FilmVoid

J.J. Abrams set to direct “Star Wars: Episode VII”

Rob Arguello — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 01:32:32 +0000

After months of speculation, it appears that Lucasfilm and Disney have decided on a director for the next entry into the blockbuster Star Wars franchise. The Wrap is reporting exclusively that J.J. Abrams (Star Trek Into Darkness) has been chosen to direct Star Wars: Episode VII. This is welcomed news as Abrams has certainly shown that he understands genre filmmaking and particularly science fiction. Star Wars: Episode VII, which is slated for release in 2015, will be penned by Academy Award winner Michael Ardnt (Little Miss Sunshine). Although no further details were revealed, we expect that more information will come out once an official announcement is made. Stay tuned!

Zack Snyder developing a new “Star Wars” spin-off

Richie Arguello — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 20:30:17 +0000

When it comes to surprise stories, this is definitely a huge one! Zack Snyder (Man of Steel) was rumored to be one of the directors in line for Disney‘s new Star Wars trilogy. He, however, had no interest in taking over the reigns for the new trilogy, and it now appears we know the likely reason why. Snyder is reportedly developing a new Star Wars film, separate from the new trilogy, which will be be loosely based on Akira Kurosawa‘s classic film Seven Samurai. Though details are extremely scant, it seems the film will take place concurrently with the new trilogy or in the same general time period and will feature Jedi in a role similar to that of the Samurai. The development of this project seems to be in line with Disney CEO Bob Iger‘s plan for a Star Wars film every two to three years. It should be very interesting how Snyder adapts his style to the Star Wars world and I sincerely hope he can make this a great film. Stay tuned for more news as this project develops.

Update: Snyder’s reps have shot down the rumor, but expect plenty of speculation regarding other Star Wars spinoffs.

Via Vulture

Christopher Nolan in talks to direct “Interstellar”

Richie Arguello — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 03:17:36 +0000

After completing the Batman trilogy, there has been much speculation as to what project Christopher Nolan would take on next. It seems we now have the answer. Rumor has it that Nolan is looking to come aboard a joint Paramount and Warner Brothers feature called Interstellar. The story is about explorers going through a wormhole and experiencing time travel and alternate dimensions. The concept is based on theories by physicist Kip Throne. The script is written by Nolan’s long time collaborator and brother, Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises). The film seems to be right up Nolan’s alley as it has a complex and thought out story. We will hopefully get some confirmation soon as the studios finalize the details. Stay tuned for more news on Interstellar.

Via THR

Josh Brolin will replace Clive Owen in “Sin City: A Dame To Kill For”

Richie Arguello — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:17:09 +0000

Dimension Films has announced more casting news for their upcoming sequel to Sin City, titled Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. Josh Brolin (Gangster Squad) has been cast as Dwight, he will be taking over the character which was played by Clive Owen in the first film. This is welcome news as rumors suggested that Brolin was in talks for the role, but nothing was certain. The addition of Brolin adds even more to the buzz surrounding the film and its incredible cast which includes Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Jaime King and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.. Production is currently underway at director Robert Rodriguez‘ Troublemaker Studios. The film is slated for an October 4, 2013 release date.

Via Deadline

Blu-ray releases for January 8th, 2013

Staff — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:00:26 +0000

Highlights from this week’s film and TV show releases:

Dredd 3D

In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO.

Frankenweenie (3D)

Frankenweenie is a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.

Hit & Run

Former getaway driver Charlie Bronson jeopardizes his Witness Protection Plan identity in order to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. The feds and Charlie’s former gang chase them on the road.

House at the End of the Street

Newly divorced Sarah and her daughter Elissa find the house of their dreams in a small, upscale, rural town. But when startling and unexplainable events begin to happen, Sarah and Elissa learn the town is in the shadows of a chilling secret.

Compliance

Becky and Sandra aren’t the best of friends. Sandra is a middle-aged manager at a fast-food restaurant; Becky is a teenaged counter girl who really needs the job. One stressful day (too many customers and too little bacon), a police officer calls, accusing Becky of stealing money from a customer’s purse, which she vehemently denies. Sandra, overwhelmed by her managerial responsibilities, complies with the officer’s orders to detain Becky. This choice begins a nightmare that tragically blurs the lines between expedience and prudence, legality and reason.

Sleep Tight (Mientras Duermes)

Toiling silently amongst the residents of an everyday Barcelona apartment building, doorman Cesar harbors a dark secret: his sole desire in life is to make others unhappy. When he sets his sights on Clara, one of his building’s cheeriest residents, his sick need blossoms into a full-fledged obsession. Embarking on a series of private and physical violations against Clara, Cesar becomes determined to ruin her life by any means

Archer: The Complete Season Three

Sterling Archer and the ISIS team return for a third season of espionage. Although their work of espionage, reconnaissance missions, wiretapping and undercover surveillance is daunting and dangerous, every covert operation and global crisis is actually just another excuse for the ISIS staff to undermine, sabotage and betray each other for personal gain.

Via Blu-ray.com

Frank Darabont to rewrite “Godzilla”

Richie Arguello — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:00:28 +0000

Legendary Pictures has brought on Frank Darabont (The Walking Dead) to rewrite the final script for their upcoming take on the monster movie classic, Godzilla. Darabont will be rewriting the script originally penned by David S. Goyer and then re-written by Max Borenstein. I believe this is excellent news as Darabont has a great track record within the disaster/horror genre and will certainly bring some of his keen eye to this massively anticipated film. There does seem to be a snafu going on with some of the producers and Legendary, though I hope this doesn’t delay production which is expected to begin in March. Stay tuned for more news on Godzilla and check it out in theaters on its expected May 16, 2014 release date.

Via Deadline

Joseph Gordon-Levitt lands role in “Sin City: A Dame To Kill For”

Richie Arguello — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 02:45:23 +0000

Dimension Films has announced today that Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper) will be joining the already star-studded cast of the Sin City sequel, titled Sin City: A Dame To Kill For. Levitt will play Johnny, a gambler with a dark motive. The character is a new addition and one that does not appear in the graphic novels. The director of the film, Robert Rodriguez (Machete), and the creator of the graphic novels, Frank Miller, had this to say about the character and Levitt: “Johnny is a new character in the Sin City world and we are excited for what Joseph will bring to the role.” Hopefully this means that any last minute casting additions will be made soon and the film can finally be finished as it has been in production for years. Filming is currently underway at Troublemaker Studios and the film is expected to be released on October 4, 2013.

Via ComingSoon.net

Blu-Ray Holiday Gift Guide (2012)

Staff — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:07:38 +0000

With so many great gift sets and collector’s editions available on Blu-ray, it can be tough deciding what to get for a film buff. After taking a poll amongst our staff, we have compiled a list that is sure to whet the appetites of high-definition movie aficionados. The criteria used to determine our picks was picture and audio quality, special features and any awesome extras that these editions might have. Drawing from science fiction, action, superhero, comedy, classics, and television our gift guide covers any genre you may be looking for. Any of the following Blu-ray sets would surely make for a great last-minute stocking stuffer, check out our recommendations below:

The Avengers 4-Disc Combo Pack

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. The premium 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack provides 5-unique ways to enjoy Marvel’s The Avengers: Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy and Digital Download of “Avengers Assembled” Music from and inspired by the film

The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy Extended Edition

With the help of a courageous fellowship of friends and allies, Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous mission to destroy the legendary One Ring. Hunting Frodo are servants of the Dark Lord, Sauron, the Ring’s evil creator. If Sauron reclaims the Ring, Middle-Earth is doomed. The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy Extended Edition set features English 6.1 DTS-HD MA audio and includes a new transfer of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring which was remastered from the original 2k digital files. The set boasts more than 26 hours of additional content, highlighted by the rare behind-the-scenes documentaries created by Costa Botes, the filmmaker given unprecedented access to the set of each production by Peter Jackson.

The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset

In 2005, director Christopher Nolan redefined the Batman legend with Batman Begins, starring Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader. A fresh, dynamic reboot of the franchise, Batman Begins explored the comic book hero’s origins and his evolution from billionaire Bruce Wayne to dark avenger who fights crime and corruption in Gotham City. A 2008 sequel, The Dark Knight, took those compelling, character-driven foundations and raised the stakes, pitting Batman against a deranged master criminal, the Joker, in an all-out war for Gotham’s soul. Now, the final film of Nolan’s trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, forces Batman to come out of an eight year retirement to save Gotham from the terrorist leader Bane. The Dark Knight Trilogy Limited Edition Giftset includes all three films plus an exclusive premium book that digs deep into the trilogy’s production.

Watchmen Collector’s Edition: Ultimate Edition and Graphic Novel

In a gritty and alternate 1985 the glory days of costumed vigilantes have been brought to a close by a government crackdown, but after one of the masked veterans is brutally murdered an investigation into the killer is initiated. The reunited heroes set out to prevent their own destruction, but in doing so discover a deeper and far more diabolical plot. The Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set includes Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut, Watchmen: Director’s Cut, Watchmen: Theatrical Cut, a hardcover edition of the graphic novel, and collectible lenticular packaging.

Harry Potter: The Complete 8 Film Collection

The Harry Potter franchise follows a young wizard through his schooling at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Throughout the films, Harry has magical experiences, from flying on broomsticks to meeting giants. He and his fellow classmates must band together to stop the great evil wizard Voldemort who is intent on killing him and ruling the magical world. Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection includes all eight movies from the film franchise: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection

Tarantino XX contains eight films chosen by Tarantino to illustrate the first 20 years of his career, featuring the films that helped define his early success, including Reservoir Dogs, True Romance, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Kill Bill Vol. 2, Death Proof and Inglourious Basterds. To complete the stunning high definition 10-disc set, the Tarantino XX: 8-Film Collection also features two discs with five hours of all-new bonus material, highlighted by a critics’ retrospective on Tarantino’s groundbreaking catalog of films and “20 Years of Filmmaking” that contains interviews with critics, stars and other masters of cinema.

Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection

Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection features 15 iconic films from the acclaimed director’s illustrious career including Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest and many more. Starring Hollywood favorites such as James Stewart, Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Paul Newman, Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Tippi Hedren, Sean Connery and Kim Novak, this definitive collection showcases a true cinematic master at his best. Featuring over 15 hours of insightful bonus features plus an exclusive collectible book, each film has been digitally restored from high resolution film elements for the ultimate Hitchcock experience.

Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition

Visually spectacular, action-packed and enduringly provocative since its original 1982 release, the stylish noir thriller Blade Runner stars Harrison Ford in the enigmatic role of 21st-century detective Rick Deckard. As he hunts for vengeful, fugitive replicants in a high-tech future soured by urban and social decay, he is drawn to a mysterious woman whose secrets may undermine his own soul. The Blade Runner 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition includes five cuts of the film: The Final Cut, US Theatrical, International Theatrical, Director’s Cut, and the Workprint. Additionally, the gift set features an all new concept spinner car for your collection, action Lenticular and a 72 page art production book with never-before-seen sketches, poster art and photos from the set.

Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection

The Stanley Kubrick: Limited Edition Collection features the film and bonus content from A Clockwork Orange 40^thAnniversary Edition, the Blu-ray debuts of Lolita and Barry Lyndon, as well as the feature films Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and Eyes Wide Shut. The Blu-ray collection will be elegantly boxed in new book-style premium packaging and will include a 40-page hard-cover book that explores the breadth of genres and themes in Kubrick’s work.

Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season Collector’s Edition

Summers span decades. Winters can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun. It will stretch from the south, where heat breeds plots, lusts and intrigues; to the vast and savage eastern lands; and all the way to the frozen north, where an 800-foot wall of ice protects the kingdom from the dark forces that lie beyond. Kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars, lords, and honest men…all will play the Game of Thrones. This limited edition set offers Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy versions of the first season of the series and more. The collector’s box set is adorned with the sigils of the four main houses and comes with a premium dragon egg paperweight, a Blu-ray bonus disc of first episode of season two as well as all of the bonus materials and interactive features from the original DVD and Blu-ray releases.

Friends: The Complete Series

Friends is an US sitcom about six friends struggling to survive on their own in Manhattan. In each episode, they find the companionship, comfort and support from each other to be the perfect solutions to the pressures of everyday life. The complete series set features over 110 hours of content (90 hours of features and 20 hours of bonus content). All 236 original broadcast episodes. Highly Collectible Premium Packaging Lenticular Box Cover Hard-cover book that holds 21 discs 32-page episode guide with content from the Warner Bros. archives.

First action-packed trailer for Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pacific Rim”

Rob Arguello — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:37:56 +0000

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures have finally released the first action-packed trailer for Guillermo Del Toro‘s Pacific Rim via Apple Trailers. The film will be set in a world where mysterious monsters known as Kaiju have engaged in a war with humanity after emerging from the depths of the oceans. In order to deter the onslaught of the Kaiju, specially devised robots known as Jaegers were created. The film will follow a pair of operators (Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi) as they pilot a legendary unit which may prove to be the only real defense against the monsters. The cast also includes Idris Elba (Prometheus), Ron Perlman (Drive), and Charlie Day (Horrible Bosses).

While SDCC 2012 attendees were treated to some footage from the film, the trailer provides much more backstory and really showcases the impressive scale of the Jaegers and Kaiju. The action sequences and battles look like they will definitely be epic. Expectations will certainly be through the roof after this trailer and we hope that Del Toro will deliver an awesome film. Pacific Rim will hit theaters on July 12th, 2013. Check out the trailer below:

First official trailer for Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel”

Richie Arguello — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:06:57 +0000

Warner Brothers has treated us today to the first official trailer for Zack Snyder‘s upcoming reboot of the Superman franchise, Man of Steel. The trailer has a very somber tone, it explores Clark Kent’s (Henry Cavill) struggle with hiding his powers and trying to understand if the world will accept him for who he is. We also got a glimpse at some action, including the main villain, thought to be Zod (Michael Shannon). This trailer reaffirms my beliefs that Snyder has created a film that we will remember as the definitive Superman film. I cannot wait to catch this in theaters on June 14, 2013. Check out the trailer below:

Via Collider