MoovyBoovy

Netflix One-Ups HBO with 'Orange is the New Black'

2012-02-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

Usually, these announcements don't get a lot of traction, but the mention at Bloomberg about Netflix planning a comedy series, 'Orange is the New Black', based on Piper Kerman's memoir subtitled 'My Year in a Women's Prison' is different. Netflix is going head-to-head with HBO with the roll out of 'Lilyhammer' with Steven Van Zandt (yes, from HBO's 'The Sopranos'), and the gearing up of the David Fincher produced political thriller 'House of Cards' starring Kevin Spacey.

Neither 'Lilyhammer' nor 'House of Cards' resonated with me -- not sure the reason. But, with this third original series, it's hard to ignore the Netflix surge. While the other shows certainly seem okay, should be fun, there's something about 'The New Black' that sets it apart. Maybe it's because it's an established property, a memoir that's gotten plenty of notice. Maybe it's because it's a true story about spending over a year in a minimum security facility on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Maybe it's that title -- so cool, so 'I'm fucked, so I might as well take notes'. Whatever it is, you know off the bat this will have good energy, will be able to sustain itself from one episode to the next. I mean, you'd have to really botch this to make it boring.

Series like this, that run over a period of 10-30 episodes, are the new TV. Not only is production value very high -- often better than feature films in both the look and story/screenwriting -- but it's becoming more possible to watch anyplace/anytime on phones or slates, etc., via wi-fi or even 4G, or at home, at your convenience, on that new 80-inch TV. This is good for me as I don't bother with seeing movies at the theater anymore -- increasingly, the trend these days. In the time it takes to get ready, drive to the theater, find parking, stand in line, stand in line again, sit through commercials and trailers, watch a movie (that you paid at least ten bucks for), then drive back home, I can stream a high-quality one-hour episode of 'The New Black' or something like it online at a fraction of the cost, then get a snack and settle in for another episode (I love to watch two or three in a row). 'Click and Watch' is the only way.

I just dig that cover, those orange shoes, that title. There's a very cool story here -- something that's actually worth my time. Looking forward to the Netflix slate. Will be there.

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Trailer for Halle Berry's 'Dark Tide'

2012-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

I think I like the teaser better:

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Red Band Trailer for 'Friends with Kids'

2012-02-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

Featurette for 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'

2012-02-14T14:32:00.001-08:00

2nd Clip from Pixar's 'La Luna'

2012-02-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

New App Streams Time/Warner Cable Content to Your Mac or PC

2012-02-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Content delivery continues its evolution to 'click and watch' anything, anywhere.

From Cnet:

The new app lets cable (and data) subscribers stream live TV to their Mac or Windows PC while in the home.

The app's features include "Live TV" of a limited number of channels, a seven-day program guide, control of the set-top box (to watch on the TV screen) and the PC (to watch on the computer screen), DVR management, and a search function.

Okay, you have to be in your home to view the content, but it's a step. Shouldn't be long before you can watch this stuff anywhere, especially with 4G going in most big cities. Couldn't be happier. It's about time.

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Aniston/Rudd Talk 'Wanderlust' and Stuff in GQ March

2012-02-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Get a sneak peek and see more pics.

Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd Cover GQ

2012-02-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

For the March 2012 issue which, I assume, will go wide in time for the Feb. 24 release of 'Wanderlust' which the two star in.

For purists, here it is without text.

Trailer for '96 Minutes'

2012-02-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a bit from the review in Variety:

Despite the over-familiarity of its once-trendy time-tripping plot structure, "96 Minutes" maintains a brisk pace and generates a satisfying degree of suspense with its credibly contrived tale of disparate lives forever changed by a violent carjacking. Pic also boasts strong performances by well-cast up-and-comers, though its lack of star power, per se, likely will limit theatrical prospects. On the other hand, high-profile TV and film credits of some players may attract the interest of vid renters and cable viewers.Working from her own script, first-time feature helmer Aimee Lagos displays a talent for brisk character definition and a sharp eye for class and racial divides. Better still, she has a deft way of keeping things coherent while juggling subplots and timeframes.

New Poster for '96 Minutes'

2012-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Here's the old one:

2nd Featurette for 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance'

2012-02-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

This movie is looking better all the time. Usually don't do this genre, don't care much for superheroes or the ilk, but I may end up buying this...on Blu-Ray.

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Hitler's 'Iron Sky' Rant

2012-02-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

'John Carter' Trailer/Featurette

2012-02-13T11:35:00.001-08:00

With a few seconds new footage, some comments.

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Watch First 5 Minutes of Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

2012-02-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

Dumbed-Down International Poster for 'Act of Valor'

2012-02-13T10:44:00.001-08:00

I've gone on about how, usually, foreign posters for US movies are better than the domestic versions. This new UK poster for 'Act of Valour', however, just doesn't cut it. It's like Marketing thinks the British don't know who/what Navy Seals are. Judging from this imagery you'd think they were comic book or video game characters that fight evil.

Cliché explosion, helicopter, and rising sun in the background -- this imagery sells the movie as a stock action flick with ludicrous action and disposable characters, perhaps from the 80s -- very much like a video game.

While the graphics sell by-the-numbers smash-em-up action, the tag: "This is no game" and the word 'real' (used four times) beat us over the head with the fact the movie takes a vérité approach. The only thing missing from "Featuring real-life Navy Seals" is an exclamation point and the declaration: "You must see this movie! The action is real (not like in a video game but with flashy explosions like the one in the poster) and spectacular!" All things considered, a clunky, obvious, and confused effort.

For once, the US version is more subdued, has a better layout, shows more thematic focus and, perhaps, is more respectful of the guys that actually carry out Seal missions.

Trailer for 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'

2012-02-13T10:01:00.000-08:00

(Red Band) Clips from 'The Raid'

2012-02-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

Movie delivers.

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Making Glenn Close into Albert Nobbs

2012-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hollywood makeup guy Matthew Mungle talks turning Glenn Close into a man for 'Albert Nobbs'.

Betsy Sharkey Reviews 'The Vow'

2012-02-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

From LAT:

"The problems start with a very lopsided script that keeps the synapse-crossed lovers too unbalanced too much of the time. With the screenplay credit split four ways to include the director, Jason Katims, Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, you feel their separate sensibilities fighting for control."

Gwyneth Paltrow Covers Harper's Bazaar

2012-02-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

She's been doing a lot of these lately. She's pretty good at it.

Here's the cover:

More shots and an interview

Clip from 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance'

2012-02-10T10:54:00.001-08:00

More Ghost Rider Spirit of Vengeance Videos

New Poster for 'The Raid'

2012-02-10T10:15:00.000-08:00

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New Edit for 'The Raid' Trailer

2012-02-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

One of those flicks you could tell right away would be snapped up by Hollywood and, sure enough, Sony Screen Gems announced a few days ago it has the remake in pre-production with Brad Ingelsby penning the script. The property is rumored to become a franchise with a sequel said to be in the works.

This type movie is perfect for Hollywood to tackle and I'm betting the remake will be as good or better.

'The Raid' is directed by Gareth Evans, who is one to watch -- he shoots action with smooth virtuosity. New trailer plays better than the first, which seemed a hodgepodge of fragmented action. This one has good throughline and character.

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Must See Trailer for 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World'

2012-02-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

The thing this flick has is that 'what's going to happen next' energy. If you care at all, if this story connects with you on any level, you have to know -- how's it going to end? What's the twist? There must be a snappy ending, a surprise, something worth it all. There must.

Trailer spools out with confidence. I don't think I've ever been as impressed by Steve Carell or Keira Knightley. They just click in this.

I put the poster up a couple days ago.

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Watch the Oscar Nominated Animated Short 'The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore'

2012-02-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

This from the producer's Vimeo page:

Inspired, in equal measures, by Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books, “Morris Lessmore” is a story of people who devote their lives to books and books who return the favor. Morris Lessmore is a poignant, humorous allegory about the curative powers of story. Using a variety of techniques (miniatures, computer animation, 2D animation) award winning author/ illustrator William Joyce and Co-director Brandon Oldenburg present a new narrative experience that harkens back to silent films and M-G-M Technicolor musicals. “Morris Lessmore” is old fashioned and cutting edge at the same time.

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” is one of five animated short films that will be considered for outstanding film achievements of 2011 in the 84th Academy Awards ®.

Film Awards Won by “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”To date, “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” film has drummed up fans all over the world taking home the following awards:
· Cinequest Film Fest: Best Animated Short
· Palm Springs International ShortFest: Audience Favorite Award
· SIGGRAPH: Best in Show

Written by William Joyce who shares directing credit with Branden Oldenburg.

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New Clips from 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance'

2012-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

We got this one yesterday, maybe the day before, but it's fun -- in case you haven't seen it:

This one hit today. I like how, at :10, the guy with the shotgun just stands there. You know -- a flaming motorcycle being ridden by a skeleton (a flaming skeleton) just landed in front of you, and you just stand there? Maybe he's waiting to stop peeing in his pants before running away.

Also interesting -- the skull motif in the engine design, at :12 (used as the still in the video player).

This has been around a while. It's the chase scene with with Idris Elba -- if you haven't seen it, worth a look:

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Watch Nine Sugar-Coated Minutes from 'This Means War'

2012-02-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

If you didn't hear Fox moved the opening for 'This Means War' from Tuesday Feb. 14 to Friday Feb. 17, but will still give a sneak preview on Tuesday (2/14). Okay...not good. However, according to Fox vp of distribution Chris Aronson, "Word of mouth is great on this movie..." and this move "...gives people more time to talk about it." Got it.

Here's Fox's code red crash-cart effort to give us something to talk about until the 2/14 sneak and while the movie doesn't play on 2/15 and 2/16.

Yeah...that doesn't help. Kinda like sugar-coated James Bond, if James Bond was a one-hour TV show from the 80s or 90s. I'll take the nine minutes, guess what the rest of the flick has going on, call it a done deal, and get on with my life. Thanks anyway.

New TV Trailer for 'John Carter'

2012-02-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not really keeping up with these but I think there's a couple seconds new footage.

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Just Who is Tobin Frost? Latest 'Safe House' Trailer/Ditty

2012-02-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

Totally Wow! Trailer for 'Iron Sky'

2012-02-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

This movie was produced through crowd source funding? Hollywood should be embarrassed. Trailer rocks. Director Timo Vuorensola shoots and scores.

Did I mention Hollywood should be embarrassed?

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Clip from Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

2012-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

There's a jink here and there that wouldn't make it into most big-budget movies, but that's part of the charm, part of what makes this play real. Really, the fly that buzzes around in the middle of this clip would ruin the take in a movie with a more conventional feel. Here, that fly enhances the 'you-are-there' feel. Considering the whole LA Rampart thing, it's appropriate.

Ice Cube's vérité acting technique helps. I love that Harrelson struggles to keep a straight face after shooing the fly away. Clip clicks, vibrates with life. Looking forward. Must see.

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Ultra-Sharp Trailer for 'The Bourne Legacy'

2012-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Have to admit, a bit gutsy for an American trailer, refreshing. The evolution of Jeremy Renner's character, starting as a beat up and shaken hardly recognizable guy, to the sharp-eyed Aaron Cross is effective -- loads up backstory with little dialogue and strong visuals. I especially like, at :40, the doctor looking at Cross' hand saying 'that healed quick'. You gotta wonder.

If the movie plays as well as this trailer we're in for another evolution in the action genre. What Matt Damon accomplished in the first films -- the distance he put between himself and the conventions of previous action/spy flicks -- Jeremy Renner does the same here. Great action, deep character. The franchise sets the bar higher (again). Not bad.

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Poster for 'The Bourne Legacy'

2012-02-08T10:12:00.001-08:00

Very, very nice.

Poster for 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World'

2012-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

I'm going out on a limb -- this will be great. People will love this. May not rake at the box office -- might, but probably not -- but will be well done, appreciated.

Great poster. One of the best US posters I've seen. Manages to be character-centric and, along with that cute and on-the-nose title, serves up the plot in a nutshell.

For the detail-oriented, here's the synopsis:

As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.

Lorene Scafaria (who acted in 'Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist' and 'The Nines'), makes her directorial debut. With Steve Carell and Keira Knightley -- perfect, couldn't be better. I see nothing but a charming, engaging film.

The tag "Nice knowing you" puts a tidy bow on the package.

Poster for Nacho Vigalondo's 'Extraterrestrial'

2012-02-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

"The Woody Allen of Science Fiction" -- Trailer for Nacho Vigalondo's 'Extraterrestrial'

2012-02-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

I'm watching this thinking 'this looks like a Woody Allen flick with spaceships' and up pops Jason Reitman's quote "The Woody Allen of Science Fiction".

Perhaps must-see for any cinephile who seeks respectability.

TRAILER EXTRATERRESTRE (English subtitles) from Arsenico / Sayaka Producciones on Vimeo.

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New Trailer for 'The Amazing Spider-Man'

2012-02-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

I've looked closely and can't find the sense of camp that this franchise usually doles out. I might watch this one.

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New Trailer and Poster for 'Apart'

2012-02-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

I'm liking this campaign. One of those stories you can chew on, however, the plot may be all smoke a mirrors, more of an intellectual examination of a fanciful 'what-if' conceit than anything, and may not resonate with an audience.

Here's the poster.

Ghostly imagery.

Trailer is hard to get a grasp on, has eerie visuals (that seem to try too hard), holds your interest, and there's a fairly obvious clue as to what's going in the last couple seconds.

If the movie works it should be entertaining. If not, it'll just be frustrating.

Scorpion Beer -- The Official Beer of Armando Alvarez and 'Casa de mi Padre'

2012-02-06T14:43:00.000-08:00

Si. I would like a Scorpion Beer!

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Trailer for 'The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh'

2012-02-06T11:40:00.001-08:00

Poster for 'The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh'

2012-02-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

This one may be worth following. I hear there's some high quality post-production going on. Here's the synopsis:

The film, "tells the story of an antiques collector who inherits a house from his estranged mother only to discover that she had been living in a shrine devoted to a mysterious cult of angels. Soon, he comes to suspect that his mother’s oppressive spirit still lingers within her home and is using items in the house – especially statues of angels – to contact him with an urgent message."

I like this poster.

Super Bowl Trailer for 'Battleship'. Is This The Same Movie?

2012-02-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

Is this trailer for the same movie as the first trailer was? First trailer came off stock and cartoonish. With questionable CGI and sterile action it was generally laughed at and bloggers cringed at what this flick might turn out to be.

This Super Bowl spot, though, clicks.

By the :05 mark we see the new focus -- people in harm's way. A kid, sitting in the family car stuck in traffic, calmly watches as an alien projectile heads straight for him. The projectile strikes, burrowing deep into the freeway, wreaking havoc, tossing vehicles. Luckily, our little boy survives, wide-eyed. The message is clear: The threat is to us, not to ships made of steel, and the effect is we care. All within five seconds. These people mean business.

It doesn't stop there. Next, at sea, a worried Liam Neeson watches a strange disturbance from the command center of a battleship. He comes off much better than in the first trailer, in which his barking was (in context, at least) a bit hackneyed and by-the-numbers. We only see him for a second, possibly due to overexposure of late, but Neeson looks great. You'd think the producers realized, after 'The Grey', that heartfelt portrayals work, even in genre movies. And, yes, we care.

After that, more projectiles crash into office buildings, and the message 'The Battle For Earth' makes it clear what's going on. Certainly, we knew, or had guessed as much. We get it -- the stakes are high. However at :28 comes the clarifying and central imagery -- an alien in a suit produces a mechanized knife and prepares to attack a woman who is very vulnerable indeed, bent over looking back at him. Well done, we can care about this more than metal machines shooting at each other from miles away. A good move, post-Transformers.

So, the threat is close at hand, a few feet away. It's in our faces. But, if all this is too touchy-feely, we're reminded it all 'Begins At Sea' (:31), and once again the nuts-and-bolts boilerplate imagery is about fighting machinery guided by masked, anonymous pilots. After this baseline commercial eye candy has been reiterated we get back on message at (:50) -- you can't win a war with machines, you gotta to send infantry, there has to be boots on the ground. We're engaged in a bit of mano a mano between our main man Taylor Kitsch and a Cylon-esque bad guy. It doesn't last, though -- Rihanna man-euvers a very phallic 5-inch main-gun and blows Mr. Space Invader away in a ridiculous (Sorry, you can't point a gun at your own deck [if you could it would have been done accidentally a bunch of times] because a) that would kill everyone on deck and b) would likely sink the ship, but let's not split hairs) bit that is sure to fuel rampant word-of-mouth (among both boys and girls) and float 'Battleship' for a solid second weekend. We may giggle a bit but, alas, we also care.

Overall, a much better effort than the first trailer. If everyone has forgotten that, this new ad bodes well for the movie. Still, though, you have to wonder what exactly a battleship can do to stop far superior combat hardware from a distant planet. Well. That would be the crux of the story, yes? Just how do we deal with these invaders? Give them a virus their immune systems can't fight? -- been done. That element, whatever it is, if it works, is what this movie is riding on. If that plot point snaps into place smartly we'll like the movie. If not, we'll condemn it. I'm not sure the box office take would be different either way, though.

It remains to be seen whether writers Erich Hoeber and Jon Hoeber conjured up a winner, but I'm far more optimistic than I was after the first trailer. I can honestly say I care. I'm not swept off my feet, mind you -- it is summer popcorn after all -- but I like 'Battleship' a lot more than before.

If you've only seen the first trailer, check the new one out.

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Epic Trailer for HBO's 'Hemingway & Gellhorn'

2012-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

Directed by Philip Kaufman ('The Right Stuff' 'Quills'). Trailer is grand. With Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman, and considering the director, this practically redefines the term 'must-see'. Coming in May.

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Poster for Sarah Polley's 'Take This Waltz'

2012-02-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

trailer

Charming Trailer for Sarah Polley's 'Take This Waltz'

2012-02-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

If you don't know the name Polley made an impressive directorial debut with the acclaimed 'Away From Her'.

The thing about this trailer (that I certainly wasn't expecting) is a heartfelt non-actorly vibe from all the crew. Not a stretch with someone like Michelle Williams but nice to see from Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman, who you just figure will have an edge, a sort of put-on.

I've been waiting for this since I first heard it was a go. Looks great.

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LP Portraits

2012-02-04T15:58:00.001-08:00

Always liked this one from Rocketboom. So cool, urban, plugged in, fun. And, that music...

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Ode to Bill Murray's 'Groundhog Day'

2012-02-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

A couple days late but too good...

From Random Emporium

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'Iron Sky' Gets a Poster

2012-02-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

Director Timo Vuorensola delivered it on his blog. Beautiful.

We also get a look at the development of the graphic. Here's a sketch. Check out the composites.

Opening Scene from 'The Woman in Black'

2012-02-03T12:45:00.001-08:00

This is pretty good.

Trailer for Sean Bean's 'Cleanskin'

2012-02-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

What a title.

New Clip from 'Safe House'

2012-02-03T10:51:00.001-08:00

Jeremy Jahns Reviews 'The Woman in Black'

2012-02-03T10:47:00.001-08:00

Remember: It's not a horror movie. Keep saying that. Not...a...horror...movie.

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Charlize Theron's Gaze

2012-02-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

Reflective (I believe) of the quality of the script and Charlize Theron's performance. The Evil Queen wonders about something as trite as her looks yet the effect is palpable. She takes it very seriously. She's almost stricken. That look, those eyes, that doubt. No sense of camp here. Compelling.

'Snow White and the Huntsman' is pure buttery summer popcorn, but this still could be from an indie drama, an awards contender. Theron has become must-see. She always brings it. I'll wager, when reviews come out, most of the 'Huntsman' talk will be about her.

We had our fun at first, but it's become clear there's no reason to compare this to 'Mirror Mirror'. Looking forward. Very nice.

Richard Roeper Reviews 'The Innkeepers'

2012-02-03T10:13:00.001-08:00

Character Posters for 'Red Lights'

2012-02-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

Even though she wasn't mentioned in the first posters I knew Elizabeth Olsen would get more attention in the US campaign.

These are nicely done.

Teaser for Halle Berry's 'Dark Tide'

2012-02-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

Very effective. I'm impressed. Did not expect something this subtle.

Jeremy Jahns Reviews the White-Hot 'Chronicle'

2012-02-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

Yeah, you know, I knew it. From the moment I saw the first poster or trailer, I knew this movie would get major traction. Should do good business.

NYT Anatomy of a Scene: 'The Woman in Black'

2012-02-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

I'm liking this movie more and more. It's got exactly the right pace and tone. Not a fan of the editing, though. Seems a bit clipped, there's not a lot of throughline visually. That's especially true in this sequence. Nonetheless, I'm there. Getting good reviews, looks like fun.

Manohla Dargis' write-up just went up. Here's a bit:

Something wicked does come, of course, slowly and at times with unsettling effectiveness.

and

Schooled in the art of the quiet boo, Mr. Watkins fills the film with squeaking doors and floorboards, pools of black, long silences and an assortment of moldering toys. Less gore is more here, and what a relief.

Arresting Poster for Clive Owen's 'Intruders'

2012-02-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

Have to admit, this stops you. Hints at plot twists, though I can't get a handle on what. Must have something to do with the character's identity (somehow, the blanked out eyes suggest that).

There is a hint in the tag: The nightmare is real. It may be the intruders originate with the protagonist somehow. The blanked out mouth suggests that as he would not be able to articulate what's going on even if that were the case.

I'm sure we'll get a new cut within a few days, but you might want to take a look at the trailer. There is another hint that supports the above. In the trailer, only Owen's character has seen the intruder. In fact, the police (and possibly his wife) think he might have a screw loose.

Clive Owen brings a credible every man feel. I've always liked him. Director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo did a very nice job with '28 Weeks Later' and 'Intacto'.

I've heard mixed comments but look forward to this one. My kind of flick.

Poster/Trailer for 'When the Lights Went Out'

2012-02-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Very promising first trailer. Love this type flick. Atmospheric, suspenseful, doesn't rely on gore or cheap scares but rather story/character.

Coming from the guys that made 'Bend it like Beckham' and 'Moon' you couldn't ask for more.

Oh, and remember, it's based on a true story. Ooooh!

New (UK) Poster for 'Margin Call'

2012-02-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

Very nice. And! it's new and improved, with the tag, Someone Will Pay. I guess that turned out to be us.

As usual, better than our poster.

Super Bowl Trailer for 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation'

2012-02-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

One More 'Chronicle' Trailer

2012-02-01T15:13:00.001-08:00

The Ladies

2012-02-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

Michelle Yeoh portrays Aung San Suu Kyi in the upcoming 'The Lady', directed by Luc Besson. It's been mentioned but I'm still struck by the resemblance between the two. Remarkable.

Poster for 'Disconnect'

2012-02-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

With Jason Bateman, Alexander Skarsgård, Michael Nyqvist, Hope Davis, Paula Patton, and Kasi Lemmons (where has she been).

Listed as a thriller/drama about people who have issues with modern tech searching for meaningful human encounters.

Poster for 'Get the Gringo' aka 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation'

2012-02-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Trailer for 'Get the Gringo' aka 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation'

2012-02-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

Two things stand out. 1) Title(s) from hell and 2) a potential spoiler at the 2:10 mark which, if it is what it looks like, will do nothing good for Gibson's career. The 'I dream a story' method has been dead since Emilio Estevez's 'Wisdom'. Yes?

Opinion and speculation, at the moment. Here's the trailer:

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'Red Lights' Trailer, Take 2

2012-02-01T09:51:00.002-08:00

Posters That Make You (Meaning Me) Think -- 'Friends with Kids'

2012-01-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

The first thing I know after looking at this poster is 'I gotta see this movie', and right away I'm like 'what'?

I mean, I don't watch this kind of thing. There's some people, some have kids, there's issues related to having kids, lots of talk about having kids or making babies loaded with subtext and pop references, funny situations loaded with subtext and pop references, several scenes in restaurants and bars (drinks in hand) where they talk about having kids and how their lives are so very different (in a funny way) than when they didn't have kids, a character with no kids who everyone envies except he/she is not really happy but only kinda happy and wishes he/she had kids of his/her own even though he/she can see how messed up the lives of the people who have kids are, and in the end everyone learns lessons about what's really important in life (both theirs and those who either do or do not have kids)...not so much for me.

So, why do 'I gotta see this movie' again? Because of Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig. They've become must-see since 'Bridesmaids'. Plus, there's Megan Fox who I like and think can do good work, despite all the bloggers that tell me otherwise. She's up in Judd Apatow's 'This is 40' next, so -- come on. Plus, she plays a character named Mary Jane in this movie. Really -- that's got to mean something.

At this point I will see any movie with Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig. That may change, it's got to change -- at some point. However, it may not. It may never change. Movies with these two funny, smart, believable actors may forever be must-see. We'll see.

For now, we have this poster. The check box thing is kinda clever, you gotta admit. Admit it!

The Seventh Art Video Movie Magazine Goes Up

2012-01-31T11:55:00.000-08:00

What is it? Here's what they say:

The Seventh Art is an independently produced video magazine about cinema with three sections: a profile on an interesting group/company/organization in the industry, a video essay and a long-form interview with a filmmaker set in a casual environment.

And, here's the first issue, a talk with documentary filmmaker Ron Mann.

'John Carter' Concept Art

2012-01-31T11:38:00.000-08:00

Several pieces rolled out at It's Art Magazine. I especially like this battle ship/aircraft carrier aka The Moving City of Zodanga

Vanity Fair Rolls out the Hollywood Issue

2012-01-31T11:22:00.000-08:00

On the cover: Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Elizabeth Olsen, Adepero Oduye, Shailene Woodley, Paula Patton, Felicity Jones, Lily Collins, and Brit Marling -- all wearing shiny, really shiny, dresses.

The most interesting thing? To me, it's the fact this wasn't shot by Annie Leibovitz. Mario Testino was behind the camera this time (the first time). Is there anything to read into that? Who knows...

Here's the shot. Click image for larger version. Go here for some videos (Rooney Mara talks a bit).

Spanish Poster for 'Shame'

2012-01-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Really, very nice. Way more sense of story/character than US posters. Best yet.

More Morning Popcorn: 'Safe House' Making-Of Featurette

2012-01-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

Gets off to a slow start but worth a look. Check out the 3-minute mark.

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Morning Popcorn: Trailer for '7500'

2012-01-31T10:39:00.000-08:00

Spoiler/Synopsis: People get on a plane with a supernatural force. Crazy stuff happens.

'Chronicle' NYC Flying People Viral Vid

2012-01-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

Flick getting more traction all the time.

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Steve Martin's 'Roxanne' Newspaper Bit

2012-01-31T10:11:00.000-08:00

One of the most original and memorable bits of shtick. Using a wide shot with the guy's back to the camera so we'd hear the reaction, not so much see it in his face, and fill in the rest ourselves was a good choice. I actually went back and saw the movie a second time (yes, in the theater) just for this bit.

You know it's funny if it makes you laugh, all these years later, even though you know what's going to happen.

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New 'Lodging Ahead' Poster and Trailer for 'Conception'

2012-01-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

The problem is the movie follows nine couples. That's 18 people. (Although, I suppose, considering they're couples, it's still only 9 storylines). But still, it's 18 faces/names -- that's a lot to track. Can that work? Will anybody want to subject themselves to that?

Here's the new poster. Look at all those names. Look!

The tag "It takes more than sex to make a baby" comes off a tad obvious, evokes a 'duh' response. The mostly plain layout doesn't do much, just sorta lays there (apologies). The bed looks like one of those highway signs for 'lodging ahead' and isn't sexy or provocative or...anything -- it's just there. Shouldn't there be two people in that bed? At least that would look like a highway sign for 'lodging ahead, you can stop and have sex like you've wanted to for the last 100 miles'. The sperm penetrating the O is easily understood but it's kinda clinical, evokes a very subtle 'ick' response -- however, it gets the point across.

The original poster was better:

And "Every body has a story" is a fair play on words which also hints at the plenitude of plotlines. The sperm motif wasn't bad, either. Less literal, more conceptual (Once again. apologies. Really, very sorry). I liked this poster. It made me think the movie might be good.

The synopsis doesn't help:

'Conception' is a clever, romantic comedy that proves it takes more than sex to make a baby. From a couple fighting the odds of fertility to young teenagers losing their virginity, the film follows nine very different couples on the night they conceive, showing that sex can sometimes be more neurotic than erotic. The hilarious ensemble cast includes Emmy-winner Julie Bowen and Sarah Hyland (“Modern Family”), Connie Britton (“Friday Night Lights”), David Arquette (NEVER BEEN KISSED), Jason Mantzoukas (“The League”), and Alan Tudyk (DODGEBALL).

Very sitcom-y, although we're reassured the movie is both clever and hilarious. Nice... If they had said it's "the funniest movie ever" I'd be there for sure.

Set for a February 24 release. Here's the new trailer.

Tough to follow, yes? Not that engaging? Wears you out? Feeling like you need to pull in for the night, catch some z's? I think you can -- right up the road a bit.

'The Last Belle' Animated Short Film

2012-01-30T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'm dawdling around and stumble on this post over at Big Screen Animation about Neil Boyle's 'The Last Belle', which is a short that's painted by hand, cel by cel.

Here's the trailer:

This from the official site:

The Last Belle is an animated short featuring two characters journeying towards a blind date: WALLY, who suffers a nightmarishly drunken trip through London as he races against the clock to the rendezvous; and ROSIE, who waits in a bar dreaming of how wonderful her date is going to be… if he ever shows up.

Although the film is set in contemporary London, the techniques used to bring it to life hark back to the 'golden age' of animation, with over 35,000 individual pieces of artwork drawn, painted and photographed painstakingly by hand.For the production process Director Neil Boyle assembled a team of veteran and younger film artists who enthusiastically swapped their skills and knowledge, with the aim of keeping alive older techniques, while also lending them a modern edge.

The Last Belle features the voice talents of Sienna Guillory (The Time Machine, Resident Evil), Colin McFarlane (The Dark Night, Torchwood) and Amanda Donohoe (Castaway, L.A. Law). The music is by award winning composer Stuart Hancock.

Charming. It's a lot of work, but I prefer it over computer 3D animation.

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First Trailer for 'The Cold Light of Day'

2012-01-30T12:15:00.001-08:00

Clip from 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance'

2012-01-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

Usually, I can't sit through this kind of fluff, but this flick looks good.

'Cuban Color Temperature'

2012-01-30T10:32:00.001-08:00

Need a break? Check this out.

Cuban Color Temperature from Ezaram Vambe on Vimeo.

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Not Your Average Thrasher Vid: 'Leeside Skateboard Mayhem'

2012-01-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

This is good. Really. This'll put a smile on your face.

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Morning Popcorn: Poster for 'Resident Evil: Retribution'

2012-01-30T10:03:00.000-08:00

Morning Coffee: Watch First 7 Minutes of 'Drive'

2012-01-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

Teaser and Trailer for 'Thale'

2012-01-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

Another great looking film from the Norwegians, who gave us 'Trollhunter' last year (currently undergoing a Hollywood remake).

Couldn't look better. Done with that typical European ease and assurance. A low-tech approach with little (if any) CGI yields a natural film where everything looks real and rings true -- exactly what you want in a supernatural creepshow.

Here's the teaser:

Here's the full trailer which just came out:

A mock-up poster:

Seems very possible we'll see a Hollywood remake of this as well. Just the kind of storyline they dig.

Poster for 'The Hunter'

2012-01-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

Trailer for 'The Hunter'

2012-01-27T15:53:00.001-08:00

Looks like a fantastic time at the movies.

Two New Featurettes/Trailers for 'Act of Valor'

2012-01-27T09:47:00.000-08:00

I've always like this, thought it would find an audience, but considering recent events I'm thinking this flick will get solid traction. Just looks fantastic.

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Poster and Trailer for 'Brake'

2012-01-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

I watched the trailer yesterday -- did nothing for me. 'Buried' on wheels, if you will, but more coarse, direct, blunt...something. Came off total b-flick, stream-only, watch a few minutes at a time.

This poster, though, very nice. Makes me wonder...maybe the movie is okay.

Trailer for 'MS One: Maximum Security' aka 'Lockout'

2012-01-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

Animated Poster for 'The Avengers'

2012-01-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

No. This doesn't make me feel dorky at all. It's okay to like it. Go ahead. You know you want to like it and watch it for, oh, at least 30 seconds. Go right ahead.

Making-Of Featurette for 'Man on a Ledge'

2012-01-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

Nicely edited.

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Lovely Storybook Poster/Banner for 'The Woman in Black'

2012-01-25T17:50:00.001-08:00

Character Posters for 'What to Expect When You're Expecting'

2012-01-25T17:12:00.001-08:00

Yeah. I know what you're thinking -- or I prolly do. 'Like, dude, I don't care.' That's what a lot of people said about 'Bridesmaids' when it rolled out...

Director Kirk Jones has done some good work with 'Everbody's Fine', and 'Waking Ned Devine'.

These posters work. Gotta admit.

International Trailer for 'Red Lights'

2012-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

Rollout has been shaky, but I have hopes for this one. Good news: 'Red Lights' was just picked up for US distribution by Millennium Entertainment. Bad news: the flick got a 'lackluster reaction' at its Sundance showing according to Anne Thompson, who says, "The film delivers genuine thrills and strong performances from the two leads and Sundance no-show Robert DeNiro as a powerful and dangerous blind telepath (Elizabeth Olsen is just ok in a slight girlfriend role) and could be edited into submission..." and goes on to imply it may not do too well in theatrical release but could score on VOD.

Daniel Feinberg said in his review: "Red Lights" is a generally infuriating and occasionally intriguing muddle of a movie that spins wildly out of control in its final half-hour, climaxing in a two-minute montage of voiceover and exposition that either does or doesn't turn the rest of the movie upside-down in maddening fashion.

Okay, fine. Let's hope the flick gets a killer edit and scores. 'The Devil Inside' was called worse than 'muddled' and look what happened there. In the end, though, it doesn't matter to me -- I love this type stuff. Looking forward.

'Iron Sky' to Premiere at Berlinale Film Festival

2012-01-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

Here's Timo with a trailer and the announcement. Shh! Timo's talking!

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Trailer for 'Seeking Justice'

2012-01-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

I hated the posters, but this trailer seems to have a spine. I clicked start thinking I wouldn't care much, but...not so much. Looks okay.

Apple has it in hi-def

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Clips from 'The Grey'

2012-01-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay. The wolves look silly. We get that. Still, clips/trailers are good. Good camera. Looks like they put together a decent product -- tough considering the storyline. Can't wait to see this.

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'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance' Featurette

2012-01-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

Fun. Really.

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