characters Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Have you always dreamed of landing a guest spot on The Simpsons? Have you wondered what you would look like as a resident of Springfield? Well, thanks to the glorious thing that is movie marketing, you can now create your own Simpsons character (based on you or someone you know) and show it off to all those people who claim you don't have a lot of time on your hands. Interested? Oh, I know you are. To play, you can either head on over to the official The Simpsons Movie website (where they allow you to create your own avatar -- see me to the right of your screen) or the Burger King Simpsons site (where they allow you to upload a pic of yourself which you can then alter once in Simpsons mode).

I thought I'd like the Burger King site better (since you can use a pre-existing photo of yourself), but the one I created on The Simpsons Movie website came out a tad closer to what I actually look like. Just picture sideburns, a little scruff and bit more roundish physique. That's not to say the Burger King one won't work -- I guess it just depends on the picture you provide (they ask for a close-up shot). In case you've been living under a rock, they've been promoting the hell out of this movie. Earlier this month, a handful of 7-Elevens were converted to Kwik-E-Marts, while a flurry of Simpsons-related products hit shelves in thousands of stores across the country. (I managed to pick up some Buzz Cola, although it was a tad too sweet for my taste). On top of the 7-Eleven thing, a contest was also held featuring all of the U.S towns named Springfield. Basically, each town had to submit a video saying why they should be chosen to host The Simpsons Movie premiere. In the end, Springfield, Vermont won (check out all the submitted videos here). All this talk, I bet you're dying to see the movie already. Well, fear not, we only have to wait two more weeks -- The Simpsons Movie arrives in theaters on July 27.

[via JoBlo]

You'd be hard-pressed to find a person who's not excited about Spider-Man 3. In the five years since director Sam Raimi first introduced us to Tobey Maguire as the webbed crusader, we've experienced what is, perhaps, one of the greatest comic-related superhero trilogies of all time. And, if what we've seen so far of the third film is any indication, it's going to positively knock our socks off. In preparation of the film's release, we've collected a slew of information from Cinematical, AOL Movies and Moviefone and decided to provide you with a Spidey 3 FAQ ... featuring an all new character guide. Not sure what the story is about? Wait, a black Spider-Man? Who is he? And what about this blonde girl Gwen Stacy? Does she really think she's going to steal Mary Jane's man?

For you Spidey fanatics, consider this FAQ just another reason to get pumped up about the film. And, for those who don't know much about the superhero -- and may have missed one or two of the other films -- but still want to make it appear as if you're "in the know" (oh, you know who you are), then feel free to use us as your primary Spidey resource. Spider-Man 3 officially swings into theaters on May 4.

So, what's the film about?

From the official Spider-Man 3 website: In Spider-Man 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves.

Before I begin, I must say that I am not the biggest Transformers fan in the entire universe. However, since Mark, our resident geek, is off enjoying a splendid honeymoon, it is my job to report back any and all geek-related goodies. So, onto the webcast (which featured the film's writers, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci) :

• Webcast opens with Transformers teaser trailer.
• Here is a list of all Transformers robots being featured in next summer's blockbuster film (keep in mind, some of these we already knew about): Autobots: Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Jazz, Ratchet (Medical officer, will not be in the form of an ambulance) and Ironhide.
• Decepticons (will not all be flying machines): Megatron, Starscream, Brawl, Bonecrusher, Barracade, Scorponok, Frenzy (started out as Soundwave, till they decided to change the character. Stealth spy) and Blackout (guy who comes in and takes out all of our abilities to fight back).
• On why some characters will not come in their classic versions (ie: Bumblebee): "Clothes don't make the man." According to the writers, regardless of what these characters are wearing, you will still be able to connect with them. Basically, all vehicle transformations were made once they started testing. They wanted the live-action to look cool and believable. Unlike the cartoon, this needed to look real. Also, some of the vehicles in the 80's (ie: Camaro) aren't as cool in 2006 as they were back then.
• Not just a guy movie, there will also be women kicking ass. Sweet!
• Dynamic between Megatron and Starscream will be alive and present. They will be as you remember them.
• On why the Decepticons outnumber the Autobots: They wanted the Autobots to be at a severe disadvantage so they really have to band together and use all their strength in order to defeat the Decepticons.
• Always on the message boards. Always looking for fan input.
• Voices are a work in progress. Everyone you want to be considered is being considered.
• Setting up a lot of threads in the hopes there will be a sequel. Hopefully, some of the characters missing here will show up in future installments.
• Contest Announcement (check the film's official website for details in the coming days): Write a line for Optimus Prime and the winning line gets put in the movie. (Hmm, borrowing from Snakes on a Plane are we?)

Okay, that's pretty much it. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

If for some reason you find yourself bound and gagged, thrown in a trunk, and left on a curb in Hollywood, California, I suggest you make the most of it and mosey on over to the Gallery 1988. The gallery is hosting an exhibit called "Remixing the Magic" where they asked fifty different artists to re-interpret classic Disney characters. Some of the stuff they have on display is truly amazing. I don't think I've ever been so utterly disturbed by a picture of Eeyore. The exhibit is on display now through March 10.