James Cameron Selects Robert Rodriguez To Helm BATTLE ANGEL!

I'm actually happy about this move. Don't get me wrong, there is no one I'd rather see direct BATTLE ANGEL than Cameron, but the Rodriguez choice is a little out of left field and edgy. I LIKE IT. Rodriguez has proven he can work with cutting edge tech and 3D (SIN CITY) and besides that, I just really like his approach to filmmaking. EL MARIACHI and DESPERADO were inspired works of art to me.

Rodriguez will have significant help though without a doubt through Cameron and Jon Landau who will both produce. BATTLE ANGEL is a Lightstorm Entertainment property and Laeta Kalogridis contributed to it's adaptation from the manga graphic novels.

I remember one of the discussions I had with Cameron on BATTLE ANGEL right here. He wasn't sure back in 2009 that he'd do it either.

Today's quotes though finally put an end to the long road for the production:

Says Cameron: "Robert and I have been looking for a film to do together for years, so I was pumped when he said he wanted to do Battle Angel. He's very collaborative and we're already like two kids building a go-kart, just having fun riffing creatively and technically. This project is near and dear to me, and there's nobody I trust more than Robert, with his technical virtuosity and rebel style, to take over the directing reins. We're looking forward to learning a lot from each other while we make a kick-ass epic."

Rodriguez follows: "Battle Angel is an incredibly rich and vibrant epic in the tradition of Jim Cameron's spectacular, character-driven films. Getting to work from Jim’s terrific and visionary script while learning the cutting edge techniques he’s pioneered is a master class in filmmaking. It's an honor to explore the world of Alita along with Jim and Jon, whose films have impacted me for decades."

I can't imagine this project being shot in any other way than native and digital 3D, so I'm am doubly thrilled to finally see some action take place here. As you may know we've been following BATTLE ANGEL developments for years. Looking forward to more news from the Lightstorm camp on this!

Source: THR

TERMINATOR: GENISYS Gets IMAX 3D Release

Click to giganticize

We already knew about TERMINATOR: GENISYS being released in 3D, but now word has dropped that the movie will also see a release in IMAX 3D.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John’s fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.

You can rewatch the TERMINATOR: GENISYS trailer here.

TERMINATOR: GENISYS opens on July 1 in 3D, IMAX 3D and flat.

MUST WATCH: First Trailer For TERMINATOR: GENISYS !

Finally it's here! The first trailer for TERMINATOR: GENISYS starring an older Arnold Schwarzenegger seemingly doing battle with, well I'm not going to spoil the spoiler for you. But yes, a pretty cool element of the movie has been revealed in the trailer, so again I warn you if you want a pristine viewing experience in the theater, don't watch this trailer. Then again, HOW COULD YOU NOT?

My friend Patrick Lussier (DRIVE ANGRY, MY BLOODY VALENTINE) wrote TERMINATOR: GENISYS along with Laeta Kalogridis (SHUTTER ISLAND, BATTLE ANGEL) so you can expect a VERY well written movie here. Alan Taylor (THOR: THE DARK WORLD) is directing. 

Here's the movie's unofficial storyline:
The year is 2029. John Connor, leader of the resistance continues the war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John’s fears of the unknown future begin to emerge when TECOM spies reveal a new plot by SkyNet that will attack him from both fronts; past and future, and will ultimately change warfare forever.

You will see similarities with the original James Cameron directed TERMINATOR and TERMINATOR 2. That is intentional and you will begin to see why in this trailer and if you like the BACK TO THE FUTURE franchise, then you should like this movie too it seems. The old parts have been recast with some great talent, namely: Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke and Jai Courtney.

Can't wait until July 1, 2015 for this thing to drop! "Your money... Give it too me now."

TERMINATOR 5 Will Be Rated R: Patrick Lussier And Laeta Kalogridis Writing

Exciting news for the TERMINATOR franchise! Patrick Lussier (DRIVE ANGRY, DRACULA 2000) and Laeta Kalogridis (BATTLE ANGEL, SHUTTER ISLAND) have been inked to write the fifth installment in the time travelling doomsday series.

Megan Ellison (daughter of billionaire Larry Ellison) owns the rights to the franchise (Annapurna Pictures) and she has the deep pockets to pull off practically anything she desires - which makes this announcement very exciting. Top that off with Schwarzenegger thinking on returning to the franchise in some fashion certainly gets the blood boiling. His age will be a factor obviously, but that wouldn't stop a performance capture contribution for example. I'm excited!

The one-two punch of Lussier's horror pedigree (and native 3D directing background) along with Kalogridis' love of cyborgs and connection with TERMINATOR creator James Cameron (BATTLE ANGEL, AVATAR) makes me VERY excited.

This is not the first project that this duo have teamed up for. Lussier and Kalogridis also were tapped by Skydance Productions (owned by David Ellison - Megan's brother) to write an original scifi adventure movie for them. No word on the status of this particular project as of yet. Makes me wonder if this was the same project all along... Hmmm.

There is every reason to think that this assembled team and financing will succeed. They have the talent, the required background and money to pull it off. I'm convinced TERMINATOR 5 will be a 3D production - I don't see why not with this assembled team.

I'll have more exciting news about Lussier and others soon in connection with my 3D month initiative! Stay tuned!!

Source: Deadline