Category Archives: Movies

‘Terminator: Genisys’ trailer introduces a new past for Sarah Connor to escape

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His catchphrase is “I’ll be back,” so we should have known all along that action hero and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would eventually reprise his iconic role as The Terminator in that film franchise. The latest Terminator movie, Terminator: Genisys, is more of a reboot than a sequel. Like J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek it intends to roll around in the playground already laid out by James Cameron in the 1984 original, but it introduces a new timeline that allows for a new story to unfold. As we’ve seen play out time and again, John Connor–leader of the resistance–will send his trusted lieutenant Kyle Reese back in time to save Conner’s mother Sarah to ensure his existence. However, this time around, Reese will be sent to a brand new past we haven’t seen before. The movie’s Wikipedia page does a pretty solid job in summing it all up:

The movie will take advantage of a more comprehensive grandfather paradox that includes a parallel universe. In Terminator Genisys, Kyle Reese traveling from Universe A will end up in a Universe B, created when Skynet attempted to kill Sarah Connor during childhood. Together, Reese and Sarah will attempt to create a Universe C that would obliterate both Universe A and B, and in which the events of Judgment Day (Skynet’s launching of World War III, devastating humanity) would have never happened.

Make sense? Well there it is. Jason Clarke (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) stars as John Connor, Jai Courtney is Kyle Reese, Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) is a bad-ass Sarah Connor, and Lee Byung-hun is the new liquid metal T-1000. Alan Taylor (Thor: The Dark World, Game of Thrones) directs.

Terminator: Genisys releases July 1, 2015. Eye a teaser poster after the break. Continue reading ‘Terminator: Genisys’ trailer introduces a new past for Sarah Connor to escape →

Movie trailer round-up: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, ‘Jurassic World’ & ‘Pan’

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It’s here, and it’s glorious. Today director J.J. Abrams released upon the world his vision for Star Wars. Tatooine? Droids! Stormtropers! A landspeeder? X-wing starfighters! A triple-bladed lightsaber! TIE fighters? The Millennium Falcon! John Williams’ iconic score! A Sith (?) foreboding the reawakening of the Force: “There has been an awakening. Have you felt it? The Dark side…and the Light.”

The 88-second teaser takes no time to prove its might; it is extremely effective in teasing the seventh episode in the Star Wars saga. It injects the classic Star Wars universe with fresh characters (see John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, and is that Adam Driver as the shadowy villain?), potential new worlds (I’m pretty certain the desert world is Tattoine, but what about those water and icey worlds?), and a visual style that grounds CG animation with practical finesse (how fantastically gritty is that Stormtrooper reveal sequence at 0:32!). The flashy clip does raise more questions than answers, doesn’t it? Why is Boyega wearing a Stormstrooper suit? Is he actually playing a baddie, or is he taking a cue from the Luke/Han playbook and simply impersonating one? Better question: Why are Imperial Stromtroopers still around, and more, why are TIE fighters still flying the skies chasing after X-wing starfighters? At the end of Return of the Jedi our heroes defeated the Galactic Empire, right? Or perhaps they merely put a major dent in it and now, after many years have passed, The Empire will rise again with a new villain at the helm. The timing is on point: The Force, which apparently has been in a slumber, is making a comeback and both the Dark side and the Light will battle for supremacy again. Please share your theories in the comments section below!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens, also starring Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow and original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker, opens December 18th, 2015.

Jump after the break for more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer round-up: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, ‘Jurassic World’ & ‘Pan’ →

Peter Jackson enlists former Hobbit Billy Boyd to perform franchise swan song

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I’ve got the strangest feeling in the pit of my stomach; there’s pure excitement and there’s undeniable sadness lingering as we approach the release of Peter Jackson’s final film in the Hobbit trilogy. Not only will The Battle of the Five Armies close the book on The Hobbit movies, but it also serves as the last chapter in Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s tale of Middle-earth. So how does one properly say goodbye to characters and settings you’ve grown to know and cherish across 13 years and 6 movies? The director enlisted actor and musician Billy Boyd–who played Hobbit Pippin in the Lord of the Rings trilogy–to perform the Five Armies swan song. “The Last Goodbye,” written by Boyd, Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens, will play when the credits roll at the end of the last Hobbit movie and will surely leave fans with a feeling of closure. “We came all this way, and now comes the day, we bid you farewell,” sings Boyd on the soft, charming tune.

“We had to get the song just right, to send the audience out of the movie theater in the most perfect way we could,” Boyd tells Entertainment Weekly. “I think we discovered very quickly this wasn’t just a song to end The Battle of the Five Armies—it was a song to say goodbye to Middle-earth.” He added, “…being asked to go back to that, to work in that wonderful fantasy world again and to be singing the song that says goodbye to Middle-earth for everyone involved and the fans who took this beautiful journey with us is truly a great, great honor.”

Though “The Last Goodbye” doesn’t carry the same oomph as Ed Sheeran’s closing song used in The Desolation of Smaug, it serves its purpose with flying colors as it aims to peacefully put the stories of Middle-earth to rest. Watch Pippin Boyd perform his song in the video embedded above; it’s set against scenes across Hobbit and LOTR films, so embrace yourself for pangs of nostalgia and bring the hankies.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies releases December 17. Download “The Last Goodbye” at iTunes.

Movie trailer round-up: ‘Peanuts’ & Disney’s ‘Cinderella’ [Update: ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ inside]

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When the first teaser for director Paul Feig’s adaptation of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts landed in March, I was lamenting the fact that his creative team decided to go with CG-animation as opposed to the classic hand-drawn style from the comic strips. But now, the more I watch this new trailer, I’m convinced a fun story can be told through the CG lens. I can appreciate the fact that Feig and co. opted to take Charlie Brown and Snoopy into new territory while still retaining some of the nostalgic squiggly lines there. What do you think?

Peanuts makes its big-screen debut November 6, 2015.

Jump after the break to see the trailer for Kenneth Branagh’s imagining of the Disney classic Cinderella. Continue reading Movie trailer round-up: ‘Peanuts’ & Disney’s ‘Cinderella’ [Update: ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ inside] →

‘Toy Story 4’ is in the works

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I’m a bit up in the air about this. Disney and Pixar so eloquently closed out the Toy Story trilogy in 2010 when Andy goes off to college and his toys–including Woody and Buzz–are handed off to a new owner, little Bonnie. What can possibly come next that’s worthy enough to warrant another sequel and potentially the start of a new trilogy? Pixar’s been successful at bringing new life to the toys in animated shorts premiering before other Disney movies and on ABC. But a whole new theatrical release? As much as I adore Woody and the gang, do we want to keep this party going for the sake of keeping it going? Pixar Chief Creative Officer and Toy Story 1 & 2 director John Lasseter attempted to get ahead of fan skepticism with this statement made on the day Disney announced the film’s development:

We love these characters so much; they are like family to us. We don’t want to do anything with them unless it lives up to or surpasses what’s gone before. ‘Toy Story 3’ ended Woody and Buzz’s story with Andy so perfectly that for a long time, we never even talked about doing another ‘Toy Story’ movie. But when Andrew, Pete, Lee and I came up with this new idea, I just could not stop thinking about it. It was so exciting to me, I knew we had to make this movie—and I wanted to direct it myself.

Consider my fears quelled, for now.

Toy Story 4 is coming to theatres June 16, 2017 with Celeste and Jesse Forever writing parters Rashida Jones (yes, of Parks and Recreation) and Will McCormack penning the script.

Movie trailer roundup: ‘Minions’, ‘Furious 7’ & ‘Ex Machina’ [Update: Neill Blomkamp’s ‘Chappie’]

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The Minions are back, and this time they star in their very own spinoff movie appropriately titled Minions. Following their memorable debut in 2010’s Despicable Me and their reprise in the 2013 sequel Despicable Me 2, the tiny, yellow, lovable, babbling, hysterical creatures are turning back time in a prequel of sorts that takes place way before they worked with Steve Carell’s Gru. As you can see in the debut trailer above, the minions’ story dates back to the beginning of time and they all share the same goal: “to serve the most despicable master around.” From dinosaurs to ancient Egyptian pharaohs to Napoleon and even Dracula, the minions roam the Earth to serve. Unfortunately they can never seem to hold onto a master for long, and eventually they grow bored and depressed without a purpose. And so Kevin, Stuart and Bob team up on an adventure to find a new and lasting despicable master for their tribe. And as the extended trailer reveals, the trio will make their way to 1968 New York and then…you’ll have to flock to theatres July 10, 2015 to find out what happens next. You might be suspect as to how a feature-length film packed with jibberish-speaking oddities will keep your attention; well, if this trailer is any indication, Minions will do juuuuust fine. Also, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, and Steve Coogan are billed as voice cast so there’s that to look forward to! Illumination Entertainment’s latest film is directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda and written by Brian Lynch.

Jump after the break for more trailers. Continue reading Movie trailer roundup: ‘Minions’, ‘Furious 7’ & ‘Ex Machina’ [Update: Neill Blomkamp’s ‘Chappie’] →

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 3 unveiled

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Following in the steps of rival DC Entertainment, Marvel Studios carved out time to lay the groundwork for its future feature film slate. In Marvel grand fashion, President Kevin Feige rented out the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood and spelled out Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in front of rabid fans and the press.

After Phase 2 closes out with Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man this coming summer, Phase 3 will kick off in May 2016 with Captain America and Iron Man facing off in Captain America: Civil War. That film will introduce Chad Boseman (42, Get on Up) as Black Panther. Following the Cap threequel is the introduction to Doctor Strange in November 2016; Deadline reports Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch will play the title role. Then in May 2017 the Guardians of the Galaxy return in a sequel, followed by a Thor threequel subtitled Ragnarok. In November 2017, Boseman will reprise his African American superhero Black Panther in his very own film. In May 2018 the Avengers will assemble for a third time in Infinity War Part 1. And before Part 2 comes around a year later, female superhero Carol Danvers will debut as Captain Marvel in July 2018 and an entirely new super-powered group The Inhumans will hit the big screen in November 2018. Yeah, it’s a mouthful; so here it is in list form:

Click the respective links above to learn more about each film. Now, comic book fans rejoice–so many more of your favorite heroes are jumping from the page to the screen between now and 2020! (Bonus: click here to watch the Infinity War announcement trailer Marvel screened at the event.)

New documentary explores “the art of running a TV show”

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If you watch a ton of television like I do, you must be at least a little interested in how it’s all made. Well, a new documentary is here to satiate your curiosity. It’s called Showrunners and it explores the creative teams and decisions that go into the making of a formidable TV program. The docu features exclusive interviews with some of the most successful producers, writers, and creators around including J.J. Abrams (Lost), Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time), Hart Hanson (Bones), Mike Kelley (Revenge), Robert and Michelle King (The Good Wife), Damon Lindelof (The Leftovers), Jonathan Nolan (Person of Interest), Jeff Pinkner and J.H. Wyman (Fringe), Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory), Joss Whedon (Firefly), and many more.

Director Des Doyle’s Showrunners promises to be an intriguing and informative look behind the scenes at what it’s like to build television drama and comedy, from a percolating idea to production to premiere. Learn more about the doc here, or head over to iTunes today to stream and watch.

NERDGASM: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ teaser trailer arrives [Update: Extended trailer inside!]

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Earlier this week, word got out that Marvel would be releasing a first look at the upcoming Avengers sequel Age of Ultron. The very next day a poor quality version of the sneak peek leaked but the comics and movie powerhouse took it in stride. Later that evening the studio uploaded and shared with the world the first official teaser trailer for the highly anticipated sequel, even though it was supposed to make its worldwide debut during this coming Tuesday’s airing of ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. They blamed Hydra for the leak–points!

And so, here it is. For your viewing pleasure. Our heroes including including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye take on villain Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction, in this action-packed and oh-so-epic 2:16 tease.

Some notes: Yes, that is The Blacklist‘s James Spader spectacularly voicing the villainous Ultron and quoting “I’ve Got No Strings” as made famous in the classic Disney animated tale Pinocchio…Did you catch Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as mutant twins Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver?…And how awesome is Tony Stark’s latest creation the Hulkbuster? He’ll use it, as you can see, to take on Bruce Banner’s green Hulk. But why are the heroes in arms in such a kerfuffle? Time will tell.

Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theatres May 1, 2015. Jump after the break to view a new poster and the full official logline for the movie.

Update (10/28): Despite Hydra’s best efforts, Marvel still managed to surprise its fans by airing a new extended trailer during Tuesday night’s telecast of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC. The first minute of the new clip features The Avengers–plus Maria Hill and James Rhodes–straight chilling at Tony Stark’s posh pad. They’re having their hand at trying to pick up mighty Mjölnir; but of course, it is only the mighty Thor who is “worthy” enough to wield the weapon. The party, though, comes to a screeching halt in no time when Ultron emerges and speaks of strings, none of which he has: we know. Watch it after the break.

Continue reading NERDGASM: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ teaser trailer arrives [Update: Extended trailer inside!] →

Live out your Star-Lord dreams with ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ mixtape coming to cassette tape

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GOTG fans, listen up! “Awesome Mix Vol. 1,” you know, the truly awesome mixtape carried around by hero Peter Quill in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy filled with the greatest hits of the 70s and 80s curated by the little Star-Lord’s mother… it’s being released on cassette tape so now you can pop it into a Walkman and dance around and fend off baddies like no one’s watching. The limited release lands on shelves Friday, Nov. 28 at participating record stores; it will remain an exclusive to that community of independent retailers associated with Record Store Day through Dec. 31, according to Billboard. The cassettes will also come with digital downloads of the album so you can easily transfer the tracks to your portable music player of choice.

Just another fun distraction as we await the inevitable “Awesome Mix Vol. 2.”

[Via Marvel; Billboard]

Warner Bros. announces sprawling DC Entertainment movie slate, makes official LEGO movie & Harry Potter spinoffs

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DC Entertainment is following in Marvel’s shoes by announcing a large slate of upcoming superhero and supervillain movies that will hit theatres in 2016 through 2020. There are 10 in total and they are:

  • “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” directed by Zack Snyder (2016)
  • “Suicide Squad,” directed by David Ayer (2016)
  • “Wonder Woman,” starring Gal Gadot (2017)
  • “Justice League Part One,” directed by Zack Snyder, with Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Amy Adams reprising their roles (2017)
  • “The Flash,” starring Ezra Miller (2018)
  • “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa (2018)
  • “Shazam” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (2019)
  • “Justice League Part Two,” directed by Zack Snyder (2019)
  • “Cyborg,” starring Ray Fisher (2020)
  • “Green Lantern” reboot (2020)

In addition to announcing DC’s movie slate, Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujihara also revealed that his studio will be outputting three more LEGO movies–Ninjago in 2016, directed by Charlie Bean and produced by Dan Lin, Roy Lee, and LEGO Movie directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller; The LEGO Batman Movie in 2017, directed by Chris McKay; and The LEGO Movie 2 in 2018 (no word yet if Lord and Miller will return to direct the sequel to their 2014 box office hit). Also, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them will be told across three films directed by David Yates (he helmed the final four Potter movies).

Of course as more details leak about these exciting future WB projects you’ll hear it about it here.

[Via DC Comics; Deadline]