Showing posts with label Transformers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transformers. Show all posts

Friday, July 2, 2010

'Transformers 3' Will Be Filmed in 3D

Most of the 3D you see in theaters now is converted 3D. That is, the movie is filmed in 2D and then converted into 3D. Makes a sloppy mess in my opinion, especially after seeing how beautiful a movie shot in 3D looks like after watching "Avatar" on the big screen.

And it looks as though Hollywood is catching on about making 3D actually bearable as Market Saw reports that the Arri Alexa Pace camera system (which was used to film "Avatar") will be used to "Transformers 3," as confirmed by Vince Pace, who helped create the camera. Pace also points out that "Resident Evil: Afterlife," "TRON: Legacy," Martin Scorsese's "Hugo Cabret" and an unnamed "big Disney film" will also be using his camera system for 3D.

Hopefully the Pace 3D cameras work well for Bay and the rest of the production and we at least get a "Transformers 3" that looks good in terms of action and effects, since the storylines and dialogue have not been the franchise’s strong point. So for the time being, Transformers fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

However, let's keep in mind that we're dealing with Michael Bay -- no reason to get too excited just yet. And I'm not planning on catching this in theaters after losing brain cells from "Revenge of the Fallen," so this news doesn't really affect me since I might wind up catching the flick on a rented DVD.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: UGO Movie Blog, Screen Rant, First Showing, Cinematical

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Movie News Rush 14

"Tangled"

Th news - This film is basically Rapunzel except for boys since it focuses more on a swashbuckling main character rather than the girl with super-long hair (which turns out to be very tentaclish). I guess Disney wanted to market this films to both genders and someone in production was like, "Hey, what crazy stuff can we do with Rapnuzel's long haird besides it being just hair. How 'bout she controls it n' stuff? And throw in a chameleon too! We got to have a chameleon!"



"Thor"

The news - Entertainment Weekly has posted a video from their visit to the "Thor" set in New Mexico. The video consists mainly of an interview with Chris Hemsworth, who's in the title role, and Natalie Portman, who's playing the god's mortal love interest Jane Foster, but there are also some shots of Anthony Hopkins as Odin and Idris Elba as Heimdall.



"Transformers 3"

The news - Michael Bay has made big updates on the third installment in the successful yet flawed "Transformers" franchise. First off, he says that the childish humor will be toned down (mostly by removing the Twins). Second, the main villain of the film will be a Decepticon called Shockwave, who has usurped the throne of Decepticon leader from Megatron. Lastly, the film will be in 3D (converted or filmed in the format is unknown). Some interesting news, but not enough to redeem the franchise in my eyes to make me even think about seeing this film.

Screen Rant
First Showing
Latino Review
UGO Movie Blog


"Breaking Dawn"

The news - We've known this for some time, but the fourth film in the "Twilight" franchise will be split in two, creating a sum total of five "Twilight" films. With "Breaking Dawn: Part 1" hitting theaters late 2011, maybe we can expect the last film for summer of 2012 - thus showing that "Twilight" may lead to the end of the world.

Latino Review
The Geek Files
Screen Rant
UGO Movie Blog
NY Times
USA Today

"Men in Black III"

The news - Sony filmed a short little teaser for the film that was shown during Sony's 3D TV Launch Event at Sony Pictures Studios. It focuses on how the film will be in 3D. Head to Sony Insider for more details.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Movie News Rush 9

"Transformers 3"

The news - since Megan Fox is out, a new leading lady will be entering the film. And who better than a lingerie model? Mr. Michael Bay - can't you do better than that? But then again, the male GMA will probably want a new hot chick in the film since Fox is out. *sigh*

The new actress is Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, a Victoria's Secret model. She has no acting experience but in the grand scheme of things, even if she did, it likely won’t change the quality of the overall product of "Transformers 3" nor the arguably undeserved box office results it will attain.

Watch a video below that pretty much shows how she auditioned for the film. WARNING NSFW!



Rope of Silicon

Screen Rant
UGO Movie Blog

"Jonah Hex"

The news - Just a new trailer for the film. It contains some explosions and quick editing, but still has Megan Fox. (I feel like this post is just all around anti-Megan Fox for some reason).



"Logan's Run"

The news - another sci-fi remake is on the way, this time redoing the 1976 "Logan's Run," which is about a society where everyone is unknowingly sacrificed when they turn thirty years old. Enforcers called Sandmen capture “runners,” people who try to escape their sacrifice. When Logan discovers the truth, he becomes a runner himself. Carl Erik Rinsch is attached to direct the film after he finishes up work on "47 Ronin."

The Hollywood Reporter
Screen Rant
Latino Review
The Geek Files
First Showing

"Alice in Wonderland"

The news - Tim Burton's latest film has become the sixth film in history to pass the $1 billion mark. Most of that money comes from the overseas market. The film earned around $332 million domestically in its box office run in the US, taking in the remaining $667 million from the international markets. I stopped watching the numbers for this film a long time ago (as did many others), so this is a complete surprise. Who knew the film would be such a success overseas?

But is the film actually that good to be among the top few who have also earned over $1 billion? The only other movies that have achieved that success (in order starting at #1) are: "Avatar," "Titanic," "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King," "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and "The Dark Knight." Need I mention how three of the films now six films on that list came out in the past 3 years? Are the higher movie tickets and 3D inflations helping? Maybe in a few decades making a billion dollars won't be considered a vast amount of money...

First Showing

The Geek Files

"Captain America: The First Avenger"

The news - Hayley Atwell, who will play Peggy Carter, a resistance fighter and Cap's first love, inadvertently confirmed to Leicester Square TV at a red carpet event that veteran actor Tommy Lee Jones will also play a part within the movie. Below is a video provided of her interview and "Captain America" comes up around the 2:30 mark.



The Geek Files
MTV News
Rope of Silicon
First Showing
Latino Review

"X-Men: First Class"

The news - James McAvoy ("Wanted") will be playing the younger version of Patrick Stewart's Professor Charles Xavier in "X-Men: First Class," which is to be directed by Matthew Vaughn ("Kick-Ass"). McAvoy is the first actor to be cast in the "X-Men" prequel and hopefully more news will come - specifically which mutant characters will be turning up in the film (which is scheduled to hit theaters summer 2011).

The Hollywood Reporter
The Geek Files
Rope of Silicon
First Showing
Latino Review
MTV News
Screen Rant

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice"

The news - Just wanted to show you a neat new featurette on the film that shows off some new footage.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Megan Fox is No More!

Here's a bit of unexpected - yet awesome - news.

According to Deadline Hollywood and Variety, Megan Fox has been axed from "Transformers 3."

That's right, never again will we Fox running in slo-mo with a confused look on her face as to what's happening around her. How will we survive?!

So Paramount won't be bringing Fox back, but that actually wasn't the studio's decision. Apparently it was "ultimately" director Michael Bay's decision, which now makes us wonder if this is retaliation for all those mean comments Fox made about Bay during the release of "Transformers 2" last summer.

If you didn't know, Fox was quoted as saying, "I really wish I could go loose on this one. He’s like Napoleon and he wants to create this insane, infamous mad-man reputation. He wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is." (Head to Entertainment Weekly for the whole blow-by-blow of that rant and even more crazy Megan Fox quotes).

Hmm, I wonder why Bay didn't invite her back for a third round...

So can "Transformers 3" survive with out Megan Fox? While some people might want to see her, I'm sure many fans of the franchise are there for the robots. Most likely Mikaela is in the script that they're currently shooting with, but hell, a little scribble here, a name change there - shouldn't take long for Shia to have a new girlfriend.

In fact, Deadline and Variety both report that the script is being reworked on to give Shia a new love interest. While I don't plan on seeing "Transformers 3" in theaters after the debacle that was the second (I didn't really enjoy the first either and tried giving the franchise a second chance), I'm sure all this will just add to the confused mess that the plot will definitely be.

For some more Megan Fox fun, head to Latino Review to read a spoof Michal Bay letter to Fox about why he isn't bringing her back (it's pretty epic).

BTW - Fox is trying to go around saying it was her decision to leave the franchise (actually not even her, just her reps). This might turn out to be what everyone says so no one's feelings get hurt, but we know the truth. No one wants to to with her, plain and simple.

What are your thoughts on Megan Fox being kicked out of "Transformers 3"?
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: The Geek Files, Screen Rant, UGO Movie Blog, First Showing

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Movie News Rush 5

"Judge Dredd"

The news - The project on this film reboot is moving forward with director Pete Travis ("Vantage Point," "Endgame") and will be in 3D.

MTV News
Latino Review
The Geek Files
First Showing

"Transformers 3"

The news - You have no idea how happy this makes me. The Twins will not be returning! I hope they explain away their absence by being brutally torn apart by Optimus Prime for being so annoying.

First Showing
Screen Rant
Latino Review

"Captain America" and "The Avengers"

The news - It isn't official, but Marvel and producer Kevin Feige are considering making these films in 3D. Since "Thor" is already in production, it could only be converted to 3D while the former films still have time to be shot in 3D.

Hero Complex
First Showing
The Geek Files
Latino Review

"X-Men: First Class"

The news - Matthew Vaughn (director of "Kick-Ass") is helming the film and Jane Goldman, who helped write the screenplay for "Kick-Ass," has been brought on board to help with this screen play as well. Don't expect "First Class" to be extremely graphic though...

MTV News
UGO Movie Blog
Screen Rant
The Geek Files

"Super 8"

The news - J.J. Abrams newest secret flick is about an alien creature that escapes and probably does some scary stuff. Not much is known about it, but watch the teaser trailer below and see what you think.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Movie News Rush

With live being ever so busy now and there being literally 15 minutes out of my day to work on this blog, I've officially decided to call those quick blog post with all the links the Movie News Rush series. Unlike the Movie News Mash (where I mash a few stories into one post), I will just report what s the news and then send you elsewhere on the Internet for the actually story.

Hopefully life will become less busy and I will be able to devote some time to this blog again...

"X-Men: First Class"

The news - "Kick-Ass" director Matthew Vaughn is now officially on board to direct the film for a release date of June 3, 2011.

The Geek Files
Screen Rant
Latino Review
Rope of Silicon


"Cowboys and Aliens"

The news - Sam Rockwell will be joining the already impressive cast of the upcoming alien invasion western.

The Geek Files
Live for Films
Latino Review
First Showing
Screen Rant
MTV News

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"

The news - Disney is tightening its leash on the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film by lowering the budget and forcing less visual effects and a shorter shooting period.

The Geek Files

Screen Rant
UGO Movie Blog
First Showing

"Nightmare on Elm Street 2"

The news - A sequel to the reboot horror film is in the works with a different director and a third dimension.

Rope of Silicon
Screen Rant
First Showing

"Die Hard 5"

The news - "Die Hard 5" is getting itself a new writer in Skip Woods ("Wolverine," "The A-Team").

Live for Films

Screen Rant
Latino Review
First Showing

"Transformers 3"

The news - Patrick Dempsey is joining the cast for this film, which now includes Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand and Ken Jeong.

First Showing
Latino Review

"Predators"

The news - here is just another character profile, this time focusing on Laurence Fishburne as Noland.


Noland

Monday, March 22, 2010

Updates on 'Transformers 3' Cast and Shooting Locations

The master of explosions himself, Michael Bay, updated his own Web site with a big casting addition for the forthcoming, guaranteed box office hit "Transformers 3."

The director revealed Academy Award-winning actress Frances McDormand ("Fargo"), Academy-Award nominee John Malkovich ("Burn After Reading"), and up-and-coming funnyman Ken Jeong ("The Hangover") have all joined the sequel.

Deadline Hollywood has a bit of extra information revealing McDormand's character is a big one as the National Intelligence Director while Malkovich will be playing Sam Witwicky's first boss. No word on Jeong's role, but all three of these additions should make things a little more interesting.

The idea of such talent taking on a role in a film franchise so obviously not interested in acting as much spectacle just seems funny to me. Two of the actors have been nominated for Academy Awards (with one a winner)! Maybe they need a break from doing some good acting and just want to have a little fun with giant robots.

Bay also announced that there will be a new Autobot that will change into a Ferrari 458 Italia (a very sweet vehicle). Hopefully it won't speak in a stereotypical Italian accent.
This huge box office bonanza will also be shooting pretty much everywhere: Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, Florida, Texas, Africa, Moscow, and China. Looks like the “bigger is better” approach is being revisited when it comes to locations; let’s hope the rest of the movie is toned down a bit.

To bring home some thoughts again on the previous "Transformers" film...of the many, many things that were wrong with "Transformers 2," perhaps the most unforgivable was the sorry state of the film's script, rushed through the production process to meet a pre-scheduled start-date. The script boasted an utterly incoherent story, virtually no level of character development, about 30 pages (equal to about 30 minutes of the film) of completely unnecessary material and two robot sidekicks who managed to make Jar Jar Binks look about as eloquent and engaging as Hannibal Lecter.

I am going to go into this third film with little to no expectations - even with these excellent casting additions.

"Transformers 3" begins pre-shoots next month, and is set for a July 1st, 2011 release.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: First Showing, Screen Rant, UGO Movie Blog, Rope of Silicon

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Director Michael Bay Says There Will Be Less Robots in 'Transformers 3'

Michael Bay and Megan Fox discuss her bigger role for "Transformers 3"

Michael Bay recently attended a presentation in Hollywood on discussing the sound effects of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." Hero Complex covered the event and published a small quote from Bay at the end about what to expect in "Transformers 3."


"Although the number of robots increased significantly from the first film for the second, the third film won't be as robot-heavy and there will be fewer explosions, a tight-lipped Bay said after the Q+A."

“There will be a nice crescendo ending,” Bay said. “It gets much more into the robot character. The last time you kind of met a few of the robots; this time you’re gonna get a much cooler landscape.”

Apparently having Optimus Prime going solo against multiple Decepticons in a forest, fighting in Egypt on the pyramids and sneaking around the Smithsonian Museum weren't already cool enough. Where does Bay think he's taking this?

I don't think the problem with "Revenge of the Fallen" was that it had too many robots, it was much more the story and the script and crazy location changes. Though I will concede I was ticked off there were so many robots without any kind of...robot development.

Although, if this means we won't see Skids and Mudflap or that humping-bot Wheelie ever again, then I'm all for it.

"Transformers 3" is being written by Ehren Kruger, but I'm sure Bay is working on it, too. Sounds like he's already telling them what to and what not to include in this.

"Transformers 3" is set for summer of 2011.
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: First Showing

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

'Sherlock Holmes 2' and 'Transformers 3' Shoot This Summer

Yesterday it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would not be joining director Jon Favreau for the adaptation of Platinum Comics' series "Cowboys & Aliens" due to "scheduling issues." However, since the actor hadn't lined up a follow-up project to the forthcoming comedy "Due Date," it wasn't clear what was getting in the way. Well, now EW has learned that "Sherlock Holmes 2" is being fast tracked to start production during the summer. Meanwhile, over at Deadline Hollywood, a tidbit of info hidden in some agency news about Shia LaBeouf reveals an estimated May start for production on "Transformers 3."

Even before the first "Sherlock Holmes" was released there was already talk of a sequel. Much of that talk surrounded the classic "Sherlock Holmes" villain, Moriarty, who was even rumored to be played by Brad Pitt. Whoever the villain, we all knew a "Sherlock Holmes 2" was inevitable after the huge tease of an ending from the first film.

Warner Bros. has already commissioned a script from Kieran and Michele Mulroney (who both wrote and directed the 2009 comedy/drama, "Paper Man"), instead of using any of the three screenwriters that wrote the first "Holmes" installment. I wonder why writers Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg weren't brought back to pen the sequel after doing such a fine job on the first one? Either way, some new writers will probably keep the franchise fresh without veering too far away from the first "Holmes."

The studio is now trying to lock down the cast (which will include RDJ, and most likely the return of Jude Law and Rachel McAdams) for a June shooting start date. It remains to be seen whether director Guy Ritchie will return and direct the second movie, but I can’t see any reason why he wouldn’t.
Back in October, Michael Bay officially announced he would be working on "Transformers 3" for a July, 2011 release date. According to a Deadline Hollywood article about Shia LaBeouf switching agents, the filmm is set to begin filming this May.

There's only one small issue: the script hasn't been finished yet. We know that the writers for the last two films, Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman, won't be returning to the franchise and that Ehren Kruger will be working on the script for "Transformers 3."

Still, not having a finished script with about three months to go shouldn't pose too much of a problem, right? To be honest, after seeing "Revenge of the Fallen," I would be happy with "Transformers 3" having any kind of cohesive plot.

Be forewarned though, last year Bay mused about the possibility of bringing back Sam Witwicky's college roomie, Leonardo "Leo" Ponce De Leon Spitz, for a larger role in the next film.
(Courtesy of Goof Roof)

Are you happy to see another "Sherlock Holmes" on the way so soon after the first? Do you think RDJ was right to leave "Cowboys & Aliens" for it? What direction would you like the sequel to take?

Are you excited about cast and crew gearing up for "Transformers 3"? What would you like to see in the third installment of the franchise? Should we get our hopes up for anything good?

"Sherlock Holmes 2" is set to start shooting this June. Presumably we’d see it hit theaters sometime in 2011.

"Transformers 3" is set to start shooting this May and is scheduled to hits theater in July, 2011.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Screen Rant, First Showing

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Trailers and Spoofs for 'Wild Things,' "Transformers 3' and "Prince of Persia'

Other than the news that Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum") will be producing a movie on "The Berenstain Bears," nothing really big is happening today. A nice, quiet Tuesday.

So I'm going to throw you some videos to watch.

A funny spoof on "Where the Wild Things Are" that makes fun of all those hipsters that are just too cool for everyone else.



While I kind of liked the real "Where the Wild Things Are," this movie might be fun too...or maybe not.

Here is a sneak peek teaser at what "Transformers 3" will look like when it comes out in 2011.



I liked the part with the explosions.
More on "Transformers 3" (because we so loved "Transformers 2").
Buried in the special features of the "Revenge of The Fallen" Blu-ray, Michael Bay talks about his early thoughts for the next chapter in the "Transformers" franchise.
Watch the video below of Bay's whole spiel from the Blu-ray feature.


Do you believe him? I don't know what to believe...

Moving on to something different, remember the new "Prince of Persia" trailer that was released the other day? Well, another new trailer has come forth. Watch it below!



Is it any better than the other one?

More news to come! Catch ya' later!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Even More Trailer Mash-Ups

When the "Terminator" franchise merges with the "Transformers," all robots become our enemies.



What if there was more to the "Back to the Future" franchise? Like...if it was bordering on a "Brokeback Mountain" relationship between Doc and Marty?



"The Ten Commandments." Possibly one of the greatest comedies of all time about high school conflicts in biblical proportions. 'Nuff said.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Box Office Results and Weekly Movie News

Movies coming out this week!

Saw VI - Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood.

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant - A traveling freak show's most mysterious attraction recruits teenager Darren Shan as his assistant, though the young man soon finds himself used as a pawn in a battle between vampires and their deadlier counterparts.

Amelia - A look at the life of Amelia Earhart (Swank), the American pilot who disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 on her history-making flight around the world.

Astro Boy - Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy (voiced by Highmore) is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist (voiced by Cage) in the image of the son he has lost. Unable to fulfill the grieving man's expectations, our hero embarks on a journey in search of acceptance, experiencing betrayal and a netherworld of robot gladiators, before he returns to save Metro City and reconcile with the father who had rejected him.

Movies coming out on DVD and Blu-ray!

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Blood: The Last Vampire
Cheri
Waterworld
Easy Rider

Box Office results for the weekend!

1 Where the Wild Things Are$32.4 M
2 Law Abiding Citizen $21.2 M
3 Paranormal Activity $20.1 M
4 Couples Retreat $17.9 M
5 The Stepfather $12.3 M
6 Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs $8.1 M
7 Zombieland $7.8 M
8 Toy Story / Toy Story 2 (3-D) $3.0 M
9 Surrogates $1.9 M
10 The Invention of Lying $1.9 M

"Where the Wild Things" are won the weekend, though I expect it to fall once parents start figuring out the movie may be too frightening for younger children.

"Law Abiding Citizen" opened well, making a million dollars more than "Paranormal Activity." But the latter film opened in 760 screens while the former opened in 2,890 screens. Imagine if "Paranormal Activity" gets more theaters this upcoming month (especially for Halloween).

Really, a lot of these movies will be falling down the list due to many movies coming out next weekend (including an Oscar contender and a new kids film). I'm hoping "Zombieland" can stay in the Top 10 as it is a really good movie compared to others on that list.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Movie News Mash 27

SPIDER-MAN 4
MTV News had the chance to talk to director Sam Raimi over the phone about possible villains for "Spider-Man 4."

They presented the results of their Who Should Be The 'Spider-Man 4' Villain poll to him. And he loved who readers picked. (FYI: The Lizard nabbed 29 percent of the vote, while Carnage came in a close second with 26 percent.)

Here's what he had to say:

(MTV News)

WARCRAFT
In July the MMORPG collective all shared a shocking experience when it was announced that Sam Raimi ("Evil Dead," "Spider-Man") would be at the helm of the adaptation of the popular game "World of Warcraft."

MTV News reports today that Raimi himself has confirmed that "Saving Private Ryan" screenwriter Robert Rodat is on board to write the screenplay.

Here's what Raimi told MTV News about how they're approaching the story in this big "World of Warcraft" movie:

(First Showing)

TRANSFORMERS 3
Remember that interview last week that Collider had with screenwriters Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman? We learned a lot about "Star Trek" from that interview, but there were also some interesting "Transformers 3" news in there as well.

Collider managed to get these quotes out of Kurtzman and Orci on the subject of "Transformers 3":

Why have you decided not to be involved with Transformers 3?

Bob: We’ve been working on Transformers longer than I was in college. I feel like we have our degree in Transformers now.

Alex: The franchise is so wonderful that it deserves to be fresh, all the time. We just felt like we’d given it a lot and didn’t have an insight for where to go with it next, and said, “You should do it right.”
(Screen Rant)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Micahel Bay Announces "Transformers 3" in 2011

Why did I do so many posts on Michael Bay saying he was taking a break from the "Transformers" franchise? It has only taken him two months to officially decide what his next film is (and during those two months Megan Fox has been running her mouth like crazy).

Now Bay gives all his fans a declaration on his Web site forum. Supposedly he has finally made up his mind after the big meeting he had with Steven Spielberg a few weeks back.

Here’s the the official message Bay posted on his forum:

Well its official: We have a great Transformers 3 story. The release date is now July 1st 2011. Not 2012.

Today is Day One. This morning started with an ILM meeting for five hours in San Francisco. Currently I’m flying with writer Ehren Kruger to Rhode Island to talk to Hasbro about new characters.

P.S. Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you.

Pain and Gain is right after shooting of Trans 3.

Michael


Bay has a great sense of humor, I'll give him that. Now am I talking about his stab at Fox or his statement of having a 'great story' for "Transformers 3"?

Ehren Kruger helped out with the script (there was a script?) for "Transformers 2." He also wrote "The Skeleton Key," "The Brothers Grimm," "Reindeer Games" and "Arlington Road."

To be honest, after seeing "Revenge of the Fallen," I would be happy with "Transformers 3" having A story, let alone alone a 'great' one. Though, if Bay is thinking of bringing back The Twins, I don’t know how 'great' the next film can possibly be.
The official release date of "Transformers 3" is July 1, 2011. Summer 2011 is quickly shaping up to be pretty epic ("Thor," "Captain America," "Spider-Man 4," "Green Lantern").

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: Screen Rant

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Summer Movies of '09

This is a follow-up to my very first post from last year and to review most of the films I saw this past summer. Also, coincidentally, this is post No. 1,000. Sweet.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - This is the third film in the "Ice Age" franchise and another film thrown into the 3-D mix. I enjoyed the first film and can honestly say the I don't remember much of the second (I just remember it not being that great). This film, while taking the plot straight from "Journey to the Center of the Earth" with some "Moby Dick," is actually entertaining at some points (I chalk all the real humor to the new character Buck, voiced by Simon Pegg). Also noticed there was a lot more Scrat (the squirrel creature who loves nuts) in this film than in the others. Guess the filmmakers realized he was a popular character.
6.8/10

District 9 - This is one good film. It is unique and amazingly made for its low budget. Even the documentary style of the film isn't too bad because the perspective switches from that to narrative cinema several times throughout the movie (especially during the awesome gunfight at the climax). If you are any kind of sci fi fan this is a must see.
8.8/10

(500) Days of Summer - This is not a romantic comedy. This is not a chick flick. It is a story about life, love and relationships. The film jumps around a lot over the course of the 500 days, but first time director Marc Webb is able to make the story understandable to the audience. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are just great actors and have very good chemistry in this film. If you're tired of those giant Hollywood blockbuster films and just want to relax, this is the perfect movie for you. There is even a song and dance number (I loved it even though I am not a fan of musicals).
8.5/10

Inglourious Basterds - Quentin Tarantino is a fantastic director and his newest film fits in perfect with all his others. Why? Because of the amazing dialogue. Though "Death Proof" is not high on my list of Tarantino films (besides the car chase scene it was all dialogue), "Basterds" has a good enough blend between dialogue and action to satisfy the audience. Not to mention that almost all the dialogue is used to create tension in many of the scenes so you can't look away. A story well told in Nazi occupied France.
8.3/10

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - I did not like the first "Transformers" film because I thought it could have been a lot better than it was. I did not have much hope for this next film and that is a good thing because now I am just pissed off at Hollywood. I'm sorry, but special effects do not make a movie. Yes, the effects in the film are phenomenal. But the plot, acting and pretty much everything else was like nails on a chalkboard. Right now I can still not even explain what happened in the film. Again, this movie could have been so great (giant freaking robots, c'mon), but everything just fell through. Doesn't matter though because it has made tones of money and I know a third film will be coming out. If they can get rid of the stupid humor in the next one, so many people will like it (and parents will actually want to bring their kids to see it too).
5.3/10

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - Holy cow, they are getting older. Things are finally coming to a head in the Harry Potter franchise as the next two films will deliver the final book of the series. As for this sixth installment, it mixes the ever-present darkness with lots of light humor about relationships. A fine addition to the franchise but it is merely a stepping stone to the grand finale that will be the "Deathly Hollows."
7.3/10

G.I Joe: The Rise of Cobra - I was expecting this film to be along the line of "Transformers" and suck, but it actually turned out to be an entertaining popcorn flick. The acting and plot (though still not the best) were way better in "G.I. Joe" than "Transformers" (but the latter film wins with tons better special effects). The constant action will keep you entertained instead of having a few action scenes spread out with a bunch of stupidity. Yo' Joe!
6.5/10

Angels and Demons - I thought this book was better than "The Da Vinci Code" and I came up with the same result with the films. While I believe the movie would have been better if it had stuck more to the book (the villain was entirely changed), it still had a better story and more action than "Da Vinci Code."
6.3/10

Gamer - A film with an interesting concept but failed to really deliver. The movie is more like a really geeky teenager's dream of the future. The concept seemed really cool and I was hoping to see how the interactions worked between the people being controlled and the people doing the controlling, but sadly that was left out to capitalize on the crazy action and sexuality. Too bad since the film is pretty short and the payoff at the end isn't that great.
6.0/10

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Major Meeting to Discuss 'Transformers 3'

While I am not the biggest fan of the "Transformers" franchise, I will say the special effects are amazing and they have made a lot of money. I believe the sequel this past summer was even worse than the original, yet it of course banked $830 million worldwide.

So, that means "Transformers 3" is a sure-fire thing no matter what, the only question is when.

According to Michael Bay’s official website, that’s exactly what he, Steven Spielberg and Ehren Kruger are set to determine later this week as they lay down some plans for Michael Bay’s next few years of work. The following points were listed on MichaelBay.com:

* He will be meeting later this week with Steven Spielberg, and Ehren Kruger to discuss ideas for "Transformers 3." By the end of the week he should have an idea if "Transformers 3" will hit your local cineplex in the summer of 2011 or 2012.
* In the meantime “Pain & Gain” is looking very possible as is…
* …"Bad Boys 3." Either film coming to a theater near you before or after "Transformers 3."

"Pain & Gain" is Michael Bay’s personal project he has been intending to make for a while. The plan as we knew it before, was that he’d step away from giant robots and explosions for at least a little while to work on this smaller feature. It is based on a series of lengthy articles written by Pete Collins, published between December 23, 1999 and January, 2000 in the Miami New Times titled Pain & Gain.
As for "Bad Boys 3," a few weeks back we reported on a writer being hired to pen the script for the next installment but it wasn’t confirmed on whether or not Bay would return to guide Will Smith and Martin Lawrence through the explosions.

At this point, it’s clear "Transformers 3" will be made just for money (I know its a business, but this is quantity over quality now) and I have zero expecations for it after what I saw from the franchise this summer. That means, although they can’t possibly finish a film this large in scale and with this many special effects properly in a year and half to have it open in the summer of 2011, they’re still going to discuss it and it’s still a possibility.

They could put all the special effects shots in trailers and clips for marketing and then have the rest of the film in only 2-D sketches and the movie would still make a minimum of about half a billion. But rant aside, the only real thing that would delay the debut of "Transformers 3" is Bay’s desire to work on other projects, namely the two we’ve discussed.

I’m very interested to see Bay step away from the grand blockbusters for a little while and to see what he’ll do with "Pain & Gain."

What would you like to see from "Transformers 3"?

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: Screen Rant

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Megan Fox: WTF

Megan Fox has gained lots of attention in Hollywood since she 'bared' her acting skills in "Transformers." Now with "T:RotF" making crazy money, "Jennifer's Body" hitting theaters later this month and "Jonah Hex" coming out next year, she is doing well in the movie industry.

But will her mouth ruin her?

Now before you start thinking of other things, I will remind you of back in July when she ran her mouth off about how Michael Bay wasn't such a great director. Michael Bay just kind of laughed it off. Yet again she has made comments about the "Transformers" director and she is dissing on Diablo Cody (writer of "Jennifer's Body" and "Juno").

In an interview with Wonderland regarding "Jennifer's Body," a film with no association to Michael Bay, she makes some rather rude comments.

"[Michael] wants to create this insane, infamous mad-man reputation. He wants to be like Hitler on his sets, and he is. So he's a nightmare to work for but when you get him away from set, and he's not in director mode, I kind of really enjoy his personality because he's so awkward, so hopelessly awkward. He has no social skills at all. It's endearing to watch him. He's so vulnerable and fragile in real life and then on set, he's a tyrant."
Well, some of Bay's crew members sent in a letter to the director's official site. Read an excerpt below but head here to read the entire thing (IT IS WORTH IT!).

"We’ve had the tedious experience of working with the dumb-as-a-rock Megan Fox on both Transformers movies. We’ve spent a total of 12 months on set making these two movies.

We are in different departments; we can’t give our names because sadly doing so in Hollywood could lead to being banished from future Paramount work. One of us touches Megan’s panties, the other has the often sh*ttty job of pulling Ms. Sour pants out of her trailer, while another is near the Panaflex camera that helps to memorialize the valley girl on film."

Then Bay saw fit to respond to the open letter from his crew members (which has since been deleted) that was posted on his official site by denouncing it:

"I don't condone the crew letter to Megan. And I don't condone Megan's outlandish quotes. But her crazy quips are part of her crazy charm. The fact of the matter I still love working with her, and I know we still get along. I even expect more crazy quotes from her on Transformers 3."
Fox also recently took a shot at Diablo Cody's script for "Jennifer's Body" as The Playlist quotes her saying:

"There are days (on set) when I said 'What the f*ck does that mean?' I'd say to [director] Karyn [Kusama] 'What does that mean?' And she'd say, 'I don't know, but let's shoot it anyway.'"

The "let's shoot it anyway" approach comes as a result of word they were not allowed to deviate from Cody's script, to which The Playlist also says is 100 percent true after seeing the film and reading the script.

I don't know why Megan Fox is damning those she works with, but whatever it is, Fox is hot right now. But if she keeps turning on everyone she works with her fame probably won't last for long. So try not to burn too many bridges Megan or you won't make it in Hollywood (but I'm sure the porn industry would take you any day).
More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: The Playlist (1,2), Rope of Silicon (1,2), Just Jared

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Box Office Results and Weekly Movie News

Movies coming out this week!

G-Force - A specially trained squad of guinea pigs is dispatched to stop a diabolical billionaire from taking over the world.

The Ugly Truth - A macho morning TV show correspondent (Butler) makes a bet with his love-challenged producer (Heigl): If his tips on how to land and keep a guy don't work, he'll quit the business. But while he coaches her through a fledgling romance, can he avoid falling for her, and vice versa?

Orphan - After their unborn baby dies, Kate and John Coleman (Farmiga and Sarsgaard) decide to adopt a child as a hopeful way to bring some joy and normalcy into their lives. Esther (Fuhrman), a 9-year-old orphan, captivates the couple, and comes home to live with them, though a strange sequence of events follows Esther's arrival, who's angelic façade might mask sinister intentions.

Movies coming out on DVD and Blu-ray!

Coraline
Watchmen

Box Office results for the weekend!

1 Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince $79.4 M

2 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs $17.7 M

3 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen $13.7 M

4 Bruno $8.3 M

5 The Hangover $8.3 M

6 The Proposal $8.2 M

7 Public Enemies $7.5 M

8 Up $3.1 M

9 My Sister's Keeper $2.8 M

10 I Love You Beth Cooper $2.6 M

"Harry Potter 6" has accumulated $200 million worldwide but still has a lot of work to do if it wants to crack that rumored 'billion' mark. I don't think it will make it.

"Ice Age 3" made a fair amount of money domestically, but over 73 percent of its gross has come from the foreign market which has helped it earn way more than "Up."

In fact, the only other film to have earned more money worldwide than "Ice Age 3" is "Transformers 2." Just goes to show people's taste in cinema...

As for "Bruno," it dipped 73 percent since last weekend. Word of mouth must have hurt this film badly. "The Hangover" is still doing well for its seventh week out, but it probably won't crack the top 10 films of the summer (counting for domestic earnings).

Other films are petering out to make way for another weekend to be dominated by a kid friendly film. Last year for Disney was all about Chihuahuas, but this year it is all about Guinea Pigs. Who will win the spot for the top? "Harry Potter 6" or "G-Force?"

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Box Office Results and Weekly Movie News

Movies coming out this week!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - In his sixth year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter discovers even more about the evil Lord Voldemort's past, thanks to his mentor Dumbledore and mysterious textbook marked "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince." By the end of the year, nothing will ever be the same.

Movies coming out on DVD!
The Edge of Love
The Haunting in Connecticut

Box Office results for the weekend!

1 Brüno $30.4M

2 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs $28.5M

3 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen $24.2M

4 Public Enemies $14.1M

5 The Proposal $10.5M

6 The Hangover $9.93M

7 I Love You, Beth Cooper $5M

8 Up $4.66M

9 My Sister's Keeper $4.18M

10 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian $1.52M

"Bruno" opened bigger than "Borat," but can it do better in the long run. The studios probably aren't that worried since the estimated budget for the film is only $42 million.

"Ice Age 3" is so far doing better than its predecessors, but I think that is due to lack of competition right now of movies out for kids. "Transformers 2" fell 42 percent since last weekend while "Public Enemies" fell even more and is probably not going to make enough money to cover its budget and marketing costs.

This was the third worst weekend of the summer according to the total of the top 10 from this weekend, but the summer isn't over yet.
Expect "Harry Potter 6" to rule next weekend.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Box Office Results and Weekly Movie News

Movies coming out this week!

Bruno - Flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter Bruno (Cohen) travels the world in search of the latest style trends.

I Love You, Beth Cooper
- The last night of high school takes an unexpected turn after geeky grad Denis Cooverman declares his love for hottie cheerleader Beth Cooper in his valedictorian speech.

Movies coming out on DVD!

Knowing
Push
The Unborn
Night Train
Five Fingers

Box Office results for the weekend!

1 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen $42.3 M

2 Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs$41.6 M

3 Public Enemies $25.2 M

4 The Proposal $12.8 M

5 The Hangover $11.2 M

6 Up $6.5 M

7 My Sister's Keeper $5.7 M

8 The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 $2.5 M

9 Year One $2.3 M

10 Night at the Museum: Night at the Smithsonian $2.0 M

"Ice Age 3" and "Transformers 2" really duked it out for the top spot for the weekend. "Ice Age 3" has made more money in the foreign market than domestically so far and "Transformers 2" has made almost $600 million worldwide now, making it the highest grossing film of the year (though it dropped 61 percent since last weekend).

"Public Enemies" opened well despite its rating and theme while "The Proposal" has cracked through the triple digits now. "The Hangover" has now made a hefty profit in its $265 worldwide earnings.

"Star Trek" has fallen out of the top ten now. It's a shame since it is better then some of the other movies there (but it has been there since May).

Next week I predict "Bruno" to be at the top. "Borat" opened at $26 million in 2006, so can it be topped?