Pixar’s Monsters University is just around the corner.
And today we got a look at the final trailer for the prequel to 2001’s Monsters Inc. This trailer dwells deeper into the story and explores Mike and Sully’s relationship more.
I really wish Pixar would steer away from sequels/prequels (except when it comes to The Incredibles), but Monsters University looks really good.
Monsters University opens on June 21.
Who’s ready for another Percy Jackson film?
We recently got a new trailer for Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and it looks cheesy, action-packed and kind of fun. It’s directed by Thor (yes, Thor!) Freudenthal and stars Logan Lerman, coming off the fantastic The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stanley Tucci and Nathan Fillion.
I never saw 2010’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, but from what I can tell, this is in that same realm as Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia – both of which I really like. This looks like it could be a pretty fun and entertaining watch.
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters splashes into theaters on August 7.
Did you ever think you would see Glenn Close in a Marvel film? Yeah, me neither.
But that’s exactly what we’re getting, as she recently signed on for Guardians of the Galaxy, according to Deadline. Close, the six-time Oscar-nominated actress who is probably best known for Damages and Fatal Attraction, will play a leader in Nova Corp, the intergalactic space patrol.
Close joins a cast that already includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Michael Rooker, Lee Pace and possible John C. Reilly. That’s another pretty solid cast for a Marvel film, which has had a habit of getting good actors for these roles starting back with picking Robert Downey Jr. for Iron Man.
The James Gunn-directed Guardians of the Galaxy starts production in a month and hits theaters on August 1, 2014.
Bumblebee is going back to his old-school roots for Transformers 4.
We recently got some photos of a redesigned Optimus Prime and two other Autobots, and today we got a photo of Sam Witwicky’s favorite sidekick, courtesy of Michael Bay.com. Bumblebee is now a highly modified, vintage 1967 Camaro SS.
When Bay signed on for Transformers 4 – a reboot of sorts for the series – Bay said the Autobots and Decepticons would be getting a makeover. So far they’re just getting sleeker and aren’t much different. But we’ll see what we get a glimpse of their robot forms.
Transformers 4 comes out on June 27, 2014.
I’m not sure if you’ve read all (or any) reviews of The Great Gatsby that came out over the last few weeks, but it’s has received it’s fair share of criticism. I feel like no matter what podcast I listen to or what website review I go read, people have no issue picking apart Baz Luhrmann’s latest film. The biggest issue is that people have no fundamental understand of who Luhrmann is or what he’s trying to do with his films. While I don’t know Luhrmann personally either, when I start to pick apart Lurhmann’s films, a couple things is pretty clear.
1) You Mis-Interpret His Glamour
I actually listened to people (Which I’ll keep nameless) on a movie podcast talk about the visuals in The Great Gatsby and how it was “too much” and they didn’t particularly like it. If you know anything about Baz Luhrmann, this segment almost feels like “duh”. Everything Lurhmann does has gorgeous visuals, incorporates bright colors and is in your face. That’s exacty what he’s known for so you have to expect that. He’s incredibly intentional about bringing you a visual element that has lots of flare but with an updated twist. Going back to Strictly Ballroom all the way up to The Great Gatsby, his visuals are intentional about being modern even though the stories were much older when they were filmed. Everything from cars, to houses, to clothing all has the purpose of keeping traditional styles but have been modified to keep things modern to whatever time he filmed the movies. It’s all on purpose so people criticizing his films for that has little understanding of what he’s doing and has been criticizing his films for all the wrong reasons.
2) His Modern Music is Intentional
You have to understand, Luhrmann is very intentional about using updated musical elements and visuals to make things interesting and fresh. Criticizing Luhrmann for using modern music is like criticizing Picasso for painting abstract art; it’s who he is as an artist and it doesn’t make sense. His musical choices bring old-school themes to the forefront with fresh new vibes that bring new light to the material. With his flashy visuals and modern visual styles, it wouldn’t make sense if he used expected musical pieces. But don’t forget his scores either. They are extremely fitting and perfectly executed for the most part, but because of the other musical choices, it’s usually in the background. Don’t get it wrong, The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!, and his other films are not really period pieces. They are modern takes on old stories that people have liked over the years. Regardless of whether you like rap or hop hop, Luhrmann uses the music to appeal to a broad audience who may not care otherwise and I applaud him for that. And by the way, he’s used other types of music too. If he was making a period piece, then I would agree but that’s not what he’s doing here.
3) He Loves His Characters
When I watch a Luhrmann, it’s pretty easy for me to tell he gives lots of room for the actors to really go for it with their characters. He seems to have this love and passion for the stories he’s telling but wants to give the actors space to create something fun and entertaining. I’d say that most people don’t have a big problem with the performances in his films but it plays into the modern, updated aesthetic he’s wanting to do. Romeo + Juliet is the best example of this as the actors are really going for it but are performing in a way that is easily 1996 at the same time, which is when it was filmed. I also think it’s part of the reason why his films are so lengthy, given some of the stories are long in nature, but he wants to develop the characters as much as possible while having fun with them. To me, while I love his music, this is where Luhrmann flourishes the most which brings everything full circle.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Baz Luhrmann is the greatest filmmaker of all time or anything like that, but I do think he gets a bad rap for all the wrong reasons. Yet, if let’s say Joss Whedon was to do a film about a Shakespeare play and did something similair, people will most likely praise him for it. My point it is, let’s criticize Luhrmann for what he’s trying to do, not for what you think the movie should be based on your expectations and stereotypes. I’ve had my fair share of criticism toward Luhrmann myself but I always try to look at what the directors are trying to achieve. I’m not looking at period pieces but old stories that have a traditional vibe that yet feels like it was this decade. I understand that some (maybe most?) people still don’t like it but I’ll give him respect for what he’s doing.
So in a crazy turn of events, filmmakers are turning to Tom Hardy to play Elton John in the new musical biopic, Rocketman. Now, I know it’s early in the casting process, but when I think of Elton John, I don’t think of Tommy Conlon, aka Tom Hardy.
However, according to HitFix, John and director Michael Gracey are seriously considering Hardy for the role. Nothing is landed on paper, he’s just one actor they are looking into which is interesting to me. I’d be surprised if they aren’t considering anyone else, especially since it’s a musical. I’ve never heard Hardy give us a tune but I imagine he’s no Hugh Jackman. That being said, I love Hardy as an actor and he’s one of my favorites in Hollywood and I’m curious as to why the filmmakers and producers are looking at Hardy. Either way, it’s interesting that he’s even being considered given the nature of the role and Hardy on the surface doesn’t seem to fit the role. But he’s talented and if he can sing, he possibly could pull it off.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section!
The Autobots are getting a sleek makeover.
When Michael Bay signed on to return and direct the fourth installment in the Transformers series, he mentioned that the Autobots and Decepticons would be getting a facelift. Well, now we have an idea of what he meant.
We recently got our first look at a sort of redesigned Optimus Prime (in truck form) and a couple of the Autobots (in car form) thanks to Michael Bay.com and Yahoo Movies. The new Optimus Prime basically looks the same, just not as clunky, and the only thing I can say about the other Autobots is that they certainly will be colorful.
Transformers 4 comes out on June 27, 2014.
New set photos from The Amazing Spider Man 2 have been released and they look like a lot of fun. I always find it fascinating to see set photos and visuals to see little glimpses of how movies are made. It’s just one of those small pieces of marketing they throw out that gets me excited.
In these new set photos, we get Paul Giamatti in his new Rhino suit that looks to be something out of the Iron Man playbook. After the CGI-Lizard in the first film, it looks like they will be staying away from that and going to the science-y, Tony Stark look with some sort of suit. Either way, based on these photos it looks like Giamatti is acting is face off which should be fun when it’s all done.
There’s also a couple of fun photos of Spider-Man’s new sidekick which looks like a 6-year-old little kid who’s dressed to the nine’s in Spidey gear. It’s not clear whether or not he’s actually in the film or if he’s just a fan on the set to watch but either way it’s adorable. Andrew Garfield also looks like he’s having fun with it and that’s always good to see.
Anyway, here are some pretty awesome photos.
According to Hitfix, it’s been reported that John C. Reilly has been offered the role of Rhomann Dey in Guardians of the Galaxy, which is due out next summer sometime. He hasn’t accepted the offer yet and no one seems to be sure if he will as the role is being described as “a big commitment”.
According the the report and what Marvel is looking for, Rhomann Dey is the liaison between the Guardians the S.H.I.E.L.D. which makes the role kind of important and has potential to be something more.
Normally I would say that this doesn’t fit Reilly at all but he does have some good skills and given the tone of the Guardians of the Galaxy, which is very different than what we’ve seen so far, I think he’ll actually fit in just right. This will most likely be a more silly movie given a few of the characters and with the comedic tone this franchise has taken, while being series, Reilly could fit in.
What do you guys think?
Really with this cast?
According to Deadline, Josh Brolin with join the cast of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice for what is being described as a “key role.” The cast already includes Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Martin Short, Sean Penn, Owen Wilson and Jena Malone.
This cast is just insane and PTA has proven he can work wonders with actors, having done so in Punch Drunk Love, Magnolia, Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood and last year’s The Master. This guy makes great films and gets great performances out of his actors in those films.
Brolin, who was last seen in the forgettable Gangster Squad, can be seen next in October’s Sin City: A Dame to Kill For and the remake of Oldboy.
Sam Mendes is coming back to direct the next James Bond film after all.
According to Deadline.com, Sony Pictures and MGM are in talks with the Skyfall director to return to the franchise. Over two months ago, Mendes said he wouldn’t return as he wanted to focus on some other stage productions. But producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli wanted him to return so they’ve decided to wait and let him work through his stage commitments.
Skyfall (probably the best and most enjoyable Bond film to date) made over $1 billion at the box office and is the highest-grossing Bond film ever – so it’s safe to say Wilson and Broccoli have good reason to bring Mendes back. Although it would’ve been cool to see Christopher Nolan get a shot at it.
This week, in anticipation of After Earth, we’re asking what’s the best Will Smith movie? Independence Day? Men in Black? Bad Boys?
Let us know in the poll below!
It turns out a lot of people of people decided to spend their Memorial Day weekend at movie theaters.
For the first time ever, box office receipts eclipsed $300 million for the four-day weekend with five films helping gross $316 million. Fast & Furious 6 was the No. 1 film, grossing $120 million for the fourth-best Memorial Day weekend opening ever.
The latest film in the Fast and Furious franchise, starring Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, grossed nearly $99 million through Sunday, surpassing Fast Five’s franchise-high opening of $86 million. With engaging characters, great performances and fantastic action, there’s no wonder Fast & Furious 6 took the top spot this weekend.
Coming in second was The Hangover Part III as the final chapter in the stupid and pointless comedy trilogy brought in $51.2 million. Star Trek Into Darkness was third with $47 million, which opened with an underwhelming $75 million last weekend.
Epic, the new animated film that we thought could’ve been a whole lot better than it was, grossed a surprising $42.6 million to take the fourth spot, and Iron Man 3 continued its strong run with another $24.4 million (its total is now $372 million) to come in fifth.
Fast & Furious 6 could claim the No. 1 spot again next weekend as Now You See Me and After Earth open. While those films look like they could be solid, I don’t think they’re big enough to top Fast & Furious 6.
This week for our Extra Film segment, Nate and JD review DreamWorks’ latest film Epic, starring Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Colin Farrell and many others.
To hear the full version, be sure to download our apps on the Amazon Market for Android and the Podcast Box app on IOS devices. This helps support the show so be sure to check this out as well as other bonus content.
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On Episode 14, we had a lot of fun discussing our Top 3 Car Chases in film.
Nate
1) Fast Five
2) The French Connection
3) Bad Boys 2
JD
1) Bad Boys 2
2) Gone in 60 Seconds – 1974
3) Bullitt
On Episode 14, we review Fast & Furious 6, discuss our Top 3 car cashes in film and continue our Before Series where we look at Richard Linklater’s Before Sunset.
– Fast & Furious 6 Review
Grades
Nate: B+
JD: B+
– Before Series Review – Before Sunset
– Latest News
– Jon Steward casts his leading man for Rosewater
– New trailer for Don Jon
– New trailer for Man of Steel
– What We’ve Seen This Week
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InSession Film Podcast – Episode 14
The lesbian romance Blue Is the Warmest Color: The Life of Adele won the Palme d’Or, the top honor at the Cannes Film Festival, which ended today. The Palme, which the jury awards to its choice of 20 films in competition, is one of cinema’s greatest honors.
The Steven Spielberg-led jury awarded the Palme not just to director Abdellatif Kechiche but also to its two main stars, Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux.
The film is about a 15-year-old girl who falls in love with an older woman. It’s nearly three hours and features lengthy, graphic sex scenes.
“The film is a great love story that made us all feel privileged to be invited to see this story of deep love and deep heartbreak,” Spielberg told reporters, according to an article on CBSNews.com. “The director didn’t put any constraints on the narrative.”
The Coen Bros. new film, Inside Llewyn Davis, took home the Grand Prix, Canne’s second most prestigious award. The film, which stars Oscar Isaac, Justin Timberlake and Carey Mulligan, opens on December 6.
Director: Chris Wedge
Writers: James V. Hart, William Joyce, Daniel Shere, Tom J. Astle, Matt Ember
Stars: Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried, Jason Sudeikis, Christoph Waltz, Josh Hutcherson, Beyonce Knowles, Aziz Ansari
Synopsis: A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group characters in order to save their world – and ours.
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DIRECTION
For a film called Epic, there’s nothing really epic about it. Chris Wedge, who also directed Ice Age and Robots, makes a decent film here, one that will definitely please all the kids who go and see it. But there’s lots of missed opportunities with a script that could’ve been tightened (and a bit more epic) and an incredible voice cast that just isn’t very memorable. The animation of the film is beautiful and some of the action sequences are nice (and probably would’ve been even better in 3D), but there are just too many areas that just aren’t up to snuff and keep the film from reaching today’s animation standards of Up, How to Train Your Dragon, etc.
Grade: C-
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SCRIPT
Did it really take five people to write the screenplay for Epic? Really? It’s Avatar meets Ferngully, with little people (led by General Ronin, voiced by Colin Farrell) protecting the forest from other little characters (led by Mandrake, voiced by Christoph Waltz) who are trying to destroy it. And then you have a queen who dies and needs a successor and needs someone to protect a magic bulb that will help keep the forest alive. And there’s a human girl (MK, voiced by Amanda Seyfried) who gets shrunken down to help the little forest people. Yeah, it’s all been down before. There’s some good stuff here with some of the characters and some of the comedy, but a lot of missed opportunities – particularly with MK and her father (voiced by Jason Sudeikis) and their strained relationship. Overall, there’s a decent premise and some good ideas but it just isn’t executed very well.
Grade: C
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PERFORMANCES
Epic has a great voice cast with Seyfried, Sudeikis, Waltz, Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Beyonce Knowles and so on and so on. And while all of them are fine, there is no standouts with the exception of Aziz Ansari as one of the slugs, providing a lot of the comedy. Him and Chris O’Dowd, who plays the other slug, have great chemistry together, as do Seyfried and Hutcherson’s character. The Leafmen, led by Farrell’s character, have a very Irish vibe to them, which I found strange and interesting. And Sudeikis does some pretty decent work as the weird and quirky father. Overall, the voice cast wasn’t bad but also wasn’t very memorable.
Grade: B-
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SCORE
Danny Elfman is a pretty solid composer, having done the Spider-Man series and most of Tim Burton’s films. But here, with Epic, he goes through the motions and phones it in. Whether it’s an action sequence, his score is very simple and generic and really doesn’t add anything to the film.
Grade: C-
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Director: Richard Linklater
Writers: Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Synopsis: It’s nine years after Jesse and Celine first met; now, they encounter one another on the French leg of Jesse’s book tour.
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DIRECTION
Richard Linklater did something that’s rarely been done with Before Sunrise: Make a film about two people just talking and make it not only extremely interesting but extremely good. And then with Before Sunset he went a step further and made a sequel nine years later and have it be equally interesting and good. So how’d he do it? A big reason is great scripts and great performances by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The scripts are expertly written and Hawke and Delpy take that and make these characters feel like real human beings. And then when you add in the way Linklater shot both films, it’s no wonder they’re considered classics. The long takes of Jesse and Celine talking, whether it be sitting down at a cafe or walking down the street to their next location, the films feel like they were shot in real-time.
Grade: A+
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SCRIPT
For a film that is almost 100 percent just two people communicating with one another, the script and dialogue need to be expertly written. And just like the film before it, Before Sunset has an amazing script. The dialogue is exquisite and never feels forced; sometimes it even feels as if Hawke and Delpy (both of whom helped write the script this time around) are making it up on the spot and just going with it. And, again, just like the first film, the premise seems plausible – even with the nine-year gap, the way they meet up again is never questioned. But the ending is much different, as this time around it’s a little bit more open-ended.
Grade: A
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PERFORMANCES
Just like the first film, Before Sunset is a two-person show with Hawke and Delpy receiving 100 percent of the screen time. And just like the first film, the two shine, bringing forth chemistry that feels so real and natural. They are much older and wiser this time around and have experienced many life events since their last encounter and it shows in Hawke and Delpy’s performances. Their conversations are deeper and darker and they do a great job of displaying their emotions throughout.
Grade: A+
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SCORE
There is no original score for Before Sunset, just a couple of songs here and there that mostly serve as background filler and are used for transitions between scenes – with the exception of the song “A Waltz for a Night,” which plays a big part in the final scene of the film. They set the mood well and are a nice complement to the great conversations that Jesse and Celine have throughout.
Grade: B+
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In what is one of my favorite news pieces recently, Jon Stewart of The Daily Show, will be taking a four-month break this summer to direct his first movie entitled Rosewater. Stewart wrote the film, will be directing and now has found his lead actor in Gael Garcia Bernal. Bernal is mostly known for Y Tu Mama Tambien, The Motorcycle Diaries and Babel.
Rosewater is centered around an Iranian journalist, Maziar Bahari, who spend 118 days in a Tehran prison on many counts of espionage. With tensions between Israel and Iran increasing, it’ll be interesting to see the reaction to this film that will have a Persian protagonist while Stewart himself comes from Jewish heritage. There was a lot of controversy among some people with last year’s Oscar-Winning film Argo , so this film may have some of those same people voicing their opinions.
That being said, I really like Jon Stewart, who is always funny and extremely intelligent. He has a vast knowledge of the situation and I believe he just wants to tell a story that will be amazing. I’m sure there will be some sort of political stance and he certainly will gain the attention of a few people. Either way I’m excited to see how this comes together and what kind of reaction it will get.
What do you think?
