When’s the last time you heard a TV theme that you could hum, sing along with… and remember? If you don’t have Disney Plus, it was probably decades ago. But if you’ve been watching “WandaVision,” you’ve been treated to lighthearted theme songs that sound like they might have been penned 30, 40 or even 50 years in the past.
“WandaVision,” a nine-episode series halfway through its run on the streaming service, bridges the events of Marvel’s “Avengers” movies with the next “Doctor Strange” film by dropping the mystical Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and the android Vision (Paul Bettany) into an idealized suburban environment that has revealed itself to be more complex and sinister than it appears.
Most episodes open with a fun theme that harks back to an earlier era of sitcom songs, echoing “The Dick Van Dyke Show” or “Bewitched” or “The Brady Bunch,” all courtesy of...
“WandaVision,” a nine-episode series halfway through its run on the streaming service, bridges the events of Marvel’s “Avengers” movies with the next “Doctor Strange” film by dropping the mystical Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and the android Vision (Paul Bettany) into an idealized suburban environment that has revealed itself to be more complex and sinister than it appears.
Most episodes open with a fun theme that harks back to an earlier era of sitcom songs, echoing “The Dick Van Dyke Show” or “Bewitched” or “The Brady Bunch,” all courtesy of...
- 2/12/2021
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Michael Daniel, Rachel Johnson, Aurora Lowe, Gabe Nicholson, June Peterson, Wendy Taylor | Written and Directed by Jordan Graham
In very basic terms, Sator could be described as either a ‘cabin in the woods’-style horror movie or even a ghost story but both of these short sub genre descriptions would be pretty far off the mark and give you no idea about what the movie actually is. Even blending those two styles together doesn’t detail what Sator is. So what exactly is it then?
It does involve an individual that has isolated himself from the world and yes he lives in a cabin in the woods. This man, Adam, has a grandmother who for her whole life has listened to a spirit named Sator. This spirit is now entering Adam’s life in different ways and seems to be becoming malevolent and very much upsetting his life.
There...
In very basic terms, Sator could be described as either a ‘cabin in the woods’-style horror movie or even a ghost story but both of these short sub genre descriptions would be pretty far off the mark and give you no idea about what the movie actually is. Even blending those two styles together doesn’t detail what Sator is. So what exactly is it then?
It does involve an individual that has isolated himself from the world and yes he lives in a cabin in the woods. This man, Adam, has a grandmother who for her whole life has listened to a spirit named Sator. This spirit is now entering Adam’s life in different ways and seems to be becoming malevolent and very much upsetting his life.
There...
- 2/10/2021
- by Alain Elliott
- Nerdly
Robots may have a long history of starring in movies but there is still some way to go before they make their presence felt as scriptwriters, according to researchers.
At next week’s Screen Forever conference, Associate Professor in Applied Mathematics at The University of Adelaide Dr Lewis Mitchell will share his findings that show the potential of AI to be used in the development process of scripts to tell original stories and predict box office success.
Speaking ahead of the session, dubbed ‘Can Robots Write Successful Movie Scripts?’ Dr Mitchell tells If while AI can currently generate ideas, human nuance is still required when it comes to putting together a story.
“We’ve found the AIs can construct correct sentences and put words together but they don’t have the idea of the long-term arc of a story yet,” he says.
“In the session, we talk about how AI...
At next week’s Screen Forever conference, Associate Professor in Applied Mathematics at The University of Adelaide Dr Lewis Mitchell will share his findings that show the potential of AI to be used in the development process of scripts to tell original stories and predict box office success.
Speaking ahead of the session, dubbed ‘Can Robots Write Successful Movie Scripts?’ Dr Mitchell tells If while AI can currently generate ideas, human nuance is still required when it comes to putting together a story.
“We’ve found the AIs can construct correct sentences and put words together but they don’t have the idea of the long-term arc of a story yet,” he says.
“In the session, we talk about how AI...
- 2/9/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Disney's Frozen just helped solve a 62-year old Russian cold case. The Dyatlov Pass incident involved nine Russian hikers who mysteriously died in the northern Ural Mountains, aka "Dead Mountain," in 1959. Over the years, there have been several theories about how the men, who were all experienced hikers, passed away. Animal attacks and an avalanche were the main theories that were tossed around over the years. In 2019, it was proven to be an avalanche that killed the men, though some were still skeptical that an avalanche could have inflicted the varying amounts of trauma that the men suffered.
Soviet authorities were able to determine that six of the men had died from hypothermia while the other three had been killed by different amounts of physical trauma. According to National Geographic, "Many argued that the avalanche theory, initially proposed in 1959, still didn't seem to stack up." For one, the team's tent...
Soviet authorities were able to determine that six of the men had died from hypothermia while the other three had been killed by different amounts of physical trauma. According to National Geographic, "Many argued that the avalanche theory, initially proposed in 1959, still didn't seem to stack up." For one, the team's tent...
- 2/3/2021
- by Kevin Burwick
- MovieWeb
The Dyatlov Pass incident has inspired countless theories over the last 62 years regarding the deaths of nine Russian hikers who set out on a 200-mile trek through Russia’s Ural Mountains in the winter of 1959. According to National Geographic (citing the journal Communications Earth and Environment), engineers recently relied on animation codes that Disney used on its Oscar-winning blockbuster “Frozen” to prove a longstanding theory that an avalanche resulted in the deaths of the nine hikers. While researchers concluded in 2019 that an avalanche killed the hikers, the Dyatlov Pass incident continued to provoke theories.
Per National Geographic: “Many argued that the avalanche theory, initially proposed in 1959, still didn’t seem to stack up: The team’s tent encampment was cut into the snow on a slope with an incline seemingly too mild to permit an avalanche. There was no snowfall on the night of February 1 that could have increased the...
Per National Geographic: “Many argued that the avalanche theory, initially proposed in 1959, still didn’t seem to stack up: The team’s tent encampment was cut into the snow on a slope with an incline seemingly too mild to permit an avalanche. There was no snowfall on the night of February 1 that could have increased the...
- 2/2/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu is reportedly set to adapt the record-breaking musical Wicked into a movie for Universal Pictures. After 17 years on Broadway, Deadline is now reporting that Wicked is getting the movie treatment with Marc Platt producing under his Universal-based banner Marc Platt Productions. The outlet also reports that Chu is on board to direct, but this hasn't been officially confirmed by the filmmaker or the studio.
Jon M. Chu boarding Wicked is said to be the result of a case of great timing for both sides. Previously, Chu was attached to the Willow TV series that's in the works at Disney+, but he was forced to depart the project after its production kept getting pushed back. Around the same time, Stephen Daldry left the Wicked movie after he had previously signed on to direct. These events left the door wide open for Chu to...
Jon M. Chu boarding Wicked is said to be the result of a case of great timing for both sides. Previously, Chu was attached to the Willow TV series that's in the works at Disney+, but he was forced to depart the project after its production kept getting pushed back. Around the same time, Stephen Daldry left the Wicked movie after he had previously signed on to direct. These events left the door wide open for Chu to...
- 2/2/2021
- by Jeremy Dick
- MovieWeb
What’s a classic TV sitcom without a catchy theme song?
While Marvel’s first TV effort, WandaVision, is not a classic (yet) nor a sitcom, it does seek to lovingly recreate beloved TV legends like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, and more. And to that end, it’s brought in a pair of songwriting titans to pen some irrepressible jingles.
Before breaking the pattern in the world-expanding fourth episode, WandaVision’s first three episodes were each accompanied by a new tune to play over the opening credits. Each of these theme songs closely mirror the style of that episode’s respective decade. The first is a sunny ‘50s number featuring lyrics like “She’s a magical gal in a small town locale. He’s a hubby who’s part machine.” The second is a largely lyric-less take on the bubbly Bewitched opener. The third is a very expository ‘70s tune.
While Marvel’s first TV effort, WandaVision, is not a classic (yet) nor a sitcom, it does seek to lovingly recreate beloved TV legends like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bewitched, The Brady Bunch, and more. And to that end, it’s brought in a pair of songwriting titans to pen some irrepressible jingles.
Before breaking the pattern in the world-expanding fourth episode, WandaVision’s first three episodes were each accompanied by a new tune to play over the opening credits. Each of these theme songs closely mirror the style of that episode’s respective decade. The first is a sunny ‘50s number featuring lyrics like “She’s a magical gal in a small town locale. He’s a hubby who’s part machine.” The second is a largely lyric-less take on the bubbly Bewitched opener. The third is a very expository ‘70s tune.
- 2/2/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
A vintage 70's movie set in the heart of Paris, Disney's The Aristocats is filled with romantic vibes channeled not only by the set of this city but also for the cute little characters who warm viewers' hearts, each in their own way. When a kind and wealthy matriarch wills her entire estate to her beloved high-society cat squad, which includes the Duchess and her three kittens, her butler gets jealous and tries to get rid of these animals to try to win the old lady's preference of choice.
Related: Disney: 5 Saddest (& 5 Funniest) Moments In Frozen
This is the premise of the adventures that follow the film after Edgar (the butler) shamefully packs the cats in a basket and abandons them near a river in the countryside. A Disney classic that is brimming with a few sad moments... But also fun scenes!
Related: Disney: 5 Saddest (& 5 Funniest) Moments In Frozen
This is the premise of the adventures that follow the film after Edgar (the butler) shamefully packs the cats in a basket and abandons them near a river in the countryside. A Disney classic that is brimming with a few sad moments... But also fun scenes!
- 1/31/2021
- ScreenRant
Revelations that Canadian director Michelle Latimer’s self-proclaimed Indigenous roots may be nonexistent — an inconvenient truth that led to her film “Inconvenient Indian” being pulled from Sundance — have become a rallying cry for the global Indigenous film collective that the festival and its institute have been fostering for years.
Throughout this community, which spans North and Latin America across the Arctic to New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and beyond, the basic tenet has been that Indigenous cinema is “about telling our own stories, compared with the long tradition of colonial history where everybody else has been telling our story,” says Anne Lajla Utsi, managing director of the International Sámi Film Institute in Kautokeino, Norway.
The Sámi are an Indigenous people with a population of about 100,000 spread across Norway, Sweden, Finland and northern Russia; they have a traditional song form called yoik. The group has been making its mark on the film circuit,...
Throughout this community, which spans North and Latin America across the Arctic to New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and beyond, the basic tenet has been that Indigenous cinema is “about telling our own stories, compared with the long tradition of colonial history where everybody else has been telling our story,” says Anne Lajla Utsi, managing director of the International Sámi Film Institute in Kautokeino, Norway.
The Sámi are an Indigenous people with a population of about 100,000 spread across Norway, Sweden, Finland and northern Russia; they have a traditional song form called yoik. The group has been making its mark on the film circuit,...
- 1/28/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Five years after reaping an Best Animated Feature bid at the Oscars for “Shaun the Sheep Movie,” Aardman Animations returns to the race with the sequel “Farmageddon.” The film was released in the UK in 2019 and contended at the BAFTAs last spring. Netflix has streamed the film stateside and it is well-positioned to number among this year’s five nominees at the Academy Awards.
Fans of the stop-motion style of animation know that Aardman is a leader in the field: it has earned eight nominations for Best Animated Short and won that Oscar three times. And the British studio pulled off a big upset at the Academy Awards in 2006 with a win for “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” over another stop-motion film “Corpse Bride” and the Japanese anime entry “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
“Shaun the Sheep Movie” lost its Oscar race to the Pixar pic “Inside Out.” That...
Fans of the stop-motion style of animation know that Aardman is a leader in the field: it has earned eight nominations for Best Animated Short and won that Oscar three times. And the British studio pulled off a big upset at the Academy Awards in 2006 with a win for “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” over another stop-motion film “Corpse Bride” and the Japanese anime entry “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
“Shaun the Sheep Movie” lost its Oscar race to the Pixar pic “Inside Out.” That...
- 1/28/2021
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Rock band and three-time Grammy Award nominees Haim will write the original music for a new animated feature for Netflix called ‘The Witch Boy.”
Minkyu Lee, who is Oscar-nominated for his animated short “Adam and Dog,” will direct “The Witch Boy” based on the best-selling graphic novel series of the same name by Molly Knox Ostertag.
“The Witch Boy” is set in a secret, magical community where girls are born to be witches and boys grow into shapeshifters. But one boy, Aster, is surprised to discover his emerging and extraordinary witch powers. When a mysterious danger threatens his world, Aster must embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind himself, his powers and everything that is magical.
Maria Melnik wrote the screenplay. Vertigo Entertainment is producing the film, along with Roy Lee, Miri Yoon and Ryan Harris.
“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to create an animated...
Minkyu Lee, who is Oscar-nominated for his animated short “Adam and Dog,” will direct “The Witch Boy” based on the best-selling graphic novel series of the same name by Molly Knox Ostertag.
“The Witch Boy” is set in a secret, magical community where girls are born to be witches and boys grow into shapeshifters. But one boy, Aster, is surprised to discover his emerging and extraordinary witch powers. When a mysterious danger threatens his world, Aster must embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind himself, his powers and everything that is magical.
Maria Melnik wrote the screenplay. Vertigo Entertainment is producing the film, along with Roy Lee, Miri Yoon and Ryan Harris.
“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to create an animated...
- 1/28/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Most Disney princess movies featured one princess as the main character, but this isn’t the case with the Frozen films. The movies are about two very different sisters, and this means that fans are going to have their favorite of the two.
Related: 10 Things You Missed About Frozen 2 From The Documentary Into The Unknown
While some people relate more to Elsa and her magical ice powers and reserved personality, others relate more to Anna and her extroverted personality and more understated bravery. However, the great thing about the movies is that they focus on the importance of the bond between the sisters and give fans a relationship to enjoy that isn’t just romance.
Related: 10 Things You Missed About Frozen 2 From The Documentary Into The Unknown
While some people relate more to Elsa and her magical ice powers and reserved personality, others relate more to Anna and her extroverted personality and more understated bravery. However, the great thing about the movies is that they focus on the importance of the bond between the sisters and give fans a relationship to enjoy that isn’t just romance.
- 1/28/2021
- ScreenRant
Princesses are a huge part of the Disney canon. Hailing from many eras of time and parts of the world, the princesses usually have a few things in common. They want to grow up, escape a boring or bad situation, or both. They break out of their worlds to experience new things and find love. And, of course, they sing about all of that.
Related: 10 Things That Happen In Every Disney Princess Movie
For many children and adults, the songs of Disney princess movies are much more than notes on a page. They bring about excitement, curiosity, suspense, and even nostalgia. With the data available on Spotify, it's time to see which of these songs have been streamed the most. This list does not move past the Disney Renaissance time period (only Moana and Frozen songs would make the list after those years).
Related: 10 Things That Happen In Every Disney Princess Movie
For many children and adults, the songs of Disney princess movies are much more than notes on a page. They bring about excitement, curiosity, suspense, and even nostalgia. With the data available on Spotify, it's time to see which of these songs have been streamed the most. This list does not move past the Disney Renaissance time period (only Moana and Frozen songs would make the list after those years).
- 1/27/2021
- ScreenRant
The Tulip quickly blossomed into front-runner status on “The Masked Dancer” after she came out tapping in the series premiere episode in December. The elegant flower sent panelists Paula Abdul, Brian Austin Green, Ken Jeong and Ashley Tisdale into a frenzy when they realized they were witnessing a dancing phenom. Following another knockout performance in the Group A playoffs, Tulip advanced to the Super Six and planted the seed that she is the favorite to win the Fox reality TV dancing competition’s Diamond Mask trophy.
See See all 62 ‘The Masked Singer’ costumes and celebrity reveals through the years
Tulip delivered her first performance in Episode 1, dancing her petals off in a tightly choreographed tap routine to “Fergalicious” by Fergie. The panel was convinced the blooming flower was no novice to dance, but they couldn’t decide if she was a professional dancer, athlete or pop star. Tulip’s contemporary...
See See all 62 ‘The Masked Singer’ costumes and celebrity reveals through the years
Tulip delivered her first performance in Episode 1, dancing her petals off in a tightly choreographed tap routine to “Fergalicious” by Fergie. The panel was convinced the blooming flower was no novice to dance, but they couldn’t decide if she was a professional dancer, athlete or pop star. Tulip’s contemporary...
- 1/26/2021
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
“It’ll never happen,” I remember grumbling to myself back in 2013 as I stood in line to see “The Croods” at a general press screening, pondering its Oscar hopes. Sure, the crowd waiting in line was bursting with anticipation, since journalists were permitted to bring guests, so that meant kids ran amok, spreading excitement about seeing a film that promised them that acting crude was Ok, even cool and lovable since it’s about a whole family of Croods!
My internal grumbling persisted: “But with a title like that, I don’t care how good this movie turns out to be, Oscar voters are notorious snobs – they won’t even watch the DVD” that would be shipped to them as part of its FYC campaign, I thought.
The winner of Best Animated Feature was a shoo-in that year: “Frozen” was an international sensation and it featured upper-crust folks who those...
My internal grumbling persisted: “But with a title like that, I don’t care how good this movie turns out to be, Oscar voters are notorious snobs – they won’t even watch the DVD” that would be shipped to them as part of its FYC campaign, I thought.
The winner of Best Animated Feature was a shoo-in that year: “Frozen” was an international sensation and it featured upper-crust folks who those...
- 1/21/2021
- by Tom O'Neil
- Gold Derby
With an estimated 41 million households tuning into its third season (and first to premiere on Netflix), “Cobra Kai” has turned ‘80s nostalgia for the characters from “The Karate Kid” into a modern hit.
It’s also created a vast musical landscape for the series’ composers Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg to pay tribute to some of the corniest sonic touchstones in genre-bending ways as the 37-track soundtrack sees the duo leading a massive, 90-piece orchestra across many styles from hard rock to synthwave to Japanese classical.
Since 2017, “Cobra Kai” has been a lead collaboration for Robinson and Birenberg, who first started working together nearly a decade ago supporting Christophe Beck in composing the music for such films as “Frozen,” “Ant-Man” and “The Peanuts Movie.”
“[‘Cobra Kai’] truly represents both of us, and our coming of age as composers and as musicians,” Robinson says. “I came up from a rock background...
It’s also created a vast musical landscape for the series’ composers Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg to pay tribute to some of the corniest sonic touchstones in genre-bending ways as the 37-track soundtrack sees the duo leading a massive, 90-piece orchestra across many styles from hard rock to synthwave to Japanese classical.
Since 2017, “Cobra Kai” has been a lead collaboration for Robinson and Birenberg, who first started working together nearly a decade ago supporting Christophe Beck in composing the music for such films as “Frozen,” “Ant-Man” and “The Peanuts Movie.”
“[‘Cobra Kai’] truly represents both of us, and our coming of age as composers and as musicians,” Robinson says. “I came up from a rock background...
- 1/20/2021
- by Andrew Hampp
- Variety Film + TV
In 2016, Disney's Moana followed Tangled and Frozen in the animation revolution of the 2010s, but the film charted its own path at the same time. Moana is a Pacific Islander who, like many other Disney leading ladies, is ready to step into uncharted waters. Unlike many of Disney's female leads, she is solely focused on her mission and her resulting personal growth, not on securing a love interest.
Related: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Disney's Moana
Along with the compelling story, the music in Moana resonates with each viewer and listener. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa'i created the phenomenal numbers that fans continue to enjoy, and members of Foa'i's critically acclaimed Contemporary Pacific Islander band, Te Vaka, are also involved. Which song from Moana is the best?...
Related: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Disney's Moana
Along with the compelling story, the music in Moana resonates with each viewer and listener. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa'i created the phenomenal numbers that fans continue to enjoy, and members of Foa'i's critically acclaimed Contemporary Pacific Islander band, Te Vaka, are also involved. Which song from Moana is the best?...
- 1/19/2021
- ScreenRant
Frozen 2's bold, large scope surprised a lot of people when it released in November 2019. However, the creators had a hard time putting it together, as is shown in the documentary Into the Unknown: The Making of Frozen 2.
Related: Frozen: 10 Visually Stunning Scenes, Ranked
The story was confusing at first and took a while to pin down. The creators also had to live up to the hype of the first film. Since animators spend so much time on small details - details that most viewers won't notice - it takes a lot of passion and time to put an animated picture together. If some fans weren't aware of these things, then they will surely be interested in what else Into The Unknown revealed.
Related: Frozen: 10 Visually Stunning Scenes, Ranked
The story was confusing at first and took a while to pin down. The creators also had to live up to the hype of the first film. Since animators spend so much time on small details - details that most viewers won't notice - it takes a lot of passion and time to put an animated picture together. If some fans weren't aware of these things, then they will surely be interested in what else Into The Unknown revealed.
- 1/19/2021
- ScreenRant
Shawn Ashmore is a new dad!
The X-Men star and his wife, Dana Ashmore, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, over the weekend.
The 37-year-old actor took to Instagram to share the happy news, along with a heartwarming snapshot of his newborn son's hand holding his finger.
Photos: Oh, Baby! Celeb Birth Announcements
"Couldn't be more in love with my new baby boy and my incredible wife," the proud papa captioned the cute pic.
Dana shared a few precious pics of their little boy as well, including a video of his tiny legs, which she captioned, "We did it guys!!!"
Photos: Celebs Share Pics of Their Cute Kids
She also posted a photo of her son's little feet, writing, "So in love."
The excited new parents met on the set of the 2010 thriller Frozen and tied the knot at in intimate ceremony in Los Angeles in July 2012.
Congrats to the happy couple!
The X-Men star and his wife, Dana Ashmore, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, over the weekend.
The 37-year-old actor took to Instagram to share the happy news, along with a heartwarming snapshot of his newborn son's hand holding his finger.
Photos: Oh, Baby! Celeb Birth Announcements
"Couldn't be more in love with my new baby boy and my incredible wife," the proud papa captioned the cute pic.
Dana shared a few precious pics of their little boy as well, including a video of his tiny legs, which she captioned, "We did it guys!!!"
Photos: Celebs Share Pics of Their Cute Kids
She also posted a photo of her son's little feet, writing, "So in love."
The excited new parents met on the set of the 2010 thriller Frozen and tied the knot at in intimate ceremony in Los Angeles in July 2012.
Congrats to the happy couple!
- 7/19/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
It’s a little Iceboy!
Shawn Ashmore, known for his role as Bobby Drake/Iceman in the X-Men film series, has welcomed a son, he announced Tuesday on Instagram.
The new addition rounds out the household of Ashmore, 37, and his wife Dana, 33, who are also “parents” to dogs — including one named Lucky.
“Couldn’t be more in love with my new baby boy and my incredible wife,” Ashmore captioned a photo of himself holding his son’s hand. Added Dana, “We did it guys!! So in love.”
Further details, including baby’s name and date of birth, were not immediately available.
Shawn Ashmore, known for his role as Bobby Drake/Iceman in the X-Men film series, has welcomed a son, he announced Tuesday on Instagram.
The new addition rounds out the household of Ashmore, 37, and his wife Dana, 33, who are also “parents” to dogs — including one named Lucky.
“Couldn’t be more in love with my new baby boy and my incredible wife,” Ashmore captioned a photo of himself holding his son’s hand. Added Dana, “We did it guys!! So in love.”
Further details, including baby’s name and date of birth, were not immediately available.
- 7/19/2017
- by Jen Juneau
- PEOPLE.com
One of cinema’s most vengeful creatures could be coming back to the big screen, as a Pumpkinhead reboot is currently in the works and could start filming as early as next year.
EW reports that Peter Block, executive producer of the Saw films, Holliston, Frozen, John Carpenter’s The Ward, and numerous other horror movies, has purchased the rights to the Pumpkinhead franchise that kicked off in 1988 with Stan Winston’s directorial debut and continued in three sequels (the latest one being 2007’s TV movie Pumpkinhead: Blood Feud).
Along with writer Nate Atkins, Block has put together a screenplay for a Pumpkinhead reboot (at this time titled Pumpkinhead) that has the same spirit of the first film without being a shot-for-shot remake. Block is currently searching for the right director to helm the reboot, and he’d like to begin filming in early 2017.
With special effects wizard Winston at...
EW reports that Peter Block, executive producer of the Saw films, Holliston, Frozen, John Carpenter’s The Ward, and numerous other horror movies, has purchased the rights to the Pumpkinhead franchise that kicked off in 1988 with Stan Winston’s directorial debut and continued in three sequels (the latest one being 2007’s TV movie Pumpkinhead: Blood Feud).
Along with writer Nate Atkins, Block has put together a screenplay for a Pumpkinhead reboot (at this time titled Pumpkinhead) that has the same spirit of the first film without being a shot-for-shot remake. Block is currently searching for the right director to helm the reboot, and he’d like to begin filming in early 2017.
With special effects wizard Winston at...
- 8/3/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
By Seth Metoyer
MoreHorror.com
Director Jason Hull will be helming the sequel to his 2014 film Krampus: The Christmas Devil. Krampus: The Devil Returns will begin filming this winter. Read all about if below!
From The Press Release:
Director Jason Hull and Snowdog Studio announce their sequel to 2014's"Krampus: The Christmas Devil," in "Krampus: The Devil Returns." Jason states that production on this rendition will be further elevated, promising to include more of "what the fans requested," in more blood, more Krampus, more Santa, and a spectacular cast.
Attached to the film are Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Devil's Rejects), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th VII, VIII, and X, Frozen), Robert Mukes (House of 1,000 Corpses), Tiffani Fest (Circus of the Dead), and scream queen darling Melantha Blackthorne (Sinners and Saints, A Grim Becoming) will be joining various returning members from the prior cast, including Rich Goteri, Mike Mili, A.J. Leslie,...
MoreHorror.com
Director Jason Hull will be helming the sequel to his 2014 film Krampus: The Christmas Devil. Krampus: The Devil Returns will begin filming this winter. Read all about if below!
From The Press Release:
Director Jason Hull and Snowdog Studio announce their sequel to 2014's"Krampus: The Christmas Devil," in "Krampus: The Devil Returns." Jason states that production on this rendition will be further elevated, promising to include more of "what the fans requested," in more blood, more Krampus, more Santa, and a spectacular cast.
Attached to the film are Bill Moseley (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Devil's Rejects), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th VII, VIII, and X, Frozen), Robert Mukes (House of 1,000 Corpses), Tiffani Fest (Circus of the Dead), and scream queen darling Melantha Blackthorne (Sinners and Saints, A Grim Becoming) will be joining various returning members from the prior cast, including Rich Goteri, Mike Mili, A.J. Leslie,...
- 4/11/2015
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Brace yourselves, Once Upon a Time fans — your darkest nightmares are coming to Storybrooke.
Although we're not getting a new hour of Frozen-filled goodness this Sunday, (It's the Ama's, by the way) we've got scoop straight from Storybrooke's leading lady to help curb your magical cravings until the Nov. 30 episod.
ETonline was on the Once Upon a Time set in Vancouver to chat with star Jennifer Morrison and we've got the details on the Snow Queen's "bizarre" quest to find family, what's next for Hook (Colin O'Donoghue) after that heart-stopping twist, and the status of Regina (Lana Parilla) and Emma's strained friendship.
News: Elizabeth Mitchell Teases Future Devastation
Etonline
Twisted Sister: We knew that the Snow Queen (Elizabeth Mitchell) was going to send a flurry of drama to Storybrooke this season, but we had no idea that she was going start a thunderstorm of crazy. "Things are getting more intense in terms of realizing...
Although we're not getting a new hour of Frozen-filled goodness this Sunday, (It's the Ama's, by the way) we've got scoop straight from Storybrooke's leading lady to help curb your magical cravings until the Nov. 30 episod.
ETonline was on the Once Upon a Time set in Vancouver to chat with star Jennifer Morrison and we've got the details on the Snow Queen's "bizarre" quest to find family, what's next for Hook (Colin O'Donoghue) after that heart-stopping twist, and the status of Regina (Lana Parilla) and Emma's strained friendship.
News: Elizabeth Mitchell Teases Future Devastation
Etonline
Twisted Sister: We knew that the Snow Queen (Elizabeth Mitchell) was going to send a flurry of drama to Storybrooke this season, but we had no idea that she was going start a thunderstorm of crazy. "Things are getting more intense in terms of realizing...
- 11/21/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
For the first time in almost two decades, Luxor Jr., the beloved hopping desk lamp that announces the beginning of a new Pixar adventure, will not see the light. This year the Emeryville-based studio will not delight their devoted audiences with a new, moneymaking feature film. Surely the outrageously successful team of animators will have great years to come with the recent announcements of sequels for "Cars" and "The Incredibles," as well as "Finding Dori," "The Good Dinosaur," and "Inside Out," all of which are already in the making. But this year, 2014, seems like an open field for everyone else to play without the menacing thought of a surely successful Pixar movie in the horizon, which are usually hard to beat both financially and critically.
Another promising omen for smaller or often-dismissed studios is the fact that Disney Animation itself only has one relevant offer this time around. The November release of "Big Hero 6" is the perfect opportunity for Mickey Mouse’s owners to bank on their Marvel investment. Still, it is almost impossible to think a flick about a group of quirky action characters could defeat or even fathom the thought of getting close to the mindboggling numbers, and the wave of awards, "Frozen" brought in.
With the two animation titans quietly on the sidelines for the most part, a dream-like scenario for other films to shine has been created. During the first half of the year several animated titles have hit theaters already all with varying degrees of success. Clearly the conditions are prime for some great and unique animated features to emerge. However, despite the many promising options, there will also be plenty of disappointments.
Already Gone For Better Or Worse
The Nut Job
January witnessed the atrocious arrival of this generic Open Road Films production about a squirrel planning a heist to get nuts. Easily one of the worse reviewed films of the year so far, it is evident why an early release date was chosen. Even the fact that it was voiced by the likes of Liam Neeson, Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl and Brendan Fraser couldn’t rescue it from its simplistic premise. Sadly, the fact that it didn’t offer anything but cheap and formulaic laughs didn’t stop it from being a mild financial success. Beware, it has been granted a sequel out in 2016.
The Lego Movie
Now here is a showstopper that stacked up the cash and endless praise by building an incredible homage to pop culture. Warner Bros. Pictures hit an unprecedented milestone with this visually innovative and witty piece of animation, which took the beloved construction toys and infused them with an intelligent story. Following Emmet, an ordinary guy who wants to feel special, "The Lego Movie" takes advantage of its charming concept and the infinite amount of hilarious cameos possible. Almost universally acclaimed, boasting a flawless voice cast, and grossing over $400 million worldwide, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have scored the one animated film to beat this year. Deservingly so, a sequel will follow.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Based on the 1960’s animated characters, this DreamWorks film is one of those that produced a lukewarm reaction. Although didactic in the positive sense of the word, it is missing a certain spark to upgrade it into the realm of memorable filmmaking. Teaching kids about ancient civilizations while also trying to deliver on the emotional connection between parents and children is always commendable, but is it enough? Directed by Rob Minkoff ("The Lion King") this story about a smarty-pants dog and his adopted human son received a moderately positive response from audiences and critics. It is hard to know if it will stand the test of time.
Rio 2
Banking on the World Cup craze that has recently made Brazilian culture a commodity, this colorful sequel will perhaps go down as having one of the most convoluted storylines in recent memory. Endless amounts of characters and subplots get drown under the enchanting musical numbers, which become the film’s saving grace. Like its predecessor, this Amazon set animated feature has proven to be highly profitable at the box-office, but in terms of love from the press, this installment has not amused many. Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, the Blue Sky production has been plucked of the originality of its predecessor and flies clumsily between an environmentally friendly story and the typical find-yourself narrative.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
These days if an idea sort of works then the creators will try to milk it until there is nothing left. This might not be exactly the case with DreamWorks big summer bet, a sequel to their fantastic 2010 film "How to Train Your Dragon." Nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, the first chapter not only performed outstandingly moneywise, but was also adored by the vast majority of critics, who praised its poignant story and gorgeous imagery. It appears like this follow-up lives up to those standards. For the second part in what is to become a trilogy, Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson are back in their roles. Five years after the ending of the first installment, the Viking heroes are now teenagers and still riding their ferocious creatures into the sunset. The third chapter will be released in 2016.
Children Of A Lesser Disney
Planes: Fire and Rescue
Why? That is the only question audiences should be asking the studio about the baffling decision to make a sequel to the mediocre spin-off. The answer? Well with a budget of a little over $50 million "Planes" managed to quadruple that number despite being panned by critics. Dane Cook returns to voice the protagonist, Dusty, and he will more than likely add another terrible title to his shaky filmography. It is important to point out this film was produced by Disney Toon Studios, which handles their direct-to-video releases and those theatrical ones for which they have lesser hopes: "Planes"
Pirate Fairy
For some absurd reason the studio created a marketing campaign for this film comparable to that of an actually meaningful theatrical release. This was probably due to Tom Hiddleston’s involvement, but is that enough to warrant the fifth installment of this by-the-numbers franchise? Apparently they thought so. As a home-entertainment product this may suffice and keep schoolgirls captivated, but how many more sequels until its young audience gets bored or Thinker Bell becomes obsolete. You guessed it, this is also a Disney Toon Studios work, the place where good generic ideas go to die and resurrect as bargain products. However, as bizarre as it might seem, some critics actually enjoyed it and were fairly positive towards it. Could this be because their expectations of a non-theatrical film are lower? We probably should be worried that such support might encourage the studio to open the next chapter in every multiplex that allows children in - all of them.
The Rest Of The Mainstream
The Book of Life
This is the one mainstream release that could end up being a pleasant surprise. Produced by monster-enthusiast Guillermo del Toro and directed by Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutierrez, the film centers on a romance bathed in Mexican mysticism and strikingly beautiful design. The world is inspired by the Mexican Day of the Death celebration and will hopefully depict the peculiar holiday with much needed authenticity. Based on Del Toro’s track record, having high hopes for this one is not unrealistic. And judging from the luscious trailer this visual feast should certainly be an edgy and innovative work. Among the talent involved are Diego Luna, Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, and Christina Applegate.
The Penguins of Madagascar
After three feature films and a several TV series, the black & white clumsy and flightless birds from the “Madagascar” franchise return with their own full-length adventure for the big screen. This spinoff follows Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private as they work with the North Wind, a special animal task force, to prevent a villain from taking over the world – the usual. From the financial standpoint this is an easy paycheck for DreamWorks. A new iteration of the already beloved characters results in secure ticket sales and lots of plush toys flying off the shelves. DreamWorks already released its strong card this year (“How to Train Your Dragon 2”), this is really just o pay the bills.
Home
Aliens and 3D animation have not been very good friends in past attempts made to unite them. "Mars Needs Mom" (2011), "Escape from Planet Earth" (2013), and even the moderately engaging "Monsters vs. Aliens" (2009) have proven this is a hard concept to nail. Regardless of this doomed landscape, DreamWorks had slated "Home" for a November release. The film has been pushed back to March 2015 and replaced by the aforementioned "Penguins," but we decided to included it since it was scheduled for this year until recently and there is enough information out there already. In the film, purple, tiny, outer-space creatures named Boov have come to Earth to make it their humble abode and relocate humans. Nothing extraordinarily original about the idea or the character design, but what could elevate this film to re-watchable terrain is the all-star cast. Throw in Jim Parsons acid wit, Steve Martin’s classic humor, and some pop divas like Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, and you have yourself something that will bring people to the theaters. Whether is bad or out of this world great, that’s an entirely different subject.
Is Smaller Better?
Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return
Stubbornly reluctant to let the story of The Wizard of Oz behind, the film industry keeps on developing projects based upon it. Last year it was Disney’s live action/CG extravaganza "Oz The Great and Powerful," this year, as if needed, a 3D-animated version by Summertime Entertainment revisits the tale once again. This derivative adventure follows Dorothy after the end of the well-known source tale. For starters the animation looks rather flat and lacks the texture and depth that more experienced studios can deliver. This leaves it relying solely on the power of the screenplay, which, as expected, doesn’t seem to offer much. Extremely efficient sorcery will be required to lure the public into watching it. Their safest bet is to hope for positive reviews and breaking even on their investment.
Postman Pat: The Movie
A famously cherished character across the Atlantic, it is possible Postman Pat will not connect with American audiences or generate the same love the British have for him. Not because he is not a great guy, but because the movie in his honor seems completely incoherent. Based upon the stop-motion animation series that ran on the BBC from the early 1980’s, this reinvention discards the beauty of the medium that made the character iconic and turns it into a bland computerized puppet. As if this wasn’t enough, the guys at DreamWorks Classics came to the conclusion that including a singing contest (on the vein of Britain’s Got Talent), robots, and warfare machinery would be amazing components to include. Really? Some things are better left untouched; you guys could have called Aardman Animations. They would’ve gotten it right.
The Boxtrolls
Craft and boundary-pushing creativity have collided gracefully in Laika's past two projects ("Coraline," "ParaNorman") both of which have garnered Oscar nominations and been fairly well-received by audiences. Fearless towards the excruciating labor that stop-motion requires, the Oregon-based production company not only excels in the artistry displayed on screen, but also in making stories with a specific tone and unique voice. Ghostly adventures whose physicality and attention to detail raises the bar far above their competitors. Their latest enterprise is a mesmerizing period piece that deals with a young boy and his goofy-looking, box-inhabiting, monstrous friends. Undoubtedly there is no one out there making films like this, the team at Laika knows how to match their darkly comedic worlds with a technique that still has something to offer in the tiresome age of 3D animation. Judging by the trailers and behind the scenes videos, "The Boxtrolls" will complete a near-perfect inaugural trifecta of sophisticated animated gems.
Underdogs (Foosball)
Argentina’s religious devotion to soccer or “futbol” has finally infiltrated the animated realm via the mind of Academy Award winning director Juan José Campanella (“The Secret in Their Eyes”). This locally produced 3D flick had a budget of $21 million making it the most expensive animated project ever made in Latin America. Telling the fantastical story of a foosball team in a quest to regroup after being pulled apart, the film’s quality rivals any American studio’s production. Surely noticing the great potential, The Weinstein Company acquired distribution rights for North American, France, Australia, and New Zealand. By Pixar’s or DreamWorks’ standards this is a tiny film, but with Harvey’s infrastructure behind it, this Argentine success could score big away from home.
Some Artful Dark Horses
Song of the Sea
Allowing us to take a breather from the homogenous shapes of the virtually-rendered reigning style of animation, Irish filmmaker Tomm Moore returns with his second feature. In 2009 he delighted critics and fans alike with the miraculously flawless "The Secret of Kells." The gorgeous hand-drawn characters and exquisite backgrounds depict a sort of magic rarely seen in toon flicks these days. His follow-up, "Song of the Sea" aims to bring similarly beautiful images to the screen. Gkids, who also distributed Moore’s first picture, has the North American rights for the film and plans to release it later this year. If this new Celtic beauty is any close to "Kells," we are all in for a wonderful treat.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
As terrible as Miyazaki’s retirement is for the world of animation, there is still hope in the other Ghibli master Isao Takahata. Returning with his first film in over a decade, it appears that the ingenious artist that brought us "Grave of the Fireflies," is back in full form. Poetic and drawn with an entrancing fluidity, this new fantasy is almost certain to be named a masterpiece. Unsurprisingly, Gkids strikes again and will release the film in the Fall with high hopes for award season. Disney banished the hopes of "The Wind Rises" walking away a winner, but next time around the battle might be less set in ice.
Other Global Options
There is also a number of other more obscure foreign animated films that look incredibly compelling but which might not reach American shores anytime soon. Among them are Aunt Hilda (France), The 7th Dwarf (Germany), Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (France), Little from the Fish Shop (Check Republic), El Americano: The Movie (Mexico).
All Their Eggs In One Basket
Big Hero 6
Tonally, “Big Hero 6” feels closer to “Wreck-it Ralph” than the princess tale of “Frozen,” which is trying to marry the success of Marvel’s super hero films with Walt Disney Pictures’ family-friendly magic. The field is bit crowded with new installments of live action franchises like Captain America, Spider-Man, and X-Men, released earlier this year. Yet, in all honesty it is hard to think a film like this will be a failure. It has a preexisting following from the comic book world, and it is the fall's biggest animation release. That’s enough to lure in millions of people into theaters worldwide. Opening November 7th, the story revolves around a group of young crime-fighters and their adorable robot as they fight evil in a fictional futuristic city inspired by both San Francisco and Tokyo. Let’s hope it is edgier than it sounds on paper.
Digitally Animated Dollar Signs
When it comes to a loyal fan-base Disney will always outweigh the competition, this evidently translates into great business. Surely “ Big Hero 6” will be a profitable venture for the studio. How big will it be depends on how willing audiences are to see an animated superhero story in a year with comic book films galore. As of now “The Lego Movie” has conquered and prevailed with astonishing numbers domestically and abroad (over $467 million worldwide). Its closer rival is the musical sequel “Rio 2” (over $352 million worldwide), and then the striking “How To Train Your Dragon 2” (over $292 million worldwide), which has just recently opened and could climb higher up the ladder. In any case the possibilities are bright enough for all to share the wealth. They must enjoy it while it lasts because in 2015 Pixar’s voracious brand will put out not one, but a couple of new moneymaking offers.
Golden Statues Prospects
Here is where Pixar’s absence will be most appreciated. The 3D animation giant has won more Oscars for Best Animated Feature than anyone else. In many occasions they were the only real choice, others - like with “Brave” - it appeared as if they were just winning by default despite the existence of more innovative and daring competitors. Their last offer “Monsters University,” a prequel, failed to garner much love during awards season. This time around they are not even part of the festivities at all. Assuming that the Academy often recognizes the combination of craft and storytelling, then the ideal nominees would be as follows come January
1. The Boxtrolls
2. Song of the Sea
3. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
4. The Book of Life
5. How to Train Your Dragon 2
Of course one of these could easily be replaced by “Big Hero 6” or “The Lego Movie,” but then again, it is only July and this is just educated speculation. The former of these two is a Disney film, and we all know what that means. Without Pixar’s magic to do the heavy lifting, all of the studio’s efforts will go to pushing their new Marvel-inspired crowd-pleaser. As for WB’s massive witty hit, it has a great chance of sneaking if it manages to connect with voters despite its remix culture undertones. Having said this, I think it is time for Gkids or Laika to come out on top and defy the absurd notion that homogenous 3D fare is the only viable technique in the 21st century.
Another promising omen for smaller or often-dismissed studios is the fact that Disney Animation itself only has one relevant offer this time around. The November release of "Big Hero 6" is the perfect opportunity for Mickey Mouse’s owners to bank on their Marvel investment. Still, it is almost impossible to think a flick about a group of quirky action characters could defeat or even fathom the thought of getting close to the mindboggling numbers, and the wave of awards, "Frozen" brought in.
With the two animation titans quietly on the sidelines for the most part, a dream-like scenario for other films to shine has been created. During the first half of the year several animated titles have hit theaters already all with varying degrees of success. Clearly the conditions are prime for some great and unique animated features to emerge. However, despite the many promising options, there will also be plenty of disappointments.
Already Gone For Better Or Worse
The Nut Job
January witnessed the atrocious arrival of this generic Open Road Films production about a squirrel planning a heist to get nuts. Easily one of the worse reviewed films of the year so far, it is evident why an early release date was chosen. Even the fact that it was voiced by the likes of Liam Neeson, Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl and Brendan Fraser couldn’t rescue it from its simplistic premise. Sadly, the fact that it didn’t offer anything but cheap and formulaic laughs didn’t stop it from being a mild financial success. Beware, it has been granted a sequel out in 2016.
The Lego Movie
Now here is a showstopper that stacked up the cash and endless praise by building an incredible homage to pop culture. Warner Bros. Pictures hit an unprecedented milestone with this visually innovative and witty piece of animation, which took the beloved construction toys and infused them with an intelligent story. Following Emmet, an ordinary guy who wants to feel special, "The Lego Movie" takes advantage of its charming concept and the infinite amount of hilarious cameos possible. Almost universally acclaimed, boasting a flawless voice cast, and grossing over $400 million worldwide, directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have scored the one animated film to beat this year. Deservingly so, a sequel will follow.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Based on the 1960’s animated characters, this DreamWorks film is one of those that produced a lukewarm reaction. Although didactic in the positive sense of the word, it is missing a certain spark to upgrade it into the realm of memorable filmmaking. Teaching kids about ancient civilizations while also trying to deliver on the emotional connection between parents and children is always commendable, but is it enough? Directed by Rob Minkoff ("The Lion King") this story about a smarty-pants dog and his adopted human son received a moderately positive response from audiences and critics. It is hard to know if it will stand the test of time.
Rio 2
Banking on the World Cup craze that has recently made Brazilian culture a commodity, this colorful sequel will perhaps go down as having one of the most convoluted storylines in recent memory. Endless amounts of characters and subplots get drown under the enchanting musical numbers, which become the film’s saving grace. Like its predecessor, this Amazon set animated feature has proven to be highly profitable at the box-office, but in terms of love from the press, this installment has not amused many. Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway, the Blue Sky production has been plucked of the originality of its predecessor and flies clumsily between an environmentally friendly story and the typical find-yourself narrative.
How to Train Your Dragon 2
These days if an idea sort of works then the creators will try to milk it until there is nothing left. This might not be exactly the case with DreamWorks big summer bet, a sequel to their fantastic 2010 film "How to Train Your Dragon." Nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature, the first chapter not only performed outstandingly moneywise, but was also adored by the vast majority of critics, who praised its poignant story and gorgeous imagery. It appears like this follow-up lives up to those standards. For the second part in what is to become a trilogy, Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson are back in their roles. Five years after the ending of the first installment, the Viking heroes are now teenagers and still riding their ferocious creatures into the sunset. The third chapter will be released in 2016.
Children Of A Lesser Disney
Planes: Fire and Rescue
Why? That is the only question audiences should be asking the studio about the baffling decision to make a sequel to the mediocre spin-off. The answer? Well with a budget of a little over $50 million "Planes" managed to quadruple that number despite being panned by critics. Dane Cook returns to voice the protagonist, Dusty, and he will more than likely add another terrible title to his shaky filmography. It is important to point out this film was produced by Disney Toon Studios, which handles their direct-to-video releases and those theatrical ones for which they have lesser hopes: "Planes"
Pirate Fairy
For some absurd reason the studio created a marketing campaign for this film comparable to that of an actually meaningful theatrical release. This was probably due to Tom Hiddleston’s involvement, but is that enough to warrant the fifth installment of this by-the-numbers franchise? Apparently they thought so. As a home-entertainment product this may suffice and keep schoolgirls captivated, but how many more sequels until its young audience gets bored or Thinker Bell becomes obsolete. You guessed it, this is also a Disney Toon Studios work, the place where good generic ideas go to die and resurrect as bargain products. However, as bizarre as it might seem, some critics actually enjoyed it and were fairly positive towards it. Could this be because their expectations of a non-theatrical film are lower? We probably should be worried that such support might encourage the studio to open the next chapter in every multiplex that allows children in - all of them.
The Rest Of The Mainstream
The Book of Life
This is the one mainstream release that could end up being a pleasant surprise. Produced by monster-enthusiast Guillermo del Toro and directed by Mexican animator Jorge R. Gutierrez, the film centers on a romance bathed in Mexican mysticism and strikingly beautiful design. The world is inspired by the Mexican Day of the Death celebration and will hopefully depict the peculiar holiday with much needed authenticity. Based on Del Toro’s track record, having high hopes for this one is not unrealistic. And judging from the luscious trailer this visual feast should certainly be an edgy and innovative work. Among the talent involved are Diego Luna, Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, and Christina Applegate.
The Penguins of Madagascar
After three feature films and a several TV series, the black & white clumsy and flightless birds from the “Madagascar” franchise return with their own full-length adventure for the big screen. This spinoff follows Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private as they work with the North Wind, a special animal task force, to prevent a villain from taking over the world – the usual. From the financial standpoint this is an easy paycheck for DreamWorks. A new iteration of the already beloved characters results in secure ticket sales and lots of plush toys flying off the shelves. DreamWorks already released its strong card this year (“How to Train Your Dragon 2”), this is really just o pay the bills.
Home
Aliens and 3D animation have not been very good friends in past attempts made to unite them. "Mars Needs Mom" (2011), "Escape from Planet Earth" (2013), and even the moderately engaging "Monsters vs. Aliens" (2009) have proven this is a hard concept to nail. Regardless of this doomed landscape, DreamWorks had slated "Home" for a November release. The film has been pushed back to March 2015 and replaced by the aforementioned "Penguins," but we decided to included it since it was scheduled for this year until recently and there is enough information out there already. In the film, purple, tiny, outer-space creatures named Boov have come to Earth to make it their humble abode and relocate humans. Nothing extraordinarily original about the idea or the character design, but what could elevate this film to re-watchable terrain is the all-star cast. Throw in Jim Parsons acid wit, Steve Martin’s classic humor, and some pop divas like Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, and you have yourself something that will bring people to the theaters. Whether is bad or out of this world great, that’s an entirely different subject.
Is Smaller Better?
Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return
Stubbornly reluctant to let the story of The Wizard of Oz behind, the film industry keeps on developing projects based upon it. Last year it was Disney’s live action/CG extravaganza "Oz The Great and Powerful," this year, as if needed, a 3D-animated version by Summertime Entertainment revisits the tale once again. This derivative adventure follows Dorothy after the end of the well-known source tale. For starters the animation looks rather flat and lacks the texture and depth that more experienced studios can deliver. This leaves it relying solely on the power of the screenplay, which, as expected, doesn’t seem to offer much. Extremely efficient sorcery will be required to lure the public into watching it. Their safest bet is to hope for positive reviews and breaking even on their investment.
Postman Pat: The Movie
A famously cherished character across the Atlantic, it is possible Postman Pat will not connect with American audiences or generate the same love the British have for him. Not because he is not a great guy, but because the movie in his honor seems completely incoherent. Based upon the stop-motion animation series that ran on the BBC from the early 1980’s, this reinvention discards the beauty of the medium that made the character iconic and turns it into a bland computerized puppet. As if this wasn’t enough, the guys at DreamWorks Classics came to the conclusion that including a singing contest (on the vein of Britain’s Got Talent), robots, and warfare machinery would be amazing components to include. Really? Some things are better left untouched; you guys could have called Aardman Animations. They would’ve gotten it right.
The Boxtrolls
Craft and boundary-pushing creativity have collided gracefully in Laika's past two projects ("Coraline," "ParaNorman") both of which have garnered Oscar nominations and been fairly well-received by audiences. Fearless towards the excruciating labor that stop-motion requires, the Oregon-based production company not only excels in the artistry displayed on screen, but also in making stories with a specific tone and unique voice. Ghostly adventures whose physicality and attention to detail raises the bar far above their competitors. Their latest enterprise is a mesmerizing period piece that deals with a young boy and his goofy-looking, box-inhabiting, monstrous friends. Undoubtedly there is no one out there making films like this, the team at Laika knows how to match their darkly comedic worlds with a technique that still has something to offer in the tiresome age of 3D animation. Judging by the trailers and behind the scenes videos, "The Boxtrolls" will complete a near-perfect inaugural trifecta of sophisticated animated gems.
Underdogs (Foosball)
Argentina’s religious devotion to soccer or “futbol” has finally infiltrated the animated realm via the mind of Academy Award winning director Juan José Campanella (“The Secret in Their Eyes”). This locally produced 3D flick had a budget of $21 million making it the most expensive animated project ever made in Latin America. Telling the fantastical story of a foosball team in a quest to regroup after being pulled apart, the film’s quality rivals any American studio’s production. Surely noticing the great potential, The Weinstein Company acquired distribution rights for North American, France, Australia, and New Zealand. By Pixar’s or DreamWorks’ standards this is a tiny film, but with Harvey’s infrastructure behind it, this Argentine success could score big away from home.
Some Artful Dark Horses
Song of the Sea
Allowing us to take a breather from the homogenous shapes of the virtually-rendered reigning style of animation, Irish filmmaker Tomm Moore returns with his second feature. In 2009 he delighted critics and fans alike with the miraculously flawless "The Secret of Kells." The gorgeous hand-drawn characters and exquisite backgrounds depict a sort of magic rarely seen in toon flicks these days. His follow-up, "Song of the Sea" aims to bring similarly beautiful images to the screen. Gkids, who also distributed Moore’s first picture, has the North American rights for the film and plans to release it later this year. If this new Celtic beauty is any close to "Kells," we are all in for a wonderful treat.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
As terrible as Miyazaki’s retirement is for the world of animation, there is still hope in the other Ghibli master Isao Takahata. Returning with his first film in over a decade, it appears that the ingenious artist that brought us "Grave of the Fireflies," is back in full form. Poetic and drawn with an entrancing fluidity, this new fantasy is almost certain to be named a masterpiece. Unsurprisingly, Gkids strikes again and will release the film in the Fall with high hopes for award season. Disney banished the hopes of "The Wind Rises" walking away a winner, but next time around the battle might be less set in ice.
Other Global Options
There is also a number of other more obscure foreign animated films that look incredibly compelling but which might not reach American shores anytime soon. Among them are Aunt Hilda (France), The 7th Dwarf (Germany), Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart (France), Little from the Fish Shop (Check Republic), El Americano: The Movie (Mexico).
All Their Eggs In One Basket
Big Hero 6
Tonally, “Big Hero 6” feels closer to “Wreck-it Ralph” than the princess tale of “Frozen,” which is trying to marry the success of Marvel’s super hero films with Walt Disney Pictures’ family-friendly magic. The field is bit crowded with new installments of live action franchises like Captain America, Spider-Man, and X-Men, released earlier this year. Yet, in all honesty it is hard to think a film like this will be a failure. It has a preexisting following from the comic book world, and it is the fall's biggest animation release. That’s enough to lure in millions of people into theaters worldwide. Opening November 7th, the story revolves around a group of young crime-fighters and their adorable robot as they fight evil in a fictional futuristic city inspired by both San Francisco and Tokyo. Let’s hope it is edgier than it sounds on paper.
Digitally Animated Dollar Signs
When it comes to a loyal fan-base Disney will always outweigh the competition, this evidently translates into great business. Surely “ Big Hero 6” will be a profitable venture for the studio. How big will it be depends on how willing audiences are to see an animated superhero story in a year with comic book films galore. As of now “The Lego Movie” has conquered and prevailed with astonishing numbers domestically and abroad (over $467 million worldwide). Its closer rival is the musical sequel “Rio 2” (over $352 million worldwide), and then the striking “How To Train Your Dragon 2” (over $292 million worldwide), which has just recently opened and could climb higher up the ladder. In any case the possibilities are bright enough for all to share the wealth. They must enjoy it while it lasts because in 2015 Pixar’s voracious brand will put out not one, but a couple of new moneymaking offers.
Golden Statues Prospects
Here is where Pixar’s absence will be most appreciated. The 3D animation giant has won more Oscars for Best Animated Feature than anyone else. In many occasions they were the only real choice, others - like with “Brave” - it appeared as if they were just winning by default despite the existence of more innovative and daring competitors. Their last offer “Monsters University,” a prequel, failed to garner much love during awards season. This time around they are not even part of the festivities at all. Assuming that the Academy often recognizes the combination of craft and storytelling, then the ideal nominees would be as follows come January
1. The Boxtrolls
2. Song of the Sea
3. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
4. The Book of Life
5. How to Train Your Dragon 2
Of course one of these could easily be replaced by “Big Hero 6” or “The Lego Movie,” but then again, it is only July and this is just educated speculation. The former of these two is a Disney film, and we all know what that means. Without Pixar’s magic to do the heavy lifting, all of the studio’s efforts will go to pushing their new Marvel-inspired crowd-pleaser. As for WB’s massive witty hit, it has a great chance of sneaking if it manages to connect with voters despite its remix culture undertones. Having said this, I think it is time for Gkids or Laika to come out on top and defy the absurd notion that homogenous 3D fare is the only viable technique in the 21st century.
- 7/21/2014
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
This Sunday night is of course the Season 4 finale of The Walking Dead, which we can be sure will be a shocking and heartbreaking one, as all of the show’s finales tend to be. It’s pretty much a guarantee that at least one major character will not make it to Season 5, and considering how invested we’ve all become with pretty much everyone throughout the course of this character-heavy season, I think it’s pretty safe to say that devastating will be a word we’ll be using to describe the episode, come Monday morning.
As fans of The Walking Dead, devastation and heartbreak are things we’re unfortunately all too familiar with. As we wait to find out what the hell is really going on with Terminus, we thought it fitting that today we pay tribute to some of those who have fallen throughout the seasons, by...
As fans of The Walking Dead, devastation and heartbreak are things we’re unfortunately all too familiar with. As we wait to find out what the hell is really going on with Terminus, we thought it fitting that today we pay tribute to some of those who have fallen throughout the seasons, by...
- 3/28/2014
- by John Squires
- FEARnet
It’s Oscar night, PopWatchers! Time to celebrate in style with with a host of cocktails inspired by the movies the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has anointed from the past year. Sip these cultural concoctions at your own pace (the ceremony will be more than three hours long, after all) or spice things up by playing our original drinking game. The Best Picture race may be tight, but EW’s bar is wide open. Cheers to Hollywood!
In appreciation of American Hustle, keep your Rosalyn cocktail topped off at all times tonight. This riff on the Swiss...
In appreciation of American Hustle, keep your Rosalyn cocktail topped off at all times tonight. This riff on the Swiss...
- 3/2/2014
- by Lanford Beard
- EW.com - PopWatch
The Lego Movie had no trouble retaining first place on its second weekend in theatres, despite pressure from four new releases. Three of the four newcomers trace their origins back to the 1980s, though only one distinguished itself at the box office. About Last Night took second place, topping its fellow 80s alums Robocop and Endless Love. Title Weekend Total 1. The Lego Movie $48,800,000 $129.1 2. About Last Night $27,000,000 $27 3. Robocop $21,500,000 $26.4 4. The Monuments Men $15,000,000 $43.6 5. Endless Love $13,380,000 $13.3 6. Ride Along $8,759,000 $116.3 7. Winter’s Tale $7,785,000 $7.78 8. Frozen $5,855,000 $376 9. Lone Survivor $4,076,000 $118.4 10. That Awkward Moment $3,337,000 $21.4 For the first time since 2010, Valentine’s Day fell on a weekend – the President’s Day holiday weekend, to be exact. The double holiday pushed grosses up by approximately 25% over last year, when A Good Day to Die Hard topped the chart with $24.8 million. Much of that gain can be attributed to The Lego Movie, which followed its stellar debut last weekend with a stellar hold of -29% in its sophomore frame.
- 2/16/2014
- by Nicole Pedersen
- Collider.com
On tap right now for you kids is your chance to score a copy of Jason Richard Miller's latest project for Dark Sky Films, Unidentified, on DVD along with a character collage and an autographed menu from the diner scene in the film. Will you be one of the lucky ones, or will you just get probed?
Unidentified stars Parry Shen (the Hatchet franchise, Better Luck Tomorrow), Colton Dunn ("Key and Peele"), Eddie Mui (Call Back), and Eric Artell (Pair of Kings). Shen and Mui are also the producers, along with writer-director Miller.
The film is now available on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films.
To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll take care of the rest.
This contest ends at 12:01 Am, Thursday, February 27, 2014.
Synopsis
Four young pals set out...
Unidentified stars Parry Shen (the Hatchet franchise, Better Luck Tomorrow), Colton Dunn ("Key and Peele"), Eddie Mui (Call Back), and Eric Artell (Pair of Kings). Shen and Mui are also the producers, along with writer-director Miller.
The film is now available on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films.
To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll take care of the rest.
This contest ends at 12:01 Am, Thursday, February 27, 2014.
Synopsis
Four young pals set out...
- 2/12/2014
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
The feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller, Unidentified, is now available on DVD and digital download. To help celebrate, Mpi/Dark Sky Films has provided us with an exclusive clip and contest for Daily Dead readers.
“During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts may be the least of their worries after they get stranded in the vast Nevada desert. One of the guys discovers a mysterious metal fragment and then promptly goes missing during the night. When the remaining three catch up with their lost friend, they notice something oddly different about him. As his condition worsens, the others realize that some unearthly being may be stalking them in the wilderness.”
Prize Details: The prize pack includes a DVD, a character collage, and an autographed menu used in the diner scene in the film.
“During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts may be the least of their worries after they get stranded in the vast Nevada desert. One of the guys discovers a mysterious metal fragment and then promptly goes missing during the night. When the remaining three catch up with their lost friend, they notice something oddly different about him. As his condition worsens, the others realize that some unearthly being may be stalking them in the wilderness.”
Prize Details: The prize pack includes a DVD, a character collage, and an autographed menu used in the diner scene in the film.
- 2/11/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
On tap right now for you kids who love your alien tales is an exclusive clip from Jason Richard Miller's latest project for Dark Sky Films, Unidentified. Check it out along with all the latest details right here. Dig it!
From the Press Release
Four young pals set out to have a great time in Las Vegas, but soon all bets are off in the one-of-a-kind sci-fi thriller comedy Unidentified. It arrives on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films on February 11, 2014.
Unidentified, the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller (co-producer and second-unit director of the hit horror films Hatchet II and Frozen), cleverly mixes sci-fi, suspense, and laughs to create a truly unique take on an otherworldly encounter.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts...
From the Press Release
Four young pals set out to have a great time in Las Vegas, but soon all bets are off in the one-of-a-kind sci-fi thriller comedy Unidentified. It arrives on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films on February 11, 2014.
Unidentified, the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller (co-producer and second-unit director of the hit horror films Hatchet II and Frozen), cleverly mixes sci-fi, suspense, and laughs to create a truly unique take on an otherworldly encounter.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts...
- 2/11/2014
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
The feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller, Unidentified, will be released on February 11th and Dark Sky Films has shared the official trailer:
“Four young pals set out to have a great time in Las Vegas, but soon all bets are off in the one-of-a-kind sci-fi thriller comedy Unidentified. It arrives on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films on February 11, 2014.
Unidentified, the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller (co-producer and second-unit director of the hit horror films Hatchet 2 and Frozen), cleverly mixes sci-fi, suspense and laughs to create a truly unique take on an otherworldly encounter.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts may be the least of their worries after they get stranded in the vast Nevada desert. One of the guys discovers a...
“Four young pals set out to have a great time in Las Vegas, but soon all bets are off in the one-of-a-kind sci-fi thriller comedy Unidentified. It arrives on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films on February 11, 2014.
Unidentified, the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller (co-producer and second-unit director of the hit horror films Hatchet 2 and Frozen), cleverly mixes sci-fi, suspense and laughs to create a truly unique take on an otherworldly encounter.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts may be the least of their worries after they get stranded in the vast Nevada desert. One of the guys discovers a...
- 1/16/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Dark Sky Films has unveiled the new trailer and poster for the creepy sci-fi film Unidentified.
Look for the movie on DVD & Digital Download February 11th.
Unidentified marks the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller, co-producer and second unit director of the horror films Hatchet 2 and Frozen.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling problems may be the least of their worries after they get stranded in the Nevada desert. One of the guys discovers a mysterious metal fragment, then promptly goes missing during the night. When the remaining three catch up with their lost friend, there’s something different about him. As his condition worsens, the others realize that something unearthly might be stalking them in the desert.
Unidentified stars Parry Shen (the Hatchet franchise, Better Luck Tomorrow), Colton Dunn...
Look for the movie on DVD & Digital Download February 11th.
Unidentified marks the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller, co-producer and second unit director of the horror films Hatchet 2 and Frozen.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling problems may be the least of their worries after they get stranded in the Nevada desert. One of the guys discovers a mysterious metal fragment, then promptly goes missing during the night. When the remaining three catch up with their lost friend, there’s something different about him. As his condition worsens, the others realize that something unearthly might be stalking them in the desert.
Unidentified stars Parry Shen (the Hatchet franchise, Better Luck Tomorrow), Colton Dunn...
- 1/16/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The DVD artwork and a trailer have arrived for Jason Richard Miller's latest project for Dark Sky Films, Unidentified, and we have all the goodies you want along with the long awaited release news right here.
From the Press Release
Four young pals set out to have a great time in Las Vegas, but soon all bets are off in the one-of-a-kind sci-fi thriller comedy Unidentified. It arrives on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films on February 11, 2014.
Unidentified, the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller (co-producer and second-unit director of the hit horror films Hatchet II and Frozen), cleverly mixes sci-fi, suspense and laughs to create a truly unique take on an otherworldly encounter.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts may be the least...
From the Press Release
Four young pals set out to have a great time in Las Vegas, but soon all bets are off in the one-of-a-kind sci-fi thriller comedy Unidentified. It arrives on Digital Download and DVD from Mpi/Dark Sky Films on February 11, 2014.
Unidentified, the feature directorial debut of Jason R. Miller (co-producer and second-unit director of the hit horror films Hatchet II and Frozen), cleverly mixes sci-fi, suspense and laughs to create a truly unique take on an otherworldly encounter.
During a wild weekend in Las Vegas, four young friends get into trouble with a loan shark and must skip town in a hurry. But gambling debts may be the least...
- 1/16/2014
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Rob Lowe briefly became a media critic on Wednesday, criticizing the Los Angeles Times for publishing a front-page ad for Disney's animated holiday title, Frozen. "In case anyone thought print media was still relevant," the Parks & Recreation actor wrote on Twitter, including a photo of the ad, which included a movie blurb ("The Best Disney Film Since The Lion King") with font nearly the size of the Times logo. The Frozen ad covers the length of the left side of the Times' front page and frames the news stories. While the complaint seems quaint in the age of advertiser takeovers of
read more...
read more...
- 11/27/2013
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The reading of film articles can be a both a great pleasure and an educational experience.
With the wealth of film writing available at the touch of a key, it should be pointed out that there are a number of current trends in film article writing that are lowering the overall bar in terms of quality.
Every film writer has his or her own individual style and approach and this article is not a curmudgeonly attempt to stifle anyone’s efforts, but rather an attempt to call out some bad habits.
Here’s a look at six currently widespread counterproductive film writing trends that need to stop. The following is in no order.
1. Underdeveloped lists
This is a simple one. Whether it’s an article on best films in a particular genre or a list of casting suggestions, three or four selections is not enough. “Always leave them wanting more...
With the wealth of film writing available at the touch of a key, it should be pointed out that there are a number of current trends in film article writing that are lowering the overall bar in terms of quality.
Every film writer has his or her own individual style and approach and this article is not a curmudgeonly attempt to stifle anyone’s efforts, but rather an attempt to call out some bad habits.
Here’s a look at six currently widespread counterproductive film writing trends that need to stop. The following is in no order.
1. Underdeveloped lists
This is a simple one. Whether it’s an article on best films in a particular genre or a list of casting suggestions, three or four selections is not enough. “Always leave them wanting more...
- 11/9/2013
- by Terek Puckett
- SoundOnSight
With Halloween in the air, we thought it would be fun to reach out to the horror genre's biggest and brightest stars - both legends in the industry and up-and-coming superstars - to ask them two quick questions: What's your biggest fear, and what's your favorite scary movie? Read on for the results!
Some of the results will make you laugh. Some will make you shiver... and some, well some are just too funny for words. Sit back and get ready to hear from the likes of Anne Rice, John Carpenter, Robert Englund, the "Ghost Adventures" crew, cast members from "The Walking Dead," George A. Romero, and many - Many - more. Who knows? You may even find some new movies you should check out or at least revisit.
Let the scares begin!
A
Jace Anderson
Writer - The Toolbox Murders (2004), Schism, Night of the Demons (2009), Mother of Tears
1) I...
Some of the results will make you laugh. Some will make you shiver... and some, well some are just too funny for words. Sit back and get ready to hear from the likes of Anne Rice, John Carpenter, Robert Englund, the "Ghost Adventures" crew, cast members from "The Walking Dead," George A. Romero, and many - Many - more. Who knows? You may even find some new movies you should check out or at least revisit.
Let the scares begin!
A
Jace Anderson
Writer - The Toolbox Murders (2004), Schism, Night of the Demons (2009), Mother of Tears
1) I...
- 10/30/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Fans who attended Rock and Shock 2013 all got another killer weekend. There was just one unsettling occurrence we can't shake. When asked if he had gotten word about Season 3 of "Holliston" at a standing room only panel presentation, creator Adam Green said he hadn't.
And that, "Holliston" Nation, is concerning.
To quoth the Green directly when questioned about Season 3, he said, "We don't expect to hear until the end of the year or early next year, but obviously we're holding our breath just like many of you are and hope that we get the good word any day now. You gotta keep in mind that FEARnet was originally created to show horror movies, and “Holliston” was only produced because its president, Peter Block, who is a close friend of everyone on this show and who also produced my movie Frozen, had the foresight to air an original show for their...
And that, "Holliston" Nation, is concerning.
To quoth the Green directly when questioned about Season 3, he said, "We don't expect to hear until the end of the year or early next year, but obviously we're holding our breath just like many of you are and hope that we get the good word any day now. You gotta keep in mind that FEARnet was originally created to show horror movies, and “Holliston” was only produced because its president, Peter Block, who is a close friend of everyone on this show and who also produced my movie Frozen, had the foresight to air an original show for their...
- 10/28/2013
- by Scott Hallam
- DreadCentral.com
Writer Lee Gambin calls them Natural Horror films, other writers call them Revenge of Nature or Nature Run Amok films and writer Charles Derry considers them a type of Apocalyptic Cinema.
Of course we’re speaking of one of the great horror subgenres for which we’ll employ writer Kim Newman’s tag: The Revolt of Nature.
Since the end of the 1990s, lovers of animal attack films have been subjected to copious amounts of uninspired Nu Image, Syfy Channel and Syfy Channel-like dreck like Silent Predators (1999), Maneater (2007) Croc (2007), Grizzly Rage (2007) and a stunning amount of terrible shark attack films to name a few that barely scratch the surface of a massive list.
These movies fail miserably to capture the intensity of the unforgettable films they are imitating and the recent wave seems to carry with it the intent of giving the Revolt of Nature horror film a bad name.
Of course we’re speaking of one of the great horror subgenres for which we’ll employ writer Kim Newman’s tag: The Revolt of Nature.
Since the end of the 1990s, lovers of animal attack films have been subjected to copious amounts of uninspired Nu Image, Syfy Channel and Syfy Channel-like dreck like Silent Predators (1999), Maneater (2007) Croc (2007), Grizzly Rage (2007) and a stunning amount of terrible shark attack films to name a few that barely scratch the surface of a massive list.
These movies fail miserably to capture the intensity of the unforgettable films they are imitating and the recent wave seems to carry with it the intent of giving the Revolt of Nature horror film a bad name.
- 10/27/2013
- by Terek Puckett
- SoundOnSight
It was back in 1998 that Adam Green formed his production company ArieScope Pictures - nearly a decade prior to becoming a fan-favorite director with movies like Hatchet and Frozen. As most filmmakers do, Green started small, churning out a series of short films before giving rise to one of the most iconic horror villains of the last couple decades - the swamp-dwelling, jaw-ripping badass known as Victor Crowley.
Though most filmmakers use short films merely as a springboard - ditching them once they become successful with features - Green and friends continue to churn one out every year, an annual Halloween tradition that they've been carrying out since the birth of the company. Now in its 15th year, ArieScope's 2013 Halloween short film is ready for consumption, and I encourage you to carve out a few minutes today to check it out!
Be sure to head over to the ArieScope Pictures website,...
Though most filmmakers use short films merely as a springboard - ditching them once they become successful with features - Green and friends continue to churn one out every year, an annual Halloween tradition that they've been carrying out since the birth of the company. Now in its 15th year, ArieScope's 2013 Halloween short film is ready for consumption, and I encourage you to carve out a few minutes today to check it out!
Be sure to head over to the ArieScope Pictures website,...
- 10/15/2013
- by John Squires
- FEARnet
It was 15 years ago that Adam Green formed his company ArieScope Pictures, which has brought us films like Hatchet and Frozen. In addition to the consistent feature film output from Green and his team, they've also been putting together special Halloween-themed short films each year.
This year's is ready to be unwrapped like a Snickers bar!
Titled Halloween Hugs, the 2013 Halloween short stars Green and the gang as themselves, faced with the terror of opening up a mysterious coffin during their Halloween party. What's inside? Find out by clicking the play button below!
Be sure to head over to the ArieScope Pictures website to see their Halloween shorts from previous years, and you'll also find a new blog post from Green all about the past 15 years of making them. In addition, you can enter the coupon code "jackchop" in their online store to save 10% off all orders, now through Halloween night!
This year's is ready to be unwrapped like a Snickers bar!
Titled Halloween Hugs, the 2013 Halloween short stars Green and the gang as themselves, faced with the terror of opening up a mysterious coffin during their Halloween party. What's inside? Find out by clicking the play button below!
Be sure to head over to the ArieScope Pictures website to see their Halloween shorts from previous years, and you'll also find a new blog post from Green all about the past 15 years of making them. In addition, you can enter the coupon code "jackchop" in their online store to save 10% off all orders, now through Halloween night!
- 10/14/2013
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
This incredibly cool short film from Rainfall Films has got us chomping at the bit for a full-fledged "Wonder Woman" movie.
Actress Rileah Vanderbilt ("Hatchet," "Frozen,") plays the badass Amazon who fights crime on the streets and monsters in the skies alongside her equally tough sisters from Themyscira.
In an interview with Jenna Busch at Fan Voice, Vanderbilt said, "The reason I'm such a huge Wonder Woman fan, is that I feel like Diana is such a perfect balance of strength, beauty, and venerability...that's what really makes this character work and is sadly why I feel like it's been so hard to accurately represent her so far in mainstream media."
Vanderbilt also blogged about her experience on the short film. She wrote about how disappointing most modern attempts to bring Wonder Woman to the small screen have been, the physical training she went through for the role, doing her own stunts,...
Actress Rileah Vanderbilt ("Hatchet," "Frozen,") plays the badass Amazon who fights crime on the streets and monsters in the skies alongside her equally tough sisters from Themyscira.
In an interview with Jenna Busch at Fan Voice, Vanderbilt said, "The reason I'm such a huge Wonder Woman fan, is that I feel like Diana is such a perfect balance of strength, beauty, and venerability...that's what really makes this character work and is sadly why I feel like it's been so hard to accurately represent her so far in mainstream media."
Vanderbilt also blogged about her experience on the short film. She wrote about how disappointing most modern attempts to bring Wonder Woman to the small screen have been, the physical training she went through for the role, doing her own stunts,...
- 10/1/2013
- by Jenni Miller
- Moviefone
Check out this awesome short (under two minutes) promo/film featuring Rileah Vanderbilt (Holliston, Frozen, Hatchet III) as Wonder Woman - which comes from Rainfall Films, who were also responsible for the recent superhero short Truth in Journalism. Wonder Woman also stars Clare Grant, Alicia Marie, America Young, Kimi Hughes and Christy Hauptman, and is directed by Sam Balcomb.
The Amazon warrior from Themyscira does battle with men and monsters in this new short project from Rainfall Films. Starring Rileah Vanderbilt, the film was a passion project from all involved; a unique take on the DC superhero beloved and respected by millions around the world.
The Amazon warrior from Themyscira does battle with men and monsters in this new short project from Rainfall Films. Starring Rileah Vanderbilt, the film was a passion project from all involved; a unique take on the DC superhero beloved and respected by millions around the world.
- 10/1/2013
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
A lot has changed since Alan Jones from Total Film coined the term Splat Pack referring to a group of gory movie makers who sought to stretch the boundaries of what would be considered acceptable in an R rated film. The sea of blood and guts that rolled across the cinema screen starting in 2002 gradually pulled back to low tide. PG-13 became the new R rating once again and the MPAA decided to pull itself up by its bootstraps to enforce its code. For the Splat Pack, originally consisting of Rob Zombie, Eli Roth (the Frank Sinatra of the Pack according to Quentin Tarantino), James Wan, Leigh Whannell, Robert Rodriquez (added later by association), Greg McLean, Neil Marshall, Alexadre Aja and Darren Lynn Bousman, filmmaking has gone as usual, and each has made a substantial contribution to the horror genre in a positive way, testing the limits of our stomach...
- 8/8/2013
- by Jimmy Terror
- The Liberal Dead
If you’re a fan of Holliston and heading to Comic-Con, we have all the details on next week’s panel straight from FEARnet. We also have the latest episode for those that missed it earlier this week, featuring a guest appearance from David Naughton.
“(Santa Monica – July 11, 2013) –Adam Green, acclaimed genre filmmaker (Hatchet; the upcoming Digging Up The Marrow) and writer, producer and star of FEARnet’s original TV series Holliston, will participate in a special panel and autograph signing at Comic-Con, on Thursday, July 18. The signing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the autograph pavilion, with the panel at 8:30 p.m. Joining Green will be Holliston co-stars Laura Ortiz (The Hills Have Eyes), and Dave Brockie (Gwar frontman Oderus Urungus), with series director Sean Becker (The Guild). The panel will be moderated by fan favorite Alison Haislip (The Voice, Attack Of The Show). As an added bonus,...
“(Santa Monica – July 11, 2013) –Adam Green, acclaimed genre filmmaker (Hatchet; the upcoming Digging Up The Marrow) and writer, producer and star of FEARnet’s original TV series Holliston, will participate in a special panel and autograph signing at Comic-Con, on Thursday, July 18. The signing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the autograph pavilion, with the panel at 8:30 p.m. Joining Green will be Holliston co-stars Laura Ortiz (The Hills Have Eyes), and Dave Brockie (Gwar frontman Oderus Urungus), with series director Sean Becker (The Guild). The panel will be moderated by fan favorite Alison Haislip (The Voice, Attack Of The Show). As an added bonus,...
- 7/11/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Directed by: Bj McDonnell
Written By: Adam Green
Featuring: Danielle Harris, Derek Mears, Kane Hodder, Zach Galligan, Robert Diago DoQui, Caroline Williams, Rileah Vanderbilt, Cody Blue Snider, Sean Whalen
Adam Green's landmark franchise, Hatchet, has been controversial among horror fans since its debut in 2006. While some panned it as a rip-off of Friday the 13th and accused Green of being an overzealous fanboy hack, other fans bonded together to form a fiercely loyal fan club called The Hatchet Army who devour everything related to the series. These fans helped launch Hatchet into the stratosphere and ensured not only one sequel, but two.
Now, we have Hatchet III, the denouement of the trilogy conceived by an 8-year-old Green, wrapping up the arc of this particular storyline and coming across as little more than a gore-soaked love letter to the fans. Green stepped down as the director for the final episode of the franchise,...
Written By: Adam Green
Featuring: Danielle Harris, Derek Mears, Kane Hodder, Zach Galligan, Robert Diago DoQui, Caroline Williams, Rileah Vanderbilt, Cody Blue Snider, Sean Whalen
Adam Green's landmark franchise, Hatchet, has been controversial among horror fans since its debut in 2006. While some panned it as a rip-off of Friday the 13th and accused Green of being an overzealous fanboy hack, other fans bonded together to form a fiercely loyal fan club called The Hatchet Army who devour everything related to the series. These fans helped launch Hatchet into the stratosphere and ensured not only one sequel, but two.
Now, we have Hatchet III, the denouement of the trilogy conceived by an 8-year-old Green, wrapping up the arc of this particular storyline and coming across as little more than a gore-soaked love letter to the fans. Green stepped down as the director for the final episode of the franchise,...
- 6/19/2013
- by Amanda Rebholz
- Planet Fury
Channeling DreamWorks’ favorite nut-hunting squirrel, Disney has released a mini-cartoon to serve as the teaser trailer for Frozen from director Chris Buck (Tarzan, Surf’s Up). As the story of a pair of adventurers trying to end a magic-induced winter, it’s unfortunately not an animated remake of Adam Green’s ski lift horror flick from 2010. Hopefully Disney will get on that soon. Kristen Bell voices Anna, the hero who partners with Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff) to end Elsa the Snow Queen’s (Idina Menzel) reign of wondrously beautiful icy conditions. None of them are in the trailer, though. Instead, we’re treated to Olaf, a wacky snowman (Josh Gad) who gets in a fight with a reindeer over his delicious, delicious nose. Enjoy the slapstick on ice: Adorable, yes, but also educational. It’s a known fact that reindeer all act like labrador retrievers and hate frozen lakes with a burning passion. Who...
- 6/18/2013
- by Scott Beggs
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Peter Block - a horror "friendly" at a Bigger Boat Productions (Frozen) - is spearheading a new project which has landed distribution at Pantelion Films.
Block, along with director Andrew Cosby and Ed Quinn, has developed The Mexorcist. According to Deadline, the film is about a "fallen exorcist" who is dragged back into the profession to prevent the apocalypse. Cosby and Quinn created the character and apparently created a graphic novel about him. That graphic novel hasn't been published yet, but it will be soon.
Read more...
Block, along with director Andrew Cosby and Ed Quinn, has developed The Mexorcist. According to Deadline, the film is about a "fallen exorcist" who is dragged back into the profession to prevent the apocalypse. Cosby and Quinn created the character and apparently created a graphic novel about him. That graphic novel hasn't been published yet, but it will be soon.
Read more...
- 6/12/2013
- shocktillyoudrop.com
We all know, of course, what happened on April 15, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts; as thousands of people ran a famous marathon through one of America's oldest and most historic cities, multiple explosions went off near the finish line. Many were killed or injured, and fundraisers have sprung up across the globe to help the community and the victims and their families. And one of the philanthropists lending a hand is one of horror's most beloved figures.
Adam Green, the director of Spiral and Frozen and the mastermind behind the popular slasher films in the Hatchet series, was born and raised in the Boston area in a small picturesque town called Holliston. Green, currently working on his own FearNet original sitcom, Holliston, and the upcoming Chris Columbus (of Goonies fame) film Killer Pizza, opted to plan a three-night fundraising extravaganza in his hometown area.
Green began posting details on his social media as details became available.
Adam Green, the director of Spiral and Frozen and the mastermind behind the popular slasher films in the Hatchet series, was born and raised in the Boston area in a small picturesque town called Holliston. Green, currently working on his own FearNet original sitcom, Holliston, and the upcoming Chris Columbus (of Goonies fame) film Killer Pizza, opted to plan a three-night fundraising extravaganza in his hometown area.
Green began posting details on his social media as details became available.
- 6/5/2013
- by Amanda Rebholz
- Planet Fury
The second season of Holliston starts tomorrow night and I recently had a chance to talk to Adam Green and Joe Lynch about what we can expect this time around. For the first part of our feature, I have my interview with Adam Green, who told me about switching to a 30-minute episode format, working with Bailee Madison, and an upcoming animated episode:
The biggest difference people will notice right away is that the show has changed to a 30 minute format. What effect has that had on the creative process and do you prefer it to the longer format of the first season?
Adam Green: Last season was weird because it wasn’t really an hour, but it wasn’t really a half hour. When we started cutting the first episodes together, we just made them however long they needed to be, depending on what we liked out of it.
The biggest difference people will notice right away is that the show has changed to a 30 minute format. What effect has that had on the creative process and do you prefer it to the longer format of the first season?
Adam Green: Last season was weird because it wasn’t really an hour, but it wasn’t really a half hour. When we started cutting the first episodes together, we just made them however long they needed to be, depending on what we liked out of it.
- 6/4/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Last year the FEARnet original comedy series "Holliston" came storming out of the gate to become wildly popular among horror fans and, according to series creator and star Adam Green, grew a following outside the horror community as well.
"Holliston" returns to FEARnet this Tuesday, June 4, and Dread Central was lucky enough to sit down with Green to talk about the evolution of the series from its initial offering last year until now and what fans can expect to see with this new season.
"I think the biggest difference from Season 1 to Season 2 is there is a level of confidence now," Green said. "It's very evident from the first 30 seconds. Not that we've necessarily hit our groove, I think we had a groove in Season 1, but that we know that it's working and we're not afraid anymore. And the "Holliston" Christmas Special really showed that. Because with Season 1, a lot...
"Holliston" returns to FEARnet this Tuesday, June 4, and Dread Central was lucky enough to sit down with Green to talk about the evolution of the series from its initial offering last year until now and what fans can expect to see with this new season.
"I think the biggest difference from Season 1 to Season 2 is there is a level of confidence now," Green said. "It's very evident from the first 30 seconds. Not that we've necessarily hit our groove, I think we had a groove in Season 1, but that we know that it's working and we're not afraid anymore. And the "Holliston" Christmas Special really showed that. Because with Season 1, a lot...
- 6/3/2013
- by Scott Hallam
- DreadCentral.com
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