Check out the first full-length trailer for Stephenie Meyer’s (THE TWILIGHT SAGA) next film, THE HOST, where Earth is occupied by a species who erase the minds of their human hosts, leaving their bodies intact. Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan) is one of the last surviving humans who fights back, risking her life for the people she cares about most – Jared (Max Irons), Ian, (Jake Abel), her brother Jamie (Chandler Canterbury) and her Uncle Jeb (William Hurt) – proving that love can conquer all.
I like that the writer of THE TERMINAL and THE TRUMAN SHOW, Andrew Niccol, is directing and writing this sci-fi movie. For those searching out a love story set in the future combined with a Bella and Edward setup, this could be the TWILIGHT/GATTACA mashup you’re looking for.
THE HOST, starring Oscar-nominated Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, Jake Abel and William Hurt, will be in theaters nationwide March 29th, 2013.
Focus World, the alternative distribution initiative owned and operated by Focus Features, has acquired U.S. rights to the riveting drama THE DEEP, directed by Baltasar Kormákur (director of this year’s Contraband and next year’s 2 Guns). The announcement was made today by Focus President Andrew Karpen. THE DEEP will be released in the first half of 2013.
THE DEEP has been selected as Iceland’s official submission for the 2013 Academy Awards, in the Best Foreign-Language Film category. Directed, produced, and co-written by Mr. Kormákur, The Deep dramatizes an astonishing true incident about the sole survivor of a downed fishing boat. An ordinary man’s will to live made him a reluctant national hero – one whose truly fearless act was to journey home. The film screened at the Mill Valley and Toronto International Film Festivals after being a box office smash in its home country. BAC Films is handling foreign sales of THE DEEP.
Mr. Kormákur most recently directed Contraband, starring Mark Wahlberg, which Universal Pictures opened in the #1 slot at the domestic box office this past January; the film was based on Reykjavik-Rotterdam, the Icelandic feature which Mr. Kormákur had previously starred in and produced. Universal will release the director’s next movie,2 Guns, starring Denzel Washington and Mr. Wahlberg, in theaters nationwide on August 16, 2013. His Icelandic films as director include Reykjavik 101, The Sea, and Jar City. Mr. Kormákur is currently developing an English-language remake of Jar City with Lava Bear Films and Furst Films; Viking, an action adventure to film in Iceland; Everest, about events on the mountain in 1996; and a film version of Halldór Laxness’ beloved, Nobel Prize-winning book Independent People. He will also direct the pilot episode of The Missionary, produced by Mr. Wahlberg. His other feature credits as a director include A Little Trip to Heaven, White Night Wedding, and Inhale.
THE DEEP was shot entirely in Iceland, much of it on the open sea, and stars Olafur Darri Olafsson, a frequent collaborator of Mr. Kormákur’s. Agnes Johansen and Mr. Kormákur, through his Blueeyes Productions, are the film’s producers, and Lilja Palmadottir and David Linde are the executive producers. The screenplay is by Jon Atli Jonasson and Mr. Kormákur, based on the former’s stage play of the same name as well as on news reportage of the events that transpired.
The deal was closed by Avy Eschenasy, Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning, Business Affairs and Acquisitions, and Kent Sanderson, Director, Alternative Content & Distribution, with WME Global.
I’ve felt letdown by Pixar Animation Studios for a long while. I embraced their early works like “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.” I enjoyed “Finding Nemo” and “Toy Story 2”. But then something happened. I can’t place my finger on exactly what. But the honeymoon ended. I felt “The Incredibles” was overrated. I found “Wall-E” to be the same, and also pretentious. Other than the wonderful and emotionally draining opening sequence, I despised “Up”. Don’t even get me started with “Cars”. Or “Cars 2”. Ugh.
With that being said, Pixar’s newest entry “Brave” continues the slide into mediocrity as one of the lesser entries in the Pixar canon. It is now available in a 5-disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition from Walt Disney Studios and Buena Vista Home Entertainment, and features a 3D Blu-ray disc, a 2D Blu-ray disc, a standard DVD disc, a disc of bonus features, and a digital copy disc for downloading the film onto your portable players.
Set in Scotland when there were still clans and kings and queens, “Brave” introduces us to Merida (Kelly McDonald), a young princess with flowing red hair. Merida prefers archery and riding around in the forest on her steed Angus, than fulfilling her role as princess. She has a strained relationship with her mother Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), and the two are constantly at each other over her getting married and fulfilling her duties to the kingdom. Merida is more of a free spirit and feels she has a destiny beyond that of her Queen Mother. She seeks the help of a witch who can change the fate that lays before her. However, as is often the case, one must be careful for what one wishes for, as that creates a big mess that Merida must spend the rest of the film trying to fix.
Ultimately, “Brave” is a mother-daughter love story. I could not connect to the characters in the film at all. I felt the script and the direction was uninspired. It is a surprisingly bland film. I did not care for the character design in the film. While I LOVED the background animations of picturesque Scotland, which are also photo-realistic, the characters looked—fake isn’t quite the word—more like odd. In a not-quite-Claymation kind of way. It bugged me.
Video: The video quality of the film as presented on disc is top-notch though. Those Scotland settings are absolutely stunning, The majestic Highlands, the sun-reflecting waterfalls, the misty forests, the gorgeous greens of the moss-covered hills—all are beautiful to look at in 1080p High Definition. And despite the flaws I have with the character designs, Merida’s pile of curly red hair is incredibly detailed and looks great as well. In the second half of the movie, when the film takes place in dark places, the black levels are excellent.
Audio: Again, top-notch. The 7.1 Dolby True HD Audio track supports clear and clean center-channel dialogue, while the surround sound doesn’t neglect more subtle noises. The haunting wisps are used to great effect here. The brawl scene and the climatic battle scene fill all of the speakers to great effect, giving an impressive panning of the soundfield, putting you right in the middle of the action.
Extras: There is an extensive amount of extras covering two discs, and there is a lot to like here. There is an audio commentary track with director Mark Andrews, co-director Steve Purcell, story supervisor Brian Larsen, and editor Nick Smith. It is an above average commentary track. They keep things interesting and moving, although director Andrews seems almost too enthused in the way he gushes about this film.
There are two short films included as extras: “La Luna”- a whimsical short that played before “Brave” in theaters, and “The Legend of Mordu”—which expands upon a backstory featured in the film. “La Luna” is pretty decent (Pixar is still creating great shorts), while “Mordu” is pretty sub-standard.
There are eight Behind-the-Scenes shorts on the Blu-ray disc which total about 50 minutes. The best is “Brave Old World” which follows the animators on a research trip to Scotland to get a sense of the land and locations that they would later use in the film. It is a beautiful and interesting doc. Another segment, titled “Merida and Elinor” explores the lead female characters with the voice cast, designers, and animators. “Bears” shows animators creating the animals featured in the film from doing zoo research and internal discussion. “Brawl in the Hall” looks at the animation and development of the comedic clash of the clans. “Wonder Moss” delves into the complex creation of the film’s background moss. “Magic” dissects “Brave’s” fairy tale roots and magical elements. “Clan Pixar” introduces the film’s artists and animators in a behind-the-scenes short filmed at Pixar Studios, where the animators would do fun Scottish activities while working on the film. And “Once Upon a Scene” offers a glimpse into various versions of “Brave’s” opening and other key scenes from the film. These shorts are all well-produced, but somewhat dry. I wish they would have been edited into a more comprehensive feature-length making-of documentary.
Other bonus features included in the set include four extended scenes, promotional pieces including theatrical trailers and shorts, an art gallery full of sketches and paintings, and an alternate opening.
Regardless of the quality of the film itself, the disc of “Brave” will go down as one of the better ones released this year. Too bad the effort was wasted on such an inferior film.
FILM QUALITY: 2 OUT OF 5 STARS VIDEO QUALITY: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS AUDIO QUALITY: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS BONUS FEATURES: 4 OUT OF 5 STARS
On the eve of a world renowned string quartet’s 25th anniversary season, their beloved cellist, Peter Mitchell (Christopher Walken), is diagnosed with the early symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. When Peter announces he wishes to make the upcoming season his last, his three colleagues find themselves at a crossroad. Competing egos and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. Robert Gelbart (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the quartet’s second violinist, announces his desire to alternate chairs with first violinist Daniel Lerner (Mark Ivanir), after years of sacrifice and peacemaking for the benefit of the group. Robert’s wife, violist Juliette Gelbart (Catherine Keener) has a particularly difficult time grappling with the tragic diagnosis, as Peter has served not only as a colleague, but as a dear father figure since childhood. When Juliette is unable to support her husband, their marriage is strained with a palpable tension that they can no longer ignore. Tossed into the maelstrom is their daughter Alexandra (Imogen Poots), a talented violinist in her own right. Like her father, she too decides to act on her desires.
As the string quartet prepares to play Opus 131 for what might be the members’ last concert together, the seven movements of the piece echo their own tumultuous journey. Writer/Director Yaron Zilberman (WATERMARKS)’s A LATE QUARTET features Christopher Walken, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Mark Ivanir and Imogen Poots.
Read Tom Stockman’s interview with director Yaron Zilberman here.
WAMG invites you to enter to win a pass (good for 2) to the screening of A LATE QUARTET on November 19 at 7PM in St. Louis.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING. 2. FILL OUT YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL ADDRESS BELOW. REAL FIRST NAME REQUIRED. 3. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION: The centerpiece of the movie is Opus 131 in C# minor, which was written a half a year before this composer passed away. Name the composer.
WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN THROUGH A RANDOM DRAWING OF QUALIFYING CONTESTANTS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PASSES WILL NOT BE SUBSTITUTED OR EXCHANGED. DUPLICATE TICKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Cinedigm has acquired North American distribution rights to writer-director Geoffrey Fletcher’s VIOLET & DAISY, which world premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. Fletcher recently earned the Cinevation Award for his work on VIOLET & DAISY at the 2012 Savannah Film Festival. Cinedigm’s theatrical distribution will commence in 2013, with subsequent roll out across on-demand, digital and DVD.
VIOLET & DAISY stars Saoirse Ronan (HANNA) and Alexis Bledel (GILMORE GIRLS) as two young, pop culture-obsessed assassins in New York City who accept what they think will be a quick and easy job until an unexpected target, played by James Gandolfini, throws their plan into chaos. The film, described by The Hollywood Reporter as “a surreal fable,” is Oscar®-winning screenwriter (PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE) Geoffrey Fletcher’s directorial debut. The film is produced by Geoffrey Fletcher, John Penotti, and Bonnie Timmermann.
“Geoffrey has once again created a uniquely profound coming-of-age story that effortlessly mixes gritty realism with pop culture fantasies,” said Vincent Scordino, Vice President of Acquisitions, Theatrical, for Cinedigm. “It’s a film that will inspire other artists, while satisfying audiences across the country through a variety of delivery platforms.”
“Cinedigm’s formidable team and innovative spirit are great for cinema and a perfect match for Violet & Daisy.” said Fletcher. “Our entire team is thrilled to be working with them.”
The filmmakers were represented in the negotiation by GreeneStreet Films and CAA, and for Cinedigm by Scordino.
In celebration of the upcoming Blu-Ray release Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2 is coming back to movie theatres nationwide on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
This not to be missed movie theatre event will feature two of the most popular Next Generation episodes, Q Who? and The Measure of a Man which will include, for the very first time, about 13 minutes of never before seen additional content.
This special event will also include exclusive looks at the extensive restoration taken to make Season 2 look better than ever before, never-before-seen interviews with the original cast members, a behind-the-scenes look at the artists who created the original FX elements and photography and a reunion with the original cast members, captured in December 2011, as they celebrate 25 years of this unforgettable series.
Set in the 24th century, The Next Generation was created by Gene Roddenberry over 20 years after the original Star Trek series. The Next Generation became the longest running series of the Star Trek franchise, consisting of 178 episodes over 7 seasons. Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2 is the first opportunity to see a transcendent digital presentation and the world premiere of the extended cut of The Measure of a Man in select movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 PM (local time).
Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Celebration of Season 2
Yahoo! Movies, (http://movies.yahoo.com) in conjunction with Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE company, will present the exclusive live webcast of the red carpet world premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” on TODAY at 4:30 pm PT on Yahoo! Movies: http://movies.yahoo.com/twilight.
Yahoo! Movies will bring fans up close to the highly anticipated final chapter of The Twilight Saga with a front row seat to all of the action as their beloved stars hit the red carpet world premiere for the film – live from Los Angeles. Produced by NowLive, the HD live stream will be the biggest production yet for a Twilight Saga premiere, featuring the most comprehensive coverage of the red carpet with 4 hosts on two interview platforms including the talent’s first stop at the main stage and a multi-camera setup with 8 cameras, including the following vantage points:
Main Stage Interview Platform
Arrivals Cam
Fashion Cam
Bird’s Eye View
Fan Cam
The live stream will showcase all of the fashion, interviews and excitement from the red carpet in real time and in HD quality picture. During the online live stream fans will have the opportunity to submit questions for the stars via Yahoo! Answers, Flickr, Twitter @yahoomovies, and Facebook (http://facebook.com/yahoomovies). In addition, the “Twilight” stars will have the opportunity to share messages with their fans as they come through the red carpet. On Twitter, the hashtag for the event is #BreakingDawnLive. The live stream will also be available on mobile phones and tablet devices.
Based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling book series that has entranced millions, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2,” marks the final chapter of one of the world’s most beloved series and biggest blockbusters. The conclusion will give fans an astonishing, surprising ending to the spellbinding tale of vampire love, boundless friendship, acceptance, and finding your true self with the characters they have come to love through “Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.”
Here’s your first look at the brand new poster for THE HOST, based on the best-selling novel by Twilight author Stephenie Meyer.THE HOST isan out-of-this-world love story set in the future, starring Oscar-nominated Saoirse Ronan, Max Irons, Jake Abel and William Hurt. The new full-length trailer debuts tomorrow morning. MTV.com caught up with Saoirse Ronan and chatted about the highly anticipated film. Check out the interview now HERE.
THE HOST hits theaters nationwide March 29th, 2013.
From Stephenie Meyer (author of THE TWILIGHT SAGA) comes THE HOST, a love story set in the future, where Earth is occupied by a species who erase the minds of their human hosts, leaving their bodies intact. Melanie Stryder (Saoirse Ronan) is one of the last surviving humans who fights back, risking her life for the people she cares about most – Jared (Max Irons), Ian, (Jake Abel), her brother Jamie (Chandler Canterbury) and her Uncle Jeb (William Hurt) – proving that love can conquer all.
Relativity Media has released the official trailer for 21 AND OVER, the insane new comedy from Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (The Hangover). This isn’t just any birthday, it’s Jeff Chang’s 21st birthday – a night to remember forever… in theory. Justin Chon (Twilight) stars alongside Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect), and Miles Teller (Footloose) in 21 AND OVER, a film that is sure to make you nostalgic for your own twisted 21st birthday adventure. Opening in theaters on March 1st, 2013 – be sure to blackout the date!
The film stars @Miles_Teller, @JustinChon, @SkylarAstin, Sarah Wright, Francois Chau, Jonathan Keltz, Daniel Booko, Dustin Ybarra.
Straight-A college student Jeff Chang has always done what’s expected of him. But when his two best friends Casey and Miller surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, he decides to do the unexpected for a change, even though his critical medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes one night of chaos, over indulgence and utter debauchery in this outrageous comedy.
21 AND OVER hits theaters March 1, 2013.
For the latest news and updates, be sure to Like the 21 AND OVERFacebook Page and follow us on Twitter
NCM® Fathom Events, More2Screen and EuroArts Music bring the magic of Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker,” to life on the big screen for the first time in stunning 3-D in select theaters with RealD™ 3D technology. “The Nutcracker Mariinsky Ballet” on Monday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., with special matinee screenings in select theaters, was pre-recorded at the historic Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg in December 2011 where the original Nutcracker first made its debut 120 years ago in 1892. This special cinematic holiday event will draw audiences into the performance on stage, taking them on a magical journey with Clara, her Nutcracker, exquisite dancers and toy soldiers.
“The Nutcracker Mariinsky Ballet” tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com . For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change). This special holiday presentation will be broadcast to more than 500 select movie theaters through NCM’s exclusiveDigital Broadcast Network and also via the new digital cinema projection systems.
The ballet opens with a Christmas Eve party and a young girl, Clara, being given a nutcracker doll by her godfather, Drosselmeyer. Later in the evening when Clara sleeps, she finds herself in the midst of the Nutcracker’s battle against the Mouse King and his army of mice. Coming to Clara’s aid, the Nutcracker is transformed into a Prince and journeys with her to an enchanted island where spectacular celebrations are held in their honor.
This production showcases the impeccable virtuosity of two of the Mariinsky Theatre’s rising stars – Alina Somova as Clara (Masha in the original Russian ballet) and Vladimir Shklyarov as the Nutcracker. EuroArts Music International filmed “The Nutcracker” in 3-D for this cinematic event.
Under the leadership of General and Artistic Director and renowned conductor, Valery Gergiev, the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg, Russia was the first ballet company to embrace 3-D technology with the theatrical release of “Giselle in 3D” in 2011, distributed worldwide by More2Screen, and NCM Fathom Events in the U.S.
“The Mariinsky Theatre is one of the world’s leading opera and ballet companies with a far–reaching global profile,” said Gergiev. “Through ground–breaking projects like ‘The Nutcracker in 3-D,’ produced to the same exacting standards for the big screen as for the stage, we are able to share our beautiful productions with many more people worldwide.”
The Mariinsky Theatre was the original home to Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” in 1892, when it made its worldwide debut, and this brand-new version in both 2-D and 3-D marks the 120th anniversary year of the ballet.
“Attending ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet each year is a long-standing holiday tradition for many families across the world,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “With Tchaikovsky’s eternally popular score, the grand staging and exquisite costumes, this Mariinsky Theatre production of ‘The Nutcracker’ in movie theaters will be a unique way to experience this beloved classic.”
