Wednesday 26 October 2011

Trailer: Chronicle

Just when you think superhero films should take a bit of a rest, filmmakers start to up the ante. We get Nolan's continuing take on Batman and his soon-to-be-seen Superman, The Avengers is actually happening, and then we get something like this. Which has really got me stoked. I really dig the realistic take on the genre here; not just the use of found-footage, but how the young men use their powers the way horny, responsibility-forsaking young men probably would. 2012 is gonna be awesome.

Monday 24 October 2011

The How About Project Part 22 (of 26)


Catherine Deneuve. Was, is and always will be the rightful inhabitant of the space atop the French actress pedestal. The proof:

3: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
2: Repulsion (1965)
1: Belle de Jour (1967)

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Film News

River Phoenix looks to be returning to the big screen. Dark Blood, the seemingly paranoid, pre-apocalyptic film he was shooting when he died, is apparently being given the big edit and some added voice work to complete the movie's narration. Should be interesting.


And Batman fans should take note that IMAX screenings of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol this holiday season, will include a 6-minute Dark Knight Rises "prologue". It remains unclear whether it will constitute separate footage from the upcoming sequel or if it is some kind of exclusive, extended trailer. And hopefully it won't be restricted to IMAX cinemas in the States.

Friday 14 October 2011

The How About Project Part 21 (of 26)

Films based on comic books weren't rare before the 80s, especially in Europe, but those based on superheroes were another story. Christopher Reeve didn't appear as Superman until 1978.

Dig deep enough and you'll discover some real gems based on Golden Age and Silver Age heroes, and even villains.

Here are a few that I didn't know existed but would love to see, especially the Captain Marvel serial which was the first ever American comic book superhero to appear on the big screen:

3: Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941 serial)
2: The Wild World of Batwoman (aka She Was a Hippy Vampire) (1966)
1: Danger: Diabolik (1968)

Film News

Patty Jenkins will he directing the Thor sequel, scheduled for release in November 2013. She's best known for, or perhaps only known for directing Monster which helped get Charlize Theron her Oscar. Seems like a major step down, but maybe they've got something up their sleeves. Marvel's made some pretty sound decisions about things so far. It's great that they're concentrating on the characters but one also really wants to see the action ramped up a bit. Guess we'll have to trust them on this.

And looks like the Coen Brothers' next film will involve the 60s folk music scene. Remember what they did for bluegrass in O Brother Where Art Thou? Here's hopin' for another great original soundtrack on top of another great film.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Die Hard 5

It's happening. And the official title is A Good Day to Die Hard. (Sadly enough. Sounds like a rejected James Bond installment.)

The story will apparently involve John McClane heading over to Russia to spring his wayward son from jail only to get tangled up in another terrorism-based plot. Hijinks ensue.

This doesn't mean cosmonauts and lasers, does it? And will John be onto the vodka?

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Teaser Trailer: The Avengers

My geek button is switched on. Oh man, is it switched on. Nothing else need be said.

Sunday 9 October 2011

Film News

The UK

For good or ill, The Human Centipede 2: Full Sequence, has been unbanned in the UK. Apparently a result of an agreed removal of at least 3 minutes of the film to appease British censors. I for one will not be watching it as I don't think I can muster up the masochism needed to view a sequel.

And apparently in Wales, independent, low-budget Night of the Living Dead: Resurrection is being filmed. And no, it doesn't seem to be another sequel. Nor is Romero involved on any level. This will be a very British interpretation of the original and the director hopes people will see it with low expectations so that they're pleasantly surprised by the horror of it all. More importantly, is this Rutger Hauer?: