Author Archives: Sarah Sommer

About Sarah Sommer

Sarah is a journalist and an artist who lives in the city. She loves movies and television. She reads early and often. Sarah also helps out over at BSCkids.com and our other sites!

The Hunger Games Meets The Muppets!

Yahoo! Movies recently revealed a newly released The Muppets parody trailer in way of The Hunger Games.
The Hunger Games is less then a month away from hitting theaters and now the cast of The Muppets are taking the opportunity to remind you that their movie will be released on DVD soon as well. Parodying the upcoming film Adaptation in their add, it is sure to gain attention. It is a pretty great way to draw attention to themselves right now when the whole world is watching for The Hunger Games!
The Muppets is Available March 20th! The Wocka Wocka Value Pack, contains the movie on Blu-ray high-definition, DVD and Digital Copy (3 discs) plus a download card for the film’s soundtrack from Walt Disney Records!

Robert Kirkman Discusses Shocking Death on The Walking Dead

 

:::Warning Spoilers Ahead For the Latest Episode:::

Most fans of “The Walking Dead” are no stranger to death in the series. But even with that in mind, sometime a death is still just shocking and unbelievable. If you have read the comic books that this show is based on then you know that the death in last night’s episode occurred wayyy earlier than expected. It was an unfortunate night for everyone who watched.

I can safely say I was not prepared for the death of the fan-favorite character Dale. Dale is played by Jeffery DeMunn and he made his final appearance during the last episode. And yes, his exit was just as gruesome as you would expect from “The Walking Dead.” In case you missed it and need to know, Dale was injured by a roaming zombie and then mercifully euthanized with a bullet to the head by Daryl, played by Norman Reedus.

Robert Kirkman, who is the executive producer of the AMC hit series took time to discuss the decision to kill the character of Dale.

“Dale’s death comes at a time where he’s very much needed, [Rick and the gang] are trying to make this decision on what to do with Randall. The farm is becoming increasingly dangerous. There is still tension between Rick and Shane, despite the fact that it appears that they’ve put much of their differences behind them for now. They need that moral compass [in Dale], and it’s been taken away.”

Kirkman has also promised fans that Dale’s death will not go in vain. It will have some major repercussions on the rest of the cast and the season. You can bet that among those it will affect the most will be Carl as he was partially responsible for the death of Dale. (Earlier in the episode, Carl had gone into the forest alone and taunted a *seemingly* immobile zombie, which you guessed, would be the one to injure Dale.)

“It’s interesting to see Carl doing kid stuff: going out on his own, trying to prove he’s strong enough to kill a zombie, proving that he’s deserving of carrying a gun,” Kirkman said. “He instigated this whole situation. We’re going to deal with his emotions and what comes from him causing Dale’s death to a certain extent. That’s definitely one of the big repercussions where Dale’s death affects these characters.”

Fans of the comic books will note that Dale’s death is a deviation from the original comic book text. In the comics, Dale goes on to survive several SEVERAL issues before finally being bitten by a zombie.

Kirkman explained the changed by saying,

“One of the things we wanted to do is show how dangerous these zombies actually are. We were sitting around the writers’ room early on in the planning of season two, and we thought, you know, there aren’t a lot of zombies actually succeeding in what they’re trying to do. They eat people here and there, but we’ve never really had a zombie actually take down one of our main characters — at least not for a while, not since the first season. We wanted to remind people how dangerous these creatures are. It also threw a wrench in everyone’s plans to take Dale off the table, so those two ideas merged into one until we eventually came to offing this character.”

One of the biggest loses from the death is not the character it self, but the actor. DeMunn has long been one of the favorite actors on the show. Kirkman, however, has said that they did not treat his departure lightly.

“It’s a tremendous loss,” he admitted. “It’s difficult. It’s difficult for the cast, because they’ve become pretty much a family hanging out in rural Georgia. They keep each other company. It’s definitely a big deal [losing Jeffrey]; it sucks for everybody. Jeffrey in particular brought a serious sense of gravitas to the role and definitely legitimized this show by gracing us with his presence. We were lucky to get an actor of his caliber. He added a lot to the show, and his presence is definitely going to be missed.”

But Kirkman defended the choice with one last line.

“this is ‘The Walking Dead.’ It would be inaccurate to portray this show as anything other than completely dangerous, and in order to do that, you have to lose characters from time to time.”

So while the death of this character, as he put it, sucks, there is at least a good reason behind it. No one wanted to see Dale killed this early on, but sometimes you have to remember, zombies are not playthings…. they will kill those you love. When Z-day comes, just remember that. (Oh and also don’t taunt a zombie even if you think it is immobile)

City of Bones Finally Moves Forward With New Director

Since Screen Gems dropped the project earlier this year, fans have been eagerly awaiting news on the film adaptation of City of Bones, the first novel of the Mortal Instruments Series.

Now it has been revealed that the new screenwriter, a new producer, and the new director are all meeting with author Cassandra Clare.

Marlene King, who rewrote the script revealed the news last week. Apparantly, Clare has already spoken to the new director and is now prepared to meet with him within the next few weeks.

The new director has also already met with the lead actors of the film adaptation, Lilly Collins who will play Clary Fray, and Jamie Campbell Bower, who is set to play Jace Wayland. And he apparently loves them both.

Clare has said that the producers have made it a point to include her in the process which has led to the new meeting with everyone.

She recently wrote this regarding the project:

I just wanted to say is that I am so glad that Marlene is meeting with the director and the producers at Constantin. I know lots of rumours have been floating around and I tend to be really quiet, but I want to make sure that when I tell you something, it’s true to the best of my knowledge. The movie industry runs on rumors and innuendo (this is why IMDB is basically useless till a movie goes into production and they lock down the page) and while things can always change, I want to be passing along info that’s as final as things in Hollywood get.

I have a little bit of news that’s exciting — and not even the news I was talking about yesteday! — I will be flying to Los Angeles from Mexico to meet with the new director. I can’t tell you who he is yet, but I’ve talked to him on the phone and he’s had a lot of great insight into the characters, really smart thoughts about the filming, and he had great thoughts about Jace, talking about how he wasn’t just an action hero, he was a layered, complex character with a lot of depth (oh and he has met with Lily and Jamie and he loves them.)

I’m excited he and the producers have made a special point to meet with me, go over concept sketches, talk about the characters and their direction — that doesn’t happen all that often with authors in Hollywood, that we get included that much. However I don’t want to jinx anything, so I’m going to be vague until things are definite. I will keep you updated as much as I can — I know it’s hard to wait; believe me, it’s hard for me, too. I’m actually really glad that we moved on from Screen Gems because things have been proceeding at enormous speed since then and I hope to have some concrete stuff to tell you soon. In the meantime I promise photos of my crazy trip to LA. :)

While we aren’t sure who the new director is, they should be revealing that soon. This is definitely a big step forward for the project which has been in the works for years without moving forward. Hopefully this director will do it justice, but with the author involved, it is a good sign.

What You Won’t See In The Hunger Games Movie

In case you are one of the fans that is worrying about the new adaptation of The Hunger Games, I can tell you now, that you can stop fretting! Entertainment Weekly recently revealed the four aspects that fans won’t see in the film adaptation of The Hunger Games. I am happy to say that the four things are not to major for me to be disappointed.

Thankfully, we at least get a little bit of an explanation of why each scene was changed. Gary Ross and producer, Nina Jacobson took the time to explain each one.

Madge Undersee

If you have read the novel, you know that Madge was a pseudo-friend of Katniss and also the daughter of the mayor of District 12. In the novel, she is the one who gives Katniss the mockingjay pin before she is taken to the Capitol. However, in the preview for the film we saw that Katniss gives the pin to Prim, and Madge is not mentioned at all.

On the change, Jacobson says,

“you have so little time to establish these characters. So if Madge has to get thrown under the bus so you can make sure that an audience who hasn’t read the books understands the devotion between Katniss and Prim, then that’s what you do.”

The Avoxes

In the novel, we meet the Avoxes when Katniss described seeing a girl taken by the Capitol, only to show up again as her servant before the games. It is not a major plot point, but it was definitely a darker part of Capitol. While they are in the film, they are not explained or given much of a back story.

Ross says, regarding the change,

 “we have Avoxes, but we don’t digress in the film. I think it’s a wonderful way to populate the world, but there are just certain [cutbacks] that have to happen.”

The Prep Team

Katniss’ prep team while in the Capitol includes, Octavia, Flavius, and Venia. Don’t fret, they are in the film, but unlike the novel, the audience doesn’t get the chance to know them. The only one the movie focuses on is Cinna, especially because of his role as confidant to Katniss.

Jacobson explains,

“we agreed that the main thing is to establish Cinna. So we had to sort of borrow from Peter to pay Paul!”

Capitol Awesomeness

If you remember the book, the Capitol has all kinds of sweet gadgets and awesome things that no one else in the other Districts have. An examples is the food automators. While these won’t be shown, the Capitol will still retain its ominous presence.

Jacobson explained the subtraction,

 “we didn’t want the Capitol to appear too fanciful. It has to appear ominous and threatening. The Capitol has to be a mind-blowing experience, but it can’t be Whoville.”

So it seems that the film adaptation will be pretty faithful to the novel. If these are the only changes we have to worry about, I will be pretty satisfied with how it turns out. Although, I would have liked to see Madge, I am ok with that change still because I have the feeling this is going to be a great adaptation.

I mean after all, author Suzanne Collins, has praised the film version herself. 

Source: Entertainment Weekly new issue

Ender’s Game Finally Begins Production

It’s true, Ender’s Game has finally begun production with the start of principal photography. Considering this film has been attempted to be made into a film several times, it is great news to hear that it has finally made a step forward under the direction of director Gavin Hood.

According to the official press release, the production has began in New Orleans, Lousiana.

Ender’s Game is the big screen adaptation of the novel that was released in 1985 and is written by Orson Scott Card.

The press release also included an official description of the film thus far:

“In the near future, a hostile alien race (Formics) have attacked Earth. If not for the legendary heroics of Commander Mazer Rackham (Ben Kingsley), all would have been lost. In preparation for the next attack, the highly esteemed Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford) and the International Fleet (IF) Military are training only the best young children to find the future Mazer. Ender Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a shy, but strategically brilliant boy is pulled out of his school to join the elite. Ender easily masters increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers at Battle School. Ordained by Graff as the IF’s next great hope, Ender is promoted to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Rackham himself to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth and humankind.”

The visual effects which are being overseen by co-producer Digital Domain, began filming on Monday at the Big Easy Studios in New Orleans and is scheduled to continue through June 8th.

Director, Hood, is working on the film from his own screenplay although writing duo Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orciare are producing as well even though they didn’t help with the script.

The press released some of the behind the scenes names involved in production which includes:

Costume designer Christine Bieselin Clark, who co-designed the outfits in TRON: Legacy and worked with Gavin Hood previously on X-Men Origins: Wolverine.  Sean Haworth and Ben Procter, of The Thing and Transformers: Dark of Moon are on board as production designers. Also cinematographer Donald McAlpine, and Oscar nominee whose credits include Moulin Rouge!, Peter Pan, Predator, Romeo + Juliet, The Edge, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is working on the project.

Casting for the project is as follows:

  • Asa Butterfield – Ender Wiggin
  • Brendan Meyer – Stilson
  • Harrison Ford – Colonel Hyrum Graff
  • Abigail Breslin – Valentine Wiggin
  • Hailee Steinfeld – Petra
  • Aramis Knight – Bean
  • Moises Arias – Bonzo
  • Jimmy Pinchak – Peter Wiggin
  • Suraj Parthasarathy – Alai
  • Conor Carroll – Bernard
  • Khylin Rhambo – Dink
  • Brandon Soo Hoo – Fly Molo
  • Ben Kingsley – Mazer Rackham
  • Viola Davis – Major Anderson

Ender’s Game is set to hit theaters on March 25, 2013.

AMC Accidentally Leaks Major Walking Dead Plot Twist

:::Warning Don’t Read If You Don’t Want To Know The Death:::

For anyone who watches or has watched AMC’s “The Walking Dead” you are no stranger to its intense plot and crazy revelations as the goup tries to survive. Most of us tend to not like knowing the fate of characters early on but now most of us don’t have a choice because AMC has accidentally revealed the shocking death of one of the main casts members way before it happens.

Most fans have known there was going to be a shocking death at the end of the second season but AMC has officially let the cat out of the bag.

Due to a mistake within the marketing department for the network’s DVD release, it was revealed that Shane is soon to be dead. Shane, played by Jon Bernthal, is going to be killed at the end of season 2 (although this isn’t a surprise to those who read the comic books.)

On the AMC website there is a ad for The Walking Dead Limited Edition Season 2 Blu-ray 4 Disc Set which will be released in August. The ad has one little line that has thrown fans into a tizzy.

The ad says that the bonus features include:

“the making of the barn, an extended zombie gut scene, Shane’s last episode…”

This mistake has definitely gone under fire by fans all over the world. Fans tend to not like spoilers but AMC has said that the ad was not meant to go on the site.

“The post on the AMC store was completely unauthorized, AMC said in a statement. “The matter is currently under investigation.”

“The Walking Dead” producer, Gale Anne Hurd, recently teased the “jaw dropping” second season finale by saying, “I have a feeling even with inveterate tweeters during episodes…there may be some significant periods of silence, because people may not be able to click on their keyboards.”
And now it is painfully obvious what she meant.
I have been dreading Shane’s death ever since it became obvious he was ready to move on to another show (Bernthal was in talks to play the lead in TNT’s L.A. Noir pilot)
As mentioned earlier, Shane’s death is hardly a surprise to readers of Robert Kirkman’s original comic books. In the comics Shane is killed relatively early on in the series and in one of the most shocking ways possible.

Personally, I loved Shane (even if he got a tad bit rape-y in that one episode) and am a little bummed to know of his impending death as we watch the series progress.

New Game of Thrones Season 2 Poster Released

With little less then a month to go till the season 2 premiere of “Game of Thrones”  HBO decided to reveal its new season 2 poster. It is similar to the first poster released as it features the “war is coming” thematic element, but is a bit more artistic then its minimalist counterpart. You can see the new poster above.

The second season that premieres on April 1st, is said to be focusing primarily on the events of “A Clash of Kings” the second book in the “A Song of Fire of Ice” series.

Game of Thrones is the HBO series based on the book series written by George R.R. Martin. The series was highly anticipated even in the early stages of development. The first season was very well received by both viewers and critics. It was so highly rated that the second season was picked up only two days after its premiere in 2011.  It was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Television Series – Drama at the69th Golden Globe Awards; Peter Dinklage also won both ceremonies’ Best Supporting Actor award (Emmy and Golden Globes). Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and an Emmy win for Outstanding Main Title Design.

Season 2  had to introduce many new characters into casting for the second season that began in May 2011. Owing to the very large cast of characters in Martin’s novels, the producers had to fill a great number of additional speaking roles.

  • Stephen Dillane was cast as Robert’s younger brother, Stannis Baratheon, one of several pretenders to the Iron Throne.
  • Carice van Houten is set to play Melisandre of Asshai, the “Red Priestess” of the foreign god R’hllor, an influential advisor to King Stannis Baratheon.
  • Liam Cunningham was given the part of the former smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth, a bannerman of Stannis.
  • Gwendoline Christie was cast as Brienne of Tarth, a female warrior who joins Renly Baratheon’s guard and becomes a follower of Catelyn Stark.
  • Natalie Dormer appears as Lady Margaery Tyrell, a noblewoman from the Reach promised to be the wife of Renly Baratheon.
  • Gemma Whelan was chosen to play Yara Greyjoy, the Ironborn captain and sister of Theon. Named “Asha” in the novels, the character’s name was changed to avoid confusion with the Wildling Osha, Bran Stark’s companion.
  • Tom Wlaschiha was cast as Jaqen H’ghar, a prisoner and recruit of Yoren, as well as an assassin of the Faceless Men.
  • Rose Leslie will appear as Ygritte, Jon Snow’s love interest among the Wildlings.
  • Daniel Portman took the part of Podrick Payne, the squire to Tyrion Lannister. The 19-year-old Portman plays Podrick as about 16 years old, instead of about 12 as in the novels.
  • Among the other new cast members are Nonso Anozie as Xaro Xhoan Daxos.
  • Kerr Logan as Matthos Seaworth;
  • Oliver Ford Davies as Maester Cressen;
  • Roy Dotrice as Pyromancer Hallyne, an elderly alchemist at King’s Landing;
  • Karl Davies as Alton Lannister, a character who does not appear in the books;
  •  Ben Crompton as ”Dolorous Edd” Tollet,
  • Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton;
  • Robert Pugh as the Wildling chief Craster;
  •  Hannah Murray as Craster’s daughter Gilly,
  • Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy, lord of the Iron Islands and father of Theon;
  • Ian Hanmore as Pyat Pree;
  • Fintan McKeown as Ser Amory Lorch.

You can see the set of teaser images from season 2 here, and watch the HBO GO trailer below:

Watch A Sneak Peek Clip of Katniss and The Gamemakers

Lionsgate is picking up speed with their viral marketing campaign which includes a YouTube account called, “CapitolTV” which has been featuring the trailers and tv spots for the film over the last month. Today, they uploaded a small 0.39 second clip of one of the best scenes from the book. The clip featured Katniss going before the gamemakers only to be infuriated by their inattention and disrespect. To gain their attention, she takes the bow and arrow and shoots the apple out of the pigs mouth.

Unfortunately, the clip stops there, but seeing that keeps my hope alive that this adaptation is going to be awesome. You can see the new clip below:

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. 

The plot for the film is as follows:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

You can see the official cast below:

  • Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
  • Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
  • Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
  • Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
  • Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
  • Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
  • Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
  • Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
  • Amandla Stenberg as Rue
  • Alexander Ludwig as Cato
  • Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
  • Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
  • Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
  • Leven Rambin as Glimmer
  • Jack Quaid as Marvel
  • Donald Sutherland as President Snow
  • Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
  • Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
  • Latarsha Rose as Portia

Skin Your Device With The Hunger Games – Exclusive Giveaway

“Ladies and gentlemen, let the seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin!”

With The Hunger Games film right around the corner, SkinIt wants to make sure you are ready with new Hunger Games skins for your devices.

Over the next week, BSCkids/Optionated will be giving you a chance to win a free exclusive skin for any device you have whether it is an iPad or Android, laptop or smartphone, you can show your true fandom come premiere day with a Hunger Games Skin.

What You Get:

One winner will receive a free Hunger Games skin for the device of their choice. You can see the two skins below:

About The Skins:

The Hunger Games fans can skin thousands of devices including, but not limited to:  mobile phones, MP3 Players, MP3 speakers and speaker docks, mobile gaming devices, laptops, desktop computers, Bluetooth headsets, DVD players, printers, cameras, medical devices, USB devices and even adhesive wall stickers (“Wall Skins”).

You can see all the rest of the Hunger Games skins here.

About SkinIt:

Skinit, Inc. is the industry leader in consumer personalization for electronic devices. Our online ordering and customization tools allow you personalize thousands of devices. Make your cell phone, MP3 player, laptop, PDA device, camera, or gaming device as unique as you are. Show off your style, support your favorite team, or truly express yourself with custom skins you design.

Skinit has thousands of designs including top brands in sports, entertainment, and art, as well as our Customizer™ tool that lets you design your own using photos, images, text, symbols and many of our designs to create entirely personalized skins. Show your passion or create something entirely new, and unique.

At Skinit, we invite you to transform your ordinary device and Make it Yours™.

How To Enter:

Please send an email to contest@bsckids.com

Be sure to include: Name, shipping information, which skin you want, and what kind of device you would like to skin

Please make the title Hunger Games so we know which contest you are entering.

If you follow us on Twitter (@Optionated_) or Facebook you get two chances to win, just make sure you include the name you follow us under in the entry email. We will be announcing winners on March 9th! Good Luck!

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!”

 

New Hunger Games Promo And Photo Stills Released

New Hunger Games content was released today that was met with excitement all around. A new trailer was released that featured the song Safe & Sound. Also released today were new stills from the movie featuring President Snow, Haymitch, Seneca Crane and Katniss.

Even though the movie is pretty close to being released, the media marketing for the film is not ending just yet. Also today, the MPAA has officially released its rating for the film ass PG-13 for “intense violent thematic material and disturbing images – all involving teens.”

The Hunger Games takes place every year in the ruins of what was once North America. The governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.

The film is the big screen adaptation of the novel written by Suzanne Collins and was directed by Gary Ross. It stars Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne. It also includes Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Lenny Kravitz as supporting characters.

(Personally, I don’t think I could be more excited about this film!)

We have seen tons of new trailers recently, but this one is slightly different. One new scene they actually featured in this trailer was a bigger glimpse into the first meeting between Katniss and Peeta, even if just for a moment. You can watch the new promo video below:

You also get a better look at some of the films supporting characters such as President Snow (Donald Sutherland), former Hunger Games champion Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson), and deadly District 2 “tributes” Cato (Alexander Ludwig) and Clove (Isabelle Furhman). You can see the new images below:

Photos courtesy of Lionsgate and Entertainment Weekly.