Category: General News

Trailer For Spike Lee’s Brooklyn Coming-Of-Age Story RED HOOK SUMMER Debuts

Watch the trailer for Spike Lee’s RED HOOK SUMMER. 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks will partner with New York-based Variance Films for the theatrical release, which will begin August 10 in New York City theaters, expanding to the top 30 markets throughout the month of August.

The latest in his Chronicles of Brooklyn anthology (which also include SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT, DO THE RIGHT THING, CROOKLYN, CLOCKERS, and HE GOT GAME), RED HOOK SUMMER tells the story of Flik Royale (Jules Brown), a sullen young boy from middle-class Atlanta who has come to spend the summer with his deeply religious grandfather, Bishop Enoch Rouse (Clarke Peters, The Wire, Treme), in the housing projects of Red Hook.

Having never met before, things quickly get off on the wrong foot as Bishop Enoch relentlessly attempts to convert Flik into a follower of Jesus Christ. Between his grandfather’s constant preaching and the culture shock of inner-city life, Flik’s summer appears to be a total disaster–until he meets Chazz Morningstar (Toni Lysaith), a pretty girl his age, who shows Flik the brighter side of Brooklyn.

Through her love and the love of his grandfather, Flik begins to realize that the world is a lot bigger, and perhaps a lot better, than he’d ever imagined.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.redhooksummer.com/

“LIKE” ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RedHookSummer

FOLLOW ON TWITTER: @SpikeLee

LOOPER New International & Theatrical Trailers

By Joe Vanourney

In the past two days a new theatrical preview and a more in-depth international trailer were released for the upcoming time-travel film LOOPER, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt.

In the futuristic action thriller, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market.  When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up.  Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. The film is written and directed by Rian Johnson and also stars Paul Dano and Jeff Daniels. Ram Bergman and James D. Stern produce.

But the new international trailer came with a cautionary dispatch.

Writer/director Johnson (@rcjohnso) took to twitter with a message -“If you’re already set on seeing LOOPER, I’d avoid any trailers from here on out. They don’t ruin the movie, but they tip a few little things that are fun to discover in the context of the movie.”

He then issued a follow-up– “Just to clarify – I approved all the trailers, they’re great and they won’t ruin anything big. But the small things they tip are fun to discover in the movie.”

The first half of the new trailer is very similar to the teaser trailer released earlier this year. But the second half expands on Bruce Willis’ role in the plot and reveals the key reason as to why people in the future want him assassinated.

You’ve been warned. View the trailer below at your own risk. Once you see the little plot secrets, you can’t go back in time and execute them from your memory.

LOOPER is scheduled to be released on September 28th from TriStar Pictures.

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

“Like” the film on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LooperMovie

Follow on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/loopermovie  #Looper

http://www.youtube.com/loopermovie

THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS Red-Band Trailer Stars Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu And RZA

Quentin Tarantino presents THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, an action-adventure inspired by kung-fu classics as interpreted by his longtime collaborators RZA and Eli Roth. Making his debut as a big-screen director and leading man, RZA—alongside a stellar international cast led by Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu—tells the epic story of warriors, assassins and a lone outsider hero in nineteenth-century China who must unite to destroy the clan traitor who would destroy them all. Check out the brand new trailer below.


via IGN

Since his arrival in China’s Jungle Village, the town’s blacksmith (RZA) has been forced by radical tribal factions to create elaborate tools of destruction. When the clans’ brewing war boils over, the stranger channels an ancient energy to transform himself into a human weapon. As he fights alongside iconic heroes and against soulless villains, one man must harness this power to become savior of his adopted people.

Blending astonishing martial-arts sequences from some of the masters of this world with the signature vision he brings as the leader of the Wu-Tang Clan and as one of hip-hop’s most dominant figures of the past two decades, RZA embarks upon his most ambitious, stylized and thrilling project to date.

THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS stars Russell Crowe, RZA, Lucy Liu, Rick Yune, Jamie Chung, Cung Le, Dave Bautista, Byron Mann, Daniel Wu and Pam Grier.

“Like” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironfistsmovie

Follow on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/IronFists 

“INSANE JANE” & “TOM CORBETT: SPACE CADET” Comic Books Optioned For Films

After a huge box office for comic books adaptations this year, Bluewater Productions is excited to announce a new partnership with Pleroma Entertainment, an independent motion picture production company. With this partnership, the comic book publisher will allow Plemora to produce films based off of Bluewater properties. Pleroma plans on optioning Bluewater’s comic books  “Insane Jane” and “Tom Corbett: Space Cadet”.

“Insane Jane,” named for its crazed, mentally unstable heroine, lends itself the big screen. “Tom Corbett: Space Cadet” also stars a movie-ready hero who harkens back to the retro space heroes of the 1950s.

INSANE JANE: Bluewater’s superhero horror comic book.  Take youthful energy. Add in some over-active imagination. Mix in some powdered donuts. Sprinkle it with delusional disorder and you get … Insane Jane! The kookiest action hero of the 21st century. Will Jane save the day? Will Jane destroy the world? Will she remember to take her medication?

TOM CORBETT SPACE CADET: Based on the novel series by Carey Rockwell comes Tom Corbett: Space Cadet. Juggling schoolwork, cadet training and saving the world Tom is on the adventure of his life in his new adventures.  The Corbett comic book was transformed earlier this year into an audio drama on Sirius/XM with Colonial Radio Theatre.

“We could not be more thrilled to team up with Pleroma Entertainment. ‘Insane Jane’ and ‘Tom Corbett: Space Cadet’ are two comic books that we thought would make great properties for film and television when we created them,” said Darren Davis, President of Bluewater Productions.

“The partnership between Bluewater and Pleroma presents an opportunity for us to produce two, if not more, of Bluewater’s most popular books as feature films. It is a partnership that I have personally looked forward too for many years and it is a good thing for both companies. Together, we are going to make great things happen,” said Ray Brown, CEO and producer of Pleroma.

Bluewater also has film projects set up with Universal Studios and Paramount Picture and other studios for their titles “Nanny & Hank,” “Legend of Isis,” “10th Muse,” and “Sinbad Rogue of Mars.”  Bluewater also developed a comic book called “Wrath of the Titans’.

Both Insane Jane and Tom Corbett Space cadet are in graphic novel form and can be purchased at comic book stores, bookstores and on Amazon.

UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION Debuts On Blu-ray October 2, 2012

For the first time ever, eight of the most iconic cinematic masterpieces of the horror genre are available together on Blu-rayTM as Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection debuts on October 2, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Digitally restored from high resolution film elements in perfect high-definition picture and perfect high-definition sound for the first time ever, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection brings together the very best of Universal’s legendary monsters—imaginative and technically groundbreaking tales of terror that launched a uniquely American movie genre. This definitive collection features eight films on Blu-rayM, a collectible 48-page book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs, original posters, correspondence and much more.  Each iconic film is accompanied by an array of bonus features that tell the fascinating story of its creation and history, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, filmmaker commentaries, interviews, storyboards, photo galleries, and trailers. Especially appealing for fans are a never-before-seen featurette about the restoration of Dracula and the first ever offering of Creature from the Black Lagoon in its restored Blu-rayTM 3D version.

From the era of silent movies through the present day, Universal Pictures has been regarded as the home of the monsters. Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection honors the studio’s accomplishments with the most iconic monsters in motion-picture history including Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, Phantom of the Opera and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Featuring performances by legends of the horror genre, including Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains and Elsa Lanchester, these eight iconic films also feature groundbreaking special effects and innovative makeup that continue to influence filmmakers into the 21st century. Sure to be a Halloween favorite for years to come, Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection is the ideal gift for film buffs and horror aficionados alike.

Synopses and Bonus Features

Dracula (1931)

The original 1931 movie version of Bram Stoker’s classic tale has for generations defined the iconic look and terrifying persona of the famed vampire. Dracula owes its continued appeal in large part due to Bela Lugosi’s indelible portrayal of the immortal Count Dracula and the flawless direction of horror auteur Tod Browning. The Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection includes the original version of this chilling and evocative tale, as well as the rarely seen Spanish version of Dracula.  Filmed simultaneously with the English language version, the Spanish version of Dracula is an equally ominous vision of the horror classic shot with the same sets and script. Cinematographer George Robinson and a vibrant cast including Carlos Villarias and Lupita Tovar deliver a chilling and evocative tale filled with the same terror, mystery, and intrigue.

Bonus Features:

  • Dracula, the 1931 Spanish version, with Introduction by Lupita Tovar Kohner
  • The Road to Dracula
  • Lugosi: The Dark Prince
  • Dracula: The Restoration – New Featurette Available for The First Time!
  • Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About the Making of Dracula
  • Dracula Archives
  • Score by Philip Glass performed by the Kronos Quartet
  • Feature Commentary by Film Historian David J. Skal
  • Feature Commentary by Steve Haberman, Screenwriter of Dracula: Dead and Loving It  
  • Trailer Gallery

Frankenstein (1931)

Boris Karloff stars as the screen’s most tragic and iconic monster in what many consider to be the greatest horror film ever made. Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) dares to tamper with the essential nature of life and death by creating a monster (Karloff) out of lifeless human body parts. Director James Whale’s adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel and Karloff’s compassionate portrayal of a creature groping for identity make Frankenstein a timeless masterpiece.

      Bonus Features:

  • The Frankenstein Files:  How Hollywood Made a Monster
  • Karloff: The Gentle Monster
  • Monster Tracks: Interactive Pop-Up Facts About The Making of Frankenstein
  • Universal Horror
  • Frankenstein Archives
  • Boo!: A Short Film
  • Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
  • Feature Commentary with Historian Sir Christopher Frayling
  • 100 Years Of Universal: Restoring the Classics
  • Trailer Gallery

The Mummy (1932)

Horror icon Boris Karloff stars in the original 1932 version of The Mummy in which a team of British archaeologists accidentally revives a mummified high priest after 3,700 years. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive—and deadly—quest to find his lost love. Over 50 years after its first release, this brooding dream-like horror classic remains a cinematic masterpiece.

      Bonus Features:

  • Mummy Dearest:  A Horror Tradition Unearthed
  • He Who Made Monsters:  The Life and Art Of Jack Pierce
  • Unraveling the Legacy of The Mummy
  • The Mummy Archives
  • Feature Commentary by Rick Baker, Scott Essman, Steve Haberman, Bob Burns and Brent Armstrong
  • Feature Commentary by Film Historian Paul M. Jensen
  • 100 Years Of Universal: The Carl Laemmle Era
  • Trailer Gallery

The Invisible Man (1933)

Claude Rains delivers an unforgettable performance in his screen debut as a mysterious doctor who discovers a serum that makes him invisible. Covered by bandages and dark glasses, Rains arrives in a small English village and attempts to hide his amazing discovery, but the drug’s side effects slowly drive him to commit acts of unspeakable terror. Based on H.G. Welles’ classic novel and directed by the master of macabre, James Whale, The Invisible Man fueled a host of sequels and features revolutionary special effects that are still imitated today.

      Bonus Features:

  • Now You See Him: The Invisible Man Revealed
  • Production Photographs
  • Feature Commentary with Film Historian Rudy Behlmer
  • 100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters 

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

The acclaimed sequel to the original Frankenstein has become one of the most popular horror classics in film history. The legendary Boris Karloff reprises his role as the screen’s most misunderstood monster, now longing for a mate of his own. Colin Clive is back as the proud and overly ambitious Dr. Frankenstein, who creates the ill-fated bride (Elsa Lanchester). The last horror film directed by James Whale features a haunting musical score that helps make The Bride of Frankenstein one of the finest and most touching thrillers of its era.

      Bonus Features:

  • She’s Alive! Creating The Bride Of Frankenstein
  • The Bride Of Frankenstein Archive
  • Feature Commentary with Scott MacQueen
  • 100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics
  • Trailer Gallery 

The Wolf Man (1941)

Originally released in 1941, The Wolf Man introduced the world to a new Universal movie monster and redefined the mythology of the werewolf forever. Featuring a heartbreaking performance by Lon Chaney Jr. and groundbreaking make-up by Jack Pierce, The Wolf Man is the saga of Larry Talbot, a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full. The dreamlike atmospheres, elaborate settings and chilling musical score combine to make The Wolf Man a masterpiece of the genre.

      Bonus Features:

  • Monster by Moonlight
  • The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
  • Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
  • He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
  • The Wolf Man Archives
  • Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
  • 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
  • Trailer Gallery

Phantom of the Opera (1943)

This lavish retelling of Gaston Leroux’s immortal horror tale stars Claude Rains as the masked phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House. A crazed composer who schemes to make beautiful young soprano Christine DuBois (Susanna Foster) the star of the opera company, the Phantom also wreaks revenge on those he believes stole his music. Nelson Eddy, as the heroic baritone, tries to win the affections of Christine as he tracks down the murderous, horribly disfigured Phantom.

Bonus Features:

  • The Opera Ghost: A Phantom Unmasked
  • Production Photographs
  • Feature Commentary with Film Historian Scott MacQueen
  • 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
  • Theatrical Trailer

Creature from the Black Lagoon  (1954)

Captured and imprisoned for scientific study, a living “amphibious missing link” becomes enamored with the head researcher’s female assistant (Julie Adams). When the hideous creature escapes and kidnaps the object of his affection, a crusade is launched to rescue the helpless woman and cast the terrifying creature back to the depths from which he came. Featuring legendary makeup artist Bud Westmore’s brilliantly designed monster, Creature from the Black Lagoon is an enduring tribute to the imaginative genius of its Hollywood creators.

Bonus Features:

  • The Creature From The Black Lagoon in 3D
  • Back to The Black Lagoon
  • Production Photographs
  • Feature Commentary with Film Historian Tom Weaver
  • 100 Years of Universal: The Lot
  • Trailer Gallery

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

BD

Street Date: 10/2/2012

Copyright: 2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Selection Numbers: 61123308 (US); 61123470 (Canada)

In honor of its Centennial anniversary, Universal Pictures proudly salutes 100 years of unforgettable films that have entertained audiences and touched the hearts of millions around the globe. In celebration of its first 100 years, Universal Studios Home Entertainment is proud to present a selection of its many beloved movies as part of an extensive year-long program that underscores the studio’s rich cinematic history and indelible cultural impact.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com).

Rules Approved For 85th Academy Awards

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences approved rules for the 85th Academy Awards. The most significant changes affect the Music, Foreign Language Film, Makeup and Visual Effects categories.

In the Music (Original Song) category, the Executive Committee may recommend that a fourth songwriter for an individual song be considered in rare and extraordinary circumstances. This amends the rule that has been in effect since 2005, whereby up to two songwriters could be eligible per song, although a third songwriter could be added if he or she were found to be an essentially equal contributor.

In the Foreign Language Film category, films must be submitted to the Academy in 35mm or DCP, but are no longer required to be exhibited in those formats in their countries of origin.

The award given in the Makeup category will now be known as the Makeup and Hairstyling Award. Additionally, during the nominations process, all branch members who have seen the seven shortlisted titles will receive ballots to list their top three choices.

In the Visual Effects category, nominees will be selected from a pool of ten films chosen by the Branch Executive Committee by secret ballot. Previously, the committee could put forward as many as ten productions or as few as seven.

Other adjustments to the rules include standard date changes and other “housekeeping” adjustments.

Rules are reviewed annually by individual branch and category committees. The Awards Rules Committee then reviews all proposed changes before presenting its recommendations to the Academy’s Board of Governors for approval.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

www.oscars.org 
www.facebook.com/TheAcademy 
www.youtube.com/Oscars 
www.twitter.com/TheAcademy

Bradley Cooper, Julia Stiles, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro Star In SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Trailer

In theaters November 21, 2012, see Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro and Chris Tucker in the official trailer for SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, an upcoming film from The Weinstein Company.

Life doesn’t always go according to plan…Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) has lost everything — his house, his job, and his wife. He now finds himself living back with his mother (Jacki Weaver) and father (Robert DeNiro) after spending eight months in a state institution on a plea bargain. Pat is determined to rebuild his life, remain positive and reunite with his wife, despite the challenging circumstances of their separation. All Pat’s parents want is for him to get back on his feet – and to share their family’s obsession with the Philadelphia Eagles football team. When Pat meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a mysterious girl with problems of her own, things get complicated. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but only if he’ll do something very important for her in return. As their deal plays out, an unexpected bond begins to form between them, and silver linings appear in both of their lives.

The Weinstein Company presents SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, a family drama, comedy and love story based on the bestselling novel by Matthew Quick, written and directed by David O. Russell (THE FIGHTER, FLIRTING WITH DISASTER). Starring Bradley Cooper (HANGOVER, LIMITLESS), Jennifer Lawrence (THE HUNGER GAMES, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS), Robert De Niro (LIMITLESS, MEET THE PARENTS) Jacki Weaver (ANIMAL KINGDOM), Anupam Kher (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM), and Chris Tucker (RUSH HOUR, JACKIE BROWN). Rounding out the cast are Julia Stiles, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham and Dash Mihok.

Masanobu Takayanagi is the director of photography, Judy Becker is the production designer. Mark Bridges is the costume designer and Jay Cassidy is the editor. SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK is produced by Donna Gigliotti, Bruce Cohen and Jonathan Gordon. Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, George Para, Michelle Raimo and Bradley Cooper are the Executive Producers.

“Like” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverliningsplaybook

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/silverliningsPB

ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT – ‘We Are Family’ Music Video & Do “The Sid Shuffle”

WHAT’S UP MY MAMMALS?! Want to learn a new dance that so cool, it’s ICE AGE cold? Do THE SID SHUFFLE!

Be sure to catch the new Twentieth Century Fox Animation/ Blue Sky Studios ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT in theaters on July 13th!

Scrat’s nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he’s been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences – a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all for Manny, Diego and Sid. In the wake of these upheavals, Sid reunites with his cantankerous Granny, and the herd encounters a ragtag menagerie of seafaring pirates determined to stop them from returning home.

“The Simpsons” short, titled “The Longest Daycare” starring Maggie Simpson, will be in 3D and released in front of ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT.

Official Film Pages:

http://www.iceagemovie.com/
http://www.facebook.com/IceAge
 http://www.twitter.com/IceAge  Hashtag:  #Iceage
 http://www.youtube.com/officialiceage
www.pinterest.com/iceageofficial

THE SESSIONS Official Trailer; Stars John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, William H. Macy

Watch the trailer for director Ben Lewin’s THE SESSIONS, starring John Hawkes, William H. Macy and Helen Hunt. The film saw the Audience Award (Dramatic) and the Special Jury Prize for ensemble acting (Dramatic) at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. It was announced at the end of January that Fox Searchlight had acquired worldwide rights to the inspirational true story.

Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O’Brien, THE SESSIONS tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined–at age 38–to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.

THE SESSIONS will be released October 26th, 2012.

Visit the film’s official site: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thesessions/

Tom Cruise’s OBLIVION Official Synopsis Is Here; Directed By TRON: LEGACY’s Joseph Kosinski – In Theatres April 26, 2013

Scheduled for an April 26, 2013 theatrical release, the first official synopsis has been released by Universal Pictures for Tom Cruise’s OBLIVION – an original and groundbreaking cinematic event from the director of TRON: LEGACY and the producer of Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

On a spectacular future Earth that has evolved beyond recognition, one man’s confrontation with the past will lead him on a journey of redemption and discovery as he battles to save mankind. Jack Harper (Cruise) is one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on Earth. Part of a massive operation to extract vital resources after decades of war with a terrifying threat known as the Scavs, Jack’s mission is nearly complete. Living and patrolling the breathtaking skies from thousands of feet above, his soaring existence is brought crashing down when he rescues a beautiful stranger from a downed spacecraft. Her arrival triggers a chain of events that forces him to question everything he knows and puts the fate of humanity in his hands.

OBLIVION will be shot in stunning digital 4K resolution on location across the United States and Iceland.

Director Joseph Kosinski‘s action-adventure stars Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Melissa Leo. The film is produced by Peter Chernin, Dylan Clark, Barry Levine, Duncan Henderson, Joseph Kosinski and executive produced by Dave Morrison and Jesse Berger.

In an exclusive, The Playlist reported on the film’s soundtrack:

French electronic act M83 have been selected to score “Oblivion,” and as fans of the band already know, their music has been widescreen-ready from minute one. Fronted by Anthony Gonzalez, M83 have built a steady fanbase and critical acclaim with their unique and powerful larger-than-life compositions that swell both the heart and ears all at once. Breaking out with Before The Dawn Heals Us, M83 have delivered six albums that have seen their sound continue to evolve, with 2011’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming marking their highest charting record to date.

Photo credit: David James/Universal Pictures/The Playlist