Comic Con Recap 2009

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:28

Written by Lupe Haas

The Comic Con convention in San Diego has come and gone once again.  This year saw an increase in attendance with teeny boppers invading the geek fest - thanks to TWILIGHT taking over the convention early on during the five day event.  

Here are some other eventful panel discussions and news from Comic Con 2009.

  Warner Bros. Reveals Movie Line-Up

TV: Burn Notice and Dexter Panels

Comic Con Recap: Warner Bros. Film Line-up

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:28

Written by Lupe Haas

The Warner Brothers panel early Friday morning was full to capacity at San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con. The first film to be introduced was Where The Wild Things Are, where new star Max Record enchanted the audience with his warm, natural presence and impromptu speech. Standing there in front of several thousand enthusiastic people must have been overwhelming for the young Max, but he handled himself well and was able to recover as we watched a clip from the movie.
 
The film’s style was intriguing and the puppet-like characters reminded me of Sid and Marty Kroft’s creations from long ago. They are life-size, yet capable of showing personality and emotion. I wasn’t very excited about this film when originally announced, but now I’m curious enough that I really want to go. Artistically this film is a real challenge and I liked what I saw. I’m really rooting for this film and hope they nailed it.
 
The next film to be introduced was The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. This film was presented to us by showing an animated short, which was moving and powerful. The animated clip gives us some back-story on Gary Oldman’s character, Carnegie, and how he may have grown up with an extreme prejudice to anything religious. The filmmakers and the star were very vague about giving us more details, but Gary Oldman let it slip that the book of Eli may be about a super hero with the initials J.C. I’ll be watching for more info. The subsequent live-action clip showed a badass Denzel Washington in a post-apocalyptic world. The Hughes brothers have created a very stylish film.
 
The Third film to be presented was a re-make of Nightmare On Elm Street with Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Krueger. I heard a lot of grumbling around me on this one. Although no one had a problem with Jackie Earle Haley taking on the role, some people had a problem with the film being remade at all. Why mess with a classic? The filmmakers justified their decision by stating that they are introducing the franchise to a whole new generation. They also promised that the new Nightmare would be even scarier. I’ll take their word on that one.
 
The Box was shown to us next. This film is a psychological thriller based on a what-if premise. What if a man showed up on your doorstep and offered you a million dollars to push a button, knowing that if you do, someone you didn’t know would die. This Twilight Zone type of story stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as the couple who must face this moral dilemma. Frank Langella plays the mysterious, creepy, man who holds the box and a suitcase full of money. I like my horror films to be more cerebral, so I’ll probably enjoy this one. Watch THE BOX trailer
 
Out of all the films that were introduced to us, the one I’m the most excited about is Jonah Hex. I was completely unfamiliar with this comic-book character going in to this panel, but I love the premise. Set in the Civil War era, Jonah Hex is a Western Bounty Hunter who roams the country taking out bad guys. He is a scarred, flawed, anti-hero with many personal demons, and I loved the look that Josh Brolin brings to the character.  Megan Fox also stars in the film. I really like Westerns so I’m looking forward to this film. The movie looks very cool with a touch of magic and mysticism.  

The final film in the Warner Brothers panel was Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The filmmakers have promised that they have gone back to the source material and have taken great pains to give us a more authentic Holmes. I’m a little skeptical; the film clips were focused on a lot of action. But, I’ll reserve my judgment until I’ve seen the film. Holmes is a favorite character of mine and I’ve read all of the short stories. Although I like both Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, my concern is that they may have gone too modern, or have tried too hard to make Holmes relevant for today’s kids. In my opinion Holmes is a classic character and is as relevant today as he ever was. I’m open to another go, just don’t mess it up. You don’t want to alienate your older fans in trying to serve the younger. Watch SHERLOCK HOLMES trailer.
 
Reported by Melanie Wilson San Diego Comic-Con 2009
Visit Melanie Wilson's Blog on LAMelbox.blogspot.com

Comic Con Recap: James Cameron, Peter Jackson, and Thirsty Fan

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:28

Written by Lupe Haas

  Peter Jackson and James Cameron Panel Interrupted By Odd Man

In the middle of a very interesting panel discussion by two of film’s greatest film innovators, a very odd man walked up on stage and asked to share the director’s water. James Cameron was completely unfazed, but Peter Jackson looked a little concerned, as he was sitting at a different angle and saw the character approach. As security grabbed the man and escorted him off stage, Peter Jackson nervously volunteered that he hoped that they didn’t rough him up. James Cameron shrugged and said that he thought he was all part of the show. Watch video of the incident below.

A back stage observer told me that the interloper was pressed up against the back wall and was questioned. It is not known if he was arrested, or ejected from the convention. Most people thought it was a prank. One that was luckily harmless. But security does need to be tighter if we want the stars to continue to come. I believe that this is the first visit for both directors.

Comic Con Recap: Animated Movies

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:28

Written by Lupe Haas

As an attendee of San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con I was privileged to see the premiere of Bruce Timm’s animated Green Lantern: First Flight directed by Lauren Montgomery. A co-production between Warner Brother’s and DC Comics, this is the fifth DC Universe original movie which will be released in Blu-Ray, DVD and On Demand Video.

As an uninitiated viewer I was able to follow the origin story of the Green Lantern and how he came to acquire his powers. Keeping his abilities a secret as he learns how to use them, he is contacted by the Green Lantern Corps and is mentored by the respected Lantern Sinestro.

After a few adventures, The Green Lantern, voiced by Christopher Meloni, assumes a leadership role and leads the Green Lantern Corps in a new, invigorated direction. Probably with many new adventures to follow.

I enjoyed the film and there was enough humor there to keep the adults engaged as well. I predict that this film will do well for the franchise.

During San Diego’s 2009 Comic-Con convention, attendees were treated to an early look at the animated film Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey. Introduced by Dr. Harry Kloor, writer of such television shows as Star Trek: Voyager, and Earth: Final Conflict. Dr. Kloor promises a unique and educational experience.

Based on a theory that Dr. Kloor once entertained, that photons actually surf light rays, this film centers around a character named Dave, a photon, voiced by Chris Pine, who must leave the sun and reach the Cassini Space Craft before it is destroyed.

Using actual images from space captured during seven NASA and NASA/ESA space missions, this animated three-dimensional film will be beautiful, and scientific as well. The film makers hope to attract young minds to the science of space and influence a whole new generation of space explorers. Dr. Kloor is so keen on the project that it is endorsed by NASA, the X Prize Organization, the Young Astronauts Council, the International Space University and the Challenge Center for Space Science Education.

Once the film is released in September, supporting educational material will be available for free to download on-line. This way educators and amateur scientists may achieve a deeper understanding of the science involved in the film.

Interestingly, Dr. Harry Kloor’s theory about photon surfing has since been proven to be true, making his fantasy epic even more substantial. The animation is expected to be fantastic and the musical score will include actual sounds recorded from space.

In addition to Chris Pine, other voice actors will include, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayden Christensen, James Earl Jones, William Shatner, Mark Hamill, Brent Spiner, Robert Picardo, and Doug Jones. All with serious Sci-Fi credits. But the most exciting cast member is Neil Armstrong himself, as Dr. Jack Morrow. A cinematic first for this historic space legend.

Other voice actors include Amanda Peet, Sandra Oh, Jason Alexander, Tom Kenny, Casey Kasem, and Abigial Breslin, to name a few more. Making this film an exciting, education and entertaining event to look forward to.

Comic Con Recap: Action Figures

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:28

Written by Lupe Haas

                       Toymakers Warn: The Price Of Toys Will Go Up

During the Comic-Con 2009 Toymaker Q&A, Toymakers warned that the price of Action figures will go up next year by at least $3.00 dollars per unit. One toy maker stated that production costs have gone up. What we used to pay for a ten inch figure will now only get us a six. Toolmaking and dye costs have risen, and the technology is also changing. Even the cost of raw materials has gone up. David Scroggy of Dark Horse went on to explain that many of these manufacturing increases are due to political changes in China. Overtime, the eight hour work day and other labour laws that Americans have long enjoyed are now being introduced into Asia, driving up the cost of the work force. Add in the rising figures for raw materials, price increases are unavoidable.

Scott Neitlich of Mattel, added that going green also increases costs. He went on to explain that Mattel has made a commitment to be “Green” and that the self imposed standards that they have set as a company are even higher than what is expected by the government.

Another panelists chimed in that even the rising costs of gas have impacted toy making. Most toys are manufactured in Asia and must be shipped here, and then trucked. Until our economy recovers, toys will be more expensive, there’s no way around it.

Kevin Winnick of Toys2R USA did volunteer though, that they will try to add value to their toys through creative packaging. Adding collectable components like trading cards, accessories, or packaging figures in more creative configurations will be their way of compensating the consumer for their continued patronage.

All the panelist agreed that Toy Collecting is still a relatively inexpensive hobby, and for those of us that are not collectors and just want to play with the toys, some really exciting developments are coming in the very near future. Something that will knock our socks off more than the prices.

Those of us over thirty can relate to the image of Action Figures that looked little like their motion picture counterparts. The body types were crude and limited, and it seemed like only the heads and the hair colored changed. Well, toy makers promise some really exciting changes.

Due to new technology, the definition and detail that has become available will be very exciting. And the difference between figures that stand on a shelf and toys that you play with will have a much narrower gap. The detail on vinyl images will increase dramatically and the movability of their toy counterparts will increase as well.

When asked about the errors that sometimes occur between a movie character and their actual action figure, toy makers offered several explanations. They claim that it takes about nine months to manufacture a toy, so the design process must begin very early. Sometimes, the look that they are given from pre-production meetings can change during filming and by then it is too late to change the toy. For example, in Spider Man 3 the color of the costume was changed for creative reasons during filming, but the toy maker had already designed and produced the toy. They were forced to release their toy as designed and then take the criticism for being inaccurate.

In some cases, studios are very uncooperative and toy makers are forced to get their information the same way we do, through magazines and websites. But other studios are much more sensitive to the toy maker’s plight and give full creative access. When a toy company has a good working relationship with a studio or an art director, the resulting products are much more satisfying.

With new laser scanning technologies, future action figures will look much more like the stars that play the characters. Once a toy manufacture has the licensing rights, they can create a new scan of an actor, or eventually take one from their own archives. This way the finished product will look much more like it’s motion picture counterpart.

When asked how toy makers decide which characters will become figures, they replied that some decisions are fan based and some decisions are made by the studio. However, large store chains, such as Walmart or Toys R Us influence packaging and character combinations. Their gaol is to sell and encourage repeat business, thus the creation of blind packaging, where consumers must buy over and over again, or trade, to get the character that they are missing, or want.

Ultimately though, only the fans can create a hit. And studios and toy makers do listen. So make a lot of noise and get your preferences heard. The consumer drives the business. Without us, their toys end up in the bargain bin.

Melanie Wilson reporting from San Diego Comic-Con 2009

Visit Melanie Wilson's Blog on LAMelbox.blogspot.com

Comic Con Recap: TV News

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:28

Written by Lupe Haas

As a new fan of Burn Notice, after recently receiving cable for the first time, I was disappointed at not having Jeffrey Donovan on the panel. That disappointment however, was quickly erased by the side-splitting antics of Bruce Campbell. The banter from show creator Matt Nix and Bruce Campbell kept the room in stitches. Add in the off the cuff remarks in reaction to fan questions, and you had a comedy act ready to hit the road. This was truly the most entertaining panel of the week that I attended. And the shirt was pretty cool, too! Jeffrey Donovan, I hope to see you next year.

On Set of TERMINATOR SALVATION

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:25

Written by Lupe Haas

Retiring Hannah Montana

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:22

Written by Lupe Haas

Is Miley Cyrus done with the alter ego who made her a household name?  It’s long been speculated that Miley’s online shenanigans were in an effort to break the Hannah Montana and Disney image.

In a press conference held Monday with the stars of  “Hannah Montana: The Movie," Miley set the record straight on future career goals and confirms she eventually wants to retire Hannah Montana because “she can’t live that life forever.”  But not to worry Hannah Montana fans, she is interested in another season of Hannah Montana, however that does not include shooting another feature length film. 

In the works is a project with author Nicolas Sparks (“The Notebook”) who wrote a film script with Miley in mind and the basis of a future Sparks novel.  She is looking forward to expanding her resume and showing off her true acting chops.  She made it no secret at this year’s Academy Awards during her red carpet interviews that she has her eye on the little golden statue. 

Miley has often gotten into trouble for being too outspoken and during the press conference, co-star Jason Earles (“Jackson”) confirmed what we already knew, “there is no filter with Miley” which at first got Miley in a huffy puffy mood but Jason replied by explaining that it is a “good thing” because she’s honest and true to her feelings.  Miley agreed.  Nice save Jason!

When asked what are the biggest misconceptions about the Hannah Montana star, Miley responded, “she is grateful for what she does and she doesn’t do it for attention.” She also admits that if she knew what the paparazzi were like before entering the fame game, she “probably wouldn’t be in this career.”

Seconds later, the “Hannah Montana” stars were asked what advice they have for young people wanting to come to Hollywood.  While Miley’s co-stars shelled out conservative advice like “go to school first,” “study acting,”Miley blurted out, “Be a freak, do it!”

And that’s what makes this Disney star a cut above the rest, a different type of mouseketeer unwilling to fit into the Hollywood mold.
 
“Hannah Montana:  The Movie” opens nationwide April 7th

Hollywood Premiere: Watchmen

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:21

Written by Lupe Haas

CineMovie was at the Hollywood premiere of WATCHMEN with our reporter Viviana Vigil.  Are the cast and guests ready for the Zack Snyder treatment of blood splats and nudity? 

Viviana gets to the bottom of it with the cast and guests Jon Voight, Lorenzo Lamas, Olivia Munn and many more. 

2009 Academy Award Nominees

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:19

Written by Lupe Haas

Below is a complete list of nominees for the 81st Academy Awards.  The famous Oscar will be handed out Sunday, February 22, 2009.

Performance by an actor in a leading role

• Richard Jenkins in “The Visitor” (Overture Films)
• Frank Langella in “Frost/Nixon” (Universal)
• Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
• Brad Pitt in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
• Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

• Josh Brolin in “Milk” (Focus Features)
• Robert Downey Jr. in “Tropic Thunder” (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
• Philip Seymour Hoffman in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
• Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

Performance by an actress in a leading role

• Anne Hathaway in “Rachel Getting Married” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• Angelina Jolie in “Changeling” (Universal)
• Melissa Leo in “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics)
• Meryl Streep in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

• Amy Adams in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company)
• Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax)
• Taraji P. Henson in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
• Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight)

Best animated feature film of the year

• “Bolt” (Walt Disney), Chris Williams and Byron Howard
• “Kung Fu Panda” (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount), John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

Achievement in art direction

• “Changeling” (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Peter Lando
• “The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
• “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Art Direction: Kristi Zea, Set Decoration: Debra Schutt

Achievement in cinematography

• “Changeling” (Universal), Tom Stern
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Claudio Miranda
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle

Achievement in costume design

• “Australia” (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin
• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West
• “The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Glicker
• “Revolutionary Road”  (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Albert Wolsky

Achievement in directing

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Ron Howard
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

Best documentary feature

• “The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)” (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
• “Encounters at the End of the World” (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
• “The Garden” A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
• “Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
• “Trouble the Water” (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

Best documentary short subject

• “The Conscience of Nhem En” A Farallon Films Production, Steven Okazaki
• “The Final Inch” A Vermilion Films Production, Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
• “Smile Pinki” A Principe Production, Megan Mylan
• “The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306” A Rock Paper Scissors Production, Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

Achievement in film editing

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lee Smith
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Elliot Graham
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens

Best foreign language film of the year

• “The Baader Meinhof Complex” A Constantin Film Production, Germany
• “The Class” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Haut et Court Production, France
• “Departures” (Regent Releasing), A Departures Film Partners Production, Japan
• “Revanche” (Janus Films), A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production, Austria
• “Waltz with Bashir” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel

Achievement in makeup

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O’Sullivan
• “Hellboy II: The Golden Army” (Universal), Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Alexandre Desplat
• “Defiance” (Paramount Vantage), James Newton Howard
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Danny Elfman
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Thomas Newman

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

• “Down to Earth” from “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyric by Peter Gabriel
• “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
• “O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam                  

Best motion picture of the year

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
• “Milk” (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, Producer

Best animated short film

• “La Maison en Petits Cubes” A Robot Communications Production, Kunio Kato
• “Lavatory - Lovestory” A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production, Konstantin Bronzit
• “Oktapodi” (Talantis Films), A Gobelins, L’école de l’image Production, Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
• “Presto” (Walt Disney), A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Doug Sweetland
• “This Way Up” A Nexus Production, Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes

Best live action short film

• “Auf der Strecke (On the Line)” (Hamburg Shortfilmagency), An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production, Reto Caffi
• “Manon on the Asphalt” (La Luna Productions), A La Luna Production, Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
• “New Boy” (Network Ireland Television), A Zanzibar Films Production, Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
• “The Pig” An M & M Production, Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
• “Spielzeugland (Toyland)” A Mephisto Film Production, Jochen Alexander Freydank

Achievement in sound editing

• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Richard King
• “Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Tom Sayers
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
• “Wanted” (Universal), Wylie Stateman

Achievement in sound mixing

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
• “Wanted” (Universal), Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt

Achievement in visual effects

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
• “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
• “Iron Man” (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan

Adapted screenplay

• “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Screenplay by Eric Roth, Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
• “Doubt” (Miramax), Written by John Patrick Shanley
• “Frost/Nixon” (Universal), Screenplay by Peter Morgan
• “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Hare
• “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

Original screenplay

• “Frozen River” (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Courtney Hunt
• “Happy-Go-Lucky” (Miramax), Written by Mike Leigh
• “In Bruges” (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh
• “Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
• “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac on Soul Men Soundtrack

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:15

Written by Lupe Haas

 
Authentic soul music and superstar musical performances are the consistent theme and backdrop for the side-splitting comedy, Soul Men, starring entertainment icons Bernie Mac, who passed away on August 9, and award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson.  The film also includes a cameo appearance by Isaac Hayes who died the day after Mac in unrelated circumstances.  Soul Men, directed by Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Undercover Brother, Roll, Bounce) will be released November 7, 2008 nationwide (Dimension Films/MGM) and the soundtrack will be available November 4th on legendary label Stax Records.

In his last movie performance, popular comedian Mac, Jackson and Grammy winner John Legend (who makes a special appearance in the movie) play members of a fictitious group, The Real Deal; when Marcus Hooks (Legend) leaves to pursue a successful solo career, Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac) and  Louis Hinds (Jackson) attempt to continue with dismal results.  The death of Marcus sparks a reunion between the two former soul singers who haven't spoken in twenty years; Soul Men (which also stars Sean Hayes, Jennifer Coolidge and Sharon Leal, who plays Jackson's daughter) follows the hilarious escapades of the two former partners as they finally come back together for Marcus' funeral at New York's Apollo Theater.   

Key cuts on the soundtrack include an infectious cover of the James & Bobby Purify 1966 hypnotic classic, "I'm Your Puppet" by superstar John Legend with Mac and Jackson with production by Raymond Jones (whose credits include Patti LaBelle, Chic and Stephanie Mills); "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Is In)," a new take on a rare tune originally cut by Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, reinterpreted by the inimitable Sharon Jones and produced by Dap Kings' member Bosco Mann; and rousing opening cut of Frank Fitzpatrick's  "Soul Music," performed by Anthony Hamilton and The Bo-Keys, produced by group member Scott Bomar and recorded at Willie Mitchell's Royal Studios in Memphis.

With hysterically funny scenes, including a car chase in a vehicle suitably known as ‘Muthaship', a salacious encounter between the two men and groupie mother/daughter duo, and a cameo appearance by soul star/comedienne Millie Jackson, Soul Men recreates a golden era in R&B and popular music while providing audiences with a enjoyable experience thanks to Jackson and both Mac and Hayes, whose contributions to the world of entertainment remain immeasurable.
    Tracklist:
    1.    Soul Music - Anthony Hamilton  (2:58)
    2.    I'm Your Puppet - John Legend, Bernie Mac & Samuel L. Jackson  (4:05)
    3.    Private Number - Chris Pierce & Leela James  (3:08)
    4.    Water - Meshell Ndegeocello  (3:14)
    5.    Never Can Say Goodbye - Isaac Hayes  (5:16)
    6.    Boogie Ain't Nuttin' (But Gettin' Down) - Bernie Mac & Samuel L. Jackson  (4:10)
    7.    Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings  (2:59)
    8.    Memphis Train - Ryan Shaw  (2:53)
    9.    Comfort Me - Sharon Leal  (2:32)
    10.    You Don't Know What You Mean (to a Lover Like Me) - The Sugarman 3 featuring Lee Fields  (3:30)
    11.    I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do) - Eddie Floyd  (2:44)
    12.    Do Your Thing - Bernie Mac, Samuel L. Jackson & Sharon Leal  (13:54)

Soul Men, the movie:  www.soulmen-movie.com.

Brangelina's Trip to New York

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:14

Written by Lupe Haas

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt step out together for the first time since having the twins for the CHANGELING premiere in New York last week.  The Brangelinas took time to mingle with the fans and some lucky ones even got an autograph and more.  

Changeling opens October 24 in limited theaters.

Fans meet Zac Efron and cast of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:12

Written by Lupe Haas

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2008) – A thousand lucky screaming fans were surprised when stars from “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”— Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale, Olesya Rulin, KayCee Stroh, Chris Warren Jr., Ryne Sanborn, Justin Martin, Matt Prokop and Jemma McKenzie-Brown and Director Kenny Ortega— showed up to cheer them on as they participated in the Ultimate Fan Pep Rally, an event which included an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming film and sing-a-longs with the previous "High School Musical" movies.

For more, watch video from the event.  

Remakes / Sequels

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:11

Written by Lupe Haas

The classic disaster 70's movie 'Earthquake' and one famous barbarian ("Conan") are headed back to the big screen and a Spideman spinoff is in the works.  

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Movie Premiere: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:11

Written by Lupe Haas

CineMovie.TV went into hyperdrive at the Hollywood premiere of the first animated Star Wars feature, "Star Wars: The Clone Wars".  Anabell reports from the red carpet complete with stormtroopers and R2D2.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars opens August 15.

Comic Con Photo Gallery

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:10

Written by Lupe Haas

Comic Con International 2008 sold out for the first time ever in it's 38 year history. Not just for fanboys, families and women filled the San Diego Convention Center this past weekend, some in full costume in honor of their favorite movie character.

Popular costumes included the Joker, Stormtroopers, Spiderman and Jedi Knights.  Below are more samplings of costumes and highlights.

Post your own Comic Con report. 

Super Bagnas Family from San Diego		The Incredibles Family from San Diego
The Dark Side visits Comic Con		Chewbacca's Cousin
Predatory Behavior		Spiderman's Nemesis
Goth Dolls Jane and Teresa (San Diego)		Terminators play nice
30 Days of Night Vampire		Arizona Ghostbusters
Girls Just Wanna Dress Up		Zombie Hulk and Storm
Holly Golightly & Shara as Crypt Chick		Silver Plated Hero
Spandex Galore		Promotion Stunt for horror flick    Quarantine
Winner for unique promotion of a show		Eureka star Colin Ferguson hands                         out ice cream
		Boys and their Toys
Ward Bergan (LA) & John Chew (Philly)		Toy Story
Predator Figurines		Quantam Solace star Austin Martin

Igor

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:08

Written by INMX

IGOR

"Igor" is an animated comedy that brings a new twist to the classic monster genre. In a mysterious land of evil scientists and diabolical inventions, one lowly hunch-backed lab assistant dreams of becoming a scientist himself and winning the annual Evil Science Fair.

Voices by John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, Jay Leno, and Jennifer Coolidge.

Release Date:  September 19, 2008 USA

Official Movie Site 

Movie Reviews & Trailer: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:08

Written by Lupe Haas

Comic and Video Games Adaptations

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Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 November 2013 05:07

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