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Sony Launches Official Site for '30 Days of Night'

Filed under: Horror », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Site Announcements », Sony », Comic/Superhero/Geek », ComicCon »

By the looks of the new site for the vampire flick 30 Days of Night, this movie is going to be one nicely designed bloodbath. Sony just launched the fancy flash site for the film version of Steven Niles' graphic novel about a group of vampires descending on a small Alaskan town for a non-stop feeding frenzy.

Night is directed by David Slade (Hard Candy) and the script was written by Stuart Beattie (3:10 To Yuma). Josh Hartnett stars as a local sheriff trying to keep a group of locals alive, and Ben Foster (who gave us a behind the scenes look at the film, last February) is an ancient vampire that is none-too-pleased with the attention-drawing antics of his kind. The site looks like it was designed in the spirit of the original graphic novel, plus, along with the teaser clips and downloads, there is the promise of a nifty-looking shooter game.

There has already been talk of shorts set in the Night universe produced by Sam Raimi's Ghosthouse, more comic books, and don't forget the possibility of multiple sequels (Ryan got the chance to speak with Niles about the film, as well as female lead Melissa George). So, combined with the solid teaser trailer Scott told us about last month, it's looking like this graphic novel has the potential to spawn a whole new horror franchise. The film is also expected to get a little extra buzz with the cast, along with Slade and Raimi, answering questions about the film for a ComicCon panel this weekend -- stay tuned for that report. 30 Days of Night hits theaters October 19th.

'The Simpsons Movie' Site Is Live

Filed under: Animation », Comedy », Site Announcements », 20th Century Fox », Movie Marketing », Images »

There is probably nothing that fans don't already know about the upcoming big screen version of The Simpsons, and this is just the latest thing in a long line of teasers, posters, and preview screenings. ComingSoon.net has the first look at yet another poster for the animated comedy and Fox has also launched the movie's official site. It's a relatively elaborate site with plenty to do, or at least it will be when Fox gets the entire thing up and running. At the moment, there are only a couple of games, that mainly involve cartoon destruction, so it looks they aren't kidding with the Michael Bay-style extravaganza they've hinted at in the trailers. For the less destructively inclined, there's also a little "three card Moe." You can also take a crack at creating your own Simpson's avatar, and of course there are the usual offerings of icons, a screen saver, and desktop wallpapers.

At this point, I think it's fair to say that I have lost track of the different posters for the film, so I can't say that this one is going to stand out any more than the rest. However, there is something to be said for the "classical" Homer, complete with donut. Fans have been anxiously waiting for July 27th to see if this is the Simpsons movie they have been waiting for, or if Groening and company have somehow managed to screw it all up, and as the wait goes on, Fox certainly seems to be giving the film all the support they can.

Wahlberg's 'We Own The Night' Has A Trailer And A Website

Filed under: Drama », Thrillers », Site Announcements », Cannes », New Line », Movie Marketing », Images »

It seems like Mark Wahlberg still has the knack for choosing movie roles that are all over the map. For example, there was the recent news that the actor had made the "out-there" choice of starring in M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, but up first for him will be the slightly more predictable We Own The Night. A French website is now operating for the crime thriller starring not only Wahlberg, but Joaquin Phoenix and Robert Duvall. Directed by James Gray, the film is set in New York in the late 80's, and centers on a family of cops and criminals in the midst of a drug war with the Russian mob. The site has plenty of pictures and we also get a look at the international trailer for the film.

Wahlberg continues his streak of playing cops but it looks like Phoenix gets to show off a little more in the role of a tormented informant with family connections in law enforcement. Also starring as a love interest to Phoenix is Eva Mendes, who doesn't get to do much in the trailer other than look concerned and writhe around in underwear. This is only the first of many projects for Wahlberg this year, including reuniting with Martin Scorsese on the HBO series Boardwalk and he will also be re-teaming with Departed co-star Matt Damon in the biopic of boxer Irish Micky Ward. So far, New Line has yet to announce a release date for We Own The Night., instead they are currently in Cannes drumming up a little business for the film.

Dear MPAA, Am I Allowed To Visit The New 'Captivity' Site?

Filed under: Horror », Thrillers », Site Announcements », Lionsgate Films », Celebrities and Controversy », Movie Marketing »

So finally after all the hoopla caused by the MPAA's blustering about sanctions and withholding a rating for the horror flick, Captivity is finally on its way. And now they've launched a new website that if nothing else, won't have Lionsgate fending off charges of indecency. In promoting the story of a supermodel and a limo driver who are kidnapped and tortured by a faceless madman, you probably remember that After Dark caused a stir with their giant billboards of Elisha Cuthbert in a variety of unpleasant situations -- although I guess unpleasant is a bit of an understatement when you have a hook through your nose. It might be a little late in the game for the film after the accusations of misogynistic billboards, and the bad press of a delayed release date. Can a snazzy website really have that much of an effect? And it is a snazzy little site, but you would think that after all the complaints about the movie, they would have put an age disclaimer at the beginning. In the end, they don't need one, because despite all the bells and whistles, (or I guess clanking chains and dripping water to be more accurate) there is not all that much to the site.

We get another look at the slightly anti-climactic trailer that Scott told us about last April, and you can't help but notice that after the accusations of violence against women, they felt the need to pack the trailer full of scenes of escape rather than the pronounced torture theme the print advertising seemed to focus on. There are also some extra clips of the film sprinkled around the site and the usual array of photos and downloads. Now that Captivity will finally make its way to theaters later this June, we'll get to see if the movie was worth all the fuss.

The Official Site For 'Next' Is Live

Filed under: Action », Drama », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Thrillers », Site Announcements », Movie Marketing »

It looks like the marketing machine is at full tilt for Nicolas Cage's upcoming thriller Next. Already we have had the trailer and some poster art that was less than eye-catching, but now there is a fancy new website. There are plenty of bells and whistles, including do-it-yourself ESP tests, the promise of a "Nuclear Countdown" game, and something vaguely titled "Experience". Next centers on Cage, a man who has the ability to travel through time and is being hunted by some shadowy government types -- is there any other kind? As if that was not enough, all the while he is trying to prevent the death of his girlfriend (Jessica Biel) and stop a nuclear annihilation. Also, Julianne Moore has something to do with it, and Peter Falk, TV's Columbo, also has a role in the film.

Directed by Lee Tamahori (XXX), the story is based on Philip K. Dick's The Golden Man, but the script was adapted by one of the writers of Navy Seals so I'm thinking it could go either way; even Patrick and Scott seemed undecided about the whole thing. In the end I guess it really doesn't matter, Cage seems to be going for the title of "Hardest Working Man in Show Business" so it will not take long before he is onto another film, and then another, and another. As for Next, it's currently scheduled to drop in theaters on April 27.

It's The End Of The World As We Know It, Again.

Filed under: Action », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Site Announcements », Movie Marketing »

One of the mainstays of science fiction is the premise that the world is going to hell, not literally Hell mind you, but you get my meaning. The threat of apocalypse and the collapse of society are always a good way to get audiences on the edge of their seats. When it is done right, the filmmaker creates visions of the future that are fascinating and terrifying, and hopefully like nothing we have ever seen before. Call it a gut feeling but I'm guessing that if the poster art for the upcoming Mutant Chronicles, is any indication, we're about to get an apocalypse with more than a healthy dose of warfare.

Artist David Allcock posted the first look at his teaser poster for the sci-fi action film starring Thomas Jane and John Malkovich. The official site for the film is already online and includes glimpses of concept art, production videos, and promises of a director's blog to come. The film is set in a distant future where corporations have taken control and instigated all out war. Jane plays the leader of the last front of humanity's resistance to an alien invading force. It's early days, so I'm going to have reserve judgment on this one until I get a look at a trailer. I've seen enough bad sci-fi movies in my time to know to prepare myself for at least the possibility of another sci-fi schlock-fest.

[via JoBlo.net]

Universal Has A New Web Site For Because I Said So

Filed under: Comedy », Romance », Site Announcements », Universal », Movie Marketing »

Even though Annie Hall is * 20 years old, Diane Keaton is still remembered for creating one of the best female characters in film history. The simple fact she managed to make a neurotic flake into a full-fledged icon deserves some respect. While only occasionally being offered dramatic film roles, notably in Marvin's Room, lately Keaton has been camped out in comedy, and there is no denying she has a flair for it so you can't blame her.

Universal Pictures has launched the website for the comedy Because I Said So, starring Keaton, Mandy Moore, and Lauren Graham from TV's Gilmore Girls. The site includes photos, the trailer, and for some reason wallpaper and AIM icons for download -- so you can be the first kid on your block with a Lauren Graham icon. Because I Said So looks like your typical mother-daughter feel-good comedy with some romance thrown in for good measure. Keaton plays the single mom of three adult daughters who is a little too involved in their love lives and not enough in her own. Luckily Keaton has enough charm to improve any movie, otherwise I could have never made it through The First Wives Club. So, while it may not be the most original plot, if you like your comedy warm and fuzzy, Because I Said So opens February 2nd.

* Correction: My math skills obviously aren't what they used to be, Annie Hall was released in 1977 so that makes it 30 years old.

[via JoBlo.com]

Sony Yells, Surf's Up!

Filed under: Animation », Comedy », Sony », Family Films », Movie Marketing »

I was a little surprised when Happy Feet turned out to be one of the big box office success stories this year. Sure, everyone likes a family film, especially right around the holidays, but I thought Bond would have definitely beat up on those penguins. I guess it goes to show you never can tell, huh?

I think Sony is hoping you forget all about those adorable dancing birds by the time their new animated penguin film hits screens this summer -- or that your love for animated penguins is at an all-time high. Banking on the idea that if you enjoyed dancing penguins, you are going to love surfing penguins, Sony has launched the official site for Surf's Up. The story focuses on the unlikely premise that penguins were the originators of surfing, and the film is a mockumentary about a historic surfing competition held on Pen Gu Island. Of course, there will be plenty of family friendly messages about winning, accepting differences, etc..., mixed in with a slew of wisecracks. Voices in the film include Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel, Jon Heder, Michael McKean and James Woods. The website has a link to the trailer, a wallpaper download and a "live" web cam of Pen Gu Island. If you have little ones in your life, I'm sure you will be seeing this movie, whether you like it or not. But, since I don't, I think I'm might have to pass.

[via JoBlo.net]

Sony Offers Up Some Spooky Ring Tones For The Messengers

Filed under: Horror », Fandom », Movie Marketing »

There have been plenty of wacky ideas over the years on how to promote a movie. Going way back to David O Selznick's search for Scarlett O'Hara to Kevin Smith offering title credits for fans on his MySpace page; movie makers will try anything to drum up a little excitement for a new release.

The Hollywood Reporter announced that Sony is offering Ultra Sonic ring tones in connection with the release of The Messengers. So what's an ultrasonic ring tone? It is a ring tone that is only audible to people under the age of 25. The theory being that as you age your hearing deteriorates, so certain frequencies go undetected, so if you only use those frequencies only teens can usually hear it. The ring tone is available on the official site but you are going to have to cough up $2.49. The ring tone works as a tie-in with the plot of the film, that focuses on a teen girl experiencing supernatural phenomena that no one else can see or hear.

This isn't the only idea that the marketing department came up with for the film. Some of Sony's upcoming campaigns include a 1-800 number, a blog, instant messaging, and a profile of the lead character on social networking sites. So what does all this marketing mean for the movie? Either Sony is just trying to support a new release, or they are starting to get a little desperate for attention.



Alpha Dog Is Online

Filed under: Drama », Thrillers », Site Announcements », Universal », Movie Marketing »

Despite attempted legal injunctions and less than stellar festival reviews, it looks like nothing is going to stop Alpha Dog from clawing its way to the big screen. Most of the details about the movie are pretty familiar by now: The film was inspired by the story of legendary drug dealer Jesse James Hollywood, who was infamous for being one of the youngest criminals wanted by the FBI. Names and details might have been changed for the film, but the actual defense team for Hollywood claimed the film could prevent their client from getting a fair trial. They even tried to get an injunction against the release of the film.

It would seem that the complaints were in vain, as Universal has just launched the official site for Alpha Dog promising a release on January 12th, 2007. The site offers video clips, production history, pictures of the principal leads -- including plenty of shirtless shots of Justin Timberlake, and the obligatory tie-in with MySpace. So if the idea of an Alpha Dog skin for your MySpace page appeals, then today is your lucky day. Since early previews met with mixed reactions -- with some of the shots directed at Timberlake's acting abilities, I'm just glad that after a year of reading about his movie, at least now we'll get to see what all the fuss has been about.

[via JoBlo.com]

 
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