A new horror film by Fever Dreams and Media Blasters. The only thing scary about it however is that DreadCentral is labeling it as something they are pretty stoked about.
Check the synopsis:
It’s Halloween eve and a young couple – BOY (J.D. Brown) and GIRL (Stephanie Danielson) – are desperate for something to do. They find an out-of-the-way DVD store just as it’s closing for a private party.
They beg the proprietor (Rick Poli) to let them rent some DVDs and ask for the “scariest” movies in the store. The store owner reluctantly rents them his two most prized horror films on the strict condition that they return them before midnight or pay the severe late fee penalty.
The couple settle in at home and proceed to watch the movies. The planned quiet evening turns out to be not so quiet with interruptions by trick-or-treaters and ultimately a surprise visitor. It’s midnight and the couple forgot to return the DVDs. Halloween turns into a real nightmare when they realize that the late fee must be paid for in blood!
Now the premise sounds decent enough for a slasher. Gotta have a motive to kill right?
But check out the trailer:
That was a hot mess of random nonsense that aspires to be B-Grade but looks like a highschool kid filmed it. The trailer doesn’t even really make sense, and if you didn’t read the synopsis, you likely wouldnt really get what it was about.
So if you are looking to rent something this Halloween and there is nothing scary left but this? Rent Bambi.
Toronto has been known for the Toronto International Film Festival, but the real heart of horror films has been for the last number of years, The Toronto After Dark Film Festival.
This festival in the past has been resposible for being one of the few if not only screenings of movies like The Mutant Chroncles, and Let the Right One In. If you are in the Toronto area in mid August, you should check it out!
TRICK ‘R’ TREAT
Michael Dougherty, USA, Toronto Premiere
“An Instant Cult Classic” – Bloody-Disgusting
Four creepy crowd-pleasing stories intersect in this hugely anticipated feature, set on the night of Halloween. From Producer Bryan Singer (X-MEN, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, VALKYRIE) and starring TRUE BLOOD’s Anna Paquin and Brian Cox (MANHUNTER, BOURNE SUPREMACY).
Winner, Audience Award – Los Angeles ScreamFest
GRACE
Paul Solet, Canada, Toronto Premiere
“The movie you need to see to restore your faith in the horror genre” – Dread Central
From Producer Adam Green (HATCHET) comes this creepy and shocking tale of one very desperate woman as she tries to satisfy the needs of her very special newborn baby, that will only eat…. human blood!
Official Selection – Sundance Film Festival
VAMPIRE GIRL VS FRANKENSTEIN GIRL
Yoshihiro Nishimura, Japan, Toronto Premiere
“A supergory collision between schoolgirls and the undead” – Fangoria
Hysterical and bloody, this one of a kind romantic horror comedy about two dueling dead girls at a high school is from the same deliriously warped Japanese minds that gave us last year’s Toronto After Dark Festival hit TOKYO GORE POLICE and the upcoming ROBOGEISHA whose recently released trailer has become a viral video sensation!
Official Selection – New York Asian Film Festival
FRANKLYN
Gerald McMorrow, UK, North American Premiere
“Ambitious and original British fantasy filmmaking” – Total Sci-Fi
A stunningly original feature that blends three tales of human drama in present day London with another set in a fantastic futuristic steampunk world. Stars Ryan Phillipe (CRUEL INTENTIONS) and Eva Green (CASINO ROYALE).
Official Selection – London Film Festival
THE FORBIDDEN DOOR
“Twisted and gleefully bizarre…fans of David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky this is one for you” – Quiet Earth
Joko Anwar, Indonesia, Canadian Premiere
From the genius mind of Joko Anwar (DEAD TIME: KALA) Indonesia’s current master of genre cinema, comes this dark hypnotic thriller about an increasingly mentally unstable artist trying to uncover several dark secrets including what lurks in his new house, behind a mysterious door.
Official Selection – Dead by Dawn Film Festival
EMBODIMENT OF EVIL
“Impressive with striking hallucinogenic effects and bizarre bloody visions” –Beyond Hollywood
José Mojica Marins, Brazil, Toronto Premiere
After a 40-year hiatus, José Mojica Marins returns to direct and portray the character that has made him a Brazilian horror icon, the notorious Coffin Joe. In this latest tale featuring the psychotic undertaker, Joe is released after many years in prison, only to continue with his eternal, bloody rampage to find the perfect woman to carry his seed.
Official Selection – Venice Film Festival
BLACK
Pierre Laffargue, France, Toronto Premiere
“A modern update of Shaft in Africa…gloriously lunatic…nearly continuous action” – Cinematical
A crowd-pleasing action-packed throwback to cult classic Blaxploitation cinema, BLACK follows one charismatic criminal’s quest to steal a horde of African diamonds against impossible odds that include Russian mercenaries and a supernatural witch doctor! Starring MC Jean Gab (DISTRICT B13).
Official Selection – SXSW Film Festival
SOMEONE’S KNOCKING AT THE DOOR
Chad Ferrin, USA, Canadian Premiere
“Rarely been so delighted by a movie so depraved” – TwitchFilm
In this hypnotic throwback to psychedelic horror from the 70s, a group of medical students find themselves facing a double-peril on campus: fending off a depraved serial killer while dealing with terrifying hallucinations caused after ingesting experimental drugs. Stars indie genre rising star Noah Segan (BRICK, DEADGIRL)
Official Selection – Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival
Looks like another stellar year of films. I really want to see Vampire Girl VS Frankenstein Girl!
The Toronto After Dark Film Festival runs this August from the 14-21. You can get more info on tickets and showtimes at the Toronto After Dark website
I wasn’t a big fan of the first Harold and Kumar film. If it wasn’t for Neil Patrick Harris I don’t know if I would have laughed once in that movie. To my surprise, I ended up loving the second Harold and Kumar film… a lot… and NPH was even better the second time around.
Simple Hollywood economics state that when a movie costs just over $10 million to make, and pulls in over $40 million, you’ve gotta consider doing another one. And so in 2010 we will be treated to “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”.
This makes a lot of sense, and not just because of the finances. John Cho’s name just got a lot hotter with the impending success of Star Trek and Kal Penn is now an Obama Liaison. This is a matter of striking while the proverbial iron is hot.
I’m all for this. Yeah, it may be going back to the well one too many times, but the second movie really entertained me, and as long as they get Neil Patrick Harris on board, I’ll be looking forward to it. At the same time… if they don’t get NPH, I’m not sure what my anticipation level will be like… let’s hope they’re wise enough to have him there.
Thanks for checking out our Underworld: Rise of the Lycans review.
I was beyond excited when I first heard about the original Underworld movie. I mean come on… werewolves versus vampires! Does a geek need to hear anything else to get his blood pumping? The answer is no. Add on top of that a hot as hell Kate Beckinsale dressed in tight leather fighting the armies of the night. Sign me up! Unfortunately the movie didn’t quite live up to it’s potential. It had fantastic style and a great mythology behind it, but it suffered in its execution. It did introduce us to my all time favorite movie vampire however… Viktor! Then came Underworld 2 and it was… how do I put this? A giant sack of crap. It’s just best that we all treat it like Highlander 2 and just forget it ever existed.
When they first announced that there would be a third Underworld film I was extremely apprehensive (because the second one was so bad and he story seemed to have nowhere left to go), until I found out that it was going to be a prequel. An Underworld movie about the old war. Showing the Vampires in all their glory and the Lycans in all their savagery. This was the Underworld movie I had been waiting to see. Did it deliver on all my hopes and dreams? No… but it was still quite good and without a doubt the best Underworld film to date.
THE GENERAL IDEA
The synopsis for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans looks something like this: “This prequel story traces the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires known as Death Dealers and their onetime slaves, the Lycans. In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja, in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom. FX artist Patrick Tatopoulos, who developed the creatures for the first two films, is directing.”
THE GOOD
The term “all killer no filler” comes to mind here. Very little precious screen time is wasted on us puny humans (except as Vampire or Lycan food). Almost every second of this film is spent with either Vampires or Lycans on the screen. Usually pissed off at each other… often killing each other. For a film like Underworld this is a total positive because it seems like the producers are finally starting to clue in to the fact that in a werewolf/vampire movie… we wanna see werewolves fighting vampires. Now if only Michael Bay can learn the same lesson with Transformers… but I digress.
The visual effects for this film… when you really consider how small the production budget was… are amazing. You have to understand that by Hollywood standards the budget on Underworld: Rise of the Lycans was beyond tiny. Oh there are times that the effects look like they came from 2002, but I was very impressed with what they were able to pull off.
One of the big risks and problems with doing sequels is that you can end up doing stuff that is totally inconsistent with the other films. I like to call this the “Phantom Menace Effect” (what the hell do you mean Darth Vader built C3PO? Huh… Obi Wan doesn’t remember R2D2?). But Underworld 3 totally nails the issue of consistency… probably better than I’ve ever seen a prequel done before. Everything fits perfectly and flows seamlessly into the events of the first Underworld film. Not an easy task… but they did it very well.
The battle scenes were done often and well. I won’t say they were mind blowing or anything like that… but there was good quality and quantity in terms of violence for certain… especially the bigger battle scene. The film is guilty of a bit of shaky cam during the fights… but it wasn’t bad enough to detract from the fights overall.
Viktor is still the coolest Vampire ever
THE BAD
Oh dear heavens… this movie has one of the WORST sex/love scenes in the history of werewolf vs. vampire movies. Ok, one of the worst of any kind of films. It just sort of comes out of nowhere… feels awkward as hell… has absolutely zero heat to it and by the end doesn’t even pay you off with so much as a Rhona boob shot.
While Viktor is still the baddest vampire on the block… this movie almost neutered him a little bit. He was not nearly as menacing or “all powerful” as he was in the first Underworld film. This MIGHT be considered a tiny bit of a spoiler… but in the first Underworld film Lucian’s big plan was to create a Half Vampire/Half Werewolf creature that could potentially stand a chance in a fight against Viktor… because no one can stand toe to toe with Viktor and last more than 5 seconds. Not Lucian, not anyone. Viktor was just too powerful. But in this film, Viktor and Lucian go toe to toe and almost seem like equals. It’s a minor point, but one that bothered me nonetheless.
Yes, I already said the quality and quantity of the visual effects in Underworld 3 were extremely impressive considering the budget… but you don’t just get a free pass because of your budget. This is still a Hollywood film and as such we expect a certain level of quality to the movie done with some consistency. So while I have no idea how they pulled off so much with so little… you still have to dig them for how poor (by proper Hollywood standards) some of the visual effects looked.
The movie lacked one of the strong elements of the first Underworld film. STYLE. With all the weaknesses of the first film, you were always taken with it’s pure visual/fanionable/cultural and mythological STYLE… especially of the vampire covens. This film didn’t have any of that. Instead of living in plush decadence, the vampire city seems dreary, cold and as lifeless as their own vampire hearts. Too bad.
OVERALL
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans succeeds in all the areas is needed to in order to deliver a fun time at the movies while failing to deliver what it required to make it really special. The wussing out a bit of Viktor, some bad visual effects and lack of real style are overcome just enough by the pure amount of Vampires fighting Vampires, the effectiveness of the continuity with the first Underworld film and the decent performances by Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Rhona Mitra to end up being the best of the franchise so far and worth a trip to the movie theater. Overall I give Underworld: Rise of the Lycans a 7 out of 10.
The Golden Globes return to the airwaves tonight after the Writer’s Strike canceled last year’s gig and threw all the pomp and/or circumstance in their presentation of the highest honours the Hollywood Foreign Press Association can grant to a number of categories.
Sure, lots of people see this as a preview of the Oscars, and they do often line up, but just like “best of” lists and other opinion polls, not everyone is going to agree on the recognition of the top of each category. So I am going to throw it open to you now to discuss the results.
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
*Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Revolutionary Road Slumdog Millionaire
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
*Anne Hathaway – Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie – Changeling
Meryl Streep – Doubt
Kristin Scott Thomas – I’ve Loved You So Long Kate Winslet – Revolutionary Road
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Leonardo DiCaprio – Revolutionary Road
Frank Langella – Frost/Nixon
*Sean Penn – Milk
Brad Pitt – The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler
Best Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy
Burn After Reading
Happy-Go-Lucky
*In Bruges
Mamma Mia! Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
*Rebecca Hall – Vicky Cristina Barcelona Sally Hawkins – Happy-Go-Lucky
Frances McDormand – Burn After Reading
Meryl Streep – Mamma Mia!
Emma Thompson – Last Chance Harvey
Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical Or Comedy
Javier Bardem – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
*Colin Farrell – In Bruges
James Franco – Pineapple Express
Brendan Gleeson – In Bruges
Dustin Hoffman – Last Chance Harvey
Best Performance by an Actress In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Amy Adams – Doubt
Penélope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis – Doubt
Marisa Tomei – The Wrestler
*Kate Winslet – The Reader
Best Performance by an Actor In A Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Tom Cruise – Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey Jr. – Tropic Thunder
Ralph Fiennes – The Duchess
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Doubt
*Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight
Best Animated Feature Film
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
*Wall-E
Best Foreign Language Film
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany)
Everlasting Moments (Sweden, Denmark)
*Gomorrah (Italy)
I’ve Loved You So Long (France) Waltz With Bashir (Israel)
Best Director – Motion Picture
*Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry – The Reader
David Fincher – The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard – Frost/Nixon
Sam Mendes – Revolutionary Road
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
*The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button – Written by Eric Roth
Doubt – Written by John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon – Written by Peter Morgan
The Reader – Written by David Hare Slumdog Millionaire – Written by Simon Beaufoy
Best Original Score – Motion Picture
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button – Composed by Alexandre Desplat
Changeling – Composed by Clint Eastwood
*Defiance – Composed by James Newton Howard Slumdog Millionaire – Composed by A. R. Rahman
Frost/Nixon – Composed by Hans Zimmer
Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Down To Earth” – Wall-E – Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman
“Gran Torino” – Gran Torino – Clint Eastwood, Jamie Cullum, Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens
*”I Thought I Lost You” – Bolt – Miley Cyrus and Jeffrey Steele
“Once In A Lifetime” – Cadillac Records – Beyoncé Knowles, Amanda Ghost, Scott McFarmon, Ian Dench, James Dring and Jody Street “The Wrestler” – The Wrestler – Bruce Springsteen
Best Television Series – Drama
Dexter (SHOWTIME)
House (FOX)
In Treatment (HBO) Mad Men (AMC)
True Blood (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series – Drama
Sally Field – Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Mariska Hargitay – Law & Order
January Jones – Mad Men (AMC) Anna Paquin – True Blood (HBO)
Kyra Sedgwick – The Closer (TNT)
Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Drama
Gabriel Byrne – In Treatment (HBO)
Michael C. Hall – Dexter (SHOWTIME)
Jon Hamm – Mad Men (AMC)
Hugh Laurie – House (FOX)
Jonathan Rhys Meyers – The Tudors (SHOWTIME)
Best Television Series – Musical Or Comedy
30 Rock (NBC)
Californication (SHOWTIME)
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
Weeds (SHOWTIME)
Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series – Musical Or Comedy
Christina Applegate – Samantha Who? (ABC)
America Ferrera – Ugly Betty (ABC) Tina Fey – 30 Rock (NBC)
Debra Messing – The Starter Wife (USA)
Mary-Louise Parker – Weeds (SHOWTIME)
Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Musical Or Comedy
Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock (NBC)
Steve Carell – The Office (NBC)
Kevin Connolly – Entourage (HBO)
David Duchovny – Californication (SHOWTIME)
Tony Shalhoub – Monk (USA)
Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television
A Raisin In The Sun (ABC)
Bernard And Doris (HBO)
Cranford (PBS) John Adams (HBO)
Recount (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Judi Dench – Cranford (PBS) Laura Linney – John Adams (HBO)
Shirley MacLaine – Coco Chanel
Susan Sarandon – Bernard And Doris (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actor In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Ralph Fiennes – Bernard And Doris (HBO) Paul Giamatti – John Adams (HBO)
Kevin Spacey – Recount (HBO)
Kiefer Sutherland – 24 (FOX)
Tom Wilkinson – Recount (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Eileen Atkins – Cranford (PBS) Laura Dern – Recount (HBO)
Melissa George – In Treatment (HBO)
Rachel Griffiths – Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Dianne Wiest – In Treatment (HBO)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Neil Patrick Harris – How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Denis Leary – Recount (HBO)
Jeremy Piven – Entourage (HBO)
Blair Underwood – In Treatment (HBO) Tom Wilkinson – John Adams (HBO)
So, thoughts? Opinions? Disappointments or dead on for you?
Halloween is just a day away. This festive season brings lots of fun activities and themes. Movie Rental places start running out of slasher flicks, Walmart can’t keep up with costume and mini candy bar sales and after I get my cute overdose and get the kids in bed I will be enjoying loud music in a crowded bar full of people dressed like a porn audition.
So as a special Trick or Treat for the gothic emo swoonfest known as Twilight, presales for tickets will launch tomorrow with a bribe for the uberfans.
Fandango is making advance tickets for “Twilight” (out November 21) available. And just because it’s Halloween, a special trick-or-treat is available with every “Twilight” ticket purchase: a free download of “Bella’s Lullaby (Remix).”
“Halloween is the ideal time to launch advance ticket sales for ‘Twilight,’” Fandango’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Butler told MTV News. “With only three weeks to go, it just makes October 31 an even more exciting day for Twilighters.”
I am not interested in Twilight at all. But I think this marketing is rather clever. Clearly this movie would sell regardless of when it was released, but you would think the spooky Halloween period would be appropriate. So they made sure to have a foot in the door during this season.
Offering a little something extra as incentive to prepurchase your tickets is also a nice touch. With the dawning of the intarweb, we just don’t see the same “wait in line overnight” sort of behavour much anymore. Those that do are mighty disappointed to find they could have got their tickets waiting online instead.
So while it is not my most anticipated film, I do think it is pretty neat that they are offering up a free music download for the fans that were likely waiting for online sales to begin with.
And I know its trendy to offer up a trademarked Kristina “Fuck Twilight” comment, but please keep the comments relevant.
We have news today that the Footloose film may be thrust upon us sooner than expected thanks to the success of HSM 3. We get the following scoop from IESB:
Variety is reporting that After watching Zac Efron and director Kenny Ortega deliver a $42 million opening weekend for “High School Musical 3,” Paramount Pictures has fast-tracked “Footloose,” hoping to get the film ready for Efron and Ortega to start production next spring.
I can only guess that the people making the Footloose remake assume that dancing is currently “hot” with the kids. They also may want to beat the Fame remake to the punch.
It’s only a matter of time before Dirty Dancing gets the remake treatment as well. Hopefully the film will be directed by Patrick Swayze himself. I would like to see his take on the classic film and really add the essence of Swayze to the magic of the movie. I would prefer if no Dirty Dancing remake was made; but if it happens, Swayze must be on board.
I am not sure how you guys feel about the fast tracked Footloose film, but if you were alone in your room wishing it to be soon….I’m glad I brought you the greatest of news.
It looks like Patrick Swayze is being courted to do another Dirty Dancing film. We get news of this casting call and information about his cancer treatment thanks to our friends at monsters and critics:
Patrick Swayze is rumoured to be starring in another ‘Dirty Dancing’ sequel. A studio insider said: “It’s great news that Patrick is so well and there are lots of offers for him. Everyone wants him to star in a ‘Dirty Dancing’ sequel. It’s just a matter of him making his mind up.”
The 55-year-old actor has been bombarded with acting offers after as he continues to make good progress after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He credits his recovery to his undergoing pioneering Cyberknife radiotherapy at California’s Stamford University Medical Center. He has also been sticking to a strict diet of fruit and vegetables.
Cyberknife radiotherapy sounds bad ass! I can picture Patrick sitting in front of a chalkboard with a doctor going over the different treatment options. As soon as he writes the words “Cyberknife radiotherapy” Patrick says “Hold up doc, that’s what I want. I want to shank cancer in it’s supple face!” The more I hear about Swayze’s victorious battle – the happier I get. Never give up kids, eat your fruits and vegetables like Swayze and you watch what happens.
I am glad that the Swayze is getting lots of offers, but I’m not sure if I would want to see a return to Dirty Dancing. I know lots of people loved the original and may want to see a sequel, as long as Swayze is the star I guess I wouldn’t mind too much. I am hoping to see him return to films like Roadhouse or Black Dog. We need more Swayze action in our lives.
I bring horrible news from sunny San Diego! It appears that someone thought that it would be a good idea to remake the Rocky Horror Picture Show (because they were high on solvents). We get the following news from Variety:
MTV is doing the time warp on a remake of 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Lou Adler, exec producer of the original film, is partnering with BermanBraun and Fox Television Studios on the new rendition.
Two-hour remake will use the original screenplay by Jim Sharman and Richard O’Brien but may also include music not featured in the original. “I’d like to see it shown a year from this coming Halloween, but that’s up to MTV,” Adler said.
The remake train is getting out of control. When they start to remake cult films, I get particularly annoyed. The film’s buzz has been kept alive and evangelized by a devout group of followers for a reason, the film struck a chord with them, and they continue to worship at its gates. Midnight showings of the film have been happening since 1975 and instead of just letting money trickle in over time – they have decided to remake it.
I finally saw this film last year. Oddly enough I watched it with my Dad, Step-mom and her family. My father is a big fan of the film and owns his own copy. I thought the film was equal parts peculiar and perverse set to an outstanding soundtrack by the man of meat. It is extremely unique and as such should be treated with the respect of leaving it the fuck alone.
Everyone seems to be tired of all the remakes that are coming down the pipe; and I am certainly among that throng. I understand that Hollywood has a long history of remaking films, but lately it seems more like exploitation than an homage.
In the telling of this story – lightning will never strike twice.
It looks like Will Ferrell is set to star in another dramatic role with 2-Face. We get details of this project thanks to our good friends over at comingsoon:
Will Ferrell is attached to star in “2-Face,” a comedy involving a character with a split personality: One part of him is a racist, and the other is a bleeding-heart liberal. It comes from “Hancock” writer Vince Gilligan, whose script has had a lengthy, low-profile gestation period at the studio. The search for a director is under way.
While “2-Face” is described as a comedy with mainstream appeal — familiar terrain for Ferrell — Gilligan’s credits and the story’s socially relevant hook might give the role added heft. Ferrell has tried his hand at more serious roles, most notably in Marc Forster’s 2006 drama “Stranger Than Fiction.”
Well this looks like it could be a lot of fun. Will gets to play 2 very different characters in the same film that appear to be polar opposites. I think this is a great opportunity for Ferrell to shine anew. He gets cast to do the same song and dance so often, that it’s always a treat to see him do something different. I, for one miss his impressions on George W, and Alex Trebek.
Racism is always a tricky topic to tackle well. You either stay too far away from the issue to even discuss it, or run the risk of offending people. This character seeks to push two extremes and make us draw our own conclusions. I like the premise for this one; I look forward to learning more about it.
The new horror film featuring Vinnie Jones (X-Men 3, Snatch) and directed by acclaimed asian director Ryuhei Kitamura, “Midnight Meat Train” is opening its theatrical run on August 1st, but for those of you who are attending Comic Con this year, you’ll get to see it early. They’re holding a FREE midnight screening of it next friday night. Yes… FREE. And here’s the bonus… Clive Barker himself will be there to introduce the film!
They put out a press release about it:
Lakeshore Entertainment and Midnight Picture Show announce a special midnight screening of THE MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN. Clive Barker to present film prior to screening.
WHAT: Special screening of THE MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN during SAN DIEGO COMIC CON!
WHEN: Friday, July 25th at Midnight (Saturday morning).
WHERE: San Diego Gaslamp Stadium
Theatre #15
701 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101
WHY: We can think of no better audience than the core horror fans attending SDCC to be one of the first to witness this disturbing and highly anticipated film, based on legendary horror writer Clive Barker’s popular, eponymous short story from his classic Books of Blood collection.
TICKETS: TICKETS ARE FREE, first come first serve, and only issued through FANDANGO. Direct link to secure tickets: http://www.fandango.com/themidnightmeattrain_111505/movietimes?date=7/25/2008
THE FACTS: THE MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN will be released theatrically August 1, 2008 through Lionsgate Entertainment.
Next stop, death.
When his latest body of work – provocative, nighttime studies of the city and its inhabitants — earns struggling photographer Leon Kaufman (Bradley Cooper) interest from a prominent art gallerist (Brooke Shields), she propels him to get grittier and show the darker side of humanity for his upcoming debut at her downtown art space.
Believing he’s finally on track for success, Leon’s obsessive pursuit of dark subject matter leads him into the path of a serial killer, Mahogany (Vinnie Jones), the subway murderer who stalks late-night commuters — ultimately butchering them in the most gruesome ways imaginable.
With his concerned girlfriend Maya (Leslie Bibb) fearing for his life, Leon’s relentless fascination with Mahogany lures him further and further into the bowels of the subways and ultimately into an abyss of pure evil – inadvertently pulling Maya right along with him.
The horror thriller THE MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN stars Bradley Cooper (WEDDING CRASHERS, TV’s “Alias,”), Leslie Bibb (the upcoming TRICK ‘R TREAT, TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY), Tony Curran (UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION), Brooke Shields (“Nip/Tuck”), Roger Bart (HOSTEL: PART II, TV’s “Desperate Housewives”) and Vinnie Jones (X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, SNATCH).
Also starring is Barbara Eve Harris (TV’s “Prison Break”) and a special appearance is made by UFC mixed martial arts champion Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson.
Hey there guys. Comic Con is now just 2 weeks away and I am far more excited about this than any man in his 30’s should be. Last year was my first expedition to the Con, and my only regret was that I haven’t been going to this thing for years.
Now, I’ve already mentioned that Doug and I will be there, and that you can meet us at the “Masters Of The Web” panel happening on Thursday morning… but the whole Thursday schedule has been released and it looks fantastic!. We’ll post up the schedule for Friday, Saturday and Sunday once that information becomes available. There are still SOME tickets left… so grab them quick!
10:00-11:00 Kings: Exclusive Sneak Peek Screening and Q&A with Cast and Executive Producers
Kings is a contemporary re-imagining of the timeless tale of David and Goliath, an epic story of greed and power, war and romance, forbidden loves and secret alliances, and a young hero who rises to power in a modern-day kingdom. Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek from the two-hour pilot. Moderated by Greg Grunberg (Heroes), the panel includes a Q&A with creator/executive producer Michael Green (Heroes), director/executive producer Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), executive producer Erwin Stoff (I Am Legend), and the cast: Golden Globe winner Ian McShane (Deadwood), Chris Egan (Resident Evil: Extinction), Susanna Thompson (Star Trek: Voyager), Sebastian Stan (Gossip Girl), and Allison Miller (Seventeen Again). Room 6B
***10:00-11:00 Masters of the Web***
For the second year in a row the biggest genre and movie websites are coming together to discuss how new media have affected movie making, what it takes to run a popular site, and much more in a panel discussion and Q&A session. Participants include Robert Sanchez (IESB.net), Garth Franklin (Darkhorizons.com), Mike Sampson (Joblo.com), Erik Davis (Cinematical.com), John Campea (TheMovieBlog.com), Brad Miska (Bloody-Disgusting.com), Eric “Quint” Vespe (Aintitcool.com), Devin Faraci (CHUD.com), Paul Christensen (Movieweb.com), and Kellvin Chavez (Latinoreview.com). Moderated by directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (Crank 2, The Game). Room 32AB
11:00-12:00 The Disney Animation Story Process
Nathan Greno (head of story, Bolt), Don Hall (head of story, The Princess and the Frog), Mark Kennedy (head of story, Rapunzel), Joe Mateo (story artist, Bolt), Michael LaBash (story artist, Bolt), Paul Briggs (story artist, The Princess and the Frog), and Josie Trinidad (story artist, The Princess and the Frog) offer an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into the story process at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Coming together exclusively at Comic-Con, these story team leaders will take you from first concept to final story approval as they discuss the art of storyboarding, re-create story pitches, and share boarding styles from their upcoming animated features. Don’t miss this revealing and humorous panel and your chance to get a sneak peek at Disney’s next animated feature, Bolt! Room 32AB
11:15-12:15 30th Anniversary Battlestar Galactica Panel
Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek/Apollo), Bear McCreary (BG composer), producer Tom DeSanto (Transformers, X-Men), Dr. Kevin Grazier (science consultant), and surprise guests present an in-depth discussion of the Battlestar universe from the classic to the re-imagined and beyond, including BSG trailers and Q&A. Room 6B
11:30-12:30 Hasbro: GI Joe
As Hasbro ramps up for the summer 2009 blockbuster movie release of GI Joe, Aaron Archer (Hasbro Design), Michael Ritchie (Hasbro Marketing), and Michelino Paolino (Hasbro Design) discuss this year’s product line, entertainment, and other initiatives. Panelists will include special guests that you won’t want to miss, plus Q&A! Room 7AB
11:30-1:00 20th Century Fox: The Day The Earth Stood Still and Max Payne
Stars Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, plus director Scott Derrickson and producer Erwin Stoff, present an exclusive look at The Day The Earth Stood Still, Fox’s contemporary reinvention of its 1951 classic. Keanu is Klaatu, an alien whose arrival on our planet triggers a global upheaval. As governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind the visitor’s appearance, a woman (Jennifer) and her young stepson get caught up in his mission—and come to understand the ramifications of his being a self-described “friend to the Earth.” Klaatu Barada Nikto. The legendary interactive video game Max Payne comes to the big screen, telling the story of a maverick cop determined to track down those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner. Hell-bent on revenge, his obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmare journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal. “Max Payne” himself—Mark Wahlberg—will be on hand with Mila Kunis, Ludacris, and director John Moore to discuss turning the game’s noirish, hard-hitting, and complex world and characters into a movie event. Hall H
11:45-12:45 Knight Rider: First Look at the New Series and Q&A with Cast and Executive Producers
On the heels of NBC’s hit sequel movie based on the iconic 1980s television classic, Knight Rider has been reinvented as a supercharged action series showcasing the new KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand). Be the first to see exclusive footage from the new series. Moderated by Television Week deputy editor/columnist Josef Adalian, who participates in a Q&A session with executive producer/showrunner Gary Scott Thompson (The Fast and The Furious, Las Vegas); executive producer David Bartis (Heist, The OC); and the cast: Justin Bruening (Cold Case), Deanna Russo (NCIS), Sydney Tamiia Poitier (Veronica Mars), Paul Campbell (Battlestar Galactica), Yancey Arias (Kingpin), Bruce Davison (X-Men) and Smith Cho (Blades of Glory). Room 6A
12:00-1:00 Sideshow Collectibles
Sideshow Collectibles is a leading manufacturer in the world of figure collectibles, with an award-winning artistic team. Sideshow’s product development team offers insights into the newest products and licenses, as well as a Q&A session. Room 2
12:00-1:00 Doctor Who
Writer Russell T Davies (Doctor Who), executive producer Julie Gardner (Torchwood), and writer Steven Moffat (Doctor Who) discuss their creative process and experience working on the BBC’s Doctor Who—Britain’s most successful sci-fi franchise—with exclusive clips and a Q&A session. Ballroom 20
1:00-2:00 Torchwood
Writer Russell T Davies (Doctor Who), executive producer Julie Gardner (Torchwood), writer Steven Moffat (Doctor Who), and actors John Barrowman, Gareth David-Lloyd, Naoko Mori and Burn Gorman discuss their creative process and experience on working on BBC America’s highest-rated show ever—Torchwood— followed by a Q&A session. Ballroom 20
1:15-2:45 Summit Pictures
Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek of exclusive footage of some of its upcoming major film releases:
Push—In this futuristic sci-fi thriller set in Hong Kong, a group of young American ex-pats with extraordinary psychic abilities must band together and use their different talents on a final mission to escape a clandestine government agency forever. Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Djimon Hounsou, Camilla Belle and director Paul McGuigan present a first look at exclusive footage and answer questions about the film.
Knowing—An action thriller of global proportions. Director Alex Proyas appears in person to introduce never-before-seen footage for his new major motion picture starring Nicolas Cage.
Twilight—Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book series, Twilight is an action-packed, modern-day love story between a vampire and a mortal. Director Catherine Hardwicke, author Stephenie Meyer, and the cast—including Robert Pattinson (Edward), Kristen Stewart (Bella), Cam Gigandet (James), Rachelle LaFevre (Victoria), Edi Gathegi (Laurant), and Taylor Lautner (Jacob)—answer your questions about bringing the world of these beloved characters to life on the big screen and show exclusive footage from the film. Hall H
2:00-3:00 Red Sonja: One-on-One
Robert Rodriguez (Sin City), Rose McGowan (Grindhouse), Doug Aarniokoski (2nd unit director, Resident Evil 3) and David White (Undisputed 2) are teaming up to bring back the red-headed warrior woman known as Red Sonja. Join Robert, Rose, Doug, and David for this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 6CDEF
2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Jim Woodring: Please Stand By
Comic-Con special guest Jim Woodring (The Frank Book) presents a slide show with commentary providing a rare overview of his life, career, motivations, methods, and dark personal secrets. Q&A session to follow. Room 10
2:15-3:15 Anchor Bay: Jack Brooks Monster Slayer Artists Panel
Preview the upcoming DVD release of Jack Brooks Monster Slayer with star/producer Trevor Matthews, director/co-writer Jon Knautz, producer Patrick White, composer Ryan Shore, creature designer David Scott, and horror icon Robert Englund! Then hear writer/director Daniel Waters (Heathers), Oscar-nominated screenwriter Josh Olson (Masters of Science Fiction), and writer/director Robert Hall (Laid to Rest) discuss their latest Anchor Bay projects! Moderated by Shock Til You Drop’s Ryan Rotten. Ballroom 20
3:00-4:00 DVD/Blu-ray Producers 2008
Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan, and Adam Jahnke (The Digital Bits.com, Geek Monthly) discuss the latest DVD and Blu-ray Disc developments and look ahead at upcoming releases. Panelists include Javier Soto (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy II: The Golden Army), Charles de Lauzirika (Blade Runner, Twin Peaks), Andy Mangels (The Real Ghostbusters, Slimer), Cliff Stephenson (Rambo, Crank 1 & 2), and Robert Meyer Burnett (Shoot ’Em Up, Free Enterprise 2). There will be lots of Q&A, so be sure to bring your questions! Room 5AB
3:00-4:00 Wizard’s First Rule
Sam Raimi (Spider-Man) and Ken Biller (Star Trek: Voyager) give you a first look at the upcoming television series Wizard’s First Rule. The one-hour weekly series, premiering in late fall, is based on Terry Goodkind’s bestselling epic fantasy series The Sword of Truth, which follows the extraordinary transformation of woodsman Richard Cypher into a magical leader who joins with a mysterious, beautiful woman to stop a bloodthirsty, sinister tyrant. Join Sam and Ken for a moderated interview and audience Q&A session! Room 6B
3:00-4:00 Disney: Race to Witch Mountain
What secrets does Witch Mountain hold? Stars Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino and director Andy Fickman talk about the mysterious, paranormal activity around Witch Mountain. Dwayne, Carla, and Andy will present the first look at the movie and answer audience questions as they talk about the thrilling action-adventure that is set to hit theatres in March 2009! Hall H
4:15-5:15 Afro Samurai: Resurrection Exclusive Worldwide Premiere!
Afro Samurai picks up his sword once again for the second installment of this critically acclaimed, funktastic anime! This action-packed panel features the creators behind the hit, including star and executive producer Samuel L. Jackson (The Spirit), original creator Takahashi Okazaki, musical artist The RZA (Kill Bill), and executive producer Leo Chu (Spike TV). Be the first to see the worldwide premiere of the exclusive Comic-Con trailer, dazzling artwork from the manga, and never-before-seen demos of the pulse-pounding video game. Room 6B
4:15-5:15 Lionsgate/Marvel: Hulk vs. Wolverine
Alberta, Canada: Over the past week, the Incredible Hulk has been tearing a line across the Canadian wilderness, leaving a swathe of destruction in his wake. He has to be stopped, and there’s only one man up to the job. He’s the best at what he does, but what he does isn’t very nice. He’s Wolverine, an elite agent of Canada’s top secret Department H, and he’s been put on Hulk’s trail with a single objective: stop the green goliath…at all costs. Hulk and Wolverine are about to enter the fiercest battle of their lives. And they have no idea that there are a few unpleasant surprises waiting for them on the other side. Meet Craig Kyle (supervising producer/co-writer), Frank Paur (producer/supervising director), Christopher Yost (co-writer), and others involved in this Marvel Animation milestone and watch the complete Hulk vs. Wolverine months before its January 2009 Blu-ray and DVD release! Hall H
4:30-5:30 HBO’s True Blood
Based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris, True Blood is created by Alan Ball, creator of HBO’s Emmy-winning series Six Feet Under. The series takes place in the not-too-distant future, when, thanks to the invention of synthetic blood, vampires no longer need humans for their fix and can walk freely, if not yet comfortably, among their living counterparts. With their integration into a small Louisiana town causing a stir, a love story ensues between Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin, the X-Men films; Academy Award winner for The Piano), an innocent waitress with the unusual ability to read minds, and vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer, The Starter Wife). The series also features Ryan Kwanten (Summerland), Rutina Wesley (How She Move), Sam Trammell (Judging Amy), and Nelsan Ellis (The Inside). True Blood debuts September 7 exclusively on HBO. Room 6CDEF
4:45-5:45 “SCREAM” Like a Girl
Spike loves women. And the coolest women on the planet are the ones who destroy aliens, defeat serial killers and battle evil villains with their superpowers! In honor of Spike’s Scream Awards 2008—the first and most important televised event that celebrates the genius creative talent behind the powerhouse Hollywood genres of comic books, science fiction, fantasy and horror—Spike brings you a candid discussion of these genres from the women they love, who are poised to rule the fanboy’s universe! Moderator Kevin Smith (Clerks), the brilliant writer, director, and comic book genius hosts an all-female panel of actresses, artists, writers, directors, and producers in a discussion about working in these genres from their unique point of view. Twenty lucky panel attendees will win tickets to the 2008 Scream Awards. Ballroom 20
6:00-7:00 Dark Castle Entertainment
Launched by producer Joel Silver and director Robert Zemeckis, Dark Castle Entertainment was founded to create a unique brand of horror movies inspired by the works of filmmaker William Castle. Recently, Dark Castle entered into an arrangement with CIT Group Inc. to broaden Dark Castle into a full genre label that will include feature films (London-based crime thriller RocknRolla, directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Gerard Butler, scheduled to be released in October; Ninja Assassin directed by James McTeigue and starring Korean pop sensation Rain; and Whiteout, starring Kate Beckinsale), home video (The Hills Run Red starring Sophie Monk, William Sadler, and Tad Hilgenbrinck) and comic books (Ferryman by Marc Andreyko and Jonathan Wayshak). Hall H
5:45-6:45 Showtime: DexteR
Showtime presents exclusives from the set of the highly anticipated third season of Dexter. Moderator Kristin Dos Santos (E!) presides over this revealing interview and Q&A session with the top stars and executive producers of Dexter, featuring Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, Clyde Phillips, and John Goldwyn, plus a special guest! Room 6CDEF
6:00-7:00 Life, Death, Life of Star Trek
You’ve heard a lot of hype about sci-fi’s first franchise lately, now it’s time to see what it’s all about and celebrate an illustrious 40 years of boldly going with this regular panel of unpaid, uncensored Treksperts, who pay homage to Trek’s past and future with some special surprises and exclusive audio-visual treats you’ll only see here. Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP Director’s Cut Special Edition), Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise), Jeff Bond (The Music of Star Trek), and moderator Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise) talk Trek like no one else can…or will. Room 2
6:00-7:00 Devil’s Due Presents: Hack/Slash and Beyond!
Hollywood screenwriter Justin Marks (Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li) joins Hack/Slash creator Tim Seeley (Halloween: Nightdance) to talk about the new H/S film and his new DDP/Capcom comic book series Bionic Commando. Also featuring director Todd Lincoln, Hack/Slash Annual stars from The Suicide Girls, and a blockbuster surprise guest you won’t want to miss! Room 8
7:00-9:00 Comedy Central TV Funhouse with Robert Smigel
Robert Smigel (Saturday Night Live) and Dino Stamatopoulos (Morel Orel) reunite to discuss the most groundbreaking show to ever hit (and subsequently disappear) from basic cable. Join the guys to relive the glory of the best show you barely remember. Room 6CDEF
7:00-9:00 Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist
Get a look behind the mask of The Spirit creator in this feature-length documentary movie. With a triumphant world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, the production features the legendary writer/artist Will Eisner with Frank Miller, Stan Lee, Jules Feiffer, Jack Kirby, Kurt Vonnegut, and many others. Following this unique free movie screening, director/producer Andrew D. Cooke and writer/producer Jon B. Cooke will be available for a dynamic Q&A session. Room 7AB
8:00-8:30 Lionsgate and Marvel: Punisher: War Zone!
Producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Incredible Hulk) and stars Ray Stevenson (Rome) and Julie Benz (Rambo, Dexter) take you into the world of the Punisher for an exclusive first look. You won’t be prepared! Room 6B
8:30-9:00 Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures: Saw 5
Join director David Hackl, along with the filmmakers and cast for an exclusive first look at the latest terrifying installment of the most successful horror series in history! Room 6B
8:30-10:00 Star Wars Fan Film Awards
It’s the galaxy-spanning return of a Comic-Con favorite! The Star Wars Fan Film Awards come back to Ballroom 20 as the Thursday night big event. Ballroom 20
9:00-10:00 Repo! The Genetic Opera First Look
See what director Darren Lynn Bousman has been up to since directing the last three Saw movies: Repo! The Genetic Opera. Check out the phenomenon that is this Goth Rock musical with sneak peeks and the new trailer plus stories from Darren and the actors themselves, including Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), Bill Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), and Ogre (the band Skinny Puppy), among others. Room 6B
10:00-12:00 Warner Premiere and Warner Home Video: World Premiere of Lost Boys The Tribe
Prepare to sink your teeth into the long-awaited and highly anticipated next chapter of the cult phenomenon started by the 1987 cult classic, and be the first to see Lost Boys The Tribe before its July 29 DVD release at this special world premiere. More than 20 years in the making, Lost Boys The Tribe is an homage to the original 1987 cult hit and stars Corey Feldman as vampire hunter Edgar Frog, along with Tad Hilgenbrinck, Angus Sutherland, and Autumn Reeser, with appearances by Jamison Newlander and Corey Haim. Meet the cast and filmmakers as director P J Pesce and original Lost Boys star Corey Feldman are joined by Tad Hilgenbrinck, Angus Sutherland, and Autumn Reeser to answer questions and talk about the making of this new horror classic. Ballroom 20.
It looks like Patrick Swayze has become well enough to sign up for a television series on A&E! We get this amazing scoop from Variety via cinematical:
Variety reports that the dirty dancer’s pilot show about an unorthodox FBI agent, The Beast, has been picked up by A&E and that it will still star Swayze. Everything was up in the air when it was announced that he was fighting pancreatic cancer, but now insiders have told Variety that the actor’s doctors have given him the thumbs up to continue working, just a few weeks after he announced that he was responding well to treatment.
I am pleased as punch international friends! I would hazard a guess that Swayze has turned the corner with his affliction and is sending cancer into the flames! I am a fan of A&E and am pumped that they will be the people to bring us the Swayze in all his crime fighting glory.
I am not usually a fan of cop shows, but will certainly give this one a shot. Swayze as an FBI agent will no doubt spawn a generation of law abiding citizens. Fiction or not, if you suspect that someone 1/10 as bad ass as Patrick Swayze is on the FBI payroll – you will obey!
Cancer, we mock your failed attempt to take Swayze from us, and spit bile in your wretched face! May your days be cursed and oblivion neigh!
Sad news today for friends of horror. It looks like the upcoming Halloween thriller Trick ‘r Treat has been dropped by Warner Bros. and is now in need of distribution. We get the following scoop from out friends at bloody-disgusting:
We discovered today that Legendary Pictures held a screening last night for their film Trick ‘r Treat (review), which was directed by Michael Dougherty. Apparently Warner Bros. Pictures has decided NOT to release it and the horror film is now up for sale to whomever would be interested in distributing it. This does mean that there are no release plans for the film, so until we update you with a new distributor, don’t hold your breath. The film features four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween: An everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the one guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank; a woman who loathes the night has to contend with her holiday-obsessed husband.
This is a shame, I actually really like horror films with 3-5 mini movies in the film ala Tales From The Crypt. Halloween is a good theme for all the films and would have been an appropriate time for release; but now we will have to wait and see if the film finds another studio to pick it up. I can only imagine how pissed the people involved with the project are, I wish them all the best and beseech lady luck on their behalf.
The new capture animation technology used by Robert Zemeckis in Beowul was just jaw droppingly beautiful to watch. It was kind of freaky in “The Polar Express”, but they seem to have improved it quite a lot. It seems that technology is about to be put to use again in a new Disney film “Calling All Robots”
Michael Dougherty has teamed with Walt Disney Pictures and Robert Zemeckis’ ImageMovers on “Calling All Robots,” an animated sci-fi adventure the scribe plans to direct using the same type of performance capture technology recently deployed to produce “Beowulf.” Details of the project are being kept under wraps, but it uses performance capture to “tell a story that’s a throwback to old Godzilla movies,” Dougherty said. “I grew up watching Godzilla movies. This film is very much rooted in those movies.”
Dougherty also wrote X-Men 2 and made his directoral debut with the horror flick “Trick R Treat” that never ended up getting released (it was supposed to come out last October… there is still no release date, but the studio says it’s going to come out this year at some point which I hope it does because I thought it looked pretty damn good).
When you watch the Beowulf DVD special features and see how they did the whole motion capture thing for the movie, it’s really quite amazing. It’s a whole new art unto itself and I thought the results were spectacular. I have no idea if Michael Dougherty can direct or not, but I’ll be curious to see how this one turns out.
First we hear of Roadhouse star Jeff Healey passed away because of cancer, and now tragically the head Cooler himself, Patrick Swayze is reported to be suffering from Cancer as well.
The “Dirty Dancing” actor has a very limited amount of disease and appears to be responding well to treatment, according to Dr. George Fisher, Swayze’s physician. Fisher’s prognosis was included in a statement released Wednesday by Swayze’s representative, Annett Wolf.
In this day and age with all the advances of medicine and treatment this “limited amount” of cancer may turn out to be nothing.
Cancer hits so many so close to home that we are almost numb to the word. But Patrick Swayze is nearly revered in the TMB inner circle and even when he was playing a cross dressing Vida Boheme I still think he had more guts than any other manly man in Hollywood.
I wish you all the best Patrick. You have kicked a lot of ass, so keep kicking and get well soon.
During Comic Con I had a chance to sit down for a couple of minute with the cast of the upcoming film “Pathology”, which looks just amazing as hell. Sitting in with me were:
With the recent influx of god awful “horror” films (the latest Saw films Hostel 2 ect) one finds oneself yearning for just a good damn SCARY horror film. It seems like horror movies have forgotten to do that. So many have been so preoccupied with coming up with the next “shocking” thing, or gross mutilation effect that they’ve forgotten that the main reason so many of us love watching a horror film is for the… well… HORROR. (There are good ones out there too… it just seems like the high profile ones have forgotten that simple rule)
I’ve been hearing pretty decent things about this new one coming from Warner Bros. call “Trick R’ Treat”, but honestly I haven’t been paying much attention to it. Now, a Trick R’ Treat trailer is out… and DAMN IT LOOKS FUN!!! And who knew… it looks like it could actually be scary. Go figure
The following comes courtesy of the good folks over at MovieWeb:
It appears my good friend Wesley Snipes is having some tax trouble. We get the story fromIMDB:
Hollywood star Wesley Snipes has accused prosecutors of targeting him on federal tax evasion charges because of the color of his skin. The star of the Blade trilogy was last year accused of fraudulently claiming refunds totaling nearly $12 million for income taxes already paid between 1996 and 1997. He was further charged with failure to file returns from 1999 through to 2004. But Snipes believes he is the victim of “unscrupulous tax advice” and his attorneys will argue that prosecutors filed additional tax evasion charges against him and not against two other defendants because they are “Caucasian, while Mr. Snipes is African-American.” According to the indictment, Snipes’ taxes were prepared by accountants with a history of filing false returns to reap payments for their clients. A federal judge is set to consider the motion.
Let me start my commentary by saying that Wesley Snipes is 100% innocent. He is a victim of “unscrupulous tax advice” and should be allowed to right his wrongs without prosecution. If his accountants were known to have history of filing false claims, I think that the investigation should begin and end with them.
Wesley Snipes is a role model to almost everyone on the planet earth. On many occasions he has said to me over sushi, “I love to pay taxes because it helps people.” You see, people who love to pay taxes do not lie to avoid paying them. Wesley wanted to may as much tax as he was allowed but the dirty bean counting accountants tricked him into paying less. Believe me, Wesley is going to give them hell about this if they are able to stay out of jail.
If he is getting a harsher treatment than the other Caucasian defendants then his attorneys are right to point this out. People may say he is using a “race card” to get leverage, but if all things are equal and he is being judged differently, then one would have to take race into consideration. You see they hate Wesley because he is half vampire.
At the end of the day I think this is a waste of time. Taking Wesley out of his home and making him go to court is a crime against humanity. How the hell is he supposed to fight vampires if he is tied up in legal proceedings all day long. Wesley, we love you, we support you and we hope to see you free and clear of these defamatory accusations once and for all.
For those of you who have been reading The Movie Blog for at least 2 years or more, you may remember that at one point I signed a small book deal with an even smaller publisher to write a book that I was calling “The Silver Screen From Where I’m Sitting”.
The book was supposed to just be a coffee table book about movies and the movie world where you could just pick it up and turn to any chapter and start reading. Each chapter was just it’s own isolated topic and thus the book didn’t have to be read in order.
Ok anyway… I got several months into the book, sent it off to the editor a couple of times along the way… but eventually I just got too busy. The book got delayed, and then last year I started work on my upcoming Documentary movie “Prince of Peace – God of War” and any time I had was just flushed away. The publisher was very nice to me and understood my situation and we just decided to cancel the book.
So now here we are, and I’ve got 7 chapters that I wrote just sitting here. That’s when I decided I might as well just release some of what I wrote for the doomed book here on The Movie Blog. So for the next week, I’ll be releasing a chapter a day here on the site (the ones that don’t suck too much anyway).
The Second Chapter I’m releasing here is called: “ The Cost of Going to the Movies and the need for Change in the Film Industry.” It looks at the crazy cost of going to the movies, the cost of concessions, piracy, where the money goes, why they charge so much, and the desperate need to change.
So if you’re up for it, continue on reading (If you missed the first chapter you can see it here)
The Golden Globes return to the airwaves tonight after the Writer’s Strike canceled last year’s gig and threw all the pomp and/or circumstance in their presentation of the highest honours the Hollywood Foreign Press Association can grant to a number of categories.
Halloween is just a day away. This festive season brings lots of fun activities and themes. Movie Rental places start running out of slasher flicks, Walmart can’t keep up with costume and mini candy bar sales and after I get my cute overdose and get the kids in bed I will be enjoying loud music in a crowded bar full of people dressed like a porn audition. 
We have news today that the Footloose film may be thrust upon us sooner than expected thanks to the success of HSM 3. We get the following scoop from 
It looks like Will Ferrell is set to star in another dramatic role with 2-Face. We get details of this project thanks to our good friends over at 
The new horror film featuring Vinnie Jones (X-Men 3, Snatch) and directed by acclaimed asian director Ryuhei Kitamura, “
Hey there guys. 
It looks like Patrick Swayze has become well enough to sign up for a television series on A&E! We get this amazing scoop from Variety via 
Sad news today for friends of horror. It looks like the upcoming Halloween thriller Trick ‘r Treat has been dropped by Warner Bros. and is now in need of distribution. We get the following scoop from out friends at 
The new capture animation technology used by Robert Zemeckis in Beowul was just jaw droppingly beautiful to watch. It was kind of freaky in “The Polar Express”, but they seem to have improved it quite a lot. It seems that technology is about to be put to use again in a new Disney film “Calling All Robots”
First we hear of Roadhouse star Jeff Healey passed away because of cancer, and now tragically the head Cooler himself, Patrick Swayze is reported to be suffering from Cancer as well.
It appears my good friend Wesley Snipes is having some tax trouble. We get the story from
For those of you who have been reading The Movie Blog for at least 2 years or more, you may remember that at one point I signed a small book deal with an even smaller publisher to write a book that I was calling “The Silver Screen From Where I’m Sitting”.
