Showing posts with label Gary Oldman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gary Oldman. Show all posts

Friday, May 11, 2012

Batman Vehicles Tour the U.S. Before "The Dark Knight Rises"

The Tumbler and the Bat-Pod Are Rolling from Coast-to-Coast

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fans who have been eagerly awaiting the July 20 release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises” will have an opportunity to get a firsthand look at the Tumbler and the Bat-Pod, which are rolling out on a coast-to-coast tour, sponsored by Mountain Dew and IMAX®.

Both the Tumbler and the Bat-Pod have served as high-powered modes of transportation for Batman in Christopher Nolan’s earlier blockbusters—with the Tumbler first appearing in “Batman Begins,” and the Bat-Pod being introduced in “The Dark Knight.” They will both be featured in different ways in the hugely anticipated finale to the director’s Batman trilogy, “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Leading up to the opening of the film, the Tumbler and the Bat-Pod will be making their way across North America, appearing in the following cities and towns*:

Bentonville, Arkansas May 12

Tulsa, Oklahoma May 15

Overland Park, Kansas May 19

Kansas City, Missouri May 21

Chicago, Illinois May 25

Washington, DC May 27

Baltimore, Maryland May 28

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 30

Buffalo, New York June 1

Toronto, Canada June 7

Montreal, Canada June 10

Purchase, New York June 12

Columbus, Ohio June 13

Lansing, Michigan June 15

Detroit, Michigan June 16

Brooklyn, Michigan June 17

Indianapolis, Indiana June 19

Nashville, Tennessee June 21

Knoxville, Tennessee June 22

Atlanta, Georgia June 23

Dallas, Texas June 25

San Antonio, Texas June 27

El Paso, Texas June 29

Albuquerque, New Mexico July 1

Phoenix, Arizona July 2

Los Angeles, California July 7

*Please note that dates and locations are subject to change, and more may be added.

More information on the tour can be found at:
http://www.tumblertour.com/
www.facebook.com/tumblertour
@tumblertour


About “The Dark Knight Rises”:
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Film by Christopher Nolan, “The Dark Knight Rises.” The film stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Morgan Freeman.

Christopher Nolan directed the film from a screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven are the producers, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull serving as executive producers, and Jordan Goldberg co-producing. “The Dark Knight Rises” is based upon Batman characters created by Bob Kane and published by DC Comics.

Opening in theatres and IMAX on July 20, 2012, “The Dark Knight Rises” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language.

http://www.thedarkknightrises.com/

Monday, March 26, 2012

2012 Empire Awards Honors "Harry Potter" and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"

AN OUTSTANDING YEAR FOR BRITISH FILM

GARY OLDMAN WINS BEST ACTOR AWARD AS TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY DOMINATES

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 2 SCOOPS BEST FILM AND BEST DIRECTOR

THE INBETWEENERS WINS BEST COMEDY

Stars of the film world gathered on Sunday 25th March to celebrate the Jameson Empire Awards 2012 and to witness what has been an outstanding success for British film and British acting talent.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy dominated the awards, winning Best Thriller, Best British Film and Best Actor for Gary Oldman; closely followed by Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 which was awarded Best Director for David Yates and Best Film. The night also saw Kenneth Branagh’s Thor win Best Sci-Fi, Ben Palmer’s The Inbetweeners win Best Comedy and Ben Wheatley’s Kill List win Best Horror.

Further to Gary Oldman’s deserving win, British actors continued to lead the awards with Olivia Colman winning Best Actress for her role in Paddy Considine’s Tyrannosaur; Michael Fassbender won the Empire Hero award; and two of Britain’s rising stars won Best Newcomer - Tom Hiddleston for Thor and Felicity Jones for Like Crazy.

Tim Burton was honoured with the Empire Legend award. Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn shook off competition from Hugo, Harry Potter, Transformers and Thor to win The Art of 3D awardand Ron Howard was honoured with the Empire Inspiration award.

This year aspiring film makers from around the world flooded the popular amateur filmmaking award Done In 60 Seconds with their entries and the finalists include fantastic one-minute reprisals of films such as War Horse, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy and The King’s Speech. However, there can only be one winner, and the judging panel, which included award-winning British actor and comedian, Chris O’Dowd, presenter Alex Zane, film director Gareth Edwards and Empire Editor Mark Dinning awarded the prize to Indira Suleimenova for Black Swan.

The Jameson Empire Awards are held after the industry voted events and are one of the only film awards to be voted for entirely by the public. Held at Grosvenor House Hotel and hosted for the first time by Lauren Laverne and Empire’s Chris Hewitt, stars in attendance included Gary Oldman, Danny De Vito, Agyness Deyn, Berenice Marlohe, James McAvoy, Tom Hiddleston, Harry Hill and Michael Fassbender.

Mark Dinning, Empire’s Editor, said: “British movies have ruled the world in the past year, and we are delighted to see them rule the roost here tonight, too. The readers of Empire are the smartest academy out there and this year they have picked the very best winners from a terrific 12 months. With the Olympics and Euro 2012 just around the corner, our homegrown movie heroes have tonight kicked off a year we hope is packed with British triumph.”

Empire magazine, published by Bauer London Lifestyle Ltd, Empire is the World's biggest movie magazine and remains the biggest film magazine brand in the UK, outselling its nearest competitor by two to one. Launched in 1989, Empire has now grown to a total circulation of 167,056 (ABC Jul-Dec 11) with a worldwide readership of over 1 million. Empire online has 22 million page impressions per month and 2.2 million unique users. 2011 was a stand-out year for Empire, as it successfully launched its own fully-interactive iPad edition and a film event, Big Screen, at the O2.

Jameson Whiskey: Jameson Irish Whiskey is the world’s No.1 selling Irish whiskey and is amongst the elite of the fastest growing international spirit brands in the world. The success of this Irish brand is down to its great quality and smooth taste, coupled with a fantastic heritage, established in 1780 by the legendary John Jameson. It has the quality credentials which allow it to be consumed straight, but is versatile and is equally great when mixed.

The Jameson Empire Awards 2012 Winners List:

Best Film presented by Sky Movies
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2

Best British Film
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Best Director
David Yates - Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2

Jameson Best Actor
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Best Actress
Olivia Colman -Tyrannosaur

Best Male Newcomer
Tom Hiddleston

Best Female Newcomer
Felicity Jones

The Art Of 3D presented by RealD
The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn

Best Comedy
The Inbetweeners Movie

Best Thriller
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Best Horror
Kill List

Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Thor

Empire Hero
Michael Fassbender

Empire Legend
Tim Burton

Empire Inspiration
Ron Howard

Done In 60 Seconds (to amateur filmmakers)
Indira Suleimenova for Black Swan

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Jean Dujardin Wins Best Actor Oscar for "The Artist'

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

WINNER - Jean Dujardin for The Artist

Nominees:
Demián Bichir for A Better Life
George Clooney for The Descendants
Gary Oldman for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt for Moneyball

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

San Francisco Film Critics Choose "The Tree of Life"

The San Francisco Film Critics Circle (SFFCC) was founded in 2002 and is comprised of critics from Bay Area publications. Its membership includes film journalists from the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News, the Oakland Tribune, the Contra Costa Times, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, SF Weekly, the East Bay Express, KRON-TV, Variety, and RottenTomatoes.com, among others.

2011 San Francisco Film Critics Circle Awards winners:

Best Picture
“The Tree of Life”

Best Director
Terrence Malick for “The Tree of Life”

Best Original Screenplay
J.C. Chandor for “Margin Call”

Best Adapted Screenplay
Bridget O’Connor & Peter Straughan for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”

Best Actor
Gary Oldman for “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”

Best Actress
Tilda Swinton for “We Need to Talk About Kevin”

Best Supporting Actor
Albert Brooks for “Drive”

Best Supporting Actress
Vanessa Redgrave for “Coriolanus”

Best Animated Feature
“Rango”

Best Foreign Language Film
“Certified Copy”

Best Documentary
“Tabloid”

Best Cinematography
Emmanuel Lubezki for “The Tree of Life”

Marlon Riggs Award (for courage & vision in the Bay Area film community)
National Film Preservation Foundation, in recognition of for its work in the preservation and dissemination of endangered, culturally significant films

Special Citation for under-appreciated independent cinema:
“The Mill and the Cross”

http://sffcc.org/main/

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

2012 Academy Award Nominations: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Nominees:

Demián Bichir for A Better Life (2011)

George Clooney for The Descendants (2011)

Jean Dujardin for The Artist (2011)

Gary Oldman for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Brad Pitt for Moneyball (2011)

Monday, December 5, 2011

First Six Minutes of "The Dark Knight Rises" Released December 16th

Opening Sequence of “The Dark Knight Rises” Will Be Unwrapped Just in Time for the Holidays

The film’s prologue will be released exclusively in select IMAX® 70mm film theatres.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ “The Dark Knight Rises”—the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy—is one of the most anticipated films of 2012, but moviegoers won’t have to wait until next year to see the six-minute opening sequence of the film. The film’s prologue will be unveiled exclusively in select 70mm IMAX® theatres worldwide. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Prologue will be released in North America on December 16, and in the UK on December 21, 2011. Additional international dates vary by territory and will be announced soon.

In making the 2008 blockbuster “The Dark Knight,” Nolan was the first to use IMAX® cameras in a major motion picture release, and, as now, audiences were given an advance look at that film’s prologue months prior to the Summer 2008 opening. Nolan employed the extremely high-resolution cameras even more extensively on “The Dark Knight Rises”—including the film’s prologue—to achieve unprecedented crispness and clarity and a truly immersive experience for the moviegoers.

Christopher Nolan stated, “Our experience on ‘The Dark Knight’ shooting and projecting IMAX 15 perf 65mm/70mm film was inspiring. The immersive quality of the image goes beyond any other filmmaking tool available, and in revisiting Gotham, we were determined to shoot even more of the movie in this unique format. Giving the fans an early look at an IMAX sequence is a great way to draw attention to what I believe will be an incredible way to experience our story when it comes out next summer.”

Following is a list of the theatres in North America in which the Prologue of “The Dark Knight Rises” will be revealed on December 16th:

Market-Theatre, City
Austin, TX-IMAX Theater Austin, Austin
Boston, MA-Jordan's IMAX. Natick
Boston, MA-IMAX 3D Theatre in Reading, Reading
Calgary, AB-Scotiabank Theatre Chinook 16 + IMAX, Calgary
Chantilly, VA-Washington, DC-Udvar-Hazy Center IMAX, Chantilly
Chicago, IL-Navy Pier IMAX Theatre, Chicago
Des Moines, IA-SCI IMAX Dome Theater, Des Moines
Detroit, MI-Henry Ford IMAX, Dearborn
Edmonton, AB-Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton + IMAX, Edmonton
Harrisburg, PA-The Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts IMAX, Harrisburg
Houston, TX-Houston Marq*e Stadium 22 + IMAX, Houston
Indianapolis-White River IMAX, Indianapolis
Los Angeles, CA-Irvine Spectrum 20 + IMAX, Irvine
Los Angeles, CA-RAVE 18 + IMAX, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA-Ontario Palace Stadium 22 + IMAX, Ontario
Los Angeles, CA-Citywalk Stadium 19 with IMAX, Universal City
Madison, WI-Star 18 Fitchburg with IMAX, Fitchburg
Miami, FL-AutoNation IMAX, Fort Lauderdale
Minneapolis, MN-Great Clips IMAX, Apple Valley
Montreal, QC-Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal + IMAX, Montreal
Nashville,TN-Opry Mills Stadium 20 + IMAX, Nashville
New York, NY-Lincoln Square 13 with IMAX, New York
New York, NY-Palisades IMAX, West Nyack
Omaha, NE-Star Cinema 16 with IMAX, Council Bluffs
Orlando, FL-Pointe Orlando Stadium 20 + IMAX, Orlando
Ottawa, ON-Silvercity Gloucester + IMAX, Gloucester-Ottawa
Palm Springs (Los Angeles)-Desert IMAX Theatre, Cathedral City
Philadelphia, PA-IMAX & the Tropicana, Atlantic City
Philadelphia, PA-Tuttleman IMAX - Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
Phoenix, AZ-Arizona Mills 25 with IMAX, Tempe
Providence, RI-Providence Place 16 with IMAX, Providence
Quebec City, QC-IMAX Le Theatre At Quebec, Quebec City
Sacramento, CA-Esquire IMAX, Sacramento
San Antonio, TX-IMAX at RiverCenter, San Antonio
San Francisco, CA-Metreon 16 with IMAX & ETX, San Francisco
Seattle, WA-Boeing IMAX - Pacific Science Center, Seattle
Tampa, FL-Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Tampa
Toronto, ON-Coliseum 12 Mississauga + IMAX, Mississauga
Toronto, ON-Scotiabank Theatre Toronto + IMAX, Toronto
Toronto, ON-Colossus 18 Woodbridge + IMAX, Woodbridge-Vaughan
Vancouver, BC-Colossus Langley + IMAX, Langley
Vancouver, BC-Silvercity Riverport 18 + IMAX, Richmond

Below is a list of the theatres in the UK in which the Prologue of “The Dark Knight Rises” will be revealed on December 21st:

UK-BFI London, London
UK-National Media Museum IMAX Bradford, Bradford
UK-Glasgow Science Centre IMAX Cinema, Glasgow
UK-Odeon Manchester IMAX @ The Printworks, Manchester

Opening on July 20, 2012, “The Dark Knight Rises” features an international all-star cast, led by Oscar® winner Christian Bale (“The Fighter”) in the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard (“La Vie en Rose”), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Reprising their roles from both “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight,” Oscar® winner Michael Caine (“The Cider House Rules”) plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) plays Lucius Fox.

Nolan directed “The Dark Knight Rises” from a screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on “Batman Begins” and the record-breaking blockbuster “The Dark Knight.” Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull are the executive producers, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. “The Dark Knight Rises” is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman created by Bob Kane.

“The Dark Knight Rises” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The prologue has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for “some violence.” http://www.thedarkknightrises.com/

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

British Independent Film Awards Nominations List

The Moët British Independent Film Awards nominees for 2011:

BEST BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM Sponsored by Moët & Chandon
SENNA
SHAME
TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
TYRANNOSAUR
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

BEST DIRECTOR Sponsored by The Creative Partnership
Ben Wheatley – KILL LIST
Steve McQueen – SHAME
Tomas Alfredson – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
Paddy Considine – TYRANNOSAUR
Lynne Ramsay – WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

THE DOUGLAS HICKOX AWARD [BEST DEBUT DIRECTOR] Sponsored by 3 Mills Studios
Joe Cornish – ATTACK THE BLOCK
Ralph Fiennes – CORIOLANUS
John Michael McDonagh – THE GUARD
Richard Ayoade – SUBMARINE
Paddy Considine – TYRANNOSAUR

BEST SCREENPLAY Sponsored by BBC Films
John Michael McDonagh – THE GUARD
Ben Wheatley, Amy Jump – KILL LIST
Abi Morgan, Steve McQueen – SHAME
Richard Ayoade – SUBMARINE
Lynne Ramsay, Rory Kinnear – WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

BEST ACTRESS Sponsored by M.A.C
Rebecca Hall – THE AWAKENING
Mia Wasikowska – JANE EYRE
MyAnna Buring – KILL LIST
Olivia Colman – TYRANNOSAUR
Tilda Swinton – WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

BEST ACTOR
Brendan Gleeson – THE GUARD
Neil Maskell – KILL LIST
Michael Fassbender – SHAME
Gary Oldman – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
Peter Mullan – TYRANNOSAUR

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Felicity Jones – ALBATROSS
Vanessa Redgrave – CORIOLANUS
Carey Mulligan – SHAME
Sally Hawkins – SUBMARINE
Kathy Burke – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Michael Smiley – KILL LIST
Tom Hardy – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
Benedict Cumberbatch – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
Eddie Marsan – TYRANNOSAUR
Ezra Miller – WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER Sponsored by STUDIOCANAL
Jessica Brown Findlay – ALBATROSS
John Boyega – ATTACK THE BLOCK
Craig Roberts – SUBMARINE
Yasmin Paige – SUBMARINE
Tom Cullen – WEEKEND

BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION Sponsored by Deluxe142
KILL LIST
TYRANNOSAUR
WEEKEND
WILD BILL
YOU INSTEAD

BEST TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT
Chris King, Gregers Sall – Editing – SENNA
Sean Bobbitt – Cinematography – SHAME
Joe Walker – Editing – SHAME
Maria Djurkovic – Production Design – TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
Seamus McGarvey – Cinematography – WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

BEST DOCUMENTARY
HELL AND BACK AGAIN
LIFE IN A DAY
PROJECT NIM
SENNA
TT3D: CLOSER TO THE EDGE

BEST BRITISH SHORT
0507
CHALK
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
RITE
ROUGH SKIN

BEST FOREIGN INDEPENDENT FILM
ANIMAL KINGDOM
DRIVE
PINA
A SEPARATION
THE SKIN I LIVE IN

THE RAINDANCE AWARD Sponsored by Exile Media
ACTS OF GODFREY
BLACK POND
HOLLOW
LEAVING BAGHDAD
A THOUSAND KISSES DEEP

THE RICHARD HARRIS AWARD (for outstanding contribution by an actor to British Film) Sponsored by Working Title
To Be Announced

THE VARIETY AWARD
To Be Announced

THE SPECIAL JURY PRIZE
Announced at the Moët British Independent Film Awards on Sunday 4 December.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Review: "Red Riding Hood" is Contrived and Not Scary

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 70 (of 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux

Red Riding Hood (2011)
Running time: 100 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for violence and creature terror, and some sensuality
DIRECTOR: Catherine Hardwicke
WRITER: David Leslie Johnson
PRODUCERS: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson Killoran, Alex Mace, and Julie Yorn
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Mandy Walker (D.o.P)
EDITORS: Nancy Richardson and Julia Wong
COMPOSERS: Alex Heffes and Brian Reitzell

FANTASY/HORROR/ROMANCE/MYSTERY

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen, Lukas Haas, Julie Christie, Adrian Holmes, and Archie Rice (voice)

Red Riding Hood is a 2011 film that belongs to several genres: Gothic horror, romance, and mystery. Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the first Twilight film, turned down directing the sequel (Twilight Saga: New Moon), and went on to direct Red Riding Hood, which is obviously meant to appeal to Twilight fans. This movie isn’t anywhere in the same league as Twilight.

Taking place some indeterminate centuries in the past, Red Riding Hood is set in the small village of Daggerhorn, which is situated on the edge of a haunted black forest. The story focuses on the lovely young Valerie (Amanda Seyfried), who as a child developed an affinity for hunting, sneaking out, and doing things boys do. Valerie also fell in love with Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), a young hunter, and wishes to marry him. Valerie’s mother, Suzette (Virginia Madsen), and father, Cesaire (Billy Burke), want her to marry Henry Lazar (Max Irons), a young blacksmith from a wealthy family.

For years, a werewolf has plagued Daggerhorn and, as the story begins, the beast murders Valerie’s older sister, Lucie (Alexandria Maillot). The village has summoned Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), a priest experienced in hunting werewolves. Shortly after Solomon arrives, the werewolf attacks again, so Solomon and his guards use the disaster as pretense to take control of the village. Solomon points his accusing finger at Valerie, who seems connected to werewolf, but as the death toll rises, perhaps, only the accused can save Daggerhorn.

When I first heard about Red Riding Hood going into production, I figured that Warner Bros. Pictures was trying to capitalize on the success Walt Disney Pictures had with its 2010 worldwide monster hit, Alice in Wonderland (directed by Tim Burton), by doing their own fairy tale thing. When I heard that Catherine Hardwicke was directing this film, I thought, “Throw in the Twilight demographic.”

As I wrote earlier, Red Riding Hood is no Twilight, and it is even more preposterous than Alice in Wonderland. Actually, here and there, this film has a few brilliant ideas – visually, at least (having Black men as some of Solomon’s guards, Valerie’s startling red robe, among them). For the most part, however, the rest of the film feels contrived, overdone, phony, etc. It seems like a pretentious project put together by a high school creative writing class. The score and soundtrack are fantastic and practically saves any sense of drama, mystery, and horror that Red Riding Hood has.

4 of 10
C

Friday, August 12, 2011

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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Harry Potter 8 Now Third Highest Grossing Film Ever

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the Number One Film of 2011

The finale of the series is the top-grossing film domestically and internationally

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing to make box office magic, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” has now become the top-grossing release of 2011 in all categories: domestic box office, international box office and worldwide box office. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

The last installment of the blockbuster motion picture franchise has broken numerous box office records around the world in just under a month since its July opening. As of August 8, the film had earned $344.8 million domestically and $801.5 million internationally, for an astounding worldwide box office gross of $1.146 billion, making “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” the third-highest-grossing film worldwide of all time.

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek stated, “‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ can truly be called a global phenomenon. The filmmakers and cast, who dedicated their talents to the success of these films for over a decade, share in this piece of cinema history. We congratulate and thank them all.”

Dan Fellman said, “This is another incredible milestone for the last chapter of this historic film series, and for the Harry Potter franchise as a whole. In a crowded and very competitive summer, it is a tribute to both the film and the people behind it that moviegoers are still turning out to enjoy it—whether for the first time or for a repeat viewing.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film is being released in select IMAX® theatres. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Harry Potter 8 Becomes Ninth Film to Gross a Billion Dollars in Worldwide Box Office

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” Crosses $1 Billion Threshold

The last is now first, as the finale becomes the top-grossing title in the film series.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its record-breaking run, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” has surpassed $1 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the first in the series—and just the ninth film in cinema history—to reach that benchmark. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

Adding to the records already achieved, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” tied the record for the fastest climb to $1 billion. The finale of the blockbuster motion picture franchise crossed the billion dollar mark on Sunday, July 31, only its 17th day in release in North America, as well as most international markets. The film has now earned an estimated $318.46 million domestically and an estimated $690 million on the international side for a worldwide total to date of approximately $1.008 billion, already making it, globally, the top-grossing film in Warner Bros. Pictures’ history.

Dan Fellman stated, “What’s truly astounding is that these kinds of numbers are being achieved so early in the film’s release. The movie’s excellent reviews, outstanding word-of-mouth and repeat business will ensure that Harry Potter will be charming moviegoers for months to come.”

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek remarked, “To say that the global response to the film has been extraordinary would be an understatement. We are so proud that this last film in the series has not only reached such heights but has reached them in record time. It is now Warner Bros.’ most successful release ever, and there is still plenty more to come.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film is being released in select IMAX® theatres. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/

Friday, July 22, 2011

Harry Potter Film Series Passes $7 Billion in Worldwide Box Office

Harry Potter Film Franchise Surpasses $7 Billion Milestone

The finale continues to break global box office records, as it further solidifies the series’ standing as the top-grossing franchise of all time.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” still in the first week of its record-breaking run, the Harry Potter film franchise has now crossed the $7 billion mark worldwide, and counting. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” has earned an astounding $640.2 million worldwide in its initial week, encompassing $214.9 million domestically and $425.3 million at the international box office.

In addition, the success of the movie has propelled Warner Bros. Pictures’ combined 2011 domestic box office past $1 billion for an eleventh consecutive year, which is an industry record.

Robinov stated, “It is an extraordinary privilege for everyone at Warner Bros. to share in this piece of cinema history. We are extremely grateful to the Harry Potter fans, who have remained loyal to the movies for more than a decade. We also want to congratulate the amazing roster of actors and filmmakers, whose artistry and talent is evident in every frame of every film. But special thanks must go to the woman whose incomparable imagination literally changed the world, Jo Rowling.”

Sue Kroll, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Worldwide Marketing, noted, “Each film has inspired us creatively and it has been exciting to watch the evolution through eight remarkable movies. It has truly been the movie event of a generation, as Harry Potter fans who were there from the beginning have been joined by new fans over the years, and their enthusiasm—as well as our own—has never waned.”

Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, said, “Becoming a $7 billion-plus franchise is a stunning achievement, which is shared by everybody involved in any or all of the Harry Potter films. On the domestic side, the studio is also thrilled to have reached the billion-dollar benchmark for an unprecedented eleventh year in a row. We thank everyone at Warner Bros. whose hard work and dedication have contributed so much to our success.”

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, Warner Bros. Pictures President of International Distribution, added, “It is a rare pleasure to have an opportunity to be a part of a global event of this magnitude. For ten years, the Harry Potter films have delighted audiences, bridging across countries and continents. We applaud all the actors and filmmakers who have given us the true definition of movie magic.”

The collective Harry Potter films are the highest-grossing franchise of all time, a global record it has held since the success of the sixth film, 2009’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” Individually, the worldwide grosses for the previous films stand as: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” at $974,755,371; “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” at $878,979,634; “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” at $796,688,549; “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” at $896,911,078; “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” at $939,885,929; “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” at $934,416,487; and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1” at $955,417,476.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film is being released in select IMAX® theatres. The film has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® through proprietary IMAX DMR® technology.

Opened nationwide on July 15, the film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/


Thursday, July 21, 2011

"Deathly Hallows - Part 2" a Dark, Epic Harry Potter Finale

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 61 (of 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Running time: 130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images
DIRECTOR: David Yates
WRITER: Steve Kloves (based upon the novel by J.K. Rowling)
PRODUCERS: David Barron and David Heyman and J.K. Rowling
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Eduardo Serra
EDITOR: Mark Day
COMPOSER: Alexandre Desplat

FANTASY/DRAMA/ACTION

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, George Harris, and Bonnie Wright

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the seventh (and final) novel in the Harry Potter book series. Warner Bros. Pictures is releasing the film adaptation of the book as two films. The first film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, arrived in theatres in November 2010. Now, the final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, has hit theatres with a bang. It’s an excellent film, fun as usual, but sad because this is an ending.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and his closest friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), embarked on a quest to find and destroy the Horcruxes, which hold the secret of the immortality of Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). They’re down to the last few Horcruxes, and one of them is hidden at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The trio must return to Hogwarts, where they are no longer welcomed and will need the help of friends to enter. Meanwhile, Voldemort and his army of followers march on the school, and a pitched battle between the defenders of the school and Voldemort’s forces ensues. Now, the Dark Lord and boy wizard prepare for their final showdown.

By turning Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the novel into two movies, Warner Bros. Pictures is able to make a more faithful adaptation of the book or, at least, an adaptation that has more of the book in it. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2 can be viewed as one larger movie, but with each movie having its own distinctive tone and style. Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is contemplative, tense, and suspenseful like an espionage or psychological thriller. Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is darker in tone, but has the look and scope of a grand epic.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is an action movie, one filled with gritty conflict, soaring flights, hair-raising missions, and desperate bids for escape. Occasionally, the film does stumble; the pace becomes awkward, it’s rhythm out of step. At those times, Deathly Hallows: Part 2 seems more about tying up loose ends than about being the grand finale it should be, but those moments don’t dominate the film.

Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is as thrilling and as visually dazzling as the previous films, but this one has a dragon flight that, for me at least, surpasses any other scene of magically-powered flight in this film franchise. This scene looks natural, more plausible, seeming to capture how a dragon, if such a thing existed, would move. It’s a sequence that should earn Deathly Hallows: Part 2 a best visual effects Oscar nomination, at least.

The final Harry Potter film may also surpass the others in the actors’ performances because Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is powerfully acted. As the series went along, the characters’ became more complex, moving from familiar archetypes to complicated people with shifting motivations and personalities and also becoming darker. In Deathly Hallows: Part 2, the characters, from Harry and Voldemort on down, are either made vulnerable or become more vulnerable than they ever were. Ralph Fiennes’s turn as Voldemort is layered and textured; suddenly, the Dark Lord is made tragic… even sympathetic. Fiennes will make you love as well as love-to-hate this great villain.

In the end, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, our beloved star trio, don’t disappoint. Their ability to perform together and their screen chemistry affirm that this story was never just about Harry Potter alone. I don’t need to spend too many more words on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. That last scene of Harry, Ron, and Hermione together embodies the magic that this series offered and why we are sad that the story is ending, for now…

8 of 10
A

Thursday, July 21, 2011


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

First Lady Michelle Obama Screens "Deathly Hallows - Part 2" U.S. Navy Families

Warner Bros. Pictures “Joining Forces” With First Lady Michelle Obama for a Special Screening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2”

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In appreciation of their service, members of the United States Navy and their families will be treated to a special exclusive screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” the finale of the blockbuster film franchise, which opened nationwide on July 15, 2011.

As part of the Joining Forces initiative, First Lady Michelle Obama will be in attendance to thank the members of the military and their families. While there, she will also introduce the film.

Location: Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, VA
Date: Thursday, July 21, 2011
Time: 12:00 p.m. Screening

The screening is only open to members of the military and their families. Media representatives will have the opportunity to interview, photograph and film those attending the film.


About Joining Forces:
Joining Forces is a national initiative that mobilizes all sectors of society to give our service members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have met with military families, learned about their successes and challenges, and made it their priority to support them. Joining Forces provides ways for all Americans to step up and show their gratitude to our service members and their families. Through this effort, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden ask Americans to do more for those who have done so much for us. They are highlighting outstanding American citizens, communities, and businesses that are supporting our troops and making commitments to serve our nation’s military families. They are asking Americans to get involved in any way they can.

About the Film:
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, reprising their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, who also helmed the blockbusters “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.” David Heyman, the producer of all of the Harry Potter films, produced the final film, together with David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Screenwriter Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the book by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates Film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” which marks the last installment in the most successful film franchise of all time. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images. http://www.harrypotter.com/

Monday, July 18, 2011

Deathly Hallows Part 2 Box Office: Can't Stop, Won't Stop

The Global Box Office is Spellbound by the Opening of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2”

The finale of the most successful film series of all time rewrites the record books with the biggest worldwide debut ever

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With an astounding estimated worldwide box office total of more than $476 million, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” shattered multiple domestic and international box office records in a history-making opening weekend. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

The finale of the globally beloved film series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” earned a stunning $168.5 million at the domestic box office, which not only is the biggest Harry Potter opening weekend but also obliterated the industry’s opening weekend record, including holiday weekends. Among the other records broken were single-day box office (Friday at $92.1 million), Friday box office, and opening day box office.

With the film opening day-and-date in 59 territories, the international box office take was a staggering $307 million, making it the biggest international weekend of all time. Led by record-breaking grosses in the UK ($36.6 million) and Australia ($26.7 million), all markets have performed exceedingly well, including Germany ($25.7 million), France ($23.9 million) and Japan ($21.5 million).

Globally, it also broke the IMAX opening weekend record with a worldwide gross of $23.5 million, which includes setting a new record in North America with $15.5 million.

The film began breaking records even before its opening, as unprecedented advance ticket sales gave the first indication of just how huge the box office bow would be. Midnight opening screenings not only met but exceeded those expectations, with $43.5 million at the domestic box office alone.

Dan Fellman stated, “These numbers are amazing, but they are only part of the story. It is impossible to quantify how thrilled and grateful we all are that both critics and audiences—especially loyal Harry Potter fans—continue to support the film. This is the culmination of an extraordinary decade, and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of many, many people on both sides of the camera, beginning with the brilliant J.K. Rowling, as well as producer David Heyman. We applaud them all.”

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek remarked, “Harry Potter is truly a cultural phenomenon the world over. Whether in German, French, Japanese, Russian, or any language, international audiences have embraced the Harry Potter films over the years, with the powerful finale punctuating just how special the property is. We congratulate everyone associated with the films on this monumental achievement.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film is being released in select IMAX® theatres. The film has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® through proprietary IMAX DMR® technology.

Opened nationwide on July 15, the film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Harry Potter 8 Makes Midnight Magic

MIDNIGHT IS THE MAGIC HOUR FOR “HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2”

The film series’ finale breaks all-time record for a midnight opening

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” smashed the domestic box office record for a midnight opening, taking in a phenomenal $43.5 million. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Domestic Distribution.

In addition, the film broke the midnight opening record for IMAX theatres, with a $2 million gross on a record number of IMAX screens.

Some midnight showings around the country capped marathon screenings of all the previous Harry Potter movies, leading up to the long-awaited finale. There were fan celebrations at a number of theatres, with audience members dressing up as their favorite characters, turning the release of the film into a shared event.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is also the first in the series to be released in 3D, and many lucky fans attending midnight 3D screenings received commemorative Harry Potter 3D glasses to keep as a souvenir.

The midnight opening record came on the heels of the film setting the record for advance ticket sales. Many of the opening day’s shows were sold out weeks ago as moviegoers rushed to be among the first people to see the last title in the most successful film franchise of all time.

Fellman stated, “What an incredible beginning for the movie that ends it all. The filmmakers and cast crafted a wonderful and fitting finale for this extraordinary franchise, and the response of the fans has been extremely gratifying. Everyone at Warner Bros. joins me in congratulating the many people behind the Harry Potter films. We know this is just the start of what promises to be an astounding weekend and a magical summer.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film will be released in select IMAX® theatres. The film has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® through proprietary IMAX DMR® technology.

Opening nationwide on July 15, the film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/

Friday, July 15, 2011

"Deathly Hallows - Part 2" Sets Advance Ticket Sales Records

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” Breaks Multiple Records in Advance of Opening Day

Midnight showings are scheduled around the country as anticipation builds for the finale of the blockbuster motion picture series

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” has already broken several records in the days leading up to the series finale’s hugely anticipated release. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Domestic Distribution.

Advance ticket sales have skyrocketed to more than $32 million, a new pre-opening record. Many midnight and first-day show times are already sold out across the country, despite the fact that the movie will be showing on more than 11,000 screens in 4,375 locations—both marking records for the Harry Potter series—with more than 3,800 locations opening the film at midnight on Thursday night. Breaking another industry record, the film is being released on 274 IMAX screens nationwide.

The very first Harry Potter movie to be released in 3D, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” will be shown in 3D at more than 3,000 locations. In a nod to one of the most iconic features of the title character, special commemorative Harry Potter 3D glasses will be given free to fans attending select 3D midnight showings, while supplies last.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “We appreciate the loyalty of Harry Potter fans and understand that they have been waiting 10 years for this moment. We can’t wait to show them the movie, which we believe delivers on every level, so we are putting the film out on as many screens as possible in an effort to satisfy demand from coast to coast. We want to ensure that fans who have been counting down to the finale will have every chance to see it, early and often, and we hope that they will take advantage of the opportunity to watch all their favorite characters in 3D for the first time, which is an experience not-to-be-missed.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film will be released in select IMAX® theatres. The film has been digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® through proprietary IMAX DMR® technology.

Opening nationwide on July 15, the film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Harry Potter Brings "Deathly Hallows - Part 2" to Ultimate Fan Celebration

Celebrate “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2” at the Ultimate Fan Celebration

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Be a part of history and celebrate the final adventure of the most successful film franchise of all time at the Ultimate Fan Celebration for Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.” The event is being held on Thursday, July 14th at Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, from 9:00 p.m. to the midnight hour, when the film officially opens.

L.A.’s hit music station Power 106 will be hosting the event. Fans gathered for the midnight showing will have the opportunity to be entered to win prizes, including soundtracks, t-shirts, hats and much more!

In “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, reprising their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Screenwriter Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the book by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram served as the executive producer.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates Film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” which is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. The film opens nationwide on Friday, July 15, 2011, and is rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/


Sunday, May 29, 2011

Review: "Kung Fu Panda 2" Brings Awesome Back

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 45 (of 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Running time: 90 minutes (1 hour, 30 minutes)
MPAA – PG for sequences of martial arts action and mild violence
DIRECTORS: Jennifer Yuh
WRITERS: Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger
PRODUCER: Melissa Cobb
COMPOSERS: Hans Zimmer and John Powell

ANIMATION/MARTIAL ARTS/COMEDY/DRAMA

Starring: (voices) Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Gary Oldman, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, James Hong, Michelle Yeoh, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Haysbert, and Danny McBride

Kung Fu Panda 2 is a computer-animated film from DreamWorks Animation. A martial arts, action-comedy, it is the sequel to the Oscar-nominated 2008 animated film, Kung Fu Panda. The sequel is every bit as good as the original, but the action and fight scenes in the new movie not only surpass the first film, they are also better than anything yet seen in computer-animated films.

Following the events of the first film, Kung Fu Panda 2 finds Po (Jack Black), the giant panda, living his dream as the legendary Dragon Warrior. He protects the Valley of Peace alongside his friends and fellow kung fu masters, the legendary Furious Five: Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Crane (David Cross), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu), and Monkey (Jackie Chan). Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) wishes to continue Po’s lessons by helping him pursue inner peace.

However, Po and the Furious Five must race stop a powerful new enemy, Lord Shen (Gary Oldman), the exiled son of the late Peacock Emperor. From Gongmen City, Shen plots to unleash a powerful new weapon that threatens to destroy kung fu and help him conquer China. For Po, however, there is something familiar about Shen and his murderous army that paralyzes him whenever he faces them. Suffering from bad dreams, Po must delve into his past, the place he doesn’t want to go. If he doesn’t, Shen will win.

I must admit to being in love with great martial arts fighting scenes. I could watch the fight sequences in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and even Ninja Assassin on a continuous loop. The fight scenes are what really won me over with Kung Fu Panda 2. It’s still hard for me to believe that computers can create this kind of character animation and movement with such precision and dynamism. I don’t know if I should call it high tech virtuosity or art as the illusion of life. Kung Fu Panda 2 has some of the most beautiful animation I’ve ever seen and rich hues and colors that sparkle.

This movie is not all about the visual spark, however. Kung Fu Panda 2’s story has heart and also the kind of compelling character writing we’ve come to expect from Pixar’s films. Po’s struggles with identity and his origin and the fear that engenders are genuine to the point that you might start worrying about him as if he were a real person. I can say that same thing about Lord Shen, a thoroughly fashioned character and the kind of complicated, complex adversary usually reserved for films seeking Oscar nominations. Gary Oldman does a splendid job in his voice performance as Shen, emphasizing that while Shen is the contrast to Po, they also have similar issues.

Anyone who tells you that Kung Fu Panda 2 is more of the same may not quite be full of crap, but they’re more than half full. This is a sequel that is a continuation of the original’s excellence, and Kung Fu Panda 2 is one of the year’s best.

9 of 10
A+

Sunday, May 29, 2011

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Friday, May 20, 2011

"The Dark Knight Rises" Begins

PRODUCTION BEGINS ON "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Filming will take place on three continents, with an all-star cast working under the direction of Christopher Nolan.

BURBANK, CA, May 19, 2011 - Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' "The Dark Knight Rises," the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy.

Leading an all-star international cast, Oscar® winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter") again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.

Returning to the main cast, Oscar® winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") reprises the role of Lucius Fox.

In helming "The Dark Knight Rises," Christopher Nolan is utilizing IMAX® cameras even more extensively than he did on "The Dark Knight," which had marked the first time ever that a major feature film was partially shot with IMAX® cameras. The results were so spectacular that the director wanted to expand the use of the large-format cameras for this film.

The screenplay for "The Dark Knight Rises" is written by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is being produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on "Batman Begins" and the record-breaking blockbuster "The Dark Knight." The executive producers are Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. "The Dark Knight" is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

Behind the scenes, "The Dark Knight Rises" reunites the director with several of his longtime collaborators, all of whom worked together on the "The Dark Knight." The creative team includes director of photography Wally Pfister, who recently won an Oscar® for his work on Nolan's "Inception"; production designer Nathan Crowley; editor Lee Smith; and Oscar®-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming ("Topsy-Turvy"). In addition, Paul Franklin and Chris Corbould, who both won Oscars® for the effects in "Inception," will supervise the visual and special effects, respectively. The music will be composed by Oscar® winner Hans Zimmer ("The Lion King").

The locations for "The Dark Knight Rises" span three continents and include the American cities of Pittsburgh, New York and Los Angeles, as well as sites in India, England and Scotland.

"The Dark Knight Rises" is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures. Slated for release on July 20, 2012, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Monday, March 28, 2011

The Empire Awards Name "Inception" Best Film

The Empire Awards are named for Empire, Britain's best-selling film magazine. The Empire Awards are voted for entirely by the British film-going public.  The 2011 Jameson Empire Awards were presented at a ceremony in London, on Sunday, March 27.

2011 Jameson Empire Awards winner:

Best Film presented by Kirin Ichiban – Inception

Best Director presented by Sony – Edgar Wright

Jameson Best Actor – Colin Firth (The King’s Speech)

Best Actress presented by Citroën – Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)

Best Newcomer – Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass)

Best Comedy – Four Lions

Best Horror – The Last Exorcism

Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Best Thriller – The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Best British Film presented by The Industry Trust – Kick-Ass

Empire Inspiration presented by HMV – Edgar Wright

Empire Hero presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey – Keira Knightley

Empire Icon – Gary Oldman

Done in 60 Seconds – 127 Hours by Maeve Stam