Author Archives: Guest Post

Paramount Delays World War Z Release Date

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Paramount recently reported that they had pushed back the release date of the upcoming film adaptation, World War Z. The film will now be pushed from this year to next year. It was originally supposed to open in theaters on December 21, 2012, however, the studio has set the film back by 6 months. It will now open on June 21st, 2013.

The film is the big screen adaptation of the fictional oral history novel of the Z-day (or the zombie apocalypse) and was written by Max Brooks. It is directed by Marc Forster and is starring Brad Pitt who also produced the film.

The move of the film might have to do with the incredibly christmas season of movies this year. Including, The Hobbit, Les Miserables, Life Of Pi, This Is Forty, and The Great Gatsby. With all these high profile films being released, it is understandable to want to hold off to a time when World War Z can be the center of attention. The move to the new release date now puts World War Z one week after the release of the new Superman reboot.

And in case you were wondering, Tom Cruise’s One Shot has been moved into World War Z‘s December 21st spot for 2012.

Personally, I am pretty bummed this has been delayed so far. I LOVED the novel (read it like three times) so I was pretty pumped for the adaptation. My only worry was that Brad Pitt was too big of a name to be in the starring role. But now we have to wait till next year to see this film.

The novel is a collection of individual accounts in the form of first-person anecdotes. Brooks plays the role of an agent of the United Nations Postwar Commission, who published the report a decade after the Zombie War. The United Nations left much of his research out of the official report, choosing to focus on facts and figures from the war rather than the individual stories that form the bulk of Brooks’ novel. The interviews chart a decade-long war against zombies from the view point of many different people of various nationalities. The personal accounts also describe the changing religious, geo-political, and environmental aftermath of the Zombie War.

If you haven’t read this book, DO IT.NOW. Seriously.

Olivia Williams Joins The Seventh Son

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Olivia Williams recently signed on to the upcoming film adaptation The Seventh Son. Fans might recognize Williams from her role in Rushmore (one of the greatest films) and her role in Joss Whedon’s too soon cancelled television show “Dollhouse.”

The film has already has a few stars signed on along with Williams including Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander, Antje Traue and Kit Harington. The project is being directed by Sergei Bordrov with the script being written by Matt Greenberg and Chuck Leavitt.

This film should not be confused as being an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Orson Scott Card (although that would make more sense seeing as Ender’s Game is coming up).

The Seventh Son will be the big screen adaptation of the novel series, The Spook’s Apprentice written by (American title: The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch), written by Joseph Delaney, is the first story in the series “The Wardstone Chronicles.”

The novel follows 13-year-old Tom, a farm boy who lives in the countryside of The County. Tom is the seventh son of a seventh son, which allows him the ability to see things other cannot, such as boggarts, ghasts, ghosts and others which is tradition in the County.

The official description of the The Spook’s Apprentice:

“For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over? Many apprentices have tried… Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope. But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?”

Thomas J. Ward is special because he was born the seventh son of a seventh son. Based on an old folklore that the seventh son of a seventh son would have special powers; magic powers, healing, preternatural senses and hopefully eye beams; if he comes from an unbroken line with no female children born between. So with supernatural abilities, Tom furthers his training with the help of a learned Spook/Sorcerer/Wizard/Priest/Exorcist.

Expect to see the film hitting theaters February 15, 2013.

A New Trailer Released For “What To Expect” Movie Adaptation

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If you have been pregnant, are pregnant, known someone who was pregnant, or watched any movie/television show where a character is pregnant, you most likely have heard of the book, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” written by Heidi Murkoff. The book chronicles, well, exactly what it says. What you need to know when expecting a child. Frankly, it was only a matter of time before they somehow managed to turn the pregnancy help book into a movie.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Movies we have a new trailer for the upcoming film.

The film follows all the things that couples face when they are confronted by the new frontier of parenting. It focuses on seven different couples as they experience and live through the thrills, terrors, surprises, aches, and pains of preparing for their new lives as parents.

The adaptation has an all-star cast that features: Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Elizabeth Banks, Chase Crawford, Matthew Morrison and Dennis Quaid.

The book was originally published in 1984 and consistently tops The New York Times Best Seller list in the paperback advice category. It is also one of USA Today’s ”25 Most Influential Books” of the past 25 years  and has been described as “the bible of American pregnancy”. According to USA Today, 93 percent of all expectant mothers who read a pregnancy guide read What to Expect When You’re Expecting.

I can guess that 93 percent of women are going to see this film as well. Although pregnancy and birth scare me so it might be a while before I watch this film. The only saving grace of this film is that it features the always hilarious Elizabeth Banks, who I am pretty sure can do no wrong. And she brings her Avery Jessup type personality to the role (as you can see in the poster above).

The film is set for release on May 11, 2012.

You can watch the new trailer below:

Graphic Novel “Trespassers” Gets Optioned For The Big Screen

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Variety recently reported that the supernatural graphic novel, “Trespassers” will be heading to the big screen. The graphic novel was written by Scott Hampton but the script will be written by Bob Gale and the film produced by Ryan E. Heppe.

The graphic novel follows a group of mythbusters, set on debunking the legend of a famous allegedly haunted house. They have their scientific rationality tested when they discover demonic guardians, a gateway to hell and the fact that not all of them are exactly who they claim to be.

Heppe stated regarding the project:

“A good horror flick needs one thing: a simple, original premise that’s terrifying as hell,” Heppe said. “Add to that obvious franchise potential, and the opportunity to combine “found footage”-style scares with traditional filmmaking frights and you’ve got something really unique.”

Hampton previously wrote and drew “The Upturned Stone.” Gale co-wrote the first Back to the Future film and penned its two sequels on his own. He also wrote for the second “Tales from the Crypt.” Heppe is currently rebooting everyones favorite robot movie, Short Circuit at Dimension as well as developing feature versions of “T.J. Hooker” and “V.”

I am definitely ready for something new to scare me and thrill me, and this definitely could be awesome. My only concern is that with so much on all the plates of everyone involved, the project could get stalled at some point. I hope that it doesn’t, but I had a hell of time even finding this graphic novel online.

The project is still only in development with no word on any plans regarding who will star in the film or a project release date.

Valiant’s Bloodshot Gets Optioned by Sony

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Valiant Comics return to prominence this year has yielded a new step forward for one of their creations into the world of movies. It was recently reported that Sony Pictures and Neal Moritz Original Film have teamed up to acquire the rights for the Valiant Comics series, Bloodshot. 

Bloodshot, like many comic book characters, was born out of experimentation gone wrong. Mob assassin Angelo Mortalli was forced into an experimental procedure which involved his body being injected with nanites that enhances his strength and skills but unfortunately in the process his memory was wiped clean.

The comic, Bloodshot, was introduced to the world in 1994 during a time when comics were “grim and gritty.” This time period gave us Marvel’s The Punisher and Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns.” Bloodshot became one of the highest-selling comics in the history of Valiant Comics when it sold a reported 900,000 copies.

When Acclaim Entertainment bought Valiant, they began the process of developing a video game based on the character, but unfortunately they scraped the project shortly after.

But good news! Valiant Entertainment has plans to bring the character back to the comic book world later this year.

Here is the official press release from Sony:

Columbia Pictures is closing a deal to acquire the rights to adapt Bloodshot, the bestselling Valiant comic book character, into a feature film to be produced by Neal H. Moritz through his Original Film banner and Jason Kothari and Dinesh Shamdasani on behalf of Valiant Entertainment, it was announced today by Hannah Minghella, president of production for Columbia Pictures.  Jeff Wadlow will write the screenplay.

Bloodshot first appeared in Valiant comic books in 1992 and quickly became one of the comic world’s most popular characters.  Appearing in over 70 issues, the character sold seven million comic books globally and was a cornerstone of the Valiant Universe, which sold more than 80 million comic books, third only to Marvel and DC. As Valiant re-launches in 2012, the Bloodshot character will return to shelves as well.

Commenting on the announcement, Minghella said, “The Bloodshot character has been a fan favorite for nearly two decades, selling  approximately 7 million comic books globally. Because there have been more than 1,500 pages of storylines published, there is a rich legacy to draw from as we develop the screenplay.  Neal is one of the best action producers working today and we know he is the right filmmaker to take on this potential franchise.”

Originally founded in 1989, Valiant Comics quickly became one of the most successful comic book publishers by creating unique and compelling heroes and villains and focusing on storytelling.  Valiant characters have been written and illustrated by many of the industry’s most famous creative talents, including Jim Shooter, Bob Layton, Barry Windsor Smith, Joe Quesada, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch, Steve Ditko, Mike Mignola, Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin and Neal Adams, among many others; in addition, Valiant was previously named Publisher of the Year by Diamond Comics Distributors.  Valiant is returning to comic books in May 2012 and has a number of movie projects in development based on its characters involving some of the industry’s top business and creative talent.

Neal Moritz and Original Film are currently in post-production on four films: 21 Jump Street andTotal Recall for Columbia Pictures, R.I.P.D. for Universal, and Warner Bros.’ Jack the Giant Killer. He is entering pre-production on the sixth entry in the Fast and Furious franchise as well as onDead Man Down, starring Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace. With over 40 films to Moritz’s credit, past titles include Battle: Los Angeles, The Green Hornet, The Fast and Furious series, I Am Legend, XXX, S.W.A.T., Gridiron Gang, Sweet Home Alabama, Click, Vantage Point, Blue Streak, Cruel Intentions, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Skulls, Volcano, Urban Legend, and Juice. Original Film’s box office is north of 2 billion worldwide.

We definitely need a new comic book adaptation to love and cherish. I don’t think I can handle yet another reboot of Superman, Spider-Man, or Batman for at least another ten years. And while I have never read Bloodshot (and I keep hoping they do a young justice movie with Secret, Spoiler, and Impulse) I like the idea of another gritty, dark comic book being made for my viewing pleasure.

Suzanne Collins Praises Hunger Games Film

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I would be lying if I didn’t say that despite my excitement for the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games, I was a little worried about it missing the mark of the novel. So it was a relieve to hear that author, Suzanne Collins, has praised the finished project.

Collins recently wrote on the official Hunger Games Facebook page that she was “really happy” with the finished movie. She also had great things to say about Gary Ross for remaining faithful to the novel but she commented that he added a “rich and powerful vision” to the society she created.

“And, my God, the actors,” Collins added. She singled out the “extraordinary” Jennifer Lawrence, who stars as the young heroine, Katniss.

It is really great to hear that Collins enjoyed the adaptation. To many times we have remakes that anger not only the fans but also the writers. It is even worse that there is so much hype around this particular film that there is a lot of pressure to make it awesome. With the endorsement of the author it seems that this will at least do the novel justice. And I can say I will be right there on opening night to find out.

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

New Marvel’s The Avenger’s Trailer Revealed

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After being teased with it, the new trailer for Marvel’s The Avengers has finally been released. This after the new promotional poster for the film was revealed earlier this week which you can see above.

The plot continues the epic big-screen adventures started in Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger. Marvel’s The Avengersis the superhero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as SHIELD, finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

I think this movie is going to be awesome primarily because of three people. Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, and the best of them all, Joss Whedon (although don’t tell FOX he is working on it or they might try and get the movie cancelled. ba-zing.) I do plan to see it, and frankly, the trailer makes it look bad-ass.

This new film is being directed by the (incredibly amazing) Joss Whedon and and sports an all star cast.  It includes:

  • Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man:
A self-described genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist with a mechanical suit of armor of his own invention. 
  • Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America:
A World War II veteran who was enhanced to the peak of human physicality by an experimental serum. 
  • Mark Ruffalo as Dr. Bruce Banner / Hulk:
A genius scientist who, because of exposure to gamma radiation, transforms into a monster when enraged or excited. Ruffalo was cast after negotiations between Marvel and Edward Norton broke down.

  • Lou Ferrigno will voice the Hulk.
  • Chris Hemsworth as Thor:
The god of thunder based on the Norse deity of the same name. Hemsworth was cast as part of a multiple movie deal. Hemsworth stated that he was able to maintain the strength he built up for Thor by increasing his food intake, consisting of a number of chicken breasts, fish, steak and eggs a day.
  • Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow:
A highly trained spy working for the international peacekeeping organization, S.H.I.E.L.D. 
  • Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton / Hawkeye:
A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and master archer known in the comics as the “World’s Greatest Marksman”. Renner said it was a very physical role and that he trained physically and practiced archery as much as possible in preparation. 
  • Tom Hiddleston as Loki:
Thor’s adoptive brother and nemesis based on the deity of the same name. 
  • Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury:
The director of S.H.I.E.L.D., who was revealed in previous films to be coordinating the “Avenger Initiative”. Jackson was brought to the project with a deal containing an option to play the character in up to nine Marvel films.
  • Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill:
A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who works closely with Jackson’s Nick Fury. 
Marvel’s The Avengers is opening in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D on May 4th. It is written and directed by (the amazingly awesome) Joss Whedon and stars Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston and Stellan Skarsgard.

You can watch the new trailer below and check out the new poster above if you missed it.

The Hunger Games Cast To Help The Fight Agaisnt World Hunger

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The stars of The Hunger Games have teamed up to aid in the fight against world hunger. (seriously, could they have picked a better organization to team with!) Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson have recorded a video announcement for the cause which you can view below.

The message from the video reads: “The Hunger Games, the cast and producers are teaming up with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Feeding America to raise awareness about hunger in the United States and around the world.”

I am loving that they did this. I think that with the popularity of the film, it will bring much needed attention to the cause and problem that is world hunger.

The Hunger Games Teaser # 4 Revealed

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We have about a month left till the big screen premiere of The Hunger Games and in case you are like myself, you are probably overly excited for the film. If you need to be satiated till March 23rd, then we have a new teaser you can watch. While it shows pretty much the same stuff that we have already seen in the previous trailers, it is still worth watching.

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
You can watch the new teaser trailer for The Hunger Games below:

Watch the Visual Effects Featurette For The Walking Dead

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AMC hit show, “The Walking Dead” is often praised for its visual effects. Many critics have commented on the visual appeal of the show as well as the content. AMC recently released a featurette showcasing the visual effects of the series.

“The Walking Dead” is based on the comic book series, The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. It is currently in the middle of its second season. AMC announced in October 2011 that the show would be renewed for a third season due to the fact the premiere of season 2 broke cable records in their demographic. On January 14, 2012, AMC announced that the third season will contain an extended episode order of 16 episodes.

The Walking Dead tells the story of a small group of survivors living in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Most of the story takes place in the Atlanta metropolitan area, as the survivors search for a haven away from the shuffling hordes of predatory “walkers” who devour and infect any living thing they catch. The plot is focused primarily on the dilemmas the group face as they struggle to balance their humanity with their survival.

The group is led by Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln (You can see an interview with Lincoln here), who was a sheriff’s deputy in a small Georgian town before the zombie outbreak. At every turn they are faced with the horror of the dead walking again, the changing dynamic of their group, and hostility from the scattered remains of a struggling human populace who are focused on their own survival now that the structures of society have collapsed.

You can watch the exclusive featurette below: