Twentieth Century Fox and AMC Theatres present the Prometheus Live Chat and Trailer Premiere with Prometheus director Ridley Scott and executive producer and co writer Damon Lindelof. Tune in and be one of the first to see this widely anticipated trailer! Watch the replay here - http://livestre.am/6OKK

Love that two formidable women feature prominently in Scott’s film, once again. Big plus that this auteur has always been a visual director – I can’t wait for the June opening. The stars and its director appeared earlier today during Wondercon at the Fox panel.

Check out the new viral video and IMAX trailer for the film.

Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. WithPrometheus, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

Visit the official site: http://www.projectprometheus.com/

“Like”ť it on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/prometheus

Follow the film on Twitter: @PrometheusMovie

YouTube: www.youtube.com/Prometheus6812

“Building Better Worlds”ť visit: https://www.weylandindustries.com/

Once again the magic of the holidays revives the third installment of a comedy movie franchise. In 1989 the Griswald family bounced back from their dismal European vacation with NATIONIAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, and now after their lackluster Guantanamo Bay escape those best buds are back in top form with A VERY HAROLD AND KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS. I’ll warn you that this film isn’t the family friendly romp with Chevy Chase’s clan-it earns that R rating, but it’s a return of the same kind of smart ‘ dumb’ comedy craftsmanship that imbued that original quest for “sliders”. And since it’s ” the most wonderful time of the year’, there’s a little extra to tug at your heart-strings ( to offset those sore-from-laughter ribs ).

 After their last misadventure things have radically changed for one half of this doper-duo. Harold ( John Cho ) is now a successful Wall Street investor complete with fawning assistant ( Bobby Lee ) and a group of protesters outside his building ( like our current occupiers in the news ). He’s got a spacious house in the suburbs he shares with his Latin bombshell wife Maria ( Paula Garces ), who’s VERY ready to start a family. Speaking of family, her kin, headed by her intimidating dad ( Danny Trejo ) are spending the holidays there. Meanwhile things are not going so well with Kumar ( Kal Penn ). After failing his medical school drug test and getting dumped by his gal Vanessa, he spends most of his days getting high and watching TV. That is until a package for Harold mistakenly gets delivered to his apartment. His attempt to get the package to Harold begins a chain of events that encompasses a quest for the last perfect Christmas tree, an internet virgin, her Ukrainian mobster poppa, the must have holiday toy- the Wafflebot, and good ole’ Saint Nick himself. And could there be a Harold and Kumar epic without some quality time spent with the great NPH-Neil Patrick Harris?

After the glut of 3D flicks this year it was great to see a movie having fun with and poking fun at the format. The producers knew to really slow down the objects coming toward the viewer. This may be the most entertaining use of the technology since last year’s PIRANHA 3D or JACKASS 3D. The film makers are also having fun with the trappings of the Christmas movies with the gaudy decorations, tacky musical numbers, goofy Santa, and that crazy waffle-making droid. Hey, there’s even a great homage to Bob Clark’s A CHRISTMAS STORY. Cho and  Penn are in fine form ( there are in-jokes about the actors’ jobs since the last H & K outing ), and they’ve got some terrific comedic backup players. Trejo is funny and frightening ( can you imagine having Machete for a father-in-law? ). Elias Koteas also brings the brutality in his mob kingpin role. Before they re-unite our heroes have both made new best buds. Thomas Lennon scores big laughs as Harold’s wimpy, eager to please, single dad neighbor who tries to protect his toddler daughter from the chaos. And Kumar’s next door neighbor pal is the nerdy sex-crazed Adrian played by the manic Amir Blumenfeld. But of all these great performers, the movie’s MVP is once again NPH. This time we’re treated to his exceptional musical skills before we get another visit with the maniacal horndog of the previous films. He doesn’t appear till after the midway point, but it is so worth the wait. Sure the film’s crude, lewd, and politically incorrect, but unlike several recent R-rated comedies ( looking at you again CHANGE -UP!) this doesn’t have a cruel, mean bent to it. Well, maybe in the clay-animated sequence, but ,hey it’s just a big dream. If you’re in the mood for some raunch with your reindeer then this is your perfect stocking stuffer ( if the boys didn’t already stash their herbs there )!

Overall Rating: Four and a Half Out of Five Stars

Official Press Release:

EON PRODUCTIONS, METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS AND SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT

ANNOUNCE 7^th NOVEMBER IS START OF PRODUCTION

FOR 23^rd JAMES BOND FILM

SKYFALL

LONDON, UK, November 3^rd, 2011 - Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today presented the cast of the 23^rd James Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007.  The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. SKYFALL, which goes into production on Monday, November 7^th, will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26^th 2012 and in North America on November 9^th 2012.

Joining Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe. The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.

In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

“We’re so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct SKYFALL and be working once again with Daniel Craig. We’ve a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure,” said Wilson and Broccoli.

The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes. The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead. The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale. Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2^nd Unit Director. Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films.

007 fans can learn more about SKYFALL at the James Bond franchise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JamesBond007 and on Twitter @007

Details that were confirmed at the Launch Event:

• The title – SKYFALL
• It will be filming in China, Scotland and Turkey.
• Shooting begins Monday
• Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe and Javier Bardem all confirmed.
• Ralph Fiennes confirmed.
• Director Sam Mendes says there will be “lots of surprises”
• Naomie Harris plays a field agent called Eve.
• Bérénice Marlohe will play Severin
• Javier Bardem is confirmed as the villain.

About Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962. Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the franchise from Albert R “Cubby” Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE.

The other day I was thinking the concept of a movie prequel was a fairly new notion. I suppose it was George Lucas who really promoted that idea with his first trilogy in 1999 with STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE. But as I thought about it, movie prequels have been around for a while. Back in the 30′s and 40′s they were made to delve into the backgrounds of historical figures as in YOUNG TOM EDISON and YOUNG MR. LINCOLN. In the early 70′s we had BUTCH AND SUNDANCE : THE EARLY YEARS. The 80′s saw YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES, and INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM ( which technically is a prequel to RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK as it is set a couple of years earlier ). The post Star Wars first trilogy prequels have been used as a way to restart or reboot an aging franchise. In that way CASINO ROYAL was a Bond restart. Sometimes this re-inveigorates the series with fresh blood as J.J. Abrams did with STAR TREK  in 2009. This has been done again with Matthew Vaughn’s X- MEN: FIRST CLASS.   A film series that limped through two lackluster sequels and a spin-off (  X- MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE ) now seems fresh and exciting once again.

The first X- Men movie was set in 2000, so to see how the group was first formed we’ve got to go back to the swingin’ 60′s.  That is after a brief stop in the 1940′s and World War II. The memory of young Erik Lehnsherr being separated from his parents at a Nazi concentration camp in occupied Poland is replayed. This time his gifts are observed by a Nazi scientist. Back in upstate New York young Charles Xavier comes upon his mother making a midnight snack. He sees through the ruse and meets a kindred spirit: the shape shifting Raven ( later Mystique ). Back at the camp the Nazi scientist ( Sebastian Shaw played by Kevin Bacon ) murders Erik’s mother to pressure the young boy into using his talents. The boy’s fury unleashes his mutant magnetism much to Shaw’s delight. Now we leap to the 60′s -1962 to be exact. Charles Xavier ( James McAvoy ) and his adopted sister Raven ( Jennifer Lawrence ) are two star students at Oxford while Erik ( Michael Fassbender ) explores Switzerland and Argentina in his quest for revenge on Shaw. In Las Vegas, CIA agent Moira MacTaggert observes a high ranking US general entering the Hellfire Club ( along with several barely clad female escorts ). Thinking on her feet, Moiria sheds her dress and enters the club as one of the escorts. Inside, the general is taken to a private booth by Emma Frost ( January Jones ). Through a secret entrance they are sent to a private room where Shaw and his two aides Riptide and Azazel greet them. Shaw is paying the general to use his influence to get a missile base in Turkey. Later Moira enlists Charles and Raven in an assault on Shaw’s yacht. There they meet Erik, who is thwarted in his attempt to kill Shaw. Reluctantly Erik agrees to join them in their quest to stop Shaw and his crew. Since Shaw, Frost, Riptide, and Azazel all have mutant abilities, Charles uses a device called Cerebro created by the CIA’sresident genius Hank McCoy ( Nicholas Hoult )  to seek other gifted individuals. Can this young team stop Shaw in his quest for a nuclear nightmare?

Director Vaughn is no stranger to this material ( after helming the comic book-based  KICK-ASS ) and keeps the plot moving at a great clip. The film could use a few minutes trimmed from it’s 2 and a 1/4 hour running time, but it  never seems to slow for too long-unlike some other Summer actioners ( I’m looking at you, Capt. Jack! ). The film makers do a fairly good job of re-creating the look of the 60′s in the sets, fashions, and autos. I have to nit-pick over some of the hairstyles. A Russian general would never have hair over his back collar. Speaking of 60′s fashion, January Jones is no stranger to them as part of TV’s Mad Men. Her Emma Frost is almost Betty Draper with super powers. Scary thought! McAvoy exudes intelligence and even has a bit of fun with the later stodgy Professor X. Love his groovy mutant pick-up line! Michael Fassbender brings a sinister, sexy energy to his future super villain,Magneto. Jennifer Lawrence shows that her WINTER’S BONE performance was the start of a great screen career with her conflicted Raven. My favorite of the original X-Men was the Beast and Hoult really nails his portrait of the clumsy braniac who desperately wants to fit in. I was a bit conflicted over Kevin Bacon. I wasn’t sure if he was right for this ruthless, evil mutant, but he uses his charm to great advantage when wheeling and dealing. I’ll give you a heads up-there’s no post end credits bonus scene on this superhero flick. Oh, and I’ve got to give special kudos to the producers for not giving in to greed and releasing this in 3D. Excelsior! Now I don’t want to spoil any surprises, so I’ll just tell you to hold off on a rest room or snack run when the Cerebro sequence begins. After THOR and this movie, it’s turning out to be a great superhero Summer. I’d say Marvel is two for two, but this film is not produced by Marvel Studios as was THOR, the Iron Man movies, and the upcoming CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. This a great popcorn picture with a bit of a social message snuck in between the fantastic stunts and effects.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

In a pre-emptive strike, GK Films has come on board to acquire the feature film rights to TOMB RAIDER and will reboot the successful action-adventure franchise aiming for a 2013 release for the first film.

Produced by Graham King, the films will create daring new adventures for the young and dynamic Lara Croft.

GK Films acquired the film rights from interactive entertainment company, Square Enix Ltd. In Dec 2010, Square Enix subsidiary, Crystal Dynamics, revealed a new game for TOMB RAIDER based around the origins of the Lara Croft story.

“We are very excited to be rebooting what is already a hugely successful film franchise and continuing the TOMB RAIDER phenomenon,” said King.

The original game was published in 1996 by the London based video game company Eidos and became one of the most successful video games of the time. Today Eidos (including Crystal Dynamics), is part of an international interactive entertainment group, Square Enix and the stage is set for this new chapter in TOMB RAIDER history.

A pop culture phenomenon, the original TOMB RAIDER games have sold over 35million game units worldwide and Lara Croft, along with Mario Brothers is the most recognized name in gaming history.

Starring Angelina Jolie, Paramount Pictures made two movies based on the daredevil archaeologist on a series of global missions in 2001 and 2003. They grossed a total of $432m at the worldwide box office.

Senior Vice President, Grey Rembert will oversee the project for GK Films.

GK Films
Graham King launched GK Films in May 2007 with business partner Tim Headington. The company’ features “The Town,” written and directed by Ben Affleck, was recently released by Warner Bros. on September 17. GK Films also produced “The Tourist,” directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, which was released by Columbia Pictures on December 10 and has garnered $250m at the worldwide box office to date. Most recently, GK Films produced the animated tale “Rango,” directed by Gore Verbinski and produced with his Blind Wink Productions for Paramount Pictures, which was released on March 4. The company is currently in post-production on the 3-D family film “Hugo Cabret,” directed by martin Scorsese set for release through Paramount Pictures on November 23^rd 2011, and an untitled love story, written and directed by Angelina Jolie.

GK Films recently announced several new projects including the screen adaptation of “Jersey Boys” and the untitled Freddie mercury story starring Sacha Baron Cohen and written by Peter Morgan. Upcoming releases produced by GK Films include the crime drama London Boulevard, starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley and written and directed by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter William Monahan.

Recent GK Films releases include “Edge of Darkness,” and the three-time Academy Award® nominated “The Young Victoria.”

In 2010, Graham King and Tim Headington launched a new division, GK-TV. Run by President Craig Cegielski, GK-TV is dedicated to the development, production and worldwide distribution of television programming. GK-TV’s miniseries “Camelot,” set to premiere on Starz on April 1, 2011, stars Joseph Fiennes and Eva Green.

GK Films, in partnership with Peter Schlessel, recently formed FilmDistrict, a multi-faceted studio that encompasses acquisitions, distribution, production and financing on wide release commercial pictures. The company will theatrically distribute several films per year.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix Group. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix Group boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 97 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 54 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/

TOMB RAIDER, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Check out the new international poster and trailer for the third installment of 20th Century Fox’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER.

Wow. From the looks of it, I really think this might just be the best of the series! What do you think fellow Narnia fans?

Synopsis:

Return to the magic and wonder of C.S. Lewis’ beloved world, via the fantastic Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader. In this new installment of the blockbuster ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ motion picture franchise, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace and their royal friend King Caspian, find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to the Dawn Treader. As they embark on an incredible adventure of destiny and discovery, they confront obstacles beyond imagination.

Distributed by 20th Century Fox, directed by Michael Apted (COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER,) and starring Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, along with the voices of Liam Neeson (Aslan) and Bill Nighy (Reepicheep), NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER will be in theaters for this holiday season on December 10, 2010.

For all the latest NARNIA news, visit the film’s official site here and on Facebook here.

Source: Collider.com

Bananas all around POTA fans. James Franco (MILK) has become the first to sign on for 20th Century Fox’s RISE OF THE APES. According to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, the prequel, directed by Rupert Wyatt,

focuses on a scientist (Franco) who has been working on a cure for Alzheimer’s that is being tested on apes. The test subject named Caesar starts to evolve rapidly, and the scientist takes him home to live with him and protects him from cruel doctors.

The story is designed to be show the modern-day event that set in motion the eventual dominance of apes over humans seen the classic 1960s and ’70s movies. It is unclear how much of the movie will focus on the ape inciting an ape revolution, but given that effects company WETA is on board, the monkey play could be significant. The apes will not be actors in costumes but rather rendered digitally to be photo-realistic by WETA, employing certain of the groundbreaking technologies developed for Avatar.

I still can’t help but think this film is going the way of the SIMPSONS and their take on PLANET OF THE APES starring Troy McClure. Who can ever forget that musical with such show-stopping tunes as ”Dr. Zaius” which included the infamous line “from Chimpan-A To Chimpan-Z.”

Funny stuff. In any case, filming begins on July 5th in British Columbia. Look for RISE OF THE APES in theaters on June 24, 2011.

And no maybe’s about it either. Piss off director Michael Bay by calling him Hitler. “He wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is. So he’s a nightmare to work for.” That’ll learn ya, Megan. You can’t really afford to be so mouthy after JENNIFER’S BODY’s tanked last fall – HARD! (I, on the other hand, liked it.) But I digress. Apparently she’s hitting the talk show circuit pretty hard promoting her next flop film JONAH HEX that comes out on June 18th.

From Nikki Finke over at Deadline Hollywood who first broke the news:

Exclusive: I’ve just learned that Paramount won’t be picking up Megan Fox’s option on Transformers 3 — and that it was “ultimately” director Michael Bay’s decision. (So he gets his revenge for her remark comparing him to “Hitler”.) Right now Bay and writer Ehren Kruger et al are finishing up the script for the three-quel and “giving Shia a new love interest makes more sense for the story,” an insider tells me. Bay will start casting immediately for the new female co-star.

Oy, such drama for a Wednesday!  Finke went on to say:

So did Megan deserve to get fired? I say yes. No actor/actress can expect to go around dissing a director and expect to work together as if nothing happened. Much less the egotistical Bay. But in Fox, he had met his match. Why, as recently as this week Megan was quoted as dissing Bay yet again. In recent months she has shown off a more natural skin hue instead of her usual orange color — and blamed the Transformers helmer for her unhealthy tanning binge. “I had been tanning a lot so that Michael would be happy with my skin tone. Every spare moment of sun that was outside, I had to be in it,” the 24-year-old actress lamented in Allure magazine. “It’s not going to happen again because of the damage and the possible skin cancer.”

According to Bay over on his site, everything between the two was all honky-dorie back in October:

Well its official: We have a great Transformers 3 story. The release date is now July 1st 2011. Not 2012. P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.

So there you have it readers. Do you think Bay should’ve gone back on his “word” and given Ms. Fox the heave-ho? Who do you think should be the new love interest for Shia LeBeouf’s “Sam Witwicky” in next year’s TRANSFORMERS 3? Feel free to leave a comment below.

20th Century Fox has confirmed a story we brought to you back in January on the prequel to PLANET OF THE APES. 

LOS ANGELES (May 6, 2010) __ Twentieth Century Fox has set a June 24, 2011 release for RISE OF THE APES, a completely new take on one of the Studio’s most beloved and successful franchises. Oscar®-winning visual effects house WETA Digital – employing certain of the groundbreaking technologies developed for AVATAR – will render, for the first time ever in the film series, photo-realistic apes rather than costumed actors.

Peter Chernin and Dylan Clark will produce for Chernin Entertainment under its new pact with Fox. Acclaimed filmmaker Rupert Wyatt (“The Escapist”) is directing from a screenplay by Amanda Silver & Rick Jaffa, who also are producing.

RISE OF THE APES (tentative title) is an origin story in the truest sense of the term. Set in present day San Francisco, the film is a reality-based cautionary tale, a science fiction/science fact blend, where man’s own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.

Man-oh-man. One of my favorite films and franchises of all time and no actors in the suits this go around? I’m totally on the fence about this one. Extremely intrigued on one hand to see what a CGI ape looks like. And on the other, mortified by the mere thought that no person will bring to life the apes. Roddy McDowall and all the other actors are what make the original movies and, yes, even Tim Burton’s remake so appealing and endearing. I’d say, 20th Century Fox will be busy studio over the next year…..they recently announced that the next film in the X-Men series, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, will be in theaters on June 3, 2011 and now RISE OF THE APES on June 24, 2011.

Source: Deadline.com

20th Century Fox has set a release date of June 3rd, 2011 for X-MEN: FIRST CLASS. Fox’s prequel will be directed by Matthew Vaughn (KICK-ASS, STARDUST, LAYER CAKE) and will quickly begin production this summer. So far, no one has been cast in the latest chapter of the franchise based on the Marvel Comics series. Here’s the official announcement from 20th Century Fox:

BRYAN SINGER AND MATTHEW VAUGHN UNITE FOR X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

Twentieth Century Fox will release film on June 3, 2011

LOS ANGELES (May 4, 2010) __ “Kick-Ass” director Matthew Vaughn will helm X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, a new chapter in Twentieth Century Fox’s blockbuster series of films based on the Marvel Comics.

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS begins production this summer for a June 3, 2011 release. Bryan Singer, who conceived the story for FIRST CLASS and directed the original “X-Men” and its sequel “X2,” is producing along with Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg.

“I’ve been a fan of Matthew’s since LAYER CAKE,” said Singer. “He has a deft hand with multiple characters and storylines, and a great love of the X-Men universe. I feel the combination of this story and his vision will make for an exciting and original X-Men film.”

Added Twentieth Century Fox president of production, Emma Watts: “X-Men: First Class presents an exciting opportunity to further explore the history and relationships of these beloved characters. Matthew’s combination of talent, verve and vision is perfectly suited to the task.”

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, following the classic Marvel mythology, charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga. Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known.

Hard to believe the last film of the inital trilogy, SCREAM 3, came out over a decade ago now.  The horror genre has changed quite a bit since, and Wes Craven, Kevin Williamson and crew seem to want to take another stab at it.  Yes, that was a pun.  No, it wasn’t funny in the slightest.

Of course, if they want to bring about another, fresh take on the genre that had, in 1996, become quite the parody of itself, they’ll have to do better than this first teaser poster released for SCREAM 4.  I don’t think I was really expecting much out of a teaser poster for a film that hasn’t even begun shooting yet.

Here you go, nonetheless, courtesy of EW:

Also in the article that introduced this new poster is a little interview with Craven where he discusses the origin of this new film a little on what we might expect out of it.  In a nutshell, we can expect the three, lead characters (Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette) to be integrated well into a story that follows a new set of characters.  The new film does take place in Woodsboro, though, this time around, it is being shot in Michigan.  The film is going to touch heavily on the direction the horror genre has taken in the last 10 years, with films like SAW and HOSTEL becoming the norm and with more and more remakes being made.

Time will tell, of course, if SCREAM 4 is going to be worthwhile.  It’s always a good thing whenever Craven steps behind the camera on a new, horror film, regardless of how awful that film may be (CURSED is not easily excused).

Yes, I know we are few and far between.  Some of us still look forward to the latest installment of the SAW franchise, even if the series’ best days are behind it.  However, this latest news may bring a glimmer of hope for those of us who are still waiting for the ultimate SAW film.  Latino Review is reporting Cary Elwes, last seen in the first, SAW film, has signed to reprise his role as Dr. Lawrence Gordon in this year’s SAW VII 3-D.

The Dr. Gordon character has been rumored and wishfully thought to be returning to the SAW series ever since 2005′s SAW II hit theaters.  Many believed his return would be the “big twist” in the last, couple of films.  However, it appears his return won’t be a twist at all, but part of a much bigger storyline.

Here, also, is the official synopsis for the upcoming film:

As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw’s brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.

SAW VII 3-D is to be directed by Kevin Greutert, who directed SAW VI.  Elwes joins a cast that includes Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Betsy Russell, and Sean Patrick Flanery.  It his theaters on October 22nd.

At least, that’s the word from Platinum Dunes producer Brad Fuller via his Twitter page.  When a fan asked how the proposed sequel to 2009′s FRIDAY THE 13th reboot, Fuller simply replied, “it is dead – not happening.”  Simple enough response, but then the quest of “why” comes into the picture.

The 2009 film raked in over $91 million worldwide against a $19-million budget.  A sequel seemed inevitable after its $40.5-million opening weekend.  This time last year, plans for the sequel were well underway.

This is also interesting news when you consider it comes just eight days before Platinum Dunes drops the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET remake in our laps.  You would have thought the decision to announce the F13 sequel dead in the water would have come at a later date, and even from something a little more formal than a Twitter reply.  Seems like a Fuller faux pas, in my opinion.

The story behind this decision is certain to come out at some point.  At this point, though, it’s all speculation and rumor.

MGM and their financial woes are creating havoc on some of our favorite and most anticipated franchises.  While pre-production on THE HOBBIT seems to be moving on ungreased tracks, not a whole lot of pessimistic news had come our way on the 007 front.  That is, until today.

EON Productions released a statement today saying production on BOND 23, previously set for release in 2012, had been halted until MGM can get their house in order.  EON and related producers, including Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, cited MGM’s uncertain future and their failure to finalize a deal selling off property rights as the cause for the suspension.  No planned start or release dates were given.

Of course, optimism has to be glanced at, at least.  The Bond franchise is anything but dead, and, I’m sure, someone, even if it isn’t MGM backing it, will pull a BOND 23 out of their hats at some point down the road.  It’s just that it IS down the road at this point in time, and the parties involved, both behind and in front of the camera, are in question.  When we last heard, Sam Mendes was attached to direct from a screenplay by Peter Morgan, and Daniel Craig was without a doubt returning for a third venture.  All of this is in question now, and we could be looking at yet another possible reboot on the franchise if deals cannot be met.  That’s an idea I wouldn’t mind flashing a license to kill at.

Oh, to be a fan of the STAR WARS franchise this week, especially if you are lucky enough to a resident of Los Angeles.  Not only has it been announced the Arclight in Hollywood will be hosting a special screening of EMPIRE STRIKES BACK on May 19th complete with Harrison Ford Q&A, but word on the STAR WARS series on Blu-Ray is beginning to rear its glorious head, as well.  IGN is reporting Steve Sansweet, Director of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm, was on hand at the Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo (C2E2).  He had this to say about STAR WARS in hi-def:

We have been at work for a couple of years working on—I won’t call it the Ultimate Set because we keep finding stuff—but, a very full set of all six movies on Blu-ray with lots of extra material. We’re finding all kinds of scenes from dailies that have never been seen before. Beyond all of those things that you know about… there are some real treasures.

While Sansweet didn’t have an exact date to announce on when ravenous fanboys (myself included) could get their hands on these, he did say we won’t be waiting too long.

Which brings up an interesting question.  Which scene from all six STAR WARS films are you most looking forward to in beautiful HD?  Let us know by shooting us a comment below.

Of course, he is.  In fact, I’m surprised there hasn’t been any real talk of a TOXIC AVENGER remake until now.  The original film, which became the banner for Troma Entertainment, came out in 1984 and has since generated four sequels, an animated TV show, and even a stage production.  The latter has recently picked up a Lucille Lortel Awards nod for Outstanding Musical.

Nonetheless, Deadline New York is reporting Akiva Goldsman, Richard Saperstein, and Charlie Corwin will be serving as producers on the remake.  The new film will be a family friendlier version of Toxie (that’s his nickname).  It will reportedly have the 90 lb. nerd who is transformed into a hulking, crime fighting beast via a vat of toxic waste taking on environmental challenges.

This will be the second Troma retread backed by Saperstein, who is also behind the Darren Lynn Bousman-directed MOTHER’S DAY.  No writers have been hired yet for TOXIC AVENGER, but expect development to move quickly.

Yahoo! Movie has released a few, new pics for IRON MAN 2, set to hit theaters on May 7th.  I can’t believe it’s just a short month away, either.  These new pics offer a nice shot from the trailer of Iron Man looking menacingly behind him, evidently at someone whose ass is about to be handed to them, and two others.

Here they are:

I have all the faith in Jon Favreau’s direction on this film, but nothing on this Earth will convince me that cockatoo wasn’t Mickey Rourke’s idea.  The only thing I can think is maybe he’s trying out for a part in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 5.

Anyway, IRON MAN 2: COCKATOO’S REVENGE hits theaters on May 7th.

It’s been 12 long years since Matthew Broderick GODZILLA nearly destroyed New York City.  Believe it or not, since then, there have been six GODZILLA movies released in Japan, and Warner Brothers and Legendary Pictures figure it’s time for another US reboot.  The announcement came today that the iconic, massive lizard with a penchant for subway cars and who can blow flames from his mouth will be coming back to American theaters.  The new film is set for a 2012 release.

Legendary Pictures announced Monday they had acquired rights to the film from Toho Co. but that the Japanese-based film studio would still release the film in Japan.

Says Thomas Tull, Chairman and CEO of Legendary Pictures:

GODZILLA is one of the world’s most powerful pop culture icons, and we at Legendary are thrilled to be able to create a modern epic based on this long-loved Toho franchise. Our plans are to produce the GODZILLA that we, as fans, would want to see. We intend to do justice to those essential elements that have allowed this character to remain as pop-culturally relevant for as long as it has.

I think, if you read between the lines, this means there won’t be any baby GODZILLA’s to cash in on the JURASSIC PARK craze and I have a feeling a home pregnancy test won’t come into play this time around.  Jean Reno, though?  Always welcome.

Legendary says a director will be announced soon.

Say what you will about George Romero and the way the veteran director’s recent works have gone, it always excites us when we hear a new Romero/…OF THE DEAD film is on the horizon.  SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD is absolutely no exception, and, today, thanks to the fine folks over at IGN, we have the latest trailer.  Not only is it a trailer, it’s a red-band, ladies and gentlemen, so you know the red stuff is going to be well on display.

Without further ado, check it out right here and now:

Okay. Okay.  It might not feature the best special effects around, and the acting on display in this trailer doesn’t leave much to be desired.  That said, who can, honestly, say they aren’t a little bit excited to see this film.  If for nothing else, it can’t be as bad as DIARY OF THE DEAD, right?  Right?

SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD hits theaters on May 28th.  It premieres on VOD, Amazon, Xbox Zune and Playstation on April 30th.

First there was the choice between Photoshop and Pixenate or any number of other programs one could use to airbrush a photo.  Then there was the choice as to how airbrushed Kristen Stewart should be.  Do we airbrush coherence back into the gaze she’s giving us, or do we just let her be herself?  Then there was the choice of how big to make the logo.  We don’t want to make it too huge so as to draw attention away from our beautiful cast and the wonderful airbrushing work that went into making them appear all but absolutely fake.

All of those choices culminated, and what we have remaining is the latest poster for THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE.

Check it out:

So many choices to come up with something so bland.

ECLIPSE hits theaters on June 30th.