Warner Bros. Takes "Pan" on a Global Adventure

Warner Bros. Pictures Celebrates the Release of the Magical Adventure Film “Pan” by Bringing Neverland to Life Around the Globe

Fans Join the Journey with Stars Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Garrett Hedlund and Rooney Mara, Plus Director Joe Wright, at Events from Melbourne to London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York City, Mexico City and Beyond.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gearing up for the release of the big screen, family adventure “Pan,” Warner Bros. Pictures has been bringing the film’s magical world to life with exciting and unique events across the globe. Global superstar Hugh Jackman, who plays the fearsome pirate Blackbeard, along with Levi Miller, who brings the iconic title character of Peter Pan to life, and acclaimed director Joe Wright will celebrate and experience many of these exciting versions of Neverland in person with fans, and will be joined at several stops by Rooney Mara, who plays Tiger Lily, and Garrett Hedlund — Hook before the hook. This worldwide celebration will be connected via social media as fans everywhere will be invited to check in virtually at each unique “Neverland” location via Facebook and Instagram, and post their experiences using #PanMovie.

The whirlwind tour began on September 2, 2015 in Australia, the home country of both Jackman and Miller, where “Pan” will make its global debut in theatres on September 24, 2015. Melbourne students from five local public schools saw advance footage from the film, followed by a surprise Q&A with Jackman.

In London, Leicester Square is being transformed into the film’s vividly imagined Neverland, with the immersive take-over of its Gardens being opened to ticketed families for free on Saturday, September 19. Under canopies of colorful tents, guests can discover Blackbeard’s Pirate Training Tent, Pan’s Warrior Tent, Tiger Lily’s Kingdom and watch performances on the Jolly Roger Stage. On Sunday, September 20, Leicester Square will also host the gala worldwide premiere of “Pan,” at the Empire Cinema and the Odeon Leicester Square. In addition to Jackman, Miller and Wright, stars Rooney Mara and Garrett Hedlund will join the UK celebration.

In Hong Kong, from September 18 to October 11, the city’s Times Square Mall will host a massive installation entitled “Every Legend Has a Beginning.” Featuring a village inspired by Tiger Lily’s in the film, plus a Jolly Roger ship modeled after the one in Blackbeard’s fleet, the Mall will offer a multi-media experience for fans with a variety of performances and imagery from the film and fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet Jackman on Monday, September 28. On the same day, Jackman will also become the first international star ever to participate in the Chinese Mid Autumn Festival celebration in Hong Kong, the Fire Dragon Festival. As a special honor, Jackman will be asked to hold the Fire Dragon’s pearl in the parade.

On October 1, Jackman, Miller and Wright will fly to Tokyo for the film’s premiere event, streamed live online from the Roppongi Hills Area at the Keyakizaka Complex, which will be transformed from stem to stern in the style of Neverland. The stars will be joined there by major Japanese musical artist Seiko Matsuda, before heading onto the TOHO Cinemas to view the film, which opens across Japan on October 31.

New York City hosts the gala U.S. premiere on Sunday, October 4, ahead of the film’s October 9 nationwide debut. Cast and filmmakers including Jackman, Miller, Mara, Hedlund and Wright will be joined by a host of other celebrities at the legendary Ziegfeld Theater.

In Mexico City on Tuesday October 6, the trio of Jackman, Miller and Wright will attend the film’s Latin American premiere at the all-new Toreo Parque Central’s vast Cinepolis Complex. With designs inspired by the Neverland natives’ village, Mermaid Lagoon and the Jolly Roger itself, a special live drum performance will be part of one of the most spectacular premiere events ever hosted in the country. All of these iconic Neverland elements will remain at Toreo Parque Central until October 18, giving families the opportunity to visit this exhibition for 12 extra days.

As Neverland sweeps the globe, a dazzling selection of the film’s costumes will simultaneously be debuting in exhibits throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America and the U.S. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran’s creations for Jackman’s Blackbeard, Miller’s Peter, Hedlund’s Hook and Mara’s Tiger Lily will be showcased at or around the events in Hong Kong, at Times Square Mall; London; New York City; Madrid; and Mexico City. Added stops include Prague, Dubai, Athens and more, with exact locations and dates to be announced.

There will also be mall installations including Brazil, Italy, the UAE and beyond, plus an airship with the Jolly Roger hitting the skies above Germany at events in Hamburg and Frankfurt, plus many more “Pan” themed activities around the world, bringing fans closer to Neverland than ever before.

From director Joe Wright comes “Pan,” a live-action feature presenting a wholly original adventure about the beginnings of the beloved characters created by J.M. Barrie. Wright directs “Pan” from a screenplay written by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Oscar nominee Paul Webster (“Atonement”) are producing, with Tim Lewis serving as executive producer.

The film stars Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”) as Blackbeard; Garrett Hedlund as James Hook; Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) as Tiger Lily; newcomer Levi Miller as Peter; and Amanda Seyfried as Mary.

Rounding out the cast are Adeel Akhtar as Smee; Taejoo Na as Kwahu; Nonso Anozie as Bishop; Kathy Burke as Mother Barnabas; Kurt Egyiawan as Murray; Lewis MacDougall as Nibs; and Jack Charles as The Chief.

Wright’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-nominated directors of photography Seamus McGarvey (“Anna Karenina,” “Atonement”) and John Mathieson (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “Gladiator”); Oscar-nominated production designer Aline Bonetto (“A Very Long Engagement,” “Amelie”); editors Paul Tothill and William Hoy; Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran (“Anna Karenina”); and makeup and hair designer Ivana Primorac. The music is by Oscar-nominated composer John Powell (“How to Train Your Dragon”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, a Berlanti Production, a Joe Wright film, “Pan.” Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, it is set for a worldwide release in 2D and 3D.

PanMovie.com PanMovie.net

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of September 6th to 12th, 2015 - Updated #14

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From Variety:  Oscar winner A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire) has a "fatwa" issue against him.

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From Deadline:  2 people die in a plane crash on set of Tom Cruise's movie "Mena."

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From YahooMovies:  Michael Moore unveils his new film, "Where to Invade Next," at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival.

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From YahooTV:  "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new stamp collection and new ABC special.

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From Vulture:  Ronda Rousey is set to be the lead in a remake of the Patrick Swayze flick, "Road House."

---------------
From Variety:  Tom Cruise joins Doug Liman for sci-fi film, "Luna Park."

----------------
From Variety:  Christopher Nolan's next film, of which nothing is known, is due from Warner Bros. in July 2017.

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From ThePlaylist:  Jamie Foxx heads to Edgar Wright's "Baby Driver," which might not show up until 2017.

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From TheHollywoodNews:  Grammy winner Sam Smith is apparently going to sing the theme song from the upcoming James Bond film, Spectre.

---------------
From BenBussey:  Marcus Dunstan talks about his Halloween franchise re-calibration, "Halloween Returns."

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From RollingStone:  Danny Boyle says "Trainspotting 2" is his next film.

---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 9/4 to 9/6/2015 weekend box office is the religiously-themed film, "War Room," with an estimated take of $9.3 million.  In its debut weekend last week, War Room finished second to "Straight Outta Compton."  The weekend "Compton" finished second with a take of $8.8 million.

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From THR:  Hugh Jackman says that he would consider playing James Bond.

---------------
From Variety:  On Michael Fassbender as Steve Jobs in the Danny Boyle biopic.


COMICS - Movies and Books:

From ScreenRant:  15 superhero TV shows that almost were.


OBITS:

From DeadlineHollywood:  The actor, Martin Milner, has died at the age of 83.  Milner was best known for his role as "Pete Malloy" on the popular TV cop series, "Adam-12."  Milner was also known for his lead role as "Tod Stiles" on the classic series, "Route 66."

I am a big fan of "Adam-12," and discovered "Route 66" a few years ago.  I wish to express my condolences to Milner's family.  R.I.P. Martin Milner, and "End of watch, Pete Malloy."

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of August 1st to 8th, 2015 - Update #16

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From CinemaBlend:  Your bro doesn't think that you're big enough for his movies anymore, Miles Teller.

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From ThePlaylist:  "The Day the Clown Cried" is Jerry Lewis' infamous, unreleased and rarely seen Holocaust drama.  He has the only copy in existence, or he had.  The Library of Congress has it now as a gift from Lewis, but cannot show it for 10 years.

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From Variety:  Sony Pictures announce the release of 16 films over the next four years, including two "Bad Boys" films.

---------------
From SlashFilm:  Will Smith will replace Hugh Jackman in "Collateral Beauty," which will co-star Rooney Mara.

---------------
From Deadline:  More actors added to Woody Allen's next film, due in 2016.

---------------
From SlashFilm:  "The Hobbit" will return to theaters this fall with extended editions of all three films.

---------------
From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 7/31 to 8/2/15 weekend box office is "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" with an estimated haul of $56 million.

---------------
From TheWrap:  Andre Benjamin joins "American Crime" Season 2.

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From YahooSports:  Wrestler and actor "Rowdy" Roddy Piper died Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the age of 61.

From EntertainmentWeekly:  EW takes a look at Roddy's career, focusing on his turn in John Carpenter's sci-fi cult classic, They Live.  I have been a fan of his since I first saw this film. Rest in Peace, "Rowdy."

From EW:  Director John Carpenter pays tribute to his friend, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.
---------------

COMICS - Films and Books:

From YahooNews:  Doctor Strange - Marvel's "Fantasia?"

---------------
From YahooMovies:  Talk about white privilege, Josh Trank blames others for his panned Fantastic Four reboot.

---------------
From Variety:  A Deadpool teaser for the Deadpool trailer debuts ahead of the trailer's debut on "Conan" on Tuesday night, August 4, 2015.

---------------
From HuffingtonPost:  Kate Mara and Michael B. Jordan deal with rude interviewer.

From EW:  Stan Lee is quite fine with Michael B. Jordan as the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four reboot.

---------------
From SideshowCollectibles:  News on the Marvel/Netflix deal and potential schedule of series.


TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  20th Century Fox unleashed the "red band" trailer for 2016's "Deadpool."

---------------
From YouTube:  New trailer for "The Martian," directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon.

---------------
From YouTube:  A new trailer for future box office disappointment, "Hitman: Agent 47."


MISC:

From VillageVoice:  I'm glad that there is a new generation discovering the great Nile Rogers.

Warner Bros. Brings Three Tent Pole Films to 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International

Warner Bros. Pictures Reveals Superlative Line-up for This Year’s Comic-Con

The Studio gets set to hit Hall H with Fan Favorites and a few surprises

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures continues its tradition of delivering its most anticipated tentpole properties and their biggest stars to Comic-Con International: San Diego with this year’s Hall H presentation.

    “Comic-Con provides us a fantastic opportunity to interact with the fans and this year, as with every year, our aim is to surpass their expectations. We’re also thrilled to give our filmmakers and talent a chance to experience the unique energy and enthusiasm of Comic-Con.”

On Saturday, July 11, 2015 beginning at 10:30 a.m., Warner Bros. will showcase several of its upcoming feature releases and offer up a surprise or two as well.

Keen to deliver a taste of one of next year’s most eagerly awaited pairings, director Zack Snyder and stars Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill take the main stage with “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” They are joined by castmates Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter and Gal Gadot for a sneak peek at the 2016 action adventure that brings the Super Heroes together on the big screen for the very first time, from Warner Bros. Pictures and RatPac-Dune Entertainment.

From “Pan,” Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund and Peter himself, Levi Miller, together with director Joe Wright, soar into town with their high-flying adventure, coming to theaters this fall from Warner Bros. Pictures and RatPac-Dune Entertainment.

And Cavill once again takes the stage, this time with Armie Hammer, a duo with a very different dynamic in this summer’s fresh, über-stylish actioner from filmmaker Guy Ritchie, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” along with fellow stars Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Debicki.

Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, stated, “Comic-Con provides us a fantastic opportunity to interact with the fans and this year, as with every year, our aim is to surpass their expectations. We’re also thrilled to give our filmmakers and talent a chance to experience the unique energy and enthusiasm of Comic-Con.”

With “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “Pan” headlining the bill, Warner Bros. will also present some unexpected offerings that are sure to delight the crowd.


About “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”
Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter and Gal Gadot. Snyder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film is produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, a Zack Snyder film, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The film opens nationwide in 3D and 2D and in select IMAX theaters on March 25, 2016, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

About “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
Henry Cavill stars as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin in director Guy Ritchie’s action adventure “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” a fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series. Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, the film centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The film also stars Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, with Jared Harris, and Hugh Grant. The screenplay was written by Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by Jeff Kleeman & David Campbell Wilson and Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram, based on the TV series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” John Davis, Steve Clark-Hall, Wigram and Ritchie produced the film, with David Dobkin executive producing. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, a Ritchie/Wigram production, a Davis Entertainment production, a Guy Ritchie film, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film opens nationwide in theaters and IMAX on August 14, 2015.

About “Pan”
From director Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice”) comes “Pan,” a live-action feature presenting a wholly original adventure about the beginnings of the beloved characters created by J.M. Barrie. Peter is a mischievous 12-year-old boy with an irrepressible rebellious streak, but in the bleak London orphanage where he has lived his whole life those qualities do not exactly fly. Then one incredible night, Peter is whisked away from the orphanage and spirited off to a fantastical world of pirates, warriors and fairies called Neverland. There, he finds amazing adventures and fights life-or-death battles while trying to uncover the secret of his mother, who left him at the orphanage so long ago, and his rightful place in this magical land. Teamed with the warrior Tiger Lily and a new friend named James Hook, Peter must defeat the ruthless pirate Blackbeard to save Neverland and discover his true destiny—to become the hero who will forever be known as Peter Pan. The film stars Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard; Garrett Hedlund as James Hook; Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily; newcomer Levi Miller as Peter; and Amanda Seyfried as Mary. Wright directed “Pan” from a screenplay written by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Paul Webster produced the film, with Tim Lewis serving as executive producer. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, a Berlanti Production, a Joe Wright film, “Pan.” The film is set for a worldwide release in 3D and 2D on October 9, 2015. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Warner Bros.' "Pan" Changes Release Date to October 2015

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Action Adventure “Pan” is Flying High into the Fall Season

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Giving both the film and the filmmakers some extra breathing room, the opening date of Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “Pan” has been moved to fall and will begin its global launch with the new domestic release date of October 9, 2015. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “As you might expect, the fantastical story of Peter Pan involves very complex effects and I did not want to compromise on quality in finishing the film. This allows me and my team the time to complete the movie and tell the story the way it should be told.”

In making the announcement, Fellman said, “We wanted to give ‘Pan’ the space to extend its theatrical run, so taking it out of the cluttered summer season made the most sense. Moving the film to the heart of the fall will allow us more time to screen the picture, enabling us to capitalize on what we anticipate will be strong word of mouth.”

Kwan Vandenberg added, “Peter Pan is a beloved figure the world over, and the fall corridor is perfect for this epic adventure story that explores the origins of this young hero. In many markets we can take advantage of school holidays that ensure a greater opportunity for families to enjoy ‘Pan’ together.”

Director Joe Wright expressed his support for the move, noting, “As you might expect, the fantastical story of Peter Pan involves very complex effects and I did not want to compromise on quality in finishing the film. This allows me and my team the time to complete the movie and tell the story the way it should be told.”

From director Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice”) comes “Pan,” a live-action feature presenting a wholly original adventure about the beginnings of the beloved characters created by J.M. Barrie.

Peter (Levi Miller) is a mischievous 12-year-old boy with an irrepressible rebellious streak, but in the bleak London orphanage where he has lived his whole life those qualities do not exactly fly. Then one incredible night, Peter is whisked away from the orphanage and spirited off to a world of pirates, warriors and fairies called Neverland. There, he finds amazing adventures and fights life-or-death battles while trying to uncover the secret of his mother, who left him at the orphanage so long ago, and his rightful place in this magical land. Teamed with the warrior Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara) and a new friend named James Hook (Garrett Hedlund), Peter must defeat the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman) to save Neverland and discover his true destiny—to become the hero who will forever be known as Peter Pan.

Wright directed “Pan” from a screenplay written by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Oscar nominee Paul Webster (“Atonement”) are producing, with Tim Lewis serving as executive producer.

The film stars Oscar nominee Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”), Garrett Hedlund (“Inside Llewyn Davis”), Oscar nominee Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), newcomer Levi Miller, and Amanda Seyfried (“Les Misérables”). Rounding out the cast are Adeel Akhtar (“The Dictator”) as Smee; Taejoo Na (“The Kick”) as Kwahu; Nonso Anozie (“Son of God,” “Atonement”) as Bishop; Kathy Burke (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”) as Mother Barnabas; Kurt Egyiawan (“Skyfall”) as Murray; Lewis MacDougall (UK TV’s “In the Name of the Children”) as Nibs; and Jack Charles (“Mystery Road”) as The Chief.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, a Berlanti Production, a Joe Wright film, “Pan.” Filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, “Pan” is set for release in 3D and 2D in select theatres and IMAX® on October 9, 2015.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for March 29th to March 31st, 2015 - Update #8

NEWS:

From Vulture: Trevor Noah is the new host of "The Daily Show."

--------------
From YahooTV: First footage from "The Walking Dead" spinoff, "Fear the Walking Dead."

--------------
From THR: The winner of the 3/27 to 3/29/2015 weekend box office is DreamWorks Animation's Home, with an estimated take of $54 million.

--------------
From ScreenRant: CBS looking at new "Star Trek" television series.  Horay!

---------------
From EOnline:  Sacha Baron Cohen "Freddie Mercury" project back on.

---------------
From Variety:  Trevor Noah joins shortlist to replace John Stewart on "The Daily Show."

---------------
From YahooMovies:  First "Spectre" trailer - the new James Bond movie.

----------------
From YahooMovies:  According to his Instagram page, Hugh Jackman will only play Wolverine one more time.

----------------
From YahooMovies:  Simon Pegg says "Star Trek 3" will reflect the spirit of the original "Star Trek."

------------------
From Variety:  Idris Elba in talks to be the villain in "Star Trek 3."

------------------
From IGN:  An article about the "All-New, All-Different Avengers," but the comments section is the better read.


COMICS - Books and News:

From IBTimes:  Deadpool movie plot details and relation to Wolverine movies.

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From BleedingCool:  Don't call it a reboot - post Secret Wars.


MISC:

From LakersNation:  Rookie Julius Randle never lost confidence during the recovery from his injury... in part because of Kobe.

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of August 17th to August 23rd, 2014 - Update #20

NEWS:

From TheVerge:  Marvel's movie business is crushing DC's

From TheWrap:  MPAA earns ire of "R" rating for gay drama, Love is Strange.

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From HuffingtonPost:  Hugh Jackman can deadlift 400lbs.

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From Screenrant:  Jennifer Lawrence reportedly in talks to appear in Quentin Tarantino's next film, "The Hateful Eight."

From YahooHealth:  "Fat" Daphne controversy in Scooby-Doo! Frankencreepy.

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From TVLine:  Shad Moss, also known as the rapper, Bow Wow, is a cast member of the "CSI" spin-off, "CSI: Cyber," as a baby-faced hacker.

-------------------
From IMDbBlog:  FX renews "The Strain" for a second 13-episode season.  The current season gets better with each episode.

-----------------
From BuzzFlash:  Emmy winner Harry Shearer impersonates Richard Nixon preparing to resign.

-------------------
From Hello:  Jack Nicholson and his lookalike son, Ray.

-------------------
From HuffingtonPost:  Neil Patrick Harris, who is gay, talks about having sex women.

--------------------
From Variety:  The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (estimated box office take of $28.4 million) win the August 15-17, 2014 weekend box office.  This is the film's second consecutive win, having finished at #1 when it debuted during the August 8-10, 2014 weekend.  Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy finished at #2 ($24.7 million) for a second straight week, after finishing at #1 during its debut weekend.  The Expendables 3, this weekend's big debut movie, is considered a flop after ending up in third place with an estimated box office tally of $16.2 million.

From Variety:   You may have heard that a "DVD-quality" copy of The Expendables 3 ended up on the Internet a few weeks ago.  Did that affect the film's puny box office during its debut weekend?  Variety discusses that.  Here is an interesting tidbit:

However, some research suggests that piracy can take a big chunk out of ticket sales. A 2011 study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that when a film is pirated prior to release, it loses nearly 20 percent of its potential revenue.

That study can be found here.


STAR WARS:

From YahooScreen:  More Episode VII rumors (video)


COMICS BOOKS - Movies and Comics:

From WeGotThisCovered:  8 comic book movies that actually feel like comic books.

From YahooScreen:  Seven actors who almost played Batman

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From CinemaBlend:  Director Marc Webb confirms three planned members of "The Sinister Six," the Spider-Man spinoff movie.  They seem to be "The Gentleman," "Mysterio," and "Kraven the Hunter." [I'll pretend to be interested.  Well, maybe I'm a little interested.]

---------------------
From ScreenRant:  Actor Brian Patrick Wade of MTV's "Teen Wolf" well play the villain, Absorbing Man, on the upcoming season of "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

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From YahooMovies:  From the set of "Batman Vs. Superman," the mysterious green legs of Scott McNairy.

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From YahooFinance:  Another article about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson appearing in a DC Comics superhero movie - maybe playing hero Shazam and anti-hero Black Adam

From ScreenRant:  Marvel is listening to fan requests about movie... or maybe not

From CBB and Nexopia:  Zak Edwards is brilliant on the piece about diversity in American comic book publishing from the major companies.


OBIT:

From TheWrap:  Don Pardo, the announcer for "Saturday Night Live," reportedly died yesterday (Tuesday, August 19, 2014) at the age of 96.  Pardo was also the on-duty booth announcer for WNBC-TV on the day (November 22, 1963) that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated; thus, Pardo was the first to announce the shooting to NBC viewers.


MISC:

From VOX:  The geniuses behind your favorite pop songs

-------------------
From YahooFinance:  How Kobe Bryant started the current weight loss trend among NBA players like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwayne Wade, to name a few.

Negromancer New Bits and Bites: June 8 to June 14, 2014 Update #6

OBIT:

From the New York Times and Variety:  The Academy Award-nominated actress Ruby Dee died on Wednesday, June 11, 2014.  She earned her lone Oscar nomination in 2008 for her turn as the feisty mother in American Gangster.  She won an Emmy Award in 1991 for her role in the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" television movie, Decoration Day.

Dee is also best known her role as "Ruth Younger" in A Raisin in the Sun, both onstage, beginning in 1959, and in the 1961 film adaptation.  Dee often worked with her late husband, Ossie Davis, who died in 2005.  My heart is breaking, but I know Davis and Dee are together again.  Negromancer sends condolences to her family and friends.

---------------------------

MOVIE NEWS:

From Hitfix:  Jason Momao, of the 2011 Conan the Barbarian remake and of "Game of Thrones" will apparently be playing Aquaman in "Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice."

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From The Hollywood Reporter:  The Millennium Falcon apparently broke Han Solo.

-------------------------

From Shadow and Act: A talk with Supremacy director, Deon Taylor.

--------------------------

From Entertainment Weekly:  Vincent D'Onofrio will play the villain "Wilson Fisk" in Marvel TV's 13-episode series, "Daredevil," that it is producing for Netflix.  Daredevil is one of four series that Marvel is producing for Netflix.  It is also producing a spinoff of "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD," entitled, Agent Carter, which will appear on ABC.

---------------------------

From Shadow and Act:  Wanna be an extra in Don Cheadle's Miles Davis biopic?

---------------------------

From Variety: Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua are in early talks to team up for MGM's planned remake of The Magnificent Seven (which starred Steve McQueen and Yul Brenner).  Washington and Fuqua first teamed on 2001's Training Day, for which Washington won a best actor Oscar.  Their current team-up, The Equalizer (a remake of the 1980s TV series) is due this September.

----------------------------

From Moviehole: Guillermo del Toro is working on a script for a sequel to Pacific Rim with Zak Penn.

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From BuzzFeed: Hugh Jackman has shaved his head to play Blackbeard in Pan. The photo is on Jackman's Instagram account.

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Care about the 2014 / 68th annual Tony Awards?  Playbill has this article with a list of the winners, which also includes the nominees.

-------------------------------

"Tracy Morgan Crash" driver turned himself in and posted bail .  Walmart is profoundly sorry.

--------------------------------

The Fault in Our Stars has the edge over Tom Cruise at the June 6-8, 2014 box office.

--------------------------------

Marvel officially announced that Peyton Reed (Bring It On, The Break-Up, Yes Man) will direct 2015's Ant-Man movie.  Edgar Wright had been attached to the project since 2006, but recently walked away apparently due to creative differences with Marvel.  Marvel's statement from its website:

When Marvel's "Ant-Man" hits theaters July 17, 2015, director Peyton Reed will help shepherd the hero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a cast led by Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, with writer Adam McKay contributing to the film's script.

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

The Hollywood Reporter has more on the announcement, including news that Adam McKay (the Anchorman movies) will polish the script.

-------------------------------

How Seth Rogen makes movies from The Wrap.

-------------------------------

COMIC BOOKS:

From Newsarama:  Frank Miller, the man who created and worked on such highly influential and/or memorable comic books as Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil, and Sin City (to name a few), would like to work on Captain America.  Please, make it happen Marvel.

MISCELLANEOUS:

From HuffPost Science:  Girth matters... apparently more than size/length.

-------------------------------

Apparently Dwayne Johnson wants you to follow the diet and fitness routine he used to become buff for the upcoming Hercules.

Review: "X-Men: Days of Future Past" - Why So Serious?

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 28 (of 2014) by Leroy Douresseaux

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Running time:  131 minutes (2 hours, 11 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi violence and action, some suggestive material, nudity and language
DIRECTOR:  Bryan Singer
WRITERS:  Simon Kinberg; from a story by Jane Goldman, Simon Kinberg, and Matthew Vaughn 
PRODUCERS:  Hutch Parker, Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Bryan Singer
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Newton Thomas Sigel
EDITOR/COMPOSER:  John Ottman

SUPERHERO/SCI-FI/ACTION/DRAMA

Starring:  Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Peter Dinklage, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan, Halle Berry, Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Omar Sy, Daniel Cudmore, Bingbing Fan, Adan Canto, Booboo Stewart, Evan Peters, Josh Helman, and Anna Paquin

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a 2014 superhero movie from director Bryan Singer.  It is 20th Century Fox’s seventh film based Marvel Comics’ X-Men comic book franchise.  This new movie is a sequel to 2011’s X-Men: First Class and a kind of sequel to 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand.  X-Men: Days of Future Past finds the X-Men of the future sending one of their own into past in a desperate effort to change history and to prevent the destruction of the world for both humans and mutants.

The film opens (apparently) sometime in the third decade of the 21st century.  By this time, mutant-hunting machines called Sentinels have wiped out nearly all mutants and also the humans that supported them.  The last of the X-Men are about to make a desperate bid to change their apocalyptic future.  Charles Xavier/Professor X (Patrick Stewart) concocts a plan that sends the mind of Logan/The Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back into the past and into the body of his younger self in the year 1973.

In 1973, Logan must contact the younger Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and convince him that they must stop Raven/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) from committing an assassination that will lead to the creation of the Sentinels.  However, Wolverine finds that the younger Charles is a mess.  Xavier wants no part of his future self’s plan, especially when he discovers that he must cooperate with Erik Lensherr/Magneto (Michael Fassbender), his dear friend-turned-bitter enemy.

Released in 2011, X-Men: First Class was a combination prequel to the original film, X-Men (2000), and a partial reboot of the franchise.  First Class was sparkly, fun, energetic, and even a bit sexy.  X-Men: Days of Future Past is ponderous and takes both its subject matter and its plot way too seriously.  I liked the film, but I only really enjoyed certain moments and a few characters.

Jennifer Lawrence is fantastic as Mystique, making the character’s emotions, mission, and anger seem real.  Nicholas Hoult is poignant as Hank McCoy/Beast; so much of his performance is restrained.  Hoult makes the most of subtle facial expressions, and his expressive eyes convey Beast in a way that gives him weight and depth.

What this film lacks is gravitas.  Days of Future Past pretends to be important serious because it metaphorically or symbolically deals with serious and important real world issues.  However, the movie is tedious instead of being weighty in any meaningful a way.  It is as if this film has so much to cover that it almost ends up sinking under the burden of its moralizing via multiple points of view, characters, and competing timelines.

In fact, after seeing Days of Future Past, I realized that Wolverine is not particularly consequential to the plot, or at least the screenplay does not make him seem so.  For what the character does, just about any other X-Men could have made that trip into the past.  [In The X-Men comic book story, “Days of the Future Past,” upon which this movie is based, Kitty Pryde travels into the past – the year 1983.]  I read a review of this movie in which the writer said that this was a movie about Mystique and Wolverine.  In a way, this movie is indeed most about what Mystique wants, and the movie would be better off if it stayed with Mystique longer than it actually does.

Although I like it, X-Men: Days of Future Past is my least favorite X-Men movie.  I found the future Sentinels particularly scary and chilling, and Evan Peters as Quicksilver is a blast.  Of all the X-Men movies, it has the best production values and the best special effects.  It is, however, full of sound and fury, and even in the universe of X-Men movies, it does not signify much of anything.

5 of 10
B-

Saturday, May 31, 2014


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Negromancer News Bites and Bits: Saturday, May 10, 2014 - UPDATE #1

Ray Subers at Box Office Mojo wrote an interesting piece about the release-date stand off between Walt Disney Picture-Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures regarding the untitled Superman/Batman movie and "Captain America 3." The showdown is May 6, 2016.

New CSI - CSI-Cyber - from EW.com.

Roberto Orci as director of Star Trek (reboot) 3? Well, I actually like... love the reboot movies. From Collider.

More Wolverine - even more than expected - from Collider.

Warner Bros.' "Peter Pan" Begins Production Today

Production Set to Begin on Warner Bros. Pictures’ Live-Action Peter Pan Feature Film

Production rounds out cast with addition of Amanda Seyfried and others in key roles

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography will begin April 28 on Warner Bros. Pictures’ live-action Peter Pan feature from director Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice”).

Offering a new take on the origin of the classic characters created by J.M. Barrie, the film follows the story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny—to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.

The film stars Oscar® nominee Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”) as Blackbeard; Garrett Hedlund (“Inside Llewyn Davis”) as Hook; Oscar® nominee Rooney Mara (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) as Tiger Lily; Adeel Akhtar (“The Dictator”) as Smee; and newcomer Levi Miller as Peter.

Amanda Seyfried (“Les Misérables”) rounds out the cast as Mary, alongside Jack Charles (“Mystery Road”) as The Chief/Tiger Lily’s father; Taejoo Na (“The Kick”) as Kwahu; Nonso Anozie (“Son of God,” “Atonement”) as Bishop; Kathy Burke (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”) as Mother Barnabas; Kurt Egyiawan (“Skyfall”) as Murray; Lewis MacDougall (UK TV’s “In the Name of the Children”) as Nibs; and newcomer Leni Zieglmeier as Wendy Darling.

Wright is directing the as-yet-untitled Peter Pan adventure from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti, Paul Webster and Sarah Schechter are producing, with Tim Lewis serving as executive producer.

Filming will take place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. The film is set for a worldwide release on July 17, 2015.

Hugh Jackman is "Blackbeard" in Joe Wright's Peter Pan Prequel

Hugh Jackman to Star in Director Joe Wright’s Live-Action Peter Pan Feature Film

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Award® nominee Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”) has been set to star in Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming live-action Peter Pan feature for director Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice”). The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Jackman will portray the villainous Blackbeard in an all-new tale about author J.M. Barrie’s beloved character Peter Pan, the boy who would never grow up.

Silverman stated, “Hugh Jackman always delivers indelible performances that resonate with audiences. We know he will create a Blackbeard who will be a powerful presence in this original Peter Pan adventure.”

Kroll added, “There is a reason that Hugh is known and loved the world over. He is uncompromising in his dedication to every role, and we are all thrilled to be working with him again.”

Best known to audiences worldwide for his portrayal of the Wolverine, Jackman most recently wrapped production on “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” reprising his role as the conflicted Super Hero for the sixth time in that popular film franchise. In addition to an Oscar® nomination, he won a Golden Globe Award and earned a BAFTA Award nomination for his gripping performance as Jean Valjean in 2012’s “Les Misérables.” This past fall, Jackman led an all-star cast in the acclaimed dramatic thriller “Prisoners.” Also an accomplished stage actor, he received a 2004 Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical “The Boy From Oz.”

Wright will direct the as-yet-untitled Peter Pan adventure from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti and Paul Webster are serving as producers.

The film is set for a worldwide release on July 17, 2015.

Review: Fight Scenes Cut Nicely in "The Wolverine"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 50 (of 2013) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Wolverine (2013)
Running time:  126 minutes (2 hours, 6 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, some sexuality and language
DIRECTOR:  James Mangold
WRITERS:  Mark Bomback and Scott Frank (based on the characters and stories appearing in Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Hugh Jackman, Hutch Parker, and Lauren Shuler Donner
CINEMATOGRAHER: Ross Emery (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Michael McCusker
COMPOSER:  Marco Beltrami

SUPERHERO/ACTION/MARTIAL ARTS

Starring:  Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Brian Tee, Haruhiko Yamanouchi, Will Yun Lee, Ken Yamamura, and Famke Janssen

The Wolverine is a 2013 superhero movie from director James Mangold.  Starring Hugh Jackman in the title role, it is also the sixth film in the X-Men franchise.  This film is not a sequel to the previous Wolverine solo movie, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009).  In the new movie, an old acquaintance summons Wolverine to Japan, where the hero becomes embroiled in a conflict involving family, gangsters, and ninja.

Following the events depicted in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) lives as recluse in an isolated forest outside a small town in the Yukon.  He is haunted by the death of Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), whom he was forced to kill (in X-Men: The Last Stand).

A young Japanese woman named Yukio (Rila Fukushima) has been tracking Logan.  She tells him that an old friend who was once the young soldier he saved decades earlier during World War II wants to see Logan before he dies.  Once in Japan, Logan meets Ichiro Yashida (Haruhiko Yamanouchi), now a dying old man who is the head of a Japanese technology empire.  He makes Logan a shocking offer, one that forces Logan to confront his demons.  Logan considers himself through with being a soldier and a hero, until he is forced to protect Yashida’s granddaughter, Mariko (Tao Okamoto), from several kidnapping conspiracies.  Although weakened and ailing, Logan is determined to show his adversaries that he is still the animal known as The Wolverine.

Hugh Jackman has come to embody Logan/Wolverine the way Christopher Reeve embodied Clark Kent/Superman, beginning over 30 years ago in Superman: The Movie (1978).  Jackman carries The Wolverine on his broad, muscular shoulders, but given the hoopla leading up to The Wolverine’s release, one would think the film would be an all-time great superhero movie, but it is not.

Don’t get me wrong.  The Wolverine has some superb and exhilarating action sequences and fight scenes – the kind for which fans of Wolverine in comic books have been waiting.  The fight on top of a moving bullet train recalls the great battle at the end of the first Mission: Impossible movie in 1996.  This is solid entertainment, but much of the character drama seems contrived.  The screenplay by Mark Bomback and Scott Frank, who rewrote the original version written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie (who does not receive a screen credit), turns the good female supporting characters into mere accessories to Wolverine.  The mutant known as Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova) is under-utilized, so she is ultimately wasted.  Many of the male supporting characters are just caricatures of Japanese men or stock bad guys.

But Jackman saves the day.  With the help of the action stuff, Jackman makes The Wolverine the best superhero movie of Summer 2013.  Just getting a chance to see him in action makes me forget about the things in this movie that bother me.  Jackman takes what could have been merely entertaining and gives it that extra-something that only true movie stars can give.

7 of 10
B+

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Review: "Rise of the Guardians" Rises with Jack Frost

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 20 (of 2013) by Leroy Douresseaux


Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Running time: 97 minutes (1 hour, 37 minutes)
MPAA – PG for thematic elements and some mildly scary action
DIRECTOR: Peter Ramsey
WRITER: David Lindsay-Abaire (based on the book The Guardians of Childhood by William Joyce)
PRODUCERS: Nancy Bernstein and Christina Steinberg
EDITOR: Joyce Arrastia
COMPOSER: Alexandre Desplat
Golden Globe nominee

ANIMATION/FANTASY/ACTION/COMEDY/FAMILY

Starring: (voice) Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Khamani Griffin, Kamil McFadden, and Georgie Grieve

Rise of the Guardians is a 2012 3D computer-animated, fantasy film from DreamWorks Animation. The film is based on The Guardians of Childhood books series by William Joyce and is also inspired by Joyce’s animated short film, The Man in the Moon. Joyce and Guillermo del Toro are among the film’s executive producers. Rise of the Guardians is also the first big-budget, computer-animated (CG-animated) film to be directed by an African-American, Peter Ramsey.

Rise of the Guardians is apparently set 300 years after the book series. The movie focuses on a newcomer caught in a battle between immortals that protect the innocence of children and an evil spirit that launches an assault on Earth.

Tooth Fairy or Tooth (Isla Fisher) is the mythical tooth collector and Guardian of Memories. E. Aster Bunnymund or Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman) is the fabled keeper of Easter eggs and Guardian of Hope. Sandy or Sandman (who does not speak) is the Guardian of Dreams and the oldest of the Guardians. Nicholas St. North or Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin) is the Guardian of Wonder and the leader of the Guardians. The Guardians watch over the children of the world and keep them safe; the Guardians also bring wonder, hope, and dreams.

Pitch Black (Jude Law) is The Boogeyman, the essence of fear known as the Nightmare King. Pitch announces to the Guardians that he is going to destroy children’s faith in them as an act of revenge because children no longer believe in him. The Man in the Moon tells the Guardians to induct a new member, Jack Frost (Chris Pine), in time for their struggle with Pitch Black. Jack declines the offer, as he has spent centuries in isolation because children do not believe in him. However, as Pitch’s threat looms, Jack finds himself dragged into the conflict and forced to find himself and his place.

Rise of the Guardians reminds me of DreamWorks Animation’s 2010 surprise CG-animated hit, How to Train Your Dragon. Dragon had two great characters, the Viking teenager, Hiccup, and his partner, the Night Fury dragon, “Toothless.” When Dragon focuses on Hiccup and Toothless, the film soars, but everything else about the movie, from characters to plot, is inconsistent in quality.

Rise of the Guardians is similar in that aspect. Jack Frost is a truly spectacular animated character. The rest of the film, from characters to action, ranges from good to mediocre to tolerable. Pitch Black, the villain, is merely a jumped-up stage villain full of typical grudges and complaints, and Jude Law’s voice performance does little to lift the character. And what the hell was Alec Baldwin doing as Santa Claus? This film’s concept, plot, and screenplay are an exercise in ups-and-downs and hits and misses. Attempts to give the story heart and meaning sometimes seem contrived, and when the story does have depth, it occasionally comes across as sugary or even fake.

On the other hand, Jack Frost is a treasure. This is his movie and his story – the journey of a hero, and Jack’s internal dilemmas and outward struggles ring with authenticity. He is the star, and the other Guardians are his supporting cast. Chris Pine delivers his finest performance as actor… in a voiceover role, but he brings Jack Frost to life with verve and depth. Pine left me wanting more.

Director Peter Ramsey does a good job of making the action in Rise of the Guardians rise above the defects in plot and narrative. Rise of the Guardians moves like an action movie, but it is imbued with something classic Walt Disney animated films, like Cinderella and Snow White, have. That is the sense of a fantasy movie that is really like a fairy tale, filled with magic and enchantment. CG-animated films don’t really have that sense of the supernatural because, as art created largely by computers, they feel more like technological marvels, but Rise of the Guardians has that old animation magic.

It is both this sense of magic and the magical Jack Frost that help Rise of the Guardians rise high above its shortcomings.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
2013 Golden Globes, USA: 1 nomination: “Best Animated Film”

2013 Black Reel Awards: 1 nomination: “Best Director” (Peter Ramsey)

2013 Image Awards: 1 nomination: “Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture-Theatrical or Television” (Peter Ramsey)

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Filming Begins on "Prisoners," Starring Hugh Jackman

Filming Begins on Alcon Entertainment’s “Prisoners”

Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal head an outstanding cast in director Denis Villeneuve’s dramatic thriller

Principal photography is underway on location in Georgia for Alcon Entertainment’s “Prisoners,” a Warner Bros. Pictures’ release starring Oscar® nominees Hugh Jackman (“Les Misérables”) and Jake Gyllenhaal (“Brokeback Mountain”), under the direction of Denis Villeneuve, who helmed the Oscar®-nominated foreign language film “Incendies.”

How far would you go to protect your child? Keller Dover (Jackman) is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, is missing, together with her young friend, Joy, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had earlier been parked on their street. Heading the investigation, Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) arrests its driver, Alex Jones (Paul Dano), but a lack of evidence forces the only suspect’s release.

Knowing his child’s life is at stake, the frantic Dover decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. The desperate father will do whatever it takes to find the girls, but in doing so, he may lose himself, begging the question: When do you cross the line between seeking justice and becoming a vigilante?

Led by Jackman and Gyllenhaal, the dramatic thriller “Prisoners” features an all-star cast, including Maria Bello (“Beautiful Boy”) as Keller’s distraught wife, Grace; Oscar® nominees Terrence Howard (“Hustle & Flow”) and Viola Davis (“The Help,” “Doubt”) as Franklin and Nancy Birch, whose daughter Joy went missing with the Dovers’; Academy Award® winner Melissa Leo (“The Fighter”) as Alex Jones’ Aunt Holly; and Paul Dano (“Looper”) as Alex Jones.

Denis Villeneuve directs the film from an original screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski (“Contraband”). Kira Davis, Adam Kolbrenner, and Academy Award® nominees Broderick Johnson and Andrew A. Kosove (“The Blind Side”) are the producers, with John Starke, Ed McDonnell, Stephen Levinson, Robyn Meisinger and Mark Wahlberg serving as executive producers.

Villeneuve is supported by a top-flight creative team that includes 10-time Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (“Skyfall”), Oscar®-nominated production designer Patrice Vermette (“The Young Victoria”), Oscar®-winning editor Joel Cox (“Unforgiven”), editor Gary Roach (“J. Edgar”), and costume designer Renée April (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”).

Alcon Entertainment’s “Prisoners” is scheduled for release on September 20, 2013, and will be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

2013 Golden Globe Award Winners - Complete List

The Golden Globe "Best Picture" awards for the year 2012 went to Argo (drama) and Les Misérables (musical or comedy).  In the television categories, the winners are “Homeland” (drama),"Girls" (musical or comedy), and Game Change (mini-series or made-for-TV movie)..

The Golden Globe Award is a movie accolade bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). The award recognizes excellence in both film and television. The annual awards ceremony is a major part of the film industry’s award season.

The 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards winners were announced on Sunday, January 13, 2013, broadcast at 8pm ET/5pm PT on NBC.

The 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards winners (for the film and television year of 2012):

Best Motion Picture - Drama
Argo

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Les Misérables

Best Director - Motion Picture
Ben Affleck for Argo

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama
Jessica Chastain for Zero Dark Thirty

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Hugh Jackman for Les Misérables

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
Jennifer Lawrence for Silver Linings Playbook

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Christoph Waltz for Django Unchained

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Anne Hathaway for Les Misérables

Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
Django Unchained: Quentin Tarantino

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
Skyfall: Adele, Paul Epworth ("Skyfall")

Best Original Score - Motion Picture
Life of Pi: Mychael Danna

Best Animated Film
Brave

Best Foreign Language Film
Amour (from Austria)

Best Television Series - Drama
"Homeland"

Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy
"Girls"

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Game Change

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama
Damian Lewis for "Homeland"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
Claire Danes for "Homeland"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
Don Cheadle for "House of Lies"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy
Lena Dunham for "Girls"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Kevin Costner for "Hatfields & McCoys"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television
Julianne Moore for Game Change

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Ed Harris for Game Change

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Maggie Smith for "Downton Abbey"

“Cecil B. DeMille Award” (for career achievement)
Jodie Foster

2013 Oscar Nominations: "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:

Bradley Cooper for Silver Linings Playbook

Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln

Hugh Jackman for Les Misérables

Joaquin Phoenix for The Master

Denzel Washington for Flight  

2012 Satellite Awards Honor "Silver Linings Playbook"

The International Press Academy (IPA) chose Silver Linings Playbook as the "Best Film of 2012."  The IPA is an entertainment media association with voting members worldwide who represent domestic and foreign markets via print, television, radio, blogs, and other content platforms for virtually every notable outlet.

Each year the IPA honors artistic excellence in the areas of Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, and New Media via the Satellite® Awards.

Complete List of 2012 Satellite Award Winners and Nominees (Announced December 16, 2012):

MOTION PICTURES CATEGORIES

Motion Picture
Silver Linings Playbook, The Weinstein Co. WINNER

Argo, Warner Bros.
Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Les Miserables, Universal
Skyfall, Columbia Pictures
Moonrise Kingdom, Focus Features
The Sessions, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Lincoln, DreamWorks/Touchstone
Life of Pi, Twentieth Century Fox
Zero Dark Thirty, Columbia Pictures

Director
David O. Russell for Silver Linings Playbook, The Weinstein Co. WINNER

Ben Affleck for Argo, Warner Bros.
Kim Ki-Duk for Pieta, Drafthouse Films
Ben Lewin for The Sessions, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Steven Spielberg for Lincoln, DreamWorks/Touchstone
Kathryn Bigelow for Zero Dark Thirty, Columbia Pictures

Actress in a Motion Picture
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook, The Weinstein Co. WINNER

Emilie Dequenne, Our Children, Versus Production
Keira Knightley, Anna Karenina, Focus Features
Emmanuelle, Riva Amour, Sony Pictures Classics
Laura Birn, Purge, Solar Films
Laura Linney, Hyde Park on Hudson, Focus Features
Jessica Chastain Zero Dark Thirty, Columbia Pictures

Actor in a Motion Picture
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook, The Weinstein Co. WINNER

John Hawkes, The Sessions, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Omar Sy, The Intouchables, The Weinstein Co.
Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables, Universal
Joaquin Phoenix, The Master, The Weinstein Co.
Denzel Washington, Flight, Paramount Pictures
Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln, DreamWorks/Touchstone

Actress in a Supporting Role
Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables, Universal WINNER

Amy Adams, The Master, The Weinstein Co.
Helene Florent, Cafe De Flore, Adopt Films
Helen Hunt, The Sessions, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Judi Dench, Skyfall, Columbia Pictures
Samantha Barks, Les Miserables, Universal

Actor in a Supporting Role
Javier Bardem, Skyfall, Columbia Pictures WINNER

Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master, The Weinstein Co.
Robert De Niro, Silver Linings Playbook, The Weinstein Co.
John Goodman, Flight, Paramount Pictures
Tommy Lee Jones, Lincoln, DreamWorks/Touchstone
Eddie Redmayne, Les Miserables, Universal

Motion Picture, International Film
The Intouchables, The Weinstein Co. (France) WINNER

Amour, Sony Pictures Classics (Austria)
A Royal Affair, Magnolia Pictures (Denmark)
Our Children, Le Films Du Losange (Belgium)
Kon-Tiki, The Weinstein Co. (Norway)
Pieta, Drafthouse Films (South Korea)
Beyond the Hills, Sundance Selects (Romania)
War Witch, Tribeca Film (Canada)
Caesar Must Die, Adopt Film (Italy)

Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media
Rise of the Guardians, DreamWorks Animation WINNER

ParaNorman, Focus Features
Wreck-It Ralph, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Brave, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift, Twentieth Century Fox Animation
Frankenweenie, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, DreamWorks Animation

Motion Picture, Documentary
Chasing Ice, National Geographic WINNER

The Central Park Five, Sundance Selects
The Pruitt-Igoe, Myth First Run Features
The Gatekeepers, Sony Pictures Classics
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, Sundance Selects
West of Memphis, Sony Pictures Classics
Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present, Music Box Films
Searching for Sugar Man, Sony Pictures Classics

Original Screenplay
Mark Boal - Zero Dark Thirty, Columbia Pictures WINNER

Eric Toledano, Olivier Nakache - The Intouchables, The Weinstein Co.
John Gatins - Flight, Paramount Pictures
Kim Ki-Duk - Pieta, Drafthouse Films
Roman Coppola, Wes Anderson - Moonrise Kingdom, Focus Features
Paul Thomas Anderson - The Master, The Weinstein Co.

Adapted Screenplay
David Magee - Life of Pi; Twentieth Century Fox (Based on the Novel by Yann Martel) WINNER

• Ben Lewin - The Sessions; Fox Searchlight Pictures (Based on documentary Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O’Brien, Directed by Jessica Yu)

• Tony Kushner, John Logan, Paul Webb – Lincoln; DreamWorks/Touchstone (Based on Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin)

• Chris Terrio – Argo; Warner Bros. (Based on magazine article “Escape From Tehran” by Joshuah Berman)

• Tom Stoppard - Anna Karenina; Focus Features (Based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy)

• David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook, The Weinstein Co. (Based on the novel by Matthew Quick)

Original Score (Composer, Film)
Alexandre Desplat for Argo, Warner Bros. WINNER

Dario Marianelli for Anna Karenina, Focus Features
Thomas Newman for Skyfall, Columbia Pictures
Jonny Greenwood for The Master, The Weinstein Co.
John Williams for Lincoln, DreamWorks/Touchstone
Dan Romer, Benh Zeitlin for Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fox Searchlight Pictures

Original Song (Title, Performer, Writer(s), Film)
"Suddenly, " Hugh Jackman, Alain Boubil, Herbert Kretzmer, from Les Miserables WINNER

• "Learn Me Right, " Birdy Birdy & Mumford and Sons, Mumford and Sons, from Brave

• "Still Alive, " Paul Williams, Paul Williams, Paul Williams: from Still Alive

• "Skyfall, " Adele, Adele Adkins, Paul Epworth, from Skyfall

• "Fire in the Blood/Snake Song, " Emmylou Harris, Emmylou Harris, Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, from Lawless

• "Love Always Comes as a Surprise." Peter Asher, Peter Asher & Dave Stewart, from Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

Cinematography
Claudio Miranda, for Life of Pi, Twentieth Century Fox WINNER

Ben Richardson, for Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Mihai Malaimare Jr., for The Master, The Weinstein Co.
Janusz Kaminski, for Lincoln, DreamWorks/Touchstone
Roger Deakins, for Skyfall, Columbia Pictures
Seamus McGarvey, for Anna Karenina, Focus Features

Visual Effects
Michael Lantieri, Kevin Baillie, Ryan Tudhope, Jim Gibbs, for Flight, Paramount Pictures WINNER

• Steve Begg, Arundi Asregadoo, Andrew Whitehurst, for Skyfall, Columbia Pictures

• Richard Stammers, Charley Henley, Martin Hill, for Prometheus, Twentieth Century Fox

• Bill Westenhofer, for Life of Pi, Twentieth Century Fox

• Dan Glass, Geoffrey Hancock, Stephane Ceretti, for Cloud Atlas, Warner Bros.

• Chris Corbould, Paul Franklin, for The Dark Knight Rises, Warner Bros.

Film Editing
Jay Cassidy, for Silver Linings Playbook, The Weinstein Co. WINNER

Lisa Bromwell, for The Sessions, Fox Searchlight Pictures
Jeremiah O’Driscoll, for Flight, Paramount Pictures
Dylan Tichenor, for Zero Dark Thirty, Columbia Pictures
Alexander Berner, for Cloud Atlas, Warner Bros
Chris Dickens, for Les Miserables, Universal

Sound (Editing and Mixing)
John Warhurst, Lee Walpole, Simon Hayes, for Les Miserables, Universal WINNER

• Dennis Leonard, Randy Thom, for Flight, Paramount Pictures

• Craig Henighan, Chris Munro, for Snow White & The Huntsman, Universal

• Baard H. Ingebretsen, Tormod Ringes, for Kon-Tiki, The Weinstein Co.

• Drew Kunin, Eugene Gearty, Philip Stockton, for Life of Pi, Twentieth Century Fox

• Victor Ray Ennis, Ann Scibelli, John Cucci, Mark P. Stoeckinger for Prometheus Twentieth Century Fox

Art Direction & Production Design
Rick Carter, Curt Beech, David Crank, Leslie McDonald, for Lincoln, DreamWorks/Touchstone WINNER

• Nathan Crowley, Kevin Kavanaugh, James Hambidge, Naaman Marshall, for The Dark Knight Rises, Warner Bros.

• Niels Sejer, for A Royal Affair, Magnolia Pictures

• David Crank, Jack Fisk, for The Master, The Weinstein Co.

• Sarah Greenwood, Niall Moroney, Thomas Brown, Nick Gottschalk, Tom Still, for Anna Karenina, Focus Features

• Eve Stewart, Anna Lynch-Robinson, for Les Miserables, Universal

Costume Design
Manon Rasmussen for A Royal Affair, Magnolia Pictures WINNER

Colleen Atwood for Snow White & The Huntsman, Universal
Christian Gasc, Valerie Ranchoux, for Farewell, My Queen, Cohen Media Group
Jacqueline Durran, for Anna Karenina, Focus Features
Kym Barrett, Pierre-Yves Gayraud, for Cloud Atlas, Warner Bros
Paco Delgado, for Les Miserables, Universal


SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Mary Pickford Award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to the Entertainment Industry: Terence Stamp

Nikola Tesla Award In Recognition of Visionary Achievement in Filmmaking Technology: Walter Murch

Auteur Award: Paul Williams

Honorary Satellite Award: Bruce Davison

Newcomer Award: Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild

Best Ensemble, Motion Picture: Les Miserables

William Joyce Talks "Rise of the Guardians"

Academy Award® Winner William Joyce Shares His Story on DreamWorks Animation’s “Rise of the Guardians” 3D Animated Film

The Guardians -- Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Sandman and Jack Frost Emerge from Print onto the Big Screen in Theatres Across the Globe

SHREVEPORT, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the opening day of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: DWA) much-anticipated “Rise of the Guardians”, William Joyce, an Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and #1 New York Times best-selling author, today shared why he chose DreamWorks Animation to bring his characters to life, what inspired him to write the epic adventure and his role with the film overall.

“Rise of the Guardians,” which features the voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law Isla Fisher and Hugh Jackman, tells the story of a group of heroes – Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, and Jack Frost – each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.

Joyce began his relationship with DreamWorks Animation several years ago after receiving a tremendous amount of interest from Hollywood studios to adapt his books into a feature film. His choice was easy. The author and the studio shared the same vision: neither wanted a traditional adaptation of the book into a movie form. Rather, they wanted to create a unique story featuring the same characters, but set 200 years after the version of events laid out in Joyce’s best-selling Simon & Schuster Guardians of Childhood book series.

“I wanted to set up the world in the books and then show how they deal with their lives in the movie when their ancient enemy returns in Rise of the Guardians,” said William Joyce, creator of The Guardians series and an executive producer of the film. “I didn’t want to be stuck trying to be true to something we’d already done. No studio in town wanted to do both the books and movies this way. DreamWorks Animation was the only studio who liked the idea of them being separate. They liked the idea that the audience would have a surprise narrative they would be experiencing for the first time. Director Peter Ramsey shared my vision and helped transform the Guardians from books to the big screen.”

“Bill Joyce is a master storyteller and the mythology that he created in his book series has inspired our creative team at DreamWorks Animation,” said Bill Damaschke, chief creative officer at DreamWorks Animation. “There is perhaps no more collaborative medium than the art of animation and we are thrilled to have had the unique opportunity to work closely with Bill Joyce to bring the individual stories of the Guardians together for the first time on the big screen.”

Joyce plans to write 13 books in his series, including picture books and novels that tell the story of these classic childhood heroes. The movie is really just one moment in a much larger narrative that Joyce is shaping. William Joyce’s daughter Mary Katherine inspired him to do the series when she asked if Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny knew each other. This question sparked his creativity which became the common thread of the book series and central theme behind the animated film. He hopes these stories will speak to children of all ages who are trying to make sense of the characters.

Joyce added, “My vision is to explain the mythology for these classic characters in picture, film and story form. This movie is just the beginning.”


About Dreamworks Animation
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 24 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. The Company's theatrical releases for the current year are Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted on June 8, 2012 and Rise of the Guardians on November 21, 2012.

About William Joyce
William Joyce has achieved world-wide recognition as an author, illustrator and pioneer in the digital and animation industry. In February 2012, he won an Academy Award for “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” an animated short film about the curative powers of story. Working with his team at Moonbot Studios, Joyce also created two best-selling, interactive iOS Apps, “Morris Lessmore” and “The Numberlys.” In past two years, he has also written seven hard copy Simon & Schuster children’s books including “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” “The Man in the Moon,” “The Guardians of Childhood,” “The Sandman: Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie, "Toothania: Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies," “Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King,” “E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth’s Core!” Named by Newsweek magazine as “One of the 100 people to watch in the new millennium”, Joyce has been heavily involved in the world of digital animation from its full-scale inception at Pixar Animation. His projects have been produced by nearly every major film studio including Disney, 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Animation. His feature films and television shows include the films Robots and Meet the Robinsons and the television series Rolie Polie Olie for which he won three Emmy Awards.

Joyce was an executive producer of the animated feature, “Rise of the Guardians,” for DreamWorks. Additionally, he is the writer, producer, and production designer on the Fox Studios feature film, Epic, based on his book The Leaf Men. Epic is scheduled for a summer 2013 release. The combined box office total of the films he has originated or been an integral part of is close to a billion dollars. All five of his feature films have earned over $100 million worldwide. Both of his television series achieved worldwide status, the rarest and most difficulty level of achievement in broadcast television.

New "Rise of the Guardians" Poster Revealed

Here is a new poster from DreamWorks Animation's latest 3D computer-animated flick, Rise of the Guardians (to be distributed by Paramount Pictures).  Due November 21, 2012, the film stars the voice acting talents of Chris Pine, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, and Dakota Goyo.