50/50

I think it's only a matter of time before Joseph Gordon-Levitt receives some leading role recognition. He's dabbled in such with The Lookout, and (500) Days of Summer, but has mostly seen success with supporting roles: Inception and the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises most recently.

What's so great about JGL is how he can go from suave action star to weak cancer stricken patient as you'll see in the new trailer for 50/50, a new film by Jonathan Levine (All the Boys Love Mandy Lane). 50 also stars Seth Rogan, Anna Kendrick and Bryce Dallas Howard; as well as a looks-to-be hilarious turn by Phillip Baker Hall.



50/50 can be seen in theatres come September 30, 2011.

THE HOBBIT

All the ladies in the world can take a collective sigh of relief as the casting of Orlando Bloom to Peter Jackson's Hobbit production has been officially confirmed. Bloom handsomely portrayed the golden-locked Legolas in Jackson's Lord of the Rings saga, and although he wasn't featured in the literary version, Jackson I'm sure is counting on Bloom to attract some females to go along with the thousands of nerds already planning on lining up for the premiere.

The Hobbit is currently filming for its year plus shoot, with the first of a two-parter being released in December 2012. 

GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

It's unknown how long this will be online, but a bootlegged teaser of David Fincher's has surfaced. And it's red-band, so please watch it while you can.

The mystery is the first in a three party series by deceased author Stieg Larsson, whose Swedish originals were huge hits in his homeland and around the world. Hollywood quickly scooped it up, with the Oscar nominated Fincher directing Daniel Craig (Layer Cake) as Mikael Blomkvist and Rooney Mara (The Social Network) as the titular inked anti-heroine.

My big question was whether the American version would delve into how sexual the source material was. From the early looks, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. I have, and continue to be completely on board with Mara. I'm still somewhat amazed by her transformation; the way she has absorbed the essence of the novels is pretty remarkable, and the fact that she hasn't been afraid of letting go of her inhibitions is a welcome sight.

The trailer (which I'm sure will be completely legit in the very near future. Word is that it screened in front of some Canadian audiences for The Hangover II.) is pretty frenetic, with a neverending collection of short cuts and hasty glimpses. In case you're wondering, the song that's featured throughtout is "Immigrant Song" by the now Academy Award winning composer Trent Reznor (formerly of Nine Inch Nails), along with Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's who do their best Led Zeppelin impression.

"The Feel Bad Movie of Christmas" indeed.



If you're curious as what Mara did and will look like, I suggest you read on (and click accordingly).

BETWEEN TWO FERNS

Certainly not the first of Zach Galifianakis' talk show segments, but when it's combined by the force of Ferrell, it's worth a glance. In case you're unfamiliar, the bearded one brings various celebrities onto a bare set with a few plants and various hijinks. It's recommended to keep a close eye on Funny or Die, where this and other worthwhile videos originate.

HARRY POTTER

We're mere months away from seeing the highly anticipated closing chapter of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter films; no doubt followed by non-stop gushing. In a cool change of pace though, Alan Rickman (Die Hard) who has starred in each film as Severus Snape, wrote an open letter in Empire Magazine thanking Rowling for her imagination. 

In it, Rickman mentions how incredibly fast the last ten years have gone, while also harking on the growth of the films three leading child stars. Quite a nice gesture by the Brit, given that the Potter universe is an enormous cash cow, and more importantly, probably prompted the act reading in millions of households. 

(Click to make legible.) 

SHARK NIGHT 3D

Jaws is my favourite movie, mostly because it's scares the crap out of me. If you and I were ever in the ocean and I saw a fin coming towards us, I'd like to think that I would warn you, but the truth is by the time you realized what was going on, I'd be a quarter mile away because I used to be a decent swimmer.

You know what sharks do? Eat and procreate. That's it. Plus, they have unlimited teeth. So forgive me if this, granted, tacky one-sheet still freaks me out.

A trailer was also released, which pits the ocean's greatest killer against a a group of hapless, good-looking twenty-somethings. Thankfully, there seems to be no shortage of boobies. 

Shark Night 3D (!) hits theatres September 2, 2011.

THE DESCENDANTS

George Clooney does his best George Clooney impression in the first look for Alexander Payne's (Sideways) new film. To be honest with you, it looked pretty boring until the revelation of adultery; nothing funnier than hearing your wife's been cheating from your teenage daughter.



The Descendants will see a limited release December 11, 2011.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

Stan Lee, creator of most of the Marvel comic book characters we know and love to this day: (big breath) the Hulk, the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Galactus, Daredevil, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, the Black Panther, has always been issued a small cameo in films in which his creations have been featured. He had one in the recent Thor; he'll be seen in the upcoming Captain America: The First Avenger, but from the horse's mouth we learn that Lee's personal favourite is in The Amazing Spider-Man, the reboot from director Marc Webb ((500) Days of Summer). As you'll see from the embedded video, Lee proceeds to go into detail about the scene in which he's featured.



The Amazing Stan Lee Spider-Man hits theatres July 3, 2012.

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Terrence Malick's long gestating The Tree of Life was crowned champion at the Palais, as the 2011 Cannes Film Festival came to a close. Although reactions were somewhat mixed (audiences both cheered and booed), Malick's existentialistic 1950's drama impressed enough of the jurors (led by Robert DeNiro) to snag the coveted Palme D'Or. Unlike many other features, the general public won't have to wait long to make their own judgements--Life comes to theatres stateside May 27.

In other awards, Kirsten Dunst deflected the somewhat absurd ridicule inflicted upon Lars Von Trier to win Best Actress accolades for her performance in Melancholia. By far, this is the most prestigious reward of Dunst's career (unless you count an MTV movie award); we'll see if this leads to sustained criticial success.

See all of the winners after the break.

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

Through the magic of tweeting, the first official picture from Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy has been released. Apparently if you went to the official site, listened to the odd tune, clicked something, then pasted something else in Twitter, it became a small piece of a large shot of Tom Hardy (Inception) who plays the muscle bound villain Bane. (Click to enlarge.)

Principal photography has just started in what's sure to be a tantalizing finale to Nolan's vision. Hardy is a new addition to the team, along with Anne Hathaway (Selena Kyle/Catwoman), Marion Cotillard (Miranda Tate), and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (John Black).

The Dark Knight Rises will make a few bucks come July 20, 2012.

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON

Giant space robots! Government conspiracies! Shia TheBeef shouting "Optimus!" Chicago getting fucked up! Silent blonde Megan Fox replacement! (What's Frances McDormand doing here?)



Transformers: Dark of the Moon EXPLODES on screen June 29, 2011.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER

This probably has nothing to do with the former Mr. Universe/movie star/Special Olympics spokesman/governor of California's recent confession that he fathered a child that wasn't half Maria Shriver's over a decade ago, but all of the Austrian Oak's films that are currently in talks have been put on the back burner at least of the time being.

Even more sad is the fact that Arnie planted his seed in his housekeeper who is not the greatest on the eyes. Not gonna paste her picture on the front page, you'll have to click ahead to open that gift.

HUNGER GAMES

Two more pictures featuring Jennifer Lawrence (never a bad thing) as Katniss Everdeen in the upcoming feature film The Hunger Games. Not a lot of new material here, save for a bow--not exactly my weapon of choice if I'm going mano-a-mano for my right to live.

These come courtesy of Entertainment Weekly.

The Hunger Games is still in pre-production, but has a March 23, 2012 release date. 

HORRIBLE BOSSES

We saw the first look a few days ago; now we have a set of one-sheets for Seth Gordon's promising comedy. Now, I'm not down for any total sleazy fools, or slave driving psychos; but if a sex crazed maneater comes my way, well, I might have to think long and hard about that.

See the other two after the break. 

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Fresh from the premiere of his newest film Melancholia, director Lars Von Trier took to the podium and proceeded to say that he understands Adolf Hitler. Never one to shy away from controversial comments, Von Trier went on to say he sympathized with Hitler, calling himself a Nazi.

Now, two things: the Danish director has always had a crude sense of humour, and when Von Trier said he "sympathizes" with a German dictator who was behind the murder of millions, I believe it was meant to be a nod to Hitler's suicide in a bunker--a feeling Von Trier himself has felt in the past with his battle against severe depression.

Not that I'm at all siding with him (there are still some subjects that you do not mess with, and the Holocaust is one of them), but it seems obvious to me that Von Trier simply gets caught up in a poorly placed joke. The heads behind Cannes fully disagree however, and have banned the man behind Antichrist (2009), Dogville (2003), Dancer in the Dark (2000) and Europa (1991) among others,  forever from the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals.

Perhaps the French can't take a joke, but a lifetime ban from Cannes seems a bit excessive; especially considering Mel Gibson is currently a guest, strolling the Riviera looking for Jews and African Americans to hate. Anyway, you can see Von Trier's verbal faux pas below, also starring Kirsten Dunst as "shocked, awkward actress."

HUNGER GAMES

Entertainment Weekly has the first picture of Jennifer Lawrence as the lead in Gary Ross' adaptation of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic country called Panem--the former North America. The ruling government takes the questionable path of instilling the 'Hunger Games:' a series of televised death matches between a young girl and boy, due to the past uprising of the twelve districts that at one time threatened the government. Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen (George Lucas would be proud), who takes the place of her sister in the Games.

Lawrence exploded onto the scene with her Academy Award nominated performance in last year's Winter's Bone. Here she supposedly plays a sixteen year old, which is kinda creepy because in reality she's twenty and looks like this and this. Lawrence is joined by Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, and Stanley Tucci.

Sit tight, 'cause The Hunger Games doesn't arrive in theatres till March 23, 2012.

THE LONE RANGER

After much speculation and multiple rumours, Armie Hammer has been cast as the Lone Ranger, opposite Johnny Depp's Tonto--the Ranger's confidant and riding partner. Gore Verbinski is directing, reuniting with Depp who he's already worked with on the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, plus Rango from earlier this year.

The Lone Ranger was a cowboy who basically rode around, battling injustice in the Old West, shooting people with silver bullets and then riding off into the sunset yelling his famous cry, "Hi-yo, Silver, away!" (Along with the colour of his bullets, Silver was the name of his horse.)

Read on after the break.

BLU-RAY RELEASE OF THE WEEK

I haven't seen The Roommate yet, so if there's any nudity, or if Minka Kelly and Leighton Meester make out at all, it would probably get my vote. As it is, this week's choice is The Hustler.

Paul Newman plays "Fast Eddie" Felson, a cocky pool player who goes cross country to challenge "Minnesota Fats" (Jackie Gleason), known as the most unhealthy best player in the country. There's a ton of booze, a prostitute, some broken thumbs and a fair share of trick shots and gambling. Newman is at his brooding best here, but not his culinary one. That came in 1982 with his line of Newman's Own products.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN

I was never, and continue to be, not the biggest Tintin fan; I actually have no idea who Mr. Tin is, or what he's all about. I do know he's from Belgium (great waffles) and owns a white fox terrier named Snowy. Tintin first appeared as a comic strip created by Georges Rémi in 1929, which over time has been translated in over 80 languages, with over 350 million copies sold.

During WWII, the Nazis, who on top of committing genocide and other atrocities, also halted the strip for a while, even though Rémi was initially investigated to being a collaborator. Regardless of my limited knowledge, what matters is that Steven Spielberg recognizes and adores the Belgian character. Here's the first look at a motion captured Tintin (voiced by Jamie Bell):

HORRIBLE BOSSES

Even though Kevin Spacey shares an 18 year old scotch with him, Jason Bateman decides to form a plan with friends (Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day) to kill his and their bosses. Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell play the other villains whose faults include sexual harassment and a hatred for the obese and disabled. A tattooed Jamie Foxx joins the cast as a hitman the three saps hire to do the deed. His name? Muthafucka Jones.



I think we're all in agreement that the scariest part of the trailer is Farrell's combover. I'm also curious as to how much money Aniston commanded to shove a popsicle, banana, and hotdog down her throat.

Horrible Bosses hits theatres July 8, 2011.

SUCCESSFUL ALCOHOLICS

T.J. Miller and Lizzy Caplan's 25-minute short film Successful Alcoholics is online, for all of us to finally enjoy. It was originally shown earlier this year in Austin at SXSW to great reviews and great laughs, and I (and now you) can see why:



Miller (who also co-wrote) and Caplan reunite after working together on Cloverfield. Alcoholics provides a premise slightly more drunk and less monstrous: the two play a couple who have balanced booze and life until the inevitable collapse by the liquid fiend.

Hilarious and tender; it's definitely worth a watch. This comes courtesy of Funny or Die.

BLU-RAY RELEASE OF THE WEEK

(In actuality, this came out last week, but nonethless deserves to be mentioned.)


Blue Valentine invites the audience into the lives of Cindy and Dean, at two points during their horribly rocky relationship; it is at the same time breathtaking and unwatchable.  Dean is a nobody; a high school dropout who works for a New York City moving company. While on a job, he bumps into Cindy who is visiting her grandmother. They talk, they woo, they connect over song and dance numbers and funny crude pedophile jokes. Valentine takes place over two periods: when Dean and Cindy meet, and when their bond fall apart. The performances (career bests by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams) are what make this film so powerful. They are raw and unrelenting; truthful and filled with pain and emotion.

Much of the dialogue was improvised (my favourite scene was when Gosling and Williams were on the Brooklyn Bridge: Cindy is pregnant, but unwilling to reveal the news to Dean. Director Derek Cianfrance instructed Gosling that Williams was keeping a secret from him and he had to do whatever it took to get her to spill the beans. He then took Williams aside with direction that she was keeping something private and was forbidden to reveal what it is, regardless of what Gosling did. The scene went on for hours, no one budged. Finally, desperate, Gosling started to climb the fence and straddled the top, half his body over the edge. Honestly frightened, Williams finally broke. Incredible.) The cover implies this is a love story--don't believe it. It is a great, great piece of art; I was transfixed to the screen. But I never want to see it again. 

MOTHER'S DAY

I love mothers; you love mothers. Perhaps not as much as Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake, but certainly enough to celebrate all moms out there by assembling a list of some of the most memorable matriarchs in film history

Mommie Dearest

An obvious choice. Faye Dunaway portrays the real life Joan Crawford, who evidently was insanely disturbed. The source material was taken from Crawford's adopted daughter Christina; a frequent victim of her mother's abuse, such as having her hair hacked off while being laughed at maniacally. 

Mother 

Not the 1996 film starring Albert Brooks and Debbie Reynolds; instead check out the 2009 Korean title of the same name about a mom who must solve the murder of a young girl after her son is indicted for the crime. Kim Hye-ja, a veteran Korean actress, plays the part to perfection. 

See the rest after the break. 

KILL BIN LADEN

Kathryn Bigelow, who just over a year ago became the first woman to win best director at the Academy Awards, is set to direct an adaptation of the hunt for the man who orchestrated the September 11 attacks almost ten years ago. Bigelow had previously commissioned the film, but now with the long-awaited and timely death of the Al-Qaeda leader, the last act will feature the forty minute raid that ultimately ended up up Bin Laden with a bullet in his brain.

Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom) has already been cast as one of the commandos. A relative unknown, Edgerton's anonymity will surely dissipate with his inclusion in the upcoming Warrior alongside Tom Hardy, and the prequel to The Thing.

At the moment, Kill Bin Laden is (thankfully) a working title.

COLOMBIANA

This is partly written by Luc Besson who gave us Léon and The Fifth Element, so expect some frantic action and a strong female presence. Zoë Saldaña's character shares a similar backstory to Natalie Portman's Mathilda from Léon: as a young girl, her parents are murdered in front of her and later grows up to be a hired assassin. This could be two hours of Zoë Saldaña walking around all sultry-like in that skintight black number and I'd be there.

Colombiana arrives September 2, 2011.

X-MEN: FIRST CLASS

A crapload of character spots for Matthew Vaughn's X-Men flick have hit the web, allowing Havok, Banshee, Beast and Mystique to all get some individual love. Being a mutant aficionado, I'll be first in line, but the more I see, the more I like. My favourite is easily Mystique's due to the body acting of Jennifer Lawrence, but every one of them has something to offer. Banshee's introduction to flying, Beast's funky feet; not too sure about Havok's red ribbon-like powers since his concussive power has enough force to level a mountain, but I'm probably just picking some nits at this point.

Banshee



See the rest after the break.

MAY FILMS WORTH SEEING

I realize I'm about a week late for this post, but I just bought a baby bulldog, so when you have your own poop factory to take care of, feel free to criticize. Lots to like here: a summer tentpole, a b-movie starring Roy Batty; even a Terrence Malick sighting. Perhaps even more incredibly is that someone hired Mel Gibson for something.

May 6
The Beaver
Those in major cities gets first crack at Jodie Foster's dark comedy about a man who has a mental breakdown and begins to wear a beaver hand puppet to speak for him. Foster directs Anton Yelchin (Like Crazy), Jennifer Lawrence (Winter's Bone) and lead Mel Gibson who himself has had a decades long mental breakdown. But instead of wearing a piece of decorated fabric, Gibson thought best to rant against homosexuals, Jews, African Americans, then threaten to kill his girlfriend and mother of one of his children. Tough to decide which one sounds crazier.



See the rest after the break.