2010 Tribeca Award Winners

Award Winner in *RED. To check winners in all categories go here.

I was checking the films in the fest and there are two in competitition that definitively are Must Be Seen for me. But this year they are doing something exceptional they'll bring the fest online for Premium Passholders across the USA.

On April 23, the fest will launch Tribeca Film Festival Virtual Premium, an 8-day full Festival experience. Passholders will have access to 8 feature films and over 15 short films, plus live red carpets, live panels and live filmmakers Q&As.

I just hope that eventually an event like this one is open to the citizens of the world! Torn down mental barriers, do business worldwide!

If you have access to the Virtual experience I suggest you do not miss Elvis & Madona by Marcelo Laffitte, Brazil, 2010 that's a 'little' lesbian interest.

Anyway the fest will run from April 21 to May 2 and here are the films in the World Narrative Feature Competition.

Buried Land, Geoffrey Aland Rhodes and Steven Eastwood, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UK, and USA, 2009
*Dog Pound, Kim Chapiron, Canada and France, 2009 - Best New Narrative Filmaker
Gainsbourg, Je t'Aime... Moin Non Plus, Joann Sfar, France, 2009
*Mine Vaganti (Loose Cannons), Ferzan Ozpetek, Italy, 2010 (Ozpetek is MUST BE SEEN! - Gay Interest) - Special Jury Mention
Lucky Life, Lee Isaac Chung, USA, 2010
My Brothers, Paul Fraser, Ireland, 2010
Open House, Andrew Paquin, USA, 20100
Paju, Park Chan-ok, South Korea, 2009
Snap, Carmel Winters, Ireland, 2010
*Die Fremde (When We Leave), Feo Aladag, Germany, 2010 (Interesting) Winner of the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature
Keshtzarhaye Sepid (The White Meadows), Mohammad Rasoulof, Iran, 2009 (Must Be Seen!!!)
William Vincent, Jay Anania, USA, 2010

To read about each movie go here as well as to browse the fest to check the complete program.

Escape to the Movies: "Nightmare on Elm Street"

Do you really have to ask?


http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/escape-to-the-movies/1680-A-Nightmare-on-Elm-Street

"Intermission" looks back at the earlier Freddy movies: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/moviebob/7489-Old-Nightmares

Thor looks like Thor

Thought they'd wait for AFTER "Iron Man 2" for this, but here we are: Yahoo has the first still of Chris Hemsworth in costume as The Mighty Thor:
http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/movie-stills/gallery/2588/thor-stills#photo0
(there's no copy-n-paste-able version yet)

The chief advantage that Marvel Films has over anyone else making superhero movies is that Marvel has been doing NOTHING BUT selling superheroes to people for almost SEVEN DECADES now, meaning that they know "what you need to get right" like the back of their hand. Q: "What does Iron Man need to look like?" A: "Red and yellow, with Gradnov's mecha-design but retro-fitted to more-closely resemble the 70s/80s armor." Bingo. Q: "What does Hulk NEED to have?" A: "Purple pants, the green eyes and sad walking away music from the TV Show and another monster to fight."

Q: "What will tell fans that Thor is going to be THOR?" A: "Red cape, circular metal plates on the tunic, the beard from Simonson's run, the plated-mail on the arms from Stracyzinski's run." Done. (betcha beard/no-beard is how they distinguish between Thor/Donald Blake, too.)

What's cool is, Thor is the superhero for whom costume-accuracy matters LEAST - a Viking flying around in modern times hitting stuff with a magic hammer is going to look like Thor regardless of the details... so it's really something that in this pic Chris Hemsworth basically looks like he's wearing the world's most expensive Comic-Con Cosplay. Well done.

Why I Think Roger Ebert Is Obsolete (And You Should Too)

Jim here. Roger Ebert just wrote an op-ed piece for Newsweek that blew my mind. I am forced to write yet another post to attempt some sort of counter balance to his blatant obsolescence (as he is obviously not ignorant to the facts any longer). Not only has he not learned from AVATAR and the optimism 3D has given Hollywood, he has retreated further back into his world. He has blasted yet another salvo at, well basically the world, now that practically everyone has been to Pandora and now owns it on disc.

Take this excerpt for example: "3-D is a waste of a perfectly good dimension. Hollywood's current crazy stampede toward it is suicidal. It adds nothing essential to the moviegoing experience. For some, it is an annoying distraction. For others, it creates nausea and headaches. It is driven largely to sell expensive projection equipment and add a $5 to $7.50 surcharge on already expensive movie tickets. Its image is noticeably darker than standard 2-D. It is unsuitable for grown-up films of any seriousness. It limits the freedom of directors to make films as they choose. For moviegoers in the PG-13 and R ranges, it only rarely provides an experience worth paying a premium for."

Stunning isn't it? 3D adds nothing essential. Interesting. I guess we should all poke out our left eye now shouldn't we? We don't need to see in stereo. He alludes to distraction, yet for most people you forget you are wearing glasses at all 5 minutes into AVATAR. Nausea and headaches? Again he is shooting off fear, uncertainty and doubt by talking about BAD 3D - like CLASH OF THE TITANS and/or the statistically very small number of people who literally can't see it effectively. Yes, the business side of Hollywood is enjoying more revenue to offset the development and future of 3D - but we live in a capitalist world driven by supply and demand. The market will set the price. Do you think people would flock to theaters at $50 a pop? I think not. 3D is darker than 2D - yes, so? If directors pay attention to this it does not matter - Cameron paid attention with AVATAR and hence no lighting issues. Get over it. 3D is unsuitable for grown up films he says. If anyone cares to enlighten me on what he means here, by all means do so! Dramas? Art films? What? In other words, if you have something serious to say to me Mr. Ebert, you had better shut one eye. What a joke. In fact, you should be winking when you say these things Mr. Ebert because it sounds like you are completely in jest.

Lastly he says that it limits the freedom directors have to make movies. To this I have to say: Hogwash. Directors are limited to making movies with sound nowadays aren't they? Dolby sound? With color? Oh the humanity to be forced into making a movie that actually draws our audience closer to the storyteller! To be fully engaged and engrossed. What a pity to force 3D upon ourselves.

His arguments against 3D are baseless and he knows it. So what is his motivation to broadside 3D like this? Self promotion? Ego? How dare Hollywood do something like this without consulting with me? Someone paying him to say these things? Only Ebert can answer these questions. Surely it has nothing to do with his opinion does it? Hmmm. Perhaps it does. Perhaps obsolescence is upon Mr. Ebert finally. In fact, I know it is. And he knows I know.

Who am I to criticize one of movie's greatest critics of all time? I have done it before if you will remember. Clearly Roger Ebert fits the description of a great critic, if not the defacto standard. He has entertained and informed movie fans since 1967 when he first set up his typewriter for the Chicago Sun-Times. Ebert's movie advice has been for the most part, excellent. Logic and an innate blend of artistic criticism and empathy for the public audience has set him apart from the now massive vault of available online movie pundits.

And I clearly fall into the last category. I am just a simple movie blogger that happens to love and embrace stereoscopic 3D. I am clearly biased and invested in the new industry. So what makes me think that I should challenge the man? Because he is wrong. Dead wrong.

The downfall of Ebert lies in his luminous past. He is so entrenched in his rich history of Hollywood that he cannot move a limb towards its future. Quicksand of the mind if you will. The more he moves toward wanting to understand and enjoy 3D, the deeper he recedes into his opinion. Perhaps the first ill conceived opinion of his life. Unfortunately for him, the world has embraced 3D - not meekly or a generational blip, but a full blown revolution in filmmaking. Whether he sees this embrace is unknown to me. At least he recognizes the accomplishment of AVATAR.

Ebert tries the trusted old trick of misdirection when he actually strays WAY off topic to bring up faster frame rates as being the technology we need now rather than 3D. Yes, I agree faster framerates would be awesome! WITH 3D!! The two are independent thoughts my fellow movie critic.

What upsets me the most, other than his influence he has on the movie going public, is that he is artificially bringing directors on his side. Another excerpt: "Having shot Dial M for Murder in 3-D, Alfred Hitchcock was so displeased by the result that he released it in 2-D at its New York opening." Mr. Ebert. Stop trying to confuse your readers! It is pathetic. Hitchcock used old school 3D, NOT modern 3D. They are so vastly different. And YOU know it.

Moreover, he said: "I once said I might become reconciled to 3-D if a director like Martin Scorsese ever used the format. I thought I was safe." Wrong again Mr. Ebert. Even his self admitted hero, Werner Herzog, is shooting a 3D movie about prehistoric cave paintings in France! Yet he freely admits all of this! He knows he is one of the last few influential people speaking out against 3D and you can tell he feels his back against the wall. Even his much loved directors are leaving him squirming. Of course he can take solace in the fact that Michael Bay is still on his side. *snicker* And do you really think the studios can force a man like Scorsese or Herzog into shooting 3D? Seriously, think about it.

Look. The time has come to admit that you were wrong Mr. Ebert and move on. It is only going to get worse for you. 3D will be improving by leaps and bounds in the coming years from a number of factors: Technology is improving everyday (TRON: LEGACY and AVATAR 2 will make huge strides yet again); 3D film crew expertise is growing exponentially; 3D is getting cheaper to shoot and convert; and more and more independents will soon be involved.

If Roger Ebert refuses to acknowledge that Hollywood is on the cusp of something magnificent and not "suicide", then surely the man is now obsolete. It pains me to say this yet again, but it is so true. Time to retire and enjoy the spoils of your career. Look at it this way folks, at least there will be one more aisle seat available for someone that cares.

James Cameron Helps Restore Curiosity Mars Rover's 3D HD Mastcam!

Michael here. Jim and I are huge space and NASA buffs, so this news makes us very excited: James Cameron has successfully lobbied NASA administrator Charles Bolden to include the 3DHD version of the Mast Camera (Mastcam) that was removed from the Curiosity rover due to budgetary concerns back in 2007 (a very questionable decision in my opinion).

Curiosity is scheduled to launch towards Mars on October 14, 2011.

In January Cameron met one-on-one with Bolden, and, according to the AP, argued that a rover with a better set of eyes would help the public connect with the mission. Bolden was convinced.

"He actually was really open to the idea," Cameron told the Pasadena Star News. "Our first meeting went very well."

A mast camera, without 3-D capabilities, had already been built and was delivered to JPL this month. The Curiosity team isn't positive the new camera will be ready in time. However, I'd bet it will be given that Cameron and many others (including those on the team) are so excited about it. They will find a way to get it done right and on time.

As for potential uses for the 3D HD camera, there are many: "You could take a movie and image clouds moving in the sky or a dust devil moving," said Joy Crisp, JPL deputy project scientist on Mars Science Laboratory, the official name of the rover project. "As you're driving, you could take a movie."

Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego is now building the 3D Mastcam. Cameron is the co-investigator of the Mastcam. And as we learned in our exclusive interview with Cameron, his work on that (although he is doing some work now) doesn't really start in earnest until the camera starts sending back imagery.

The Mastcam shoots 3D 720P at 10 frames per second. That would look spectacular if integrated into a Cameron-produced documentary on Mars, wouldn't it?

Gitmek: Benim Marlon ve Brandom (My Marlon and Brando)

When I check festivals there are films that really call my attention for no specific reason, try not to read about them even when I post synopsis and/or trailers and forget about them. In 2008 at the Rotterdam film the catchy film name stick to my mind and it wasn't until today that I was able to watch it as the film is screened online for free at The Auteurs.

The film slowly starts to involve you until it becomes really mesmerizing for Ayca Damgaci performance, when the story hits the road to show great landscapes, watching ordinary people in ordinary situations even when there was war nearby, and very tacky video love letters that show a lot more than a love message.

Reading about the film learned that is Huseyin Karabey first feature film as he mainly does documentaries and surprisingly learned that the story is real, happened to Ayca Damgaci -who reenacts her love story- and the video love letters are the real ones she received from her beloved Hama Ali Kahn.

Yes the film is a love story between a Turkish actress and an Iraqi actor that met during the filming of a film and fell in love; their problem is that when the film is over, each went back to their country and all happens not long before the Iraq war. They want to see each other but Hama is not allowed to leave Iraq, especially when the Americans start to bomb Iraq and war explodes. So Ayca decides to go to him and the most extraordinary and very exotic to my eyes trip starts from Istanbul into Turkey's north, the Iraq border, and Iran. You can really tell that Karabey's has great experience as a document recorder as his directing style travels collecting little details that surround his main character Ayca.

Is a fascinating film at many levels, especially to my occidental eyes that never been around that part of the world and much less in times of war, which is another level as silently in the background shows people reactions to the war, from indifference in Turkey to what we see in the love video letters and other situations Ayca faces during her trip.

Definitively not for all audiences but I believe that because tells a 'love story' could appeal to many and if they dare to watch I'm sure many will become mesmerized by Ayca performance, the situations and will watch until the end. But this docudrama is artish, so do not expect fast story development and you will enjoy more the ride.

I highly recommend this film -that collected several awards since premiered at 2008 Rotterdam fest- as an odd real-life woman story, a document of a war most of us know from the 'other side', and the most marvelous trip into not often seen in movies areas of the world.

Enjoy!!!

Watch trailer @ Movie On Companion

Don Carmody's HIDDEN 3D Wraps Principal Photography! Here Are The Details...

Jim here. Got an exclusive update for you on Don Carmody's HIDDEN 3D. What movie is that you ask? Good question! I had not heard of it before either, but I do have some scoops for you on its current status and talent after you read the following to catch up...

ScreenDaily tells us (Feb 19 story) that Italian Andrea Marotti is producing a horror movie entitled Hidden 3D with funding from Canadian interests. The film also boasts producer Don Carmody, responsible for many films including RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE, SILENT HILL, ORPHAN, OUTLANDER (I was in that!), LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN, GOTHIKA and CHICAGO.

The story focuses on an abandoned medical center trial that hides a deadly secret. Hidden 3D will be the first Italian production in stereoscopic 3D, but will be filmed and distributed in English. The special effects are handled by John Sheela, who worked on Oliver Stone's WORLD TRADE CENTER.
The movie was shot on a budget of $7.3 million.

- So here is the new exclusive info passed on to me by someone close to the project: The script writers are Mariano Baino and Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni.

The acting talent involved are: Sean Clement, Simonetta Solder, Jordan Hayes, Alessia Agrosi, Bjanka Murgel, Devon Bostick, Jason Blicker and Tom Parkinson. Mostly an unknown cast, but Bostick was in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and SAW IV and VI.

Principal photography wrapped about 1 month ago.

I do like what I have heard about the project so here is hoping Carmody weaves his magic once more - this time in 3D!

EMPIRES OF THE DEEP Has Deep Pockets - Will Hit Screens In 2011

Jim here. The most expensive movie China has ever bankrolled has been shot over the past 6 months (via Variety). The EMPIRES OF THE DEEP production has a $130 million budget and is being directed in 3D by Canadian Michael French. Apparently a year of post-production is required and it will see screens in the summer or Christmas of 2011.

Bond girl Olga Kurylenko (QUANTUM OF SOLACE) plays a mermaid queen and Anthony Arendt (AVATAR) is a consulting stereographer.

Set in ancient Greece, the story tells about a young man’s adventure in the undersea mermaid kingdom in order to save his father, while encountering ferocious sea monsters and gets involved in large-scale battles in the seabed between mermaids, monsters and demons.

I don't really know what to make of this project. Normally I am quite enthusiastic about new 3D projects that clearly have momentum - sorry - I am not convinced yet. We will see.

SPOILER ALERT - Spy Shot Of THE DESTROYER From Marvel's THOR??

Jim here. With there being a STRONG possibility that Marvel's THOR will be shot in native 3D, we need to track this project VERY closely! :-) And so we take a look at a spy shot (courtesy of Kellvin over at LatinoReview) of what THOR's villain, The Destroyer, may look like:

**SPOILER ALERT**

**Image Removed at the request of Paramount.**

From LatinoReview: The Destroyer is an enchanted suit of armor forged by Odin, and when it first appeared it was hinted that the Destroyer had been created as a weapon to face some dark menace from the stars. The Destroyer is used by Thor's arch-foe Loki on several occasions, and each time has actually come close to killing Thor.

The film follows the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful but arrogant warrior whose reckless actions reignite an ancient war. Thor is cast down to Earth by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and is forced to live among humans. A beautiful young scientist, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has a profound effect on Thor, as she ultimately becomes his first love. It’s while here on Earth that Thor learns what it takes to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain of his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth.

Yeah, I would say that image is legit. Cool shot to say the least! Kenneth Branagh must be fuming that it got out. My anticipation for this movie just doubled. Easily.

3D Film Factory's New Affordable 3D Beam-Splitter!!

Jim here. I thought I would give you a heads up that 3DFilmFactory has just released an affordable 3D beam-splitter that allows filmmakers to turn to 3D for less money. Very cool design and lots of support for today's smaller 3D cameras. Have a look!

Click photos to enlarge.

Here is their press release: 3D Film Factory has released the World’s most affordable 3D camera system for professional camcorders, compact HD cameras and DSLR cameras – the 3D-BS Mini Rig. This lightweight, precise, stereoscopic beam-splitter rig features an introductory retail price of just $2,495, while providing, almost unlimited camera and alignment control. Developed by award-winning filmmakers and veteran stereographers, the BS Mini rig offers a viable alternative to high-priced 3D rigs costing ten times as much.

“Our goal is to proliferate 3D production by making it accessible. In the real world that means making professional 3D systems that filmmakers can actually afford. The 3D-BS Mini Rig is our answer to that need“, said company president Karl Kozak. “Other rig manufacturers are making behemoth, expensive, overly complicated rigs. We went the other way. Creating the World’s least expensive, professional beam-splitter. It’s simple and small, and made for the Si-2K mini, Canon 5D, 7D, Red’s Scarlet and compact camcorders. We couldn’t be happier with the result.”

The 3D-BS Mini Rig (beam-splitter) is fully adjustable, allowing users to have total control over convergence settings (1° to 5°), inter-ocular (camera-to-camera) distances (0” to 4”) and, with an extra adapter, you get full camera tilt and roll (XYZ axis), for perfect alignment.

Boasting a weight of just 19.8 lbs, its black anodized aluminum frame is virtually indestructible. Designed to accommodate smaller professional camcorders, like the Canon XH-G1 or Sony EX3, it really shines with compact HD cameras, including Red’s Scarlet, the Si-2K mini and the Canon DSLR 5D and 7D still cameras.

At the center of the mirror box is a piece of optically engineered, impurity-free, 50/50 beam-splitter glass, that’s been optimized for 45°. It’s fully encased in our specialty high-grade plastic, that’s both light-dampening and completely detachable. Finally, the entire 3D rig readily attaches to most professional tripod heads with a simple aluminum tripod adapter (¼-20 & 3/8- 16 screws).

The result is the World’s most affordable, professional stereoscopic beam-splitter ever produced. The BS Mini Rig makes 3D shooting both simple and amazingly precise. When combined with one of our real-time 3D viewing systems, a dual camera sync and genlock, cinematographers can capture extraordinary 3D images for a fraction of the cost of all other systems.

Additionally, the 3D Film Factory offers a complete line of 3D camera systems, including the 3D-BS Indie & Pro Rigs (beam-splitter), intended for larger broadcast cameras and camcorders, as well as, several inexpensive side-by-side rigs - the SS Indie & SS Pro Rigs. These dual cameras systems are less complex, but equally necessary for most 3D production situations.

About 3D Film Factory
Based in San Diego, California, the 3D Film Factory is both full service 3D production house and a 3D equipment manufacturer. More specifically, the company specializes in the design and marketing of production-ready, affordable 3D camera systems, while lending its expertise to a variety of high-quality 3D projects, from ‘stereographers for hire’, to hands-on 3D training, to complete 3D production through post.

To find out more, visit the company’s web site at: 3DFilmFactory.com

I am excited that it can be used with Red's Scarlet! Whenever I hear about equipment that could potentially be used by small independent filmmakers I try to get the word out. 3D isn't just for the studios! If you have used 3DFilmFactory's products / services or other related companies, go ahead and post them in comments. The more feedback the better.

Iron Man Easter Egg (NOT a spoiler)

(The following does not contain spoilers for Iron Man 2, but those being extra careful should probably skip it anyway.)

EDIT: It's also come to my attention that inconsiderate people are spoiling in the comments, so think twice before you click THAT, too.

Apparently Marvel hasn't been as johnny-on-the-spot at keeping the actual content of the "stay through the credits" tag of Iron Man 2 secret as opposed to the first one, and people should be aware that some sites are being less than diligent about spoiler warnings. (Though I'm also hearing that the movie-proper, which I've not seen yet, may actually have so much other-franchise-referencing in it's actual plot that spoiler-proofing may be impossible - the words "feature-length Avengers trailer" have been used more than once.)

For the record, as of last night there were at least 2 pirated snaps of it floating around (I'm sure the whole thing is on the youtubes by now) one of which is (supposedly) innocuous i.e. "that could be anything" and one that gives it all away.

I saw the first one before clicking away RIGHT away last night, I reccomend you don't go looking at all in case there's something in there more obvious that I missed. For what it's worth, what (I think) I saw could reasonably be one of about three things, at least two of which would be RIDICULOUSLY ballsy, game-changing stuff.

Are you excited? I'm excited.

A Single Man

What a BEAUTIFUL movie! Beautiful, beautiful. The esthetic is perfect. The use of light and color absolutely dreamy and enhances what you will feel from the scenes. This is a movie about feelings, your feelings, the ample range of feelings you will feel while watching.

I could go on and on talking about the few handheld camera takes to shake whatever was happening, the amazing compositions, the absolutely fantastic storytelling with a pace that goes slow, slowish, faster, back to slowish, slow and so on. Tom Ford successfully plays with all resources to make his audience feel.

To think that Ford could provoke Colin Firth to do perhaps his best ever performance, he's not mesmerizing, he's above mesmerizing with those facial expressions and the body language makes you feel like if you were there close to him and if you extend your hand you will touch him. Glorious performance. Bravo!

Yes Julianne Moore is here and her role fits her like a hand to a glove, she should do more of this kind of roles set in the '50/60s. But also a pleasant surprise while briefly seeing Erin Daniels, she should do more films.

I don't have to talk about the costumes after all is Tom Ford so you can imagine what you'll be able to see; but have to talk again about the film esthetic with absolutely beautiful and so 50/60's sets, surroundings, cars, makeup, people... and the playing with tint, the color and light saturation, the sad greyish and the taupe melting into sepia-ish... awesome!

On purpose never read about the story and I strongly recommend you don't. You'll eventually start to guess probably right, but it's not a movie about destination is about the voyage and what a strongly felt voyage. Suffice to let you know that the story is about one day in the life of George, an English Professor living in Los Angeles area.

I cried, I smiled, I laughed. I was sad, all right, and happy. I felt everything. It was wonderful. Love the film that personally believe is superior -as a film- to Brokeback Mountain. More complete cinema experience. Yes, I'm still waiting for a lesbian interest film that so esthetically can provoke me such a torrent of intense feelings.

Absolutely must be seen and yes, this is a keeper and goes into my collection to revisit now and then. Strongly recommend you do not skip this film as is truly a great American film about love, any love; but also about life, anybody's life.

BIG ENJOY!!!

Watch trailer here.

Note: Love this movie poster that says a lot more about the movie than any other I saw in the net, don't know if is official, but after watching the film absolutely suits the movie better.

James Cameron's SANCTUM 3D Slated For Release March 4, 2011

Jim here. Universal has set a release date for JAMES CAMERON PRESENTS SANCTUM 3D: Friday, March 4, 2011 (via Deadline).

The timing puts the diving thriller up against Sony's PRIEST which will also be in 3D. PRIEST recently had its release date changed from January 14, 2011.

Based on true events, this adventure drama concerns a father and son who are trapped in an underwater cave with a team of divers as the group strives to stay alive against all hope.

Obviously the world is watching this movie as it is the first officially "touched" project from James Cameron since AVATAR, even though he is only producing. Should be a heckuva ride.

POLL: What Will Spidey's Fanservice Be?

Let's do another one of these, why the hell not?

Stuff is happening right now in the production of Sony's fast-tracked Spider-Man reboot. Why aren't we hearing about it? Who knows, but it's possibly because most studios with superhero movies in production are holding the usual minor leaks until they know how to frame it in the context of "Iron Man 2" (i.e. "do we tell them that Sinestro is next year's Whiplash, or next year's Whiplash-done-well?")

So, we're probably going to hear Spider-news sooner than later. My guess is that ONE of the earliest things "leaked" is some minor (or maybe not) element that's being "rethought" from the previous films that will actually "fix" something fans didn't like about Raimi's version; the idea being to "buy" some positive buzz ("Cue Cullen" aka "And The Fandom Rejoiced" for you TV Tropers.)

So, what do we think it'll be? What bone will Sony Pictures throw to fandom in hopes of distracting from how bad the rest of it will still sound?

A.) Mechanical Webshooters.

B.) No raised webbing on the costume and/or web-netting under the arms.

C.) ONE supporting-actor retained from earlier series (like Simmons still being Jameson.)

D.) "Geek pinup" actress, likely from a canceled Joss Whedon show, cast as female lead.

E.) The villain is... THE LIZARD, since you never actually got him last round!

F.) Previously-utilized villain returns, but now done "right" (i.e. Goblin in his purple tunic.)

G.) "That's Eddie Brock, he just transfered here."

Dreamworks Animation Announces HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON Sequel For 2013!

Jim here. Dreamworks Animation has announced that the sequel to HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON will light up the screens in 2013.

"2010 is off to a strong start, thanks in large part to the performance of 'How to Train Your Dragon,' which – having grossed nearly $375 million to date in worldwide box office – has become DreamWorks Animation's next franchise. We plan to release the sequel theatrically in 2013," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation. "3D continues to have a tremendous impact on the industry at large and we are now looking forward with great anticipation to bringing 'Shrek Forever After,' the final chapter in our beloved 'Shrek' series and the first in 3D, to audiences across the globe next month."

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON has thus far made $180m domestically and $193m overseas for a total worldwide box office of $373m, and of course the movie was #1 at the box office last weekend.

I knew we were in for a treat with this movie and always thought that it would do KUNG FU PANDA type numbers + the 3D premium. I think the voice acting was bang on and the material perfect for kids AND families of all ages. Keep up the excellent work DWA!!

Paramount's RING 3D To Scare Up More Box Office!

Jim here. Apparently the rumors from BloodyDisgusting are true: RING 3D (the third movie in THE RING franchise) is being pushed forward by Paramount.

No director has been attached yet, but David Loucka (DREAM HOUSE) is writing. Not too much more is known at this point.

Well I would think that most studio horror movies from now on will be 3D. Not a huge surprise, but it is one of the better properties out there so I am anxious to see it!

Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis (Welcome to the Sticks)

By now some of you know that I LOVE French cinema and that I have a hard time with comedies. If you browse the blog you will see that the words French and comedy together are simply non-existent. That's until today.

Yes waited until was shown in cable and finally watched one of the most successful French movies in recent times. The big surprise is that I like it! Yes, I laugh (not too much but I did) and felt very good (after a terrible day) when was over.

This Dany Boon film is great for the story, the comedy timing, the type of comedy, and good actors performances that not often use exaggerated gestures that I simply and strongly dislike. Tells about Phillippe, post office director, trying to please his wife and scamming to get transferred to a nicer ocean-side town in the South. When he gets caught he's banished to the North of France to a tiny city, Berges. No worst punishment as up North is cold, inhabited by 'simple' and uneducated people, unemployed miners that speak an incomprehensible dialect called Ch'ti. His wife stays in sunny South and he alone goes to a worst place than Siberia... according to what everyone in the South says. The rest you have to watch and just let me tell you one phrase from the movie 'foreigners cry twice when they come up north, once when they arrive and another when they leave'.

Perhaps is the best story I have ever seen about prejudice and the humor made it so easy to watch that was highly entertaining. If you haven't seen it I suggest to check your cable -or movie rental- perhaps they are showing this great film that maybe looses a bit in translation, but if you understand French you will laugh and laugh with the dialect speaking very funny moments.

Excellent film for an entertaining and escape moment. A while back I remember I swore that will never watch again a French comedy, but gee this comedy was really an exception.

Enjoy!!!

Watch trailer (with English subtitles) @ Movie On Companion

RealD Releases An On-Set iPhone App For 3D Filmmakers

Jim here. RealD has released what seems to be a pretty useful tool for filmmakers wanting to jump into stereoscopic 3D. It is built for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and according to PR Newswire it will allow stereographers to save time and money by calculating parallax and separation in planning stereo 3D depth, optimal camera rig locations and lens configuration.

RealD Professional Stereo3D Calculator features include:
- Parallax - know the depth of a shot by seeing the actual positive and negative parallax values at any distance with the subject in focus.
- Separation - learn how various objects in each shot will affect the on-screen image quality based on separation and distance from the cameras (includes "Maximum Positive On-Screen Offset").
- Lens - determine the appropriate lens or zoom to achieve the desired 3D effect
- Shooting style - choose "Converged" or "Parallel" style to customize shots and plan post-production workflow.
- Camera Setup - set camera model, lens type and interaxial range; test real shots with interactive shot settings and quickly rearrange the setup real-time.
- Stereo Solver™ Mode gives the exact settings needed to accomplish any shot while ensuring far objects' parallax never goes over defined maximum on-screen offset.
- S3D Calculator Mode functions as a pure 3D reference calculator with interactive value tables.

"Shooting in 3D is an art form, one that can be challenging not only for novices but experienced professionals as well given the calculations needed to create an effective and comfortable 3D visual," said Joshua Greer, President of RealD. "This Calculator takes away the guesswork involved in shooting in 3D, helping ensure the best configured rigs are in place for each shot and maximizing on-set efficiency."

"With this app, a filmmaker can remain focused on creating powerful and compelling 3D instead of getting lost in the angles, geometry and optics behind it," added Ken Schafer, President and Lead Program Architect at Innoventive Software (FrameForge Previz Studio).

The app is called the "RealD Professional Stereo3D Calculator" and it is available from iTunes for $299.99.

Once I get some reviews on this new on-set application from my stereographer friends I will be sure to post them - or read the comments as they often will post their thoughts.

2010 Premiile Gopo Winners

Recently the Romanian Gopo Awards had the awards ceremony and here are the winners in the main categories. As expected the movie that sweep the awards is none other than Politist, Adjetiv by Corneliu Porumboiu.

Best Film: Politist, Adjectiv (Police, Adjetive), Corneliu Porumboiu
Best Director: Corneliu Porumboiu for Politist, Adjectiv (Police, Adjetive)
Best Actress: Hilda Péter in Katalin Varga, Peter Strickland, UK and Romania
Best Actor: Dragos Bucur in Politist, Adjectiv (Police, Adjetive)

To check winners in all categories plus the special awards go here available only in Romanian.

Afghan Star

In my insurmountable quest to watch all the foreign films submitted to the 2010 Oscars recently I took a small step and decided to watch the UK official submission, a documentary by Havana Marking that troubled me more than I was prepared for.

The documentary film tells the story of a contestants musical show very similar to American Idol -that I have to remind readers that the show format is an import from UK and not an American original idea- that happens in contemporary Afghanistan. But that's the excuse to show how Afghan society has changed since the Taliban rule and my impression is that what we see is not so impartial and has a not so hidden intention.

I'm really torn with the way the documentary was edited as somehow I got the feeling that I was seeing propaganda. I will not get into explaining why, suffice to tell that it should have been a lot better if the story was told objectively. What I really appreciate is the story of the two women contestants as an example of cultural/religious rules that totally make women less than second class citizens and human beings. Watching both being and behaving so different impressed me and the reactions to disobeying the rules were absolute appalling. But then I'm torn here too, as I know that what is 'normal' for many, is not 'normal' for others and only us that live in a society where people are allowed to have choices will find appalling not being able to choose who we are or want to be. So I'm really troubled with this film that not unintentionally tried to show how an Occidental culture contestants format brought back "life" to a country where our concept of "joy" is restricted, the terrible consequences (including death threats) for disobeying rules, and the 'silly' government actions trying to control and punish contestants and people participation.

One positive thing the film did to me, made me think about politics, religion, Occidental recent popular culture and it's not-so-good penetration in cultures with thousands of years, and many other subjects that definitively will not discuss in this blog.

So, do I recommend the film? No if you're looking forward to an entertaining escape moment. No, if you want to have an 'objective' document of reality. Yes, if you have to watch all the foreign films submitted to the 2010 Oscar, but be prepared to see and hear a lot more than a simply Pop Idol contestants story.

Watch trailer @ Movie On Companion

Machan

Sometimes it takes me a long time to be able to watch a film and this is the case with this movie that was screened at the 2008 Venice fest at the Venice Days section where won the Label Europa Cinemas Award. It took me almost two years, but the wait was more than worth it as the film really becomes mesmerizing for the most unbelievable good story and the excellent performances from unknown to me actors (or non-actors?). It's my first movie from Sri Lanka with an Italian director Uberto Pasolini that expertly handles actors and the story development.

The film looks and feels like the raw reality of the poorest inhabitants that have to emigrate as "normal" life in their country is impossible. So it's no surprise to find that is based on a true story of a group of men that have a clever idea to obtain the German visa. They invent the Sri Lanka National Handball Team, ask to participate and obtain an invitation to an international tournament in Bavaria, Germany. The problem is that none of them play handball or have the slightest idea of what the game is all about.

This is a film to watch for the story, the natural acting and a director that created an excellent and entertaining film and as such I do strongly recommend it to those that like to watch well-done dramatization of real life stories.

The film is labeled as comedy and yes there is humor in this film, but what really touched me is the drama so well presented and handled about a very sensitive subject like emigration from a poor country into developed countries.

Enjoy!!!

Watch trailer @ Movie On Companion

Boogie Woogie

A movie that's not for all tastes as you really have to enjoy British satire to laugh with all the crazy situations, crazy acting and crazy story, and if you doubt me just check the awful movie poster that's a ridicule satiric representation of what the story is all about. But boy, did I laugh with this crazy movie.

Described as 'comedy of manners' this Duncan Ward film is set in the contemporary London art world and is based on the book by Danny Moynihan -with the same name- with an excellent cast playing characters devouring each other in a very small world awash with big money. The cast includes Gillian Anderson, Alan Cumming, Christopher Lee, Charlotte Rampling, Stellan Skarsgård, Heather Graham, Danny Huston, Jack Huston, and (again) Amanda Seyfried, plus many more like Gemma Atkinson that plays a lesbian artist that will do anything to be discovered and promoted.

Very fast paced film with many stories (as many as the large amount of characters) but basically revolves around the desire to acquire Piet Mondrian's painting that belongs to an old man who doesn't want to sell as he bought it directly from the famous painter and is his most precious collection piece. But that's the excuse to show us the (real) ridiculous side of art commercialism that is very similar (if not the same) all over the world.

If you have ever been close to the Art Marché in wherever you live then you have to watch this film to uncover people you probably know and if you appreciate Brit humor then the pleasure will be double. Unfortunately I cannot recommend this film to some of my loyal readers as is not the regular lesbian interest movie, but has all the ingredients including the sex scene.

Is so hard for me to find films that understand my humor (lol!) but this one definitively did, plus was a true delight to watch all the paintings, sculptures, etc that parade through out the entire film.

Enjoy!!

Watch trailer @ Movie On Companion

Chloe

I wasn't sure if I wanted to watch this film, so I delayed as much as possible but finally I succumbed as is an Atom Egoyan film and had to watch. The good news is that visually the film has many good moments with excellent cinematography and some outstanding outdoor compositions. The bad news is that the original story was changed to make it the most awful story you can image, chemistry between main leads (Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried) was non-existent and after watching I was mad!

Remakes are most of the time awful as many times the story is changed to accommodate the morality codes of the target audience. If something I was really curious about this movie was how they were going to adapt Nathalie's very peculiar story that for me totally reflects France's morality values that are SO different to values in English speaking countries. Well, just let me tell you that the main character becomes a stalker of the worst kind, which in the original story is very-very far from it.

Yes this film is the very bad remake of Anne Fontaine's Natalie. Bad because so many things that include the awful story changes but also -for example- Nathalie was all about voices and was really erotic, Chloe tries too hard to be erotic and becomes vulgar.

If you haven't seen Nathalie I urge you to go and buy/rent the DVD so you can see the abysmal difference from Chloe. Would I have liked the movie if I haven't seen Fointaine's film? Visually yes; the story, no.

Definitively Atom Egoyan should avoid doing mainstream films, he's an excellent director that wasted his time with a terrible screenplay.

If you saw and loved Nathalie as much as I did, I suggest you stay away from this movie as I'm sure you will get upset with the old-fashion portrait of lesbianism in this film.

Sigh.

Watch trailer @ Movie On Companion

2010 German Film Awards Winners

Followed yesterday via facebook the awards with my favorite film of the year winning 10 Lola's. Here are the winners in *RED.

On March 20th - Yesterday the German Film Academy announced this year nominations and the best news is that The White Ribbon has a record 13 nominations all extremely well-deserved. The full list of the better know as Lola's Awards is not out yet in English but here are the nominations for the main categories.

Best Film
Alle Anderen (Everyone Else), MarenAde
Die Fremde (When We Leave), Feo Aladag (Bronze Lola)
Soul Kitchen, Fatih Akin
Sturm, Hans-Christian Schmid (Silver Lola)
*Das Weisse Band (The White Ribbon), Michael Haneke - Golden Lola
Desert Flower (Wustenblume), Sherry Horman

Best Director
Maren Ade for Alle Anderen (Everyone Else)
Feo Aladag for Die Fremde (When We Leave)
*Michael Haneke for Das Weisse Band (The White Ribbon)
Hans-Christian Schmid for Sturm

Best Screenplay
Feo Aladag for Die Fremde
*Michael Haneke for Das Weisse Band
Wolfgang Kohlasse for Whisky mit Wodka
Bernd Lange and Hans-Christian Schmid for Sturm

Best Actress
Corinna Harfouch in This is Love
*Sibel Kekilli in Die Fremde
Susanne Lothar in Alle Anderen

Best Actor
Fabian Hinrichs in Schwerkraft
Henry Hubchen in Whisky mit Wodka
*Burghart Kaubner in Das Weisse Band
Devid Striesow in So Glucklich War ich Noch Ne

To check nominees in all categories please go here available only in German and if you feel like checking the video with the nominations announcement go here. To read about winners in all categories check the press release available only in German here.

The award ceremony will be on April 23 and as soon as the complete list in English is published I will post the link. I really like Fatih Akin films and I'm looking forward to watch Sturm (with Anamaria Marinca) but this year honors belong to the extraordinary film by Michael Haneke, the film has to sweep the awards. (and it did!!!).

Ridley Scott Confirms ALIEN Prequel To Be Shot In Native 3D!! *AND* There Will Be TWO Prequels!!!

**SAME DAY UPDATE: From Collider once again - The other big news from the interview is he said he’s developing two Alien prequels! When asked if he was going to shoot both together, he said, “at the moment I’m just trying to get the first one out.”

Jim here. Perfect!! The man himself, Ridley Scott, has confirmed to Steve @ Collider that the ALIEN prequel will definitely be shot in 3D and that he will be using the most advanced 3D cameras on the planet. Twice as effective as the ones used on AVATAR as Cameron's technology has evolved since then.

Scott's main concern is lighting because the ALIEN franchise is very dark and shadowy. As you may know, projecting 3D cuts the light effectively in half as 50% of the light goes to each eye, but not at the same time. James Cameron had some similar issues with AVATAR and spent a lot of time on evening out the lighting throughout the movie and it paid off. Look for the same effort from Ridley on ALIEN.

The ALIEN prequel script is in its fourth draft right now! Don't forget to read more from Ridley Scott here.

Escape to the Movies: "The Losers"

It's a wholly-appropriate title.


http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/escape-to-the-movies/1642-The-Losers

This week's "Intermission" is titled "What's The Problem With Hit-Girl?":
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/moviebob/7464-Whats-the-Problem-With-Hit-Girl

Exclusive Weta Update! MORTAL ENGINES In 3D, DISTRICT 10 Shooting This October AND AVATAR 2 Spoiler!!!

*EXCLUSIVE*

Jim here. What's new in Weta world?? I have got the goods for ya from two of my top embedded sources!

MORTAL ENGINES is definitely a GO! And it WILL BE in stereoscopic 3D!! It is extremely hard to get any information on this project at all - but you know us, we are in there digging all the time :-) Peter Jackson is both Director and Producer on this project. Mortal Engines is based on a series of five books by Phillip Reeve set in a devastated post annihilation world. Huge floating cities roam the skies and do battle with one another.

DISTRICT 10 (Production title at least) is now in pre-production with filming to start in the October time frame this year. Shooting locations will be South Africa once again as well as New Zealand. There has been no word on whether it will be shot in S3D or not as of yet. You will be the first to know! Peter Jackson is again producing the sequel with Neill Blomkamp directing.

AVATAR 2 will continue several years after the events of the original. It will also lay the groundwork for the other moons in the system. Things are going to get quite "weird" to the point of becoming somewhat abstract! Each movie will stand on its own and there will definitely be NO shooting the sequels back to back. Trilogy? Actually no. The sky is no limit for this universe - the plot lines are endless.

AVATAR 2 SPOILER ALERT: This is verbatim from my source...
"Oh and Pandora has a lot of shit coming its way. Break out the space marines, looks like some bugs need a stomping."

Holy Makarov! You didn't think Weta has been sitting idly by and doing nothing but TINTIN have you? :-) I have asked for clarification on the quote I gave you about AVATAR 2 and if he can go into any detail for us. Keep in mind that things could change this early in the AVATAR 2 creative process but he felt comfortable in telling me this. It must have graduated from Lightstorm Entertainment ideas to Weta concept design. STAY TUNED!! Exciting stuff!

THE GREEN HORNET Confirmed in 3D And Has A New Release Date!!

Jim here. There has been a whole whack of new 3D announcements in the last day or so and this confirmation is definitely one of the best pieces of news I have heard. Seth Rogen's THE GREEN HORNET will indeed be converted to 3D as reported by Collider, and they will be moving the actioner from December 22, 2010 to January 14, 2011 to avoid the 3D traffic jam over the holiday season.

I am a huge Seth Rogen fan so I am really looking forward to this one. Interesting to have two green heroes released in the same year! GREEN LANTERN hits 3D screens on June 17, 2011.

Pixar Announces MONSTERS INC. 2 in 3D And Renames THE BEAR AND THE BOW To BRAVE

Jim here. Disney / Pixar has announced that MONSTERS INC. 2 will be coming our way on November 16, 2012 and since ALL of Pixar's movies will be in stereoscopic 3D indefinitely, so will MONSTERS INC. 2.

The original MONSTERS INC. (2001) earned $62.6 million on its first weekend ($85m in today's dollars) and finally gathered $255.9 million in total ($350m today).

Further, another Pixar movie originally entitled THE BEAR AND THE BOW will have a name change to BRAVE and an updated release date of June 15, 2012. Of course, it will be in S3D as well.

Pixar is the juggernaut of animation and I see no reason for alarm with these announcements. Nothing but continued success for these guys! Bring it on...

THE LAST AIRBENDER Will Be In 3D!!

Jim here. Ain't It Cool has news that M. Night Shyamalan's THE LAST AIRBENDER will be converted into S3D!

From what I have seen from the first trailer it looks stunning. Word is it only gets better with the next trailer being shown in front of IRON MAN 2.

THE LAST AIRBENDER hits 2D and 3D screens July 2.

I have to say I was very skeptical about the movie in the beginning. Perhaps it rubbed me the wrong way by trying to use "AVATAR" in its title at one time! And M. Night Shamalong-a-ding-dong hasn't had too great a track record lately. But I will be the first to admit that THE LAST AIRBENDER looks very appealing. And my opinion may be changing not only for the project but for the director himself.

If they can spend the time and money to do the conversion right, I believe it will be very successful. Fingers crossed on the conversion!

2010 Looks Like a Promising Year for Movies

I was reading an article by my favorite net writer, Peter Knegt, and felt the urge to share with you all some upcoming films that definitively called my attention.

The American by Anton Corbijn
The Beaver by Jodie Foster
Hereafter by Clint Eastwood
Miral by Julian Schnabel
Potiche by Francois Ozon
Rabbit Hole by John Cameron Mitchell
Somewhere by Sofia Coppola
The Tempest by Julie Taymor
The Turin House by Bela Tarr
"Untitled" by Gus Van Sant

Knegt's list is longer, but I selected the above films because of I like the director and/or his previous films. I don't know if any of the films in the complete list will still make it to Cannes or if they will end up in Venice or Toronto fests; for me the list looks like a very promising year for movies I like to watch.

To check the complete list go here.

Cheers!!!

BSAT Labs Offers 2D to 3D Conversion

Michael here. A couple days ago I saw a screening of some of Chicago-based BSAT Labs 3D conversion work, and it looked spectacular.

The clips included converted shots from Piranha 3-D and Iron Man. Every piece of Iron Man's armor was rendered in impeccable detail, and the intricate debris, smoke, and fire from an explosion was given clear and distinct depth. The shots from Piranha were equally impressive, demonstrating a virtuosity for converting live action. All the 3D was crisp and rounded, with objects distributed throughout the stereospace instead of all bunched together in planes. The footage completely avoided the flatness and blurriness that plague bad conversion jobs.

The reel I was shown highlighted BSAT's pipeline, showing stills from different stages of their process. It also included a number of shorter shots, some of which you can view in anaglyph here at BSAT Labs' website. I really appreciated how the reel took its time to show the 2D version of a shot before the 3D version, and how it demonstrated the work BSAT had to accomplish to create the 3D.

BSAT Labs outputs left and right eye images. It uses a non-proprietary, modular system and process that is easy to learn and allows versatility for the client, permitting size of staff to expand as required by the project. Their work flow places great importance on filmmaker creative involvement.

BSAT launched its 2D/3D conversion in May 2009 and has since tested for several studios. Its sister company BSAT Inc. has been in business since 2001 serving the cable and broadcast industry.

I look forward to seeing BSAT Labs' work on the big screen in the future!

is Platinum Dunes in trouble?

Man, I sure hope so.

Look, it's sad when anyone loses a job or takes a financial hit in this business, but you'll forgive me if I'm not more than a little hopeful at the vauge prospect of "Platinum Dunes" - the Michael Bay affiliated production company specializing mostly in remakes of classic horror movies - having to scale things back. They're output, which has so-far included the abysmal "Texas Chainsaw," "Friday the 13th" and "Hitcher" remakes, has been even worse than you'd expect from an outfit built (literally) on the words "remake" and "Michael Bay."

Bloody-Disgusting, which actually hosts PD's "official" site, reports that one of the company's top dogs, Brad Fuller, has tweeted that the presumed sequel to the "Friday" remake is "dead. Not happening": http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/19920

All well and good, since the movie was terrible, but color me shocked: It was a good-sized hit, and historically Jason movies have been among the top "what it makes vs what it costs" moneymakers in modern genre film. This is the sort of thing that could've been a cash-cow, providing funding for whatever else they wanted to do. This particular news, coming literally a week before PD's "Nightmare on Elm Street" remake is supposed to hit, doesn't exactly make it look like they're flush with confidence about the future of their brand.

Whatever. If it means they have to scrap their proposed in-name-only "Monster Squad" remake, good riddance to `em.

12th Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

Tomorrow the fest will start and will run until May 2nd. For a very refreshing change the fest has a couple of very interesting comedies/drama as well as some interesting shorts. The following films are new to the blog.

The Four-Faced Liar, Jacob Chase, USA, 2010
Leading Ladies, Erika and Daniel Beahm, USA, 2010
My Normal, Irving Schwartz, USA, 2009

To read about the films that this year are equally gay and lesbian interest (for a change) go here.

Check trailers @ Movie On Companion

52nd Ariel Awards Winners

Recently the Mexican Academy had their award ceremony and here are the winners for the main categories.

Best Film: Cinco días sin Nora (Nora's Will), Mariana Chenillo
Best First Film: Cinco días sin Nora (Nora's Will), Mariana Chenillo

Best Director: Carlos Carrera for El Traspatio (Backyard)
Best Actress: Azur Zagada in El Traspatio (Backyard)
Best Actor: Fernando Lujan in Cinco días sin Nora (Nora's Will), Mariana Chenillo

Best Ibero-american Film: El Secreto de sus ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes), Juan José Campanella, Argentina and Spain

To check winners in all categories go here available only in Spanish.

Millenium 1