Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Our Favorite Summers: 1981http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/our-favorite-summers-1981/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/our-favorite-summers-1981/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/our-favorite-summers-1981/#commentsFiled under: ,



When you're ten years old, movies are the most magical place in the world. Anything can happen when those lights go down, and what now seems like a fleeting hour and a half seemed like an eternity at that age. It's also the age when your parents start dropping you off at the movies by yourself, as long as you went with a friend or a trusted family member. In my case, the first time that happened I was 11 and my older cousin took me and my little brother to see Tron ... and then skipped out on us to see The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas next door.

For this former ten-year-old, the movies were a seething pit of sex, action, adventure, laughter, and tears in the summer of 1981. These were the days that I used to buy those big one-shot movie magazines that were filled with photos and glib information. I read the one for Superman II until it fell apart in tatters at summer camp. Sadly, the magazine was much better than the movie. However, 1981 was also one of the greatest movie summers ever. Read on after the jump to find out why.

Continue reading Our Favorite Summers: 1981

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]]>1981CinematicalFavoriteFeaturedSummersKevin KellyThu, 09 Jul 2009 20:02:00 ESTNew Zealand: Where Film Festival Awards Come Before the Festivalhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/new-zealand-where-film-festival-awards-come-before-the-festival/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/new-zealand-where-film-festival-awards-come-before-the-festival/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/new-zealand-where-film-festival-awards-come-before-the-festival/#commentsFiled under: ,

In some opposite-ish corner of the world right now (from me anyway), the New Zealand International Film Festival kicks off today for the rest of the month, before making further provincial rounds through next November. (Damn, now that's a film festival!) It makes all the more sense that people might want to plan ahead for the highlights, and what better way to do that than to bequeath some awards for the films right from the get-go?

Incredibly Strange programmer Ant Timpson (who's perfectly normal himself, I swear it; that's the name of their specifically oddball selections) has rightfully singled out SXSW '09 alums like Best Worst Movie, Drag Me to Hell, Grace, The Horseman and Winnebago Man for particular accolades (i.e. "Best Film to Show Filmmakers That Low-Budget Doesn't Mean Twenty-Somethings Sitting in Cafes Talking About Their Boring Relationships"), not to mention a couple of other picks.

Timpson sums up his mentality thusly: "I already know these films are very special. I don't need a jury to tell me what I already know. I'm giving these films awards in advance because 99% of the public don't care what films win awards AFTER they've screened, they want to know BEFORE they screen..." Believe me you, the man has a point. The real question is, how will such thinking play in the States?

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]]>ant timpsonAntTimpsonbest worst movieBestWorstMoviedrag me to hellDragMeToHellfilm festivalfilm festival awardsfilm festival winnersFilmFestivalFilmFestivalAwardsFilmFestivalWinnersgracenew zealand international film festivalNewZealandInternationalFilmFestivalsxswsxsw2009the horsemanTheHorsemanwinnebago manWinnebagoManWilliam GossThu, 09 Jul 2009 19:02:00 ESTTo the Calendar! Comic-Con 2009 Schedule Releasedhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/to-the-calendar-comic-con-2009-schedule-released/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/to-the-calendar-comic-con-2009-schedule-released/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/to-the-calendar-comic-con-2009-schedule-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Cinematical will be hitting Comic-Con 2009 in San Diego again this year, bringing you the sights, highlights, and lowlights of the four-day geek mecca. A mecca that now officially has a schedule. Since cloning machines still haven't been invented, if anyone manages to do that in in the next couple of weeks please let us know. We're going to need to be at multiple locations during multiple simultaneous times.

But, that just about sums up the entirety of Comic-Con: dashing from panel to panel, catching a glimpse of the millions of costumes, stopping by booths, hitting parties, and then repeating. You can check out the full schedule right here (eventually -- it's Thursday only for now), and we'll be posting some of what's on our Cinematical Must See list as we work our way through the schedule with a highlighter, but here's a couple of standouts for Thursday:

  • 11:00-12:30 Disney: 3D Panel- Walt Disney Pictures presents key filmmakers, select cast members and previously unseen footage from its upcoming slate, including Disney's A Christmas Carol, Alice In Wonderland and Tron. Special guests include Robert Zemeckis, Tim Burton, Sean Bailey, Steve Lisberger, and moderator Patton Oswalt. Hall H
  • 12:45-2:00 20th Century Fox and James Cameron present Avatar- In this first public screening of footage in 3D from his much-anticipated action/adventure/fantasy, James Cameron, producer Jon Landau, and cast members take you to a spectacular new world beyond imagination. Conceived 14 years ago and over four years in the making, Avatar breaks new ground in delivering a fully immersive, emotional story and reinvents the movie-going experience. Hall H

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]]>Comic BookComicBookcomiccon09ComicsFandomfeaturedGeekKevin KellyThu, 09 Jul 2009 16:40:00 ESTScenes We Love: Boiler Roomhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/scenes-we-love-boiler-room/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/scenes-we-love-boiler-room/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/scenes-we-love-boiler-room/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Unlike some people, I've always been a fan of Ben Affleck. Sure he went through his own Pitt-Jolie phase back when he was dating JLo, and because of that a lot of people began to despise Affleck, but I hung in there and admired the choices he's made later on in his career, not to mention really enjoyed his directorial debut, Gone Baby Gone. For me, though, Affleck has always been at his best when he plays villain or wise ass or bully. One of my favorite roles of his is when he played O'Bannion in Dazed and Confused, and he's also fantastic in a brief supporting appearance in Boiler Room.

In Boiler Room -- which follows a young college dropout (Giovanni Ribisi in one of his best roles) up through the ranks of a Chop Shop out on Long Island -- Affleck plays Jim Young, the firm's trainer of new recruits. He's the guy they bring in to give all these newbies a taste of success, of money, of power -- and in this classic scene, he works the room like a stripper at a bachelor party, teasing these kids with visions of being millionaires within three years from their first day on the job. Of course we soon learn the job is a lot less glamorous than Young makes it out to be, but that's why he's so good at what he does: he knows how to turn nothing into a whole bunch of something. Boiler Room is currently making the rounds on cable; it's a pretty solid movie with some great, seedy performances. Definitely check it out.

Watch the NSFW clip after the jump

Continue reading Scenes We Love: Boiler Room

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]]>ben affleckBenAffleckboiler roomBoilerRoomcinematicaldazed and confusedDazedAndConfusedErik DavisThu, 09 Jul 2009 15:02:00 EST'Funny People': New Trailer and Adam Sandler's Prank Call, Circa 1991http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/funny-people-new-trailer-and-adam-sandlers-prank-call-circa/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/funny-people-new-trailer-and-adam-sandlers-prank-call-circa/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/09/funny-people-new-trailer-and-adam-sandlers-prank-call-circa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The summer movie season has already past its half-way point, but my two most anticipated films still haven't arrived: District 9 and Judd Apatow's Funny People. We talked about the former yesterday, and now today it's time to plug a film that looks to bring it all: laughs, tears, Australian accents, Seth Rogen's weird cough-laugh, sarcastic Australian accents, Jason Schwartzman looking stoned, Jonah Hill being a d*ck, tons of stand-up comedy -- seriously, what more could you want from a movie?

Two new pieces of Funny People marketing have arrived today. We have a red-band trailer that premiered over at MySpace and a piece of viral awesomeness that premiered over at Moviefone. The red-band (or restricted ... which sounds so mean, doesn't it) trailer isn't all too bad (with the exception of an oral sex joke), and it definitely shines a light on the finer aspects of Apatow's films, which include real, human moments, or, as some would say, the little stuff.

Meanwhile, the viral piece is something pretty unique. Back in the early '90s, Judd Apatow and Adam Sandler were actual roommates, who, apparently, filmed ridiculous things like prank calls. So ... this video is Apatow filming a very young-looking Sandler prank-calling the local deli as an old lady to complain about a sandwich while wearing underwear on his head. Check out both the trailer and the viral video after the jump.

Funny People hits theaters on July 31.

Continue reading 'Funny People': New Trailer and Adam Sandler's Prank Call, Circa 1991

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]]>adam sandlerAdamSandlercinematicalfunny peopleFunnyPeoplejason schwartzmanJasonSchwartzmanjonah hillJonahHilljudd apatowJuddApatowseth rogenSethRogenErik DavisThu, 09 Jul 2009 12:41:00 ESTCinematical Rewind: Actors Who Could Play Siblingshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/cinematical-rewind-actors-who-could-play-siblings/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/cinematical-rewind-actors-who-could-play-siblings/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/cinematical-rewind-actors-who-could-play-siblings/#commentsFiled under: ,



(Cinematical Rewind is a new column that showcases some of our favorite posts from the past few years. Here's Jeffrey M. Anderson's famous Cinematical Seven from 7/22/08)

Occasionally Hollywood cobbles together random members of the A-list to play family members on film, even if their genes obviously come from opposite ends of the earth. If the actors are good enough or if the chemistry is there, sometimes the combo can work, such as Ethan Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman as brothers in Before the Devil Knows You're Dead or Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor in Cassandra's Dream. Other times, it stretches credibility, such as Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman in The Darjeeling Limited. My all-time favorite oddball casting is in Sidney Lumet's Family Business (1989), with Sean Connery, Dustin Hoffman and Matthew Broderick playing grandfather, father and son. (Huh?) At the same time, there are actor combos out there who just scream to be paired up in a family capacity. Remember Julia Roberts and Kyra Sedgwick in Something to Talk About? Well, neither do I, but that pairing was perfect. Here are a few others that could work:

1. Christian Bale & Samantha Morton

I don't mean to harp on that old "Bad British teeth" thing, but both Christian and Samantha have front teeth that seem to curve slightly upward in the center, so that their pearly whites tend to disappear under their top lips when they speak. As a result, both speak with ever-so-vague sibilant 'S'es -- Christian more so than Samantha. (It's fairly inconvenient trait for a Bruce Wayne trying to maintain his secret identity.) But aside from that, they both have dark, intense eyes and they certainly both project a similar, singularly dedicated mood onscreen. (Christian is the big brother, three years older than Samantha.)

Gallery: Actors Who Could Play Siblings

Zooey Deschanel & Chloe SevignySteve Martin & Dennis QuaidNicole Kidman & Naomi WattsGretchen Mol & Charlize TheronMeryl Streep & Natascha McElhone

Continue reading Cinematical Rewind: Actors Who Could Play Siblings

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]]>chloe sevignyChloeSevignychristian baleChristianBaledennis quaidDennisQuaidhelen huntHelenHuntleelee sobieskiLeeleeSobieskisamantha mortonSamanthaMortonsteve martinSteveMartinzooey deschanelZooeyDeschanelCinematical staffWed, 08 Jul 2009 22:02:00 ESTOfficially Awesome: ThinkGeek Actually Making Tauntaun Sleeping Baghttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/officially-awesome-thinkgeek-actually-making-tauntaun-sleeping/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/officially-awesome-thinkgeek-actually-making-tauntaun-sleeping/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/officially-awesome-thinkgeek-actually-making-tauntaun-sleeping/#commentsFiled under:



This past April Fool's Day, ThinkGeek ran their usual line of fictitious geek-related items, including this fantastic Tauntaun sleeping bag that recalls the scene from Empire Strikes Back when Han sliced open the animal to keep Luke warm. When we posted about it, a bunch of you were itching to purchase your own Tauntaun sleeping bags even though the item didn't exist. And, in reality, a lot of ThinkGeek readers fell for the joke because an unusually high number of folks actually attempted to order the thing.

Now, though, according to an interview with ThinkGeek's PR guy over at LA Weekly, they're really making it! Yes! Pretty soon (fingers crossed) you will actually be able to buy a freakin' Tauntaun sleeping bag, complete with internal light brown guts (we hope!). TG say they're working on getting a design approved by LucasFilm. PR guy Shane Peterman adds, "We are definitely trying to make it in to an actual item to be sold 
on our site. As of right now, it's still an "if," but it's turning in
to more of a "when." Things are looking pretty good, we just don't want 
to get too far ahead of ourselves. There's certainly been enough of a
demand, both from customers and from those of us that work here. Right now, we're aiming to have it available 
for the holidays, or at the latest, the 30th anniversary of The Empire 
Strikes Back next spring."

Okay, how excited are you right now?

[via TrailerAddict's Twitter]

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]]>cinematicalempire strikes backEmpireStrikesBackstar warsStarWarstauntaun sleeping bagTauntaunSleepingBagErik DavisWed, 08 Jul 2009 17:32:00 EST'District 9' Unloads an Awesome Trailer and New Viral Videoshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/district-9-unloads-an-awesome-trailer-and-new-viral-videos/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/district-9-unloads-an-awesome-trailer-and-new-viral-videos/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/district-9-unloads-an-awesome-trailer-and-new-viral-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The new trailer for my most anticipated summer sci-fi flick, District 9, has just hit Yahoo, along with a PSA on the reproductive system of the aliens featured in the film and a new TV spot that I caught last night (the last two were found on YouTube). I like the viral angle they're taking with this film, even if it does feel a little Starship Troopers-esque. But I loved that film, and while the propaganda marketing move is fun and light, this new trailer clearly shows us a pretty scary freak-fest full of giant aliens protecting themselves from a government that doesn't know what to do with them.

I won't go into all the different political undertones so obviously at play here, and instead will urge you genre fans to scope out this creepy little low-budgeted thriller that looks to be ten times more worthwhile than most of this summer's fare. This feels like smart, creative, original filmmaking at its best, and I know we haven't seen the entire movie yet, but I definitely have good vibes. You?

Check out the trailer and the viral videos over at SciFi Squad

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]]>district 9District9Erik DavisWed, 08 Jul 2009 17:05:00 ESTThe Pretty Princesses of Sci-Fi and Fantasyhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/the-pretty-princesses-of-sci-fi-and-fantasy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/the-pretty-princesses-of-sci-fi-and-fantasy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/08/the-pretty-princesses-of-sci-fi-and-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: ,



Move over, Disney! When it comes to princesses, the sci-fi / fantasy genre has you completely outnumbered, outgunned, and outdressed.

Actually, I find the genre's obsession with princesses rather strange. Not on the fantasy end, mind you, as that genre draws heavily on European fairy tales and dynastic history, and will always find room for royal courts. But you'd think those galaxies far, far away would steer clear of European titles and class systems, and invent new systems of government. But let's face it, few labels evoke such a specific and exotic image as that of "princess," and slapping it onto your heroine does half your screenwriting for you. All you have to decide is if she carries a weapon or prefers a tiara, or if she's comfortable enough to coolly wield both in the name of duty. Luckily, the sci-fi / fantasy genre is rife with examples of all three. So drop a curtsy, and check out the list of my favorite genre princesses. And bow to Erik Davis for hatching the idea while you're at it.

1. Princess Leia Organa (Star Wars)

Princess Leia may not have been science fiction's first princess, but she's the one they all have to measure up to. Every girl since 1977 has thrilled to the fact that the head of the Rebel Alliance was a woman, and that no one (not even the cocky Han Solo, who needed her more than she needed him) raised an eyebrow at the fact. As if being fearless, diplomatic, intelligent, and one hell of a shot wasn't enough, she was also a Jedi like her father before her. No wonder Yoda seemed so calm when Luke flew off to his possible doom. Leia was the ace in the hole.

Read the rest at SciFi Squad

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]]>ArwenEowynfeaturedFlash GordonFlashGordonhellboy 2 the golden armyHellboy2TheGoldenArmyLord of the RingsLordOfTheRingsprincess auraprincess leiaPrincess NualaPrincess Sorshaprincess vespaPrincessAuraPrincessLeiaPrincessNualaPrincessSorshaPrincessVespaspaceballsStar WarsStarWarsthe princess brideThePrincessBridewillowwonder womanWonderWomanxena warrior princessXenaWarriorPrincessElisabeth RappeWed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 ESTRob Zombie's 'El Superbeasto' Goes Direct to DVDhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/rob-zombies-el-superbeasto-goes-direct-to-dvd/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/rob-zombies-el-superbeasto-goes-direct-to-dvd/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/rob-zombies-el-superbeasto-goes-direct-to-dvd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's entirely possible I am the only one disappointed by the following news, but bear with me. The latest word on Rob Zombie's dirty lucha libre cartoon, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, is that it's headed directly to DVD and Blu-ray. That's the bad news. The good news is that after three years, it will finally see the light of day (or the darkness of night). Zombie's first foray into animated filmmaking has plenty of clever characters doing the voice acting, like Rosario Dawson, Paul Giamatti, Danny Trejo (!), Clint Howard, and Zombie regulars Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, and Sheri Moon Zombie.

Zombie told IGN in an interview this past spring, "It came out awesome... That started off as this little tiny half-a-million dollar direct-to-video movie that expanded into this $10 million animated extravaganza." Except, well, it's a $10 million animated extravaganza that is going direct to DVD.

I have high hopes that it will make an appearance as a midnight movie in my local theater (and yours!) and perhaps get some attention at one of the many horror festivals like Fantastic Fest. Even though I'd like to see in on the big screen, it does look like the type of movie that would make more money on DVD than in theaters, especially with its target audience, which I can only guess is made up of fans of over-the-top cartoons, horror, heavy metal, and Mexican wrestling... or stoners. Not that they're mutually exclusive, of course.

(Courtesy of FEARNet)

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]]>anchor bayAnchorBaycartooncomicdirect to dvdDirectToDvdhorrorRob ZombieRobZombieThe Haunted World of El SuperbeastoTheHauntedWorldOfElSuperbeastoJenni MillerTue, 07 Jul 2009 21:02:00 ESTCheck Out Zooey and Joseph Playing Sid & Nancyhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/check-out-zooey-and-joseph-playing-sid-and-nancy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/check-out-zooey-and-joseph-playing-sid-and-nancy/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/check-out-zooey-and-joseph-playing-sid-and-nancy/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Move over Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb! There's a new Sid and Nancy in town -- Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt!

While next week's release of Harry Potter might be getting the most buzz, there's another flick I (along with a lot of you, I'm sure) am dying to see -- Deschanel and Gordon-Levitt's 500 Days of Summer, the film that our Erik Davis called: "a looker and a feeler and way too easy to fall in love with if you give her a little room to work that magic."

In one scene from the film, which you can see after the jump, Summer compares her relationship with Tom to Sid and Nancy. He's shocked to be compared to Sid, but then she clarifies: No, he's Nancy and she's Sid. So what's the best way to have fun with that and create buzz for the film? Why, to have Zooey play Sid and Joseph play Nancy in a little spoof, of course.

Oh yes, you can watch the comedic wonder for yourself over at MSN's Cinemash. Gordon-Levitt is wonderful as the hot-headed and irrational Nancy Spungen (albeit a bit hairier), while Zooey rocks Sid Vicious. In fact, she plays him so straight-faced that it's quite annoying Ms. Deschanel always gets the same roles. She's definitely more than a manic pixie. Check out some stills from the video below.

Gallery: Joseph & Zooey (as Sid & Nancy)



Hollywood -- Give these two more great gigs, mmkay?

Continue reading Check Out Zooey and Joseph Playing Sid & Nancy

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]]>500 Days of Summer500DaysOfSummerCinematicaljoseph gordon-levittJosephGordon-levittSid and NancySidAndNancyzooey deschanelZooeyDeschanelMonika BartyzelTue, 07 Jul 2009 19:02:00 ESTMonty Python Turns 40 & Reunites This Fallhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/monty-python-turns-40-and-reunites-this-fall/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/monty-python-turns-40-and-reunites-this-fall/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/monty-python-turns-40-and-reunites-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,



Where has the time gone?

The Independent reports that Monty Python will celebrate their 40th anniversary this October. As part of the festivities, Royal Albert Hall will host a one-night-only performance on the 23rd of Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy). You may have heard of this -- it's Eric Idle and John Du Prez's wildly funny 1-hour oratorio based on Monty Python's Life of Brian. But this one-night-only deal is even more irresistible than usual -- Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, and Terry Gilliam will perform in it. Unfortunately, John Cleese can't make it, which is a damned shame.

Nevertheless, here I thought that I was lucky that Idle's first cousin is Toronto Symphony Conductor Peter Oundjian, which led the world premiere to happen right in the T-Dot.

As Idle describes the oratorio: "It ranges in reference from Handel, through a naughty Mozart duet, to the Festival of Nine Carols, Bob Dylan, and the classic finale 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.'" (How could Dylan and Python possibly come together? You can see Idle's spin after the jump.)

For those of us who won't be there, The Independent reports that a documentary called Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer's Cut) is on the way, while Variety reports that there will be anniversary events in Hollywood and New York called "An Evening With Without Monty Python."

What's your favorite Monty moment?

Continue reading Monty Python Turns 40 & Reunites This Fall

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]]>CinematicalEric IdleEricIdleMichael PalinMichaelPalinMonty PythonMontyPythonNot the MessiahNotTheMessiahTerry GilliamTerry JonesTerryGilliamTerryJonesMonika BartyzelTue, 07 Jul 2009 18:02:00 ESTWatch This: Michael Jackson and Brett Ratner Dancing to R. Kellyhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/watch-this-michael-jackson-and-brett-ratner-dancing-to-r-kelly/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/watch-this-michael-jackson-and-brett-ratner-dancing-to-r-kelly/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/watch-this-michael-jackson-and-brett-ratner-dancing-to-r-kelly/#commentsFiled under: ,

Obviously, when you think of Brett Ratner, the chubby fratboy who made the Rush Hour films and tried to ruin the X-Men franchise, you also think of Michael Jackson. They were like peas in a pod, those two! And on this somber day of mourning we ran across this clip of B-Rat and M.J. car-dancing to an R. Kelly song. Because why not?

(Actually, while Ratner has directed music videos for Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson, and others, he and Jackson never collaborated on anything. I don't know why they were friends. They probably just liked going out to strip clubs and picking up women together. Anyway, here's the clip. Enjoy.)




[Via BuzzFeed.]

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]]>brett ratnerBrettRatnermichael jacksonMichaelJacksonr. kellyR.KellyEric D. SniderTue, 07 Jul 2009 17:02:00 ESTCoppola Wanted Scorsese to Direct 'Godfather 2'http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/coppola-wanted-scorsese-to-direct-godfather-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/coppola-wanted-scorsese-to-direct-godfather-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/coppola-wanted-scorsese-to-direct-godfather-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

'The Godfather Part II' (Paramount Pictures)Memories can be hazy things. Did Francis Ford Coppola really question the necessity of The Godfather Part II? Did he really want Martin Scorsese to direct the sequel, rather than himself? Referring to The Godfather, Coppola told Esquire: "The ending was clear and Michael has corrupted himself - it was over. So I didn't understand why they wanted to make another Godfather." He then made the executives at Paramount Pictures an offer they could refuse: "I said, 'What I will do is help you develop a story. And I'll find a director and produce it.' They said, 'Well, who's the director?' And I said, 'Young guy, Martin Scorsese.' They said, 'Absolutely not!' He was just starting out."

What an amusing, colorful anecdote, offering fresh insight into the making of a classic film! Except, er, it's not so fresh, since Coppola told Peter Biskind the same thing for his 1998 book Easy Riders, Raging Bulls. In the book, Coppola said that after he recommended his friend to Robert Evans, then a studio executive, Evans replied: "Absolutely not! Marty Scorsese is a horrible choice. Over my dead body." Coppola eventually agreed to do the picture when he was offered one million dollars.

As it happens, I've been working my way through the magnificent Coppola Restoration versions of the Godfather films on DVD, which includes Robert DeNiro's audition for The Godfather. Six months after The Godfather opened, Scorsese and DeNiro were filming Mean Streets. What if Scorsese had followed that up with The Godfather Part II instead of Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore?

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]]>featuredfrancis ford coppolaFrancisFordCoppolamartin scorseseMartinScorsesemean streetsMeanStreetsrobert denirorobert evansRobertDeniroRobertEvansthe godfather part iiTheGodfatherPartIiPeter MartinTue, 07 Jul 2009 13:15:00 ESTWatch This: 2012: It's a Disasterhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/watch-this-2012-its-a-disaster/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/watch-this-2012-its-a-disaster/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/watch-this-2012-its-a-disaster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We go through a lot of trailer mash-ups here at Cinematical, but this one -- which spoofs the upcoming disaster flick from Roland Emmerich, 2012, is just completely awesome in every way. And I don't mean that as a knock against the film so much because I haven't seen it yet, but I completely agree with Drew at Hit Fix when he says that this trailer alone could make the film a whole bucket full of extra cash at the box office if the studio embraced it, which they won't because, well, they won't. Emmerich makes serious, thought-provoking (and entertaining) disaster movies (or so he thinks) -- meanwhile, admit it, you just want to see sh*t blown up. New York City destroyed and under water? Yes! Bring it! Kill everyone!

In case you're curious (and I know you will be), the music is "Okay Dokey" and "Bongolia" by the Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band. Love it! Watch it after the jump ...

Continue reading Watch This: 2012: It's a Disaster

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]]>2012cinematicalroland emmerichRolandEmmerichErik DavisTue, 07 Jul 2009 11:45:00 ESTSo How Did Megan Fox Land That 'Transformers' Gig Again?http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/so-how-did-megan-fox-land-that-transformers-gig-again/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/so-how-did-megan-fox-land-that-transformers-gig-again/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/so-how-did-megan-fox-land-that-transformers-gig-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



With Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen approaching the $600 million mark at the box office, making it the second film behind The Dark Knight to do so this fast, we thought it might be fun to take a look back at how this all began. Obviously we're already well aware of the ongoing feud-of-sorts between Michael Bay and Megan Fox following a little he said/she said full of fun, moronic quotes (get caught up here and here).

Now, though, Page Six tells us just how Megan Fox nabbed the role in the first place. According to them, when Michael Bay auditioned her for the first Transformers, he actually made her wash his Ferrari while he filmed the whole thing. Yup. She washed his car. His Ferrari. While he filmed her. And that's how she got the role in Transformers. If you need anymore proof of just how perverted Hollywood is sometimes, look no further than Mr. Michael Bay. Oh, but it gets better ...

Read the rest at SciFi Squad

Megan Fox Photos

    US MAGAZINES-PLEASE REPORT USAGE Megan Fox sighting on March 10, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - March 10, 2009 Los Angeles, CA United States March 10, 2009 Photo by David Aguilera/FilmMagic.com To license this image (16600320), contact FilmMagic.com

    David Aguilera/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic.com

    Megan Fox arrives at the 17th annual MTV Movie Awards held at the Gibson Amphitheatre on June 1, 2008, in Universal City, California.

    Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

    Megan Fox walking in the lobby at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

    Megan Fox walking in the lobby at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

    Megan Fox walking in the lobby at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

    Actress Megan Fox arrives at the InStyle/Warner Bros. after party for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

    Actresses Vanessa Hudgens and Megan Fox arrive at the InStyle/Warner Bros. after party for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

    Actresses Vanessa Hudgens and Megan Fox arrive at the InStyle/Warner Bros. after party for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Lester Cohen/WireImage.com

    Actress Megan Fox attends the official HBO after party for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at Circa 55 Restaurant, Poolside at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com

    Actress Megan Fox attends the official HBO after party for the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at Circa 55 Restaurant, Poolside at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 11, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California.

    Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com

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]]>cinematicalmegan foxMeganFoxmichael bayMichaelBaytransformers: revenge of the fallenTransformers:RevengeOfTheFallenCinematical staffTue, 07 Jul 2009 11:22:00 ESTNorrington and Dorff Returning to 'Blade' Franchisehttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/norrington-and-dorff-returning-to-blade-franchise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/norrington-and-dorff-returning-to-blade-franchise/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/07/norrington-and-dorff-returning-to-blade-franchise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Marvel's Blade universe is a fairly extensive one, with the character crossing paths with such branded standbys as SHIELD and Doctor Strange. Naturally, very little of this was ever used in the Blade film trilogy, and if you longed to see a touch more of the comic series on the big screen, there might be hope. According to Comics2Film, Steven Norrington is returning to the franchise, and spinning a Blade-less, Wesley Snipes-less spinoff.

Norrington and Stephen Dorff have apparently been talking about a Deacon Frost spinoff for some time. Dorff initially broke the news via The Sunday Mail. "It will be a prequel to the Blade movies, Deacon's story. It's a new trilogy the director has created. It will [be] cool. We hope to shoot the first film next year. Frost is a character I have never been able to shake." Norrington confirmed the story, but quickly added that the movie wasn't exactly what the Mail described before crediting Dorff with the idea.

More on Horror Squad!

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]]>BladeBlade trilogyBladeTrilogyDeacon FrostDeaconFrostmarvelstephen dorffstephen norringtonStephenDorffStephenNorringtonwesley snipesWesleySnipesElisabeth RappeTue, 07 Jul 2009 11:02:00 ESTGirls on Film: Bella, Buffy, and Bloodsuckershttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/girls-on-film-bella-buffy-and-bloodsuckers/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/girls-on-film-bella-buffy-and-bloodsuckers/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/girls-on-film-bella-buffy-and-bloodsuckers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



I'm about to make a very unpopular comparison, one that surely will have some fans trying to revoke my own Whedon fandom: Bella, Buffy, and the bloodsuckers from Twilight and Buffy aren't all that different.

I say this as someone who only left her house once during the seven seasons of Buffy night, who watched each episode countless times, and amassed a huge pile of memorabilia. I say this as someone who has read Stephenie Meyers' series and enjoyed it for the ways it reflected and improved on my own fluffy YA reading (The Vampire Diaries), and knocked it for the Mormon-esque message underneath.

I haven't ignored my fandom; I just can't help but see the myriad of similarities between the two characters, ones that make Buffy owning Edward seem quite hypocritical. The power behind the slayer comes from Joss Whedon and the themes explored throughout her story -- not from the character herself. Strip away the story arcs and implied messages, and you've got a troubled woman who is no better off than Bella.

Continue reading Girls on Film: Bella, Buffy, and Bloodsuckers

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]]>BellaBuffyCinematicalGirls on FilmGirlsOnFilmJoss WhedonJossWhedonStephenie MeyerStephenieMeyerTwilightMonika BartyzelMon, 06 Jul 2009 21:02:00 ESTCredits Report: The Good, the Bad, and the Uglyhttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/credits-report-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/credits-report-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/credits-report-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Welcome to the latest Cinematical feature -- Credits Report! Hatched by our own Scott Weinberg, this is going to be an ongoing celebration of our favorite opening and closing credit sequences. Like our other features, Scenes We Love and Terrific Trailers, it'll be one that's passed around our stable of writers and will pop up completely at random, and will probably depend entirely on what the internet provides. Nevertheless, if you know us, you know you can expect some treasures.

It's my bit of luck that I've gotten to do the first installment (I tried to get Weinberg to do it) and what better way to kick it off than with one of the greatest credit sequences ever? The opening to The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is a piece of edgy, badass beauty even without that classic Ennio Morricone theme ... and with it? Well, that just makes it perfection. If I was very clever and artistic, I would put together an art print that puts all the primary color character and film panels together, Andy Warhol style, with the title in the middle. (If someone out there actually does this, please send me one?)

There's nothing else to say about this one. The clip is below the jump. Enjoy!





Continue reading Credits Report: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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]]>and the UglyCredit ReportCreditReportCredits ReportCreditsReportfeaturedthe BadThe GoodTheGoodElisabeth RappeMon, 06 Jul 2009 20:02:00 ESTDiscuss: From Big Screens to Boob Tubeshttp://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/discuss-from-big-screens-to-boob-tubes/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/discuss-from-big-screens-to-boob-tubes/http://www.cinematical.com/2009/07/06/discuss-from-big-screens-to-boob-tubes/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This week marks the premiere of the first of three film-to-television adaptations that will hit our TV's this year. ABC Family will kick things off on Tuesday with their spin of 10 Things I Hate About You, and in the fall, two will follow -- NBC's Parenthood and ABC's Eastwick (based, of course, on The Witches of Eastwick). In honor of this trio of shows, the LA Times has outlined not only the details of the new programs, but also the hits and misses that already litter television history.

The piece notes a few from recent memory, like The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Buffy, and The Dead Zone, but also notes some doozies that you might not remember. Did you ever catch Ferris Bueller co-starring Jennifer Aniston? Dangerous Minds? Baby Talk (an abysmal remake of Look Who's Talking)? One glaring omission -- especially in the wake of Nia Vardalos' return to film -- the shockingly bad My Big Fat Greek Life.

It's usually easy to forget that some films head for weekly programming because they're either too terrible to remember, or so good (Buffy) that they blow the movie out of the water. But with three new ones in one season, methinks we have a new trend on our hands. (One, I hope, won't inspire more Producers-esque remake vortexes.) As we come out of a holiday weekend sluggish and hopefully sated on barbecues and fireworks:

Will you partake in television's latest odes to Hollywood? And what about the ones that have come and gone? Which did you love, and which did you loathe? Or, do you just ignore Hollywood when it heads for the small screen?

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]]>10 Things I Hate About You10ThingsIHateAboutYouCinematicalfeaturedParenthoodWitches of EastwickWitchesOfEastwickMonika BartyzelMon, 06 Jul 2009 17:02:00 EST