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Kesley Grammer Cast as 'Transformers 4' Villain
51 minutes ago
Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier", "Boss") has been cast as Harold Attinger, a counter intelligence guy and key villain in Michael Bay's Transformers 4. Grammer joins Mark Wahlberg, Brenton Thwaites, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor and Stanley Tucci in the film, which begins production in July, from a script by Ehren Kruger for a June 27, 2014 release. Picking up where Transformers: Dark of the Moon left off, the film finds the majority of the Autobots and Decepticons gone from the planet. However, a group of powerful, ingenious businessman and scientists attempt to learn from past Transformer incursions and push the boundaries of technology beyond what they can control - all while an ancient, powerful Transformer menace sets Earth in his crosshairs. Deadline »
- Brad Brevet
'Iron Man 3' (2013) Movie Review
1 hour ago
Marvel is off and running with Phase Two of their cinematic universe following the overwhelming success of The Avengers and they aren't looking to reinvent the wheel. Whereas Phase One began with Iron Man, Phase Two safely begins with Iron Man 3 and the charismatic sarcasm and wit of Robert Downey Jr., whose involvement as Tony Stark would appear to be the one constant when it comes to the more successful installments in this franchise of interwoven films. As a result, Iron Man 3 will likely be a huge box office success and hailed as one of the great comic book adaptations of all-time until it's replaced a year later by something even "better". From my perspective, it's decent, but like all the Avengers-related films before it, it feels like an episode in a very expensive network television series where one is just as memorable as the next, if at all. »
- Brad Brevet
New CinemaCon Trailer for 'The Wolverine'
4 hours ago
I don't know about you, but with Iron Man 3 and Man of Steel coming this summer I tend to forget about The Wolverine. Hell, even Bryan Singer's X-Men: Days of Future Past seems to get more press nowadays and we are only a few of months away from the film's July 26 release. Today a new trailer that played at CinemaCon has been released offering some new looks. Give it a peek and see what you think. Oh, and by the way, speaking of X-Men: Days of Future Past, below the new trailer is a picture from Bryan Singer previewing Hugh Jackman's first day on set. Hugh Jackman on the set of X-Men: Days of Future PastPhoto: Bryan Singer »
- Brad Brevet
Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Inherent Vice' Begins Filming This Month; WB Gets Involved
5 hours ago
There seems to be a dividing line when it comes to Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master as it has its strong supporters and serious detractors with a few of us scattered somewhere in the middle. However, no matter what you thought of it if you're a fan of Anderson's work you're likely already looking forward to his next film, Inherent Vice. Based on Thomas Pynchon's novel of the same name, the story follows 1960s stoner P.I. Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) who is hired by an ex-girlfriend to investigate the disappearance of her wealthy lover. As of now Phoenix is the only confirmed actor attached, though Charlize Theron has been rumored for a role, though which role is still up for question, though we may know more very soon. Today the unofficial Paul Thomas Anderson fan site Cigarettes & Red Vines reports Warner Bros. is stepping in with »
- Brad Brevet
Jesse and Celine Revisit the Train to Vienna in New 'Before Midnight' Clip
5 hours ago
No surprise, Before Midnight is my favorite film of the year so far. It was my most anticipated, is now my favorite of the first four months and you are going to get a lot more coverage on the film and the Before franchise from me in the coming month as we head toward the May 24 NY/La release. Today I have for you a clip from the film, which shows director Richard Linklater and collaborators and stars Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke lost none of what made Before Sunrise and Before Sunset so magical. Here the two walk through Greek ruins as Celine (Delpy) asks Jesse (Hawke) if he still finds her attractive and whether or not he would still get off the train with her. Get his answer by watching the clip below. »
- Brad Brevet
Do You Want John Williams to Score 'Star Wars: Episode VII'?
6 hours ago
It was revealed yesterday that J.J. Abrams believes John Williams will return to score Star Wars: Episode VII, quoted by TrekMovie saying, "For Star Wars it's very early days to know, but I believe that going forward, John Williams will be doing that film." I immediately thought to myself, Why don't they try and start fresh? You don't see them going back to the well with Man of Steel. Then I remembered this is still the same "saga" so it would only make sense to continue with Williams to maintain a certain level of continuity. If I were to make any kind of personal "wish" or "suggestion", I would love to see Abrams-regular Michael Giacchino also involved. I've liked what he's done with both of Abrams' Star Trek films, especially his use of the original "Star Trek" theme. On top of that, it wouldn't be a Star Wars movie if »
- Brad Brevet
'Walking with Dinosaurs' Trailer
7 hours ago
I'm a little confused by this first trailer for Fox's Walking with Dinosaurs considering the synopsis suggests humans are involved and there isn't a human to be seen over the course of the trailer's two-minute duration. The synopsis says the story centers on two brothers wanting to follow in there fathers footsteps, which leads to a showdown with dinosaurs in the Arctic North. So, uh, where are the two brothers? There is a second-half to the synopsis that says "an underdog dino triumphs to become a hero for the ages," which would seem to be more accurate based on what we see here so I don't know what to tell you. Of course, perhaps all we're getting here is a look at the dinosaur effects and more is to come down the pike, but it does make it hard to tell you what it's about when the trailer makes it »
- Brad Brevet
Portman and Fassbender Sign Up for Yet Another Strict Retelling of Shakespeare's Work
7 hours ago
If you listened to the podcast last Friday you heard how I ended up missing a screening of Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, but I can't say it has irked me to any great extent. Adaptations of Shakespeare's work that stick strictly to Shakespeare's language tend to irk me, recent examples being Julie Taymor's The Tempest and Ralph Fiennes' Coriolanus. Around the corner, along with Whedon's Nothing, we have Carlo Carlei's Romeo and Juliet and the adaptations are sure to continue from there as yet another has been set up in the last few days. Like the adaptations I mentioned above, Justin Kurzel's take on Shakespeare's Macbeth will be filmed in the play's original language with Natalie Portman and Michael Fassbender in the leading roles. Kurzel previously brought us the primal story of Australia's serial killer John Bunting in Snowtown (read my review here »
- Brad Brevet
Some Thoughts on Steven Soderbergh's 'State of Cinema' Speech
19 hours ago
I want to start by saying I appreciate Steven Soderbergh's passion as presented in the above "State of Cinema" speech he gave at the San Francisco Film Festival on Saturday, April 27. I watched all 30+ minutes nodding my head in agreement, finding comfort in his frustration only because it's a shared frustration with the state of cinema (and/or movies) today depending on how you want to define the two as Soderbergh himself doesn't see them as one and the same and even that, I agree. However, within all that agreeing you have to then take a step back and evaluate everything that's being said as an objective observer, which I'm happy to see Soderbergh does. His rant targets the studio system while at every turn he is able to interpret why things are the way they are. He talks about how spending $60 million to promote a $100 million film is »
- Brad Brevet
Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel are Assassins in the 'Violet & Daisy' Trailer
21 hours ago
Violet & Daisy is the directorial debut of Geoffrey Fletcher, screenwriter of Precious, and I remember when it play the Toronto Film Festival in 2011 on the very last day of the fest once pretty much everyone had already left town. As a result, virtually no one saw it and no one really talked about it. If that doesn't speak to its quality then I don't know what does. Flash forward almost two years later and Cinedigm Entertainment has picked it up and apparently will release it in theaters this June, though a specified date hasn't been announced and I doubt it will be in too many theaters. The film features Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel in the title roles as two teenage assassins who accept what they think will be a quick-and-easy job, until an unexpected target throws them off their plan. James Gandolfini, Danny Trejo and Cody Horn co-star. Today »
- Brad Brevet
'Fast & Furious 6' and Coppola's 'Twixt' in Today's MPAA Ratings
22 hours ago
A rather small update today as the only truly major title is Universal's Fast & Furious 6, which received the PG-13 we all expected and then Fox has rated Francis Ford Coppola's Twixt, which I saw at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival, but I have to assume Fox has gotten their hands on the DVD and Blu-ray rights and we may see a home video release soon, but trust me, it's not worth seeking out. Otherwise, the complete Bulletin #2270 is listed below. Becoming Redwood Rated R For some drug content. Blackfish Rated PG-13 For mature thematic elements including disturbing and violent images. Ephraim's Rescue Rated PG For thematic elements and some disturbing images. Fast & Furious 6 Rated PG-13 For intense sequences of violence and action and mayhem throughout, some sexuality and language. Release Date:May 24, 2013 Frankenstein's Army Rated R For bloody violence and grisly images, and language. Girl Meets Boy Rated R For sexual content and language. »
- Brad Brevet
Enterprise is Under Attack in New 'Star Trek Into Darkness' IMAX Poster
30 April 2013 1:45 PM, PDT
This is the last thing I'll post for about three hours or so as I am heading out the door to see Star Trek Into Darkness and isn't it appropriate the last thing I post for now has to do with that very movie. A new IMAX poster promising starship battles has just been released and I'll be damned if the Enterprise isn't dwarfed by whatever the hell ship that is chasing it. I have to say, I'm really hoping for the best with this film as it is one of my most anticipated of the year and I particularly enjoyed the first one. Can J.J. Abrams do it again? When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, »
- Brad Brevet
Ingmar and Bruce
30 April 2013 12:45 PM, PDT
I came across the above photo of Ingmar Bergman visiting the shark ("Bruce") from Steven Spielberg's Jaws and couldn't resist posting it. The photo was apparently taken by celebrity photographer John Bryson in 1975. I wasn't able to find any additional information as to the reason for Bergman's visit or even if it was during the film's shooting, but there it is. You can get a larger look at the picture by giving it a click. »
- Brad Brevet
Disney Heads to 'Downton' for New Cinderella
30 April 2013 12:11 PM, PDT
Disney announced today "Downton Abbey" and Wrath of the Titans actress Lily James will play the title role in their new live-action adaptation Cinderella with Kenneth Branagh (Thor) directing and Cate Blanchett already aboard to star as Cinderella's evil stepmother. The announcement was short, but did add that additional announcements regarding Cinderella are expected in the coming weeks. Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo) was originally attached to direct, but fell out over a want to create a darker film than Disney desired. The script was written by Aline Brosh McKenna (27 Dresses) and Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass) and while an official release date has yet to be announced, a 2014 release is expected. »
- Brad Brevet
Podcast: Soderbergh's 'State of Cinema', Laremy Saw 'Pain & Gain', Marvel Movie Talk and More
30 April 2013 12:00 PM, PDT
Today's episode is a random ensemble of ideas and topics dominate today's podcast beginning with a look at Steven Soderbergh's "State of Cinema" address, Laremy saw Pain and Gain, we slip in some Iron Man 3 conversation, your questions and voice mails, some Foreign Language titles, more games and much, much more. I want to remind you that you can call in and leave us your comments, thoughts, questions, etc. directly on our Google Voice account, which you can call and leave a message for us at (925) 526-5763, which may be even easier to remember at (925) 5-bnl-pod. Just call, leave us a voice mail and we'll add those to the show and respond directly. An alternative to that option is a new way of leaving us a voicemail directly from your computer. Just click here and no matter where you live in the world, all you need is a »
- Brad Brevet
'Silver Linings Playbook', 'Broken City' and 'Not Fade Away' This Week on DVD & Blu-ray
30 April 2013 8:00 AM, PDT
Silver Linings Playbook Silver Linings Playbook is a great movie and one well worth owning. I do wonder, however, where it will fall over the course of history. I could watch this movie at any time, starting from any moment in the film. The performances are so instantly appealing I couldn't help but want to watch more.
Broken City I had this coming out last week. I was wrong. Nevertheless, I still haven't seen it, and based on the reaction from most it doesn't seem like it's worth the effort to give it a look.
The Guilt Trip One thing writing this DVD and Blu-ray column each week does is remind me of all the films from the five to six months ago I had already forgotten even existed. Such is the case with this title and the next two.
Not Fade Away I actually saw Not Fade Away long »
- Brad Brevet
I'll Believe It When I See It
30 April 2013 7:41 AM, PDT
If you were looking for a sign as to where Hollywood has decided the future of movies exists (or if you have been walking around with blinders on for the last 15 years), Total Film is reporting Ben Trebilcook's treatment for Die Hard 4 is bring brought back to life as a potential Die Hard 6. Trebilcook's spec was discarded for a different take, which ultimately became Live Free or Die Hard and now his tentatively titled Die Hardest has gained support from A Good Day To Die Hard. consulting producer, Larry D. Webster, but is far from a sure thing. Total Film reports the story begins in New York, before moving to Tokyo, which will be the predominant location, and Trebilcook tells the site, "It is extremely faithful to the franchise and characters and is a natural progression. It's also a very plausible storyline." He also adds, "Getting Larry's support was great, »
- Brad Brevet
Sample Six Minutes of Hans Zimmer's 'Man of Steel' Score
30 April 2013 7:28 AM, PDT
It was no surprise that with Christopher Nolan producing Man of Steel that he would bring along his Inception and The Dark Knight trilogy composer Hans Zimmer to bring life to the world of Superman for director Zack Snyder just as he had done for Nolan and Batman. The score will be available on June 11, three days before the film's June 14 release and today a six-minute collection of samples from the score have come available. Directly below is a track list followed by the collection of samples. You can also preorder the score at the following links: amazon asin="B00C2U6G7C" text="Limited Edition CD" | amazon asin="B00C2U6EUG" text="Single CD" | amazon asin="B00C2U6EUG" text="MP3 Downloads" Look to the Stars Oil Rig Sent here for a Reason DNA Goodbye My Son If You Love These People Krypton's Last Terraforming Tornado »
- Brad Brevet
'Man Bites Dog' and the Dog Bites Back
29 April 2013 5:27 PM, PDT
After my review of Michael Bay's Pain & Gain (read that here) a reader by the name of Marlon Wallace keyed in on a specific line and wrote in the comments: I wonder if Brad is saying that if this movie were Not based on a true story that it would be more enjoyable. If so, I wonder what Brad's opinion is on 'Man Bites Dog' because I had similar thoughts about that movie. Specifically, when Brad wrote, "the attempted comedic beats within those blanks fall flat considering the gruesome nature of the story being told", he captured my feelings exactly. I'd actually never seen Man Bites Dog despite having it in my queue for the longest time and recently adding it to my queue at Hulu. So in response to the comment I gave it a watch over the weekend and it's a film that couldn't be more apt in today's television, »
- Brad Brevet
Colin Firth Joining Stone in Woody Allen's Next
29 April 2013 4:08 PM, PDT
Emma Stone is already lined up to star in Woody Allen's follow-up to Blue Jasmine, which hits theaters on July 26, and now reports have Colin Firth making room in his schedule as well. Word is the film will shoot in the South of France and I expect with casting taking place now that would mean shooting would begin this summer. In addition to this news, Firth is also the first to be cast in Matthew Vaughn's new film The Secret Service based on the comic from "Kick-Ass" creators, Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, The Secret Service follows a veteran secret agent who leads a young protege into the shadowy business. Deadline »
- Brad Brevet
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