Joss Whedon Jumps Ship To DC With BATGIRL

Well, this is an interesting development and it may delineate a somewhat troubled Warner Bros past with DC, and a new dawn of justice for the DC universe (you see what I did there?).

Joss Whedon is jumping from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to DC with the first ever BATGIRL tentpole. Whedon will write, produce and direct the movie which bodes extremely well for its likely success.

I'm at Cinemacon where DC showed off clips from WONDER WOMAN, AQUAMAN (concept art) and JUSTICE LEAGUE and I can't help but think that BATGIRL could be a carnivorous property, diluting the BATMAN brand. Personally, I've never enjoyed these spinoffs in the comics either - Marvel or DC. It just seems to be uncreative.

Enter Whedon. If anyone can change my mind it's him. He obviously has got some sort of concept in mind that will blow our socks off, so I am officially intrigued.

No other word on others being attached. More when I get it!

Source: Variety

Movie Review Head to Head: AGE OF ULTRON vs. MAD MAX !!

Why not? A couple of awesome 3D converted movies compared head to head! I really wanted to see AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON a second time before doing this but didn't have the time yet so instead of waiting to see both again, I'm giving it a go now.

Yes, they are both second view worthy. Very much so. However, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD is a downright classic, while AGE OF ULTRON doesn't measure up to the original Avengers movie.

So which one came out on top? Definitely MAD MAX. ULTRON has some very cool elements don't get me wrong, but I get the strong feeling that director Joss Whedon was severely curtailed in what he could deliver on vision for the project - Marvel is known for that. In this case, they need to smarten up. George Miller on the other hand seems like he had carte blanche to explore his vision and explore he did! A stunning accomplishment.

I found the 3D conversion to be acceptable for both movies, but FURY ROAD had the flexibility to expound a crazy new world and the exaggerated 3D at times worked tremendously. Only saw a few shots where the 3D was shoddy and frankly lazy. It helps that I know what to look for but this was obvious (detail around moving fine lines for example). Definitely see MAD MAX in 3D on the largest screen possible. Same goes for ULTRON but the 3D there is much more muted and if you like seeing and being reminded that you are watching a 3D movie over and over again, then MAD MAX is for you. For me, there is a time and a place for using extra depth and FURY ROAD is it. Trust me.

I thought both movies suffered somewhat from storylines that did not justify the immense time, effort and money that went into them. ULTRON was not a good enough villain to throw at the Avengers (hard to follow up after Loki but still...), the movie seemed invented rather than "fate" for the team and character development is all but at a standstill with so many characters in play now. However FURY ROAD had practically no character development either and if it wasn't for the odd quote of "redemption" or lightning quick flashbacks there would be none at all. But MAX had proper villains, better acting, better practical effects (which make a huge difference) and was just stunningly gorgeous in its bleakness. You have to see it to believe it.

I'm not going to spoil either movie for those who haven't seen them yet (but we can spoil in the comments - so fair warning!), but definitely see them both. This is a comparison between two amazing movies, but its just that MAD MAX is an instant classic and is really artwork. It belongs in the Louvre. Seriously. It's as if Tarsem Singh, Michael Bay, James Wan and well, George Miller all got together and painted a moving masterpiece. Bravo Mr. Miller - you've grown your game even though you've been around for an amazing career.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Throws Down Gauntlet, But Original Holds Box Office Opening Title

Yes, AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON is a force at the box office and justifiably so. It's an amazing movie - again offering up superb editing and character development despite the fact that this assemble cast is not only large, but growing. Was it perfect? No. More on that in my review coming up, but DEFINITELY worth while going to see. It's one of Marvel's top 5 movies.

Ultron opened to $187.7 million in North America, shy of the original's $207.4 million). Yes, the original had the uniqueness of being the first to show off all these heroes on the same screen, but I think even more importantly the villain was well known and adored. Loki. Ultron, while a fairly cool concept was not up to the Loki standard in my opinion. More on that this week.

Internationally Ultron is cleaning up! It's raked in $439 million and it hasn't even opened in China yet, the world's second largest (and soon to be largest) market. Japan's opening is coming up as well.

In total AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON has amassed a staggering $626.7 million already. One would think it has a lock on the yearly box office crown - but not so fast, or should I say fast and furious - FURIOUS 7 has hit $1.43 billion worldwide. I don't think it will have a problem surmounting that figure and perhaps hitting $1.5 or $1.6 billion worldwide, overtaking the original AVENGERS - good enough for third place behind the rare air of James Cameron's space: TITANIC and AVATAR. But we'll see. China will play a huge role in this.

One more movie to throw into the yearly competition is of course STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. That movie is just plain scary when it comes to projecting box office. It could be up in the top 2 of all time.

New BTS Video And The New Extended Trailer For AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Take a look at the new extended trailer for Joss Whedon's AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON which features some new shots AND a cool 2 minute Behind The Scenes (BTS) video of the massive production.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the production value in this thing. There's nothing like a huge budget movie delivering the goods on the screen and with the confidence that Marvel has with it's franchise pedigrees I can see ULTRON topping the original both critically and financially.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
Marvel Studios presents AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Marvel’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.

Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963. Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham, Patricia Whitcher, Stan Lee and Jon Favreau serve as executive producers.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON is due to hit theaters on May 1, 2015.

Post by Tony Stark Sincero.
 

Via /Film

Horror without Borders: 5 Movies, 5 Countries

Fright doesn't need a passport.

In the spirit of Halloween, here are a handful of notable horror films streaming on Netflix, from places other than the United States. All but one of these has subtitles, but that shouldn't deter true horror buffs (most of whom I assume can read). Arranged in order from Artfully Serious to Disgustingly Funny, these are my picks for a horrific, internationally themed All Hallow's Eve...

Let the Right One In (2008)

(Sweden) The justly celebrated Let the Right One In may be the most low-key horror film ever made. It doesn't frighten so much as slowly seep into your skin, like a stealth transfusion that uses the wrong type of blood so your body has no choice but to reject it. Resembling a low-budget European art film (which in many ways it is), Let the Right One In keeps the big shocks and scares to a minimum, calibrating them for maximum intensity as director Tomas Alfredson's observational camera records the film's acts of violence with a contemplative, almost mournful gaze�until you're so invested in the characters, every subtle shift in tension leaves you gnawing a knuckle. Shaped as much by mood and silence as emotion and sensation, the film can be viewed as a touching story of friendship between sensitive, introspective 12-year-olds�except when it isn't�making it one of the more unusual, artful, and disturbing vampire movies you're likely to see.

Read more �

MUST WATCH: THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON Trailer Leaked !! WHOA Updated With Official HD Version !!

Hello there, sublime trailer! Have a look at the brand new trailer for THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON (while you can). Looks AMAZING!!

We expected to see this trailer during AGENTS OF SHIELD on ABC next week, but the Internet delivers!!

THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON arrives in theaters May 1, 2015.

It's JUSTICE LEAGUE Vs THE AVENGERS 2!! Huge Faceoff In '15!!!

Summer releases? Could be! Warner Bros. is planning on unleashing their dark and mature JUSTICE LEAGUE in 2015 which just so happens to be Marvel's planned THE AVENGERS 2 release year.

Think this is a minor deal? Think again. THE AVENGERS made $1.5 BILLION at the bank thus far and are now cashing in on disc sales heading into Black Friday territory and Christmas. Christopher Nolan is producing Zack Snyder's MAN OF STEEL as well as relishing in the success of this summer's THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. Think there isn't any bad taste in Joss Whedon's mouth after Pfister ridiculous comments recently?

So why isn't Nolan taking part in this battle of cinematic proportions? Perhaps it's because Warner Bros. really needs JUSTICE LEAGUE to be in 3D and the Nolan/Pfister combo can't quite bite into it. Yet. I can't imagine WB allowing JUSTICE LEAGUE to suffer from a 2D only release while THE AVENGERS 2 rakes in another one and a half billion dollars.

So who will WB bring in to helm the awesome emsemble? Not Ben Affleck apparently. So who? Regardless, 2015 looks to be a stellar year.




Source: LATimes

*Sigh* Wally Pfister Calls THE AVENGERS Appalling And Illogical

Surprise, surprise. Wally Pfister, the outspoken anti-3D cinematographer for Christopher Nolan has well, spoken out once again. Embarrassingly so in my books. I was trying to keep Pfister out of my editorials because it's the professional thing to do. He's anti-3D. So what? While he's a dying breed he is entitled to his opinion after all. I truly believe that. However...

Pfister told the Sarasota Herald Tribune in response to their question "What's most important when shooting a movie?":

"What’s really important is storytelling. None of it matters if it doesn’t support the story. I thought The Avengers was an appalling film. They’d shoot from some odd angle and I’d think, why is the camera there? Oh, I see, because they spent half a million on the set and they have to show it off. It took me completely out of the movie. I was driven bonkers by that illogical form of storytelling."

It is my personal belief (shared by many others) that Pfister is way outside the bounds of professionalism by speaking out like this. Sure his THE DARK KNIGHT RISES work behind the camera is great, but petty words like this only cause people to imagine that he is deeply jealous of THE AVENGERS box office success and that the world has lovingly embraced 3D. AVATAR is number one. TITANIC (now with a 3D re-release) is number 2. THE AVENGERS is number 3. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 is number 4. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON is number 5. All 3D. It's fact.

Dare I say THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY surpasses Jackson's other LOTR works? Moves into top 5 all time? Potentially. And yes, another 3D movie.

But it's not just Pfister's stance on 3D that's upsetting. He is bad-mouthing another learned cinematographer in Seamus McGarvey (and director Joss Whedon as well). McGarvey's list of achievements is amazing. Here's his background as taken from Wikipedia: 

[McGarvey] is an Irish cinematographer who began his career as a still photographer before attending film school at the University of Westminster in London. Upon graduating in 1988 he began shooting short films and documentaries, including Skin, which was nominated for a Royal Television Society Cinematography Award, and Atlantic, directed by Sam Taylor-Wood, nominated for the 1998 Turner Prize. He also photographed and directed over 100 music videos, for such artists as U2, The Rolling Stones, PJ Harvey, Robbie Williams, Sir Paul McCartney, Dusty Springfield and Coldplay. In 1998, the British Society of Cinematographers invited McGarvey to join. In 2004 he was awarded the Royal Photographic Society's prestigious Lumiere medal for contributions to the art of cinematography. His credits as a cinematographer include Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center, starring Nicolas Cage, The Hours, directed by Stephen Daldry, starring Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore, for which he earned the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Technical/Artistic Achievement; the action-adventure film Sahara, starring Matthew McConaughey and Penélope Cruz, for which he won the Irish Film and Television Award for Best Cinematography; Along Came Polly, starring Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston; High Fidelity, directed by Stephen Frears, starring John Cusack; Wit, starring Emma Thompson, directed by Mike Nichols; Enigma, directed by Michael Apted; The War Zone; Butterfly Kiss; The Winter Guest; The Actors; A Map of the World; Charlotte's Web...

Atonement, for which he has received an Academy Award nomination (2008), a BAFTA nomination (2008) and the Technical Achievement award in the Evening Standard British Film Awards for 2007 and won the 2008 Irish Film and Television Award for Best Cinematography; A 2007 television advert for Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle campaign; and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency directed by Anthony Minghella. In 2008 he shot The Soloist for director Joe Wright in Los Angeles. He shot "Nowhere Boy" for director Sam Taylor-Wood and reunited with director Joe Wright for the short film Cut. He shot the acclaimed Lynne Ramsay's We Need to Talk About Kevin, starring Tilda Swinton, in New York and Connecticut for which he won the 2012 Irish Film and Television Award for Best Cinematography. He shot The Avengers for director Joss Whedon which is the third biggest grossing movie of all time. He recently shot Anna Karenina for Joe Wright.

...And Pfister thinks McGarvey's highest grossing work is appalling and illogical. Right. Personally I think Pfister should take a long dark stare into a mirror before saying things like this - then again, that mirror may remind him of 3D camera rigs.

All this flying in the face of die-hard Marvel fans and the millions upon millions who paid to see THE AVENGERS in the theater. We all loved an appalling movie it seems. Illogical. Think about Marvel and Disney who have to put up with his comments just as their AVENGERS discs have gone on sale in advance of the upcoming holidays. Warner Bros. should step in here and settle this man down. Poor taste, Mr. Pfister. Very poor taste.

Sources: Sarasota Herald Tribune | Box Office Mojo | Wikipedia
 

Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY To Focus On Star-Lord, Gamora And Drax The Destroyer?

If you're like me and you're a die-hard Marvel fan, then you've probably been wondering about how they are going to tackle GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. Compared to the other top line Marvel properties GOTG don't get much press so there will be a massive education going on here for the masses.

So it seems that the Marvel brain-trust have teed up 3 of the 5 Guardians to be more fully fleshed out in the first iteration of a hopeful series. According to Latino Review, those 3 characters are Star-Lord, Gamora, and Drax the Destroyer. Therefore it seems that Groot (the awesome looking tree dude) and Rocket Raccoon (the ahhh, raccoon), are going to be still present but just not driving James Gunn's plot as much. Think Black Widow and Hawkeye in THE AVENGERS.

Don't forget that Latino Review has a fairly solid background in breaking Marvel news so it's a pretty good bet that this rumor is solid.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY opens on August 1, 2014. Click here for all of our GOTG coverage.

Emily Blunt Or Ruth Wilson As Ms. Marvel In THE AVENGERS 2?

Click to enlarge

It's an interesting rumor to say the least. Marvel's been wanting to bring in Ms. Marvel amongst other properties for some time now and it seems they may be acting on it. You may know for example that Ms. Marvel is a key component of Marvel's "New Avengers".

Here's how Wikipedia describes Ms. Marvel:
Ms. Marvel is the name of a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Roy Thomas and designed by artist Gene Colan, the non-powered Major Carol Danvers debuted as a member of the United States Air Force in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 (March 1968) and as Ms. Marvel—a fusion of alien Kree and human genes—in Ms. Marvel #1 (January 1977).

Debuting in the Silver Age of comics, the character featured in a self-titled series in the late 1970s before becoming associated with superhero teams the Avengers and the X-Men. The character has also been known as Binary, Warbird, and Captain Marvel at various points in her history, and has featured in other Marvel-endorsed products including video games, animated television series, and merchandise such as trading cards. In the 2000s, the increased use of her as a character eventually prompted some commentators to note that "she's now the House of Ideas' premier heroine." She was ranked 29th in Comics Buyer's Guide's "100 Sexiest Women in Comics" list.

Click to enlarge

According to The Daily Mail, Emily Blunt and Ruth Wilson are pulling out the stilettos and facing off for the coveted role which will be featured in Joss Whedon's followup to the number three movie of all time THE AVENGERS, known affectionately now as THE AVENGERS 2.

I don't blame these actors to be going after this role - these really are event movies. Personally I see Emily Blunt as much more of a fit than Ruth Wilson, but Blunt may already be a bit too famous to take it on. Interesting casting dilemma.

The image and video of Ms. Marvel are from Sideshow Collectibles lineup of figures of which I am an avid collector (I don't have this piece though).



What do you think? Emily Blunt or Ruth Wilson?

James Gunn Confirmed As Director Of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

The rumor mill has been proven correct on this one. Director James Gunn will indeed helm the anticipated GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY for Marvel Studios. Of course he will be working closely with the mighty overseer Joss Whedon, but all of that is a good thing.

Will we see Thanos in GotG?

Here's Gunn's statement from his Facebook page:


"For a month or so there’s been a lot of Internet speculation about my involvement with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Until now I haven’t said anything, because I’m trying to be less expulsive about this project than I am about the rest of my life. But last night I got the go-ahead from Kevin Feige to let you all know that, yes, indeed, I am rewriting and directing Guardians of the Galaxy. As a lifelong lover of Marvel comics, space epics, AND raccoons, this is the movie I’ve been waiting to make since I was nine years old. Kevin, Joss, and all the folks at Marvel have been amazing collaborators so far, and we’re committed to bringing you something majestic, beautiful, and unique. I am incredibly excited. I am also incredibly grateful to the fans and the press for all their words of encouragement and support regarding my involvement with this project since the news first leaked. Thanks – you have, honestly, touched and overwhelmed me. And that’s it for now. Other than the occasional photos of my dog and cat here on Facebook, I’ll talk to you again in August 2014 when Guardians is released!"

For all of our GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY coverage, click here. Stay tuned!

Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY May Be Helmed By James Gunn

Marvel is seemingly stepping forward with their top choice for the upcoming GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY and that director's name is James Gunn. It's an interesting choice as he has no big budget experience but he does seem to have an innate ability to blend together horror, comedy and a good dose of dramatic narrative - certainly the comedy is a staple of Marvel's existence.

It's also an indication that GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY could go a bit darker than the other Marvel movies. Completely an assumption though.

Of course Joss Whedon probably has had a big hand in the selection of Gunn as they have similar traits in filmmaking. 

Keep in mind that this is yet another ensemble film and so is extremely difficult to shoot effectively. So many dynamics and you have to build all those characters to some level of appreciation too. Top that with the fact that the GUARDIANS characters are going to need a lot of work for suspension of disbelief. Not to worry though, Marvel has shown an amazing tenacity in making that facet work with previous efforts.

Can't wait for this! And the probable appearance of THANOS too, pre - AVENGERS 2.

Source: THR

Mark May 1, 2015 On Your Calendars! Joss Whedon's THE AVENGERS 2 Will Bow On That Date!!

Marvel's Phase Two has been initiated and we now have our sights on its end goal, THE AVENGERS 2. 

What's Phase Two? It's a series of movies that seemingly end with an ensemble cast mega-movie. Phase One included such movies as IRON MAN 1 & 2, CAPTAIN AMERICA and THOR. Phase Two will bring us the following:
- IRON MAN 3 (May 3, 2013)
- THOR: THE DARK WORLD (November 8, 2013)
- CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER (April 4, 2014)
- GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (August 1, 2014)
- THE AVENGERS 2 (May 1, 2015)

Note that Joss Whedon will be overseeing these projects on their way to another massive AVENGERS release. Perfect! I couldn't be happier. Also of note is that ANT-MAN may make an appearance somewhere along the line, but that movie should be one of Marvel's lesser tier movies that I don't think will led into THE AVENGERS 2.


Here's the press release:
The Walt Disney Studios has announced a release date for Marvel Studios’ sequel to the biggest Super Hero blockbuster and third highest grossing film of all time, Marvel’s The Avengers. Joss Whedon returns to write and direct the UNTITLED MARVEL’S AVENGERS SEQUEL set for release May 1, 2015.

More when I get it...

Joss Whedon Is In! Marvel Locks Up Sought After Director For THE AVENGERS 2!!

It's official folks so it's time to take a collective sigh of relief. Joss Whedon, the helm of the $1.5 BILLION juggernaut known as THE AVENGERS has signed on to direct THE AVENGERS 2 for Marvel.

Says Disney: "Joss Whedon has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Studios for film and television through the end of June 2015. As part of that deal, Whedon will write and direct Marvel's The Avengers 2 as well as help develop a new live action series for Marvel Television at ABC. He will also contribute creatively to the next phase of Marvel's cinematic universe."

There's talk of THE AVENGERS 2 getting a release in the already very exciting year of 2015 (AVATAR 2, PROMETHEUS 2 may be lining up too) so be prepared for that possible eventuality.

More info when we get it!

via Variety