2009 |
2008 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002
1-20 of 59 articles from 2009 « Prev | Next »
Latest How to Train Your Dragon Movie Trailer Hangs on Dreamworks’ Dubious Animation Legacy
29 December 2009 2:11 PM, PST
| Slash Film
| See recent Slash Film news
»
I can understand Pixar trading on the legacy of the Toy Story films, Monsters Inc. and so on - even Cars, which I know many critics aren't so kind on - but Dreamworks Animation trying to draw hype out of their back catalogue? Admittedly they've put the weight on the more successful Shrek and Madagascar franchises, as well as the actually-rather-good Kung Fu Panda, and not such cine-excrement as Shark Tale or Bee Movie, but isn't the consensus that the Dreamworks branding on a toon is best taken as a warning, not an encouragement?
Ah well. They're proud anyway, and so they've stitched together a few legacy clips and a self-aggrandising voice over of spurious exaltation for the top of the new How to Train Your Dragon trailer, which you can see after the break. It seems to be a leak, and not an official release so catch it while
»
- Brendon Connelly
Permalink | Report a problem
The Notable Films of 2010: Part Six
27 December 2009 10:09 AM, PST
| Dark Horizons
| See recent Dark Horizons news
»
The Last Airbender
Opens: July 2nd 2010
Cast: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Dev Patel
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Summary: A live-action film based on the Nickelodeon animated TV series. In a fantastic world where civilisation exists as four great empires, a reluctant young child sets out on a perilous journey to restore balance to a world torn apart by war.
Analysis: Its been quite the decade for M. Night Shyamalan who started it as a household name with labels of a moodern-day Hitchcock thanks to the likes of "The Sixth Sense" and "Signs". Today he's considered more of a one-trick pony and in some cases a punchline due to rampant stories of egomania run wild and a series of much derided onscreen flops like "Lady in the Water" and "The Happening".
Thus 'Airbender' marks a potential return to form for the helmer. An adaptation of the hit cartoon series
»
- Garth Franklin
Permalink | Report a problem
The Notable Films of 2010: Part Six
27 December 2009 10:09 AM, PST
| Dark Horizons
| See recent Dark Horizons news
»
The Last Airbender
Opens: July 2nd 2010
Cast: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone, Dev Patel
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Summary: A live-action film based on the Nickelodeon animated TV series. In a fantastic world where civilisation exists as four great empires, a reluctant young child sets out on a perilous journey to restore balance to a world torn apart by war.
Analysis: Its been quite the decade for M. Night Shyamalan who started it as a household name with labels of a moodern-day Hitchcock thanks to the likes of "The Sixth Sense" and "Signs". Today he's considered more of a one-trick pony and in some cases a punchline due to rampant stories of egomania run wild and a series of much derided onscreen flops like "Lady in the Water" and "The Happening".
Thus 'Airbender' marks a potential return to form for the helmer. An adaptation of the hit cartoon series
»
- Garth Franklin
Permalink | Report a problem
The Notable Films of 2010: Part Four
19 December 2009 11:50 PM, PST
| Dark Horizons
| See recent Dark Horizons news
»
Georgia
Opens: 2010
Cast: Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia, Rupert Friend, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Johnathon Schaech
Director: Renny Harlin
Summary: An American journalist, his cameraman, and a Georgian native get caught in the crossfire of the five-day Russia-Georgia conflict in August 2008, and then have to deal with their obligation to be impartial.
Analysis: A timely parable on war, or Hollywood propaganda filmmaking at its worst? Wherever it goes, especially in Europe and the former Soviet states, "Georgia" will cause a lot of talk and controversy as the incidents depicted are still so fresh in many's minds. Like all topics of the sort, it'll also have its strong supporters and detractors having opinions on the film long before a frame of footage is screened anywhere.
Shot on-location in Tbilisi, the project also marks a potential return to form for Finnish director Renny Harlin. Given the right material the skilled action director delivered three
»
- Garth Franklin
Permalink | Report a problem
The Notable Films of 2010: Part Four
19 December 2009 11:50 PM, PST
| Dark Horizons
| See recent Dark Horizons news
»
Georgia
Opens: 2010
Cast: Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia, Rupert Friend, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Johnathon Schaech
Director: Renny Harlin
Summary: An American journalist, his cameraman, and a Georgian native get caught in the crossfire of the five-day Russia-Georgia conflict in August 2008, and then have to deal with their obligation to be impartial.
Analysis: A timely parable on war, or Hollywood propaganda filmmaking at its worst? Wherever it goes, especially in Europe and the former Soviet states, "Georgia" will cause a lot of talk and controversy as the incidents depicted are still so fresh in many's minds. Like all topics of the sort, it'll also have its strong supporters and detractors having opinions on the film long before a frame of footage is screened anywhere.
Shot on-location in Tbilisi, the project also marks a potential return to form for Finnish director Renny Harlin. Given the right material the skilled action director delivered three
»
- Garth Franklin
Permalink | Report a problem
Christmas and new year TV films
18 December 2009 5:30 AM, PST
| The Guardian - Film News
| See recent The Guardian - Film News news
»
Not sure what to watch? We can help with our comprehensive guide to the best films on TV this Christmas and new year
Choose a date
Saturday 19 December | Sunday 20 December | Monday 21 December | Tuesday 22 December | Wednesday 23 December |Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | Boxing Day | Sunday 27 December | Monday 28 December | Tuesday 29 December | Wednesday 30 December | New Year's Eve | New Year's Day
Saturday 19 December
Yes Man (Peyton Reed, 2008)
10am, 8pm, Sky Movies Premiere
Remember Jim Carrey in Liar, Liar, where he forces himself to tell the truth for 24 hours? Well, here Jim Carrey forces himself to answer yes to any request, for a year. Which is upping the ante somewhat, but doesn't make it a better film. This is a return to the manic, gurning, not-very-funny Carrey, as if The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine etc hadn't happened. Just say no.
The Golden Compass (Chris Weitz, 2007)
11.40am, 8pm, Sky Movies Family
What with Harry Potter, Narnia, Lemony Snicket and all,
»
- Paul Howlett
Permalink | Report a problem
Christmas and new year TV films
18 December 2009 5:30 AM, PST
| The Guardian - TV News
| See recent The Guardian - TV News news
»
Not sure what to watch? We can help with our comprehensive guide to the best films on TV this Christmas and new year
Choose a date
Saturday 19 December | Sunday 20 December | Monday 21 December | Tuesday 22 December | Wednesday 23 December |Christmas Eve | Christmas Day | Boxing Day | Sunday 27 December | Monday 28 December | Tuesday 29 December | Wednesday 30 December | New Year's Eve | New Year's Day
Saturday 19 December
Yes Man (Peyton Reed, 2008)
10am, 8pm, Sky Movies Premiere
Remember Jim Carrey in Liar, Liar, where he forces himself to tell the truth for 24 hours? Well, here Jim Carrey forces himself to answer yes to any request, for a year. Which is upping the ante somewhat, but doesn't make it a better film. This is a return to the manic, gurning, not-very-funny Carrey, as if The Truman Show, Eternal Sunshine etc hadn't happened. Just say no.
The Golden Compass (Chris Weitz, 2007)
11.40am, 8pm, Sky Movies Family
What with Harry Potter, Narnia, Lemony Snicket and all,
»
- Paul Howlett
Permalink | Report a problem
Jack Black & Illumination Entertainment Invest in Cryptozoology
12 December 2009 8:37 AM, PST
| ScreenRant.com
| See recent Screen Rant news
»
Animation films, whether it’s the new school CGI or old school hand drawn, have always been popular with kids of all ages and in recent years, have become fun for adults to watch as well; so, it’s no surprise to read a story over at Variety announcing a new CGI feature film involving Jack Black. Writer Jason Micallef pitched an idea to Illumination Entertainment which is an extension of Universal headed by Chris Meledandri.
Micallef’s pitch in set in the world of Cryptozoology, which is the study and search for unknown, yet often talked about, animals or beings. My guess is it will include “monsters” like the Yeti, Sasquatch, Bigfoot, The Loch Ness Monster and maybe even mermaids or dragons. Black, who at one time was thought to be voicing a character, will now only be producing with business partner Ben Cooley via their production company Electric Dynamite.
»
- Paul Young
Permalink | Report a problem
Broadway Vet Donna Murphy Goes Villainous In Rapunzel
10 December 2009 8:54 AM, PST
| cinemablend.com
| See recent Cinema Blend news
»
Where most non-Pixar animated movies these days turn to the biggest possible celebrities for their voice cast-- I'm looking at you, Shark Tale-- Disney turned the tide recently by casting Broadway veteran Anika Noni Rose as the lead character in The Princess and the Frog, a gambit that, based on reviews, has turned out beautifully.
Now Disney is trying it again, casting two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy as the villain in Rapunzel, an animated retelling of the fairy tale starring Mandy Moore as the long-locked heroine and Chuck's Zachary Levi as the rescuing bandit. THR writes that Murphy's character is Mother Gothel, a witch who keeps Rapunzel prisoner in the tower. To be honest, the evil witch part sounds way more fun that goody-two-shoes Rapunzel anyway.
»
Permalink | Report a problem
Leo gets animated
3 December 2009 3:42 AM, PST
| JoBlo.com
| See recent JoBlo news
»
It's true, they all shall fall.
One by one, nearly every A-list actor has given in and voiced an animated character at one point in their careers. Sometimes, it has great results, like Tom Hanks voicing Woody or George Clooney as Mr. Fox, but it can go the other way as well. Just ask Will Smith and Angelina Jolie in Shark Tale, a movie where celebrity voices weren’t enough so Dreamworks actually had to make the fish Look like them. Ugh.
Well, one of the only remaining holdouts has
»
- Paul Tassi
Permalink | Report a problem
Shark Tale Co-Director Finds A Monster in Paris
21 October 2009 4:46 PM, PDT
| Atomic Popcorn
| See recent Atomic Popcorn news
»
For the record: Shark Tale is one of the worst animated films I’ve ever seen, only made more painful by the fact that it quickly followed on the heels of Finding Nemo the way that Surf’s Up followed Happy Feet and March of the Penguins.
It was laughless and devoid of fun, and now its co-director Bibo Bergeron is getting another chance to display his questionable directorial talent — his knack for animation isn’t a question, as he’s been involved with films since Asterix.
The $42 million movie in question is A Monster in Paris, which, according to Variety, “is set at the turn of the 20th century. It follows a monster who lives in a garden and falls in love with a beautiful, young singer.” At least that sounds a little more unique than the transparent Shark Tale, but I’ve yet to be swayed to Bibo’s side.
»
- John Cooper
Permalink | Report a problem
Director David Bowers Discusses Astro Boy
19 October 2009 5:04 AM, PDT
| Reelzchannel.com
| See recent ReelzChannel news
»
Initially unveiled at the San Diego Comic-Con to thunderous applause, Imagi's latest animated adventure, Astro Boy, debuts in theaters this week and director David Bowers is hoping that American audiences will connect with his take on the iconic Japanese character created by Osamu Tezuka.
It's such a rich story, and I think its themes are universal. I think American audiences are very used to superheroes, so it's not an enormous stretch for them. The only difficulty was having it be such a beloved character and having to decide what to retain and what to get rid of.
I like origin stories. I think Richard Donner's Superman is still just about the best superhero movie ever made. And I think it's interesting to see where these characters come from and what their roots are. I think it would be hard to jump into an Astro Boy movie with him already fighting robots and battling aliens.
»
- BrentJS Sprecher
Permalink | Report a problem
Directors of the Decade: Martin Scorsese
16 October 2009 8:51 AM, PDT
| FilmExperience
| See recent FilmExperience news
»
Robert here, with a new series on the filmmakers who've shaped the past ten years. We'll feature new directors who've lent their voice to the cinematic landscape as well as veterans. First up: Martin Scorsese
Number of Films: Six.
Modern Masterpieces: None.
Total Disasters: None
Better than you remember: Gangs of New York
Awards: 9 Oscars for his films (including 1 Best Director and 1 Best Picture)
Box Office: The Departed is his highest grossing at $132 million (though no film he directs makes as much as the A Shark Tale for which he lends his voice talents.)
Critical Consensus: High praise for all. Highest praise for No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
Favorite Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio stars in three films.
Let's talk about:
Oscar. It seems pretty obvious that the great Martin Scorsese started off this decade with a clear goal for himself: win an Oscar. Can you blame him? The man was considered by many,
»
- Robert
Permalink | Report a problem
Post Grad Ruined my Night
30 August 2009 10:26 AM, PDT
| Atomic Popcorn
| See recent Atomic Popcorn news
»
I’ve only walked out of two movies in my entire life: Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and, last week, Post Grad. I’ve come close to walking out of others but something or someone always gets me to stay in my seat. I first saw the trailer for Post Grad when I went to see I Love You, Beth Cooper (a movie that took every fiber of my being to sit through). I’ll be honest with you; I am recently out of college and jobless. I don’t know what made me think I could relate to Post Grad, but I knew I’d have to see it. If you read my last article, you know that I am also an absolute sucker for coming of age films. The added advantage that I have is the Optimum Rewards Card. If you have Optimum phone, internet and cable services,
»
- NickO
Permalink | Report a problem
New To Theaters This Weekend: Inglourious Basterds, Post Grad, Shorts
21 August 2009 6:32 AM, PDT
| FilmJunk
| See recent FilmJunk news
»
Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds is poised to claim the box office crown this weekend, but memories of the Grindhouse failure are still lingering. Is it a coincidence that Robert Rodriguez also has a new movie opening today, albeit one for kids? In addition to Shorts, there is also a new comedy from Shark Tale/Shrek co-director Vicky Jenson called Post Grad, and a documentary on the X Games... in 3-D! In limited release we have the Bobcat Goldthwaite dark comedy World's Greatest Dad starring Robin Williams (which is also available on VOD), Oliver Hirschbiegel's Five Minutes of Heaven, and a comedy no one has heard of starring Ben Stiller and Jason Schwartzman called The Marc Pease Experience, that seems to be getting screwed by Paramount. What will you be checking out this weekend?
Inglourious Basterds [1]
Shorts [2]
Post Grad [3]
X Games 3-D: The Movie [4]
World's Greatest Dad [5] (limited)
Casi Divas
»
- Sean
Permalink | Report a problem
Aguilera 'excited about Burlesque role'
4 August 2009 6:06 PM, PDT
| digitalspy
| See recent digitalspy news
»
Christina Aguilera has revealed that she is excited about her upcoming role in Burlesque. The 'Ain't No Other Man' singer will play a small town girl who finds success at a Los Angeles-based nightclub after owner Tess (Cher) takes her under her wing. The project will mark Aguilera's acting debut, though she had previously lent her voice to an uncredited role for the animated film Shark Tale. The pair will both sing in the Screen Gems production being directed by Steve Antin, while studio president Clint Culpepper said that Aguilera's part was written (more)
»
- By Tim Parks
Permalink | Report a problem
2009 Comic-Con "Astro Boy" interview with David Bowers, director.
29 July 2009 6:01 AM, PDT
| Movie Jungle
| See recent Movie Jungle news
»
Comic-Con, July 23rd, 2009.
Annie Award nominee David Bowers (“Flushed Away”) takes a seat. The helmer of “Astro Boy” has vast experience in animation which goes way back to the lovely “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” as well as “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West,” “Ferngully: The Last Rainforest,” “The Prince of Egypt” as well as the most recent “Shark Tale” starring Will Smith.
We introduce ourselves to the friendly Mr. Bowers who has a great calmness about him.
A comment is made on the look of the film being more western.
Bowers talks about the visual style “You gotta remember in the original Astro Boy…Manga is not that hard anime look. It’s very cartoony. It’s actually further away from whatever you call hardcore Manga anime than the things that we’ve done. I think when you see the movie, the city for example is very Japanese. Metro City
»
Permalink | Report a problem
Ten Things You Never Knew About Jack Black
23 June 2009 10:00 PM, PDT
| digitalspy
| See recent digitalspy news
»
Whether it's providing the laughs in School Of Rock and High Fidelity, creating the riffs with his comedy musical double act Tenacious D, or voicing creatures in Kung Fu Panda and Shark Tale, Jack Black has a pretty good record at scoring hits with large audiences. His latest project, the Harold Ramis-directed Year One is released later this week, and in celebration, we've compiled 10 unusual facts about the rotund Californian funnyman. 1. Jack Black was born on August 28, 1969 in Santa Monica, California to Judith and Thomas Black. His parents were both satellite engineers, with his mother working on the famous Hubble Space Telescope. 2. Black's first taste of fame came at the age of 13, when he was cast in the advert for Atari's Activision Pitfall! game. His second ad campaign was for the slightly less cool Smurfberry (more)
»
- By Alex Fletcher
Permalink | Report a problem
Ten Things That You Never Knew About Jack Black
23 June 2009 10:00 PM, PDT
| digitalspy
| See recent digitalspy news
»
Whether it's providing the laughs in School Of Rock and High Fidelity, creating the riffs with his comedy musical double act Tenacious D, or voicing creatures in Kung Fu Panda and Shark Tale, Jack Black has a pretty good record at scoring hits with large audiences. His latest project, the Harold Ramis-directed Year One is released later this week, and in celebration, we've compiled 10 unusual facts about the rotund Californian funnyman. 1. Jack Black was born on August 28, 1969 in Santa Monica, California to Judith and Thomas Black. His parents were both satellite engineers, with his mother working on the famous Hubble Space Telescope. 2. Black's first taste of fame came at the age of 13, when he was cast in the advert for Atari's Activision Pitfall! game. His second ad campaign was for the slightly less cool Smurfberry (more)
»
- By Alex Fletcher
Permalink | Report a problem
Shouting Match: Jack Black Must Be Stopped!
20 June 2009 3:28 PM, PDT
| FilmSchoolRejects.com
| See recent FilmSchoolRejects news
»
With the release of Harold Ramis' Year One, Jack Black continues his stay as Hollywood's version of "Jack Black." In light of that, Fsr's resident Fat Guy at the Movies Kevin Carr and Resident Devil's Advocate Josh Radde ponder just how far they're willing to let Jack Black go before enough is enough.
Opening Statement (Kevin)
As an avid fan of puns and plays on words, I am proud to recognize that one word in the English language is integral as to why Jack Black must be stopped from making more films.
The word, my friends, is Scat.
Definition #1: “Jazz singing, with nonsense syllables.” [Ref.: Merriam-Webster]
In virtually every movie this guy is in, he scats. It doesn’t matter if he’s playing a rocker, a Spanish monk, a caveman or a frickin’ fat panda. For some reason, Jack Black always manages to work in a scene with his skiddily-diddily-doing it. It
»
- Josh Radde
Permalink | Report a problem
2009 |
2008 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002
1-20 of 59 articles from 2009 « Prev | Next »
See all NewsDesk partners
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the
above news articles. News articles are published for the entertainment of our
users only. The news items do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we
guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the
site responsible for the article in question to report any concerns you may
have.
