New Captain America Promo Posters

Warner Bros. & Legandary Pictures Developing Hangover 3

Deadline reports that both Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are eager to move forward with Hangover 3. They've set screenwriter Craig Mazin who worked on Hangover 2 to write the third installment. This doesn't surprise anyone as director Todd Phillips and the cast have been mentioning loving to return for another film. Not to mention the $200 million dollar opening weekend worldwide. Phillips saying Hangover 2 is "the Empire Strikes Back of the Hangover trilogy". Along with the cast mentioning the next film could be set in Amsterdam.

I don't mind seeing a third film as the second was a better version of the original. With great new gags and interesting depraved bits. A few things I'd like to see removed from the sequel. First no more weddings it seems to be a crutch which the series doesn't need. Another thing the franchise doesn't need is non-comedians in supporting roles. I found the second film had way too many of Phillips' friends placed in small pointless roles. It should be focused on the three main guys and perhaps Mr. Chow. Since Ken Jeong pretty much made that film a million times funnier. There is something strange that there are only five professional comedians in a large comedy film like this. Hire people that are funny and if you're going to have cameos making them more exciting/known people.

RUMOR: Leonardo DiCaprio Playing Villain In Django Unchained?

Rumors are starting to spread concerning Tarantino's Django Unchained. Recently we heard that Idris Elba could be up for a role in the film, based on cryptic Tweets. Now there is a one coming from Jeff Goldsmith (former Sr. editor of CreativeScreenwriting) who tweeted his own giant casting rumor. He says that Leonardo DiCaprio will play Clavin Candie the slave-owner villain of the film. Of course nothing has been announced yet.

“Casting Rumor: Leonardo DiCaprio WILL play villian Calvin Candie in [Quentin] Tarantino‘s “Django Unchained”! QT wanted him for I.B. & now has him!”


In Variety's original story about Will Smith's involvement, the bounty hunter role of Dr. Shultz was out to Leo but he turned it down. So it was eventually modified for Christoph Waltz. Now it seems like the villainous role could make up for the fact DiCaprio also turned down Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds. There has also been some speculation that Elba could be up for the controversial role of Stephen, the right hand man of Calvin which had been linked to Samuel L. Jackson. Which could mean Will Smith is indeed still on track to play Django.

Hobbit Films Get Official Titles & Release Dates

Peter Jackson and company have finally released the official titles and release dates for the two Hobbit films. The first installment The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be in theaters on December 14th 2012. The second is titled The Hobbit: There and Back Again released on December 13th 2013.

REVIEW: Source Code

Director Duncan Jones burst onto the scene with his stunning science fiction indie Moon. Garnering praise for his debut effort and eagerness for his next project. His second film Source Code still explores science fiction this time with alternative time lines. Is this another solid film from Duncan or a sloppy second misstep?

Source Code starts off simply enough as a Groundhog Day scenario where the Captain has to replay the same eight minutes to discover a bomber and save a city. It slowly turns into something more as we learn more about the solider and the program's intentions. It sort of reminded of something out of a Phillip K. Dick story as our character's perception of reality is explored and dismantled. The love story instead becomes a story of redemption and an excellent exercise of ethics within the science fiction genre. Duncan loves to show the seedy side of progress when it comes to scientific advancement and the power it wields. As much as I believed going in from it's trailers and promotional campaign this was going to be an average film it wasn't. I highly recommend seeing this film and to keep a look out for future films from Duncan Jones.

A+

RUMOR: Idris Elba Meeting Tarantino For Django Unchained?

There has been many speculations concerning Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. What we do know is that it will be a slave-era spaghetti western with a freed slave as the main character. Focusing on his mission to save his wife with the help of a bounty hunter. Previously there has been talk of Will Smith being pursued for the lead role. Now there is a really exciting rumor that involves Idris Elba meeting for the part as well. Elba Tweeted this interesting tidbit that has fueled the rumor.  

"Having one of the biggest meetings of my professional life today...meeting a very controversial director for a very controversial part. :-/"

Elba is quickly making a big name for himself in both television and film. Known for stand out roles in The Wire, RockNRolla, Thor, The Office, Luther, American Gangster, 28 Weeks Later and not to mention an important role in Ridley Scott's Alien prequel Prometheus. He's been on many people's list when trying to think of casting for the role of Django, including mine. Which has been one of the main reasons to think this is Django. I'm pulling for Idris as this could be his big break turning him into a full-fledged leading man.

Orlando Bloom Reprising Legolas For The Hobbit

After months of rumor and speculation there is now confirmation from Peter Jackson via his Facebook that Orlando Bloom has joined The Hobbit. Reprising his iconic role of Legolas in the film. It sounds like a cameo if anything else.

Alice Braga Joins Niell Blomkamp's Elysium

Deadline confirms that Alice Braga (City of God) has joined the Niell Blomkamp's (District 9) Elysium. Braga is no stranger to genre based action films starring in I Am Legend, Predators and Repo Men. She joins Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Wagner Moura and William Fichtner. The film recently got an updated release date of March 1st 2013. 

Screen Grabs From The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Teaser Trailer

Red-Band Trailer For David Fincher's Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Touching First Trailer For 50/50 (I'm With Cancer)

Updates & Images From The Guillermo Del Toro Produced Pinocchio

When it was first announced back in 2008 the Guillermo del Toro produced stop-motion animated Pinocchio sounded excellent. A darker than usual take on the classic tale from director/artist Cris Grimley which was going to be handled by The Jim Henson Company (Where The Wild Things Are, Dark Crystal, Labyrinth). The dolls being designed by MacKinnon and Saunders who did an amazing job with Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox. Now I've discovered some concept artwork along with the first official image of Pinocchio via BleedingCool. The site also mentions that legendary musician Nick Cave (Proposition, Wettest County) will be handling the film's music/score.

Matthew Vaughn Gives An Update On Bloodshot & A Rundown Of His Other Projects

During an interview with SuperHeroHype director Matthew Vaughn gave a small update on a project he had been linked to with writer Jane Goldman. He told the site that Bloodshot has at least a first draft completed but hasn't decided if it will be his next film.

I'm getting a new draft of it next week. Yeah, there are not many things. I'm so exhausted I'm going to take at least a couple months off now and then… it's very weird but if I have to make a movie, it's 'cause I see the whole thing in my head and I know it's going to be effortless in a sense of engaging my mind. That hasn't happened yet on what my next project is going to be.

FIRST CLASS 2 & KICK-ASS 2: While Vaughn seems unlikely to make Kick-Ass 2 as he's stated previously he loved the first film so much he didn't want to make a sequel just for a "cash grab".  Yet doesn't say it's out of the question. On the other hand he's been very vocal on returning to the First Class world he's created with more films. There has been talk of an exciting intro for the sequel involving Mangeto and JFK.


Yeah, if the film's a hit, I'd be very interested in doing a sequel. I really, really enjoyed… the team I had on it were great, and the hard thing is creating a new franchise, so if it works, it would be fun. My ideas are much bigger for the next one. I've got some really big … I'm surprised everyone is calling this a really big epic movie, and I'm thinking, "Wait until you view the next one if you think this is epic, the next one you won't believe what happens."

GOLDEN AGE: A yet unreleased comic book concept from Jonathan Ross the husband of Jane Goldman. Features retired superheroes who team up with their grandchildren after the parents screw things up threatening the destruction of the world. Matthew has said that he'd like to see Clint Eastwood in the lead along with Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty. With the success of RED it doesn't sound of the question to see older actors cast in a superhero film.

TURF: Another exciting comic book from Jonathan Ross this time features prohibition era bootlegging gangster vampires and aliens. I personally think this project is different enough from all the other things in development it could be ripe for the screen. Even more so considering how popular Boardwalk Empire and vampires are at the moment.

RUMOR: Loki Not The Only Villain In The Avengers

Marvel has confirmed that Loki will be one of the villains of The Avengers. While there has been talk of the Skrulls also being involved as the baddies. LatinoReview has heard from an unnamed source that revealed Thanos will be a villain in the film. It doesn't seem a spoiler as he'd likely end up in the trailer and hasn't been confirmed by other sources. His weapon the Infinity Gauntlet was displayed at Comic-Con last year along with being featured as a relic in Odin's vault. Thanos seems a great choice I'm just wondering if Whedon will have him gather other villains on Earth to join his cause.

John Cho Joins Len Wiseman's Total Recall

Casting is starting to quickly come together for Total Recall as director Len Wiseman fills the rest of the supporting roles. EW reports that John Cho (Star Trek) is the newest addition to the film. Cho will play the fast-talking rep for Rekall who convinces Douglas (Farrell) to get the memory implant. Starring as Douglas Quaid is Colin Farrell (In Bruges, Minority Report), Kate Beckinsale will play his wife Lori, Jessica Biel his revolutionary girlfriend Melina, Bryan Cranston (John Carter, Drive) is confirmed for the villain, Bill Nighy (Underworld) is in talks for role of the resistance leader and Bokeem Woodbine will play Douglas' friend.

FIRST LOOK: Pixar's Brave

Disney/Pixar have released the first rendered image from their film Brave that will be released June 15th 2012. The film set in Scotland follows the wild redhead Merida the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. The Royal family rules generously and peacefully, at least until Merida mucks it all up when she runs afoul violating a sacred custom of the land. She, along with three goofy Lords, set out to make things right, but in order to do so, they must first find a wise old woman who offers more than her petitioners bargain for. Pixar also released some interesting concept artwork not too long ago which got me excited for this. I'm not easily won over by contemporary animated films but Brave looks like it could end up being more like How To Train Your Dragon than Cars 2.

Adam McKay Teases Cast For Farrell/Wahlberg Comedy Three Mississippi

EW talked to writer/director Adam McKay (Anchor Man, Step Brothers, Other Guys) about his next comedy project which stars Will Farrell and Mark Wahlberg. The Thanksgiving themed comedy would see the two actors the heads of two competing families who have a tradition of playing a holiday game of football. Wahlberg's character's father played by Alec Baldwin becomes ill and tries to get his estranged son to gather up the rest of the oddball family to win the next game. As their family has a terrible record of losing against Farrell's brood. Jeremy Renner is being looked at for the role of an ex-con family member. While Rob Riggle could be playing a gay cousin who has experience playing college football. The filmed titled Three Mississippi seems interesting enough with a solid cast but McKay has yet to confirm if he'll be directing.

Zach Braff In Talks To Join Oz, The Great & Poweful

Deadline reports that Zach Braff (Scrubs) is in final talks to join Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. Braff is taking the role of the Wizard's (Franco) assistant which had been originally offered to John C. Rielly. A big step down in my opinion and hope there are some charismatic male actors added to this cast. Zach joins James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Joey King.

TRAILER: The Decendants

Hangover 2 Inspired Muppets Teaser Trailer

David O'Russell Ditches Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

ShowBlitz has news that David O'Russell (The Fighter, Three Kings) has exited Sony's Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. David was set to write and direct the video game adaptation which he had Mark Wahlberg, Scarlett Johansson, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in mind for the leads. It's unknown if O'Russell's script will end up being used or if the film will still move forward. Currently O'Russell had mentioned many other films in the works that included Cocaine Cowboys and a sequel to The Fighter.

Director Albert Hughes Leaves WB's Akira

Deadline reports that Albert Hughes (From Hell, Book of Eli) has exited the terrible sounding Akira adaptation. They say the director and studio have creative differences. It's unknown if the all the white casting candidates or deviation from important Japanese setting from the source material was the reason. Warners is pushing forward and looking for a replacement director. Giving the impression production is likely to start within the year. This is the second director to leave the project the first being Oscar nominated Ruairi Robinson.

Keanu Reeves recently turned down the lead role of Kaneda which seems to be yet another kink in the works for the film. It also doesn't help Akira isn't getting much backing from the source material's fanbase. Changing many of elements from the original story along with the characters' ages, Japanese setting and tone (going from R to PG-13). There is also a rather large online campaign to stop the "white-washing" casting. I'm a really big fan of Warner Bros. but I'm starting to really dislike this whole project. It would be smart on their part to retool the script and fix the issues fans have.

Child Actress Joey King Lands Roles In Dark Knight Rises & Oz, The Great & Powerful

ShowBlitz reports that up and coming child actress Joey King (Battle: Los Angeles) has been cast in two rather large films. First she joined The Dark Knight Rises along with new additions Brett Cullen (Apollo 13) and Chris Ellis (Transformers). The role in that film is currently unknown but I wouldn't count out a young Talia al Ghul or Rachel Dawes. The site also reports that Joey has joined Sam Raimi's Oz, The Great & Powerful. Playing China Girl, a young girl made of porcelain who the Wizard (Franco) becomes somewhat of a father figure to after an evil witch (Weisz) kills her family. She joins James Franco, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz.

Jeff Bridges Confirmed To Join Ryan Reynolds In R.I.P.D

TheWrap reports that Jeff Bridges (Tron Legacy, Big Lebowski, True Grit) has officially signed on to star alongside Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern) in R.I.P.D. The film directed by Robert Schwentke (RED) focuses on recently killed police officer Nick Cruz (Ryan) who joins the Rest In Piece Department in order to try and find his own murderer. Jeff replaced Zach Galifianakis playing a fellow officer named Roy.

Bill Nighy In Talks For Len Wiseman's Total Recall

HeatVision reports that Bill Nighy (Pirates 2-3, Underworld, Shuan of The Dead, ) is in talks for the role of resistance leader Quatto in Total Recall. In the original film Kuato was a mutant but it's unknown if this version of the character will be too. Since it's been assumed the Mars colony is also gone in the remake. Nighy would join Bryan Cranston, Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel and Bokeem Woodbine (The Big Hit).

Kate Beckinsale & Jessica Biel Confirmed For Total Recall

Collider confirms that both Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) and Jessica Biel (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) have officially signed on for Len Wise's Total Recall remake. Beckinsale will play Lori the wife of Douglas (Colin Farrell) while Biel will play the Melina role.

8 Directors In The Running For The Wolverine

ShowBlitz is reporting that 20th Century Fox is circling eight directors for The Wolverine. It originally had Darren Aronofsky set to direct with a script by Christopher McQuarrie. The directors include Jose Padilha (Elite Squad 1-2, Robocop), Doug Liman (Bourne Identity, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, All You Need Is Kill), Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Brooklyn's Finest), Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo, Never Let Me Go), Justin Lin (Fast Five, Highlander, Terminator 5), Gavin O’Connor (Warrior), James Mangold (Cop Land, Knight & Day, 3:10 To Yuma, Walk The Line) and Gary Shore.

My favorites of this group includes Mark Romanek, Jose Padilha, Gavin O'Connor, James Mangold and Antoine Fuqua. The likes of Lin and Liman sort of worries me as these two aren't strong visually and aren't as well liked as some of the other candidates. Even more so when compared to the likes of Aronofsky and the rumored Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code). I'd love to see Romanek take on a big genre film as he was originally set to make The Wolf Man before walking and forcing Universal to rush the project.

David Fincher's Dragon Tattoo Remake Trailer Coming June 2nd

It looks like France and Sweden are already enjoying the first footage from David Fincher's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Sony has released a Red-Band trailer in those countries for the remake which stars Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. There is word that Sony will release a domestic trailer on June 2nd.

Vin Diesel Says Riddick 3 Shooting This Summer & Will Be Rated R

One of the lesser explored science fiction mythologies has to be the world of Riddick. We had such an amazing introduction to slams and mercs in Pitch Black. Yet things got out of hand when the studio lavished the PG-13 sequel with a massive budget and a story too big in scale for it's own good. It really became a film about the villains more than it did about Riddick. What was also taken away was the gritty violent world he inhabits. Riddick 3 is said to bring the franchise back to it roots with a single planet setting filled with deadly alien creatures and a squad of talented mercs.

Now there is word from Vin Diesel himself (via CinemaBlend) that he's worked things out with writer/director David Twohy on the third film. It's expected it will shoot this summer and he's taken a big paycut to make sure the film will be R. Considering the monstrous success of Fast Five Diesel seems to be back as a Hollywood asset. There is even early talk of him starring in Terminator 5. So for Vin to take on a passion project like Riddick 3, you have to commend him for his loyalty to the character. Plus there really could be a great film somewhere in that universe. I have to assume that they will end up aiming for a late summer or early fall release in 2012.

Matthew Vaughn Lobbies For Michael Fassbender To Play 007

During press junkets for X-Men First Class Collider was able to get writer/director Matthew Vaughn to talk about his thoughts on Bond. Considering the early Bond films influenced the 60's of First Class. He seems coy about directing a film but does have an idea of who should be the next 007.

“I sort of want the Brocollis (producers of the Bond films) to regret never hiring me. I was very keen to direct Bond. I don’t know if I am any more, to be blunt, now that I’ve done this. I really love Daniel [Craig], though you know, it might be interesting if they one day decide to cast Fassbender as Bond, then maybe I’ll go ‘Hey!’”

Vaughn was one of the first directors to introduce us to Daniel Craig in Layer Cake, where he actually does a Bond impression in a funny scene. I feel that Vaughn has an eye for talent and more than that leading men. He also brought us Aaron Johnson into the mainstream. It would be amazing if they hired Fassbender as the new Bond since he's not the first person you'd expect for the role. Yet everyone who has watched his films knows he can deliver the goods.

ILM Will Handle VFX For Avengers

Industrial Light & Magic has confirmed they will be handling visual effects for The Avengers. Their website includes the Marvel Studios production in their projects in production. ILM did the effects on both Iron Man  and Iron Man 2 yet didn't work on either Thor or Captain America.

The effects company started by George Lucas has worked on some impressive projects which include Avatar, Cowboys & Aliens, Starship Troopers, Jurassic Park 1-3, Pirates 1-4, Star Trek, Star Wars Episodes 1-6, Transformers 1-3, Indiana Jones 1-4, Minority Report, Terminator 2 and Total Recall.

Stephen Fry & Benedict Cumberbatch Join The Hobbit

Peter Jackson announced recently on Twitter the addition of Stephen Fry (Sherlock Holmes 2, Black Adder) as the Master of Laketown in The Hobbit. Now there is word from Bilbo himself Martin Freeman that his Sherlock Holmes co-star Benedict Cumberbatch will also be in the film.

RUMOR: Dark Knight Rises Teaser Attached To Harry Potter

There is a rumor going around that Warner Bros. could attach an early teaser for The Dark Knight Rises to the final Harry Potter film on July 15th. This sounds about right as the studio is going to transition from Potter to DC films. It's release it very close to Comic-Con which of course should have a presentation as well with some footage. I wouldn't be shocked to see brief glimpses of both Bane and Catwoman in the teaser.

RUMOR: Felicia Day Playing A Known SHIELD Agent In Avengers?

There has been talk of Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible, Buffy, Dollhouse) possibly landing a role in Avengers since 2009 with her early confirmation that Joss Whedon landed the director's chair before it was announced. Now the ever unreliable IMDB lists her as Agent Abigail Brand. The lesser known agent is the head of SWORD a sub-division of SHIELD that focuses on extraterrestrial matters. It sounds about right as the role could be nothing but a cameo. Of course until it's announced by Marvel it's just a rumor and appearing on IMDB doesn't help validate the claim.

UPDATE: Felicia Day has debunked the rumor via Twitter. "Wow, I log off for a few hours, crazy rumors flying around. As cool as it would be, they are not true. Love you all!"

REVIEW: Hobo With A Shotgun

A true story of a director's dream film Hobo With A Shotgun started off as a faux trailer for a Grindhouse contest which ended up seeing Jason Eisener's trailer attached to the Canadian prints of Grindhouse (Death Proof & Planet Terror). Later the director found himself with the money and cast to make a full length film. Starring Rutger Hauer (Blade Runner) the exploitation film focuses on a Hobo who arrives in a town run by psychotic crime family which is littered by all the filth and grime you can imagine. He ends up getting his hands on a shotgun and delivers his own brand of justice "one shell at a time".

I think if you go into a film like this thinking it's going to amazing your going to be disappointed. On the other hand if you're a fan of exploitation films and genre homages you'll have fun with it. My biggest issue is that there were too many Canadian references in this film to reach a broader audience. The film proudly filmed in Nova Scotia is purely made for the Trailer Park Boys crowd not really made for American audiences. Two things the film had going for it was it's amazing score along with the inventive death and violence scenes that at times out shine Robert Rodriguez. Yet the first twenty minutes are sort of terrible and don't give you the impression the action will ramp up which it does. It's an uneven gore fest but it was still fun for a new director's first film. I hope that Hollywood comes calling because Jason could have an interesting career in studio horror and action films if given the chance. If I had to compare it to a recent film it would be Machete, a movie with problems but forgotten with entertaining action sequences.

C

REVIEW: Burke & Hare

Burke & Hare is the return for legendary comedy director John Landis. His films Animal House and American Werewolf In London are still some of favorites. So I was quite excited to see his newest comedy starring Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis. The film focuses on two body snatchers who go into business for themselves which turns into a murder spree. Does Burke & Hare live up to the legend's previous work?

The film is more in the genre of black comedy rather than horror which I believe it had been promoted. Based on true events it's more realistic than most dark comedies and it's more chilling to believe this was common practice at one point in time. While Simon Pegg and Isla Fisher end up with the most screentime the scene stealers were Andy Serkis and Jessica Hynes (Spaced, Son of Rambo). It's a fun little romp with a few slow moments but the film is more in the vain of British comedies. So if you're not a fan of Shaun of The Dead or Brit-coms you might not get into it as much. I enjoyed it and it's worth renting if you get the chance. Compared to Landis' other films I think it's more in the level of Werewolf without it's scale and serious gore.

B