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1-20 of 27 articles from 2009   « Prev | Next »

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Avatar | Film review

19 December 2009 4:07 PM, PST | The Guardian - Film News | See recent The Guardian - Film News news »

At $500m, James Cameron's Avatar is the most expensive movie ever. Yet for all its brilliant imagery, is it any more than a smug sermon?

Before I read that James Cameron was born 55 years ago in Kapuskasing, Ontario, the only thing I knew about the town was that when, during their 1951 tour of Canada, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip stopped there for an hour, they were greeted by a banner headline in the local paper reading "Kapuskasing by no mere fluke, welcomes the Princess and the Duke".

He got his first film job in 1980 as art director on Roger Corman's low-budget Sf film Battle Beyond the Stars, a transposition to outer space of The Magnificent Seven. It was scripted by John Sayles, who was to remain an independent film-maker of personal, modestly financed movies, while Cameron was soon to make exponentially expensive blockbusters.

His seventh feature, Titanic, is »

- Philip French

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The Alamo Guide for December 10th!

10 December 2009 3:29 PM, PST | OriginalAlamo.com | See recent AlamoDrafthouseCinema news »

The Alamo Guide

for December 10th, 2009 If you’re at the S. Lamar theater this weekend, and you see a bunch of groggy ass, smelly, crazy-looking people wandering out of the theater around noon on Sunday, don’t worry. They won’t hurt you, they will have just sat through a full 24 hours plus of movies and they’ll be in desperate need of sleep. I’ll be one of them. It’ll be awesomely exhausting! Aside from that, if you got tickets already (if not, toooo bad), you can see the folks from Broken Lizard with their newest film The Slammin’ Salmon, but the most important thing that you should do is Go See Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans!!! Yes, the name is long, and the trailer makes it look kind of silly, but the hype over at Alamo Headquarters is ridiculous and the few people in »

- caitlin

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Rumor Patrol: ‘Hobbit’ Producers Eyeing Tom Waits?

8 December 2009 12:34 PM, PST | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »

The Hobbit, the much-anticipated film from director Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy)  may feature a turn from Tom Waits, or so says AICN.  Waits would inject some creepy fun into a cast that so far consists of Ian McKellan (Lotr) – although casting of The Hobbit has begun as of this week.

If you can survive the jump, there’s a quote on the other side!

 

Contact Music claims the following quote was given to AICN, although AICN doesn’t have this bit of info in quotes themselves (the mysteries of cyberspace!):

“As much as I’d like to say he’s a lock (certainty), I’m told he’s simply someone the production is talking about – but they seem to be talking about him pretty seriously.”

Where did this quote come from?  A source.  Would a talking banana qualify as a source?  Probably.

Cinematical used their noggins and speculated that »

- Scott Miller

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Contact on Blu-Ray

19 November 2009 11:32 AM, PST | www.canmag.com | See recent CanMag news »

I got Contact late but it.s still worth it. Robert Zemeckis.s old technology still holds up. That opening space/galaxy shot is perfect digital art with bright colors and pure blacks.

Contact on Blu-Ray

Live-action footage is clear and crisp too. The wide vistas of forests, satellite fields and tropical South America look fantastic. The night sky is pure lack and the actors are well lit below it. A lot of the film takes place in techie labs but there.s a lot of nature to balance it out.

Occasionally you might see a minor speckle but the film is 90% crisp, and at two and a half hours that.s a lot of crisp HD. Some of the satellite fields get a little fuzzy, but see above, many shots of stunning. »

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Roger Rabbit 2: Two-Dimensional Toons & CGI Humans?

5 November 2009 12:57 PM, PST | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »

Don’t act like you’re surprised. You knew this announcement was coming from the moment we first heard that director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future) was making a sequel to his 1988 smash hit, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? It was just a matter of time, really. With three Mocap (that’s the new slang for “motion-capture”, Fyi) films already under his belt – Polar Express, Beowulf, and A Christmas Carol – it was a natural leap of thought to assume Zemeckis would use his favorite new toy in a Roger Rabbit sequel.

However, it appears that the Toon characters (Roger, Jessica, Benny the Cab) will not be the ones making the leap into the 21st century. According to his interview with MTV, Zemeckis doesn’t plan on using Mocap for those characters, just the human ones (as if that makes it any better). Read what he had to say below:

 

“I »

- Paul Young

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Slideshow: Oscar-Winning Chicago Director Robert Zemeckis For ‘A Christmas Carol’

24 October 2009 6:51 PM, PDT | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »

Chicago – This three-image slideshow contains our ribbon-cutting photography for Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” train tour at Chicago’s Union Station with Oscar-winning Chicago director Robert Zemeckis.

Robert Zemeckis has directed “Romancing the Stone,” “Back to the Future,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “Back to the Future Part II,” “Back to the Future Part III,” “Death Becomes Her,” “Forrest Gump,” “Contact,” “What Lies Beneath,” “Cast Away,” “The Polar Express,” “Beowulf” and “A Christmas Carol”.

“A Christmas Carol” opens everywhere on Nov. 6, 2009. You can click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through this slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos are credited to Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto and HollywoodChicago.com. All rights reserved.

robertzemeckis1: Chicago’s own Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis smiles for the HollywoodChicago.com lens at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” train tour at Chicago’s Union Station »

- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)

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Shelf Life: Contact

21 October 2009 7:15 PM, PDT | Cinematical | See recent Cinematical news »

Admittedly, a big part of the appeal of "Shelf Life" (as a film writer, anyway) is having a legitimate excuse to go back and watch a lot of movies we remember loving, partially for the hell of it, and partially because we wonder if our feelings have changed significantly over time. Interestingly, this has thus far not begat a lot of pure reassurance, nor transformed initial or even evolved/ devolved reactions; rather, it's given us a window into - and more specifically, a stronger argument for - some of the appetites and interests we've developed as our sensibilities as moviegoers (much less critics) has evolved.

This week's case in point is Contact, Robert Zemeckis' 1997 film about humankind's first contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. Released during the summer after my college graduation, when I was at the height of my pretentiousness as a cinephile, it nevertheless knocked my socks off when I saw it, »

- Todd Gilchrist

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John Hurt to be a BFI Fellow

7 October 2009 12:56 PM, PDT | HeyUGuys.co.uk | See recent HeyUGuys news »

As part of the 53rd London Film Festival the BFI will be making John Hurt its latest Fellow, according to the BBC.

Hurt has acted in over 150 film and TV productions, from the fuzzy black and white of early UK tv series to the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of the day, he is an outstanding actor who brings a sublime, gentle energy to each role. From his iconic turn in The Naked Civil Servant to the role of Mr Ollivander in the Harry Potter films, every role is as unique as the last. That the BFI have chosen to single out one of our finest actors is testament to the quality of his work.

Coincidentally I watched Hurt suffer a heart stopping Heimlich in Ridley Scott’s Alien last night and am now watching the 1997 Robert Zemeckis film Contact, in which Hurt plays a billionaire philanthropist with cosmic ambitions. In both films he steals every scene, »

- Jon Lyus

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New On DVD This Week

6 October 2009 3:30 PM, PDT | The Flickcast | See recent The Flickcast news »

Here’s a list of some of the new movie and TV shows coming to DVD and Blu-ray this week that we’re looking forward to seeing. Also, there’s some classic, and not-so-classic, movies hitting Blu-ray for the first time this week as well.

Of all the new releases, we’re particularly interested in the Blu-ray versions of movies and TV shows like Trick ‘r Treat (pictured above with Anna Paquin), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Chinatown, Bones Season 4 and the complete Stargate: Atlantis series.

Check them out.

Movies

Anvil: The Story of Anvil ~ Robb Reiner  (DVD)

Assassination of a High School President ~ Kathryn Morris, Michael Rapaport, Bruce Willis (DVD and Blu-ray)

Chinatown ~ Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston (DVD)

Contact ~ Jodie Foster (Blu-ray)

Dance Flick ~ Damon Wayans (DVD and Blu-ray)

The Gate ~ Christa Denton, Stephen Dorff (DVD and Blu-ray)

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein ~ Helena Bonham Carter (Blu-ray »

- Joe Gillis

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New “Christmas Carol” Trailer

28 September 2009 12:30 PM, PDT | Filmofilia | See recent Filmofilia news »

New trailer for Robert Zemeckis‘ “A Christmas Carol” is online. Check it out below.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late.

“A Christmas Carol” is both written and directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis (”Back to the Future,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “Forrest Gump,” “Contact,” “The Polar Express,” “Beowulf”). The movie is based on Charles Dickens‘ classic story.

Jim Carrey stars as at least four different characters in the film. The movie also stars Gary Oldman, Robin Wright Penn, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, and Bob Hoskins.

The »

- Fiona

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'Pandorum' Monsters Are Not as Scary As Aliens That Only Speak Whale

24 September 2009 9:00 AM, PDT | MTV Movies Blog | See recent MTV Movies Blog news »

I’m not sure if you’ve learned this lesson from the past 70+ years of science fiction cinema, but here’s the deal: space is full of crazy crap that is going to try and kill you or at the very least mess with you. I know, I know-- Earth is too. The ocean is literally swimming with unfeeling monsters waiting to devour your assorted parts at the drop of a hat. And have you ever been in a densely wooded area? There are bugs waiting in there that are just as likely to masticate your life stuffs as there are giant friggin’ cats and bears. But nowhere on the planet compares to the vacuum of nothingness beyond our sun-orbiting rock. If sci-fi cinema is to be believed, that is.

This week’s "Pandorum" is merely the latest vision of extraterrestial beasties trying to kill and/or eff with us on their home turf. »

- John Constantine

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Blu-Ray Round Up: MGM Releases Wave of Modern Horror Classics

22 September 2009 6:16 AM, PDT | HollywoodChicago.com | See recent HollywoodChicago.com news »

Chicago – Start planning your Halloween marathon now. Last week, we highlighted the Universal wave of titles that included greats like “Shaun of the Dead” and “Army of Darkness” and we’re back with another wave of modern horror classics, including Oscar winners “Silence of the Lambs” and “Misery”.

The Blu-Ray Round-Up, HollywoodChicago.com’s regular column that highlights synopsis, tech details, and special features for titles that might otherwise fall through your Blu-Ray buying cracks, doesn’t usually play favorites, but every good horror fan should have “Manhunter,” “Silence,” “Child’s Play,” and “Misery” in their collection. Whether or not you need to own the “Wrong Turn” films is something only you can decide.

All five titles were released last week, September 15th, 2009. Both “Child’s Play” and “Misery” are presented in a Bd/DVD combo pack with both HD and standard versions of the film.

“Child’s Play”

Photo »

- adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)

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Final “A Christmas Carol” Poster

16 September 2009 2:37 PM, PDT | Filmofilia | See recent Filmofilia news »

Disney has debuted one final poster for Robert Zemeckis’s newest 3D motion-capture film”A Christmas Carol.“

“A Christmas Carol” is both written and directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis (”Back to the Future,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “Forrest Gump,” “Contact,” “The Polar Express,” “Beowulf”). The movie is based on Charles Dickens‘ classic story.

If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, check it right now.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late.

Jim Carrey stars as at least four different characters in the film. The movie also stars Gary Oldman, »

- Fiona

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Blu-ray Giveaway: Hannibal Lector Anthology Collection

13 September 2009 7:39 PM, PDT | TheHDRoom | See recent TheHDRoom news »

Manhunter, The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal have been packaged together on Blu-ray into the Hannibal Lector Anthology Collection, due in stores September 15 with a $70 retail price. To go along with this big horror thriller high-def release, we are offering five lucky readers the opportunity to have one of these sets mailed to their home on us. For a chance to win one, fill out and send in the completed form below. Better yet, return any or every day the contest is active and enter again. Each additional submission will increase your odds. Good luck! Witness the birth of evil in spine tingling clarity, as the eerie and intense Hannibal Lecter Anthology captures Manhunter, The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal together on stunning Blu-ray Disc for the first time. Manhunter, the intense thriller from writer-director Michael Mann (Heat, Public Enemies), first introduced the world to the cunning, unforgettable serial killer, »

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The Hollywood Film Festival Announces Craft Honorees

8 September 2009 5:59 AM, PDT | MovieWeb | See recent MovieWeb news »

The 13th Annual Hollywood Film Festival and Hollywood Awards, presented by Starz, are pleased to announce their craft honorees for this year's Hollywood Awards. The festival and awards will mark their return on October 21 for a weeklong series of screenings, competitions and awards.

Cinematographer Roger Deakins, A.S.C., will receive the "Hollywood Cinematographer Award," Composer Alexandre Desplat, Bmi, will be given the "Hollywood Film Composer Award," editor Dana Glauberman, A.C.E., will be honored with the "Hollywood Editor Award," production designer Rick Carter, A.D.G., will receive the "Hollywood Production Designer Award" and costume designer Colleen Atwood, C.D.G., will be honored with the "Hollywood Costume Designer Award."

The Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 26, 2009.

"We are honored to have these exceptionally talented artists honored for their outstanding work and creative vision at this year's festival, »

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Contest: Win Huge from Whiteout!

3 September 2009 7:50 AM, PDT | MovieWeb | See recent MovieWeb news »

On September 11th, Whiteout makes its long awaited debut in theaters. This thrilling adaptation of the Greg Rucka graphic novel stars Kate Beckinsale as a U.S. Marshal investigating a murder in Antarctica. We're so thrilled about this upcoming release, which was directed by Dominic Sena, that we're giving away a whole bunch of cool swag in our new Whiteout contest. If you act fast, you just might walk away with any one of these awesome Whiteout prizes. Isn't it about time you entered this excellent new contest today!

We're giving away the following prizes to various winners:

-Am/FM Survival Radio (Equipped with a compass, flashlight, siren, earphone jack, clock/calendar, alarm, backlight and hand-powered dynamo.)

- Steel Flask & Cups Travel Set

- Whiteout White Tank Top

- Whiteout Men's Long Sleeve Thermal

- Cell Phone/iPod Charger

Tons of winners! Tons of prizes! Enter today!

Antarctica... The most isolated landmass on Earth, »

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'Avatar' Teaser Trailer: A Shot-By-Shot Analysis

21 August 2009 9:41 AM, PDT | MTV Movie News | See recent MTV Movie News news »

We comb through two minutes of footage for details on James Cameron's sci-fi alien flick.

By Eric Ditzian

Michelle Rodriguez in "Avatar"

Photo: 20th Century Fox

At long last, after a decade or so of planning, hype about revolutionizing the art of filmmaking and a sneak peek at this year's Comic-Con, James Cameron's "Avatar" is here for the masses. Well, two minutes of it, anyway.

Yes, the teaser trailer for this sci-fi alien adventure has arrived. And even though it's only 120-odd seconds long, we couldn't be more psyched. But enough talk — we've waited far too long as it is. Time to obsessively chronicle every single shred of footage in MTV News' shot-by-shot analysis (of course, spoilers abound below!).

Shot 1: A man opens his eyes under an eerie blue light — that's looking like our hero, the paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) — before the shot fades to black. »

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Robert Zemeckis Boards Yellow Submarine

20 August 2009 2:30 AM, PDT | EmpireOnline | See recent EmpireOnline news »

The last time Empire spoke to the great Robert Zemeckis, at this year's Cannes Film Festival, we asked him which of his own movies he'd like to remake in his now-signature performance capture style.Surprisingly, Zemeckis didn't go for Who Framed Roger Rabbit, or Back To The Future, or Contact - he plumped instead for I Wanna Hold Your Hand, his 1978 debut film about a group of kids desperately trying to see The Beatles on their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. "I could render the Beatles," he told us at the time, "I wouldn't have to hide them. They could just be there. Maybe we'll remake that one - that would be fun."Fast-forward to today, and it seems that something we said might have set Zemeckis' brain-train in motion, for it's just been announced that the director is planning to sail in to the motion capture sun until »

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Child's Play and Misery Come to Blu-ray!

18 August 2009 7:56 PM, PDT | MovieWeb | See recent MovieWeb news »

This Halloween... make a play date with Chucky, join a book club with Annie, have an old friend for dinner with Hannibal, or go camping with Three-Finger. Twentieth Century Fox and MGM Home Entertainment unearth a selection of frightening film favorites in haunting high-definition when Child's Play, Misery, Hannibal Lecter Anthology: Hannibal/The Silence of the Lambs, Wrong Turn and Wrong Turn 2: Dead End arrive on Blu-ray Disc (Bd) September 15.

First, Chucky goes high-definition when the soul of a serial killer who isn't ready to die uses his voodoo skills to inhabit an innocent looking doll in Child's Play. From the Director of Fright Night, this "clever, playful" (The New York Times) thriller with "excellent special effects" (Leonard Maltin) and heart-pounding suspense takes playtime to a new level of terror on stunning Bd + DVD Combo! The high-def horrors continue in the heart stopping, Academy Award&#174-winning, Misery, also on Bd + DVD Combo. »

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Time travelers: We'll take (Dr.) Manhattan

14 August 2009 9:19 AM, PDT | EW.com - PopWatch | See recent EW.com - PopWatch news »

"It took two years to make," retorted the Time Traveler. "Now I want you clearly to understand that this lever, being pressed over, sends the machine gliding into the future, and this other reverses the motion. The saddle represents the seat of the time traveler. Presently I am going to press the lever, and off the machine will go. It will vanish, pass into future time, and disappear. Have a good look at the thing. Look at the table, too, and satisfy yourself that there is no trickery. I don’t want to waste this model and then be told I am a quack!" -The Time Machine That’s the description of the first time machine to be called a time machine -- little more than a Victorian mechanical bull, although a pretty one, built of brass, quartz and ivory. H.G. Wells’ landmark 1895 novella was a major leap forward »

- Jeff Jensen

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2009 | 2008 | 2000 | 1997

1-20 of 27 articles from 2009   « Prev | Next »

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