The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Genre

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Director

Marc Webb

Country

USA

Cast

Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan, Chris Zylka, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Leif Gantvoort, Hannah Marks, Kelsey Chow, C. Thomas Howell, Stan Lee, Michael Massee, Michael Papajohn, Max Charles, Jake Keiffer

Storyline

Like most teenagers, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance, leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Opinion

The Sam Raimi's trilogy, though the awful ending chapter, will always stand out among the superhero films, and definitely did not need to be rebooted. Still Marc Webb succeeded in making a quite amazing interpretation of Spider-Man's origins - and a more loyal film towards the comic books.

The Amazing Spider-Man is surprisingly engaging, plenty of action, thrill, and genuine emotions, with a more effective drama than ever.

Marc Webb faithfully manages to bring to the screen Peter Parker's humanity, creating a more credible superhero, that must defeat a villain, and on the other hand take care of his worried aunt.
In this new film, Parker isn't accidentally bitten by the spider but he is kinda looking forward to, and there's a new way his powers work. He now needs a device to shoot a web perfectly, and still causing lot of damage, he looks more credible. Some parts - like when Peter is working on his costume - are way too rushed though. The villain is good, but Connors becoming evil because he became Lizard is a little forced.

Andrew Garfield is indeed the best choice to play Peter Parker, giving him that humour - and better look - Maguire's didn't have. Emma Stone is amazing as Gwen Stacy, way better than Dunst, and her character as well is better than MJ, being more than just a love interest. The chemistry between Garfield and Stone is amazing.

Quotes

Ben Parker: Peter? I know things have been difficult lately and I'm sorry about that. I think I know what you're feeling. Ever since you were a little boy, you've been living with so many unresolved things. Well, take it from an old man. Those things send us down a road... they make us who we are. And if anyone's destined for greatness, it's you, son. You owe the world your gifts. You just have to figure out how to use them and know that wherever they take you, we'll always be here. So, come on home, Peter. You're my hero... and I love you!

Twice Born (2012)

Original Title

Venuto al mondo

Genre

Drama | Romance | War

Director

Sergio Castellitto

Country

Italy | Spain

Cast

Penélope Cruz, Emile Hirsch, Adnan Haskovic, Saadet Aksoy, Pietro Castellitto, Luca De Filippo, Mira Furlan, Jane Birkin, Sergio Castellitto, Branko Djuric, Isabelle Adriani, Jovan Divjak, Sanja Vejnovic, Emina Muftic

Plot

Oft-married Gemma (Penélope Cruz) brings her teenage son Pietro (Pietro Castellitto) to Sarajevo, where his father (Emile Hirsch) died in the Bosnian conflict years ago.

Opinion

I haven't read the novel by Margaret Mazzantini, but the person who recommended me this film did, and enjoyed both, so I gave the film a try.

Twice Born is an ambitious and complex film that deals with love, motherhood at any cost, and horrors of war.

The film is certainly well built, and the direction from Sergio Castellitto - the novelist's husband - is great and manages to show love and war in the same moment, often leaving room for glances and music. Moving forward and backwards in time is certainly not new, but it always fascinates me. 

Penélope Cruz gives a magnificent and intense performance as Gemma. Needless to say is that Emile Hirsch's performance as Diego is wonderful. Adnan Haskovic as Gojco and Saadet Aksoy as Aska are outstanding. 

Having said that, I can't see how it is even possible for this film to have a 17% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, because if those people have actually seen this film, there is no way they could have give all those negative reviews.

Just a little note for whoever translated the title in English: why 'Twice Born'? It doesn't really make sense, it should have been 'Came to the world' or something like that.

Quotes

Diego: The weirdest love stories are always the best.

Gojco: Love only comes once. It moves like the sea. But it's always the same.

What's in a Name? (2012)

Original Title

Le Prénom

Genre

Comedy | Drama

Directors

Alexandre de La Patellière | Matthieu Delaporte

Country

France | Belgium

Cast

Patrick Bruel, Valérie Benguigui, Charles Berling, Guillaume de Tonquédec, Judith El Zein, Françoise Fabian, Yaniss Lespert, Miren Pradier, Alexis Leprise, Juliette Levant, Bernard Murat

Plot

Father-to-be Vincent (Patrick Bruel) is invited for dinner by his sister Élisabeth (Valérie Benguigui) and his brother-in-law Pierre (Charles Berling). When he announces the scandalous name for his future son, the hosts objects to that, and the situation eventually gets out of hand.

Opinion

Being a big fan of French films, I couldn't help but love this one. What's in a Name? is a wonderful and hilarious comedy/drama.

The film, entirely set in a upper-middle class Parisian living room, is semi-realistic, and neither vulgar nor banal. The first hilarious part is followed by a more dramatic second part, which is still enjoyable.

The brilliant script, the delightful and sharp dialogue and the continuous twists help the viewer not to feel bored.

However, the most important role is played by the actors: they did a fantastic job and the chemistry between the five of them is remarkable. Guillaume de Tonquédec is the one who impressed me the most, considering he has convinced everybody - audience included - he is gay.

Quotes

Pierre: What's first? Cheval Blanch or Fontaines de Provence?

Vincent: To drink or wash our hands?

Rating

8.0/10

The Iceman (2012)

Genre

Biography | Crime | Drama

Director

Ariel Vromen

Country

United States

Cast

Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, James Franco, David Schwimmer, Stephen Dorff, Erin Cummings, Robert Davi, Weronika Rosati, John Ventimiglia, Christa Campbell, Jay Giannone, Vincent Fuentes, Ashlynn Ross

Plot

Appearing to be living the American dream as a devoted husband and father in reality Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon) is a ruthless contract killer. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters have any clue about his real profession.

Opinion

I had to wait almost 2 years - it was released last Thursday in Italy - to watch this film and was it worth it? Hard to say. Based on Philip Carlo's biography of Richard Kuklinski "The Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer", The Iceman is an average mob film. It is dark and bold but there is not enough excitement or tension. Ariel Vromen wasted the potential of the book and gave birth to a shallow film.
Michael Shannon , who plays Kuklinski, does such a good job, delivering a performance filled with emotions, and uplifts the film a bit. 

Buy on Amazon.com | Buy/Rent on Amazon Instant Video

Quotes

Mr. Freezy: I only feel alone around other people. Couldn't be truer.

Rating

7.5/10

New STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Featurette: Abrams On 3D!

Check out what director J.J. Abrams had to say about STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. He's obviously enthused with the new advances that have been made since the last Trek he made.

Abrams says: "Without question the IMAX and 3D of it will give viewers yet another level of excitement."

Here's the storyline for the movie:
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17.

3D Month Continues! Jim's 2012 Top Ten 3D Movies Vs. The Results Of Our Reader's Poll!

Ok, so my list has no bearing on who is going to win awards at the 3D Creative Arts Awards for 2012 (only 2 weeks away - can't wait!), but I do have my opinion and where better else to voice it than right here?

Keep in mind my ratings combine my feelings for not only how good the 3D was but also the movie itself (which is different than what I did last year).

Without further ado, here are my selections - have at it! Let me know how yours differs or how much you perfectly agree with me :-)

Top Five 3D Conversions - Re-release:
1. TITANIC 3D
2. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
3. FINDING NEMO
4. MONSTERS INC
5. STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE 

Top Five 3D Conversions:
1. THE AVENGERS
2. JOHN CARTER
3. WRATH OF THE TITANS
4. MEN IN BLACK 3
5. FRANKENWEENIE

Top Five Native 3D Movies:
1. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
2. LIFE OF PI
3. PROMETHEUS
4. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
5. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY 

Top Five 3D Animations:
1. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
2. BRAVE
3. ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT
4. THE LORAX
5. HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA

Top Ten Combined:
10. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
9. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WORLDS AWAY
8. WRATH OF THE TITANS
7. JOHN CARTER
6. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
5. TITANIC 3D
4. THE AVENGERS
3. PROMETHEUS
2. LIFE OF PI
1. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI was absolutely brilliant and on any other year would have easily took top place for me, but wow - Peter Jackson's HFR 3D was spellbinding! My jaw hadn't been locked open like that since AVATAR. Congratulations to all of my top ten list and more for an outstanding year in 2012. And 2013 promises us even more excitement!

Click to enlarge

And here are the results of the MarketSaw Reader's Poll asking the question: "What was your favorite 3D movies of 2012?"

It looks like we were in agreement on THE HOBBIT but you guys have PROMETHEUS in second spot ahead of LIFE OF PI. While I thoroughly enjoyed Ridley Scott's return to sci-fi, Pi's adventure was enough for me to move it ahead. To each there own - you can't go wrong with any of these top ten movies!

It was surprising to me is how well DREDD fared with you though. I found the 3D was headache inducing but perhaps that was my particular screening. In retrospect though, the CG shots were spectacular in 3D and then when we flipped back to native 3D, it went back to mundane for me. I enjoyed JOHN CARTER and WRATH OF THE TITANS so much more. Do I want more of Karl Urban's Dredd though? Darn right. I want better 3D next time too. DREDD didn't make my top ten.

Stay tuned for our annual MOST ANTICIPATED list of movies for 2013 coming up soon!

PODCAST 28: 2012 & Django Unchained

Forest and Cory reunite after a week of celebrating the winter holiday season. Forest points out how unbelievable, and now irrelevant, the film 2012 really is. Then Cory and Forest break down the new Tarantino, spaghetti western, Django Unchained. Don't let the "N word"

CONTINUE READING

POLL: What Was You Favorite Movies Of 2012?

I can't list them all as it would dominate the front page far too much - and I know that will disappoint some of the respective creatives that read MarketSaw; so a preemptive "sorry" from me!

Take your time and check off your favorite 3D movies of 2012 and by the time 2 weeks rolls around I will have my Top 10 list done and we can discuss. Immediately after that we'll tackle the most anticipated 3D movies of 2013!

Have fun! And discuss below if you wish...

THE HOBBIT Pushes On At Box Office - Sees Mountain Of Gold Coming...

First Look At Bilbo In THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG

Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY is doing very well at the box office thank you very much. After a solid week earning $113,152,900, Bilbo and company settled down to a cool $10.2 million yesterday solidly smacking the competition, namely the Goblin King, Jack Reacher and This is 40 - not necessarily in that order.

Here's the domestic breakdown:
1. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY  $10.2m
2. JACK REACHER  $5.1m
3. THIS IS 40  $3.7m
4. RISE OF THE GUARDIANS  $1.6m
5. THE GUILT TRIP  $1.5m

So how is THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY doing verses THE LORD OF THE RINGS franchise domestically? Very well again! It was the top of the family for Days 1 and 2 then slipped to second for Day 3. It was bringing up the rear for Days 4 to 7 and was third on day 8. Of course it's not a great comparison due to which days of the week were holidays and which were not, but at least we know THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY is in the same ballpark as LOTR movies so that means that parity or beyond is certainly achieveable for the first outing of dwarves.

Worldwide is amazing too. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY has $123m from domestic coffers but also $138m from international tallies for a total of $261m already. Yes. $1 billion is reasonable and certainly $900m is achievable. JOURNEY also puts the follow up movies in a very good place and as the action picks up so should the business side of it's show business.

I'll have more numbers when they fall into place. Stay tuned!

Stats Source: Box Office Mojo

Movie Review: THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY - 9.5 Stars!!

We've waited a LONG time for this movie to come out, the first of three from Peter Jackson and company. The wait was worth it. Remember when all of this was just a pipe dream and the legal issues between New Line Cinema and Peter Jackson seemed insurmountable. Then I received those emails from my source within Jackson's camp that hinted at a silver lining. Of course I immediately passed them on to you: That the hobbit was going to go ahead; Peter Jackson will direct; it will be three movies not two or one; and they will be shot in native 3D. Sure there were distractions along the way but the end result was exactly what my source had told us from day one: We'll be getting what we've always dreamed of.

And now that day has come. I must admit when I first saw the HFR opening scenes I do not know exactly what to expect. To the untrained eye which most of us has, the characters seem to speed up and slow down and even simple camera panning had issues with uneven, at times jerking motion. It sounds worse than it is. I will be the first to say I was nervous. In all the reviews that I had read prior to seeing the movie there was no indication that you would get used to what you're watching on the screen. But I am here to reassure you today that you will indeed get used to what's on the screen and moreover you will be engulfed in such a realistic journey that it may bring tears to your eyes. You WILL get used to the HFR experience, some faster than others. I have yet to see HFR a second time but when I do I will let you know if my eyes get used to the experience faster the second time.

Once my eyes adjusted after perhaps 10 min. of watching the movie I was only reminded of the HFR experience a handful at times afterwards mainly during periods of the movie that were slower so I had time to think for myself. But oh the times when I forgot about the HFR and just was completely immersed in flying over the group of dwarves, Gandalf and Bilbo as they travel towards the lonely Mountain. I'm not ashamed to say I had tears in my eyes at that moment. We are witnessing the dawn of a new generation of cinematic experience in HFR. When I spoke with James Cameron at Cinemacon and what he showed us his HFR 3D testing, I was floored - and that was with simple slow-motion clips from a closed set. Peter Jackson has given us a full cinematic experience of one of the most beloved classic stories ever told and combining that with 3-D and HFR was pure genius.

Where shall I begin? Good question. I think I have to start with the tip of the hat to Peter Jackson and the sheer will and determination of the man to get this production underway from the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his way is nothing short of amazing. New Zealand could not ask for a better ambassador to represent them on the world stage. His vision, his loyalty to Tolkien, his creativity along with Fran and Phillipa and not to forget Guillermo del Toro, and his bottomless pit of energy that Jackson can draw upon must be pointed out in any review of the hobbit.

Who would've thought that this small island nation could not only compete with the likes of Hollywood but surpass them. I don't believe there's anything untouchable for Jackson and his team. What a remarkable statement. Watching THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and seeing the maturation of Jackson's directing style meshed with the new technologies that his team are introducing was mesmerizing. The sweeping camera motions over the heads of the dwarves in the Goblin King's cavern immediately brought to mind to me motion capture at its best. I lost some of the suspension of disbelief at that moment because I knew how Jackson was shooting it and I was analyzing it, but to the average theater goer that won't be an issue at all. Their jaws will just be open and tiny bit; eyes wide open.

So let's dissect the movie with my 'infamous' Star Analysis method. First let's talk about the story – obviously Jackson and his team adapted the story from Tolkien's THE HOBBIT and in order to make three movies about the tale may be stretching it a bit. Clearly he had more resources than just the story though - I'm sure the appendices will come into play, especially in the third movie. But I appreciated all the time spent in showing the audience what a comfortable life Bilbo has prior to Gandalf and the dwarves showing up at his door. It can't be overstated that Bilbo's life was turned completely upside down. And then there's the matter of introducing all these short characters and that the new generation of moviegoers may have never seen THE LORD OF THE RINGS, so their introduction to Gandalf and Bilbo must consider that. Not to mention the shire and the whole of Middle-earth. So with these issues in consideration I think Jackson and his team did a remarkable job with the adaptation thus far of the hobbit. I gave the story a 92% leaving plenty of room for improvement but reflecting upon the challenges that must've gone into AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. I love that Bilbo made a very uncomfortable decision to join the dwarves of course, and he really doesn't know what he's getting himself into. But I think coming in contact with the ring emboldened him whether he wanted it to or not. Remember from THE LORD OF THE RINGS how the ring affected Bilbo in the end; it wasn't pretty.

I thought the acting and character development held up very well despite the restrictions of all the prosthetics that had to be in place due to the high frame rate production. I thought the various personalities of the characters had ample opportunity to shine especially Thorin Oakenshield. and what can you say about Ian McKellen? I feel every time we see him on the big screen is a gift to the culture of mankind – he is that good.

Here is the first facet of the film that I thought truly deserved a near-perfect mark. Suspension of disbelief. The Elf's home Rivendell in particular was breathtaking. Through Jackson's HFR experience and the expertise displayed in the perfect stereoscopic 3-D cinematography with 3ality Technica, we have the opportunity to step through the silver screen and be one step closer to the world of the directors mind. Sure AVATAR was amazing and I'm convinced that AVATAR 2 and 3 with their high frame rate will be remarkable as well, but let's face it this was our first HFR experience and I for one am ecstatic about where we're going. you may have read what some other critics have complained about and I really don't think that they've given the format chance at all. Some of these critics have forgotten how to suspend their disbelief when they are presented with such jaw dropping beauty in a new technology such as HFR. To them I say open your minds and don't poison the thoughts of your readers with an ignorant response.

The directing of Peter Jackson was near perfect and I think Andy Serkis is truly coming into his own as a director and of course he is the single best motion and performance capture artist alive today. I think the single most exciting thing about this category of my review is seeing how Peter Jackson is maturing at the helm. I can just see him playing in this giant sandbox of creativity with these toys of high technology always within reach of him. I can only imagine what experiences he has in store for us down the road with the story. His new use of motion capture and his virtual camera utility added a huge boost to my reception of AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY.

The movie score of Howard Shore was the near perfect complement to the visual treats presented. While at times I thought the music extended a bit too far, I loved the new melodic thrusts for THE HOBBIT. And I thought the audio clues from the Lord of the rings were brought in and is suitable and tasteful manner so that it didn't overly influence the movie. I thought there might be a risk of that in watching some of the trailers and I certainly did not want to see a prequel to the Lord of the rings. I wanted to see and hear the hobbit trilogy. And that folks is what were getting.

Next is the cinematography. Andrew Lesnie has nailed it. First of all I have to say that his marriage of motion and performance capture prowess with his classical use of traditional lensing has produced a timeless piece of work. It's rare that someone can not only use but excel at blending the two into something compelling. All too often either the visual effects or the technical execution of directing photography takes center stage while something else visually suffers. Not so with an unexpected journey – we're not only getting a movie here, were seeing history in the making.

The visual effects of the deus ex machina Great Eagles was one of the highlights of the movie for me. The majesty of these beasts were captured impeccably and my thoughts roamed to what we can expect from Jackson for the presentation of Smaug. I can only imagine how Smaug will soar. You can't help but think it's the Eagles multiplied 100 fold. The goblin King looked amazing as did the trolls. You can watch a featurette of how they created the trolls using motion capture here. The hint of what the necromancer looks like excites me too.

Finally I bring you the perfect stereoscopic 3D experience. Not once did I experience disbelief in the movie based upon the 3-D. The expertise and obviously the 3D rigging equipment from 3ality Technica combined with the Red Epic cameras proved to be a match made in Middle-earth heaven. There does not seem to be anything that we can't do now in 3D. Impressive with me was that there was no fogging on the screen from any source of light. This always bothers me and every time I see it I shudder. Not this time. Again I must bring up the sweeping, outdoor aerial shot over the shoulders of Gandalf, Bilbo and the dwarves as they ran along a craggy hill because the 3D truly brought it home. The HFR sharpened the screen into reality but the 3D pulled us in. I gave the hobbit: an unexpected journey 100% score for their stereoscopic 3D. I expect more of the same for parts two and three.

I thought I would reprint what Steve Schklair of 3ality Technica had to say to me about HFR and it bears serious thought:
"Every change in cinema technology has come with negative comments and naysayers. This includes the advent of color, sound, digital, and 3D. If you remember back to the early days of digital, there was a company selling a process that would artificially insert weave, grain, scratches and dirt into a pristine digital image so that it would have a “film look”. Motion artifacts in 2D are distracting, and in 3D they are especially distracting. Shooting HFR makes for better images and sharper less distracting pictures. Because it does not look like what people are used to, it comes with the same detractors as did color, sound, digital, and 3D. I agree with Peter Jackson in that you have to see an entire movie at 48 and not just a few minutes. When you become immersed in the story, the difference in look will become secondary to the story. Eventually, like all new technologies in our business, it will become the accepted norm. History shows that to always be true."

In closing I have to say I'm disappointed with a number of my peers who call themselves movie critics and supposedly are supposed to represent the good interests of the moviegoing public. The vitriol I have read about THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY has been uncalled for in my opinion. I think the public should be made aware of the fact that their eyes will take some time to adjust to the HFR experience and I suspect everybody will be different in how they do so. I would estimate that most audience members will be fully adjusted to the experience within 5 to 15 minutes. Some will be shorter and longer than that but I suspect most will fall within that window. And I can't emphasize this enough: It is worth the wait. You will be transported. Like never before. And whatever you hear, THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY is certainly cinematic - in fact it is the new definition of cinema - everyone else must catch up. It's history in the making. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy!

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY is playing now in HFR 3-D, IMAX 3-D, RealD 3-D, and flat. I give the movie 9.5 stars out of 10.

Thanks so much to Empire Theatres for the amazing screening! The HFR experience was remarkable, the projection was bright and the service impeccable as always. I'll be seeing the movie again in IMAX!

Hobbit Featurette: The Making Of The Trolls And The Giant Cavern Of The Goblin King! Friday Numbers Are In!

Take a look at this very cool featurette of how Peter Jackson's creative geniuses have crafted the very realistic trolls and Goblin King Caverns in THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY.

I thought the scenes mentioned in this featurette were among the best of the movie and certainly bears the time it takes to watch this thing.

My review of THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY is coming later today (Sunday) so stay tuned.

World wide reaction to the movie has been amazingly good: Friday totals are in at $37.5 million pointing at a $100 million weekend - easily a new record. A $200 million worldwide tally is certainly possible as well by Monday morning!

So here's the featurette! Enjoy!!

Complete List Of IMAX Locations Showing The 9 Minute STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Preview!!

The extended preview of J. J. Abrams’ STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will debut in digital IMAX 3D beginning December 14th. Check out the participating theatres below.

Additional theaters may be added.

Hit the jump to see the full list...



Alabama
Rave Patton Creek 16 and IMAX- Hoover
Rave Valley Bend 18 and IMAX- Huntsville
Cobb Hollywood 16 and IMAX- Tuscaloosa
Alaska
Regal Tikahtnu Commons Stadium 16 and IMAX- Anchorage
Regal Goldstream 16 and IMAX- Fairbanks
Alberta
Scotiabank Chinook and IMAX – Calgary
Empire Studio 16 Country Hills and IMAX- Calgary
Scotiabank Edmonton and IMAX – Edmonton
Arkansas
Dickinson Chenal 9, IMAX – Little Rock
Arizona
Dickinson Gateway 12, IMAX – Mesa
AMC Westgate 20 and IMAX- Glendale
AMC Deer Valley 30 and IMAX- Phoenix
AMC Loews Foothills 15 and IMAX- Tucson
AMC Desert Ridge 18 and IMAX – Phoenix
British Columbia
Colossus Langleyand IMAX – Langley
SilverCity Riverport and IMAX – Richmond
SilverCity Victoria Cinemas and IMAX- Victoria
California
Edwards Renaissance Stadium 14 and IMAX- Alhambra
Edwards Aliso Viejo 20 and IMAX- Aliso Viejo
AMC Santa Anita 16 and IMAX- Arcadia
RAVE Brentwood 14 and IMAX- Brentwood
AMC Burbank 16 and IMAX- Burbank
Edwards Camarillo Palace Stadium 12 and IMAX- Camarillo
Regal Hacienda Crossings Stadium 21 and IMAX- Dublin
Regal Parkway Plaza 18 and IMAX- El Cajon
Regal El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 and IMAX- El Dorado Hills
AMC Bay Street 16 and IMAX- Emeryville
Regal Escondido Stadium 16 and IMAX- Escondido
Regal Fairfield Stadium 16 and IMAX- Fairfield
Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 and IMAX- Fresno
Edwards Long Beach 26 and IMAX- Long Beach
AMC Century City 15 and IMAX- Los Angeles
AMC Plaza Bonita 14 and IMAX- National City
AMC Norwalk 20 and IMAX- Norwalk
AMC Orange 30 with IMAX- Orange
AMC Puente 20 and IMAX- City of Industry
Esquire IMAX – Sacramento
Regal Stockton City Center Stadium 16 and IMAX- Stockton
AMC Mission Valley 20 and IMAX- San Diego
AMC Palm Promenade 24 and IMAX- San Diego
Edwards Mira Mesa Stadium 18 and IMAX- San Diego
AMC Van Ness 14 + IMAX- San Francisco
AMC East Ridge Mall 15 and IMAX- San Jose
Edwards Valencia 12 and IMAX- Santa Clarita
Regal Civic Center Stadium 16 and IMAX- Simi Valley
Edwards South Gate Stadium 20 and IMAX- South Gate
AMC Del Amo 18 and IMAX- Torrance
AMC Promenade 16 and IMAX- Woodland Hills
AMC Covina 30 and IMAX – Covina
AMC Cupertino Square 16 and IMAX – Cupertino
AMC Downtown Disney 12 and IMAX – Anaheim
AMC Mercado 20 and IMAX – Santa Clara
AMC Saratoga 14 and IMAX – San Jose
AMC Tyler 16 and IMAX – Riverside
Edwards Temecula Stadium 15 and IMAX – Temecula
Colorado
UA Colorado Mills Stadium 16 and IMAX- Lakewood
UA Colorado Center Stadium 9 and IMAX- Denver
AMC Arapahoe Crossing 16 and IMAX- Aurora
AMC Westminster Promenade 24 and IMAX- Denver
AMC Highlands Ranch 24 and IMAX- Highlands Ranch
AMC Orchards 12 and IMAX – Denver
Connecticut
AMC Loews Danbury 16 and IMAX- Danbury
AMC Loews Plainville 20 and IMAX- Plainville
Rave Buckland Hills 18 and IMAX- Manchester
Rave Connecticut Post 14 and IMAX- Milford
Delaware
Penn Cinema Riverfront and IMAX – Wilmington
Florida
AMC Altamonte Mall 24 and IMAX- Altamonte
AMC Aventura 24 and IMAX- Aventura
AMC The Regency 20 and IMAX- Brandon
AMC Woodlands Square 20 and IMAX- Oldsmar
AMC Orange Park 24 and IMAX- Orange Park
AMC Universal Cineplex 20 and IMAX- Orlando
AMC Regency 24 and IMAX – Jacksonville
AMC Sarasota 12 and IMAX – Sarasota
AMC Sunset Place 24 and IMAX- South Miami
AMC Tallahassee Mall 20 and IMAX- Tallahassee
AMC Veterans 24 and IMAX- Tampa
Rave Destin Commons 14 and IMAX- Destin
Regal Gulf Coast Town Center 16 and IMAX- Fort Myers
Cobb Lakeside Village 18 Cinemas and IMAX- Lakeland
Cobb Merritt Square 16 and IMAX- Merritt Island
Cobb Dolphin 19 and IMAX- Miami
Regal Waterford Lakes Stadium 20 and IMAX- Orlando
Grand Pier Park 16 and IMAX- Panama City Beach
Rave Bayou 15+IMAX- Pensacola
World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater- St. Augustine
Muvico Baywalk and IMAX- St. Petersburg
Regal Sawgrass 23 and IMAX- Sunrise
Muvico Parisian and IMAX- West Palm Beach
Georgia
AMC Stonecrest 16 and IMAX – Lithonia
AMC Southlake Pavilion 24 and IMAX- Morrow
AMC Avenue Forsyth 12 and IMAX- Cumming
Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station 16 and IMAX- Atlanta
Regal Augusta Exchange Stadium 20 and IMAX- Augusta
Regal Mall of Georgia Stadium 20 and IMAX- Buford
Regal Arbor Place Stadium 18 + IMAX- Douglasville
AmStar 16 and IMAX- Macon
Royal Cinemas and IMAX- Pooler
AMC Barrett Commons 24 and IMAX – Kennesaw
Hawaii
Regal Dole Cannery 18 and IMAX- Honolulu
Idaho
Edwards Boise Stadium 22 and IMAX- Boise
Illinois
Goodrich Randall 15 IMAX- Batavia
AMC Loews Country Club Hills 16 and IMAX – Country Club Hills
AMC Showplace Edwardsville 12 and IMAX- Edwardsville
AMC Loews Quarry 14 and IMAX- Hodgkins
Regal Lincolnshire 20 and IMAX- Lincolnshire
AMC Yorktown 18 and IMAX- Lombard
AMC Showplace Naperville 16 and IMAX- Naperville
AMC Showplace New Lenox 14 and IMAX- New Lenox
Rave Grand Prairie 18 + IMAX- Peoria
AMC Showplace Rockford 16 and IMAX- Rockford
AMC Loews Streets Of Woodfield 20 and IMAX- Schaumburg
AMC Showplace Village Crossing 18 and IMAX- Skokie
AMC Barrington 30 and IMAX- South Barrington
AMC Showplace Niles 12 and IMAX – Niles
Indiana
Showplace Cinemas East and IMAX- Evansville
Rave Jefferson Pointe 18 and IMAX- Ft. Wayne
Goodrich Hamilton 16 IMAX- Noblesville
Goodrich Portage 16 IMAX- Portage
AMC Showplace Indianapolis 17 and IMAX- Indianapolis
AMC Showplace Schererville 16 and IMAX- Schererville
AMC Showplace Traders Point 12 and IMAX – Indianapolis
Iowa
AMC Star Council Bluffs 17 and IMAX- Council Bluffs
Rave Davenport 53 and IMAX- Davenport
Kansas
AMC Town Centre 20 and IMAX- Leawood
AMC Studio 28 and IMAX – Olathe
Warren West IMAX- Wichita
Kentucky
Rave Stonybrook 20 and IMAX- Louisville
AMC Newport on the Levee 20 and IMAX- Newport
Louisiana
Rave Mall of Louisiana 15 and IMAX- Baton Rouge
Regal Louisiana Boardwalk 14 and IMAX- Bossier City
The Grand 16 and IMAX- Slidell
AMC Clearview Palace 12 with IMAX- Metairie
AMC Elmwood Palace 20 and IMAX – Harahan
Manitoba
SilverCity Polo Park Cinemas and IMAX – Winnipeg
Maryland
AMC Loews White Marsh 16 and IMAX- Baltimore
AMC Columbia 14 and IMAX- Columbia
Regal Westview Stadium 16 and IMAX- Frederick
AMC Loews Rio Cinemas 18 and IMAX- Gaithersburg
Regal Waugh Chapel Stadium 12 and IMAX- Gambrills
AMC Magic Johnson Capital Center 12 with IMAX- Largo
Regal Majestic Cinema 20 and IMAX- Silver Spring
AMC Owings Mills 17 and IMAX – Owings Mills
Maine
Saco Cinemagic and IMAX- Saco
Massachusetts
AMC Loews Liberty Tree Mall 20 and IMAX- Danvers
AMC Loews Methuen 20 and IMAX- Methuen
AMC Loews Boston Common 19 and IMAX – Boston
Tempur-Pedic® IMAX 3D Theatre, Jordan’s Furniture Natick- Natick
Tempur-Pedic®IMAX 3D Theatre, Jordan’s Furniture Reading- Reading
Showcase Cinemas Randolph and IMAX- Randolph
Michigan
Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North and IMAX- Grand Rapids
Celebration! Cinema and IMAX- Lansing
Celebration! Cinema Crossroads IMAX- Portage
NCG Trillium Cinemas IMAX Theatre- Grand Blanc
Rave Ann Arbor 20 and IMAX- Ypsilanti
AMC Livonia 20 and IMAX- Livonia
AMC Forum 30 and IMAX- Sterling Heights
AMC Star Great Lakes 25 and IMAX – Auburn Hills
AMC Star Fairlane 21 and IMAX – Dearborn
Minnesota
AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 and IMAX- Eden Prairie
AMC Southdale 16 and IMAX- Edina
AMC Arbor Lakes 16 and IMAX- Maple Grove
AMC Rosedale 14 and IMAX- Roseville
Missouri
Regal St. Louis Mills Stadium 18 and IMAX- Hazelwood
Springfield 11 and IMAX- Springfield
Ronnies 20 Cine and IMAX- St. Louis
AMC Chesterfield 14 and IMAX – Chesterfield
AMC Independence 20 and IMAX – Kansas City
AMC BarryWoods 24 and IMAX- Kansas City
Nebraska
AMC Oakview 24 and IMAX- Omaha
Newfoundland
Empire Studio 12 Gateway Park and IMAX- St. John’s
New Hampshire
Hooksett Cinemagic and IMAX- Hooksett
New Jersey
AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24 and IMAX- Cherry Hill
AMC Clifton Commons 16 and IMAX- Cliffton
AMC Jersey Gardens 20 and IMAX- Elizabeth
AMC Hamilton 24 and IMAX- Hamilton
AMC Loews New Brunswick 18 and IMAX- New Brunswick
AMC Garden State Plaza 16 and IMAX- Paramus
AMC Rockaway 16 and IMAX- Rockaway
Nevada
Brenden Theatres and IMAX at the Palms- Las Vegas
Regal Aliante Stadium 16 and IMAX- Las Vegas
Regal Red Rock Stadium 16 and IMAX- Las Vegas
Regal Sunset Station Stadium 13 and IMAX- Henderson
New York
Regal Crossgates Mall Stadium 18 and IMAX- Albany
Regal Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14 and IMAX- Brooklyn
Regal Deer Park Stadium 16 and IMAX- Deer Park
Regal New Roc City 18 and IMAX- New Rochelle
AMC Loews 34th Street 14 and IMAX- New York
AMC Loews Port Chester 14 and IMAX- Port Chester
AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 and IMAX – New York
AMC Stony Brook 17 and IMAX- Stony Brook
UA Westbury Stadium 12 and IMAX- Westbury
City Center 15: Cinema de Lux and IMAX- White Plains
Regal Transit Center 18 and IMAX- Williamsville
North Carolina
Regal Crossroads Stadium 20 and IMAX- Cary
Regal Stonecrest At Piper Glen Stadium 22 and IMAX- Charlotte
AMC Concord Mills 24 and IMAX- Concord
AMC Northlake 14 and IMAX – Charlotte
Southpoint Cinemas and IMAX- Durham
Regal Palladium Stadium 14 and IMAX- High Point
Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre at Marbles- Raleigh
Regal Mayfaire Stadium 16 and IMAX- Wilmington
The Grand 18 and IMAX- Winston – Salem
Nova Scotia
Empire 18 Cinemas and IMAX – Halifax
Ohio
Rave The Greene 14 and IMAX- Beavercreek
AMC Easton Town Center 30 and IMAX- Columbus
AMC Lennox Town Center 24 and IMAX- Columbus
Springdale 18: Cinema De Lux and IMAX- Springdale
Regal Crocker Park Stadium 16 and IMAX- Westlake
Oklahoma
AMC Southroads 20 and IMAX- Tulsa
AMC Quail Springs Mall 24 and IMAX- Oklahoma City
Moore Warren IMAX- Moore
Ontario
SilverCity Ancaster Cinemas and IMAX- Ancaster
SilverCity Gloucester and IMAX – Gloucester
SilverCity London Cinemas and IMAX- London
SilverCity Windsor Cinemas and IMAX- Windsor
Empire Kanata 24 and IMAX- Kanata
Empire Theatres Whitby and IMAX- Whitby
Empire Theatres Kitchener and IMAX- Kitchener
Coliseum Mississauga and IMAX – Mississauga
Empire Empress Walk 10 Cinemas and IMAX- North York
Colossus Vaughan and IMAX – Woodbridge
Cineplex Odeon Courtney Park and IMAX – Mississauga 
Oregon
Regal Old Mill Stadium 16 and IMAX- Bend
Regal Valley River Center 15 and IMAX- Eugene
Regal Lloyd Center 10 Cinema and IMAX- Portland
Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 and IMAX- Tigard
Pennsylvania
AMC Neshaminy 24 and IMAX- Bensalem
Rave Promenade 16 and IMAX- Center Valley
UA King of Prussia Stadium 16 and IMAX- King of Prussia
Penn Cinema and IMAX- Lititz
AMC Franklin Mills 14 and IMAX- Philadelphia
RC Reading Movies 11 and IMAX- Reading
Regal Warrington Crossing Stadium 22 and IMAX- Warrington
AMC Loews Waterfront 22 and IMAX – Homestead
Great Escape IMAX 14 – Dickson City
Quebec
Mega-Plex Taschereau 18 and IMAX – Greenfield Park
Mega-Plex Pont Viau 16 – Laval
Mega-Plex Marche Central 18 – Montreal
Mega-Plex Terrebonne 14 andIMAX – Terrebonne
Rhode Island
Providence Place Cinemas 16 and IMAX- Providence
South Carolina
Citadel Mall IMAX Stadium 16- Charleston
Great Escape 14 and IMAX- Simpsonville
Tennessee
Rave East Ridge 18 and IMAX- Chattanooga
Regal Streets of Indian Lake Stadium 16 and IMAX- Hendersonville
Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18 and IMAX- Knoxville
Regal Opry Mills Stadium 20 and IMAX- Nashville
Texas
Regal UA Amarillo Star Stadium 14 and IMAX – Amarillo
AMC The Parks at Arlington 18 and IMAX – Arlington
AMC Barton Creek Square 14 and IMAX – Austin
Regal Gateway Stadium 16 and IMAX – Austin
BandB Colleyville Cinema Grille and IMAX – Colleyville
AMC Northpark 15 and IMAX – Dallas
AMC Stonebriar Mall 24 and IMAX – Frisco
AMC Firewheel 18 and IMAX – Garland
AMC Gulf Pointe 30 and IMAX – Houston
Edwards Houston Marq*e 23 and IMAX – Houston
Premiere Cinema 16 and IMAX – Lubbock
AMC Mesquite 30 and IMAX – Mesquite
Santikos Palladium IMAX – San Antonio
Santikos Silverado IMAX – Tomball
AMC First Colony 24 and IMAX – Sugar Land
AMC Highland Village 12 and IMAX – Highland Village
Utah
Megapleax 14 and IMAX at Legacy Crossing – Centerville
ATK IMAX, Clark Planetarium – Salt Lake City
Megaplex 17 and IMAX Jordan Commons – Sandy
Megaplex 20 at The District and IMAX – South Jordan
Megaplex Theatres and IMAX at Valley Fair Mall – West Valley City
Virginia
AMC Hoffman Center 22 and IMAX – Alexandria
Regal Fox Stadium 16 and IMAX – Ashburn
AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24 and IMAX – Hampton
Riverside IMAX Theatre at the Virginia Air and Space Center – Hampton
Regal Manassas 14 and IMAX – Manassas
Regal Commonwealth 20 and IMAX – Midlothian
AMC Lynnhaven 18 and IMAX – Virginia Beach
AMC Potomac Mills 18 and IMAX – Woodbridge
Regal Stonefield Stadium 14 and IMAX – Charlottesville
AMC Tyson Corner 16 and IMAX – McLean
Washington
IMAX Lincoln Square Cinemas – Bellevue
AMC Kent Station and IMAX – Kent
Regal Martin Village Stadium 16 and IMAX – Lacey
AMC Loews Alderwood Mall 16 and IMAX – Lynnwood
Regal Thornton Place Stadium 14 and IMAX – Seattle
Regal Barkley Village Stadium 16 and IMAX
AMC River Park Square 20 and IMAX – Spokane
AMC Southcenter 16 and IMAX – Tukwila
Regal Barkley Village Stadium 16 and IMAX – Bellingham
Washington DC
AMC Loews Georgetown 14 and IMAX – Washington DC
Wisconsin
AMC Star Fitchburg 18 and IMAX – Fitchburg
AMC Mayfair Mall 18 and IMAX – Wauwatosa


International
Austria
CineplexX Apollo Vienna and IMAX – Vienna
CineplexX Graz and IMAX – Graz
CineplexX Donau Plex IMAX Vienna
Cineplexx Hohenems IMAX – Hohenems
Australia
Hoyts Carousel and IMAX – Perth
Hoyts Entertainment Quarter and IMAX – Sydney
Hoyts Highpoint and IMAX – Melbourne
Brazil
Cinepolis IMAX Theatre – Sao Paulo
China
UA IMAX Theatre @ Airport – Hong Kong
UA i-Square and IMAX – Hong Kong
UA MegaBox IMAX – Hong Kong
Indonesia
Gandaria XXI IMAX – Jakarta
India
PVR IMAX – Bangalore
Malaysia
TGV 1 Utama and IMAX – Petaling Jaya, Selangor
TGV Sunway Pyramid and IMAX – Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Mexico
Cinepolis Galerias and IMAX – Guadalajara
Cinepolis Galerias Metepec and IMAX – Toluca
Cinepolis Las Misiones Cd. Juarez and IMAX – Juarez-Chihuahua
Cinepolis Perisur and IMAX – Mexico City
Cinepolis Universidad and IMAX – Mexico City
Cinepolis Valle Oriente and IMAX – Monterrey
Romania
Samsung IMAX, AFI Palace Cotroceni – Bucharest
Russia
Cinema Park Deluxe IMAX – Nizhny Novgorod
Cinema Park IMAX (Aqua Mall) – Ulyanovsk
Cinema Park IMAX Europe City Mall – Volgograd
Cinema Park IMAX Triumph – Saratov
Cinema Park IMAX Starlight – Yekaterinburg
Cinema Park Surgut and IMAX – Surgut
Cinema Park Tumen and IMAX – Tumen
Cinema Park Novosibirsk and IMAX – Novosibirsk
Nescafe IMAX – Moscow
Coca-Cola IMAX Kinostar City – St.Petersburg
Coca-Cola IMAX KinoStar New York @ MEGA Belaya Dacha – Moscow
MAX Kinostar DeLux @ MEGA Khimki – Moscow
Coca-Cola IMAX @ MEGA Tepliy Stan – Moscow
Iskra IMAX – Ufa
Kristall IMAX – Perm
Luxor IMAX Sochi – Sochi
Kinomax IMAX – Astrakhan
Kinomax IMAX Ryazan – Ryazan
IMAX Theatre Seven Stars Mall – Krasnodar
Kinocentr» na Krasnoy Ploschadi IMAX – Anapa
MAX Sapphire – Moscow
Formula Kino and IMAX – St. Petersburg
Karo IMAX – St. Petersburg
Cinema Park IMAX Gallery Center – Voronezh
Singapore
Shaw Theatres Jcube and IMAX
Shaw Theatres Lido and IMAX
Thailand
IMAX Major Cineplex Pinklao – Bangkok
MAX Major Cineplex Ratchayothin – Bangkok
Trinidad and Tobago
Digicel IMAX – Port of Spain
Turkey
Cinemaximum IMAX ANKAmall – Ankara
Cinemaximum IMAX İstinyePark – Istanbul
Ukraine
Planeta Kino IMAX – Lviv
Planeta Kino IMAX – Odessa
United Kingdom
Cineworld Birmingham and IMAX – Birmingham
Cineworld Crawley and IMAX – Crawley
Cineworld Edinburgh and IMAX – Edinburgh
Cineworld Enfield and IMAX – Enfield
Cineworld Ipswich and IMAX – Ipswich
Cineworld Nottingham and IMAX – Nottingham
Cineworld Sheffield and IMAX – Sheffield
Ireland
Cineworld Dublin and IMAX – Dublin


STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17, 2013.

Latest Hobbit TV Spot Brings Hint of Smaug & More

Tim here with the latest TV Spot from THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. I guess this is Spot #9, although by now it's getting hard to keep count. In it there are certainly SPOILERS, and as a result readers should beware if they want to have a clear viewing experience.
The quick, non-spoiler filled, synopsis is an action teaser with the statement "On December Fourteenth see the journey that started it all."

**For spoilers highlight the following text:

In the teaser we see hints of Smaug in a shroud of smoke and fire barreling towards Dale. There are brief glimpses of the great worm's wing and tail. Then later we see what appears to be the famous Battle of Azanulbizar, or possibly some other conflict between Dwarves and Goblins. However, I will guess that it is that battle because that's likely to be the major battle we see in the first film. And lastly we get a closer look of Dol Godur and what appears to be Radagast approaching it across a bridge. Creepy. 

 **End spoilers. Here's the TV Spot:

Awesome! I can't wait for the film. Again it opens December 14^th.

Unveiled: IMAX Posters For THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Midnight Screenings

Click to enlarge

For those of you who will be "Going on an adventure" and lining up for the midnight screenings of THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, you can also have one of these bad boys to adorn your wall after the show!

I like this series. Certainly a good incentive (or excuse) to see the movie 4 times! The first one I will reach for is Gandalf, then Bilbo, Thorin and Gollum. I'm sure others will have their preference, but I'm also pretty sure those first two will go much faster.

IMAX is continuing the tradition of giving these posters out at midnight screenings and I love it. SKYFALL's poster was amazing. I also have THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, THE AVENGERS and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. Definitely nice enough to hang or create an album over time.

If you need to know where to go see the IMAX screenings (including HFR, shot with 3ality Technica's rigs), click here. More when I get it!

Watch First Clip AND The Red Carpet LIVE From THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY's Premiere!

Awesome day for Hobbit types today! Top of the list is to watch the very first clip (40 seconds) from THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY and then settle in to watch the red carpet arrivals for the movie's premiere in New Zealand!!

Here are the event details:

3:50 pm NZDT – Show Opening / Welcome
4:00 pm NZDT – Neil Finn Performance (*set includes a performance of Song of the Lonely Mountain from the official soundtrack)
4:30 pm NZDT – Talent arrivals, red carpet interviews & crowd interaction
6:30 pm NZDT – Official Speeches
7:00 pm NZDT – End of Show

The show will be replaying twice after the live coverage ends.


The red carpet coverage starts at 6:50pm Pacific and it is the second video clip in this post. No need to say more - you know what to do! ENJOY!!

Hit the jump for more...

Movie Review: Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI - 9 Stars!

What a visually stunning, stunning movie. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, by all means get out and enjoy this masterpiece by director Ang Lee. And I mean Oscar worthy masterpiece. Lee hits on all the high points and seldom do you think that what you are watching is not an eye full of cinematic love for the audience.

I will say that at times the story was kind of slow in building up but when the moment hits and Pi's life is turned upside down - what a visual treat.

I want to talk about the 3D right away here. Amazingly well done. Ang Lee utilized native 3D through the rigs and services of the Cameron | Pace Group and you can tell that there just aren't many - if any - technical errors with the stereoscopic 3D. Some very cool and seldom used effects too - I won't go into details here as it may spoil your experience, but we can freely talk about them in the comments if you wish.

I'm so anxious to compare this cutting edge example of modern native S3D (through Cameron | Pace) to the upcoming sure to be masterpiece THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY because this project was shot using CPG's native 3D rigs and services competitor 3ality Technica and what we've all seen so far of that production has been jaw dropping too. Who will have delivered the top 3D goods?

Claudio Miranda's cinematography in LIFE OF PI is absolutely remarkable. Some shots are so intricate and well thought out that you just want to grab a screen cap of it and stare at it. So many scenes are desktop wallpaper worthy and that's no exaggeration.

So what was not so good about the movie? Well a few things. I thought the story was paced slowly at times in the beginning - still a visual marvel out of the blocks - but slow. So drink in the visuals while you wait for the action to pick up and then relax and immerse yourself. I am not a fan of character development accomplished through flashbacks (and I know there is not much choice here), thus the lower score (81 is still very good!).

Here's the storyline for the movie:

A man named Pi tells a story that occurred when he was 16. When his family decides to move their zoo from India to Canada, Pi winds up as the only human survivor of the tragic sinking of a cargo ship. On the sea in a lifeboat, he's accompanied by the other survivors—a zebra, a hyena, a female orangutan and a 450-pound aggressive Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

I did like the twist at the end of the movie. Even coming from a guy who considers himself much more aligned to science than religion, I found it to be moving enough to smile. That's an accomplishment in my books. I can imagine the impact on a more religious person.

So definitely a must see in my opinion and a must see in 3D. If you see it in 2D you are not enjoying the movie as the director Ang Lee intended you to see it and you will be missing out, I guarantee it.

9 out of 10 Stars.

Special thanks to Empire Theatres for the screening in RealD 3D. The screen was crisp and well lit as well as a perfect sound level! Outstanding customer service too.

MUST WATCH: New Production Video From Peter Jackson For THE HOBBIT - Post Production!!

Well here's another must watch production video from Peter Jackson for THE HOBBIT. Needless to say when these things drop, it's something you ignore everything else for and enjoy.

This video is all about the post production mayhem that Jackson and his team is going through to get THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY ready for us in December.

Here's the movie's storyline:
THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever… Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY opens on December 14.

Hit the jump to watch the production video...

Lucas And Kennedy Talk Their History Together And How George Made Her The Offer To Run Lucasfilm

Some interesting history presented here in the third video clip from the five part series involving George Lucas and Kathleen Kennedy.

Check it out:



For all of our STAR WARS coverage, click here.

James Cameron And Vince Pace On Ang Lee's LIFE OF PI **AND** The Visual Effects Behind The Tiger!

You can just tell this movie is going to spellbound us. Look at the talent associated with the 3D alone: director Ang Lee, Vince Pace and James Cameron - the latter two provided the 3D camera rigs and services through their Cameron | Pace Group.

Here's what Cameron had to say about it:
"The 3D is an integrated part of the art form, and I feel like the technology that we've created has contributed to a masterpiece."

Not small words coming from him. Sure he's a bit biased with his company working on this project, but he wouldn't put his name on it in this fashion if it weren't a special movie. We're in for a treat with this one folks.

Hit the jump to view the clips...





Here's the Cameron | Pace video clip:




And here's the Tiger Featurette:

MUST WATCH AND LISTEN: TV Spot 6 For THE HOBBIT *AND* The Entire Soundtrack Online!!

This is a spectacularly great day in that not only do we get a new TV Spot for THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (which is, I think, the best one yet) but we also can now listen to Howard Shore's ENTIRE soundtrack for the movie!

The TV Spot shows some of the heart of the movie - why Bilbo is helping the dwarves in their quest to regain their home. It's the meat and potatoes (errr... taters) of the movie really and while there are some minor, minor visual spoilers (character reactions and such), I think it's fine to watch.

The soundtrack is of course a spoiler. A big one. Music is such a huge component of the movie and it's LOTR pedigree that one should think twice about listening to it. I did, but it's your call. FAIR WARNING.

Unfortunately we cannot divide up the tracks for the soundtrack and you have to listen to it in it's entirety, but it's worth it - believe me. For a listing of all the included tracks, click here.

Here's the movie's storyline:
THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever… Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s "precious" ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY opens on December 14 in HFR-3D, IMAX HFR-3D, IMAX 3D, RealD 3D and 2D. Yes, you saw that correctly - the movie will be shown in some IMAX theaters in HFR-3D! Here's the list of available theaters.

Hit the jump to listen to the soundtrack and watch the new TV Spot!