Friday, November 21, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Could this be JOHNNY DEPP in his MAD HATTER garb?
Tim Burton's next foree into film will be ALICE IN WONDERLAND, which will hit theatres sometime next year. AINT IT COOL NEWS has released a photo that may or may not be JOHNNY DEPP in his costume as the MAD HATTER.
Check it out:
What do you think?
Posted by Luke Granlund at 5:35 PM 0 comments
Monday, November 17, 2008
Watch Out For THE WATCHMEN
This March, Zack Snyder, director of 300, brings us a cinematic adaptation of the most celebrated graphic novel of all time, THE WATCHMEN. Based on the trailer below, I have no doubt that the film will prove to contain ultra visual and styllistic eye candy, but the depth and richness of the storytelling is what gives me the most reservation. 300, though at times visually stunning, had a weak story, week characters, and presented a world in which pointless violence was celebrated, along with a false sense of machoism and heroism. I am weary but hopefull that THE WATCMEN will prove different.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 12:48 PM 0 comments
Coming to a Universe Near You...STAR TREK!
Let me just say, when I heard JJ Abrams was rebooting the STAR TREK film franchise, I was a little worried. Abrams last directorial effort, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3, was good, but felt more like an action packed episode of Alias then a full blown cinematic experience. But, with the trailer below, and Abrams apparent love of the various STAR TREK television series, most notably THE NEXT GENERATION (my favorite), my interest has now shot through the roof. Abrams hope was to introduce STAR TREK to a whole new generation and if the following is any indication, Abrams may very well achieved just that.
Enjoy...
Posted by Luke Granlund at 12:22 PM 0 comments
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Winslet and DiCaprio team up for REVOLUTIONARY ROAD!
Sam Mendes, the director behind AMERICAN BEAUTY, ROAD TO PERDITION, and JARHEAD brings us the the reteaming of TITANIC'S Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in a story about a young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s who struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. The film is based on a novel by Richard Yates. It opens wide this January!
Here is the trailer:
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:58 PM 0 comments
Catch a grizzled Clint Eastwood in GRAN TORINO!
This is slowly becoming one of my most anticipated films of the year!
Most notably seeing an old and grizzled Clint Eastwood unleashed.
Check it out:
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:52 PM 0 comments
SLUMDOG Trailer Debuts!
Could this be up for BEST PICTURE?
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:49 PM 1 comments
Friday, October 24, 2008
Danny Boyle and his SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
Danny Boyle is a filmmaker of many different tastes. He has taken us into the world of drugs (TRAINSPOTTING), dropped us in an apocalyptic London filled with zombies (28 DAYS LATER), sent us on a space adventure to save the Earth by regenerating the sun (SUNSHINE) , and my personal favorite, he has given us a parable about what happens when a bag of a money lands in the hands of a boy wanting to use it for all the right reasons (MILLIONS). The amazing part of Boyle's films is that they are all distinctly different, yet all deal with the harsh realities of the human condition. I expect his next fore on the silver screen, the Fox Searchlight released SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, to be any different. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE revolves around a poor Indian teen who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?" the outcome of which will change his life forever. The film hits theatres this November!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 4:48 PM 0 comments
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Here Comes Clint In His GRAN TORINO!
Clint Eastwood delivers a one-two punch with CHANGELING, opening next Friday wide, and THE GRAN TORINO which opens in December. This is a similar pattern we saw when Clint released FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS in the fall of 2006, and then LETTERS FROM IWA JIMA in December just in time for Oscar contention. The former wen't on to garner and Oscar nomination for Best Picture. IMDB describes GRAN TORINO as...Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possesion: his 1972 Gran Torino. With CHANGELING receiving mixed reviews, could GRAN TORINO be this years LETTERS FROM IWA JIMA? With many Oscar contenders falling to next year (THE SOLOIST, THE ROAD), it very well could be.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 1:51 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Terrence Malick's TREE OF LIFE
Posted by Luke Granlund at 5:08 PM 0 comments
Monday, October 20, 2008
THE ROAD gets a haunting new still!
"We knew that the journey of making a movie out of McCarthy’s book 'The Road' would be both physically and emotionality challenging. There is a certain degree of sadness, fear and regret that 'The Man' carries inside as he strives to protect his son and ensure their survival in an impossible world." — Viggo Mortensen (Interview)
My excitement for this film only continues to grow with every ounce of given detail, and they are few to come by. Now with the possibility that the film will be moved to a 2009 release, we at least have this haunting photo of Viggo Mortenson and the young star playing his son to wet our appetites. The look in Viggo's eyes says it all, this is a man of extreme sadness. His soulful eyes speak of tragedy and pain. His thin and dirty hands reveal an essence of hunger, and survival. Though, the most impressionable part of the image is of a father's hands holding his son, offering a simply notion of care, protection, and comfort. This father/son apocalyptic tale feels almost certain to break our hearts, my only fear is that it will fail to offer a sense of hope that our hearts can be mended once more. Can't wait for this one!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 1:40 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Adam Sandler tells some BEDTIME STORIES!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 9:23 AM 0 comments
Friday, October 10, 2008
DEFIANCE gets a new poster as well!
A lot of new DEFIANCE goodies today!
Is Danielle Craig (DEFIANCE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE) going to rule the holiday box-office or what?
Posted by Luke Granlund at 8:46 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Friday, October 03, 2008
Review: MAN ON WIRE
MAN ON WIRE is an exhilarating look into ones man's dream to do the near impossible, and how he was able to accomplish it masterfully.
In 1974, on a clear and slightly breezy early New York morning, Philippe Petit did the unthinkable, tightrope walking between the roofs of the newly erected World Trade Center Towers. Risking legal ramifications for himself and his accomplices, and more importantly his own life, Phillippe spent nearly a year practicing and preparing for the ultimate tight ropers dream, to perform at the top of the world. Phillipe walked back and fourth between these steel giants 8 times for nearly 45 minutes, his eyes fixed on the thin steel line below his feet, and the dream that he was about to accomplish, all the while the threat of death looming millimeters below every step. Though for Philiipe, death only exhilarated him more, fueling his ambition to carry out what could be seen as one of the most dangerous and most illegal artistic endeavors of our time. However, Phillipe had prepared all his life for this moment, this dream, and nothing was going to shake his confidence in his abilities, and the confidence he had in his friends that were at his side. At the end of Phillipe's 45 minute stint among the clouds, he finally relented, and returned to the roof of one of the towers where police were standing ready to take him into custody. However, the threat and final outcome of jail for Phillipe was a mere annoyance compared to not risking the opportunity of accomplishing his goals, seeing his dreams made into realities, and seeing the world from a totally new perspective.
MAN ON WIRE is itself an exhilarating piece of film that gives the audience a detailed look into just how Philippe first got the idea, prepared, and finally carried out an extremely detailed operation which included how he and his team managed to gain access to the buildings and the freight elevators, getting their equipment to the roof, escaping the threat of being seen by security guards, assembling the tightrope across both towers in the darkness of morning, and how Phillipe finally faced the ultimate challenge and dream of walking between the two tallest buildings in the world at the time. But in the end, what was the cost? Yes, Phillipe accomplished his goal, he defied all opposition, and he succeeded, or did he? The film hints by the end that Phillipe's costly endeavor, selfish ambitions, and obsessive tenancies while elevating his own need and prowess to excel in his craft, may very well have been the driving force that dimensioned key relationships in his life including his girlfriend and his best friend. Throughout the film Phillipe can be seen shunning peoples notion of "why" he did what he did. To him, he did it simply because the opportunity presented itself, and it was ripe for the taking.
The film's weakness seems to lie not its ability to create memorable characters, set up tension, or in telling a clever story, but in is ability to offer up a clearer sense of resolve, a clearer sense of "why" this mission was so imperative, so vital for Phillipe, but it offers enough to point you in the right direction. Yet, the real question for Phillipe still remains one of the heart. When those 45 euphoric minutes atop the world came to end, were they truly worth the loss of companionship, friendship, and love?
Recommendation: Use caution do to a scene of sexuality.
Grade: B+
Posted by Luke Granlund at 4:16 PM 0 comments
TOY STORY 2 Ranked "Best Animated Feature" at Rotten Tomatoes Countdown
My favorite animated film ever just got ranked the greatest animated feature of all time in Rotten Tomatoes countdown of the "50 Greatest Animated Features." I could not agree more. TOY STORY 2 is everything that TOY STORY is and more. Not only does it have one of the greatest opening sequences ever, but it's filled to the brim with and enduring story about love, loyalty, friendship, and value, also containing lovable characters, smarter dialogue, exciting action, and a pitch-perfect pacing that never drags and keeps you interested every moment. This film is plethora of purposeful film making that never leaves you with a single frame that does not deserve to be there, or say something about the environment or the characters themselves. Also, the film packs an amazingly emotional punch as the toys realize the cost of being a toy, and knowing that one day the one that loves them may be gone. However, through their enduring friendships and perseverance they begin to understand that their is always an opportunity to be rescued from loneliness, and to ultimately be made valuable. I hear they are making TOY STORY 3, in which Andy finally does grow up, and I could not be more excited. TOY STORY, and PIXAR for that matter, are a testament to the excellence that all filmmakers should aim for. Just imagine if all filmmakers had as much love of their craft and as deep a devotion for telling stories to audiences of all types and ages. What would the world be like then?
You can check out the rest of ROTTEN TOMATOES countdown HERE!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 1:06 PM 0 comments
Thursday, October 02, 2008
QUANTUM Final Trailer!
Next to the DARK KNIGHT, potentially the second best action movie of the year! Check it out:
Posted by Luke Granlund at 2:27 PM 0 comments
Howard Shore is working on THE HOBBIT!
“Yes I am starting to work on the Hobbit. A lot of the group is coming back together to work on it. It’s really a wondrous occasion. It’s fantastic guide for me to be able to go back to Middle earth and create more music , ‘cause these films, the films, are placed before Fellowship of the Ring, so I have to go back into Middle earth a little earlier and pick up my writing, and write a piece that would grow and take you right into Fellowship of the Ring.”
Posted by Luke Granlund at 1:16 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
SYNECDOCHE poster!
This has to be among the best movie posters I have seen all year, maybe the best!
The film, written and directed by Charlie Kauffman (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, ADAPTATION), is the story of a theater director (Phillip Seymor Hoffman) who struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he attempts to create a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse as part of his new play. The film goes into limited release later this month.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 1:25 PM 0 comments
AUSTRALIA Gets a final trailer!
Even if the movie stinks, it sure is going to be something beautiful to behold. But I trust director Baz Luhrman. He delivered what I would consider to be one of the best films of 2001, MOULIN ROUGE!, maybe even the decade. Here is hoping that AUSTRALIA is the sprawling epic that we have not seen since KING KONG and LORD OF THE RINGS.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 1:18 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
PAUL NEWMAN Dies at 83
Posted by Luke Granlund at 6:16 PM 0 comments
My Most Anticipated Film of the Year Gets a New Trailer!
If you took the style of Tim Burton, and the enthusiasm of FOREST GUMP, and threw them together, you may very well get THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, opening this Christmas. Imagine being born 80 years old, and then aging backwards, watching the world around you, and those that you love, age before you as you yourself grow young. This is stuff of tall tales and storybook wonder. I hope it is as good and it looks to be, I hope it doesn't disappoint because story's about time always have something to say about life and death and love, let's hope that this one has something good to say.
In the meantime, check out the Official Trailer:
Posted by Luke Granlund at 9:02 AM 0 comments
Friday, September 26, 2008
VALKYRIE gets a sweet new trailer!
The film which was suppose to be released this past summer, which then got moved to next summer, all the while landing on a Christmas 2008 release date, is finally coming back into the limelight, and not looking too bad either. If fact this could be the sleeper hit of the holiday season. Check out the intense new trailer:
Posted by Luke Granlund at 5:29 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 25, 2008
CHANGELING Poster Debut!
Clint Eastwood has knocked them out of the park in recent years with MILLION DOLLAR BABY, LETTERS FROM IWA JIMA, MYSTIC RIVER, and of course UNFORGIVEN. But will CHANGELING, and his other December release, GRAN TORINO, further his streak of greatness? For now, here is the poster for CHANGELING which opens October 24th.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 5:12 PM 0 comments
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
GHOSTBUSTERS 3???????
Yes, someone is writing it!
Yes, it may finally happen!
Yes, I can barely contain myself!
GHOSTBUSTERS was the SPIDERMAN of the 80's, a larger than life film, and its sequel, that suspended belief while delivering pure over-the-top entertainment and fun. This is one sequel that I have been dying to see. Now if only that GOONIES sequel could happen.
You can check out the article HERE!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:56 PM 0 comments
Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin?
It looks like Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, Davinci Code, Master and Commander) will next play the faimed father of evolution, Charles Darwin. Furthmore, Jennifer Connelly will play his wife in the new upcoming film CREATION.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:48 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Sean Penn is Harvey MILK
Gus Vant Sant (GOOD WILL HUNTING) directs, and Sean Penn (MYSTIC RIVER) stars in the story of an openly gay man running for the office of San Francisco Mayor during the late 70's. Sure to be a major Oscar contender!
Check it out and let me know what you think...
Opens November 26th!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 12:47 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
The Legendary Voice of MOVIE TRAILERS dies!
If you have ever watched a substantial amount of movie trailers, then you have probably heard the voice of Don LaFontaine. He has been doing voice over work for trailers for the past 30 years. The following video highlights some of Leontine's work:
You can read more about LaFontaine by clicking HERE!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 11:57 AM 0 comments
Monday, August 25, 2008
10 Greatest Sequels of All-Time
Now that DARK KNIGHT has raked in an unprecedented $489,416,885 I thought it time I offered up a list of the 10 Greatest Sequels of All-Time. The following list is my own personal opinion, and I am sure we can all agree on most all of them, but if you would like to post your own list, please feel free to do so in the comments section.
Honorable Mention:
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Return of the Jedi
- Evil Dead 2
- Ghost Busters 2
*Note : LORD OF THE RINGS would be on this list, however, it is really one gigantic continuous story without any time that takes place inbetween opening and ending credits.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 4:41 PM 0 comments
Friday, August 22, 2008
Chilling new trailer for Ron Howards FROST/NIXON:
Thanks to the guys over at ROPE OF SILICON!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 5:20 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Writing on THE HOBBIT begins!
Entertainment Weekly brings us news that writing on THE HOBBIT has begun. LORD OF THE RINGS scribes Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens will join forces with director Guillermo Del Toro to hash out THE HOBBIT, opening in theatres December, 2011. The planned sequel is set to arrive in theatres December of 2012. You can read the rest of the article HERE.
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:40 PM 0 comments
Possible Oscar Contenders 2008
ROPE OF SILICON has produced a list of possible Oscar Contenders for 2008.
You can view the list and the article preceding it here.
You can see the list below!
I have placed an asterisk (*) next to the films I believe have the most Oscar momentum based on talent involved, pedigree of source material, and current buzz.
Australia*
Body of Lies
Bolt
Brothers
The Brothers Bloom
Burn After Reading
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*
The Dark Knight*
Defiance*
Doubt*
The Duchess
The Fall
Frost/Nixon*
Frozen River
Gran Torino*
Happy-Go-Lucky
Horton Hears a Who!
Igor
I've Loved You So Long
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D
Kung Fu Panda
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Mamma Mia!
Milk*
Miracle at St. Anna*
Nothing But the Truth
Rachel Getting Married
Revolutionary Road*
The Road*
The Secret Life of Bees
Seven Pounds
The Soloist*
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Synecdoche, New York
The Tale of Despereaux
Tropic Thunder
Valkyrie*
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
The Visitor
W.
WALL•E
Waltz with Bashir
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:00 PM 0 comments
Monday, August 18, 2008
New artwork for AUSTRALIA!
Posted by Luke Granlund at 12:34 PM 0 comments
Friday, August 15, 2008
10 Most Anticipated Upcoming Films of 2008
Now that Summer Blockbuster season is coming to an end, its time to look ahead to a promising slew of films that will be realeased between September and the New Year.
Two friends (Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris) who are hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher (Jeremy Irons) find their job complicated by the arrival of a young widow (RENEE ZELLWEGER). With an alstar cast, and a seasoned Ed Harris at the helm, this could be yet another success story in Hollywood's recent return to the Western.
What more can I say, it's Bond, and he is back again! Daniel Craig returns in his second outing as the greatest spy every dreamed up, and Marc Forster (FINDING NEVERLAND, STRANGER THAN FICTION, THE KITE RUNNER) directs. I am excited to see what Forster brings to the table in his first action film. His dedication to intimate storytelling is what makes me the most excited about this project.
Directed by Ron Howard, FROST/NIXON is a dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon. If Howard is on his A-game (A BEAUTIFUL MIND, APOLLO 13, CINDERELLA MAN) than this could be the film of the year.
Directed by John Hillcoat (THE PREPOSITION), starring Viggo Mortensen (LORD OF THE RINGS, HISTORY OF VIOLENCE), and based on the book by Cormac McCarthy (No Country For Old Men), THE ROAD is a post-appocalyptic tale about a man trying to get his son to safety. We have seen many a post-apocalyptic films in recent years, but hopefully this one will do what all the others have failed to do, tell a good story. The fact that it is a simple father/son tale only makes me more enthusiastic, and the fact that they used all real locations to shoot.
Set in 1944 Italy, the story of four black American soldiers who get trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII. Directed by Spike Lee (DO THE RIGHT THING, MALCOLM X, INSIDE MAN), this could be one of this years most inspirational films. Spike Lee has not had the most success in recent years, but he is still dedicated to telling stories that have yet to find a voice.
Three Jewish brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jaime Bell) escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger. Directed by Ed Zwick (GLORY, LAST SAMARI, BLOOD DIAMON) this is has the star power, the story, and the potential to be one of the top films of the year.
Scott F. Fitzgerald's short story about a man that born is born old, and then begins to age backwards and the imbending consequences he and those around him are faced with. Directed by David Fincher (Zodiac, Seven, Alien 3) and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, this looks to be a cross between FOREST GUMP and BIG FISH with that touch of visual wonder that has been lacking in films for some time.
Some other films to watch for...
- THE CHANGLING
- GRAN TORINO
- BODY OF LIES
- MILK
- DOUBT
- DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Posted by Luke Granlund at 3:20 PM 0 comments