
“It is difficult to forget – I put it on for screen test. So hush-hush and
under wraps. I stepped outside and had that moment when everyone looked and it
felt empowering to be in the Superman suit. It carried an extra magic in that
moment.”
Both Snyders said, “Then we used Chris Reeves suit for the screen
test as Cavill’s suit wasn’t ready. They got it out of storage and it was
handled with white gloves. Reeves is like underwear outside and not heroic
looking.”
Cavill asked if Jor-El’s construct was capable of love – how
advanced was it. Snyder responded, “it’s not a complete person and it would
undercut Jor-El’s sacrifice. A diary he wrote to his son so when he got to
Earth and became Superman, he could talk to him. It carries the message of
love.”
“I’m not personally in control of it – it exists and what I
did with it,” says Snyder when asked about the release of the Snyder cut of
Justice League movie.
“It’s not really up to me, but I would had left it on
thumbdrive in a bathroom.”
Cavill interjects and laughed, “cuz yeah people love picking up a thumb drive in a bathroom”
Cavill also said on the Justice League Snyder cut, “I still love watching MAN OF STEEL and I remember watching the first trailer and what was going on in my life. It changed my career. I would love to see a version of Justice League without the mustache.”
Snyder said, “When Superman came back, he was iconic minus
the beard and that look. It was always my intention to see that version and
implication of the mustache. “
Deborah Snyder added, “we were on this journey with all
these characters from Justice League. To become the team that would have been
amazing.”
“I have it and we have to find a way of showing it one day,”
said Snyder
Cavill then followed up “You should just show it.”
Snyder then shared the logo and said its happening!
No matter how fast you are, no one outruns their past.
Universal has dropped an awesome first trailer for F9 aka FAST AND FURIOUS 9.
Summer 2020 is the time for F9, the ninth chapter in the saga that has endured for almost two decades and has earned more than $5 billion around the world.
Vin Diesel’s Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian, but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he’s going to save those he loves most. His crew joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob (John Cena, next year’s The Suicide Squad).
(from left) Dom (Vin Diesel) and Jakob (John Cena) in F9, directed by Justin Lin.
F9 sees the return of Justin Lin as director, who helmed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth chapters of the series when it transformed into a global blockbuster.
(from left) Director of photography Stephen F. Windon and director Justin Lin on the set of F9.
The action hurtles around the globe—from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the teeming streets of Tblisi. Along the way, old friends will be resurrected, old foes will return, history will be rewritten, and the true meaning of family will be tested like never before.
The film stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel and Sung Kang, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron. F9 also features Grammy-winning superstar Cardi B as new franchise character Leysa, a woman with a connection to Dom’s past, and a cameo by Reggaeton sensation Ozuna.
F9 is produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Joe Roth, Justin Lin, Clayton Townsend and Samantha Vincent. www.fastandfurious.com
(from left) Jakob (John Cena) and Cipher (Charlize Theron) in F9, directed by Justin Lin.
Jim Batts wrote in his review of Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME:
All the craftspeople that worked on the film are at the “top of their game’ in crafting a real “love letter” to the fans of the Marvel show (many have said that each new film is another episode in an incredible TV show, one that the “tube” could never afford). There are entrances and exits, arrivals and departures, all with a feeling of coming “full circle”. You bet there will be more MCU entries (Spidey’s back in July), but this spectacular would be a fitting farewell. It’s a warm, enveloping “thank you” hug from “master overseer” Kevin Feige, and all those talented artists involved. AVENGERS: ENDGAME will stand as a most inventive, entertaining inspiration to all who continue on this legacy.
Starting on Friday, June 28, participating theaters nationwide will hold a Bring Back event for fans to see Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME one more time on the big screen before it finishes its theatrical run.
The film has brought in worldwide at the box office to date $2,750,760,348. (Box Office Mojo)
Fans who buy a movie ticket will receive an exclusive piece of Avengers art (available in select theaters and until supplies run out) and will also be treated to a video introduction by director Anthony Russo and an unfinished deleted scene from the film, and it will be a chance for fans to get a head start on the upcoming Marvel Studios’ “Spider-Man: Far From Home” via a special sneak peek!
Tickets to the Bring Back event are available wherever tickets are sold.
Mark your calendars for Monday, May 13, when 20th Century Fox will kick off X-Men Day – a celebration of the culmination of the X-Men saga, its global fanbase, all the beloved characters, its groundbreaking impact on popular culture and enduring audience appeal for nearly 20 years. On Monday, fan celebrations of all things X-Men will happen online and all over the world including the debut of exclusive X-Men content, special events, and unexpected surprises for our most loyal fans. X-Men Day will honor the legacy of the X-Men franchise and kick off advance ticket sales for DARK PHOENIX. For more information, follow X-Men Movies (@XMenMovies) on social media!
DARK PHOENIX stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Evan Peters, and Jessica Chastain, and is scored by composer Hans Zimmer.
DARK PHOENIX arrives in theaters everywhere on June 7.
This is the story of one of the X-Men’s most beloved characters, Jean Grey, as she evolves into the iconic DARK PHOENIX. During a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean is hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all. Wrestling with this increasingly unstable power as well as her own personal demons, Jean spirals out of control, tearing the X-Men family apart and threatening to destroy the very fabric of our planet. The film is the most intense and emotional X-Men movie ever made. It is the culmination of 20 years of X-Men movies, as the family of mutants that we’ve come to know and love must face their most devastating enemy yet — one of their own.
Here’s your official first look at the Women of the New TERMINATOR (from left to right) Natalia Reyes as “Dani Ramos,” Mackenzie Davis as “Grace,” Linda Hamilton as “Sarah Connor” from Skydance Productions and Paramount Pictures.
The highly anticipated film is directed by Tim Miller (DEADPOOL) and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger , Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Diego Boneta and Linda Hamilton.
The untitled, in-production sequel to James Cameron’s original TERMINATOR films will open in U.S. theatres on November 22, 2019.
Hamilton starred in the original 1984 sci-fi film alongside Schwarzenegger and Michael Biehn. It was co-written and produced by Gale Anne Hurd. Cameron and Hurd made other films such as ALIENS and THE ABYSS.
The sequel TERMINATOR 2 was released in 1991 and was a huge success at the box office. There were several chapters of the franchise as well as TV show “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”.
20th Century Fox has announced Ridley Scott’s return to the universe he created in ALIEN with ALIEN: COVENANT, the second chapter in a prequel trilogy that began with PROMETHEUS – and connects directly to Scott’s 1979 seminal work of science fiction.
According to the press release synopsis:
Bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, the crew of the colony ship Covenant discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world — whose sole inhabitant is the “synthetic” David (Michael Fassbender), survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition.
2012’s PROMETHEUS brought in $403.4 million globally and received an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 85th Academy Awards.
ALIEN: COVENANT will be released in cinemas on October 6th, 2017.
I just hired a great new actor for Transformers 4 to star against Mark Wahlberg. Jack Reynor, he is an Irish kid that came to America with 30 bucks in his pocket. Pretty ballsy. Seriously who does that? Anyway I spotted him in a great little Irish movie WHAT RICHARD DID. This kid is the real deal.
Transformers 4, is not a reboot. That word has been floating around on the net.
This movie takes place exactly 4 years after the war in Chicago. The story makes a very natural transition, and reason as to why we have a whole new cast. This Transformers will feel very different then the last three. We are embarking on a new trilogy.
Michael
In November 2012 Bay announced the casting of Mark Wahlberg in TRANSFORMERS 4. With shooting set to begin this Spring, the film will hit theaters June 27th, 2014.
Bay’s first TRANSFORMERS film was a box office sensation in 2007, opening at #1 and earning more than $700 million worldwide. His second installment TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN in 2009 grossed more than $830 million worldwide. In 2011, TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON was an even bigger hit worldwide, grossing more than a billion dollars to become the 5th highest grossing film of all time. To date, the franchise has earned more than $2.6 billion worldwide.
Looks like Tom Cruise has begun another big screen franchise. After starring as Ethan Hunt in four hit films based on the classic 1960’s TV show “Mission: Impossible”, he’s turned to the literary world for the first film based on the long-running (17 books and counting) hero created by author Lee Childs, JACK REACHER. For this adaptation of “One Shot”, Cruise (also the film’s producer) has brought a long a frequent script collaborator Christopher McQuarrie (VALKYRIE, but perhaps best known for THE USUAL SUSPECTS) to direct also (his first feature since 2000’s THE DAY OF THE GUN). Robert Downey,Jr bounces back and forth between Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, so why can’t Cruise be a part of a super spy team and a loner ex-military cop? It all depends on whether this initial outing is worthy of a follow-up.
This first screen thriller/mystery begins with a lone sniper expertly killing five people in a peaceful Pittsburgh park. After collecting the evidence, police detective Emerson (David Oyelowo) arrests a war vet/ army sniper named Barr. Emerson and public defender Rodin (Richard Jenkins) interrogate Barr and pass him a legal pad to write out his confession. Instead, he writes, “Get Jack Reacher”. But how to find him? Reacher, an ex Army police investigator, has no permanent address, no car (he travels by bus), no cell phone, and no charge cards (he pays cash for everything, including new clothes from Goodwill, via wire transfer from his military pension). After Barr is beaten into a coma during a botched prisoner transfer, Reacher arrives at Barr’s hospital. Seems that Reacher had helped convict Barr of a shooting incident overseas (the conviction later kicked out). Before he can leave, Reacher is hired by Barr’s pro-bono defense attorney Helen Rodin (Rosamund Pike), the PD’s daughter, to exonerate Barr. Reacher’s investigation unearths an intricate vast conspiracy and puts him and Helen on a collision course with a shadowy mastermind, The Zec (Werner Herzog).
Cruise brings his usual intensity to this combination of Sherlock Holmes (the guy really observes) and the Punisher (do not lean on him). Reacher has that “steel trap” brain and needs no notepads. His stoic confidence provides this often grim thriller with some very funny moments. He can also be kind as when he offers some much-needed advice to a young girl on the wrong path. Reacher’s boss/partner Helen is usually regulated to the “damsel-in-distress” particularly in the finale. Pike seems to spend most of the time indignant, angry, or wide-eyed with fear. At about the midway point the costumers (or more likely the producers) decided she should dress more like a cocktail waitress than lawyer, so that she’s nearly bouncing out of her top while escaping the bad guys. Pike’s a talented actress, but this choice distracts from her character. Jenkins and Oyelowo are a great team as they try to deal with Reacher’s quirks and talents (with Oyelowo a determined pursuer of him later). Cruise’s old DAYS OF THUNDER co-star Robert Duvall shows up late in the film to steal scenes as the helpful owner of a gun range. The two are a terrific team in the film’s big showdown. The most inspired casting may be acclaimed director Herzog as the shadowy, sinister mastermind . His cool, calming German accent brings an extra bit of creepy menace to the proceedings.
McQuarrie keeps things moving at a brisk pace that makes the 130 minutes almost breeze by. He puts a new spin on the downtown car chase that concludes with perhaps the film’s funniest moment. There’s also a couple of great sequences that show off Reacher’s considerable hand-to-hand combat skills. You can almost feel every bit of punishment he dishes out the pain to these unlucky thugs (there goes another fracture-crunch! snap!). There’s expert use of the Pittsburgh locations too (and I just knew it as the home of George A Romero’s zombie epics). JACK REACHER is a gritty, brutal thriller that’s a great alternative to December’s family fare and high drama Oscar-bait. Let’s hope Cruise and company are able to revisit this new movie action hero/sleuth in the near future.
They say you can’t go home again. But what if the home in question is that fabled land called Middle Earth. That’s the speculation surrounding celebrated film maker Peter Jackson. His LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy broke box offices records around the globe while collecting a chest full of awards (including the Best Picture Oscar for the final entry RETURN OF THE KING). Much like Bond fans, Rings devotees have had to wait several years for all the legal and financial battles to be settled. For a time it looked like Guillermo del Toro (PAN’S LABYRINTH) would be directing this Rings prequel, but as the negotiations dragged, del Toro had to move on. When the dust cleared, Jackson decided that he would not only produce but also direct this new Tolkein screen adaptation. Is the magic back? Film goers will finally find out with the release of THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY.
This tale beings with a history of Lonely Mountain, the realm of the dwarves. After surviving a brutal attack from the gruesome orcs, their treasure is seized by the dragon Smaug. The kingdom is in ruin and the dwarves are scattered through the lands. But all is peaceful in the Shire, especially at the home of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins (played by Ian Holm in the Rings trilogy here his sixty years younger version is Martin Freeman). That tranquility is shattered with the arrival of Gandalf the Gray (Ian McKellen). The wizard wants Bilbo to join him and thirteen dwarves on a journey back to reclaim their home and treasure. Bilbo will have none of this adventure nonsense. That night his quiet home is invaded by those warrior dwarves led by the fearless Thorin (Richard Armitage). When Bilbo awakes the next morning, the rowdy dwarves and the wizard are gone. But the hobbit has a change of heart and catches up with them. On the long journey they encounter elves, orcs, trolls, rock giants, and a cave-dwelling, ring-loving, raspy voiced creature as they near closer to the land ruled by a brutal fire-breather.
Although this is set sixty years prior to the Rings trilogy, many familiar faces do pop up (including one very welcome surprise). But it’s McKellen as Gandalf that’s the most dominant. He’s slips into this character like he’s easing into a pair of comfy old slippers. He’s funny, wise, and a forbidding conjurer. And Sir Ian plays very well against this film’s most inspired addition of TV star Freeman (“The Office” “Sherlock”) as the timid title character. Their initial meeting is a delightful bit of whimsical wordplay and banter. For most of the initial scenes Bilbo goes from exasperated to worried panic. Once he commits to the quest he truly comes alive even as he flails about with his new sword, Stinger. There’s not enough time for each of the dwarves to stake out much in the way of personality, but Armitage makes a quite impressive small-sized swashbuckler.
But what really impresses here are the breathtaking visuals. As in the previous trilogy, the main characters trudge through all manner of majestic scenery. I’m sure this film will give New Zealand another nice tourism bump. The sets are epic and grand particularly a visit to the Elf kingdom. And the special effects are state of the art, especially in an encounter with three ravenous trolls (frightening and funny). But the most spectacular sequence doesn’t involve multiple beasties and battles, but a quiet quiz between Bilbo and the glorious Gollum, who continues to be one of filmdom’s most amazing creations. He’s more expressive than ever thanks to advanced CGI technology and the wonderful acting of Andy Serkis, the maestro of motion-capture. Speaking of tech, a lot has been written about the use of HFR (High Frame Rate in select theatres). Supposedly the projection of 48 frames per second instead of the standard 24 has caused some queasiness in audiences. My eyes adjusted fairly quickly, but I noticed that any movement (by the camera or actors) zipped by very fast. As a friend pointed out, you get no blurs at 48 so your brain has less to fill in (all the details are there). It is a sharper image, but nothing like live TV as was earlier reported (oh, and the 3D’s nice, but not essential as with LIFE OF PI). Much has also been made about the decision to make three films out of this single Tolkein story. Nothing seems padded here to warrant those accusing the producers of a “money grab”. After the frenetic slapstick of the dwarves trashing Bilbo’s home, the film almost resembles an old Saturday morning serial with one unsurvivable cliff-hanger after another. Sometimes the spectacle is overwhelming with endless nasties popping up to be sliced and speared, but Jackson really makes everything work. It’ll be fun to have that holiday tradition from nearly ten years ago once again. If you enjoyed the Rings then you’ll look forward to spending the next couple of Christmases with this unlikely furry-footed hero.
