'Skyfall' Underwater

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'Iron Sky' Featurette

Everybody speaks English. We don't speak other languages, but around the world, everybody speaks English.




















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'The Master' Reel

Worth noting how you can't take you eyes off this. How, from second to second, it's fresh and captivating. How none of it seems to have been done before.





















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Good (Whatever That Means Anymore) And A Bit Tedious

Another Paranormal? #4? Okay (deep breath). Still, the quality is there, however what is 'the quality' anymore? First thing I notice is how you start to wonder just how there's a camera everywhere.

I know -- they build it into the plot. Security cams, laptop cams, phone cams, eyeglasses cams, you name it. Cameras everywhere. But, that doesn't explain all the footage, or feels like it doesn't (which is just as bad). And, even if it's plausible that a camera could capture such goings on I still find myself thinking, 'Really? That was caught on video? That. That's going on and someone's running around (or running for their life) capturing every moment on video?'

Shot after shot I'm taken out of the moment, which has to be a bad sign. The conceit beats you over the head. (And, yes, I have footage to prove it. It's kinda shaky but you can make out what's going on).

So...this trailer. Good, but very been there. Nice, but so what. Production value is good but, considering it's supposed to be 'regular everyday nothing special', how good could the production value be?

And, what ever happened to going to the movies to see dressed up, made up actors in far away lands and exotic locations? How long can we pay to see grainy shaky video of the inside of someone's house? It's someone's damned house. We leave the house to go to the movies to see a technically lousy flick about what goes on inside someone's house.

Look -- I got a ghost in my house. Scary! Gimme ten bucks and you can take a tour.

You gotta figure the found-footage thing is running out of steam. Perhaps by some miracle this flick will do such poor business we won't get another. Thing is, with rock-bottom production costs, and no-name casts, it would have to do horrible business. The movie could make six figures and still be profitable. However, it won't make six figures, it'll make eight or nine figures. Hell, maybe even ten.

It would seem we're stuck in the found-footage cycle. And, the cruel irony? We can only blame ourselves.

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Nice Rhythm, Good Pacing, Effective Editing

And the dialogue doesn't beat you over the head.

Get More:
Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

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Latest Weenie Clip. This Creeps Me Out

I know it's a kid's movie but it's so good. I get chills. Ooh, the suspense.


















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(Heavy Sigh) 'Stoker'

From the first voice-over from (the new sharp, penetrating, yeah I'm talking to you) Nicole Kidman to each clean visual cut just so, and sound effect that sets you on edge, this trailer is no less than captivating.

It's a safe bet the script by Wentworth Miller and Erin Cressida Wilson is rock solid but the real draw is the direction by Chan-wook Park (Oldboy, Thirst). There's more fresh camera technique in this short trailer than is found in most full-length movies.

'Impressive' doesn't cut it. This is a home run.

Must-see, must-own Blu-ray, must watch again and again. 


























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Your Morning Weenie

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'When The Game Is Over, The Fun Begins'

I like this one.

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Is This Actually Funny And Engaging? Is It?

How often does a trailer for a dramedy come along that actually makes you want to see the movie? After watching this I feel like I know these people and want to find out what happens in the movie. By what magic did they accomplish that? Oh, yeah -- good writing, acting, and directing. Forgot about those things. Been a while.

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'Looper' Clips

Thank god a movie like this comes along once or twice a year.





These two have been around a while.






















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'Frankenweenie' Clips

How can people stay away?

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Which 'Cloud Atlas' To See

The movie is like 3 hours long, so can we pick which stories we want to see? For me, it's a toss up between these two:

And, the one I absolutely don't want to see is the wacky professor/haunted mansion bit.

There's 4 more if you're interested

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Nice 'Pi' Banner

I looked for a bigger version but couldn't find one. From Cine1

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So, This Robot Walks Into A Bar, And...Stop Me If You've Heard This One

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Take-My-Money

The Fanmade Posters for 'Looper' have been excellent. The best I can remember. People love this flick.

This one is by Zach Johnson. I'd love to have this one.

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New (Animated) Trailer for 'Looper'

Fun. Easy to watch. Nice piano.

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Great Trailer

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Django Goes Up Against This?

Who would want to see a Tarantino flick on X-mas day anyway? And, not just any Tarantino movie but one about a slave (a Western on X-mas?) who sets out to kill a bunch of (white) people in order to get his wife back? I mean, the family is in town for that once-a-year visit and you're going to see a shoot 'em up? That opening date may bite back.

Meanwhile, 'Les Misérables' is looking better all the time. Django may end up relegated to 'rent-when-get-around-to' status.

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Low-Confidence Trailer for 'Code Name: Geronimo'

This plays flat. Very flat. Flattened might be an apt description. Plus, at 2:40 seconds, the trailer is too long and it sketches almost the entire plot -- bad signs, weak approach.

However, there's more to this. Harvey Weinstein may be using the flick simply to fuel the Obama campaign and he may not care that the property might come in a distant second to Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal's 'Zero Dark Thirty' which is due in December. This from IndieWire:

In the meantime, Weinstein is riding the momentum of a Spring that saw his Cannes 2011 pick-up “The Artist” win the best picture prize at the Oscars and his Tribeca 2011 pick-up “Bully” snowball into a national cause, anti-bullying legislation and a high-profile White House screening. At the time, he was quoted as saying, "This is an incredible turn of events and shows that art can have a transcending effect.”

So why not use a movie to help win Obama the presidency?

At a Cannes party late Wednesday night, Voltage Pictures’ Zev Foreman, a producer of “Geronimo,” claimed that the John Stockwell-directed movie could easily be ready by the end of summer. Meaning, the Weinstein Co. could promote and release it right through the fall campaign and up through the vote in early November.

While no decision on a release date has yet been made, Foreman notes, “Harvey’s a big supporter of Obama, so I think I know what he’s going to do.” A pre-election release would have the added benefit of stealing some of the thunder from Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal’s SEAL Team 6 movie, “Zero Dark Thirty,” which is currently scheduled for December.

Fine, but as entertainment, judging from this trailer, 'Code Name: Geronimo' is one to skip. The rest, I suppose, depends on the CN:G release date which is October in Brazil, November in Italy, but no set date for the U.S.




















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"They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To"

Did you catch the trailer? I don't see this doing a lot at the box office, but it should be good as a rental and on TV, etc.

Very 50s\60s feel here, which clearly is what they're going for considering the age of the cast. Great look. Nice.

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International Trailer for 'Life of Pi'

Wow
















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'The Details' Looks Like a Good Time

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Hand-Drawn Re-Animated Frankenweenie Puppy! Yes!

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Hard Not To Like

Hits all the right marks.

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Great Making-Of Singing-Of Featurette for 'Les Misérables'

A great flick to watch with the family over the holidays. Musicals are iffie but 'Les Misérables' could score.























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When You Hear The Explosion...Start Counting

You got to admit, this works. I think they managed to instill 'Taken 2' with enough spikey moments to hook an audience and boost word-of-mouth. Should do well into its 3rd and 4th weekends.

Remarkably, Neeson sells this. The guy flat delivers. Had not thought much of this until this clip

Nicely written, nicely executed. Fun, engaging -- you can't ask for much more from a movie like this.

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I'm Not Afraid Of You Or Your Evil Kind!

'Beautiful Creatures'...nice title. Reminiscent of 'Heavenly Creatures'. Seems to be some striking and high-end visuals. Story looks to have a spine as well. So? Well...this kind of thing, targeted to kids, usually doesn't have that stuff. Why? Cause why go to the trouble? Kids gobble it up and ask questions later, except they don't ask questions.

Also, check the cast: Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum -- just a cut above, which, when you think about it, is another thing you don't need, not really, for this kind of movie. Kids just don't care who's in it, what actors play what roles. Not really.

Directed by Richard LaGravenese, who strives mightily. Could be worth catching. Coming February 13 so it's not like there will be a lot of classy competition.

























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Classy? No. But, it Works.

Trailer for 'The Collection' rolled out yesterday. Looked like typical torture porn with nothing to set it apart from the pack so I didn't pay much attention. Today though, we get a poster and, while not the most elegant imagery, it does work on its own level. It also makes clear the central premise, and, there is an aesthetic appeal, if not what you'd call 'beauty'.

I even like the tagline: Every great collector has a vision.

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'Frankenweenie' Clip

What I notice is how watchable this is. Being in black and white usually feels odd -- you always miss the color, at least a little. Not so with 'Frankenweenie'. It just 'looks' right without color.

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Red Band Trailer for 'Sinister'

I liked this one from the first. Great trailer. One of the best I've seen for a horror movie. Getting stellar reviews.

Must-see.





















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Asian Poster for 'Looper'

Everything for this movie works. Another good poster.

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Voicing/Stop-Motion Making-Of Featurette for 'Frankenweenie'

Worth a few minutes of your day






















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Story Behind 'The Sessions'

Photo by Liz Hafalia/SF Chronicle

This from the SF Chronicle write-up of January 10, 2011 about sex surrogate Cheryl Cohen-Greene (pictured, who is played by Helen Hunt in 'The Sessions') about her work with Mark O'Brien:

• "He told me nobody had ever touched him other than to bathe him, dress him or do a medical procedure. He said that he felt like he was on the outside of a fine restaurant, looking in the window. Everybody in there is having a feast, but he'll never be able to taste that food."

Here's an interview with Hunt from TIFF.



A poem by O'Brien.

The pay is lousy,
no vacations or sick leave,
and the compliments …
You’d rather do without them.

On the plus side, you’re exempt from military service,
get to watch lots of TV
and pay half price at the movies.

They’re out there, my public, dying to ask me what happened to you,
wondering how I pee
and using me as proof

that God is just
and punishes only the wicked.

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Shocking! Jennifer Aniston Security Cam Video Leaked! More Exclamation Points To Follow!

I. Did. Not. Know. That.

















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Another New Poster for 'Argo'

More conventional than the first poster, which rolled out yesterday.

I like the 'live TV coverage' look. Smart. People don't want to see 'history' they want to see something that happened and was covered on TV. The Hollywood sign is a nice touch. Sells it. Good graphic.

Opens October 12 against 'Seven Psychopaths' and 'Taken 2' in its 2nd week. 'Argo' could take the top spot.

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'Smiley' Set To Rake

With over 16,000,000 views of the trailer at YouTube this looks like it will be a hit.

Set for an October 11 release. I love Keith David in this.




















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70s-Vibe ' Poster for 'Argo'

Film grain look, and, well, 35mm film strip complete with sprocket holes. Nice color scheme -- the blue-tinted black and white highlighted by the red strip (also B&W) has just the right level of contrast and is a good blend of hot mixed with cool.

The thing that sets this poster apart is its generic-ness. Its design doesn't stand out, and I'm thinking this might be on purpose. There's such a pointed run-of-the-mill 70s feel it's just so, and carefully so. As if the poster is trying to be 'nothing special', not that noticeable, regular and not worthy of special commentary or consideration, which would be thematic, yes?

I like the tagline which is both a tad hokey (but in a good way) and serious: The movie was fake. The mission was real.

A nice first outing.

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Clip from 'End of Watch'

I think this is the first real look at editing. High energy, but you don't get lost, can always tell how you're oriented, which isn't the case with a lot of action sequences.

Camera technique never takes you out of the moment or draw attention to itself.


















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'End of Watch' Featurette

The more I see the more I like it.























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Apparently Secret International Trailer for 'The Sessions'

One of those stories that, if pitched to a studio exec by a writer, would be too stupid to consider. However, if true, based on something that actually happened, the same story, the same pitch, is practically magical. 'The Sessions' is shaping up to be one of the best movies to come along in a long time.

Trailer is fantastic. Deep character, good arc, almost a mini movie, all in a couple minutes. Don't know where it's been hiding for the last two days but, no matter.

Click play.



















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Spanish Poster for 'Killing Them Softly'

Again with the American flag but, hey, I like this take better than the last one which had that made-for-TV feel. This one has more of a, hmm let's see, 'straight-to-video' look...

This stupid campaign. Can't wait for the movie but the posters are killing me...softly.

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New Trailer for 'Citadel' Stops Beating Around The Bush

I've ignored this. Earlier trailers were all atmosphere. Not a bad thing, necessarily, but I didn't sense quite enough was there.

New trailer works. Getting good reviews. Really, they're great. One to catch.




















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New 'Looper' Posters

The fanmade posters have been great. Here's a new one along with one by Mondo.  From the production blog

 

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New Poster for 'V/H/S'

Hard not to like that.

more

















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"Shall We Stop This Bleeding"

Posters have left me cold. Stills haven't charmed. I've wondered whether anyone would want to see 'Lincoln'. This trailer, though, is so lush, so rich, it topples doubt and dismantles skepticism.

Yes, all the Spielberg markers are present -- the smooth camera technique, the usual excellent production value, etc. -- but here they seem fresh. Imagery is vibrant, alive. Sets impress despite that we've seen such spectacle time and time again. The music of John Williams is as familiar as ever but renewed (if not reinvented), and fitting, moving. And, of course, the performances...really, as focused as you'd expect and there's no surprise in that, but it strikes me there is more here. Why that might be is anyone's guess, but it caught me off guard.

This trailer is so enticing. It doesn't try, doesn't attempt to sell -- it promises. I don't believe anyone will go into the theater with fingers crossed, hoping the movie delivers, as is so often the case this time of year with one glossy campaign after another for movies that don't quite live up to the hype.

With this trailer, 'Lincoln' would seem to be a sure thing. I suppose, though, it's more correct to say, "'Lincoln' is a sure thing."

I'm betting folks will be swept away.




















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Lovely, Simply Lovely Trailer for 'The Details'

It's like somebody decided to make movies again.


















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So Hard To Say No

Come on. With Pacino, Walken, and Arkin how can you say no? Really?

I like the reveal at the end.




















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Poster and VFX Making-of Featurette for 'After'

Here's the trailer which seems to try too hard but seems fun at the same time.



What really sells me, though, is this featurette. I'm liking what I'm seeing.




















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Poster for 'Mama'

If you haven't seen the trailer (and the short the movie is based on, directed by Andres Muschietti), they're great. Must-see.

More stills and hi-def trailer at Apple.

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Totally Wow Must-See Trailer for Guillermo del Toro Produced 'Mama'

What a creepshow. Produced by Guillermo del Toro. With Jessica Chastain and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.


Based on the short film by Andres Muschietti, 'Mamá'. Here's a clip (or maybe it's the entire short, I'm not sure). Very impressive directing/camera. Check the hand placement on the rail at 1:06 and how the camera frames it -- not an accident. The steady shot down the stairs is good work. Muschietti did a great job working with kids, getting compelling performances from them. The girl's entrance is one of the creepiest visuals I've seen.



Very well done. I don't even care about most efforts. They're not scary, have no spine, are not engaging. This, however, hits the mark. Good, good stuff. Wow. Yes. Waiting. 'Mama' will be one to see and Muschietti is one to watch for.

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Japanese Poster for 'Frankenweenie'

I like this. We haven't seen this rendition.

I don't remember seeing this character in a trailer or poster.

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Over-The-Top

Well... At least Burton didn't pull his punches. Funny, creepy, actually gets to you. I like it.



















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New Poster for 'The Impossible' Much More Hollywood Than Spanish Version

A while back this Spanish version rolled out.

I thought it was noteworthy that the actors' faces couldn't be seen, saying:

• No faces are visible, making the selling point strictly story-centric as opposed to star-oriented. These are regular people caught in terrible circumstances who struggle for survival. There is an unmistakeable emphasis on light from above, which denotes influence of fate or the divine. This element, perhaps, will resonate more with Latino audiences than it would the average American and probably won't be seen in US posters.

Sure enough, in the US poster the faces are seen though, to be fair, the actors' names are de-emphasized and the focus is still on the family and survival rather than the actors involved. The 'heavenly' light from above is gone as well. No surprise there -- that element wouldn't work on a domestic poster.

Pretty good graphic, but not very dynamic.





















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Bad Photoshop

The campaign for 'Trouble with the Curve' hasn't caught fire. Bad posters aren't helping. I'm not sure how an ad or pr firm would think we wouldn't see the poor Photoshop work in this. It just doesn't do much to stir up interest. In fact, it has the opposite effect. This says 'this movie wasn't worth our best effort so here's a placekeeper dud to stare at'.

The lighting in the stadium and on the people doesn't match. The shadows cast by the people are fake. Amy Adams left hand has been moved, the ground beneath the characters' feet is out of focus but their shoes are in focus, etc.

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Bad School Food vs. 'Cafeteria Man'

Worth a look.

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Easy to Watch Trailer for 'Smashed'

Not preachy, heavy, plodding -- who would have thought.

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Clips from 'Hyde Park on Hudson'

Reviews are a bit mixed but this seems very enjoyable. Stately, paced, well put together. Really, everything I've seen works as, I'd assume, intended. So, how can you find fault. If it's not your cup of tea, well, skip it. If it is, looks like it delivers.

A good rental, family TV night.

























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Clips from Anna Karenina

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'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' TV Spot

I've liked this from the get-go.






















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Poster for 'A Late Quartet'

We just got the first trailer. Here's the first poster.

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Poster for 'Rust and Bone'

Liking this more with each clip, trailer, poster, whatever.

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Tell Me What You See Clip From 'The Master'

Joaquin Pheonix just rules here. Wow, nice job. Great music. Can't wait.

Seriously, if people are around, turn the volume off (not down, off) or use headphones.





















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'A Late Quartet' Clip/Trailer

So tough to tell on this one. I always cringe when actors portray classical musicians -- the fake playing...

Still, lots of headroom for drama here. A very heavy-duty cast. Love these guys. Anything with Keener has an appeal and Walken, well...

I'm in wait-and-see mode, but this looks like TV/cable/rental night. Good, great, whatever, but not a commercial zinger. If I'm wrong, fantastic.






















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Stylish, Unrushed, Lush Yet Restrained Clip from 'Byzantium'

And, what else would you expect from Neil Jordan.

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So Far, Everyone Agrees

Getting great reviews. Really good -- rare good. Yeah, I wanna see it too.

from the blog

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'Looper' B-Roll

Easier to watch than most. Worth a look.















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Lego 'Looper' Poster

Fan posters for this have been probably the best I've seen.

production blog

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Must See Trailer for Nick Cassevetes' 'Yellow'

Love Cassavetes. 'She's So Lovely' was very strong. One of my favorites.

Trailer is very easy to watch. With Lucy Punch, Ray Liotta, Sienna Miller, Max Thieriot, David Morse, Melanie Griffith, Gena Rowlands -- great cast.




















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"I Know I Know It" Trailer for 'Cloud Atlas'

Halle Berry's intro doesn't quite catch a spark. In her defense, though, I get that 'We're in a movie. A big fat super-deep, way dramatic, ultra-meaningful movie.' vibe from all the actors.

Trailer in general, while visually lavish, yes, leaves me...what's the word? A bit cold, a bit numb, weary. I'm certainly not looking forward to the (164 minute) movie. With previews that would be over 3 hours. Add getting ready, round-trip drive, parking, lines, etc., and it's cringe-inducing. That's an entire afternoon. Not looking good at this point.

The kind of movie I tend to catch, on disc, over a period of a week or two, a few minutes at a time.

Curious to hear the TIFF reaction.




















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Poster for 'Argo' very Star Wars-ish

On the wall between Goodman and Arkin -- certainly bears a resemblance to the original 'Star Wars' poster. That would make a nice addition to the collection. I'm sure that's the only one.

via ToH




















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New Trailer for 'Taken 2'

"I have to...make sure these people never bother us again."

So, 'Taken 3' will have new bad guys?



















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Poster/Trailer for Barry Levinson's Environmental Horror 'The Bay'

That poster works, trailer looks good. Lot of potential.

Some of the concept art. Coming November 2.
























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50s-Style 'Frankenweenie' Trailer Thingy

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Latest Pitch for 'Rust and Bone' (De rouille et d'os)

Have you seen this?























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My My Trailer for 'Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters'

Surprised by just how good this looks.



















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(English) Trailer for 'The Suicide Shop'

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