Cinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.com/media/feedlogo.gifCinematicalhttp://www.cinematical.comen-usCopyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Pitch of the Day: 'Superman Returns 2'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/pitch-of-the-day-superman-returns-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/pitch-of-the-day-superman-returns-2/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/pitch-of-the-day-superman-returns-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today's pitch is sort of a last chance grab at any possibility of Warner Bros. not rebooting the Superman franchise yet again and instead letting Bryan Singer, or someone else, simply move forward from the underrated Superman Returns. I'm sure to be in my own boat here, especially since all the geeks are celebrating Christopher Nolan's reported involvement with version 3.0 of the superhero on film (if we're talking theatrical releases, isn't this version 5.0? And if we're talking all adaptations it's like version 10.6.2). Still, I'm going to once again make the case for...

Superman Returns 2

Of course it wouldn't be titled that. What an awkward title. But my point is that I'd like to see Singer's installment get a follow-up rather than another reboot. As I noted in my take on the pseudo Mr. & Mrs. Smith reboot yesterday, and as some commenters agreed, sequels are usually more desirable than reboots. I know, go on about Nolan's Batman franchise reboot. Well, a sequel can go in a new direction, too, without the lame connotations of a reboot. Or, it can be a combo like Singer's movie was. Superman Returns continued the original Superman series while also rebooting it. I'll admit I'm a wee bit torn on the idea, as I'd like to see Brandon Routh return but I could certainly do without Kate Bosworth -- though, if Nolan can switch it up with the female lead in his Batman films, they can do it with this, as well.

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]]>batmanbatman foreverbatman robinBatmanForeverBatmanRobinbrandon routhBrandonRouthbryan singerBryanSingerchristopher nolanChristopherNolandaredevil rebootDaredevilReboothellboy 2Hellboy2joel schumacherJoelSchumacherkate bosworthKateBosworthman of steelManOfSteelpitch of the dayPitchOfTheDayrichard lesterRichardLesterspider-man 2Spider-man2supermansuperman rebootsuperman retunsSupermanRebootSupermanRetunsthe dark knightTheDarkKnightx-menx2x2: x-men unitedX2:X-menUnitedChristopher CampbellTue, 09 Feb 2010 19:25:00 ESTWatch This: Beaker is Just "Dust in the Wind"http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/watch-this-beaker-is-just-dust-in-the-wind/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/watch-this-beaker-is-just-dust-in-the-wind/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/watch-this-beaker-is-just-dust-in-the-wind/#commentsFiled under: , ,



For the love of God please make that new Muppet movie a rock opera!!!! Arrrrrrgh!

Okay, now that that's out of my system, it's time to explain why I just had that little outburst. See, MuppetsStudio has released another classic rock song with a Muppets edge. Oh, yes! First it was the brilliance of "Bohemian Rhapsody," and now -- "Beaker's Ballad." No, it's not some random original song, but rather the ol' meeemer sharing his rendition of "Dust in the Wind" -- Kansas' 1977 hit. Unfortunately, Beaker's memeing is no match for Lynn Meredith's vocals, and the harsh, cruel internet world is ready to pounce. It seems that they only like silent (pun alert!) memes.

If we can't get Jason Segel to switch his upcoming movie to a Muppet rock opera, maybe we can at least get a faux concert documentary from the MuppetsStudio? It could be the fan event to challenge Rocky Horror! I imagine I'm not the only one who would stand in line to hear these guys go through all the classic greats.

Meanwhile, in related news, The Playlist managed to nab a description of the new Muppet movie based on a script that's dated October 2009 that their source calls a "solid attempt at recapturing what made "The Muppet Show" and the first two Muppet movies so great" Check out the film description from The Playlist and the hilarious video after the jump.

Continue reading Watch This: Beaker is Just "Dust in the Wind"

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]]>BeakerCinematicalDust in the WindDustInTheWindKansasMuppetsMuppets StudioMuppetsStudioMonika BartyzelTue, 09 Feb 2010 18:45:00 ESTTom Cruise and J.J. Abrams Reunite for 'Mission Impossible 4'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/tom-cruise-and-j-j-abrams-reunite-for-mission-impossible-4/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/tom-cruise-and-j-j-abrams-reunite-for-mission-impossible-4/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/tom-cruise-and-j-j-abrams-reunite-for-mission-impossible-4/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Looks like we have some good (and possibly bad) news for fans of the Mission Impossible franchise. Mike Fleming at Deadline Hollywood is reporting that Paramount and Tom Cruise have indeed put away their past squabbles in order to pave the way for a fourth Mission Impossible film starring Cruise as Impossible Mission Force agent Ethan Hunt. The possibly bad news? MI3 director J.J. Abrams will not be captaining the ship this time out.

Deadline reports that Abrams will be producing alongside the leading man, but that the studio is actively looking for a director to hire. I suppose that means Abrams hasn't been ruled completely out - who knows, he may fall in love with the project and hop back into the directors chair - but it's not likely he'll return in that capacity. We do have two more names confirmed for the project though: writing duo Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec. The pair may not be all that well known on the cinema front, but fans of the small screen should recognize both as writer/producers on a number of television shows, including the Abrams-produced, spy-loving Alias.

There's no confirmation at this stage as to whether or not any previous cast members will be returning, but if they're keeping the streak going by bringing back Cruise they may as well bring back Ving Rhames for him to play off. Beyond that, however, the only other major bit of news is that Paramount will be shooting this summer for a Memorial Day 2011 release.

But what say you? Are you glad to see Tom Cruise reentering the IMF fold? Or would you rather see a franchise return follow the current Hollywood trend of flat-out reboot with a new cast?

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]]>Andre NemecAndreNemecEthan HuntEthanHuntfeaturedJ.J. AbramsJ.j.AbramsJosh AppelbaumJoshAppelbaumMission ImpossibleMission Impossible 4MissionImpossibleMissionImpossible4Tom CruiseTomCruisePeter HallTue, 09 Feb 2010 18:15:00 ESTDiscuss: Your Oscar Party Preparationshttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/discuss-your-oscar-party-preparations/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/discuss-your-oscar-party-preparations/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/discuss-your-oscar-party-preparations/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Call me a dork if you want to, but I love to throw an Oscar party. Every year I bust out my snack trays and print up some ballots for a traditional Oscar shindig, and this year will be no different. The rules for an Oscar party aren't all that different than any other party - you need some food, some booze, and hey, why not a little gambling -- ya know, for "entertainment purposes"? Now some of you out there like to bet money, and sure, that can be fun, but I like to put together prize packages to give away, and besides, the addition of a booby prize guarantees that I can ditch some of the lesser selections in my DVD collection (I'm looking at you, The Goods).

The best part about hosting your own Academy Awards party is that you can get as elaborate as you want: throw down some red carpet, get the champagne flowing, and you can even have mock paparazzi working the room. But I tend to keep things a little more low-key and you're more likely to see popcorn and theater candy (milk duds, Twizzlers, you name it) on my snack table than bottles of Moet. But hey, don't let me stop you; let your imagination (and budget) run wild.

With the big night just a little under a month away, I thought I would get you in the mood with a few suggestions for your Oscar night menu...

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]]>AvatarDistrict 9District9InglouriousBasterdsOscaroscar partyoscar party menuOscarPartyOscarPartyMenuthe blind sideThe Hurt LockerTheBlindSideTheHurtLockerup in the airUpInTheAirJessica BarnesTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:32:00 ESTDamon, Winslet Lead Soderbergh's 'Contagion'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/damon-winslet-lead-soderberghs-contagion/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/damon-winslet-lead-soderberghs-contagion/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/damon-winslet-lead-soderberghs-contagion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Once again, our friends at The Playlist have the inside scoop on a Steven Soderbergh film. Having previously been the go-to site for updated casting info on the filmmaker's current project, Knockout, they now bring first word on what will be his next effort: Contagion. The ensemble action-thriller, which is reportedly being called a "terrifying" cross between the Bourne movies and Soderbergh's own Traffic (with some obvious reference to Outbreak), involves interweaving stories set on four continents during the outbreak of a deadly virus.

Contagion will star now-regular Soderbergh lead Matt Damon along with Oscar-caliber thesps Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Marion Cotillard. The script was penned by Scott Z. Burns, who wrote Soderbergh's The Informant! and co-wrote The Bourne Ultimatum. According to an earlier posting by The Playlist, the idea for Contagion actually spawned from the scene in The Informant! when Damon's character rants about germs. It's possible this film will therefore treat the central virus metaphorically, as does Damon's speech. If the film does contain subtext commenting on the travel of information and misinformation, though, it would certainly bring about comparisons to Babel.

Continue reading Damon, Winslet Lead Soderbergh's 'Contagion'

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]]>babelbournecontagionjude lawJudeLawkate winsletKateWinsletliberacemarion cotillardMarionCotillardmatt damonMattDamonoutbreakparticipant mediaParticipantMediascott z. burnsScottZ.Burnssteven soderberghStevenSoderberghthe bourne ultimatumthe informantTheBourneUltimatumTheInformanttrafficvirusChristopher CampbellTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:45:00 ESTMaking The (Up) Grade: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegashttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/making-the-up-grade-fear-and-loathing-in-las-vegas/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/making-the-up-grade-fear-and-loathing-in-las-vegas/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/making-the-up-grade-fear-and-loathing-in-las-vegas/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas could easily have been a candidate for Cinematical's Shelf Life series, and I contemplated using it for this week's entry. After some consideration, however, I came to the realization that anyone who liked Terry Gilliam's Hunter S. Thompson adaptation in 1998, or ever, quite frankly, would probably still like it today, and anyone who didn't, well, wouldn't. (For the record, I've always been a huge fan of the film, and remain one today.) As such, it seemed more appropriate to let those fans know whether Universal's recent Blu-ray release was worth the money they would be taking away from their drug habits.

What's Already Available:

Continue reading Making The (Up) Grade: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

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]]>benicio del toroBenicioDelTorofear and loathing in las vegasFearAndLoathingInLasVegashunter s. thompsonHunterS.Thompsonjohnny deppJohnnyDeppmaking the up gradeMakingTheUpGradeshelf lifeShelfLifeterry gilliamTerryGilliamTodd GilchristTue, 09 Feb 2010 16:02:00 ESTScenes (Songs) We Love: "Lunatic Fringe" from 'Vision Quest'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/scenes-songs-we-love-lunatic-fringe-from-vision-quest/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/scenes-songs-we-love-lunatic-fringe-from-vision-quest/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/scenes-songs-we-love-lunatic-fringe-from-vision-quest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We've had some time to get used to the truly terrible idea of a 3D Stretch Armstrong flick with Taylor (Team Jacob) Lautner as the flexible hero in question. But on the upside, at least now I can hold out hope that maybe if Lautner's busy getting all bendy, he won't have time to ruin the memory of Louden Swain in a remake of the sports/teen drama Vision Quest -- which brings me to today's Scenes (Songs) We Love, and while most people focus on Madonna's Crazy for You as the musical highlight of the flick, I thought I would offer up a pretty viable alternative: Lunatic Fringe from Red Rider.

Vision Quest was based on the novel by Terry Davis and centered on a high-school wrestler (played by Matthew Modine) who decides to take on the top dog in a fight to do something meaningful with his life -- which I guess means rolling around on the floor with other guys. But, in the pursuit of his dream, he sacrifices his health and his love life with an older woman (played by Linda Fiorentino).

The song was written by the Tom Cochrane (and I'm sure my fellow Canadians know that name), and was originally released in 1981 before making its way onto the soundtrack, and even though the song is actually about the rise of anti-Semitism in the 1970's, when I hear this tune I just think of Matthew Modine in a spot-lit gym.

After the jump: a slice of Canadiana...

Continue reading Scenes (Songs) We Love: "Lunatic Fringe" from 'Vision Quest'

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]]>linda fiorentinoLindaFiorentinomatthew modineMatthewModineScenes Songs We LoveScenes We LoveScenesSongsWeLoveScenesWeLovestretch armstrongStretchArmstrongtaylor lautnerTaylorLautnerVision QuestVisionQuestJessica BarnesTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:32:00 ESTDolphin Doc 'The Cove' Gets Japanese Release Datehttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/dolphin-doc-the-cove-gets-japanese-release-date/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/dolphin-doc-the-cove-gets-japanese-release-date/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/dolphin-doc-the-cove-gets-japanese-release-date/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Louie Psihoyos's animal rights documentary The Cove (a film we've been championing since Sundance '09 - read our review here) has been opening eyes stateside and in a handful of overseas markets since opening last summer, but the real question was whether or not the people of Japan would hear about the mass dolphin harvesting that had been going on for years under their noses in the small fishing village of Taiji. According to a press release, Japanese audiences will get their chance to watch The Cove come April 2010, when distributor Medallion Media releases the Oscar nominated film.

In the press release (via The Hot Blog), Medallion Media director Norio Okahara stressed that the company was remaining neutral in the highly political dolphin harvesting debate, but that it was an important issue that deserved attention, so as to let the Japanese public decide for themselves. "In distributing The Cove we are not taking sides. Rather, we are presenting the film for the Japanese to decide for themselves about the issues it raises. There is a debate to be had here and this important film - and the Academy Award(R) nomination only serves to reinforce its importance - offers the opportunity for such a debate."

Continue reading Dolphin Doc 'The Cove' Gets Japanese Release Date

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]]>Academy AwardsAcademy Awards nomineeAcademyAwardsAcademyAwardsNomineeBest Documentary FeatureBestDocumentaryFeaturedocumentaryJapanLouis PsihoyosMedallion MediaMedallionMediaOscarTaijiThe CoveTheCoveJen YamatoTue, 09 Feb 2010 15:02:00 EST'Big Top Pee-Wee': The Original Benicio Del Toro Wolfmanhttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/big-top-pee-wee-the-original-benicio-del-toro-wolfman/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/big-top-pee-wee-the-original-benicio-del-toro-wolfman/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/big-top-pee-wee-the-original-benicio-del-toro-wolfman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Is Joe Johnston's The Wolfman a new spin on the 1941 Universal classic or is it a shocking, gorier reboot of Big Top Pee-Wee? Benicio Del Toro seems to be working hard to compete with Marmaduke, Marley, and the Beverly Hills Chihuahua for the title of Hollywood's hottest canine actor. He first appeared in a full fur face in the 1988 Pee-Wee Herman vehicle in a small part as circus freak Duke the Dog-Faced Boy.

His role as Lawrence Talbot in The Wolfman represents the curse of type-casting at its worst. It's clear now that Del Toro will only be considered for roles that call for a half-puppy/half-man hybrid. I'm expecting him to tackle the role of Snoopy in a live-action version of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown very soon. (I'm also kidding.)

You don't think The Wolfman is even remotely similar to Big Top Pee-Wee because one is a gothic horror and one is a silly comedy? Consider this -- Pee-Wee Herman makes out with both Valeria Golino (whatever happened to her?) and Penelope Ann Miller in the film. Pee-Wee's tongue in your mouth? That's scarier than anything that happens in The Wolfman.

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]]>benecio del toroBenecioDelToroBig Top Pee-weeBigTopPee-weefeaturedpaul ruebensPaulRuebenspee wee hermanPeeWeeHermanpenelope ann millerPenelopeAnnMillerthe wolfmanTheWolfmanvaleria golinoValeriaGolinoJohn GholsonTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:32:00 ESTIs Tracy Morgan in 'Jaws 3D' Really That Ridiculous?http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/is-tracy-morgan-in-jaws-3d-really-that-ridiculous/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/is-tracy-morgan-in-jaws-3d-really-that-ridiculous/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/is-tracy-morgan-in-jaws-3d-really-that-ridiculous/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When we hear a ridiculous rumor, it's quite easy to become either incensed at the sheer audaciousness of the claim, or laugh it off as too stupid to be true. Take this latest goodie: Cinema Blend reports that a source at Universal Pictures claims that since audiences are expecting more from their movies, the studio wants to tap into the franchise pile for 3D magic, and are "strongly considering" a remake of Jaws "in hopes of dazzling younger audiences with new special effects."

The notion makes sense. If there's one movie that would look downright gorgeous in Real D 3D, it's Jaws. However, folks, that's not all. That same insider claims that Tracy Morgan has been considered for the role of Richard Dreyfus' Matt Hooper, but it's "uncertain" whether he's still in the running. To hedge their gossip bets, Cinema Blend states that this is a new source and could be hooey just as much as it could be truth.

It's easy to shudder when thinking of a comedic Jaws led by Morgan, because the thought sounds downright terrible, but let's back up. See that shark up there with the super-visible robot metal in his mouth? That's the big beast of Jaws 4. After that monstrosity of moviemaking, is it really that ridiculous to imagine Morgan facing off against a 3D shark?

It's either the stupidest, most moronic rumor of the year, or a sad reminder of where Hollywood is heading in the future. You make the call ...

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]]>3DCinematicalJawsJaws 4Jaws4Real D 3DRealD3dTracy MorganTracyMorganMonika BartyzelTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:02:00 ESTCasting Bites: From Weisz's 'Dream' to Wasikowska's 'Eyre'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/casting-bites-from-weiszs-dream-to-wasikowskas-eyre/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/casting-bites-from-weiszs-dream-to-wasikowskas-eyre/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/casting-bites-from-weiszs-dream-to-wasikowskas-eyre/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

On this Tuesday, lots of female casting bites are hitting the net:

First, Rachel Weisz has found her next gig. Variety reports that she's signed on to star with Daniel Craig and Naomi Watts in Jim Sheridan's Dream House. Craig and Weisz play a couple who move from Gotham to a New England town, and then discover that a mother and her two children were murdered in their new home. Watts plays the neighbor who knew the family, and Toronto is standing in for New England as production kicked off on Sunday.

And the rest of the goodies come from a post over at Deadline Hollywood Daily:

Cate Blanchett has signed onto Hanna, the Saoirse Ronan film that just cast Eric Bana. There's no mention of who she will play, but the film focuses on a CIA-bred killer 14-year-old girl "hellbent on finding her father, and uses the survival skills she learned from him on anybody who gets in her way."

Amber Tamblyn, meanwhile, has grabbed a starring lead opposite James Franco in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours. You know -- the story of the man who got his arm caught whilst rock climbing and had to saw it off himself to survive. Tamblyn will play his girlfriend in memories that get him through the ordeal.

Finally, we've got our Jane Eyre. Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) has signed, after circling the production last November with Michael Fassbender. As for the Fish Tank star, there hasn't been official word following last year's announcement, but he seems to be signed on, which probably means a no-go for Wuthering Heights and Andrea Arnold. But it does allow him to get his May-December groove on again, moving from a young character named Mia who falls for him in Fish Tank, to all-out romance with the next youngin' Mia in Jane Eyre.

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]]>127 Hours127HoursAmber TamblynAmberTamblynCate BlanchettCateBlanchettCinematicalDream HouseDreamHouseHannaJane EyreJaneEyreMia WasikowskaMiaWasikowskaRachel WeiszRachelWeiszMonika BartyzelTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:32:00 ESTOxford Film Fest: Voices 'Ole' and Newhttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/oxford-film-fest-voices-ole-and-new/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/oxford-film-fest-voices-ole-and-new/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/oxford-film-fest-voices-ole-and-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


According to a detailed manifesto on its website, the Oxford Film Festival began in 2003 "as a project of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council... committed to celebrating the art of independent cinema." What the festival actually is, however, is so much more: a four-day celebration where filmmakers, industry professionals, critics, and cinephiles gather together, get to know one another, and share in a community's collective appreciation for film in all of its forms. Cozily entrenched in the businesses and residences of Oxford, Mississippi, the town that the picturesque college Ole Miss calls home, OFF is a modest, maturing sibling of mainstay festivals like Sundance and South By Southwest whose smalltown charm bypasses superficial spectacle in favor of more substantial rewards.

The festival runs four days and features more than 80 different offerings, including narrative features, documentaries, short films, animated works, and experimental projects. I was enlisted at the last minute to serve as a member of OFF's documentary jury, so I was unfortunately unable to attend the Opening Night screening of director Joshua Goldin's Wonderful World, but took a break from some 20 hours of verite filmmaking to attend a party at Oxford's Southside Gallery. In attendance were several of the filmmakers who brought their movies to the fest, as well as an array of other participants and locals without whose presence the festival simply wouldn't have its singularly intimate feel.

Continue reading Oxford Film Fest: Voices 'Ole' and New

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]]>a quiet little marriageAQuietLittleMarriagebicycle laneBicycleLanecarried awayCarriedAwaydivefor the love of moviesForTheLoveOfMoviesmississippi queenMississippiQueennaturally obsessed: the making of a scientistNaturallyObsessed:TheMakingOfAScientistOFFoxford film festivalOxfordFilmFestivalplaygroundstreets of plentyStreetsOfPlentythe last survivorthe mountainthe river and the roadThe ScenestersTheLastSurvivorTheMountainTheScenesterswheedles grooveWheedlesGroovewonderful worldWonderfulWorldTodd GilchristTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:55:00 ESTDiscuss: Movie Date Disastershttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/discuss-movie-date-disasters/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/discuss-movie-date-disasters/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/discuss-movie-date-disasters/#commentsFiled under:

There are varying schools of thought on the movie date. Some think it seems silly to try and get to know someone in the dark of a movie theater -- I mean, get to know each other's personalities, you frisky whippets! I tend to agree with this when it comes to more formal first dates, but I think seeing a movie with someone you have already been on one or two dates with can be a good way to feel out the other person's taste, sense of humor, and temperament. And I definitely agree with Christopher Campbell that going to a movie with your steady is an awesome thing indeed.

If going out to see Cannibal Holocaust at midnight is your dream date and you've found a guy or gal who's just as jazzed as you (or wants to hang out with you enough that s/he's willing to peek through their fingers when necessary), my magic eight ball says there could be a love connection there. But what if the other person, who before your movie date seemed pretty awesome, texts the whole time or gets shouty with nearby teens who won't stop talking or otherwise behaves in a way that makes you embarrassed to be seen with him/her? (Personal tolerance of other's behavior in public may vary. Also, similarly indicative behavior in other settings includes being rude to waiters, hocking loogies in public, drunken sobbing, etc.) Being stuck for two hours next to a person whose behavior makes you wanna crawl up your own you-know-what is a terrible way to spend the evening.

Continue reading Discuss: Movie Date Disasters

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]]>movie date disastersMovieDateDisastersvalentines dayValentinesDayJenni MillerTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:20:00 ESTSpin-ematical: New on DVD and Blu-ray for 2/9http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/spin-ematical-new-on-dvd-and-blu-ray-for-2-9/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/spin-ematical-new-on-dvd-and-blu-ray-for-2-9/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/spin-ematical-new-on-dvd-and-blu-ray-for-2-9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Cinematical's Spin-ematical: New on DVD and Blu-ray for 2/9

A Serious Man
Coen Brothers. Academy Award-nominated. Need more? "The culmination of their lives, reminiscent both of their own suburban childhoods in the '60s, and of their cinematic successes over the last twenty-five years." Michael Stuhbarg stars as "a man utterly at a loss to explain his life's severe turn for the worse; he is a man desperate for answers." (Monika Bartyzel, Cinematical.) Buy it.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy at Amazon

Couples Retreat
Shameless it may be, but "you end up laughing more than expected," I wrote in my review. Vince Vaughan, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Faizon Love, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Kali Hawk star. The comedy is broad and silly, but harsher truths occasionally emerge. Rent it.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy at Amazon

The Time Traveler's Wife
Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams star in an adaptation of the novel by Audrey Niffenegger. "Adds up to a mildly successful time-passer, though one too concerned with trying to target its audience rather than with trying to figure out where it's actually coming from." (Jeffrey M. Anderson, Cinematical.) Rent it.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy at Amazon

The Stepfather
"The most intense Lifetime Channel Original Movie that the Lifetime Channel never made. ... [It] just isn't enough." (Peter Hall, Horror Squad.) Skip it.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy at Amazon

Also out: Serious Moonlight, Free Style, Emma, Dante's Inferno: An Animated Epic.

After the jump: Indies on DVD, library titles on Blu-ray, and Collector's Corner!

Continue reading Spin-ematical: New on DVD and Blu-ray for 2/9

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]]>a serious manASeriousManbad girls of film noirBadGirlsOfFilmNoirblu-raybronsoncollectors cornerCollectorsCornercouples retreatCouplesRetreatdarefeaturedindies on dvdIndiesOnDvdnew on dvd and blu-rayNewOnDvdAndBlu-raypeter and vandyPeterAndVandyspin-ematicalthe pleasure of being robbedthe stepfatherthe time travelers wifeThePleasureOfBeingRobbedTheStepfatherTheTimeTravelersWifePeter MartinTue, 09 Feb 2010 11:35:00 ESTWatch This: Brilliant Oscar-Nominated Short 'Logorama'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/watch-this-brilliant-oscar-nominated-short-logorama/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/watch-this-brilliant-oscar-nominated-short-logorama/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/watch-this-brilliant-oscar-nominated-short-logorama/#commentsFiled under: , ,



I was glad I opted to watch the opening night shorts program at this year's Sundance Film Festival because it was packed with four fantastic short films. One of those (arguably the favorite of the bunch) was an animated film called Logorama, written and directed by the French duo of François Alaux and Herve de Crecy. Now nominated for a Best Animated Short Oscar, Logorama takes place in a world full of corporate and brand logos (in which roughly 2,500 appear), and it follows a few different stories that all intertwine with one another. Honestly, it's bloody brilliant, and I guarantee it'll be the best thing you watch all week.

At Sundance, a bunch of us wondered how these guys could get away with making something like this without facing hundreds of lawsuits, and then we wondered whether legal matters would ever stop it from existing in some form online. Perhaps someone with a law background could chime in here, but in the meantime you simply must head after the jump to watch this film. My favorite part is the Joker-esque Ronald McDonald, but it's also the tiniest details that truly make this film a work of art. You may normally not pay attention to the short film categories at the Oscars (partly because they're not as widely distributed as the feature films), but after watching Logorama I think you'll be rooting for it come March 7th.

Check it out after the jump and let us know what you think.

Continue reading Watch This: Brilliant Oscar-Nominated Short 'Logorama'

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]]>academy awardsAcademyAwardscinematicalfeaturedlogoramasundance10watch logoramaWatchLogoramaErik DavisTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:50:00 ESTChris Nolan to Lead 'Superman' Reboot!?http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/chris-nolan-to-lead-superman-reboot/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/chris-nolan-to-lead-superman-reboot/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/chris-nolan-to-lead-superman-reboot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



It's a bird, it's a plane ... it's Warner Bros. asking Christopher Nolan to pretty please resurrect their Superman franchise and do something cool with it! According to Deadline Hollywood, Nolan has been asked to come in and sort of "mentor" the next Superman movie, and it won't be a sequel to Superman Returns, but instead the beginning of a brand new franchise. Furthermore, DH says Nolan probably won't direct -- especially since David Goyer, Jonah Nolan and Chris Nolan are all busy planning and writing the next Batman installment as we speak -- so what will he do, exactly, when it comes to the new Superman? That's not clear yet, and DH stresses that the film is still in its real early stages of development (ahem, I think they're bringing him in to lay the groundwork for a Justice League movie, but we'll see ...)

Still, knowing Nolan is somehow involved in the rebirth of Superman should at the very least breathe some excited life into a franchise that a lot of folks have kinda lost faith in because, let's face it, the fans feel Warner Bros. had lost faith in it, too. One insider told DH, "We know what we don't want to do. But we don't know what we want to do. We learned a lot from the last movie, and we want to get it right this time." Obviously Nolan has success in rebooting a DC Comics franchise, as evidenced by the work he's done with Batman. But Superman is a different beast all together, and one imagines they'll start with trying to ground the franchise a bit more with a freakier set of villains and perhaps a more relatable, down-to-earth storyline. Not that we need Clark Kent making MySpace references for 120 minutes, but I could see them focusing more on the burden Superman is carrying -- that "weight of the world" angle -- and less on his little romance with Lois Lane.

What do you think? What would you like to see them do with the new Superman?

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]]>christopher nolanChristopherNolancinematicaldc comicsDcComicsfeaturedsupermansuperman rebootSupermanRebootwarner brothersWarnerBrothersErik DavisTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:18:00 ESTTim Robbins Joins 'The Green Lantern'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/tim-robbins-joins-the-green-lantern/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/tim-robbins-joins-the-green-lantern/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/tim-robbins-joins-the-green-lantern/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As you may have realized by now, the main villain of The Green Lantern isn't going to be Sinestro, but will be Peter Sarsgaard's Dr. Hector Hammond. Sinestro will be there, lurking in the wings, but it's all about Hammond and his big, bad, psychic powers this time around. But like all bad boys, Hammond has turned to the dark side because of deep seated issues in his childhood. So, you need a father figure to menace our poor doctor, and THR's Heat Vision reports that Tim Robbins has volunteered for the job.

Robbins will play Senator Hammond, the disapproving father of Hector. Despite that Hector has become a brilliant pathologist, the Senator remains unimpressed. Presumably, the senator would rather his son follow him into politics, and reap the benefits of wealth, power, money, and women. When Hector stumbles upon a meteor that gives him overwhelming psychic powers, I'm guessing Daddy Dearest becomes enemy #1. The Senator's going to live to regret never playing catch with his son.

Sarsgaard and Robbins should play very well off each other. Both of them excel at playing despicable people. It might be more fun watching them go at each other than seeing the eventual showdown between Hal Jordan and Dr. Hammond. Therein lies the danger of a great cast filling out those supporting roles!



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]]>DC ComicsDC StudiosDcComicsDcStudiosDr. Hector HammondDr.HectorHammondfeaturedpeter sarsgaardPeterSarsgaardRyan ReynoldsRyanReynoldsSenator HammondSenatorHammondThe Green LanternTheGreenLanternTim RobbinsTimRobbinsWarner BrosWarnerBrosElisabeth RappeTue, 09 Feb 2010 09:45:00 EST'Terminator' Rights Sell, But Not To A Studiohttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/terminator-rights-sell-but-not-to-a-studio/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/terminator-rights-sell-but-not-to-a-studio/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/09/terminator-rights-sell-but-not-to-a-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Everyone has been mildly interested to see who would win the Terminator franchise rights after Halcyon Holding Corp. went into bankruptcy. (Come on, we all wanted Joss Whedon to get it.) Last we knew, Lionsgate was the leading contender to win the rights to making more chronicles of John Connor. But according to Deadline Hollywood Daily, the bidding has ended, and the winner? Pacificor, the Santa Barbara hedge fund that had loaned Halcyon the money to buy Terminator in the first place. Halcyon failed in their loan payments, forcing Pacificor to come after them, which they tried to head off by filing their own lawsuit. But now the slate has apparently been wiped clean to the tune of $29 million dollars.

Sony and Lionsgate did place bids, and even united to bid together once the first round was over. But both dropped out at $29.5 million when it became clear that Pacificor was willing to pay any amount necessary to win the Terminator rights. Reportedly, Sony's Peter Schlessel was "furious" at how the auction went down and stormed out of the building. Was that because he really, really wanted Sony to have Terminator? Was he just mad that he wasted his evening? Or is everyone as weirded out by the shadowy business practices as we on the outside are?

The sale must be approved by bankruptcy court, so there could still be another chapter to the sad saga. What Pacificor plans to do with the franchise is anyone's guess, but I suspect that Terminator will be something so tied up in legal red tape and rights that we won't see another film for a long, long time.

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]]>halcyonHalcyon CompanyHalcyonCompanyjoss whedonJossWhedonLionsgatePacificorPeter SchlesselPeterSchlesselSony PicturesSonyPicturesSummit EntertainmentSummitEntertainmentterminatorTerminator legal woesterminator salvationTerminatorLegalWoesTerminatorSalvationElisabeth RappeTue, 09 Feb 2010 09:03:00 ESTMy Movie Crush: Michael Treanor in '3 Ninjas'http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/08/my-movie-crush-michael-treanor-in-3-ninjas/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/08/my-movie-crush-michael-treanor-in-3-ninjas/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/08/my-movie-crush-michael-treanor-in-3-ninjas/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This is the first entry in a new column reminiscing on my adolescent movie crushes, in which I explore my memories of the objects of my obsession. Join me.

Sometime in the early '90s, my young adolescent existence went from nerdy and tomboyish to boy-crazy, nerdy and tomboyish. Once it happened, I started noticing cute boys everywhere and I found that my girl friends did, too. We would have sleepovers and hang outs and talk for hours about the objects of our obsessions, pick which ones were our favorites (making sure to choose diplomatically, in case two girls picked the Justins and nobody picked the Lances), and replay particularly swoon-worthy scenes in our heads (i.e. "Remember that time Jonathan pretended to be a girl to get on the soccer team!?"). Only these boys weren't the cootie-carrying classmates we went to school with; they were the dreamy, pretty, charismatic nice boys the likes of which could only be found in fantasy land. These were our movie crushes.

To kick-off this new column celebrating our collective childhood movie crushes, I'm taking it back to the first onscreen boy that ever made my heart beat with (innocent!) romantic palpitations. (Check out Jessica Barnes' Michael Biehn post for a much more respectably nerdy first crush.) The year was 1992, his name was Michael Treanor, and he was one of the young stars of a major motion picture that had girls the world over swooning while simultaneously asking their parents to sign up for karate lessons: 3 Ninjas.

Continue reading My Movie Crush: Michael Treanor in '3 Ninjas'

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]]>19923 Ninjas3 Ninjas High Noon at Mega Mountain3 Ninjas Kick Back3 Ninjas Knuckle Up3NinjasKickBackChad PowerChadPowerColtJon TurteltaubJonTurteltaubKate SargeantKateSargeantMax Elliott SladeMaxElliottSladeMichael TreanorMy Movie CrushMyMovieCrushRockyTum-TumVictor WongVictorWongJen YamatoMon, 08 Feb 2010 22:15:00 ESTInterview: Pierce Brosnan on Polanski, Percy, and R-Patzhttp://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/08/pierce-brosnan-on-polanski-percy-and-r-patz/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/08/pierce-brosnan-on-polanski-percy-and-r-patz/http://www.cinematical.com/2010/02/08/pierce-brosnan-on-polanski-percy-and-r-patz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



February is about to get really interesting for Pierce Brosnan. A mere week after his debut as a self-proclaimed "horse's ass" (aka Chiron) in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief on February 12, a much smaller and much more controversial thriller he's in will be hitting art house screens in New York and Los Angeles. Brosnan is one of the heavy-hitting stars in Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer, the movie Polanski was doing post-production on when he was arrested in Switzerland on an outstanding warrant from 1978, when he fled the US before being sentenced for having sex with a minor. (Polanski finished the film while under house arrest.) Pierce Brosnan, who plays ex-Prime Minister Adam Lang, is part of an impressive ensemble; Olivia Williams is Lang's intensely intelligent wife Ruth, while Ewan McGregor is the titular writer who reluctantly signs on to help Lang with his memoirs after the first writer turns up dead.

Brosnan spoke to Cinematical about working with the legendary figure on The Ghost Writer, as well as Percy Jackson, dealing with Robert Pattinson's screaming fans on the set of Remember Me, and much more.

Continue reading Interview: Pierce Brosnan on Polanski, Percy, and R-Patz

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]]>carey mulliganCareyMulliganEwan McGregorEwanMcgregorolivia williamsOliviaWilliamspercy jackson and the olympians: the lightning thiefPercyJacksonAndTheOlympians:TheLightningThiefpierce brosnanPierceBrosnanremember meRememberMerobert pattinsonRobertPattinsonroman polanskiRomanPolanskiSummit EntertainmentSummitEntertainmentsusan sarandonSusanSarandonthe ghostthe ghost writerthe greatestTheGhostTheGhostWriterTheGreatestJenni MillerMon, 08 Feb 2010 21:32:00 EST